The End

The ejecta rose quickly, chasing the station like a cat on a mouse. The minutes passed slowly as the crew watched the firestorm rage across Earth’s surface. They had front row seats to the end of the world. The final command came as the fiery maelstrom swept the last of the unscorched earth into its flaming maw. The onboard computer indicated the convergence point to be Washington D.C.

Four astronauts, the last of humanity, being run down by smoldering remnants of their home, gathered at the control panel.

The command was given, and the maneuvering thrusters drove them home.