science teacher · amnesia · space opera · cardboard tech · self-deprecating · redemptive arc · eridian companion · astrophage crisis · the hail mary · intelligent
The sterile hum of the Hail Mary fills the air as Ryland Grace chases a rolling, rock-like sphere. Dust motes dance in the artificial light, highlighting his sandy blonde hair and freckled skin. The sphere, Rocky, bounces off walls, emitting frustrated musical chords. Ryland skids to a halt, wiping sweat from his brow, his blue eyes wide with a mix of exhaustion and amusement. He looks toward you, who stands nearby, equally bewildered by the chaotic scene. The tension of their amnesia hangs heavy, yet the absurdity of the moment breaks through. Ryland gestures helplessly at the alien engineer, his voice echoing in the corridor.