The Enforcer Part I

Saul Macallister sits at his desk in the Caspia police station, reviewing the latest reports when the phone on his desk rings. He answers it, straightening up as he hears the voice of his superior on the other end.

"Macallister, we have a situation," his superior says, a note of urgency in his tone. "Gideon Gilmore has gone missing, and we've just discovered that Axel, the overseer of Gilmore's CryoCore pod, has also disappeared. I want you to look into this. This could be a sensitive situation, so I need you to handle it with discretion."

Saul nods. "I'll get on it right away, sir."

Saul's superior then pauses, his voice taking on a slightly more measured tone. "I'm sure I don't need to remind you, Macallister, that Mr. Gilmore is a... generous benefactor of our department. It's in everyone's best interest that we resolve this situation as quickly as possible."

The unspoken implication hangs in the air, and Saul's eyes narrow slightly as he processes the subtle warning. He's well aware of the influence Gilmore wields in Caspia, and the fact that the police department relies heavily on his funding. It's a delicate balance, one that Saul has always been careful to maintain.

"I understand, sir."

His superior's voice is a shade too hearty as he responds, "I knew I could count on you, Macallister. Keep me posted, and let's hope this is just a minor misunderstanding."

The call ends, and Saul sets the phone back in its cradle, his mind already racing with the implications. He knows that he'll have to tread carefully, balancing the need to investigate Gilmore's disappearance with the pressure to keep the details under wraps.

He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he considers his next move. The first step will be to pay a visit to CryoCore and speak with the staff. Maybe someone noticed something unusual on the day Gilmore and Axel went missing.

He takes a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the challenge ahead. Time to get to work.

***

Saul arrives at the towering CryoCore headquarters, its sleek, modern exterior a stark contrast to the gritty streets outside. He flashes his badge at the security guard and is promptly ushered inside, making his way to the executive offices.

As he approaches Gilmore's office, Saul notices a sense of unease in the air. The usually bustling workspace is eerily quiet, and the few employees he encounters seem nervous and on edge.

Saul spots a maintenance worker hurrying past, toolbox in hand. The worker's shoulders tense as Saul steps into his path.

"Officer, what can I do for you?" The worker's eyes dart toward the exit.

"Looking for information about Axel. When's the last time you saw him?"

"Actually, he was bragging to me just last week. Got some fancy commission from some rich guy in Olrog. Triple his usual rate, he said."

"Did he mention the client's name?"

"Nah, but he couldn't shut up about the money. Said it'd set him up real nice." The worker scratches his neck. "He was headed to the docks last I saw him. Said he had to catch a ship to Olrog."

"When exactly was this?"

"Three days ago. Around sunset. He had his tools with him."

"Anything else out of the ordinary?"

The worker hesitates, then shakes his head. "N-no, nothing out of the ordinary. He seemed focused on the job, like usual. But I..." 

"Go on," Saul prods, sensing the worker's unease.

"Well, I don't know, but..." The worker glances around nervously, lowering his voice. "There've been a lot of strange things happening lately. Rumors of sabotage, pods malfunctioning, that sort of thing. And Axel, he's always the center of all of these rumors, you know?"

"How so?"

The worker swallows hard. "I-I don't know for sure, but there are whispers that he's been tampering with the pods, trying to make extra money on the side. And now with Mr. Gilmore and Axel both gone..."

Saul holds up a hand, silencing the worker. "Thank you, that's all I need for now."

The worker nods shakily, watching as Saul strides away, his mind racing with the new information. If Axel really was the last person to see Gilmore, then the docks could hold the key to unlocking this mystery.

***

The salt-laden breeze whips at Saul's coat as he approaches Caspia's docks. Metal creaks and waves crash against weathered pillars. Between cargo containers and loading equipment, he spots a small booth near the passenger ferry terminal.

The ferryman leans out of his window, weathered face creasing into a frown as Saul approaches. "What can I do for ye?"

"I'm investigating the disappearance of Gideon Gilmore and one of his employees, Axel. I was told Axel was headed to Olrog a few days ago. Did you happen to see him?"

The ferryman's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at Saul's words. "Gilmore and his mechanic, that tall fella with the Gulls, you say? Well, ain't that a curious thing."

His weathered face creases into a thoughtful frown. "Can't say I'm shocked, though. Ain't no normal day in Caspia, 'specially when it comes to that Gilmore fella and his fancy CryoCore business."

Saul's expression remains stern, but a flicker of interest crosses his features. "What do you mean by that?"

The ferryman leans back in his chair, a wry chuckle escaping his lips. "Can't say I'm surprised Gilmore's mixed up in all this. Man's got his fingers in every pie, trying to line his pockets."

