Drearily a ship chugged along; its passengers stirring after a few hours rest.

Through the white of early morning mist, indistinguishable rugged land stood ahead. The sun, young, in the cool blue sky behind them, gave little light. 

Returning ones to the island paid the view no mind, while excitement spilled over the vessel’s sides from the obvious new arrivals as they peered through the circular windows.

A young female officer; disturbed by the hubbub around, awoke, stretching and yawning as she did. Once upright, she observed her fellow officers chattering energetically before again in silent pondering, she read her assignment letter. 

The letter bore the Emperor’s Seal. Hand delivered by an Official Postal Courier Officer of His Imperial Majesty, Violet had received a new assignment.

And so, having left her administrative post in the Capital and boarded the three a.m. boat for Officers sailing from Arforsland’s Shining Sea port to Prison Island, she again wondered if there would be anyone familiar there. 

Then with a sigh, she began to fidget with the ends of her hair, for suddenly she recalled that William was stationed on the island.

**

Hours later, Violet and many others arrived at the port; heavy luggages in hand and with the sun well above the horizon shining down on them. 

Beautiful white stone steps led up the hillside and onto a grassy landing where the sparkling  glass dome of the main building came into view. The dome; with various tints of blue and green in a cracked style*, sat atop an ivory stone building with tall ornate columns supporting its frame. 

*known as: Dalle De Verre 

This was the Northern Port on the isle of Onyx, also known as Prison Island. 

Within this structure; past the long marble walkway, were intricately designed wrought iron benches* and lamps and a water fountain occupied its centre. 

*known as: Coalbrookdale benches

The dazzling colours from the high glass ceiling above, glittered and played upon the surface of the water, the white floor and walls, and upon the marble statues housed there, and also upon the newcomers moving on through.

Only briefly were they permitted to be in awe of the interior’s beauty, for wagons awaited them on the southern side. 

Along with all their belongings, new and returning officers made way toward the courtyard; the centre of the Prison facility.

**

**

Impressively high and wide the stone walls stretched.  As the wagons approached, its massive northern gate greeted them already open and soon, all were in the island’s main courtyard. 

Circular and at the centre of everything, it buzzed with activity from officers who were either on duty, changing shifts or otherwise. 

It is here that Violet and the other officers all piled out. And as she disembarked, quite bewildered with her many bags, an enthusiastic voice called as he hastily walked towards her

-- Hey, Vi! 

Tall and slender with sky blue hair, a young male officer in military garb waved frantically. 

-- Vi! 

Violet: Simon! …You’re here?! 

She greeted him, failing to resist the urge to embrace him tightly; his lanky frame easily huggable. And though younger, he was a head taller than his cousin. This height difference however, didn’t prevent Violet from affectionately pinching his flushed cheek.

Simon: Please, Vi. I’m an Officer now

He pleaded while removing Violet’s hands 

Violet: I was worried that I wouldn’t know anyone here

Simon: What d’you mean? I wrote you some time ago

She shook her head and managed only to say

Violet: I-

Simon: Nevermind. I heard that you were coming today, so I came to meet you!

Though already having her suspicions, she asked

Violet: You heard? From whom? 

Simon: What d’you mean, ‘from whom’? From Commander R-

-- WRIGHT! 

Simon: …?!

-- WRIGHT!!

In the distance, Violet observed a Commander; no, a Captain, arms akimbo, screaming in their direction. 

While Simon attempted in making himself smaller, flinching at the sound of his name being bellowed behind him, he said to her with upturned brows 

Simon: Hey, I gotta go… 

Violet: Oh! 

Simon: It’s fine. We’ll talk later, yea? You’re gonna want to assume your assignment at Administration…

Off behind her, he pointed and said

Simon: …First two lefts and then a right 

He said all this while walking away backwards.

Violet: Oh! Uh- all right. Thank you! 

