PHM AU where Yao and Ilyukhina’s ghosts haunt the Hail Mary, worried about Grace after realizing they’ve both died and he’s all by himself. They watch over him and talk to him even if Grace can’t hear them while he’s asleep.
Eventually Grace does wake up and proceeds to freak out. Yao tries to ease Grace. Grace doesn’t hear him. Ilyukhina tries. Nothing. They watch worriedly as Grace fumbles through his amnesia and trying to remember who he is. Their hearts both twinge in sadness, seeing Grace sob as he realizes he’s never going back home and he’s stuck in space. For a good cause.
Later when Grace releases their bodies to the star, the ghosts smile in appreciation and quietly thank him with a light pat to Grace’s head.
Then they watch Grace get himself together. Yao worries about his piloting skills when Grace first interacts with the Blip-A. Ilyukhina is concerned and a little amused when Grace inhales a little ammonia from the gift received.
Then they all meet Rocky. Well, Grace meets Rocky. Rocky meets all of them. He keeps trying to tell Grace there’s someone else behind him, pointing straight at Yao and then Illyukhina who blink in surprise when they realize the alien can see them. Ilyukhina waves hello. Rocky waves back when Grace isn’t looking.
Yao and Ilyukhina then watch Grace befriend this Alien, naming him Rocky and giving him a voice. They watch Grace fall apart as he tells Rocky why he’s in space. They learn about Rocky and a bit about Erid. They watch Grace and Rocky get together to do big science and Grace teach Rocky about earth.
They’re terrified when Grace risks himself during “time-go fishing” and when his face slams into the control panel. When he falls unconscious. When Rocky sacrifices himself to save Grace. And Grace saves him back. Ilyukhina is worried when Grace wakes up but Rocky doesn’t yet.
They watch sadly when Grace says goodbye, knowing the plan to use the astrophage to go home. Yao and Ilyukhina slightly envy him but are relieved he’ll be alright. Then they watch as Grace learns that Rocky will slowly die in his own ship, surprised when Grace turns the whole ship around. Ilyukhina screams that this was Grace’s chance and to take it. Yao stops her and says he’s brave he knows what he’s doing.
And they watch Grace send out the beetles before traveling to Rocky, reuniting with him and starting their long trip to Erid.
Then as they start planning and getting comfortable, Rocky looks up. Sure, he can’t really “see” like Grace does but he swears there’s two other humans there and they seem cold. Hmm.
“Grace said crew die. Why crew standing there, question?”
Rocky points to the space just behind Grace. Grace turns to see…nothing.
“Um, buddy, I don’t see what you’re seeing. Maybe you need to sleep?”
“No, no, no! Grace crew there! Human with long hair and human with no hair!”
“Apology, apology, apology. Human with short face hair then.”
Grace squints in confusion as Rocky talks to…no one.
“Rocky, are you sure it’s not time for Rocky sleep Grace watch?”
“No! Grace no understand!”
“Okay, how about we take a break in the don’t go crazy room? Maybe we just need a break.”
Rocky huffs as he follows Grace, glancing back to see the weird humans following along. They’ve always seem to do that. They all get settled in the screen room and movie plays. Halfway through, Grace leans against Rocky.
“Y’know, I love you, pal but I miss having another human around. You get it right?”
“Yes. Rocky miss crew but is okay. Rocky have Grace.”
“And Grace have Rocky. Still, I wish Yao and Illyukhina were here. I miss them.”
“We’re right here, Ryland.” Yao laughs.
“We always were.” Ilyukhina grins.
Grace blinks, finally seeing them smiling back at him like they never died.