Chapter 3

Only then did I observe the others, like me they had also been forced to remove what they had worn. Stood as I did before these men, naked, vulnerable. Some trembled visibly, others appeared more solemn as if simply wanting this over with either way.

I had unwittingly wrapped my arms about myself, hiding what little I could from view to preserve any dignity I may have had left, noted my nipples had become erect from the frigid air only this time no heat moved to fill my face, no shame overcame me. I had reached this point and once there you become immune you might say or perhaps you simply do not care anymore.

With the small group now prepared for examination we were quickly ushered into the room from which the screams had come. We were all silent now, even my feet as I padded through the door made no sound. As if any noise from us would somehow bring forth hostility.
The room was large, sectioned off by hospital grade curtains, not the usual visually tantalising pea green but translucent white, beds could be seen in these makeshift rooms. Not beds such as you might see in a surgery but rather they were made of heavy industrial steel. Restraints were connected to each of these tables, constructed of the same durable material as the tables themselves.

My brow wrinkled then. I had seen beds prepared for the psychologically unstable, restraints to ensure safety were generally made of nothing more than leather for even the strongest human could not escape this once bound.

The measures which had been taken here were extreme, as if it was something much stronger they wished to restrain, something that wasn’t human. I shuddered then though my curiosity had also been peaked, so much that as my eyes flicked across to the small medical trays set up beside the beds no fear filled me. Despite the tools which lay there. Medical saws, vials of substances, syringes though not the plastic disposables we use these days. These were large, metal and glass, antique design yet oddly they were brand new. Gasps filled the room as others had obviously caught sight of these tools too.

I flinched then, torn from my reverie as a hand clamped around my arm. No words were spoken, I was simply guided toward one of the beds I had studied earlier. His grip was firm though I did not resist him only followed and closed my eyes as he laid me upon the table. The steel was frigid as it hit my skin and goose bumps raced through my body. Steel on steel could be heard as he opened the restraints, only to lock them a moment later. I moved my wrist slightly and felt metal encircling it. Solid, unyielding, I would not escape from this until the process was over and they decided to grant me my freedom once more.

I heard tools being moved as he prepared the tests in which I must endure. Felt the sting as the hypodermic punctured my skin but did not open my eyes. Instead I focused on the man whom I had seen earlier. The Governor who had wished to speak to me, no fear filled me, only awe at someone as powerful….as confidant as this man had been. It was then I realized I was attracted to him, felt my brow crease for this man had allowed the deaths of so many. Had unflinchingly given the order that had allowed thousands to perish yet this did not sway me, on the contrary it was almost an aphrodisiac, I felt a smile cross my lips, uncaring if the one with me saw this, hoped they did for they would know their actions did not bring forth fear, did not as with some make me tremble before them.

“Clear”

He said and this time I did open my eyes, watched as the restraints were unlocked and opened, allowing me to move them freely again. I lay there about to move when I heard the screams, terror filled them so pure that I had to wonder what could educe such pain…such fear.
I noted the doctor was speaking rapidly into some device though the conversation was blocked by the seemingly endless wailing. He replaced the device on his belt a few moments later and stood near the door, he did not indicate that I should move so I remained where I was. Shortly after I heard footsteps, heavy as if those making them wore boots. It was only then that he moved, threw me a blanket which I hastily wrapped around my form.

Chapter 2

I pushed the hair from my face, unable to remove the wide eyed wonder as I watched them, as astonished as an eight year old may be upon finding a new pony waiting for her on her birthday.
Outside devastation reigned yet here in the midst of it all lay order…people governed to perfection so not a single one failed to do the duty ordered upon him….I yearned for it too, this order, my need to have purpose, I had known it was in my genes all along hence the reason I had chosen the scientific field where answers could be sought, complications corrected.

I turned my head again upon seeing a larger crowd, glimpsed it from the corner of my eye and that’s when I first saw him, the Governor, former CEO of the corporation now ruling what little remained of civilization. It was at his hand that so many had died…so many lives torn apart at a single word from his lips.

He reeked of power, as if it came from his every pore, those surrounding him subjugated in their mannerisms, willing to do anything he asked of them. I shivered then, not in fear of this man but in awe of the absolute control he held. As if sensing my presence, my gaze as I watched him he turned his head….saying a few brief words before he strode toward the van. Inside I shrank back from his approach…eager, though I didn’t know him to be pleasing, desperate for him to notice me.

