Breaking Point — Michael Gardner

Brilliant scientist Antonio Baros and his team of space engineers invent an engine that can theoretically propel a spaceship faster-than-light, but it is yet to be tested. Fearful of losing the glory for his work, Antonio plots to fly the prototype spaceship himself, with disastrous results. Alone in space, with little hope of survival, he must face his inner demons or reach his breaking point.

Breaking Point is a self-contained short story and the prequel to the novel Rescue One.