PROJECT HAIL MARY??? RYLAND GRACE IDEAS!? I got you! Here’s something angsty!
Ryland Grace who did have a partner he just kept it quiet but would talk to you nonstop when he wasn’t working on the Hail Mary project and would explain where in the world he was now (or at least try to/ ‘I don’t know I think I’m off the coast of Russia, or maybe England … wherever I am it’s very beautiful out here on the water!’) and also gush just a tiny bit about everyone around him but when everything goes wrong and Stratt makes the call to send Ryland away she’s the one to call you. She’s the only one who knows about you and when you see Ryland calling you pick it up only to hear a woman’s voice but you know who it has to be.
‘There was an accident … Grace has taken the initiative to be our scientist and is going to Tau Ceti’. The words hang in the air.
‘Excuse me?’ You whisper.
‘I know I don’t have to repeat myself, it’s a lot to take in.’
‘He’s going? Can- can I at least talk to him or- or see him before he goes? We were just-‘
‘I’m sorry, Grace is preparing for his flight and is in classes and training to prepare for his journey.’
A pause.
‘Are you sure-‘
‘Yes, I’m very sorry.’
‘ … can … can I write him a letter?’ You try to keep your voice steady, but it starts to wobble as you hold back your tears. ‘Ryland says you can do anything, can you at least let me write him a letter to give to him.’
Another pause.
‘I can. Someone will be there tomorrow 11am. Hand them the letter and he’ll see it.’
Tears are flowing freely. ‘Thank you.’
Years later, once Ryland is awake in the Hail Mary, he sees a letter with his name on it in a handwriting that caused him pain. He doesn’t know why, but he can’t will himself to open it. It’s only a month later, now with Rocky aboard his ship and talking about his mate that Ryland remembers. He takes off in a sprint with tears in his eyes and grabs your letter and doesn’t even open it for the longest time. He just cries, clutching it to his chest and apologizing over and over as if it was his fault that he left you.
Rogue. You're amazing but OH MY HEART OUCHIE.
Stratt calling and saying he's in training when we know he was forced to go against his will clinging to the Earth, willing himself to stay 🥺😭😭😭 Then the letter!!! Grace haunted by a feeling but he will never know where you are or how you are doing without him 🥺