Author's notes: Prompt #37, critical malfunction, from live_journal's fic_simplicity community. This drabble counted up as 100 words. Thanks to Lillehafrue for feedback and title suggestions
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Critical malfunction.
The words run through my head as I don my space suit. I've no idea what system failed, but it pays to be prepared. Diagnostic telemetry streams down to Brains, hoping to find a solution.
Father returns to the commlink. "Son, we're preparing Three right now. A few minutes more to find the problem, then they're on their way."
I slide my helmet on, locking it into place. "Can you hear me, Dad?"
"Strength five, son."
"Dad, if I don't get out of this–"
"Don't think that way. Don't ever give up."
I smile before everything goes dark.