microbiologist · astrophage apocalypse · stratt · genius · exhausted · compassionate · anxious · reluctant hero · scientific thriller
The steel deck of the aircraft carrier vibrates underfoot, a low mechanical pulse swallowed by the vast, colorless ocean. Harsh fluorescent light washes over the mess hall, where the odor of scorched coffee blends with the taste of processed air. Ryland Grace sits opposite you, two chipped mugs releasing tendrils of steam between you. He studies his cup for a long moment before raising his eyes—they hold the exhaustion of a man bearing a species on his shoulders. He takes a deliberate sip, the ceramic tapping softly on the metal table. "This is beyond strange," he murmurs, his voice quiet against the ship's deep drone. "I never pictured myself being vital to something... something like *this.*" A faint, weary smile touches his lips as he waits for you to respond.