Slipping Away

Chapter 6

A box, I was in a goddamn box. Barely big enough to hold me my hands were chained above my head, ankles chained together and then to the floor, even had one around my waist, also I wore a collar, so I couldn’t turn my head, not like I could anyway. A bit was placed in my mouth and my eyes were blindfolded. I was kept wet in their a shower would turn on every so often and drench the box in water. Well the whole top of it was open so it all poured down on me. They would somehow drop the temperature so little ice crystals would form on the bridge of my nose and I would shake till I fell asleep from exhaustion. I wasn’t fed and only drank the water that I could catch on my lips. But that gave me time to decided who was going to bite the bullet next. Decisions, decisions.

When they finally released me they had to carry me out of there I was so weak and cramped from being in there that everything was numb. Thrown over someone’s shoulder I heard them talking but couldn’t make out what they were say I just wanted to sleep. I was dumped in a cell bout a block away, they were lucky I landed on a cot.

“Have fun!” They chuckled locking up and leaving. I didn’t care and I rolled over groaning from the stiffness. Five days will do that to a person, guess that was my punishment. Better come up with a better one for next time, cause there was going to be a next time. I felt someone staring at me and I opened my eyes to see two icy pools watching me in the dark, Riddick. What are they insane? Why would they put us two together. My face must have shown what I was thinking because he answered.

“Their waiting for one of us to turn on the other, kill ‘em”

“So that’s what their up to. Well Riddick you don’t have to worry, can’t move but you could always go for it.” I joked feeling all tingly.

“Wouldn’t be challenging enough, ‘sides I don’t kill women.”

“I dunno Riddick, I think I could our give you a run for your money.”

“Thought you didn’t fight anymore, didn‘t have a reason to?”

“There always is, just took me to long to realize it. I was to late.” A tear slipped from my eye before I could catch it.

“Why you in here?” His question was point blank.

“Come on Riddick, you know probably one of the first to find out.”

“I want to hear it from you.” He growled and came to sit in front of me.

“I viciously attacked and killed my sister, father being the owner of this dump put me after for life.”

“Bullshit. Try the truth this time.” I huffed not wanting to talk about it, not wanting to remember.

“Lizzy, was 11 when she got sick, I was 14. They called it Gjsuen, a horrid disease that slowly took her away from me and I had to watch all of it. Then one day everything collapsed at once, everything fell. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I went off and killed everyone still breathing in that room. By the time I was done, I couldn’t see white anymore.” He looked pensive for a minute but then quickly snapped out of it.

“How did you feel?” His voice was cold, devoid of emotion.

“I didn’t, I didn’t feel anything.”

Wewere locked up for a couple days, not being let out to eat or anything. Didn’t bother me any, my body needed time to regroup but Riddick, I thought he was going stir crazy. He couldn’t stay still for more than five minutes, was making me insane.

“When did you get your eyes shined?” He stopped pacing and looked dead at me with a look that sent chills down my spine

“While a go, 20 menthol kools.”

“What do I look like?”

“Shades of pinks, grays, and blues, beautiful.” He purred and I had to laugh at him. The man was a mystery but I was slowly piecing the puzzle together.

“I like it.”

“Like what?”

“Your laugh, its real not forced.” He noted now lazily sitting against the wall.

“Thanks been a while since I had a reason to use it. You know Riddick you’re not as bad as you’re made out to be.”

“Yea, I’m worse.” I gave him a smile for that.

“You were in the box.” More of a statement that a question.

“Yep, you were in the west wing, solitary.” He nodded.

“Why did you protect me in the yard?” I never did thank him for that.

“I’ve seen what happened to the few women who go through this place, ain’t pretty. But to tell you the truth, dunno.”

“Well for what it’s worth, thanks.”

“Don’t waste your breath.” Grunting he got up and laid on his cot making it disappear.

“Why won’t you let anyone in?!” I was getting pissed and fast.

“Don’t need anyone, besides they end up dying anyway. Why bother?”

“Well I guess it’s a risk your not ready to take.” He turned and looked at me then a hint of a smile on his full lips. I smiled back then rolled over and fell into a much needed sleep.

