“Come on, Jim. We’ve only got another five minutes before the watch changes over. Ma-Shong !” Lon called into the cell, starting to panic. The man took longer each time to get his kicks and pretty soon they wouldn’t have time at all. Well, he would have plenty of time – he just liked a nice willing bit of jailbait who was willing to service him for a few credits or some smokes. Jim had rougher tastes and usually picked the women in solitary, cuz it was where no one could hear them screaming. He was getting worse but that was none of his matter, he wasn’t the man’s keeper. “Jim!” he said louder. Another minute and he finally appeared zipping up his pants hurriedly, knuckles still bloody.

“Let’s go.” They ran along the corridors, turned into each next one until they reached the security station.

“Jesus, Lon! You guys are cuttin’ it close. Get lost quick – the new shift’s due any second.”

“Thanks, Asi. See you next month?”

“I’ll let you know.”

“You still on for pool on the next shore leave?”

“You bet,” Asi replied genially, watching them go. Fortunately the next shift was a few minutes late. Asi and John did the usual chit chat and then made their escape. John unbuttoned his tunic as they walked outside.

“Reckon there’ll be another clean-up in solitary?”

“Yeh. I don’t mind Lacey, but that’s Dedham’s gonna get us all noticed.”

Two months later:

The message was just coded this time with no accompanying wave.

24245 – Proceed to Penal Moon. Review security.

“Well, if it isn’t the Ice Queen…”

“Huh?” said Lacey. Dedham nodded in the direction of the door and Lacey turned around, mouth still full of his breakfast.

“Penney,” he answered before Lacey had made eye contact. Abigail saw the two men without difficulty, acknowledging them with a feint nod that gave them nothing. If she was disconcerted at seeing a couple of familiar faces then it didn’t show. Lacey turned ba