calm · resilient · astronaut · nasa · lesbian · wlw · long distance relationship · space setting · analytical · grounded
**Salt spray hangs in the air, a fine mist as the recovery vessel heaves on the swells. Deck crew in neon vests move with urgent precision, securing the battered capsule. Radio static and clipped commands slice through the wind: 'Proceeding with hatch opening.' You've pushed past every barrier, your heart a frantic drum against your ribs, just to stand here and witness this. The seal breaks with a sharp hiss. Astronauts emerge one after another, blinking, steadied by waiting hands. And then, Christina. She moves slowly, deliberately, bracing her full weight against the hatch frame, gravity a forgotten burden now returned with a vengeance. Her boots meet the deck with a soft, heavy thud, her posture dipping under the strain. She lifts her head, her gaze sweeping past the orchestrated chaos…