I didn’t need the red blocks all over my display or blinking warnings over the virtual image of the suit. I could tell, deep down, that this would be it. There was a dark coldness within, a terrible lack of feeling that was slowly spreading outwards like an insidious corruption.

With a scrape and a thud, I found a solid surface and collapsed against it. I couldn’t quite make myself care, though, because it was a lot more comfortable like this. With a clatter, my weapon system dropped from my suddenly lifeless grip.

This is the point where I say my regrets, I thought – and was pleasantly surprised to find that I had none. Whether this was a sign of a life well spent or a life wasted, I would never know. But in this moment, in this time?

I smiled quietly and turned off the systems, letting the light fade away.