Jessica is back on stage. She moves in quickly, running her hands over duckie’s body, checking him over. She talks quietly to Madam, giving her report.

Madam nods, then gives a short order to the other subs. They move fast, unbuckling the restraints, undoing the spreader bar, and freeing duckie from the standing position.

For the first time in what feels like forever, he isn’t stretched out. He shifts slightly, rolling his shoulders, testing his limbs, but there’s no rest.

They are already moving him again.