by LC Morgans
“They’ve given you a tremendous gift, Kyra. Ask yourself why? Slaves aren’t always forced. They can be bought too. They need humans, you just need to figure out why,” the first answered. The two zombies stumbled away, and Kyra was allowed just a moments peace before two more took their place.
“Look at you, Kyra. Look at what you're letting them do to you, and how much you care for those disgusting creatures. After what they did to us, how can you bear to serve these aliens?” her mother asked, and Kyra couldn't answer. She felt like she was about to explode with heat and the pain suddenly radiating from inside her chest. It made her choke and gulp deep lungful’s of air, and she prayed for respite that didn’t want to come.
“You can’t even answer us, I always knew you'd be nothing but a disappointment,” her father sneered, while Kyra gasped for air and they simply continued to stare. She wondered if they were there to watch her die, and then their sinister smiles confirmed it. They wanted to see their foolish girl perish thanks to her own stupidity, and she screamed with rage.
The bed then felt like it was shaking so hard she might fall off, but when her hands and ankles were strapped to it using the belts either side, she quickly realized it was her shaking, not the bed. Her nurse was working franticly, and all Kyra could do was watch. It was then she knew she must be dying, because she was no longer watching from atop the bed, but above it completely. She was floating higher and higher, and felt nothing but freedom. No fear or desperation filled her heart, she was simply gone, and when she watched the nurse stab a huge needle through her chest, the pain didn’t even register.
She wanted to tell her to stop. There was no need to worry, she was fine and would be gone soon, but her nurse kept going. The electric shock was the first thing to register, and Kyra’s cerebral form was suddenly sucked downwards. The second burst of electricity sent her crashing back into her body, and with it came pain, sickness and regret.
Kyra coughed and sputtered, and each breath was agony to lungs that’d seemingly closed during her temporary holiday. Gritty eyes peeled open, but only long enough to register the relief on her nurse’s face before she fell into a deep sleep. This time there were no dreams waiting for her, or even a comprehension of time passing—just bittersweet emptiness.
***
Birds were singing somewhere, and the sound eventually pulled Kyra from her slumber. Her window was open, and the sound of chirping was so loud she was sure one must’ve come inside, but when she opened her eyes and took a look around, there weren’t any to be found.
“You’re awake,” the nurse said, and Kyra turned her head to find the soft voice she now knew so well.
“So it seems,” she had to whisper because of her dry throat. “Is he back yet?” she asked, and the nurse seemed to know she was asking after Thrayke.
“He did return, but was called away again I’m afraid. He’ll be back in a few days, so you’ve got plenty of time to rest,” she answered, and Kyra forced her weary muscles to move so she could sit up.
“He came back?” she asked, confused that he’d left again. She took a long drink of the water offered to her, and her body seemed to absorb and use it to heal and restore her vitality right away. Within seconds she felt better, and wondered if these were the kinds of changes she’d have to get used to now that she was on the other side of her treatment.
“Yes. You almost died, Kyra. Since then you’ve been asleep, and it’s been almost six days.”
“I guess that explains it,” she answered, trying not to let it worry her that she’d been effectively comatose for almost a week.
“Explains what?” the nurse asked, and her eyes widened. “You remember?” Kyra nodded, and downed more water. She didn’t want to go into detail about what she’d seen or felt towards the end of the treatment, in fact the entire week or so she’d been receiving it was one she’d happily forget entirely if she could.
With every passing minute she felt stronger, and was determined to get back up and running as soon as possible. Kyra slid to the edge of the bed and got ready to test her legs. She’d been bedbound the entire time, and while she no longer felt weak, she was sure she’d at least wobble on her first try. Surprisingly, her body was not only strong and ready to be used again, but she felt better by the second.
A shower and some fresh fruit was the next saving grace, and before she knew it her natural strength and muscle tone was back, and then some. Kyra’s memory was also improving, as was her basic cognitive function. That afternoon another scientist came to her room and ran some tests on her, and she scored far higher than she had previously in even the basic skills and practices.
