As we get to the car, Whiskey shakes me, "That was crazy! He's never caved to anyone, ever." "Just needed to look and sound like the old Nick."

  I lightly punch the bag and bear through the pain. Garvey holds the bag, Why the sudden inspiration? I punch harder. As it lands, I reel back, grabbing my arm.

  Tango's my responsibility now. I go back to punch lightly,

  Because she's your partner, or she tried kissing you? I catch my breath and let my head hang, I let her get too damn close.

  Even the skinniest guys here can punch harder than me. I growl as someone comes up with a small bag, "Steroids?"

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  It would help- No. Garvey pats my shoulder,

  C'mon, it's just like the cigarettes and the painkillers. "Fuck off." The dealer smiles, "Aight' buddy."

  I limp back upstairs and hop in my cot.

  In the black, Garvey stretches and flicks a bone blade in and out from his wrists as a fog rises, This again? Before I charge, something blue twinkles in the distance. "What is-"

  I try pinching myself. Eight colorful planets are in the distance among millions of dead ones. I go limp. Only eight planets have life. "That's my goal, Nick. I want those eight to be like the rest. One of them spin, revealing splotches of black. I start shivering, "That's bullshit." "Then why are you so afraid that you're wrong?" I shout and charge at him.

  I breathe heavily as the burning stops. "Serves you right." I slowly pass the charred remains. The cockpit car's flames and smoke warm my back while getting down the ladder. Past the flames, my bag burns in the wreckage. I tear at my hair, "Aww, great!" A train rumbles toward me and slows down when they see the wreckage. I hop down and get under the nearest car and wait.