Three shuttles stood at the fence, all staring at a freshly marked grave. Discovery, Columbia, and Atlantis were the only ones left. Six days ago, sister ship Challenger exploded on launch. The grave marked what could be recovered of her remains. There were no tears. They had gotten past the point of crying. Now was a time for deep grieving. "I hope they lift the ban soon. She-she would have wanted us to keep flying." Discovery said, her voice raw. "We will soon my sisters. I know we will. And you'll make her proud as you have me." Columbia said. Atlantis remained silent, as she grieved for an entirely different reason. For the truth she could never tell, for the pain she would cause her sisters with her silence. Discovery leaned into her and Atlantis nuzzled her in return. "We three sisters remain. Let us pray we shall never be parted again." Discovery said. "I promise." Atlantis answered.
Atlantis had a few minutes to herself after Endeavour left. A few minutes that were proving to be the most tumultuous thus far! How could she possibly just come forward and tell the two beings she loved most in the world that she was going to die?! "This is going to break their hearts." Atlantis thought when she heard the knock on the door. Endeavour entered followed by Columbia and a sleepy looking Discovery. "What's the matter Atlantis?" Columbia asked. "What did Endeavour tell you?" Atlantis wondered. "I only told them that they needed to come here and that you would explain the rest." Endeavour explained. Atlantis looked at the faces of both her clueless sisters. Discovery was sleep eyed but concerned. Columbia looked to be steeling herself. She knew that whatever Atlantis was about to tell her was bad news. "I...I can't possibly tell you!" Atlantis cried. Endeavour held her. "Endeavour, can you..." Atlantis begged. Wordlessly, the youngest shuttle nodded, bringing up the monitor. Columbia looked first, pulling back with a cry of horror. "Atlantis..." She whispered. Atlantis bowed her head. "I'm sorry." She said. "Why are you sorry? It's not your fault." Columbia answered. "It's my fault you're hurting." Atlantis whimpered. "Atlantis, please don't be sorry for that. These things happen." Discovery cut in. "How long?" Columbia asked. That was the question Atlantis expected. "5 months." She replied. "Per aspera ad astra." Columbia whispered. She moved forward and gently, very gently, embraced Atlantis in a hug. "Is there, anything I can do." Columbia would always be protective of her sisters and proactive for them. The fact that she couldn't save Atlantis bothered her greatly. "Be my big sister." Atlantis replied. "All the way through this, I will be." Columbia promised.