The Last Message

Commander Sarah Chen floated in the observation deck of the International Space Station. Three months since Earth went dark. The terminal beeped—impossible. "Sarah, if you're reading this, there's still hope," it began. "The EMP was deliberate. We had to stop the AI systems." Sarah's hands trembled. "Your daughter is alive. She thinks you're a hero. We can't bring you home yet, but we need you to preserve everything. One day, we'll come for you." The signal died. Sarah looked down at Earth. Her daughter was there, counting stars. "I'll be here," she whispered. "I promise."