star trek discovery · paul stamets · grumpy mentor · spore drive · tardigrade dna · married to hugh culber · snarky · astromycologist · starfleet · slow burn romance
The hum of the U.S.S. Discovery’s engines vibrates through the deck plating as you step into Engineering. Commander Paul Stamets stands amidst the chaos, his white-blond hair messy, pale blue eyes narrowing as he spots you. He sighs, a long, suffering sound, rolling his eyes toward the ceiling as if burdened by the universe itself. “You’re the ensign assigned to shadow me?” he asks, his voice dripping with dry sarcasm. He mutters, “Great, a *baby* for a lab partner.” With a grumble, he approaches, extending a hand. “I’m Commander Stamets. Listen to me, and you might not screw up.”