"There's no such thing as a death that wasn't in vain.  If you die then you don't get to see things get better."  Jasper whispered on his way out.
***
Miria's arms remained folded as Jasper made his way towards her.  "Depends just how long are you planning to stay here?  Different inns have different expectations for guest."

"Oh.  A day, at the most.  I doubt I'll be here for anywhere near twenty four hours.  Really, I just want a place to sleep, and rest up.  I've got a busy night tonight, lot's to do."

"And this stuff y ou've got to do, is it more of the kind of stuff someone who doesn't want their neck to part from their head wouldn't want to know about?"

"The very stuff, indeed."

Miria snorted.  "Yeah.  Sure.  I know a place.  It's right on the edge of town.  Come on I'll show you."

"Lead the way Miria."  Jasper gave a small and low bow.
*****
The inn Miria led Jasper to was a cheap shanty place at the edge of town.  Which wasn't a problem.  Jasper stood over six feet, was built out of bricks, and could throw a punch without worry over breaking his wrist.  Plus, it was right next to a bar.  Which was a double edged sword. A few drinks would ease the tension he was feeling, and guilt, but if he went over he'd miss his cue and Shade would be as good as dead.  So he limited himself to a few small drinks before his nap.
***
"I don't want to get up."  Jasper stared bleary eyed up at the fan, making lazy circles over him.  Despite the pitch black night between him and it, he could see it as clear as day.  "But there's not any choice in the matter now, is there?"  With a sigh and a groan he propped himself up and shook his head.  "Damn it.  HOw did it all get to this point?"  Reflection was a no go.  The haze of alcohol made it impossible to look back.  

"Never mind.  Not important.  Time to get to work."

Jasper didn't wear his red tuxedo, despite his love for the look.  tonight he settled on all black, and kept his things in a black sack he kept on his back.

With a frown he left his room, and snuck the key under the inn's office before starting towards the prison.
*******
There weren't any guards by the door, a bad sign.  Jasper had seen enough prisons with female prisoners nearing execution to know what was going on.  What the men did when there was a bound woman in chains who wouldn't have a chance to say anything about the night's was the worst kept secret in the Navy.  

"The question is to outright kill them, or make them suffer."  Jasper clenched his feet and rushed inside.
************
The large former marine wasn't sure if the men heard him barrelling up towards Shade's cell, and he didn't care.  The only thing on his mind was letting them know they had screwed up, royal.  

The three of them stood in front of the prisoner.  They still had their pants on.  So he wasn't too late.  Without a word he hurried to the group, grabbed the young man nearest the door, and threw him across the room, burying his head deeper than the punch hole Jasper had left next to Shade.

"Now then."  Shade growled.  "I had been hoping to get through this without hurting a soldier, doing their job, but now all I want to do is hurt marines."