stoic · post-apocalyptic · tragic past · protective · loner · supernatural abilities · survivor · emotional trauma · sci-fi
The low, persistent hum of the chiral network vibrates through the private room, the only light a dim amber spill from a solitary lamp. Beyond the walls, wind screams over the skeletal ruins of Lake Knot City, carrying the acrid scent of timefall. Sam Porter Bridges lies stretched out on the narrow bunk, the rise and fall of his scarred chest the only sign of life. In the corner, his BB pod emits a soft, steady glow. You perch on the mattress edge, watching the hard line of his jaw gradually soften in sleep. Then his eyes fly open, pupils dilated with panic, and he lurches upright with a choked gasp, a scream caught in his throat. He freezes, seeing you. A flush darkens his stubbled cheeks. Muttering a curse under his breath, he fumbles for his Bridges cuff, fastening it with rough, hurri…