All Saints’ Square, and the surrounding city, had changed very little. It had much fewer citizens, and a feel of abandonment, but each street and each building were exactly as they were during better times. Their memories did not have any record of the hideous antennas rising between the orange tile roofs, but Claudia had expected its presence and overwritten the data, so to Robert, it was as they were always there.

Herjard had deployed its new armies throughout the north, and the aforementioned antennas, which used radio signals, were a net network to control self-reliant machines everywhere.

‘Your plan to cripple the communications will fail. There’s too many,’ Robert said.

Claudia lifted the teacup and took a delicate sip. ‘Our plan.’ She reached out to hand a stuffed envelope to the taciturn, scrawny man impatiently awaiting his pay. “Half. Other half after we reach.”

“I have the most reliable ship with the most professional men on board. And the captain you requested. Trustworthy people, all of them,” the man said. A very well made answer, inviting and reassuring. Perfect to fool anyone who could not reach deep enough into his soul. But not them, who could read him perfectly.

‘He’s superb,’ Robert said.

‘Indeed, a master of his craft,’ Claudia said, her mouth set in a firm line as she kept her eyes locked on the merchant. The man remained motionless, as if he was waiting for something more. “Is there anything else, captain?” she asked, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of impatience.

“Ain’t cap’n, Sir. I just do the arrangements,” the merchant replied. “You said you were ready as soon as I found the captain. I told you we are ready as soon as we got the payment. We need to cross the shoals of Le Cotano before sunset, so we must pick up your belongings and head straight to the ship.”

After Claudia took a last sip of the tea, pretending to savor the warmth as it slid down her throat. “I had brought all I needed. Lead the way.”

As the cup moved down, the control of her hand returned to Robert. Feeling the rest of the machine at his command, he wasted no time in standing, following the merchant towards a narrow canal street. ‘I didn’t think you’d let me take control again.’

‘Of course, I'd rather you handle the dirty work.’

‘Maybe next time you can let me know before...’

‘I told you. Don’t you remember? It was actually your idea to let me enjoy Mestra while we waited for arrangements.’

‘Ah yes. That’s right. It was my idea to let you enjoy Mestra while we waited for arrangements.’

As they crossed a wider canal street, the atmosphere seemed to grow more dangerous. Robert grabbed his side bag with a firm grip, feeling the stares of the surrounding people. A well-dressed little man, wary of his enormous bag, caught too many unwanted glances.

“Holding it as if there’s something valuable inside doesn’t help.” The merchantman chuckled with a hint of amusement. “But worry not, Sir. As long as you walk by my side, you’ll be safe.”

Robert eased his grip, trying to appear more relaxed, and quickened his steps to match the long, fast strides of his guide. As the merchant gave him a side glance, Robert fidgeted, subtly adjusting his position to hide the cable running from his bag to his chest.

“Documents of my research. Valuable to me to a great extent. But not worth robbing,” Robert lied, although he was certain he’d not believe him.

The merchant chuckled, this time louder. “They won’t find what’s inside after you are dead.”

They crossed a beautifully crafted rock bridge, adorned with intricate figures of old battles. It now lay buried under layers of mold and dust, a testament to the neglect of harsh times. As the merchant’s attention landed over the side bag, Robert pulled it in front, caressing the edges of the box inside.

‘If they take the power source, we are done. The Blue is done. That should be your priority.’ Claudia said. ‘No more pretending about humanity. I need you to be a...’

‘I know what I’m doing.’ Robert said.

‘I know.’

Robert gritted his teeth and snorted. Claudia’s voice could infuriate him if he had the means to feel. He turned to the merchant, a sweaty, greasy-haired man who would have made him feel even worse. “I’d fight with my life if I have to protect my papers. And I’m not as weak as I seem.”

“Oh, Maiden, of course, sir,” the merchant adopted a facade of seriousness. However, Robert’s warning, aimed secretly at him, had no effect whatsoever.

“I know you can take care of yourself,“ the merchant continued. “And I’m certain you will be more than safe with us. The reputation you insisted on hiring is well founded. Mine, my captain and his men.”

