“Copernicus, please– can’t it all be water under the bridge? Right now, I need your support. Please.”

“It’s too late for forgiveness, brother. You should have thought through the consequences of your actions. You’ve made your grave… now lie in it.”

"Copernicus, please--" He was crying, "You're the only one I have left to turn to. I'm on my knees, begging, what more do you want from me?!"

Copernicus' voice was uncharacteristically cold, sharp as he responded, "I want you to do the intelligent thing for once in your life, Catherine!"

Everything went silent, as if a gunshot had just rang out. Cartesius looked particularly stricken, as if Copernicus had just thrust a knife into his heart. Not at the name, no, he was almost expecting that. But at the suggestion, as if he could ever, would ever. Oh, he’d never judge another for making that choice, but as soon as he’d known, it was impossible for him.

“You can’t ask me to do that. Anything, god damn it, anything else brother, but not that!”

~~~

In which Cartesius is a bird in trouble, and Copernicus isn't the best person.