When I woke it was deathly quiet could hear a pin drop, bad sign. A light thump by my head made me turn my attention on to whatever it was. It was a knife, or shiv as Riddick called them. Looked like it was just made and beautifully done. My fingers played over the blade as if it was something fragile and if I pressed to hard it would snap. Looking up all I could see was a pair of mercury eyes watching my every move.

“It’s perfect, you made this?” No answer. My hairs stood on end when he sat next to me taking the blade. Opening my palm he lightly placed the shiv in it and I wrapped my fingers around it. His hand felt hot on mine when he showed me how to use it.

“Slice, don’t poke.” Riddick was showing me the motion I should use.

“If you have to pull it use it, don’t hesitate.” He went to get up to return to the far corner of his cell but I stopped him.

“Thank you, means a lot. First guy in here who didn’t try and take advantage of me.”

“I’m no rapist, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to, been a long time.” I looked at him, honest guy, I guess a lot of women don’t go for the whole killer thing.

“But you didn’t, always in control.”

“Not always.” And with that he headed back to his corner, to do what I didn’t know.

We weren’t let out for another couple of days, at least that was my guess. I felt a lot better and felt like I could take on the day. But it was only a matter of time before I was hurt again. Hopefully, I could get out of whatever trouble I felt brewing. Riddick was moody but I just think because he was in the cell so long. Or was it he was taking my advice, letting someone in? Nah not Riddick, would he?

“Dinner time, get your killing asses up!” Some guard mumbled through the bars before unlocking it, he didn’t stick around long enough to see us come out. I was so hungry I was shaking but didn’t feel like waiting in line, haven’t stood for awhile. Turns out I didn’t have to. When Riddick and I walked in everyone looked up and if they didn’t think I was Riddick’s before they sure did now. Didn’t care as long as it kept them at bay. The line parted and we were at the front instantly getting our slop and heading to a table. I was heading over to John and them when he grabbed my arm stopping me.

“They won’t fuck with you if they know you’re mine. No one fucks with my shit and lives. Sit.” He ordered and I obeyed thinking about what he said. He started shoveling in his food and I was still lost in my own little world.

“Eat!” He commanded eyes darting around the room trying to watch everyone at the same time.

“Yes sir!” I mocked then followed his lead, digging in as well. My attention was more on the guards than anything else. Sure I wanted to rip them to pieces but as soon as I killed the first one the entire army of them would be on me leaving me cornered. Not one of my favorite positions.

“Why? Why you doing this?” I had to know.

“You impressed me, how you survived so long without even trying. Plus I get to interact with another human being who doesn’t look at me like an animal.” He slipped his goggles off looking at me and then around the hall a few more times. I could already hear the whispers starting.

I think the best part of my day was being able to go outside for a little. Being able to stretch my legs, god knows I needed it. Another thing was the guards let us loose and didn’t venture in the gates at all. We spilt up when we entered the yard, he didn’t protest so I did my own thing. John and some of his buddies were sitting on a bench near the electrical fences smoking like there was no tomorrow. But in this world, there wasn’t one.

“Heard you were in the box?” He called out as he saw me walking over.

“Yea for a while, I made it out alive though.”

“Most don’t.” And his friends agreed puffing away.

“So anything new been going on since I last talk to you?”

“No but there’s rumors going around that the warden was pissed off at the trouble your causing and is trying to come up with something to set you straight.”

“Is he now? Doesn’t shock me.”

“I see Riddick’s keeping a close eye on you.” John pointed to across the yard where he was watching us.

“Yea he doesn’t like me wandering, I’ll see you later boys.” I waved and walked away trying to figure out everything that’s been thrown my way. With no luck I headed back over to Riddick, the only place I knew I could go.

Chapter 7

A while passed before we were finally comfortable enough with each other that we could face the wall and not worry about the other shiving you. It was nice to know that. I even managed to get a laugh out of the stone faced heartless killer, I’ll never forget the sound.

No one really messed with me anymore, even the guards but I’m sure there are going to be ones with more balls than brains, cross that bridge when I get to it. But for the most part it was alright, hell I didn’t want to be here but what could I do? I had to make the best of it for now.

