Turning to Connelly again, Heather's eyes took on a seriousness that locked her into a forced staring contest. "I have seen into your hearts and minds and know your crew has the best intentions, but your people do not always."

After mulling over the statement, Connelly nodded slowly, ominously. "We would destroy your world for resources, in the name of science and…"

"For pleasure," Heather finished, a hint of sadness in her voice.

Connelly agreed. She could see the hunting excursions that would bring Europian species to the brink of extinction, the territorial wars fought between humans over parcels of ice. They had put Europa in danger by coming here.

"But that's not the worst of it, is it?" Heather asked.

"War?" Connelly said.

Heather nodded. "You've seen the defense system of this world. The only way to exploit Europa would be to exterminate my species. There would be casualties on both sides, but ultimately, I fear we would be eradicated."

Tears brimmed in Connelly's eyes. It seemed she was still able to experience despair, or the Europhid was allowing her to experience it. Either way, Heather was right. Humanity could never know about what they'd found on Europa. It would inevitably lead to the destruction and exploitation of all life on Europa. It was the same sick pattern played out on Earth time and time again. When a new resource, biological or mineral, was discovered on Earth, it was consumed until it ceased to exist. The cycle was threatening to continue on Europa, and Connelly had brought it. She cursed herself for it.

Heather took Connelly by the hand. Her skin was unusually soft and warm. "The burden is not yours to bear alone."

"You don't understand. I can't stop what's begun. If we survive, if any of us survive, Earth will learn about you. I might not tell anyone, but the others…I don't think they will be convinced." Connelly's eyes opened wide. "That's it, isn't it? You wanted me to realize this before you killed us. Our deaths are the only way to protect Europa...to ensure your survival."

Connelly looked down at the floor of the boat. Her jaw became tight and her fingers gripped down. "Do what you need to do. I understand."

"I knew you would," Heather said. She took Connelly's other hand and squeezed it. Heather leaned her face in close to Connelly's. The warm breath from Heather's lips slid across Connelly's cheeks. "Before you go…I give you a gift." Heather pulled Connelly forward and brought their lips together in a soft embrace.

The kiss was like nothing Connelly had ever felt before. Raw energy coursed through her body and into her mind. It felt like Heather was breathing fire into Connelly's soul. A bright light formed at the apex of Connelly's vision and exploded with the violence of a nuclear blast. Connelly screamed as her world turned scorching white.

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