The Lattice oleh Jeff Tanyard

Rob Treutlen lives in a cage, just like everyone else on Earth. The Reptilian Empire constructed the Lattice around the planet, and they persistently demand more work from their captives. Rob hates it, but he has an ailing father to care for, and he can't afford to get involved with the resistance.

His father's death changes that. He seeks out the resistance and attempts to escape the Lattice. It's dangerous, and his probability of success is low, but he's willing to risk it. Because having nothing left to live for makes some things worth dying for.

The Lattice is a 6300-word short story.