A Slave's Tale

I often wonder how things could be different. Not in the 'Well what if I took the road less traveled' sort of way. I more mean that I wonder what would have happened if Earth hadn't been demolished in 2042. Ok not entirely demolished. Damn close though. My personal fate was sealed long before I was even a glint in my fathers eye. I was born a slave on a planet far from the old world. It's not so bad really. Except in the winter. Skimpy outfits and the harsh winds don't mix well. I'm one of the luckier ones. I don't belong to the royalty. I shudder at the thought honestly. They treat their slaves, like, well, animals. My family is more lenient than that. I've been permitted the chance to learn to read and write. I'm incredibly grateful. Writing is such a release. It also offers me the chance to entertain the wife and husband. They like my stories. They said no Alterian has half the imagination I do. It makes me smile. I'm usually given the freedom to go for a unsupervised walk if my performance or writings are particularly good. Now with the two suns high in the summer, it's a treat to go out on a muggy night.

“Sali?” A soft voice peeks around the corner of my doorway. It's their youngest daughter, Terchia. She's probably the most captive of all of the audiences I could ever ask for.

“Terchia, you should be asleep...” I smile and get up, walking over to pick her up. Her four arms extend up at me, though she's not smiling back. “What's wrong sweetheart?”

“There's noise upstairs.” She said and clung to me, shaking. My eyes fluttered in bewilderment. I heard nothing. I stroked her hair and shifted her onto my hip, assuring her nothing was wrong. Her hands went to cover her ears and I looked around trying to figure out exactly what was happening. Nothing was going on. The house was silent. A guard stood by the door, leading outside.

“Excuse me...” I said keeping my head low as I approached. No response. Not wholly unusual. I looked to Terchia and then finally up to the guard. His eyes were rolled back in his head, blood pouring out his ears. I gasped and covered the girls eyes, taking a step back.

“Please...” Terchia was crying. I nodded and held her head close to my chest, taking a couple steps backwards and running back towards my room. I closed the door behind me and placed the girl down on my bed. The noise didn't seem to bother her as much down here. I knelt down in front of the girl searching her eyes for something, anything that could tell me what was going on. All I could see was fear however. Fear of what? This noise; whatever it was. Her hands moved from her ears after a moment and she looked around the room, seeming to calm down. “It stopped...” She relaxed a bit and pushed herself forward into my lap, off of the bed. Whatever it was, I didn't trust leaving her alone for the night.

“Why don't we have a sleepover tonight?” It wasn't the first time she had stayed with me, but quite honestly, if the guards were any indication of life elsewhere in the palace, I wanted nothing of the outside world for poor little Terchia.

“Ohh! Can we? Will Mommy be upset?”

“Nope, I asked her earlier if it would be ok.” I lied but I knew it would make her feel better and actually let her sleep. I just hoped her parents would be alive so they could be angry in the morning.

“Wow... you're smart. You think ahead a lot.” She grinned and hopped back into my bed, diving under the covers. “Can you tell me a story?” I couldn't help but smile at the request. It was a sign she was relaxed and I couldn't ask for anything more in the moment.

“Of course. Do you want me to tell you about where I'm from?”

“Yeah! Tell me about Earth!”

“Ok... Once upon a time...”

[to be continued]

Exercise for G&L: Conversation with George

Me: Hey hun, what's up? Haven't seen you in a while.

George: Yeah. Up? Up would be the hull, darlin. You really should stop asking dumb questions like that.

M: Ah yes. And now I remember why I don't talk to you for months at a time. :-P

G: Hahaha, sorry Jessi.

M: Who do you think you're kidding? No you're not... Any-who.

G: Yeah

M: So how are things going?

George is idle 22:34:10
George is available 22:36:25

G:Sorry. Had to take a call.

M: Anybody good?

G: Nah... Just an Alliance call. How are things with you?

M: The Alliance is after you again?

G: trying to change subjects here...

M: :-p Not working this time buddy.

M: You told me you were through working for them though

G: I'm not. Sometime when i'm in your galaxy we'll have a drink and we'll catch up. You know. Not over chat.

M: Fine. I'm not leaving this alone though. You're off the hook for now...

G: Thank you.

M: So...

G: Things with you?

M: Boring. :-p

G: Details?

M: Nah. Rather not. Had an embarrassing couple of nights. Worth repeating over drinks when you're back in the Milky Way. :-p

G: You really want to know about the Alliance crap?

M: Yes. I'm worried about you. :-/

G: well that makes two of us.

M: Having the episodes again?

G: Yes. The voice is getting harder to ignore.

M: You'll make it through. You're stronger than it.

G: Yeah. Right.

M: Oh c'mon George. You can do this.

G: I had help last time, remember?

