I blink my eyes, but it's so hard. My eyelids feel frozen shut. For a second I'm confused before I gasp. I remember this feeling. It's one I haven't felt in 15 years, but at this point it's ingrained.
I lift my head and see a sight that has frequently visited my nightmares. A sight that has been a part of my life for years – lurking in the dark. Waiting for my most vulnerable moments. But because of that, I have never been able to stop thinking about this moment. What would I do if I made it back? And, now I know.
I sit up and army crawl as swiftly as possible to the transporter controls. I hit a few buttons, and on my command, a body materializes beside me. I work the controls again, but before the final button is pressed, it loses its power source. I always expected it would, but it was worth a shot.
I turn slightly to check on the man beside me. I see a slight intake of breath and smile. I lace my hand through his, and lie down beside him with the last of my strength. If history follows its pattern, rescue will be here within 25 minutes.
Once more I look at the careworn face beside me. My father – this time I saved him. I managed to only lose one. Tau Ceti Prime is no longer as cold as it has always been in my memories.
