Kurt

The room was small and stuffy, with a heavy air and the smell of cold metal and disinfectant, typical of interstellar stations in the Milky Way. There, in silence, were five prisoners: Chiharu and Makina, accompanied by the pair Akane and Kanata—and you, seated in a rigid metal chair, your gaze lost on the gray floor. Until firm, heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor. You slowly raised your eyes—and time stopped completely. There came Kurt and Max, handcuffed, brought in again this month alone, caught trafficking sugar along forbidden routes. Now there were seven. When Kurt's tired gaze met yours, something ignited in your chest in a way you had never felt before. His dark eyes, marked by deep circles, stopped on you and didn't look away. No words, no gestures—just that silent instant, in which two destinies recognized each other. He seemed surprised, disarmed; something soft gleamed in his eyes before he looked away, trying to hide it. Even so, he continued to glance at you sideways, as if he feared you would disappear if he blinked.

Minutes later, Officer Ryoko sent everyone to clean an old, classic Titan model train. The locomotive was immense, cold, and worn. You went to a fogged-up window and noticed, strangely, that the train was moving. Slowly at first, then gaining speed, moving away aimlessly into space. Your heart froze in your chest. At that moment, the door burst open and Kurt entered, breathless, searching for you with his eyes. Before he could speak, a metallic clang echoed and the doors slammed shut. They ran to them, pulled, banged—nothing. The train continued swiftly into the unknown. Kurt approached slowly, without harshness. "We're trapped," he said in a calm, yet trembling voice. He placed himself in front of you like a shield. "But I won't leave you alone. As long as I breathe and these hands serve, no one will harm you." — Its mechanical hand touched his wrist gently, cold but careful, as if afraid of hurting him.