M: Oh no this isn't about her again is it?

G: Look I know you're going to read me the riot act. 'She was bad for you, look at how often you broke each other? Look at how often you ended up sleeping on a couch because of her'

M: No. I'm not.

G: What?

M: I'm not. I've worn out my vocabulary trying to get you to move on or at least forget. What you do from here is your own damned issue. I'm tired of trying to fix you.

G: hahaha and you wonder why therapists run from sessions with me?

M: Really though George.

G: Fine. She did help me through these though.

M: Yeah by sparring with you.

G: That and the rough sex.

M: … I really didn't need that mental image thanks, ass.

G: There were in fact -2- asses involved. ;)

M: ew. Just ew.

G: Oh please you know you like my ass. It's 'toight' lmfao

M: Yeah ok. You know that's my weakness baby. **rolls eyes**

G: hahaha

M: Regardless what's all this shit about the alliance?

G: They're keeping tabs on me. Just dropped me off near an abandoned outpost in the Dagoba system

M: ...Really?

G: You love it.

M: Yeah on that note...

G: It was good talking to you Jess. Take care ok?

M: It was good talking to you too.

G:Oh and you get a bad date or something and you know how to threaten them properly right?

M: Knee em in the balls?

G: Just tell them you have a crazy ex-Alliance assassin at your beck and call that left their moral code at the door.

M: I'm sure that will go over -real- well.

G: It's not supposed to! It's a threat.

M: Good night George.

G: Good morning, starshine.

Frontiers of the Mind Pt. 3 : A Surpise Encounter

It had been days since the ship had taken me aboard to bring me to my mission point. I stood quietly in the galley looking out over the vastness of the black, star speckled abyss. The scotch in my glass was some sort of fake, though the barkeep insisted it was the genuine product. I shook my head and looked over my shoulder. The room seemed to fade to black for a moment. I held my head in my hand and reopened my eyes, scotch now spilled on the floor about 20 ft behind me. I groaned, resetting my jaw, as I came to the realization someone had just punched me. I growled and turned to look at who had done it. A drunk upstart in a uniform betraying him to the Alliance. My vision flooded with red as I stepped forward and my fist connected to the kids stomach, doubling him over. A guard jogged forward as I stood still, forcing the monster in me to recoil back to the depths of my brain.

Gustav's office was starting to become a cornerstone of my visit aboard his ship. I sat there with the plucky bastard that started the whole damned thing. He was giving his side of the story and I sat rolling my eyes. I barely had a bruise on me from the punch he delivered. The kid was blaming it on everything from the drinks to me looking like a professor at the academy he hated, all of it. Gustav looked like he was going to sock the kid for lying from the get go.

“Don't attack visiting officers. I thought that was a clear enough order. Aside from that, you broke about six codes of conduct at once Mr. Reiss.”

“Yes sir.” Ah this would be the part where he apologizes. I looked over at him. Instead of him looking back his eyes were fixed on Gustav, who glared over the top of his archaic reading glasses.

“Go back to your quarters. You're suspended from duty for one week. You are confined to your level.”

“Yes sir.” His voice was defiant, even in his answers. He stood, saluted and was escorted from the room. Gustav took off his glasses and rubbed his ever increasing forehead.

“You didn't start this shit did you George?”

“You think if I had started it, he would have been able to walk away?” I rolled my eyes and let them land back on Gustav. He smirked and let an exasperated laugh escape for a split second.

“Captain, alien vessel approaching to our starboard.”

“Never a dull moment.” Gustav sighed and stood gesturing towards the door so I could lead. The door slid open and the crew looked tense. I relaxed my shoulders as much as I could, forcing them down. I ignored most of the stares and looked at the view of the ship. The hailing frequencies were open but no one was answering. I shifted my weight and looked closer at the ship on the screen.

“Fuck.” I whispered and it was already too late. On the bridge stood four armored soldiers with blasters. My eyes widened and a fifth being joined them. She looked female though who knows. She looked around her and met everyone's gaze as one of the guards handed her a headset.

Gustav stood up a bit straighter and I frowned. This situation felt a little too familiar for my liking.

“We come in peace, strangers.” The woman said, in a polyphonic voice. I raised a brow, but managed to hoke back 'Yeah with blasters. Nice touch. How about a muffin basket next time?'. I didn't think Gussy wanted to break up another fight today.

“Peace generally doesn't come with blasters pointed at the one you're trying to convince of that.” Gustav growled. I bit my tongue so hard I could taste the copper. The woman smiled and motioned for her men to lower their weapons.

