I'm still loyal, he wants to say, I'm still His --

The words choke him, lodging somewhere deep in his throat, and all he can do is stare after her in silent desperation as she walks away, as the distant door to the Security office opens and shuts again.



Slowly he sinks to the floor, leaning one shoulder against the transparent barrier, clinging wretchedly to the steel rings in his cuffs as though they're his only hope of forgiveness.

Please, he whispers almost soundlessly, I'm sorry, please.