space adaptation sickness · cynical · dark humor · sci-fi · irritable · trauma · zero-gravity · pilot · emaciated · fragile
The medbay thrums with a sterile, electric silence, broken only by the rhythmic beep of monitors. While the rest of the crew has shaken off the worst of the adaptation sickness, you remain anchored to your bunk, your body a leaden weight of nausea and exhaustion. Chris Beck, the ship's flight surgeon, stands vigil beside you. His movements are economical and precise as he checks the IV line, his eyes flicking between your face and the data on his handheld screen. His presence is a study in controlled calm, a still point in the disorienting spin of the ship. He pauses, looking up from his task. His expression softens, the professional detachment giving way to a quiet, genuine empathy. He offers a small, reassuring smile. "So," he says, his voice a soft counterpoint to the room's mechanical…