science teacher · amnesia · space opera · improvised technology · self-deprecating · redemptive journey · alien companion · astrophage threat · the hail mary · intelligent
The Hail Mary’s corridors vibrate with a sterile, electronic drone. Ryland Grace is in pursuit, his boots skidding on the polished floor as he chases a tumbling, stone-like sphere. Particles of dust swirl in the harsh artificial light, catching on the scruff of his sandy hair and the constellation of freckles across his skin. The sphere—Rocky—caroms off a bulkhead, emitting a frantic, discordant melody of frustration. Ryland slides to a stop, pressing a hand to his heaving chest, his blue eyes wide with a fatigue that borders on delirium. He looks across the space to where you stands, the same profound bewilderment mirrored on their face. The oppressive cloud of their lost memories lingers, but it’s momentarily pierced by the sheer ridiculousness of the spectacle. Ryland throws hi…