At least I was learning, you don’t live in a cell with Richard B. Riddick and not learn anything its almost impossible. Where I usually let my emotions get the best of me, he puts up that stone mask where nothing gets through and he’s perfectly calm the whole damn time. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to do that, my thing is shoot first ask questions later. Sounded good anyway. Another thing I learned was the man barely sleeps, I think the most I ever saw him sleep was for two hours. He’ll doze for a while but that’s it, usually I wake to find him staring at me. There’s nothing really else to do in the tiny space except sleep, talk, or make shivs. I’m trying to learn how to do that too, ain’t looking to good though. But what I find myself doing the most is remembering.

Sometimes, I’ll be dreaming and wake up thinking that it was true, my sister and son were still alive, that Lewis was with me on a tropical planet somewhere handing me cocktails. Yea its something to think about. God, my son. You have no idea how that sounds coming out of my mouth. At eighteen?! I never thought I would have been pregnant. Still I would have loved the baby to bits and done the best I could with or without Lewis. I was told at one of my examines that I couldn’t have children, that there was tissue covered what was needed to make a baby. Hell that was a shock but I wasn’t real worried about it, I was only eighteen. But apparently that was not the case. Lewis and I only made love once, just once, that was all it took.

I still remember how great it was believe it or not. Slam, the criminals, my father, nothing could take it away from me. It happened right before Liz went downhill, took a turn for the worse. She was scheduled for testing and then for a nice walk outside, which she looked forward to once a week. All I remember is sitting on the chair watching them wheel her out of the room, course I wanted to go with her but she told me to go home. Well, I didn’t listen and I must of fell asleep in the chair because when I woke the room that greeted my eyes wasn’t white. For that I smiled and clutched the blankets tighter, my clothes were gone. Sure I recognized it but I was still not fully awake. Lewis’s milk chocolate eyes and locks grabbed my attention, leaning against the doorway with a look of mischief. He was sipping coffee, but could be considered as milk for as much as he put in. Matched his skin though, a slight tan just enough to give him some color. His suit showed off his body, which was toned but no bulging muscles. Which was expected, he worked for my father.

"Where are my clothes?" I purred as he sat the cup down on a nearby table and came to stand over me.

"Not on you." He tugged on the covers and I let them go.

"Apparently." His eyes never looked down or turned away from mine. At 22, he was a little more experienced than I was, especially since it was my first time. Sitting on the bed in front of me he put my hands on his chest , letting me undress him. I took my time exploring his body with my eyes, hands, mouth. I could tell he was holding back the whole time, his touch was so warm, like a caress. I could feel how much he loved me, not many people could. Felt special. Wasn’t the prettiest woman on the block, he could have had any women he wanted, and he chose me.

"Nova, let me show you. Let me take it all away." Lewis whispered in my ear laying me down and climbing on top. He showed me love and pure bliss that night, it’ll be one I’ll remember for life. A deep voice stopped all other thoughts and suddenly I was ripped from my thoughts.

"What were you thinking about just then?" Damn I thought he was sleeping, guess not.

"The past. Don’t know why I bother though, can’t change it."

"How old are you?" What was with the twenty questions?

"Eighteen."

"Same age when I got dumped in my first Slam. Been in and out ever since."

"Do you ever wish you could do it all over again?" My voice cut through the darkness like a blade, my emotions were clawing their way to the surface.

"Yea." The thin cover on the bed rustled and he turned on side looking straight at me.

"I would have strangled myself with my umbilical cord." And I thought I was messed up! But I felt for him, wished I could take it all away. He caught it and snorted.

"Don’t." His warning clear but I couldn’t help it.

"I’m sorry Riddick, for what its worth you don’t deserve this."

"Ain’t worth shit." He grumbled and rolled over, leaving me missing his silver glare.

Only a couple hours passed and then morning approached. The cell’s door opened with a screeching halt letting us do what we wished. Riddick got up without a word, and left leaving my laying there watching his back get farther from me. I wasn’t hungry, to tired from barely getting any sleep. So I laid there listening to all the sounds that made up this place. There was no easy way around it, some weren’t so bad. The hinges of the door squeaked when moved, the heavy boots on the metal graded floor, the banging of the cell bars from the prisoners, the screams of the unlucky guys who were getting raped, the satisfied grunts of the ones taking advantage. There were a lot and nine times out of ten kept you up at night. Some you could never get use to. Like the ones where a young guy comes in, a pretty boy, and you can here him get torn apart. Then the next day you see him being carried out of a cell totally unrecognizable, lifeless. People thought life was hard that it was hell, well they haven’t seen this place. It would make anything look like fucking heaven. Not that I liked God or anything, started cursing him when she got sick. And now my son, nope never will I trust in Him again.

