(Scott's POV)
"Wake up, you wretched souls; new buyers are here for you," a man shouted, arousing every enslaved person who had been asleep and startling others in their cages.
You might be wondering as to where Scott is or what happened to him. And the answer is, 'They jinxed it, da#n it,' he thought, recalling the chilling words exchanged by the group in the cafeteria, where he witnessed them being shackled and taken away to toil for the pirates. While some passengers have the hope of being ransomed by loved ones or associates, those without means or connections face a far darker destiny. They are sold into slavery, a fate Scott now endures, trapped in a pirate's lair or perhaps hidden away in a black market beneath a rival station or planet.
He was deep in thought when he saw women caged like them, scared, shaking with fear, and some with vacant eyes that spoke of lost hope and deep suffering. He felt a profound sorrow for them, recognizing their vulnerability in a world that exploited their very existence. They were subjected to unimaginable horrors at the hands of their captors, yet a part of him wrestled with a dark temptation to join in their plight. It was a thought that could easily be condemned, but he understood that every individual carried their own inner demons, shaped by life's harsh realities. Good people, like Scott, learned to control these beasts within, ensuring they did not overpower their humanity. He had mastered this struggle, refusing to let it consume him.
Gazing into the woman's vacant eyes, reminiscent of his roommate's from the ship that had long since vanished from this world.
He witnessed despicable individuals purchasing them, each transaction driven by their selfish desires. Though he had been trapped in this hell for nearly a month, or more, he did not know the exact time, as he remained unaware of the full extent of his time here. As every time he dared to inquire with an employee, the collar around his neck would deliver a painful shock, leaving him increasingly despondent. Just as he felt hope slipping away, a familiar knock echoed from the adjacent cage, and he instantly recognized the source.
"Ivan, is that you? What is it?" he whispered
"You're slipping, hope," a man whispered from the other side.
He was shocked by what his friend said and moments later realized how and replied, "Yeah, so you saw that, huh,"
because his friend was a genetically enhanced warrior or human, designed for brutal combat arenas and mercenary work. These modifications provided them with superior strength and agility and other things, making them formidable opponents in any confrontation.
"I see the hormones of depression you are releasing," Ivan said, and it was apparent to Scott that his friend had some kind of genetical trait that could see emotion through hormones.
Ivan and Scott meet three weeks after Scott was sold into slavery, but Scott was shocked to find a new slave who was a modified human in a weakened state. Initially, he couldn't comprehend why Ivan, a genetically enhanced human known for his strength, would be weakened, but because of it, he was being bullied by multiple smaller slaves in the showers, where they cleaned themselves to prevent illness. Scott intervened, and this act of bravery marked the beginning of their friendship.
They found solace in secret conversations, careful to avoid the painful shocks from the collars around their necks. Scott learned the reason for Ivan's weakened state: he had been bitten by a poisonous alien, one that was both owned and untamed by his former master. This master had attempted to tame the creature but failed, and in a moment of bravery, Ivan was bitten while trying to save him. Unfortunately, his master showed no concern for his injuries, leading to Ivan's sale into slavery.
As the days passed after their conversation, Scott watched in despair as Ivan's strength dwindled, his once-mighty frame becoming frail. Concerned for his friend, Scott began devising a plan to save him or at least mitigate the effects of the poison. His initial thought was to plead with the slavers, hoping to negotiate for Ivan's well-being, believing that if they recognized Ivan's value, they might be more inclined to help. He understood that many would hesitate to enrich their captors, but he clung to the hope that at least Ivan could survive.
Despite his efforts, he was met with shock and ordered to be punished for daring to think a slave could negotiate. Just before the beating commenced, he overheard the owner commend his intellect, yet refused to entertain any negotiations, deeming the antidote too rare and unworthy of a mere modified slave.
That day, the beating was so severe that Ivan believed he had succumbed to death, remaining unconscious for two days. Upon regaining consciousness, every part of his body throbbed with pain, igniting a desire for revenge, but he still thought of a way to help Ivan. What can one say about a man confined in a cage, unable to move his body, yet with a mind that roams free, plotting and entertaining thoughts within that prison?
Right then, Scott overheard the employees discussing that Ivan was on the verge of being condemned to death by the owner, all to make room for a new, fresh slave. He had to think quickly to save his friend. Fortunately, an opportunity presented itself in the form of a menacing mercenary clad in black and light armor, exuding an air of high rank. This was a double-edged sword for Scott: on one hand, high-ranking mercenaries were sought after by the wealthy, which meant this mercenary could potentially procure the antidote for Ivan. On the other hand, high-ranking mercenaries were often hired for perilous missions. If Scott could persuade him to buy their freedom, Ivan might end up as a mere meat shield, while Scott could take on a logistical role. However, the chances of that were slim, as high-ranking mercenaries typically employed their own logistics teams or were contracted by guilds. Which means he too would be a meat shield or even worse, as the presence of the mercenary suggests he harbors sinister intentions.
'What should I do? ' he pondered, weighing the risks and rewards. He yearned to take action, but without Ivan's consent, he felt paralyzed. However, that concern quickly faded as he was unexpectedly summoned and released from the cage, leaving him astonished as the owner introduced him to the mercenary.
(END OF CHAPTER)
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