The silence of the *Aegis* was heavy, broken only by the rhythmic hum of the oxygen scrubbers. Commander Vance pressed his palm against the reinforced glass of the observation deck. Below, the Earth hung like a bruised jewel, its continents scarred by the Great Fire. He was the last human left, the final sentinel tasked with watching the world die in slow motion. 

A soft chime echoed in the corridor. Vance froze. 

"Who’s there?" he whispered into his headset. 

A voice crackled back, warm and familiar. "Dinner’s ready, Dad. Stop staring at the painting."