'Just kill them George...'
'No I can't.'
'They're intruders. They deserve it. You'll be hailed as a hero.'
'No.'
'Just imagine the feel of their bones racking in your hands...'
'Not the time you sadistic fuck' Thankfully the voice seemed to die down and recede to the back of my mind as I felt my vision blurring for a moment, watching the woman and her entourage. This could get messy if I wasn't careful. I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. My head turned to see my therapist and one of her attendants. They knew me too well. I turned back to the entourage of aliens. The woman eyed me.

“Keep your dog at bay will you?”

“Funny you should say that, you brought all of yours...” I sneered letting a wicked little smile take over my features. Gutav's face paled and the woman laughed.

“You're such a good little puppy aren't you? Don't worry,dear. Your time will come.” I could feel something in the back of my mind that wasn't mine. It was her voice coaxing me on. I laughed. Gustav paled as the gaze between the woman and I darkened considerably.

“Sometimes thoughts are better left unsaid.” she sneered.

“Than perhaps you should learn you place and keep your mouth shut.” I snapped and let the smile erupt into a full mad mans grin. This would be fun.

(ok normally I don't do this but i'm stuck on where to bring this next. I need suggestions because i don't want this to die off. Cast your votes or second someone else's below <3)

Dear Diary: Writing Challenge from Kit Fox

Dear Diary,
It's been a long couple of days. I've been roped into another mission with the Alliance. I know, the last time I write to you, I was vowing I would never take another mission from them.I can't turn this one down though. It fucking sucks. And not in the whiny emo-bitch-boy way. More like in the way that I may lose my mind. Even as I write this I can feel the monster's claws digging deeper into my soul. Fucked up, eh?

Anyway, so I took back up writing because my 'therapist' here on the ship, said it would help.Yeah that's the other thing. I'm now on an Alliance vessel in a room twice the size of my whole damned ship, which is sitting in their docking bay. I find myself sitting pondering what the hell happened in my life to get me here. It's bullshit and bad decisions mostly but... I can't help but think that the violent streak in me, brought it all about. I knew this part of me, even before I killed that woman. My first kill. Fuck...

Tears are a weird thing. You can cry when you're upset, cry when you're happy, and cry when there's nothing left. I'm at the nothing left point. It's fucking disgusting. The bullshit macho bravado is killing me. And the worst part is that I cant let that show. Not until I'm out in the field. Then the empty souled killer comes out. Even Angela couldn't stand me. Hell she killed for a living too. The difference is that bitch dared to have a soul through it all. She's the only one that's dared to call me on the monster in me and lived. Just barely, but she's still alive. She's probably out of the hospital by now. It's been a few weeks. To think I used to love her. Her last words to me were 'I can't believe I loved you'. Worst part... I still love her. After all the shit she's put me through...And don't think I'm the only one with anger issues. I can't tell you how many ribs of mine she broke...

So here I am. Grumbling about my life, so my therapist can tear me apart and attempt to make it all better.I don't think the empath understands that she can't just fix this. Hell she couldn't even be in the same room as me for our initial meeting. bitch broke down and started crying. And what did I do? Started laughing. And I starred at her. She's weak. The weak die last, so she'll probably out live me. Not that any of that matters.

Frontiers of the Mind Pt. 2

Some people look in the mirror and see themselves. Lately I've seen a shadow of my old self; blackened eyes, the hollows in my face deepening, the look behind my eyes...

I shook my head and cracked my neck.

"Proximity detectors indicate a ship to our starboard." The voice of Sylvia, the computer, snaps me back to reality. I look at the mirror and see my face once again, the way everyone else must see me. I look frightened and sweaty.

"Disgusting..." I mutter and turn to head out the door to the cockpit. "What have we got Sylvia?"

"Alliance vessel closing in. Destroyer class."

"Are they on an intercept course?" I raised a brow and looked at the visual. No one I had pissed off recently...

"Yes."

"Open hailing frequencies." I sigh and rub my temples, trying to rack my brain as to why the fucking intergalactic military vessel would want anything to do with me.

"This is Captain Gustav Scarbaid of the U.S.S. Intrepid." A voice rang through the small cockpit and I started laughing. Son of a bitch.I shook my head and waved at the camera.

"Ahhh Gussy. What the hell. Sure. First human contact in months and it has to be your ugly mug. What can I do for you?" I flourished and bowed, mocking his position and title. I hated the man but he did bring me enough suicide missions that I should have been dead 17 times over... at least. His face contorted into a sneer and I heard a chuckle in the background. My grin widened as I stood back up and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Adorable as always." He managed through gritted teeth.

"Just for you, baby." I winked. "Now really... What do I owe the honor of this little visit."

"The alliance could use your services." His voice was slowly retuning to normal as he straightened up in his seat. I frowned.

"Never just a 'I was concerned about you...' or anything like that."

"Quite frankly George, if I never had to see your blasted face again I'd be quite pleased."

