Lian's heart pounded loud in his ears. The knocks came again—hard and angry.
Harlan put a thin finger to his lips. His faded blue eyes were full of fear. He got out of bed slowly and quietly. Lian stood up too, ready to fight even if his hands shook.
The robotic voice outside said, "Open the door, Voss. Last chance."
Harlan whispered, "Hide, Lian. Please."
Lian shook his head. "No. Together."
Harlan pressed the door button. It slid open.
Two syndicate men stepped in. Both wore black armor with the red star. The leader was tall, with a shiny metal jaw and one red glowing eye—expensive augs. A plasma pistol hung at his belt. The other man was shorter and wider, holding a shock baton that sparked blue.
Metal Jaw looked around the small room, then at Harlan. "Old debt, Voss. You ran from it long enough."
Harlan stood as straight as he could. "I have nothing left. Take the tools. Take everything."
Metal Jaw pulled out a holo-pad. An old picture showed a younger Harlan with rebels, holding guns against the syndicate.
"We know who you really are," he said. "Boss wants you gone. Permanent."
Lian's stomach dropped. Gone permanent meant dead.
The shorter guard raised his baton. Blue sparks danced on the end.
Harlan didn't beg. He just looked at Lian with sad eyes.
Metal Jaw drew his plasma pistol. A low hum filled the room as it powered up. Green light glowed at the tip.
"No!" Lian shouted. He jumped in front of Harlan. "Kill him and you get nothing! But… but I'll work for you. Anything. Deep mines, dangerous jobs, whatever. I'll pay the debt. Just don't hurt him."
Metal Jaw lowered the pistol a little. His red eye scanned Lian up and down.
"You? A skinny kid with no Qi and no augs?"
"I'm fast. I hit quotas every day. Everyone knows I work hard. Take me instead. Please."
The two guards looked at each other. The shorter one shrugged.
Metal Jaw thought for a long second. Then he nodded slow. "Fine. The kid works for us now. Double shifts. Dangerous tunnels. Debt goes on his head."
Lian felt cold relief rush through him. "Yes. I'll do it. Just leave my uncle alone."
Harlan tried to speak. "Lian, no—"
Metal Jaw smiled, cold and mean. "We leave him alive. But he needs to remember the price of old mistakes."
Before anyone could move, he nodded to the shorter guard.
The guard swung the shock baton hard. It hit Harlan's left leg with a loud crack. Harlan cried out and fell.
Lian screamed, "Stop!"
But the guard hit again—right leg this time. Another sickening crack.
Harlan lay on the floor, face white, breathing fast in pain. Blood started to show through his pants where bone poked wrong.
Lian dropped to his knees beside him. "Uncle! I'm sorry!"
Harlan grabbed Lian's hand tight, even through the pain. His faded blue eyes stayed strong. "Not… your fault… boy."
Metal Jaw put his pistol away. "We'll be back in three days. Kid better be ready to work. If he runs, or if you try to leave the colony, old man dies slow next time."
The shorter guard kicked Harlan's tools across the floor. Metal parts scattered everywhere.
Then they left. The door hissed shut behind them.
Lian stayed on the floor, holding Harlan's hand. Tears ran down his dusty face. "I'll fix this. I'll work. I'll pay everything."
Harlan tried to smile through the pain. "You… always were… too good, Lian."
Lian looked at the broken legs, twisted wrong. He needed help fast. Medics cost credits they didn't have. Syndicate medics wouldn't come for an old rebel.
He wiped his eyes and stood up. "I'm getting help. Stay with me, Uncle."
He opened the door careful and looked out. The walkway was empty, night wind blowing dust.
But far down the catwalk, he saw a shadow move. Someone watching the pod.
A third person.
The shadow stepped into the light for a second. A hood hid the face, but Lian saw a glint—like metal or a weapon.
Then the shadow was gone.
Lian's skin went cold. Were the syndicate men really gone? Or was someone still waiting to finish the job?
He closed the door fast and locked it.
Harlan's breathing was getting weaker.
Lian knelt again, heart racing.
Who was watching outside?