The guards who had escorted us here stood to attention as he reached the van, I turned my head as did the others…curious as to what was happening.

“Decontaminate them now, you have already put us at too much risk”

His voice was commanding yet smooth, the voice many cult leaders possessed, one able to at a single word order thousands to take their own lives.
He turned then as if to leave then paused, glancing back at the men.

“And bring Aylin to me once you are done, I wish to speak with her”

I blinked as he walked away, hands swinging casually at his sides, me…he had spoken my name but why and how did he know who I was. These thoughts along with many others raced through my mind as the van began to move again….the others remained hushed, all staring forward as we rolled up in front of two large doors, they were made of steel and glistened in the light, a keypad sat to one side, a large panel beside it suggesting you needed more than simply a code to access this area….the doors swung open for us then and we glided inside…the room was huge, shining metal and plastics predominant here, men wandered about sporting crisp white decontamination suits, their breaths misting the air as they breathed through the filters of their masks.

Crying could be heard too though this was soon interrupted by the sound of a gunshot, breaking the silence for that moment….I shivered then, not in fear of the gunshot but for myself. Someone had failed this test and had been executed. I don’t know how I knew this but I did, I looked to the front in time to see the doors slide open for the first time we had entered this van….the guards awaited us, rifles at the ready.

“OUT!”

A voice boomed then and at once we all stood, walking slowly toward the exit.

“And do not run, this would be very unwise”

He continued, his eyes met mine for the briefest of moments, in that time I saw the eyes of someone who would take any life he was told to, eyes hardened by experience and I wondered if one day I would look in the mirror and see eyes just like that staring back at me.
Time ticked by so slowly, though I was sure only a few minutes had passed it seemed as if it had been over an hour, an hour since they had lined us up. Stripped as we stood their, not only of our clothing but more, so much more that this.

The door to the decontamination unit opened with the whoosh of air, ten solemn faces stared at us….they had grown old during their short stay here, not biologically but mentally old, worn down they would soon harden for weakness would not be tolerated here, compliancy would be the only option.

“Move! Move it!”

The voice screamed, it came from on of those donning the hazmat suit. His voice harsh, rushed as was the movements of those within, they had passed this test but unbeknown to all of us there would be many more.

“What is this? What is the reason for this?”

I asked, finally speaking for the first time since the intrusion to my apartment. An event which now seemed it had happened perhaps weeks ago rather than….I could not remember but it had been hours for the sky had lightened indicating this.
My voice sounded odd to me, muffled due to the compressed air which filled the room, air which was filled with the scent of disinfectant, blood was also obvious to me, this and the more subtle smell of fear.

A cruel smirk moved to the lips of him whose eyes I had glimpsed and he turned his head to face me.

“We do not wish to become infected”

He nearly snarled those words, spittle formed upon his lips, further indicating his anger, his pure hatred toward these who he spoke of.

“All risk must be eliminated, the future of this colony is at stake if we do not take all precaution to prevent this”

He said, then paused…his watery eyes lingered upon my form, moved lower and I had the urge to wrap my arms about myself. For I felt vulnerable then, a hot flush ran to my face as I remembered what it is I wore, forgotten until now I glanced down to see the transparent fabric of my gown, clinging now to my thighs, sweat had dampened it as it had my hair. Usually lush it hung limp at the sides of my face, tangled, small curls draped across my eyes and I swiped these away in anger, it filled me that this man should watch me in such a way but there was little that I could do at this moment..feared antagonizing him.

“I understand this”

I finally replied, my voice meek, head bowed…as I subjugated myself before him. Inside my anger rose but I am a scientist, have studied many things, psychology amongst them, I understood the human mind, had learned to control my own because of this. Could read the secret language of the body and react accordingly when required.
He smiled then, was in his mind satisfied he’d receive no further resistance from me and I smiled though kept this hidden with the lowering of my face. A smile which soon slipped upon hearing his next words.

“Strip…..strip and remove all items from your possession, do not make any moves which may be seen as hostile. Do not attempt to run. Do not attempt to hide anything from us for we will discover it and there will be consequences.”

