An invasion ship really is designed to be a self-contained vessel of conquest, you realize as you make your way forward along another long passageway. Not only does it carry enough space, air, and ground weaponry to subdue an entire region, it has the stores to remain on station for months, the communications equipment to reach any nearby world and even all the way back to Terra, a hospital better than those in most cities, and even a place to hold prisoners. The brig exists in the minds of most troopers as only a vague threat for (usually drunken) disorderly conduct, but as you step through the reinforced and guarded airlock, you realize that holding disobedient troopers is merely a side function of this tiny prison in the bow. Its true purpose is apparent before you, as you pass cell after cell of rebel prisoners. A single armed trooper escorts you to the appropriate cell and presses a button which sets off an alarm on the far side of the heavy bulkhead. He looks through the small window to ensure that the cell separator has activated, then opens the door.
You step through, noting the bars which have descended from the deckhead to effectively cut the cell in half. You're on one side of the bars, and your prisoner is on the other.
"I'll be outside, sir," the guard says through the open door.
You turn to examine Zhang. He's still in his rebel uniform, although stripped of his boots, belt, and any gear. He looks dirty and somewhat disheveled, but his stance is as proud as ever.
"Major Zhang," you say, greeting him with a nod.
"Our fates seem to keep crossing, Sublieutenant," he says, folding his arms. "I'm not sure if I like how this is going."
"That mostly depends on you, sir."
He sighs, but nods his agreement.
Next