Hurriedly she waved him goodbye. And from where she stood, Violet easily heard the Commanding Officer as he berated Simon 

-- WRIGHT! WHY AREN’T YOU AT YOUR POST?!!

She smiled painfully at the scene, before picking up her bags and trudging off.

The familiar smell of ink and parchment gave Violet a reassuring feeling, calming her anxious thoughts as she stood at the registration counter. 

Having given over her assignment letter and identification papers to the male officer stationed there, he now questioned with a listless expression

Male Officer: Name?

Violet:  Violet St. Hill

While he perused the letter he began to; in a low register at first, laugh to himself

Male Officer: Hahaha! hehh…Assigned to the infamous prison Tower A. 

As the officer continued to chuckle, he scribbled something on that same parchment and placed the letter into a tray of other similar letters behind him.

Anxiety crept back in.

Now Violet began to wonder what was wrong at Tower A and as to why the officer was laughing but she dared not to ask.

From a shelving marked ‘A’ he then took a sheet of parchment and proceeded to; seemingly without a single breath taken, convey to her instructions.

Male Officer: Here’s a copy of your current schedule. Where it’s blank, that’s when your assigned shift is. Your first shift is tomorrow at 0600 and as you may or may not be aware, the  shifts are twelve hours long. You are to sign in when you arrive there. Only lunch will be provided for both you and the prisoner-

Violet: Prisoner? There is- there is only one?

Violet tentatively asked, interrupting the officer’s monotonous flow of instructions. His eyes narrowed and he answered tersely

Male Officer: Yes. 

Violet: ….

Male Officer: Tower A has but only one. And on that note- you are not permitted to speak with the prisoner at any time, the latches and locks on the prison and cell doors are to remain fastened at all times and if for any reason that there should be an emergency on the island or on your compound, you are to remain… remain at your post until given further instructions from a Commanding Officer. 

Here are your papers and dormitory room key, the floor and room number are all on the schedule…

To himself he asked.. 

Male Officer: …Have I forgotten anything? 

..and replied

Male Officer: Hmm- No, it seems not

Then addressing her, asked

Male Officer: Any questions?

Admittedly a little flustered by the detailed instructions hastily dispensed at her, however, she shook her head and replied

Violet:  Uh..none at the moment

Male Officer: Great! Good luck.

Violet: ….thank you

**

Where were the female dormitories?

A perfectly good question. But now Violet stood alone at the entrance and not wanting to return to ask, she decided to wander the labyrinthian roadways until she found it. 

For some time she roamed about confidently with her heavy bags, now however, Violet was certain she was lost and far from her destination. And as she stood in visible confusion, a male voice unexpectedly came from behind saying

-- You appear quite lost..

Violet: …?  

 -- Allow me to offer you my assistance, mademoiselle?

Yellowed by the sun but fair in complexion, a tall, well-built male officer with soft pink hair and blue eyes asked. 

Violet: I would greatly appreciate it. I’m searching for the dormitories? 

-- Oh, the female dormitory. It is not far from here. I can show you the way

Violet: Thank you so very much

-- You are very much welcome. Here-

Offering to take her luggage, he smilingly stretched forth his hand and said

-- …Allow me 

Violet: Uh, thank you 

And with that, both trudged on, the gentleman leading the way introducing himself saying

-- The name is Officer Strauss. But I insist you address me simply by ‘Justin’. 

Violet: Oh. …very well.

Justin: And may I ask the name of the lovely officer I am assisting?

Violet: Uh…Violet- Officer St. Hill.

Justin: Lady Violet..

Violet: …

Justin: ..her beauty is as enchanting as the flower itself

Violet: ….

Justin: And as we are now acquainted, I would like to express how eloquent and lovely your speech is to the ear. Lovely as the morning dove, if not indeed much lovelier. And your gait…

Violet, in remaining silent, chose instead to smile while her guide continued to furnish her with undeserved lavish compliments and praises.