As far as she was aware, the treatment was a success, and she couldn't wait for Thrayke to return so she could show him the results.
The next morning, Kyra awoke to blissful silence and welcome solitude. After having her nurse nearby through the thick and thin of the treatment, she was grateful to be by herself again at last. She decided a walk was in order, and got dressed in fresh combats and a vest she found in one of the drawers. Renewed strength radiated from within already, and Kyra silently thanked her body for accepting Thrayke’s gift. She knew he’d been responsible for bumping her to the top of the list for the treatment, and wondered how long she might have added to her once so short lifespan.
She tried the patio style door, hoping to go out and enjoy the sunshine, but it was locked, so instead she took off out the main door and down a long corridor. Kyra passed room after room, and all of them were empty. She wondered when or if they would be filled with other humans having the same treatment she’d had, but also considered how they wouldn’t want to give this scientific advancement to just anybody. After a while, she tried another door, and felt an icy chill run down her spine the second she stepped inside. A curtain was drawn around the end bed, but she noticed a figure lying there, and had to see. When she rounded the white screen, she wished she hadn’t. A dead man was lying on the bed, and his cadaver was in the middle of what looked like a post-mortem examination. Many of his organs were lying in dishes on a table to the opposite side, and his body laid open and bloody right before her eyes. Kyra’s hand flew to her mouth, but she couldn't take her eyes off him. Even in her shock, she was fascinated by what she’d found, and grabbed the chart that was lying by his blue feet.
“Colonel Summers, treatment successful,” she murmured as she read his information aloud. “If your treatment was successful, why are you dead, Colonel?”
“Curious little lady, aren’t you?” a deep voice asked from the doorway, and Kyra turned to see the same scientist she’d had a number of run-ins with standing in the doorway. “I see you’ve met Colonel Summers.”
“What’s the meaning of this?” she asked, and threw down the chart as the huge Thrak approached. She peered up into his eyes with as much strength as she could muster. “Lorde Greegis, I’d like to know what happened to this man,” she demanded, and he scowled down at her.
“I killed him,” was his answer, and there wasn’t even a flicker of guilt on his face when he said it, in fact she was sure she caught a smile curling at his lips. He grabbed Kyra roughly and twisted one arm behind her back as he turned her to face the dead body again. There was no way she could fight him, even with her renewed strength, so she gave in to his hold. Fear flared in her belly, and it sent her mind going over the various ways in which she might try and out-maneuver her powerful foe if he turned nasty, and she cursed her smaller size and human weaknesses.
Greegis pressed his mouth to her ear, and she shuddered as his breath fluttered along her face and neck. “Even when the trials are successful, we still like to dissect our subjects to make sure we know the full extent of this serum. We can’t let you all walk away with power, health and added longevity, while you give us nothing back in return. This is a research facility, General. We procure test subjects and monitor the effects of the serum for analysis—before, during and after the treatment is complete. His organs will be tested
and stored, as would yours if the Besieger hadn’t forbidden it.” He spoke the awful promise so slowly and eloquently it seemed even more sinister, and she shuddered.
Kyra writhed and tried to pull herself out of Greegis’ hold. She hated how tightly he held her, and his words felt like ice cutting deep, dripping glaciers down her spine. The sheer thought that the trial subjects had thus far been used as nothing more than lab-rats made her want to vomit, and she was desperate to get away from both the body of her fellow candidate and Lorde Greegis as soon as possible.
“I’ll tell him if you hurt me,” she tried to threaten, but his laugh stopped her from saying anything more. Greegis threw Kyra down onto the ground and held her there without even breaking a sweat. He still held her wrist tightly, and started twisting. He didn’t stop when the ligament tore, and he didn’t stop when she screamed and begged him to. Only when a loud crack echoed through the vast room did he let go, and he stood over her with a threatening smile while Kyra curled into a ball and cradled her already rapidly swelling wrist.
