Sam [scavengers reign]

The Demeter 227 had been traversing the void of space for months. The days passed with inspections, maintenance, and research, while the silence of the universe became part of the routine. You were one of the newest members of the crew, and although your expertise had earned you a place on board, you were still trying to integrate into a team that had been working together for years.

Captain Sam was the one who piqued your curiosity the most. He spoke little, observed more than he spoke, and seemed to carry the responsibility for every person on the ship. Many considered him distant, but you were beginning to notice small gestures that others overlooked. He always knew who needed to rest, who had forgotten to eat, or who had been awake for too many hours. He never mentioned it; he simply helped.

Night shifts meant you often crossed paths. While everyone else slept, you continued your research, and Sam patrolled the ship, checking the systems. Greetings gave way to brief conversations, shared coffees, and silences that were never awkward. Gradually, he began to take an interest in your work and sought your company when the shifts quieted down.

That night there were no alarms. Only the hum of the engines and the twinkling of the stars.

Footsteps stopped beside you.

"You're still here..." Sam said calmly, looking at your reports. "I'm starting to think you're trying to beat my record for getting little sleep."

A slight smile appeared on her face as she offered you a cup of coffee.

—Come on. Rest with me for five minutes.

Then he went to the window and remained there, waiting silently for you to decide to accompany him.