As they approached the grand canal, navigating through the streets of a more respectable and well-guarded area, the merchant’s pace quickened, and his face took on a more serious expression. His attention on Robert waned, allowing the two artificial minds to continue talking.

’If your saboteurs cannot destroy enough of those antennas, Vega’s fleet will destroy the Blue before we reach.’

‘They won’t, but that’s their job.’ Claudia said. ‘Herjard needs to believe we are desperate. And the Blue will resist, especially with the Icto sailing south to aid them.’

‘By now, Vega must have realized what we planned. I hope Macha is with Rob,’

‘Your concerns are as unfounded as they are fictional.’ Claudia’s voice echoed, tinged with annoyance. ‘We put him in such a position because he is a survivor. And he has what he needs. The probability of escape is...’

‘Shut up. One more word and I will blow our head off.’

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Robert’s dissuasion had the same power over Claudia as it had on the merchant.

‘Everything is going as planned ‘ she said. ‘Vega needed to believe he is one step ahead in order to take over Tampra by force instead of diplomacy. But as strong as he is now, he will be doomed when his allies fall.’

They boarded a canal boat, leaping with ease: a precision move that surprised the merchant. As the little ship moved forward, propelled by a long row, Robert settled into the narrow bow, his eyes taking in the beautiful purple sunset. Feeling a sense of calm wash over him, Claudia spoke again to spoil the moment.

‘The siren is done, and he doesn’t know yet. The Red island will turn on him when hell breaks and Herjard will fall as soon as we reach there. He’ll be alone and weak. You know it, the plan is yours as well. Why do I have to repeat it?’

Robert prepared to answer, eager to tell her all depended on them two, but she cut him off. ‘No. We will not fail, I am sure.’

Robert fell silent. The ship sailed along the grand canal, heading towards the deepest area of the port: a place once thriving with busy trade and now as empty as the city’s streets. As they drew closer, a small ship awaiting them grew larger. It was not much to be impressed. Metal hull. Little and short, with a tiny, wide funnel instead of a mast and a wheel of pedals covering its entire starboard.

“Do not worry, sir!” the merchant yelled effusively. “This beauty is sturdy as a rock! It can make the travel short and safe, I tell ya!”

Robert felt the urge to point out rocks don’t float, but he continued his inner conversation.

‘I do not doubt us. But what happens in Male is far from our reach. Without Herjard and the others, Vega loses most of his power, but he still has the Kraken’s navy. Decimated by desertions, yes. But without Blue to deliver a final blow, still enough to keep him afloat and alive..’

‘They will withstand the blow. I’m sure of that as well.’ Claudia said with certain authority.

‘The probabilities of…’

‘I know the data.’ she cut again. ‘And you too. But we don’t need to worry about percentages that don’t reach acceptable levels. It’s counterproductive, isn’t it?’

‘It’s counterproductive, of course.’ Robert fell into a calmness he had never experienced before. The breeze carrying aromas of salt and seaweed smelled real. seagulls flitting overhead and matching their cries to a pounding, nonexistent heart.

As they approached the ship, a series of ropes fell down the greasy, corroded hull, swaying slightly in the breeze. Robert ascended the ropes with a fluidity that belied his small stature, effortlessly ignoring the outstretched hand of the merchant. His movements were precise and calculated, each step a testament to his strength and agility. Once aboard, he dismissed the helping hand of a sailor with a subtle shake of his head, his eyes scanning the deck with an intensity that left no detail unnoticed.

Upon reaching the bridge, Robert found himself surrounded by faces struggling to mask malevolent intent behind facades of friendliness. The air was thick, and the atmosphere charged. Strangely, the one who failed most to conceal his true nature was the captain—a man whose eyes betrayed a deceit so blatant it would have been obvious even to a blind toddler. As the merchant joined them, the crew sprang into action like a disturbed wasp nest.

The captain extended his hand, but Robert remained still, his gaze fixed on the man. The merchant, reaching Robert’s side and promptly sensing the tension, tapped Robert on the shoulder, a gesture that only heightened the unease.