“Tell Thrayke, see if I care. This is my facility, and I promised I wouldn’t kill you—nothing else. I suggest you get out of my sight before I break the other one, and stay in your room until he comes for you. If I catch you snooping around again, I’ll make sure you happen upon another accident.” Kyra didn’t even look back. She forced her legs to carry her out and back down the hall. When she made it to her room, and the bathroom, she puked up everything her tense stomach had tried desperately to keep inside. The pain in her wrist was excruciating, and the broken hand lay limp by the basin while she struggled to pull herself together. Shock and terror held her captive in her trembling body, and she could barely breathe, let alone move from her position on the floor. After what felt like hours spent curled around the toilet, she managed to stand, and cleaned herself up before climbing into bed.
The pain was miraculously easing already, and she inspected her wrist, expecting to find a completely useless limb that’d take weeks to heal. Instead, the bones were already beginning to fuse back together. The swelling had gone down, and the bruises were clearing. She fell into an exhausted sleep while her new and improved body continued to work its magic, and when she awoke, Thrayke’s smiling face eased every one of her fears and doubts. She didn’t care if he’d known the truth all along about what was going on in this facility, he’d kept her away from the same fate as the other subjects, and she would be eternally grateful.
“Hey sleepyhead,” he said, and took her hand in his. Kyra was glad it was her good hand, and sat up so she could properly greet him. When she moved the broken wrist, she was surprised to find there wasn’t any pain, and looked down at it in surprise. It was completely healed, and she bet Lorde Greegis would’ve known that when he’d done it. She’d never doubted his intellect, but this display of cunning wickedness made anger flare from within. There was nothing to show Thrayke, no injury or even a simple bruise or weakness. Greegis had known she’d have no proof to show her powerful friend of her mistreatment while recuperating in the facility.
“Hey yourself,” she replied, forcing her angst away. It was no use clinging to her hatred of the evil scientist, so she forced her fears away in preference of focusing on the good and not the bad. “I hope you’re here to take me home?” He seemed surprised by her forwardness, but Kyra wanted out of this facility as soon as possible, so would do whatever it took to ensure Thrayke didn’t leave without her again.
“I need to check your charts first, but if Greegis gives you the all-clear, we’ll be back in The Tower by nightfall.” He kissed the palm of her hand, and then leaned into her. “I’m glad you made it through. I could tell the treatment was hard on you, but you did it. You’re one of the first humans to have had the serum, and it’s a secret project. When we return you’re to say you were deployed to another area temporarily.”
“Anything you say, boss,” she replied playfully, and was happy to go along with whatever story he wanted if it kept them both safe from others like Greegis. Kyra wanted him to see how well she was feeling, even if she had to fake it a little, and it seemed to be working. Thrayke grinned broadly and helped her up off the bed. He looked her up and down, as though making sure she was still whole, but also seemingly checking to see if he could spot the improvements. She wouldn’t tell him how she’d discovered the extra healing abilities already, so simply strutted her way over to the bathroom to brush her teeth and hair so he could see for himself that she was capable of going about her business without any help.
Kyra stared at her reflection in the mirror, and was surprised how well she looked, considering only hours before she’d uncovered some terrible truths about her serum and its inventor. Her skin was bright, as were her eyes and teeth. Her dark hair was shiny and smooth, with just the right amount of volume. She’d kept her short bob, and loved how easy it was to take care of. A quick stroke of the brush and it was good to go, and she followed it with her usual routine of moisturizer and a little mascara. It was then that Kyra realized she hadn’t worn her glasses in days. The case lay on the counter by her toiletries, and she left it there. If the serum had corrected her eyesight, then it was just another reason why it'd been worth it, so she would happily get used to having benefits such as perfect skin, hair and vision.
When she was ready, she walked back out to meet Thrayke and took his hands in hers, before climbing up onto her tiptoes to kiss him. He seemed impressed, and kissed her back passionately. “Did you notice I’m not wearing my glasses?” she asked him, and he nodded.
