This could almost have been Sanctuary—again, not as new and polished as the station I’d called home, but with the same quirks of design, the same layout. I even caught a few Omnistellar logos remaining in obscure areas. I almost expected my parents to walk around the corner, a tablet held between them, arguing over the latest command schedule.

My heart gave a sickening lurch at the thought, almost toppling me in its intensity. I had to stop remembering my mom, her limp, cold body on the alien ship.

Cage glanced at me, worry in his expression. I shook my head. In some ways I wanted his reassurance, his support. But in others I remained confused, unsure of where we stood. And more to the point, I had to return to my professional skin. It was the only way to keep my wits about me until we found a way to safety.

He did me the courtesy of accepting my rejection without question or comment. It only increased my confusion.

As we reached the gateway to what should have been the prison, Rune spoke. “There might be a way off the station if we can find a ship,” she said. “Cage? Do you think there’s still a Lóng presence on Obsidian?”

Cage hesitated, his eyes sliding from left to right. We clustered around the prison entrance in a loose circle. “Almost certainly,” he said at last. “But . . . do we really want to risk getting involved with them again?”

“A long presence?” Reed asked doubtfully. “Like . . . ?”

“Lóng.” Cage corrected his pronunciation. “Not the English word. The name of the gang Rune and I worked with in Taipei. They might help us get back to Earth. But they’ll want something in return.”

We exchanged glances. “Like what?” asked Imani at last, wariness lacing her tone.

Jasper shook his head. “Does it really matter?” I blinked at him, surprised, and he shrugged. “Look. We’re trapped on this station. Omnistellar’s on their way. I have no idea what Mars Mining is doing to my family for sheltering us.” His voice rose on the last few words, and he closed his eyes, visibly struggling for control. “I can’t help them from here. I might be able to help them from Mars, or from Earth. If there’s a way off Obsidian, we have to take it. We can deal with the consequences later.”

“Yeah, you say that,” Cage replied dryly, but when I looked at him, he sighed. “I don’t see another option. I’ll go to Géxià. But none of you are coming with me.”

“Who’s Géxià?” Jasper and I demanded at the same time.

Cage waved us off. “A contact. Someone I met long ago. Obsidian’s her home.”

Mia snorted. “You’re not going alone.”

“I have no idea what she’s going to do when she sees me. She may shoot me in the face. She may serve me tea. Whatever happens, it’ll be better if I don’t bring guests. The rest of you can head to the lower market and look for an alternative. Maybe we can work our way off this station if Géxià won’t deal.”