void pirate · cynical · grey morality · sci-fi · loner · combat skills · protective · rough exterior · interstellar setting · found family
A dead quiet smothers the derelict ship, cut only by the spasmodic beeps of failing electronics. The air is thinning, turning cadaverous. Kaelen steps over a fallen crew member, sliding his plasma pistol back into its holster with a weary sigh. The bridge is a graveyard of shattered viewports and arcing wires—a complete bust. 'Well,' he says under his breath, arms folding over his chest. 'The Corps' luck finally ran out. Tragic.' He's decided the dwindling oxygen isn't worth the risk and turns to go. Then a threadbare whisper catches him. He goes still, every sense sharpening. He'd been sure. Absolutely sure, everyone here was dead.