He said, his voice firm but calm and I only hesitated for that moment before beginning to remove that which I wore. It was little and I slid the gown over my head. Shivered as it floated to the ground, my body exposed to the frigid air, to the eyes of those surrounding me. I panted too, fear taking hold for this was the moment where my future would be decided for me. The moment when I would know if I would be allowed to live.

I hooked my thumbs inside the edge of my panties and slowly drew them down, only standing upright when they had reached my ankles. I stepped out of them, used my foot to nudge them toward the now discarded gown. Only then did I lift my head, not to observe that which happened around me but to show that they could strip me yes but they would never strip me of my pride.

Chapter 1

First there were the bombs. The threshold of a new era, one in which the world would never quiet be the same.

The screams followed soon after, the terror in those screams indescribable to me even to this day. The year was 4005, January the 5th, this I will never forget for it was the beginning of a change and one we would never be able to return from. Many of us had seen it coming, the news screamed of it daily, large corporations no longer abiding to the laws of the land. The governments corrupt yet still we walked, walking on the blood of the innocent spilled before our very eyes.

We had turned our backs, didn’t wish to acknowledge it, the war which would bring the end to all wars and now it was upon us.

Sweat coated my brow, greasy it clung to my skin along with tendrils of hair. My family lived on the east coast of Sydney, Australia or what was known as Australia back then. I however had lived in the west, not fond of people I had sought a quieter lifestyle though it came at a price as does everything in life. On this morning it hit me, my skin damp.... clammy I reached for the phone, dropping it in my urgency but finally managing to grab hold of it. I barely remember dialing their number, my mind at this moment blank. The next few minutes were perhaps the longest I had waited upon; seconds ticked by painfully, the only answer to the questions which were flooding my mind the monotonous drone of the dial tone, then, nothing.

I didn’t need further answer, they were dead, I knew this in my heart and it was all I had time to think of before I heard the second in the series of sounds, unfamiliar to the usually quiet nights, not a pleasant knocking that you may receive from your local Avon lady but large thuds as if someone were attempting to break the door down and would soon be successful.

Still in my nightgown I moved, swinging my legs over the side of the bed, smoke drifted through the window, along with hot air which caused the flimsy material of the gown to cling to my body, defensively wrapping about my thighs.The air toxic, it burned at my eyes, my lungs already restricting as if withdrawing from the sudden onslaught, tears streamed down my face and I coughed to clear my airways which were fast becoming unusable.

Rubbing my eyes I was surprised to find dark smudges upon my hands..so thick was the soot which filled the air.
Finally I stood, arms wrapped around my shoulders I moved for the stairs...wading through the fog that now filled my room, so dense it was palatable, had reached them when the gunfire started. I froze, eyes widened in the dark recesses of what had once been my sanctuary. I became aware of many noises then, the splintering of wood as my door was torn from its hinges, the scuffle of boots and finally the sound which stood out to me the most, the slow yet labored breathing one could only accomplish whilst wearing a gas-mask.

The lights hit next, blinding in there brightness I staggered, my hand grabbing for and making purchase on the banister. They were ascending now, it would only be a matter of time, expecting to be shot I turned my head to the side but instead felt a firm hand grip my shoulder.

“You, come with us” he said, I knew it was a male as were all of them present this night.
I blinked, trying to clear my vision, heat rushing to my face despite the situation, very aware that my attire was practically transparent.

“What is it, what is happening?” I asked stupidly, not sure of what else to say to these strangers, strangers who had invaded my home.

I heard quiet chuckles then as they spoke between themselves, the ringing in my ears effectively blocking out most of the conversation.

“You have not heard then” One of them said, not the same one which had spoken earlier, this voice far more deep than the previous.

“The government has fallen, the corporation has taken control, it is in your best interests to come with us” he continued, his voice was calm but the threat very evident, I gave him a nod, unsure why they had not shot me down, executed me on the spot as they had my neighbors who’s screams I heard earlier, I’d known then they had perished but had blocked this out, we must move on and sometimes, sometimes to do this we ignore that which would hurt us the most, for hurt is weakness.

How might you ask does something as simple as a corporation take absolute control? It is easy. The government of this time had become greedy, increasingly so as each day passed us and with greed comes yet further weakness, weakness which the corporation saw and grasped. With their hands in many branches it was only a matter of time before they gained full control. This corporation which was to be our new government dealt primarily in the scientific field, genetics, and biological agents. There were whispers of illegal experimentation though most chose to ignore this now it was upon us and the horrendous truth would soon be revealed.