It continued on this way for a while, followed by questions to which she answered at first but then became much too personal and intrusive. Eventually, he began to share his own personal historic accomplishments instead. 

She nodded and smiled all the while but then they made a turn and before her stretched a long grey building behind an iron fence and wide gate.

Returning her luggage, Officer Strauss placed her bags down and stated

Justin: Well…here you are. You’ve arrived safely

Violet: …

Justin: However, I must apologise.. 

Violet: ….?

Justin: ..As I am not allowed to go any further with you.

Violet: Oh, is that so?

Justin: Yes, I am afraid so. My apologies

Though not the apology she anticipated, Violet; much relieved, replied 

Violet: It’s quite all right. You have borne it this far- I thank you

Justin: But, should you ever require my assistance again or anything at all..anything- Feel free to ask and I shall gladly provide my services, Lady Violet

Violet: Uh,..sure.

**

**

[Later that same day]

*

[Evening]

Simon: Ugh! Of course you met Strauss, that asshole! Always pestering the few female officers we have here. Buzzing around their dormitory. The gross slimy lecher! 

Violet: ….

Simon: I knew I should’ve helped you with your luggage!

Violet: But did you not get into trouble with your Commander for leaving your post to meet with me?

Simon: I did..but I mean, I'm not afraid of Captain Maynard, it would’ve been worth it.

Admiring her cousin, Violet smiled appreciatively. 

They met after Simon’s shift ended that afternoon and casually strolled around the maze-like compound as was his advice in order to familiarise herself with the layout.

Smiling slyly, Simon asked with a brief touch of his nose 

Simon: So, what’s your assignment? 

And added in a sing songy voice

Simon: …Though I know of it already

Violet: Tower A at 0600. And how exactly did you find out that I was arriving today?

Simon: Your friend told me

Violet: Friend? What friend? 

Simon gave no answer and instead teased playfully by laughing to himself 

Violet: What friend, Simon? And would you stop laughing… 

Simon: Hey!

Violet: …and being so mysterious?!

Simon: Hey- hey! Very w-, fine! …the Chief Commander told me himself..

Violet: …

It was an expected answer, for she already knew. 

Observing the confused and vexed look on Violet’s face was Simon. And gradually his cherry countenance fell and he became concerned.

Simon: Your- William told me..

He said cautiously.

Violet though, felt his eyes upon her as he added 

Simon: ..Uhm, I am only guessing here, but am I correct in saying that you didn’t know he personally requested for you? 

Violet: ….

Simon: …For this assignment? Vi?

Violet: ….

Simon: I was certain he told you. Aren’t you both….you know? 

He said smilingly, wiggling his ring finger.

Simon: I mean everyone knows. What d’you both speak about? 

He then gasped loudly, startling Violet before suggestively questioning

Simon: Or is there no time for such when you’re together?

To his question, she gave no reply and instead stated

Violet: I- We forswore that arrangement about two years ago.

Simon: …? Two years!? There is certainly no way that Aunty would have allowed-

Violet: …

Simon: ..uhm, I’m sorry. If I had known, I wouldn’t have brought it up

Violet: I’m fine...it’s- it’s all right

Just then, a sudden realisation came to him and he gasped loudly again and Violet stared up at him and asked

Violet: What is it now?

Simon: Perhaps, he plans on using me.. 

Violet: Simon..

Simon: ..in order to reconcile things with you! 

But with a determined expression, he then declared

Simon: But I shall not let that happen!

His voice gentle and zeal having subsided somewhat, he asked 

Simon: Uhm…may I ask what happened between you both?

Violet: You may..

And with a frown, she added

Violet: …but I do not wish to recount them at this moment. Let us talk about something else. Anything else, please.

Simon: Certainly!

More than happy to do so, Simon piped up and eyes aglow and with much enthusiasm, questioned

Simon: By the by, that lone prisoner at Tower A, did you know he killed over a hundred Officers with his bare hands?!

➵