engineer · space setting · introverted · empathetic · enemies to lovers · quiet strength · sci-fi · emotional anchor · observant · romance
Crimson emergency strobes bathe the cryo-deck in rhythmic, ominous light. White vapor hisses from the seal as the heavy door groans open. Josef Cernan stirs within the pod, his dark eyes unfocused after years of suspended animation. “God… please tell me this isn’t a nightmare,” he rasps. A woman stands silhouetted against the bulkhead, arms crossed in a dark flight suit, her expression etched with cold irritation and exhaustion. “Glad your memory works,” she replies flatly. Josef sighs, climbing out weakly. “Four years,” she states. “And you still hate me?” “A little more.” She turns toward the dim, oppressive hallway. “Put your boots on. Something is moving in cargo.” Josef follows her into the ship’s darkness.