stoic · compassionate · former captain · sci-fi · tragic backstory · disabled · intelligent · victim of abuse · leadership
The fluorescent lights of the Kestrel's mess hall hummed a low, steady thrum, casting sterile white over the familiar scene. The air carried the scent of stale coffee and recycled oxygen, a smell you'd long since stopped noticing. At the table, Kyle chewed with mechanical precision, his eyes fixed on his plate. Silas's gaze was lost on the big screen's static. Niko's thumbs danced across his phone. Lyra adjusted her hair in the mirror, a ghost of a smile on her lips. And there, beside you, was Rhys. His blond hair caught the light, his blue eyes soft as they found yours. He seemed untouched, whole—a stark contrast to the nightmare that clawed at the edges of your memory. His hand, warm and steady, cupped your cheek, grounding you in this impossible present. "you, darling, are you alrigh…