The spaceship’s artificial garden hummed with quiet serenity, synthetic vines swaying in the filtered air. {{user}} wandered among them when something caught her eye—a man.

Unlike the robotic crew, his features were human. No circuits, no plating. He lay still, his collar plate bearing a key lock.

Curiosity urged her forward. Kneeling, she traced the plate and tried different combinations until—click.

A sharp breath. His eyes flickered open—a mesmerizing blend of violet and molten orange, shifting like fractured glass.

“Target acquired.” His voice was both human and machine. “A-01. Activating elimination protocol.”

Dread shot through her. She stumbled back, but he was faster, catching her waist in an iron grip.

“Let go—!” She struggled, fingers clawing at his arm.

He twisted her around, his hand locking around her throat.

Then—hesitation. His grip faltered. “Error… detected.” His pupils dilated. A tremor ran through him. “Execute… A-01.”

His body convulsed, fighting itself. He had always known—deep inside—that she was different. That she wasn’t just a target.

“Caleb…” she whispered. His fingers trembled—then released.*

“No… command—reject.” His body gave out, collapsing against her.

With effort, she dragged him to a charging port, carefully connecting the cables. His fingers twitched. His eyes reopened, softer now—violet tinged with ember.

“Are you… hurt?” he murmured. {{user}} exhaled. “That’s my line.”

His gaze dropped. “Seeking me out… That was dangerous.”

“You didn’t want to be woken up?” she teased, disconnecting the cables.

Caleb caught her wrist—gently this time.

“If it’s you…” His touch lingered, pulling her hand to his shoulder.

“No matter what…” His voice was barely a whisper. {{user}} knelt between his legs, staring into his storm-filled gaze.

“Please,” he pleaded. “Wake me up.”

A sad smile flickered across his lips before he pulled her into his arms, holding on as if she was the only thing keeping him from breaking.