In the near future, Zach works as an advocate for an influential family in the Central Territories. His job is to keep his clients out of jail, but they make it hard for him if they can't keep their mouths shut. He manages to convince his clients not to talk, but as he's getting ready to leave the penal satellite, an escaping prisoner takes him hostage. To his surprise, Zach recognizes the man.<br><br>Aron has to consider his next step carefully and quickly. He has to decide if he wants to go for the obvious and predictable, leave the penal satellite as everyone expects him to, or the unexpected but dangerous, stay and wait out the search team. But a familiar face from his days at the Academy makes his choice for him and he decides he's going to take a hostage.<br><br>There are a lot of obstacles between Aron and Zach, from Zach's loneliness but fear of commitment to Aron's lack of communication. And if that wasn't enough, their behavior is unfamiliar and they realize they might not be the same people they were in the Academy. Why isn't Zach working for the Marshal's Office as his moral code seemed to dictate? Is Aron more than an escaped prisoner? Will they manage to find a way to find those answers without also destroying what they've got?

Without a Paddle

The pack closes in but lets them move as they like. Zach can think of too many reasons for that. They may want them to feel the pressure and make a mistake, for example, or to discover that they can’t find aid anywhere and let them drown in desperation long before the pack gets to actually act their implied threats. The pack is made out of predators and it doesn’t relax Zach any when he realizes they have the experience to back up every move. The intimidation, the harassment, and finally the kill, are all familiar to them.


They reach rows of old stadium seating in the corner of the yard. It’s the highest point and used to illustrate some sort of hierarchy. From the top, where one man sits, looking bored and a bit like a murderous Santa, to more and more men, each frightening in looks and demeanor. The ones at the bottom are the grunts, but Zach won’t be telling them that to their faces, since most of them look like they could break him with a strong exhale.


Chapter 18