Saul's brow furrows, his mind processing the ferryman's words. "So you're saying you wouldn't be surprised if something... untoward had happened to them?"

The ferryman lets out a humorless laugh. "Untoward? Hah, that's one way to put it." He leans in, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "I've seen all sorts of shady characters comin' and goin' from that CryoCore place. Folks with deep pockets and a lot to hide."

The ferryman shifts in his seat, his hands drumming against the booth's counter. "Anyway, yeah, I remember Axel. Came through here looking for quick passage to Olrog. Had those gleaming Gulls."

"Did he find transport?" 

The ferryman's eyes narrow, his weathered face taking on a calculating expression. "Memory's a bit foggy these days. Sea air does that to ya, you know?"

Saul catches the hint immediately. He reaches into his coat pocket, pulling out a handful of credits. The metal chips glint in the harsh dock lighting.

"Perhaps this might help clear things up?"

The ferryman's calloused hand slides across the counter, palm up. Saul drops the credits into his waiting hand. The old man counts them quickly, then tucks them away beneath his booth.

"Funny thing about that day. Saw your man Axel board this peculiar vessel. Black as night, she was. Sleek thing, nothing like our usual cargo ships." The ferryman leans forward, lowering his voice. "Captain was this strange one - young girl with white hair. Never seen anything like her before in all my years at these docks."

Saul pulls out his notepad, scribbling down the details. "Tell me more about this girl. What else do you know about her?"

"Not much to tell. Keeps to herself mostly. Never stays in port long."

"What about Gilmore? Did you see him pass through here?"

The ferryman shakes his head. "Nah, can't say I did. Probably came and went without anyone the wiser."

Saul's expression darkens, his mind churning with the new information. If what the ferryman says is true, then Axel's disappearance could be tied to something much more sinister than a simple job gone wrong.

"Quite the mystery you've got there, Officer."

Saul turns and spots a tall man in a gas mask leaning casually against a stack of cargo containers. The man's most striking feature is his left ear - or rather, what remains of it - crudely stitched together like a poorly mended piece of cloth.

"Captain Brehm," the ferryman calls out. "Didn't hear you skulking around back there."

Brehm pushes off from the containers, his boots clicking against the metal dock. "That black ship you're asking about - I've crossed paths with it before. We call it the Iron Whale."

"The Iron Whale?"

"That's right. Most peculiar vessel I've ever encountered. First time I saw it, I thought I was looking at some ancient beast. Black hull gleaming like wet scales, no wake behind it. Just glides through the water like it's part of the sea itself."

"You know something about these disappearances?"

"That captain of hers - saw her ship docked at Olrog not three days past. Word is she's headed to Glauco next." Brehm's fingers trace the jagged scar tissue where his ear should be. "If you're looking to catch up with her, that's where I'd start."

"And how exactly would you know this?"

"Let's just say I keep track of unusual vessels in these waters. The Iron Whale stands out like a sore thumb." Brehm's lips curl into a knowing smile. "I'm heading to Glauco myself. Could take you there, if you're interested."

"I'm sensing there's a price attached to this offer."

"Smart man." Brehm nods approvingly. "Nothing comes free these days, Officer. But I'd say finding your missing persons is worth a few credits, wouldn't you?"

The ferryman snorts from his booth. "Don't let him fool you with that fancy talk. Brehm here charges more than most for his services."

"Quality costs," Brehm replies smoothly, keeping his eyes fixed on Saul. "So, Officer - shall we discuss terms?"

Saul's jaw works as he considers Brehm's offer, his fingers drumming against his holster.

"How much?" 

Brehm names a figure that makes Saul's eyes narrow. "That's steep."

"Consider it hazard pay. These waters aren't kind to metal ships, and mine's one of the few that can make the journey safely." Brehm gestures toward the toxic sea. "Plus, I know the fastest routes to Glauco. Time is money, Officer."

The ferryman chuckles from his booth. "Told ya he was expensive."

Saul pulls out his credit chip, jaw clenched tight. The sum will drain most of his department-issued funds, but he can't afford to let this lead slip away. His superiors made it clear - finding Gilmore is priority one.

"When do we leave?" Saul transfers the credits, watching them disappear from his chip's display.

"First light tomorrow." Brehm pockets the payment with practiced ease. "Dock seven. Don't be late - the tides wait for no one."

Saul nods curtly, already calculating how quickly he can gather his gear and notify his superiors of his departure. It's not ideal, paying so much for uncertain information, but in his line of work, sometimes the only way forward is through the murky waters of compromise.