The ship emitted a loud, uncomfortable whistle as the anchor raised, and the nauseating smell of burned coal filled the air. As they reached deeper waters, the sea grew rough, waves crashing against the hull with a force that threatened to unseat even the most seasoned sailor.

“Don’t worry, sir,” the captain said. “This beauty is used to sailing north. We are few who still do, but the only ones who keep doing it. May I ask one of my men to help you with your luggage?”

Robert pushed his bag away from a hand that reached out, his grip unyielding. The sailor who had ventured to be helpful without asking permission grumbled under his breath, casting a glance at his master. In response, the captain showed a set of wooden teeth. “Fine, fine. He handles. Let me show ye’ur corner.”

Robert remained where he stood, his eyes darting around the bridge. He took in the scene with a swift glance. Advantages and disadvantages calculated in an instant. Ten men surrounded him, not including the captain or the merchant. The ship needed only half of them to operate, and their knuckles, calloused and scarred, spoke of a lifetime of fighting. None of them openly displayed weapons, but Robert noticed the subtle bulges between sash folds and pockets. Robert pulled the sleeve of his jacket and unbuttoned and folded up his shirt. The metal plates on his forearm, nothing like the artificial skin on his hand and face, did not surprise the captain much.

“What does the brat want? We see a lot of those in Bandanii, kid.”

The Merchant shrugged. “Better, seems quality. I wonder if it can be disassembled or if it has to be cut.”

“Good. I’d like to get everything straight.” When Robert’s hand stopped folding fabric, he lifted it to check his palm and found that the two contact points, one on the middle finger and the other in the lower part, were free. “I don’t want to wait until later to make it clear we are going to Northislay and not to Red Island.”

“What are you talking about?” the captain replied, his tone laced with confusion. “We are going north. Business is in the new colonies. They need hands to build the rails of the steam wagons.”

“Branlin Sanar didn’t tell you?” Robert said. “You are not going to sell me.”

The merchant's eyes widened, his face paled in shock. His hand reached out, grabbing the fabric of Robert’s vest. “How the hell’s you know that name? Who of these idiots talked?”

Robert grabbed the forearm, trying to pull him and twisted, easily snapping the bone. After a sickening crunch, Sanar fell to his knees, screaming in agony. The captain whistled sharply, and two thugs rushed towards. They grabbed Robert by waist and neck, but none of their efforts budge him in the slightest.

With a swift, fluid motion, Robert twisted, and both assailants flew across the deck before the incredulous gaze of their mates.

The captain reached to his back, his hand trembling as the little pistol raised. Robert raised Sanar’s arm, squeezing it until the man lost consciousness. Then, with a flick in his eyes and the two connecting points in his hand touching his prey, he released a blast of energy, sending a shockwave through the deck. The merchant bursted in a ball of flames and strangely; he made no complaint for dying. The smell of burning flesh filled the air and the sight of the charred merchant froze everyone present. All except Robert, who, with barely any effort, threw the body into a long flight across the deck until it disappeared overboard. As it splashed below, all the men around froze.

The captain, equally shocked, hesitated, his hand trembling as aimed. Robert raised the hand without charred skin. After a mechanical click, the intricate levers embedded within Robert’s forearm sprang into action, snapping open the hollow casing in where flesh should be and pulling forward a miniature two-barreled pistol. The firearm, small but precise, fit perfectly in Robert’s hand. Ready for use, and wasting no time, the gun fired. The captain died as silent as the merchant, only the weight of his body hitting the planks as a testament to his end. Robert reached for his corpse and tossed it to the ocean with the same ease as he did with Sanar.

“I’m in charge now,” he shouted. “I only need half of you to run this ship. It’s your choice to be on that half of the bunch to join the filth overboard.”

Robert looked at each of the sailors, ensuring each one of them could see the emptiness in his eyes. Each time one did, their face lowered, and their hands followed suit.

“Northislay!” Robert turned to one of the closest sailors. “You, show me my quarters and be sure the rest do as I say. Or you will be the next to feed the fish.”

The man, pale and sweaty, nodded, his hand trembling as he pointed towards the door. The rest returned to work, as the good, tamed sheep they were.