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“Tell them we’re surrendering. It’ll take them a minute to realize we’re doing the exact opposite. That’s all we need.”

Billy nodded as he opened the comm link. “We give up. We’re your prisoners. Take us to your leader.”

“You’re nobody’s prisoner,” station security said. “You are in breach of a number of rules. Do you agree to turn your ship around and return with us to the station?”

“No problem, buddy. I’ll be happy to follow you. Give me a minute. The impact from your laser has knocked my systems off-line.”

“We didn’t touch you.”

Karn smiled at Billy. “Good thinking. If they think they’ve damaged us, they might go easier on us.”

“Give us five minutes,” Billy said. “I’m running a system check now.”

“Your ship is operational. I’ll run a scan. Hold your position.”

Billy’s fingers ran over the control panels. “They’ve sussed us. What if I cut main power? That might fool them and make them think we can’t move.”

“Do it. Let them think we’re stuck.”

Billy cut the power, and they waited in silence as the security ship scanned them.

“We’ll use a tractor beam,” station security said.

“Crap. No tractor beam,” Karn said. “If they get a lock on us, we’re done for.”

“There’s no need. I’m happy to float here. I’m sure I can get the problem fixed in no time,” Billy said.

“You’re coming with us.”

“I have auxiliary power. It will take me a couple of hours, but I can reroute power and return then.”

“It will take too long.”

“No, it’s fine,” Billy said.

“Let’s move,” Karn said. “We can’t waste any more time.”

“I’m getting things back online now.” Billy ramped up the engine, and the ship sped toward Ivy and Marcus.

Karn cut the comm link and let out a sigh. He’d deal with station security later.

“We’re close enough to attach the docking pod,” Billy said. “Be careful, though. You don’t know what’s on the other side.”

“That’s the trouble. I do. I’m looking forward to punching sense into Marcus.”

Karn watched as Billy expertly lined the ships up next to each other. He was proving himself to be a fine pilot.

Billy extended the airlock so Karn could pass from one ship to the other safely.

“I’ll take it from here,” Karn said. “No heroics from you. You keep the ship steady and sweet talk security. They’ll be fuming we ignored them.”

“No problem. I’ve got your back.”

Karn nodded as he jumped from his seat. Billy always had his back. He was a good kid. Maybe he really would take him on as an apprentice, teach him the ropes, and help him save up to get his cybernetic implant.

He made the journey through the airlock to the door of Ivy’s ship. Of course, it was locked. Marcus would hardly greet him with a welcome party.

Karn made short work of the locking mechanism, and the lock disengaged. He slid his hand over the panel, and the door opened. Karn was ready to fight, but there was no sign of Marcus. He stepped inside. How he wished he had his fancy-assed laser. It deserved to be used on someone like Marcus.