These thoughts raced through my mind as they began to drag me from what for so long had been my home, I would never return to this place, like many things from my life they would cease to exist.

The air was thick with smoke, screams I had heard earlier now wailing, and the desolation evident as widows lay over the bodies of loved ones. Children walked the streets dazed, abandoned by parents who had not made it through the first attacks and I watched on numbness taking hold as soldiers gunned down these innocents without a second thought, shooting them down as a hunter might his game. I turned my head then, blocking it from mind and view. This is when the van came into sight, strong hands still gripped me, urging me toward it. The windows were fogged, stained with soot but even through this I could glimpse others inside, their eyes wide as they watched on, their lives for now safe but their minds would never be the same.

“Final sector is on the east side then we must transport these citizens to the holding faculty”

This voice came from the one which held me, my eyes watered and I am ashamed to say they were not tears which I shed, simply my bodies reaction the many particles in the atmosphere. The van door creaked then slid open, shoved from behind I stumbled then crawled inside. The interior was surprisingly clean, state of the art equipment was evident throughout the small van, in edition to this there were perhaps twelve others. Varying ages though none appeared to be in bad health, they appeared by their dress to be white collar workers, scientists, doctors, lawyers….this is when it hit me, they were rounding up all of who would be use to them. The others having no place in this new regime had been eliminated.

Other than the various blips the computers emitted and the crackle of the COM links the van was eerily silent, each one lost in thoughts of their own. Each one like me having lost all that they once knew. Forced to move on without a moment to adjust to what was happening to them.
I moved to the back of the van, using the seats which lined it to steady myself, I pushed the others out for now as they had most likely done to me. I sat, the seat surprisingly comfortable and leant back, a sigh escaped my lips then and I turned my head toward the window just as the van started up again.

The drive was slow, as if the ones who had brought us here were seeking out something, it was on this drive that the true devastation hit me, not as I would have expected I watched from a more distant point of view, my bodies way of protecting me from the shock maybe but I doubted it. Bodies lined the streets…scattered them, no care had been taken in eliminating these people, no pain had been spared them. Most lay unmoving, blood soaked their clothing…their hair, a few had limbs missing which I sometimes discovered laying a few meters from the corpse.

Children screamed only to be gunned down upon being spotted, their cries of desperation falling on the ears of those whose hearts were far too hardened to care. Then there were those who appeared to have some life left in them….they were not put out of their misery but were left to suffer, men resembling soldiers passed them without a glance, ignoring the wailing which escaped them as hopelessness tore through their broken bodies.
One of the men spoke again, moving my attention from the window I turned my head, squinting as I looked toward the front of the van.

“Listen up!….we are now five minutes from the compound. First procedure is decontamination, ANY who fail to comply will be terminated, do I make myself perfectly clear?”

The voice boomed through the small van and I had no chance of misunderstanding this obvious order, I gave a nod…knowing he was unable to see me. Prepared to do anything I was instructed I hoped that my fellow survivors were too for otherwise they would join the increasingly large body count…mercy was not amongst the rules of this new order.

No gasps were heard amongst the small group, neither protest nor question brought up to this command, all sat as I did, a few nodding, others not moving at all.
The voice faded then, leaving only a hush which spread throughout the van, I turned my head then and this time I did gasp….the streets had changed again, large fences built of concrete lined them and we rolled up to a checkpoint, nothing out of the ordinary here, guards holding AK’s stood to attention, checking the ID of those who drove us.

The most impressive thing however was the building which rose before us, towering over all else in the landscape which was now barren….smoke had darkened the sky, no illumination was evident here, if there had been trees they had long since perished and had been replaced by endless sand, thunder boomed in the near distance, distracting me and I lifted my eyes, watching as clouds as black as night rolled across the sky.
Cleared we moved forward, the van appearing to glide as we slid past guards, faces as pliant as stone.

Two gates swung open before us, revealing the colony within. In stark contrast to the world outside, inside it was bustling, men…women in uniforms proudly displaying the corporation logo busied themselves unloading crates, some stood rigid, rifles at hand as they prepared to shoot down anyone who may go against the strict rules enforced within.