Ahhh I was so sick of sleeping and was starting to get antsy. Now I knew how Liz felt when she became bedridden. You could never fully understand until its happened to you. Pacing soon became my favorite thing to do while Riddick played with his shiv, looking to make more. The dark was getting to me, making me think that there were a thousand eyes watching me, but I couldn’t see them. I was losing it but wasn’t sure on how to hold onto of what little I had left. I wondered how Riddick did it, all these years, so clam. He could be chained and still be in control of the situation, always had the upper hand, always on top of the game, knew his victim’s next move while he was so unpredictable. Did he practice it? Or did it come naturally to him? Which was scarier? But whenever I had a chance at just being content there always was someone to come and fuck it up. Never failed.

"Nova, is that a look of boredom? Hmmm I think I could fix that" The warden appeared at the bars, I didn’t miss his limp though.

"Yea, I ran out of people to kill. How’s the leg?" I smiled at the anger showing on his face.

"Shut up bitch, you’ll get yours. I made sure of it." He started to walk away when he paused showing me a box he had in his hand, " Oh by the way, your son fits awfully nice in this box." Fucker! I lunged at the bars slamming my palms flat against them.

"Your lucky there’s something holding me back, but when I get out of here you know who I’m coming for first." He walked away with a steadier pace, hurrying almost, down the hall.

"Now Nova princess I thought I was the first one? Don’t tell me you changed your mind." The man who stood in front of me was the one I hated the most, the one I could kill with my bare hands, Memo Servio. Daddy dearest.

"Still are, nothing will change that. You deserve much more than a quick death, which is why I’m going to step in."

"My how’ve you changed, never did have this flare in you." He stepped closer, we’d be touching if not for the bars.

"Heard you got a special welcome, well you should of you are my daughter after all. The cons tore into you pretty good from what the warden tells me. Heard about your killing spree too. It’s addictive now isn’t it? I guess killing your sister and those poor people just wasn’t enough for you…"

"Bullshit! You scumbag you paid them off, she was sick it killed her, not me. There wasn’t even a mark on her you prick!" Furious didn’t do my feeling justice, it was way beyond that.

"You know I was thinking about giving the guards a little raise. See, they’ve been so uptight lately that they are not focusing solely on their job. That’s a big problem. So since you like being on your back so much I was thinking of passing you around. What do you think?" He laughed but suddenly stopped and looked above me. I could feel him pressing against my back, felt his breath quick and short against me neck. Yea that’s right, Riddick wasn’t to fond of rape.

"So this is the infamous Riddick, in my Slam? What an honor. Ah your little boy’s father or should I say little mutt. What did you think if you got pregnant that they would let you out? That I would help you? Ha! Stupid bitch only landed you in more shit. I hope Riddick is giving it to you hard loosen you up a bit. Have so many guards might need to play with two or three at a time. Practice makes perfect." I heard Riddick growl, didn’t sound human, he moved so he was on the side of me. But I was already in action. I reached for my shiv that he made and slashed my father across the arm. He let out a howl and came at the bars with a gun yelling all kinds of accusations. It didn’t matter if he fired or not, would of never hit me, Riddick was standing dead in front of me.

"Have to go through me, motherfucker." His shiv was out and his voice was unlike anything I ever heard. I could hear the gun slide back into its holster and I stepped out from behind him.

"I’ll see you soon princess." Memo promised disappearing somewhere in the prison.

"Shit! Damnit!" I swore loudly as I sank to the rough floor totally pissed off. Riddick knelt down in front of me brushing my untamed hair off my face.

"You didn’t have to do that. But thank you, I owe you, for everything." I was so mad that the cold from the floor numbed everything to a dull throb but I knew once I calmed down I would be freezing, shivering probably.

"You where pregnant? Not by the…" I cut him off knowing what was going to come out of his mouth.

