Sins of the Stars

Chapter 5

"The captain is insisting on trying something new," Dr. Karstburg said with a pained smile, trying to stay positive as Aelan methodically equipped Illara with two sets of heavy remote shackles. The awkward silence in the small room was thick, broken only by the quiet clinking of the magnetic restraints as Aelan adjusted them.

It had been five days since their escape from Goerde Station, and Illara's defiance had only deepened. She refused to eat, refused to speak. She sat in the corner, glaring at Icarus whenever he entered the room, her eyes burning with unspoken rage. His drunken interrogation about Project Sienna had only made her more determined. "I'd rather starve," she'd declared coldly, and she meant it.

Dr. Emmanuel had been equally stubborn, refusing to cooperate with any of the crew's attempts at interrogation. The man was smart, Icarus admitted grudgingly. But the captain's frustration simmered just below the surface—he couldn't risk taking it out on the old scientist, not when he was too valuable as a bargaining chip. He was tempted to force a brutal confession out of him, just to hear him scream, but such pleasures would have to wait.

"These bands should activate on command, instantly magnetizing to the nearest surface," Aelan explained flatly, his voice as neutral as always. "The magnetic fields within the material are strong enough to contain Dreg, so they will work."

Aelan's hands worked efficiently, locking a shackle around each of Illara's wrists, then fitting two more around her ankles. Illara scowled at him, but didn't resist. Across the room, Icarus leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

"We're allowing you to roam freely around the common areas of the ship," Icarus said, his voice carrying an edge of authority. He wasn't expecting gratitude, and he certainly didn't get any. "You'll have access to the cafeteria, the den, and Dr. Karstburg has kindly offered to let you bunk with her until we reach our destination."

Dr. Karstburg flashed a nervous smile, her small frame almost dwarfed by Illara's imposing height. She fidgeted with the hem of her coat, awkwardly trying to make the situation seem less bleak. "It's a bit cramped, but it'll be more comfortable than the floor here," she offered gently.

"Testing," Aelan said abruptly. With a soft hum, the shackles activated. Illara's limbs were pulled to the floor in an instant, and she let out a startled cry as her body was abruptly pinned down. Panic flashed in her eyes as she struggled in vain, the metal bands holding firm.

Icarus's eyes glinted with satisfaction at the demonstration, but he maintained a neutral tone. "As I said, you're still a captive. But if you cooperate, this will be a lot easier on you."

Illara glared up at him, her breathing ragged. She clearly wasn't interested in cooperation. With a slight nod from Icarus, Aelan deactivated the restraints, and Illara's limbs were released from the floor. She scrambled back, pressing herself against the wall, her eyes filled with pure hatred.

"All crew members have the commands for the cuffs," Aelan continued, unfazed. "If you attempt to escape or access a restricted area, you will be immobilized. Any sabotage of the cuffs will likely result in the loss of limbs. The cuffs are water-safe, so you can shower. My workshop is off limits."

Illara was silent, but her expression made it clear that she was memorizing every word.

"I highly doubt she's interested in your workshop, Glowstick," Icarus chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. But Aelan remained serious.

"But there are many tools and devices in there," Aelan continued, "for example, the explos—"

"Okay, okay, she doesn't need the details!" Icarus interrupted quickly. "No need to give her ideas."