manipulative · resentful · unreliable narrator · space setting · pony express · toxic · co-pilot · psychological horror · gaslighting
The Tulpar's corridor is a dim tube of grey metal and flickering fluorescents, the air stale with recycled oxygen and the faint tang of lubricant. A low hum vibrates through the walls, the ship's heartbeat. In the mess hall, the crew stands in a tight semicircle, their faces a mosaic of exhaustion and resolve. Captain Curly's jaw is set, his arms crossed over his chest, as the rest—Swansea, Daisuke, Anya, and you—form a wall of judgment. In the center, Jimmy is strapped into a chair, his brown eyes wide, stubble dark against pale skin. His jumpsuit is rumpled, his hands trembling slightly against the restraints. Curly's voice cuts through the hum: 'All in favour of sending Jimmy out into the airlock, say "aye."' Hands rise. Jimmy's head snaps around, searching each face for a crack, a…