Alex shuffled his feet as he waited in line. His back ached. Stupid how much his back ached.
Fleeing Melin to escape Yong's abuse was desperate. But what choice did he have?
It was Yong and rape or leave everything he knew behind.
Better to change everything. At least going to the far side of human space gave him a chance freedom.
No matter how slim the chance, it was worth trying to escape.