"Yes, three months. It was my boyfriend’s. I was beaten so bad that I lost it and then I was raped. I didn’t know, I wasn’t suppose to be able to have kids, if I would have known I would have fought. I didn’t know…." My voice faltered and I broke down, tears flowing like mini waterfalls. He stood up and walked away from me not saying anything. Screeching was all I could hear but I couldn’t see what the hell he was doing. It stopped in seconds and he walked back over to me.

"Stand up." His voice was softer than he ever spoke to me before. I did as I was told and stood waiting for his next instruction. Taking my hand, he led me over to what was now a large bed. He pushed the two little cots together to make a large single bed. They were set way in the back so if anyone walked by they couldn’t see us unless they had a flashlight. I crawled in and felt my body give out . Why was he doing this? Did he feel sorry for me? Better not of, if I couldn’t for him then he sure as hell couldn’t for me. But I wasn’t going to argue not after everything that just happened.

Rolling over I was touching the wall tears still flowing. I was acting like a little kid but I didn’t know what else to do. How could I fight when I was locked in a cell? The now one cot creaked as more weight settled on it then sank as Riddick stretched out but not touching me. Just like I thought, everything seemed to leave me and I started to shiver. The tears stopped and the frustration left for the time being. But emptiness set in and with it the chills. Course the thin ratty sheets that were on it didn’t do anything but hold me down so that didn’t work. Slightly, I turned my head looking at the crazed killer everyone said he was. Did I believe it? Yes. Did I believe that he didn’t have a soul? No.

Riddick looked so peaceful just laying there, he looked totally harmless like a kitty. But I heard stories about the real panther deep down. His breaths were even and I found myself scooting over next to him ever so slowly. Heat was just radiating off him like he was an oven so why not take advantage? Soon my whole body was touching his and my head rested on his chest by the time I was done. Still he didn’t move, his breathing stayed the same the entire time. Course my eyes had to roam his body that looked like it was chiseled from stone. The black tank was tight and showed off what was under it quite nicely. I got a little carried away when my finger trailed down his chest to his abs loving how he felt under my touch. I thought I felt him flinch but dismissed it when he slept on. Was this another one of God’s sick little jokes? As I continued my search I realized how much I was comparing him to Lewis. Riddick was a lot bigger, and only the second guy I’ve ever touched.

"Like what you see?" Riddick’s eyes lazily opened, twin stars gleamed back at me. I must of jumped three foot off the bed, damnit!

"Sorry." I muttered moving back over to my side. "I was cold." Lame excuse but it was all I had.

"That so?" I heard a hint of amusement in his voice. He was a smug bastard.

"Yeah, Night Riddick. Thanks." I closed my eyes and silence was my answer.

Chapter 8

"Mmmm… Lewis, don’t let me go."

"Sure about that?" What?! Where was Lewis and who the hell was I next to? My eyes shot open to reveal a smiling Riddick, shit was I dreaming? After the cobwebs cleared and I got my self back on track to where I was, something was not right. My head was laying on his broad chest, arms around his waist, legs tangled with his. But I was all the way on the other side of the bed?! Now I was snuggling up to Richard B. Riddick? Whoo….Back the hell up and rewind.

"Who was he?" His hand now casually on my lower back holding me to him. Okay to close for comfort!

"My boyfriend." I shrugged wanting to get off the topic, it was all still fresh in my mind. And now on top of all of it I felt guilty, he was probably trying to get me out and there I was getting cozy with another criminal, real good. The little voice spoke up though, not like I was getting out of there anyway. I looked away thinking about the baby the tears threatened to flow again.

"Don’t." Riddick warned grabbing my chin so I had to look at him. "Not your fault." I didn’t have time to protest, the cell door slid open with six guards entering. Riddick sat up instantly going for his shivs but didn’t stand.

"Aint this sweet, boys? Trying again Nova? Is she really that good of a lay Riddick? Bet its been a long time, don’t blame you. We’re gonna give her a go a little later but right now we have to deliver you to the infirmary. Get all your shit out so you won’t get knocked up again. And for an added bonus Memo’s watching, trust me you’ll feel everything." They all laughed but it was to late Riddick sprung. No time to act, think, run. The one who was running his mouth got it the worse. He got the point right in his balls, then right in the eye. Two were split right down the spine, and the others throats were slit.

