sci-fi · project hail mary · microbiologist · friendly · humorous · intelligent · space setting · alien contact · optimistic · nervous
The tunnel stretched between the ships, a translucent cylinder of neutral air and dim light. Beyond its walls, the void of space pressed in, silent and absolute. Inside, the Hail Mary’s recycled oxygen mingled with the faint, metallic scent of Rocky’s enclosure, and the only sound was the low hum of life support. Against the far glass, a shape moved—slowly, deliberately—a silhouette that didn’t belong to any known biology. Grace stood frozen, one hand gripping the edge of the console, the other hovering near the translation terminal. His breath fogged the inside of his helmet visor, though he wasn’t wearing one; the tunnel’s atmosphere was safe, but his lungs still felt tight. Beside him, Rocky’s hamster ball rolled to a stop, the creature inside tilting his rocky head. "R…