Episode 9.3

Outside the crowd stands Musator, his hair still wet from the shower, his hands gripping the collar of one of the fellow prisoners. He appears angrier, even more so when he receives the response from the other that he doesn't know.

After getting an answer, he releases the man, but it doesn't take long for him to spot me.

"Can I talk to you for a moment, girl?" Musator looks directly at me, the anger still evident in his gaze.

Intimidated by his tone and gaze, I manage to nod, though I'm reluctant to talk to him in such an agitated state. Musator himself scares me now, even though he seemed quite nice and approachable before.

He instructs me to follow him. Despite my fear and reservations, I obediently follow him, away from the crowd, to a quieter corner where he leans against the wall immediately. For a moment, he seems to wait, his eyes closed and his head tilted back, seemingly trying to calm himself down. I hope he calms down and doesn't question me as harshly as he did the other prisoner.

"You seem to be quite observant," he speaks after his brief pause. He appears much calmer now. The gaze on me is no longer filled with anger but rather curious about my response.

"When I helped Gasard, this topic was also discussed," I reply to him.

"Girl, you didn't help Gasard, you rather hindered him!" Musator snorts, not even needing to say it so explicitly. I know I haven't been much help to Gasard. "He could have managed it today on his own, to get the transport for the airlock ready again. He's probably only being hindered by you because he feels sorry for you."

Even though Musator has calmed down, his harsh and honest words make me angry. I did try to help him.

A sigh escapes Musator's lips. "I know I shouldn't say this, but it's good for him to be stopped from work for once. He hardly has any free time and is always down here; one can't help but feel sorry for the guy."

Even I find it excessive that he does so much in his position.

"Now, what's going on?" Musator's gaze is demanding and stern, but I can't say anything.

"Gasard told me I'm not supposed to tell anyone," I say.

"Damn it, girl, I'm not just anyone!" he snaps at me, anger rising in his gaze. "This bunch can get pretty uncomfortable pretty quickly if no one holds them back, and I won't do anything if I don't know what's going on."

A suffocating feeling forms in my chest under his angry gaze. I take a step back, raising my hands in a placating gesture.

A mistake.

"I'm sorry, but Gasard...!"

"Gasard doesn't mind if I find out anything!" Musator interrupts me, practically shouting at me. "Do you think I enjoy running to the guards for every little thing, just to receive stupid remarks? His gaze suddenly wanders over my body and settles on my wrists. Confusion flashes in his eyes for a moment.

Only now do I realize my mistake.

"So, you're nothing more than a little spy," he says with a sigh as I pull up my sleeve, which had slipped down when I raised my hands.

"I'm not a spy!" I protest, though I know he doesn't believe me. He wouldn't believe the truth either. Even I struggle with the fact that my real father is supposed to be known as a hero.

"And what else are you supposed to be?" he asks with a laugh, emphasizing his disbelief. "The last time there was a spy among the prisoners, he was quickly exposed and tortured by the guys before his death. The guards just watched. I don't want to know what happens if anyone notices the bracelet."