It was all over in a matter of minutes and the thing that really set me off was, Riddick wasn’t even out of breath. How does he do that? I wondered silently as he cleaned off his shivs on their shirts he was just about to the door when a pulse of electricity took him down. A bolt of blue traveled though the air lighting quick making him jerk a bit before falling to the unforgiving metal floor. Dear old daddy appeared with the warden holding the gun.

"I told you sending the guards was a waste of time. You want something done right around here, you better do it yourself." The warden stepped over the knocked out Riddick and towards me. Memo followed suit, took a look at the ruffled sheets, the now one bed and shook his head.

"Never thought you’d grow up to be a slut. But then again, I didn’t think you would be a killer either. Funny isn’t it?" He grabbed me by the arm and tugging me forcefully off the mattress.

"I don’t have time for games, Nova. Do as I say and he’ll live." Cuffing me I looked over to Riddick, but wait I thought I saw him move. As we got closer to the door I twisted and threw my cuffs around the wardens throat then crossed them cutting off his air. A loud gasp was heard when my father turned around and Riddick struck. The force of the blow was incredible, his shiv now imbedded in the wardens knee, the leg I shot. I squeezed with all my might and felt him go limp. Letting go he sank into oblivion and I ran for the door. Riddick caught my ankle though and I fell, Memo doing the same. I didn’t understand why he did it until I stood up. Memo was coming at me but when I fell he tripped right over me.

"Go!" He growled running past me and out into the hall. Even though the lights were on I couldn’t see much and with me being cuffed, both wrists and ankles it was hard for me to keep up. All the doors were preprogrammed for the guards and anyone else important to pass through. For them to open you need to place your hand on the side while a laser read your prints and unlocked. We would never get through them without a guard but Riddick had other ideas. At the first door we came to, there was one just about to go threw when Riddick went for the sweet spot, guy never knew what hit him. The door opened but we needed all of them to open. Crunch! You could here the break of bone when Riddick cut the guard’s hand clean off.

"We can get through now." He told me and picked up the pace. I could barley keep up as it was. The next five doors were a snitch, only a couple guards got in the way. But by the sixth the flashing lights and alert alarm went off. Shit! The yells followed and then the heavy thuds on the floor coming straight at us. Nine was our last and then a couple more guards before we got outside. There were no fences, no barriers, nothing. But as I walked up a little further all that met the eyes was an ocean full of water. Calm as could be but that wasn’t the problem. If you jumped in it where would you go?, no land was in sight. Slam was on an island?!?! Mother….

"There!" Someone shouted but splashing was all I heard. The water was only three feet away but I couldn’t swim even if I wanted to, I was all chained. Shots rang out and I fell, one hit me dead in the side, the other in the arm. My knees landed in the sand, fingertips brushing the water. The only thing that kept me awake was him. He was a ways out but I could still see him. Riddick was up to his neck in water but he paused turning back to look at me, I hung my head in defeat when he turned and kept on swimming. He left me there without even so much of a goodbye, a wave, a smile. Nothing. Pain was all I could feel but not from the shots, from within. God I was so close to escaping, so fucking close. Even if I would have bought it in the water it would have been worth it. To die in peace, not in the confinement of a cell, not as an animal. But the worst thing of all was, I knew that he would never come back for me, never think of me, never see me again. As I fell all the way I thought, at least he got away at least he got…..

Chapter 9

Four months, well that was my best guess. Four months since he left, since I forgot it all. Hard isn’t even the word to describe it, don’t even know of one that would truly capture my emotion. But then again the best things are left unsaid.

You know there are only so many times that you can pick yourself back up and try again. I was tired of picking myself up, trying and trying only to get beat down. Sister died, killed six people out of revenge, had an already decided trial, sentenced to my father’s Slam, was beaten raped and d all of the above, lost my son, got left behind by the person I trusted, was sterilized so I really can’t have kids ever, and now well now I’m everyone’s play toy.

