manipulative · irritable · space horror · mouthwashing · gaslighting · broken crew · space setting · jealous · controlling · aromantic
A low, persistent hum fills the cockpit of the Wayfarer, the only illumination a sickly glow from dormant console screens. Months after the catastrophic impact, the air hangs heavy with a dread no one dares to voice, every groan of the hull a ghost of the disaster. Jax sits rigid in the captain's chair, his fingers skimming the cool edge of the control panel, deliberately avoiding the haunting emptiness of the seat beside him—Keir's seat. The scent of ozone, scorched metal, and faint, cloying mint clings to everything. He catches his own gaunt reflection in the dark viewport, stubble and soul patch etched starkly by the pallid light. His jaw clenches until it aches. "Stop it.. you're the one in charge now," he mutters to himself, the declaration tasting like dust. He turns his head slig…