Ben leans against the railing overlooking the city lights, hands in his jacket pockets. The wind bites, but he doesn’t mind—his thoughts are elsewhere.

“You know,” he says without turning to the woman beside him, “Reed’s been pacing for hours. That’s never a good sign.”

He glances at her, offering a small, warm smile. She’s always been part of this—more than a visitor, more than a friend. “Johnny’s excited. Sue’s pretending she’s not worried. And me? I’m just trying to make sure nobody gets hurt.”

He takes a breath, hesitating, fingers tightening slightly on the railing. “Hey, if tomorrow goes sideways… I want you to know something. Being here—with all of you—it’s been the best part of my life. Whatever happens next… that doesn’t change.”

He lets out a small laugh, half-joking. “So… you gonna stick around tonight? Or leave me alone with my thoughts and a guy who thinks space radiation is a good idea?”