So many emotions ran through me and I couldn’t control any of them, didn’t know which were the worst, or even what half of them where. Saw John about a month ago, borrowed some of his smokes, and went to see Crazy Eddy. He could get you anything as long as you gave him what he wanted first. For a half pack of smokes I received my fix. They were little red pills wrapped in a little bag, take one and you were out for the night, take two and you were out for the day, take three and it was over. I only took them when the guards came in, I tried fighting, tried running, but banging my head against the wall was getting old. For weeks I only took one but now I started taking two and thinking about the third.

When I first came in here I was a totally different person, not just on the inside but the outside as well. Little overweight, bout 15 pounds, skin had acne from when I was a teen, hair short un kept, but now I didn’t recognize myself. Always thought my best feature were my eyelashes, now I’m not so sure. Looking in the mirror for the first time since I’ve been there my mouth dropped open at what stared back at me. My hair was longer down to my shoulders, face clear looked to be a little thinner, I unzipped the orange jumper to see skin and bone, wow. I might of look alright if I cleaned up and ate something that wasn’t mash. As I pondered the image in the mirror I thought it was Lizzy starting back at me for a moment.

"Nova, don’t give up. Hang on you have to hang on. Please Nova, do it for me for…" I touched the glass, the door swung open letting them in.

"Like the mirror baby? Could hang it over the bed if you want to." He laughed removing his clothes. I didn’t. Fog that made everything unclear lifted and I was back on track. If this was the end of the line that I was going to go down fighting, go out with a bang.

Walking over to the tiny dresser in the pretty upscale room I opened the drawer like I did every night. The pill slipped easily under my tongue and sauntering over to him my mouth found his. He didn’t waste time and slipped his tongue in my mouth. Quick as I could I shoved the tiny red pill in his hole then shut it with my hands.

"Swallow." I ordered and without thinking he did, ready for more. Now what could I do? Ah yes his clothes. Meanwhile he was waiting on the bed trying to keep his eyes from shutting, dumbass. As I finished dressing his snores filled the room. Finishing with his gun and boots I looked in the mirror again, this time with a deadly look in my eyes. Though I was missing something, a hat! There were female guards in the prison but few and I needed to be ignored, slip in unnoticed. Only problem was the doors would not open for me, needed his prints. And let me tell you, wasn’t pretty.

Determined was what I was as I stalked through the halls, no one even looked up. Probably could of gotten out of there but what would I do? Swim for miles then what? Nah I was way beyond that, Memo though sure would get the bulletin. Doors opened without a beep also Memo was right where I’d thought he’d be. In a room about a flight up he could over look the infirmary and the mess hall. But his blind spot was right behind him, where I was coming. His door was the last and final one I opened that day, the gun out and ready.

"Time’s up Memo."

"Nova. What a surprise! You know I never did thank you." I snorted, bastard.

"For what?" I had to ask, gun never wavered.

"For promoting my Criminal Control Center, you helped get it built. The public’s a sucker for ‘O my I just want my little girl back’ act. I convinced them that this project will do that. But you and I both know what is to really come of it. That’s where you come in. You’ll be the first it will be done to. And then when they see how well you’ve turned out and then I’ll be able to completely control you…. Hook , Line, Sinker. The best part you won’t remember a thing." His smile grew eyes glazed over.

"Sick Bastard! You deserve a hell of a lot more than a quick death but its all I have time for right now."

"That busy? Where are you going to go Nova? Back to Lewis to a life you never had… Where ever you go someone will always be looking for you, I’ll always be looking for you."

"Not if you’re dead."

"Do it!" He yelled and I pulled the trigger, blood went everywhere. Reminded me of the hospital except there was no white, just darkness.

Chapter 10

Humming, lights, movement were all signs that I wasn’t in Slam anymore. Instead it looked to be like I was on a ship heading to god knows where. Probably to the gates of hell, nah can’t be, already been there. Proud, damn proud to of making it out of there alive and intact but where was I going? Didn’t matter as long I was anywhere but the island of doom. As I laid there on the bed, I wished there was a mirror in the room so I could talk to Lizzy. Like I said I was intact but not completely.

"Nova? May I come in?" A soft voice captured my full attention and I nodded to the man who stood at the door.

"How you feeling ?" Doc asked looking me over. I wasn’t interested in his questions but at the tray of edible food he had in his hand. Long time since I seen that.

"Like shit." I croaked not feeling like sitting up.