“Yep. I like Kyra-two-point-oh very much, even her ass is cuter,” he teased, and she giggled. “Let’s get some air,” Thrayke then offered, and he led her over to the huge glass door. She went to tell him it was locked, but they opened without any issue, and she wordlessly cursed Greegis again for his successful game playing. Kyra wondered if he’d led her out through the corridor on purpose, and thought that maybe he’d wanted her to find Colonel Summers’ body. Perhaps it was his sick way of ensuring she truly knew her life had been spared by her friend in high places, and still only with Greegis’ permission.
They walked out into the sunny garden, and she tilted her face upwards to let the rays warm her skin. Kyra closed her eyes and let Thrayke lead her, completely trusting him to keep her safe, and they slowly wandered a few feet into the meadow. His words from before her treatment returned, and Kyra found herself thinking about the promises he’d made.
“You did all of this for me, Thrayke, but you don’t love me, or want a future with me?” He came to a stop and sat down on the lush grass. Kyra joined him, and then followed suit when he leaned back and stared up into the clouds thoughtfully.
“I’ve never been in love, Kyra. I’ve had relationships, but they’ve never lasted more than a few months, so I’ve gotten used to being alone. You’re the first woman I’ve worked with that I’ve developed feelings for, and I love that we’ve let ourselves move slowly, but I can’t envision us going further than where we are now.” He let out a deep sigh. “Modern-day Thraks simply don’t fall for humans. In fact, many of us make fun of those who came here centuries ago and fell in love with their concubines. I’m not ashamed to be with you, but I don’t know if I can offer you more…”
“It’s okay,” she answered, and climbed into his arms. Kyra loved that he wrapped himself around her tightly, and let herself relax in his hold. It was a welcome relief to let the rest of the world fall away for a few minutes, and she listened to the thundering heartbeat hammering in his chest. “I don’t know if I want more either, so let’s just have fun and see where this world takes us. Thanks to you I have a long life ahead of me as well, so there’s no need to rush. How old are you anyway?” she had to ask, and peered into his face, taking him in. Thrayke had just a few winkled lines on his face, and a tiny sprinkling of silver to his dark blonde hair. He was freshly shaven as always, and smelled of lavender and bergamot, or perhaps it was the garden, she couldn't be sure.
&
nbsp; “I’m three hundred and twenty,” he answered, and ran his hand over her cheek into her hair. His piercing blue eyes bore into hers, and she was instantly mesmerized.
“You look older,” she teased, and loved the grin he gave her in response.
“It’s called ‘war-hardened,’ but you’d know nothing about that, you’re just a baby,” he joked in response, and Kyra pouted.
“Did you have wars on Thrakor? I didn’t think it was volatile there?”
“It’s not, but the other planets we’ve colonized weren’t always so easy to conquer as Earth.” He shrugged unapologetically when she slapped him on the arm, and she had to admit it must've been relatively easy on Invasion Day. “I’ve served King Kronus for fifty years, but before that I was assigned to his father’s Guard Service, and was on the first wave of harbingers each time we took a planet for the Princes or Princesses to rule.”
“I guess it was a welcome relief when you were offered the role of Besieger? How many siblings does King Kronus have anyway?” she asked, and was glad he was being so open about his monarchs and their history.
“Sixteen. He’s the youngest, so yes. To be allowed to settle here permanently was a reward for my service. Seeking out and crushing the rebels brings me a joy I can’t even begin to express. We are a reasonable and peaceful race, but we’re also predatory. Hunting is a serious sport on Thrakor, and when we’re wronged—there’s no mercy.” His expression turned wistful, and Kyra guessed he must have been relishing in some memory she couldn't quite understand the joy of, but hoped his hunting instincts might be something she could come to appreciate.
She was proud of her work with the Intelligence Division, but hadn’t had to fight or kill in the line of duty, and didn’t want to. Kyra still felt guilty at having those two rebel’s deaths on her soul, and wondered if she’d ever be able to forgive herself for that loss of human life. No matter the pride in her work or the knowledge that she’d been right to stop them, it was all still a bittersweet victory. Whereas for Thrayke, guilt seemed like it wasn’t even a factor, and she actually envied him for it.
