Conscience

Dietrich, alone in the escape capsule, caressed the gemstones. They were his, and Grace should’ve accepted that. She’d left Deitrich no choice - and had deserved her fate. Hadn’t she? A wretched, frantic wriggling as the bridge became a vacuum following the pod’s release. Not his fault.

CLANG!

Dietrich leapt against his harness, scattering gems.

CLANG!

Outside the capsule - impossible. Blood hammered, adrenaline sharp at the back of his throat.

CLANG!

Her face appeared at the porthole; iced eyes accused. His heart thrashed itself to ruin inside its bone cage.

The lifeless vessel drifted on, starlight faint on its bare hull.