Emil’s face turned ghostly white. She couldn’t speak.0

More people began to gather, diplomatic staff, servants, attendants, forming a crowd around the commotion.0

Then, a raspy yet excited voice called out from the onlookers. “I know her! Sir, her name’s Lisa, she used to serve aboard General McClennan’s airship!”2

Lisa turned sharply toward the voice, spotting a sycophantic servant smiling obsequiously at the officer.0

She recognized her. Brina, a fellow servant who had once worked aboard the Heart of Steel, until she’d been reassigned before the ship departed east.0

The officer’s eyes narrowed further as he looked back at Lisa. His voice was low, but laced with malice. “You know what happens to runaway slaves, don’t you?”2

Lisa...0