"Awww you wound me Gussy."

"Just shut up. I'm transporting you over here. We'll discuss this in my office." The video feed cut out and i rolled my eyes. The guy used to be able to take a few pokes better than this. Asshole must have tightened up over the years. that or the stick the Alliance has shoved up there got bigger.

"Hold my calls, Sylvia" I said and stepped onto the telepad. I closed my eyes and I was on the bridge of a much nicer ship, four guns pointed at my chest. "Do you greet all of your guests so warmly? No wonder this place is the talk of the galaxy." I mused and Gustav frowned, motioning to a guard. They all stood down as I handed over my blaster. He gestured to the office off the bridge. I followed and took a seat across from him.

"Something to drink George?"

"No thanks. Foreplay was never my thing. What's going on?" I was antsy suddenly being shoved aboard a ship full of people. I could feel some sort of dark claws pulling at my brain, looking at Gustav as prey. Snap the neck, cut his tongue out, kill him quick and take over the ship... but what about the others... I shook my head and blink my eyes a couple times. Gustav looks at me incredulously and sits down, watching me closely. 'You want to see something, bitch boy?...'

"You're the only agent we've got left capable of puling off a quick assassination."

"No."

"I know your feelings on killings..."

"Then you shouldn't have brought me aboard." I stood, cracking my neck. "I told you I retired."

"Ah yes, the noble assassin gone to pasture."

"Watch your tone." I growled and turned away from him. If I looked at him any longer I was likely to kill him.

"Look. Do this and you won't have to work for quite a long time. We'll offer you a place on the ship, get you to your location and offer you counseling afterward. As it stands we have one of the best medical teams in the Alliance."

"No go. I've been through Alliance 'counseling'. I'm better off getting a good whore and talking to her." I snarled. I turned around and Gustav seemed to back down a little. 'That's right back down. Do it or I'll rip out your heart and show it to you...' "son of a bitch..." I growled. I couldn't help these damned thoughts...

"You don't really have an option George."

"How do you figure?"

"After your last outburst, you owe us. If you remember correctly, we saved you from yourself out of your last mission. Hell the Alliance shouldn't be paying you for this one at all. Never mind being offered every comfort given to officers." I pursed my lips together and looked to the floor. All I could hear was the blood in my ears, the rush of it through my veins and the steady thumping of my heart. I closed my eyes and took a couple deep breaths.

"Fine. Keep your men away from me." I said shaking my head. "But I want my blaster back."

[...to be continued]

Frontiers of the Mind Pt. 1

An out of tune G-Chord floated through the cool interior of the spaceship. I sighed, fiddling with the archaic piece of musical equipment. I smiled at the character of the Gibson and looked around me at the cold machinery, with a frown growing more prevalent on my features. It'd been 6 months since I'd seen a human settlement and the loneliness was starting to cause my mind to do unpleasant things to me.

"Approaching Alpha Epsilon Theta, George." The computer's voice was the only voice I'd heard in a long while. I stood, putting the guitar over my shoulder, and heading to the cock pit. I would call it a bridge but honestly it's barely big enough for me to pace in. I ran a hand through my hair and sat down in my worn leather chair, looking at the screen.

"Are we within visual range?"

"Yes, George. Should I open hailing frequencies?"

"Yes, audio and video please." I waited patiently. No video feed popped up but a grainy auto response popped up from the colonies computer.

"Apologies, traveler. Presently the colony is in a state that would be considered unwelcome to visitors. Please continue on." I raised my brow and leaned forward. The message popped on again and I shook my head. There was a Scyntilian Plague that spanned the system but I was hoping this colony would have been removed enough to land. I sighed. Another few days alone. I stood and walked to my room. The door quietly opened and shut behind me. I wish I was back on a planet or something where doors slammed. I was so frustrated about the loneliness.

I took off my Gibson and tossed it onto my bed, walking to my mirror. My face has changed; and more than just my facial hair. It had thinned, and my hair looked bushier. I smirked. My pale green eyes still stood out as the best feature on my face. I took a deep breath and frowned. My last moment with someone had been a bad one, yet I craved the interaction. At this point I would kill for Angela to be here, cussing me out, like the drunkard she is. I punched the counter, feeling the cheap stone crack under my fist. I grimaced and pulled my fist back, looking at the blood begin to ooze from the wound.

"George, do you-"

"Shut it Sylvia." The computers voice feed ceased and I sighed,alone again. I grabbed a towel and wiped my knuckles. The blood was the only reminder i had left that I was human.I went to my bed, and picked up my guitar. I struck the chords, softly at first, humming to myself. Her favorite song. I sang the song with a heavy heart and mind full of decay. I wouldn't be able to do this much longer...

The monster was beginning to win...

[...to be continued]