The gathered people stare down at the planet, or is it up at the planet? Spacial differences being subjective in space that is unclear. As they watch, Tessa having pressed forward to see the planet to where she could touch the glass if she desired, the planet lights up. It looks as if all the lights on the planet are turned on simultaneously and then the light spreads. A part of Tessa knows exactly what that means, another part tries to deny it. 

Just as suddenly as the lights came on, it is all gone. The planet shows no lights now. A shiver runs down Tessa's spine. Those around her sound panicked. One lady starts hyperventilating, she collapses to the ground and begs a god that is not listening for mercy. Tessa wonders "Is this not a mercy, we are alive on this... space station, and not below on the planet that is gone." A young man tries to comfort the crying woman, but she is inconsolable. 

Tessa glances around the gathered people, hoping for a face that triggers something. There is of course nothing. Maybe that is even more of a mercy. The faces of loved ones are unrecognized in the gathered crowd, her heart twists, that means they were on the planet. Tessa spins around and touches the glass. It is cool and unyielding, though being released into space now would be no mercy.

She's just about to say something when a PA system crackles on.