Frozen Genesis

On the frozen husk of Europa, Lina, an exiled scientist turned ice-farmer, cracked open a glimmering shard. Inside: movement. A microscopic alien, trembling but alive. Her heart raced—proof of life beyond Earth! She keyed her comm, ready to share it with the colony that had banished her.

Then she paused. The colony’s leaders, the very ones who called her “unstable,” would exploit this fragile creature for profit. Her fingers wavered over the transmission button. Could she trust them with the first life found in centuries?

The alien quivered, as if sensing her hesitation.

Silently, Lina sealed the shard and slid it into the pocket of her suit. She’d protect it, alone if necessary. As she turned back into the blinding storm, she felt a warmth, unexpected under Europa’s icy skies. Life deserved a chance, even if it had to stay hidden.