The Enforcer Part II

Saul and Brehm's boat cut through the calm waters as they sail towards Glauco. The rhythmic lapping of the waves against the hull provide a soothing backdrop to their journey.

Brehm glances over at Saul, who sits rigidly on the bench, his gaze fixed straight ahead. 

"You know, you could try relaxing a little out here," the captain says, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Out on the open sea, there's no superior to answer to. No need to be so tense."

"I appreciate the advice, but I have a job to do."

"I get it, you're a man with a mission. Still, no need to be so wound up. Enjoy the ride, will ya? I bet your fellow enforcers probably dread working with you, all serious and no fun."

"You're not wrong," he admits, his voice gruff.

Brehm lets out a hearty laugh, steering the boat with an easy confidence. "Ah, I figured as much. You know, most of the enforcers these days have gotten themselves some fancy Gull parts, to help 'em do their jobs better. But you..." He glances over at Saul, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You're still mostly flesh and blood, aren't ya?"

"I just… haven't had the chance to get the upgrade yet." 

Brehm chuckles, his breath momentarily fogging up his gas mask. "Aw, don't be ashamed. Not everyone is born with deep pockets. Hell, I'm still just an old salt with my two hands." He holds up his calloused palms, grinning. "Ain't nothing wrong with that."

Saul feels the corners of his mouth twitch upward, despite himself. "I suppose not," he concedes, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

A metallic glint suddenly catches Saul's eye. Near the ship's helm, a peculiar device perches on a brass stand - its form an unsettling blend of machine and bird. Sleek metal feathers ripple with each turn of the wheel, while a glass-domed head swivels on a serpentine neck.

"What’s that?" Saul points at the strange apparatus.

"This beauty?" Brehm runs his fingers along the device's metallic plumage. "A Calidris. Semi-organic navigation system. Works like those migrating birds that used to cross the seas - picks up magnetic fields, reads weather patterns."

The Calidris's head rotates toward them, its glass eyes reflecting the murky horizon. Saul watches as it adjusts its position with unnaturally precise movements.

"Can't sail these waters without one nowadays. Every captain worth their salt is tied to their Calidris. The seas aren't what they used to be - toxic fumes mess with traditional navigation. These beauties keep us on course."

Saul crosses his arms. "The girl with the black ship - she had one?"

"That's what makes your white-haired captain peculiar." Brehm shakes his head. "No Calidris in sight."

The Calidris lets out a soft mechanical chirp, its head tilting as the boat adjusts course.

"Makes you wonder how she navigates," Brehm muses. "But enough shop talk. We've got smooth sailing ahead thanks to this little friend here. No use worrying yourself sick over those disappearances. I'm sure you'll get to the bottom of it, in due time."

Saul nods, a rare hint of warmth crossing his stern features. "Thanks, Brehm. Not many take the time to understand an enforcer's position."

The two men fall into a comfortable silence, the only sound the gentle lapping of the waves. Saul finds himself begrudgingly admitting that Brehm had a point - the rhythmic motion of the boat is somewhat soothing.