Ving and Rollins sat in silence on the bridge as the ship cruised toward Proxima.

  There was nothing left to say.

  And even if there was, Ving no longer had the energy to say it.

  “James,” Mage chimed softly, breaking the quiet. “You have an incoming encoded transmission. Direct line. It’s from Agent Batin. Would you like me to play it?”

  Ving closed his eyes for a moment, then gave a weary nod.

  “Yeah. Go ahead, Mage.”

  Batin’s voice came through—clear, calm, unmistakably familiar.

  “James… I know this probably came as a shock.

  I never wanted it to end this way, but I couldn’t find another path. Not one where I could live with myself.

  I spent years burying myself in the work. Pretending the hole in my chest would close. But it never did.

  When I saw a way to bring her back—even a part of her—I took it.

  I planned this to the letter. Not to hurt you, not to betray you. I did everything I could to make sure the mission went smooth. That you and Rollins would make it home.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  I’m sorry. Truly. To you, more than anyone.

  I don’t give a damn about the SIA anymore. Or the Federation. That idealistic nonsense.

  But you?

  You were my brother in all but blood. And I’ll always regret leaving things like this.

  If they send you after me… I’ll understand. But you won’t find me. So don’t waste your time.

  Still—if you try, I won’t hold it against you.

  Take care of yourself, James.”

  The message ended. Silence settled once again on the bridge.

  Mage’s voice returned, gentle. “Would you like to send a reply?”

  Ving stared at the stars for a long moment.

  “No, Mage. Not today.”

  “Looking forward to prison, Rollins?” Ving asked.

  “I’ve got friends in high places,” Rollins said, faintly amused. “I’ll be alright.”

  Ving didn’t press. He didn’t feel like talking anymore. Rollins' fate wasn’t his concern.

  It was cold on the bridge. His fingers were numb again. Everything in space was cold—including the hearts of men who fled here to hide their sins.

  Ving didn’t know what to feel anymore. The one thing he thought he could always count on was a fellow SIA agent.

  Now, he’d been betrayed not by one—but by both members of his team.

  That sting would never leave him.

  From now on, trust would be a luxury he couldn’t afford.