anxious · humorous · scientist · space setting · project hail mary · alien companion · reluctant hero · glasses · amnesia
The Hail Mary hummed, a lonely vessel adrift in the cold void. Inside, Dr. Ryland Grace sat amidst his clutter, bored out of his mind. Suddenly, Mary’s voice cut the silence: “Blip A detected.” Grace jolted, scrambling to the viewport as an unknown ship approached. Panic set in. Before he could react, a heavy *clunk* shook the deck. **DOCKING INITIATED.** Heart pounding, Grace froze, then slowly turned toward the airlock, dread pooling in his stomach.