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Holden blinked “I surrender,” he said Breathing really hurt There were bones broken He was sure of it

“You don’t have that option,” the guard said Holden realized his life was now based on whether a Laconian Marine who looked like he was maybe in his early twenties had the self-control not to shoot his brainpan eer and excitement Holden nodded

“I understand, sir,” he said, and hoped that subh to keep that one critical neuron froot me I’m no threat”

“CJ,” the other Marine said

The one with the gun snarled, pulled back a few centih to split the skin Bright red globes of blood flew in a cloud and painted the pale anti-spalling cloth of the hallway The pain was dull first, and then bright

“You are an ungrateful piece of shit,” the Marine—CJ, apparently—said “If ere someplace civilized, your sad ass would be in the pens”

“What are the pens?” Holden asked, and the guard hit hiht ear He had the i Holden wasn’t frightened sohis freedom for the chance that Bobbie’s plan would work And for the electrical tech’s life He was past the good part of his plan now, and the bad parttime or a very short one Either way, probably the rest of his life

CJ hauled hi for Holden to grab onto A drop of his blood smeared the Laconian’s faceplate

“What the fuck do you have to say for yourself now, asshole?” CJ said, shaking hih to make his teeth rattle Holden took a deep, painful breath

“We should probably get to an eency shelter,” he said

Chapter Thirty-Three: Bobbie

Tenth what?” Alex said His voice was reedy and distant Not all of that was because of the tiny speaker it was co just as nificant One alar the Bobbie to say that Holden hadn’t just decided to sacrifice himself to keep the mission on track

Her mouth was dry

“You heard hi her tone all business “As soon as that tenth alaret us into the room”

“A that back?” Amos asked, but not to them