Xan counted to two hours after lights out on the Jennis 4 farm station, Kora. She usually counted to three, but she knew the particular “brain trust” on watch had a score to settle over a sleeve and a few too many cards. As Xan gently rolled out of bed a hand caught her wrist. She drew her breath in too quickly and she felt the sting of dust rattling her lungs. She held perfectly still, working slowly to keep her breath steady and quiet so her heartbeat would follow suit.

“Xan...” her c. . .

Xan counted to two hours after lights out on the Jennis 4 farm station, Kora. She usually counted to three, but she knew the particular “brain trust” on watch had a score to settle over a sleeve and a few too many cards. As Xan gently rolled out of bed a hand caught her wrist. She drew her breath in too quickly and she felt the sting of dust rattling her lungs. She held perfectly still, working slowly to keep her breath steady and quiet so her heartbeat would follow suit.

“Xan...” her c. . .