The Prisoner

Steam billows across Bonaparte's dock as a figure in Gonydeal armor approaches Shiro's ship. The armor shifts and ripples with each step, its smart textiles adapting to the guard's movements. Nanoscale sensors pulse beneath the surface, ready to harden instantly against any threat.

The guard stops at the top of the gangplank, scanning the deck until he sees Shiro.

"Need transport to Caspia." The guard's voice echoes metallic through his helmet. "Price isn't an issue."

"No price." Her voice carries across the deck, sharp and clear. "Who's the passenger?"

The guard's armor whirs as he adjusts his grip on the prisoner. "He's a prime suspect in Gilmore's disappearance. Orders are to deliver him to Caspia."

Shiro circles the prisoner. The metal collar of a RespirX glints at his throat - a newer model, though not top-of-the-line. She eyes his right side where an empty socket sits where a Gull should be.

"The arm." She stops in front of the guard. "You removed it."

The guard nods, patting the secured case at his hip. "Standard procedure for high-risk transfers."

Shiro turns towards the prisoner, who keeps his face down. "You're sure this is him?"

"Not my place to ask questions."

"Just keep him secured. I won't have trouble on my ship."

"Won't be any trouble." The guard yanks the chain, forcing the prisoner to stumble forward. "He knows what happens if he tries anything."

The prisoner's face twists into a grimace, but his eyes never leave Shiro's retreating form. There's a calculating edge in them that doesn't match his downtrodden appearance.

***

Shiro's fingers glide across the control panel, engaging the autopilot. In the corner of the bridge, Friend nestles into a makeshift nest of old blankets, her feathers rising and falling with each breath. Dark circles rim her eyes from their ordeal with Lawrence.

"Rest well."

The metal stairs creak under her boots as Shiro descends below deck. The guard sits rigid in his Gonydeal armor while the prisoner leans against the wall, chains clinking with each roll of the waves.

"What brings a man to Caspia in chains?"

The prisoner lifts his head, a half-smile playing across his scarred face. "Just a mechanic caught in the wrong place. Name's Elias."

"Mechanics don't usually warrant armed escorts."

"Times are tough. Had to steal some pods from CryoCore, feed my family." Elias shifts, the chains rattling. "Next thing I know, they're saying I killed Gilmore. But I'm no killer—just desperate. Three kids at home, youngest needs medicine." Elias leans forward, his voice dropping. "You ever been desperate enough to do something you regret?"

"Everyone has regrets."

"Not like mine. Should've known better than to mess with CryoCore. But when your daughter's burning with fever and medicine costs more than a year's wages..." He trails off, studying Shiro's face.

"The pods you stole—where are they now?"

"Never got that far. Guards caught me before I could move them." Elias glances at the silent guard. "Strange thing is, Gilmore vanished the same night. Wrong place, wrong time—that's all it was."

The guard remains motionless, helmet reflecting the dim light. His silence fills the hold like a physical presence.

"Quite a coincidence."

"Life's full of them. Take this ship—what brings a young captain out on these waters?"

"..."

"Must be lonely, sailing these seas."

"I prefer it that way."

Shiro's voice cuts through the silence, sharp and probing. "An honest living wasn't good enough?"

"Honest?" Elias leans back against the metal wall. "Look around. The rich hide in their pods while storms drown everyone else. CryoCore builds mansions on the bones of people like us."

"Take Bonaparte." Elias gestures with his bound hands. "Half the city's hooked on Bile because they can't afford real medicine. Meanwhile, Gilmore's kind throw parties whenever they want."

"So theft makes it right?" Shiro's voice carries no judgment, just curiosity.

"Makes it fair. World's split in two - those who own everything and those who own nothing. You either bow to the rich or you take what they won't share."

His eyes lock onto Shiro's. "I chose to stop bowing. Maybe that makes me a criminal. But at least I'm honest about what I am."

Suddenly, a massive wave slams into the ship's hull, sending tremors through the metal frame. The impact throws the guard off balance. His Gonydeal armor clanks against the floor as he crashes down, limbs splaying at odd angles.

The guard doesn't move.

"What did you do?"

"Me?" Elias raises his bound hands. "I'm just sitting here in chains."

"The guard's not moving."

"Perceptive." Elias's friendly demeanor drops. "Bile's an interesting drug. Take out the nanobots, apply them directly - works faster than taking it as a pill."

Shiro's hand moves to her belt. "When?"

"Below deck. Guard never noticed the scratch. Amazing what people miss when they think they're in control."

Another wave rocks the ship. The guard's armor whirs weakly, systems struggling to compensate for his unconscious state.

"You won't reach Caspia. Whatever game you're playing ends here."

"Look. I didn't want to drug him. But they weren't giving me a choice - straight to execution in Caspia without a real trial. CryoCore's word against mine."

"A desperate man might still choose differently."

"You think I haven't tried?" Elias slumps against the wall. "But CryoCore owns the law- they needed someone to blame for Gilmore."

"Plus the guard's still breathing." Elias nods toward the unconscious figure. "Could've made the dose lethal, but I didn't. Just needed him out long enough to explain."

The ship creaks as another wave hits. Elias leans forward, chains pooling at his feet. "Drop me at the next port. That's all I'm asking. Let me prove my innocence without a noose around my neck."

"...Glauco's closest." Her words cut through the silence. "But they'll be looking for you there."

"I’ll do you one better, Capt. There's a smaller dock, about three hours north. Fishing village. No questions asked."

Shiro nods. She moves to the guard, checking his pulse through a gap in the Gonydeal armor. The rhythm beats steady against her fingers.

"He'll be sleeping for a while. We'll be fine."

She spots the key slotted in the armor, pulls it free, and unlocks the guard's case, revealing Elias's Gull inside.

"You'll need this." She tosses it toward him. The case lands with a metallic thud.

"Thanks Capt." Elias works the case open with his bound hands. "Mind helping with the installation? Bit tricky with these chains."

"The chains stay." Her voice carries over her shoulder. "Consider it insurance."

"Fair enough." Elias’s fingers trace the edge of the case holding his Gull. "Trust's hard to come by these days. Appreciate you giving me this much."

Shiro nods, but doesn’t turn back. "Don’t make me regret it."