Too slow, too small, too weak. The first blow knocks him to his knees, while the kick leaves him gasping for air. The knife too goes flying; he can't hold onto it when he's struggling to get in enough air to breathe. A cracked rib? Or just bruising? Either way it's agony, and either way he's not getting up. He struggles just to lift his head and glare at Tarn.

"T-told you --" gasp, wheeze. "You're making - a mistake." That stunner hand is wavering, but Miles doesn't think he can dodge any more. Is Sonia still there? He dares not let his eyes track away from Tarn lest he give her away. If she has stepped away, which he can only desperately hope for at this point. Please, Sonia. Just run and leave him here.