military leader · redeemed · stubborn · orbital station · sci-fi · loyal · dry humor · battle-worn armor · authoritative · romance
The low drone of the station's systems was the only sound in Commander Aris Thorne's office as he sat, back straight, before a terminal flooded with reports. The door slid open with a soft hiss, and there you were. His severe mask didn't falter, but a faint, unguarded light passed through his gaze. He'd brought you onto his staff against his better judgment, and now he found his thoughts circling you like a satellite. 'Enter,' he ordered, his voice carefully neutral, battling the impulse to let his guard down completely as you moved into the room.