Safe Passage

This war, this war has changed everything. Families and friendships broken, gone forever. Widows and orphans are commonplace now. It’s as though the world itself has stopped, society locked in the same stalemate I am forced to hold.

Seven years since this deadlock began.

The western front. A line of ships patrolling a stretch of sea, fifteen hundred miles long. The last line of defence between Imperia Reach and Bedlem Key. Most of what remains of the Imperial Navy, halting the advance of the Kingdom of Malguinem.

Ever since the bloody fall of the Tri’terac Isles and the annexation of Bedlem Key, the fleet has been stretched thin.

Travel south, below Imperia Reach, and any ship is spotted. Either you stay close to the islands, trapped in calm seas and within range of Imperial cannons, or you risk the mainland, navigate the cracked coast. Treacherous even for a single vessel, let alone a fleet.

Travel north and you drift too close to the Cridian Kingdom. Since the peace treaty, any incursion into their waters would be considered an act of war.

So, we’re stuck.

Neither side has the ships to mount a decisive attack. Ships have become too expensive. Wood exports from the Althrael Conglomerate have dried up since their surrender, and with the way things are going, their total collapse seems inevitable. Metal trade has slowed as well. The Empire suffers insurrections in its far eastern territories, while the Kingdom, despite its new lands, cannot produce quickly enough to capitalize.

So here we are, trapped in an impossible situation.

This damned life. I grew up in the slums of Eldara. This war was my only hope for something better. This stalemate has to be broken.

Six months ago, they began fitting our ships with what they call magi-tech. Strange machines born from a secret project. The tides have already started to turn in our favour.

But the human cost isn’t considered.

…

“Marcus.”

His husky voice pulls me back. Karl. My friend. My family, back when we were nothing but street rats. Now I use every ounce of strength I have, not to look at him with pity. To avoid the look I know he hates.

“How are you feeling?” I ask, though his coughing tells me everything.

“Oh, you know,” he rasps. “Still dying.”

“You’re not dying. The doctor said…”

“Don’t believe that hack, Marcus. I know my body. Lad a few rows over got hit with a burst not half as bad as mine. Died a few days later.”

What do I even say to that?

“I’m… I’m…”

“Marcus,” he cuts in. “Have you reconsidered? What you were talking about. It’s dangerous.”

…

I pen this letter not for myself, but for the hundreds more who will die in the Empire’s name. This has gone too far.

Magi-tech is dangerous. Not just for those it targets, but for those who wield it. It is volatile, prone to explosive surges of power. Energy… something else entirely. The bursts infect people. Change them. Flesh decays. Bodies break.

I have seen it too many times. Lost too many good men.

And still, more machines come.

The Milner Project insists it is safe. Insists it will end the stalemate.

…

“Lieutenant Tecious?”

Oh, great. Who now? Another noble?

I turn, and stop short.

“Um, yes. I am Marcus Tecious.” Why did I bow? I don’t even know this woman.

“I understand you’ve been using the new magi-tech in the field.”

“Well, yes. Most sailors have. It’s been fitted to many of the ships’ armaments.”

“Hm.” She leans in closer. “And you’ve seen its effects? I believe your friend is suffering from them. Karl, is it?”

She’s whispering. Why?

“I, who are you?”

“My apologies. Elara Zayne. I’m one of the lead researchers on the Milner Project.”

Breathe. Breathe.

“You,” I hiss. “You’re the one making that, that.”

“Hush. Don’t be a fool. Any one of these idiots could be a spy.”

…

I want this war to end. Not in blood, but in peace.

I have only known war. It began before I was born, but the early Imperial conflicts were nothing like this. Back then, life mattered more than land or victory.

Now there is only the war. So many dead. Hardly anyone remembers what we’re even fighting for.

…

“We should be safe here.”

“How can we be safe anywhere, Miss Zayne? You said spies are watching me.”

“Just call me Elara, for Sol’s sake. Damned soldiers.”

She’s infuriating. “Are we safe?”

“Yes. We’ll be fine.”

“So…”

“Listen. I know you’re thinking of defecting.”

“What? No, I…”

“Don’t insult me. You’ve had eyes on you for weeks. Especially at that hospital you keep visiting.”

“That hospital has my closest friend,” I snap. “One who’s dying because of your damned machines.”

She sighs, but there’s something else there. Regret.

“It’s not… That’s not what I meant. I, damn it.” She covers her face. “This is all my fault.”

“Damned right it is!” I stop. Was that too much. She’s crying.

“I never meant for any of this,” she says. “But I opened something I can’t close. What we discovered can’t be hidden. And it will only get worse.”

“Worse?”

“But I’m right,” she adds quietly. “You are thinking of defecting?”

“Yes.” I swallow. “I can’t do this anymore. This isn’t what I signed up for. This slaughter. Watching good men die to our own weapons. With no end in sight.”

“Marcus, I can end this. But I need you.”

“Me? What could I possibly do?”

“Malguinem won’t take you for nothing. They’ll drain you of information, then throw you in a dungeon.”

“I, I won’t…”

“I have something you can offer. Something that guarantees you never fight again.”

Oh, no, this can’t be good.

“Plans,” she says. “Basic magi-tech construction. Enough for a skilled mind to replicate.”

“No. No, Elara. Absolutely not.”

“If both sides have it, the war ends.”

“You’re naïve,” I snap. “It’ll only make it bloodier. Both sides armed with this? The stalemate will just…”

“You think too small,” she interrupts. “This isn’t about cannons and explosive rounds. This ends with…”

“With what?”

“It doesn’t matter. I can get you out. I have a contact in the Kingdom. But I need a letter from you. A.. why are you looking at me like that?”

“I… I don’t know how to write.”

“Damned slum soldier.”

That one stings.

“Fine. We’ll meet again. You dictate.”

“What do I even say?”

“Be honest, for Sol’s sake. Tell me why you want to leave.”

…

I’ve seen too much for one lifetime. I just want the fighting to end. For me, and for everyone else.

I hope this letter finds the right person.

I have access to documents the Kingdom will value greatly. Plans for magi-tech, the Empire’s greatest secret. Grant me safe passage, and they are yours.

…

“I’m leaving, Karl,” I whisper. “I’m sorry.”

His breathing is ragged now. I don’t know if he can hear me.

“I’m sorry.”

…

This letter serves as proof of my defection. I hereby swear my loyalty to King Malguinem.

Yours,

Marcus Tecious