"Look like it." Ha handed over the tray and I dug in. Mmmm nothing like crispy chicken, mash potatoes, corn, and water.

"Thanks." I stuffed my face almost choking on a chicken bone.

"Good?" He laughed sitting in a chair.

"Very, can’t remember the last time I had something like this." After I ate half of it I got back to business.

"Where are we going?"

"Back to your home planet to see your father in the hospital. He’s in serious condition, bullet lodged in his head. He wants you there and since he owned the place, it was granted."

"Fuckers not dead?" That pissed me off, my shot was dead!

"Apparently not."

"Why the hell does he want me there? How far out are we?"

"Don’t know. About twelve hours."

"Damn!"

"May I make a suggestion?"

"Might as well"

"Get some sleep." He winked and left. I barley acknowledge it my mind on other things like why would my father want me there? Christ I’m the one who shot him! It Didn’t add up and made me wonder what his motive was. The guy always was up to something, hmmm only had twelve hours before it was revealed.

"Get up convict, put these on." A gruff take no shit voice was the first thing I heard when I woke up. A pair of cuffs were thrown at me and I did as he asked. After hearing the familiar click that meant they were secure he walked over to me. The ship from what I saw was enormous, and nicely equipped. But my tour was cut short when he led me down the ramp and into a vehicle where the Doc was waiting. I asked him why he was even here. He told me incase I decided to hurt or kill anyone, he could piece them back together or take out the trash. That made me laugh, I had a sense of humor.

Took about 45 minutes to get into the city, the one I knew like the back of my hand. Hell I should of it, I grew up here. The hospital came into view and with it many people outside, looked like they were waiting but for what? Mister I have a stick up my ass stopped short of them and explained the rules. Not allowed to go more than three foot in front of him, talk, blah blah blah… couldn’t kill anyone, the usual. When we stepped out I finally figured out who they were waiting for, me. Duh! ‘Damn Nova you’re slipping’ I was the center of attention as reporters fired off questions about why I shot my father. What made me do it? What state of mind was I in? I was going to answer all of them when the stick guy put his hand over my mouth and drug me inside, Doc followed. That’s when it dawned on me, he brought me back to put the cherry on top of his sundae. He was going for the sympathy vote for his project, knowing that everyone would eat it up and help it become more of a reality then a dream.

All three of us entered the awfully small room. Didn’t miss the looks I got as I walked down the hall, same hospital Liz was in. Did he think this was funny? Bringing me back here, not only to help his project but for me to remember. Total jerk off. God the walls, some were still stained in places. It was the same room, reeked of death. Course I fought to get out of there with everything I had but it was no use sticky had about 100lbs on my ass. He pushed me in a chair and I starting going off.

"Fuck you! You bring me here to the same goddamn hospital, same fucking room. For what? Think it would break me? I hope you burn in hell, all this for you project. You really are a bastard. How’s that head feel? Looks awfully swollen from here." He shook with anger at me words and stick guy backhanded me across the face. Blood was all I could taste but I wasn’t done.

"Their screams was all I could hear as I ripped them apart, blood covered anything it touched. Stains still linger. I could make it a ritual, every time I set foot in here I should kill someone. How bout it Memo? This time I won’t use a gun and trust me I won’t miss. Had to much practice, know what I‘m doing now."

"You can’t kill me, I’m God to you. Understand little whore? Can’t wait till you are reprogrammed but I must admit I will miss your tirades to death." He let out a small laugh and I just sat there not letting him know he got to me. My mother was sitting beside him the whole time, mouth a gap, to shocked to say anything. She was just as guilty, she chose him over me, over us. Bitch.

"I want to see my sister!" I hissed getting impatient.

"I’ll take you Nova." Doc spoke up.

"No you won’t old man, I have to go too." Memo was having convulsions so we had to leave anyway. Good I hope it hurt.

"Where is she?"

"By the house." Was all I gave and sat back for the ride never letting my eyes wander from Doc.

After all this time it still looked the same. The house looked older but the giant tree was still there and so was the lake it watched over. Child like laughter filled my ears but I shook it off as I slowly made my way to the grave. It was the same as I left it, the tree shading me from the relentless suns that were disappearing below the horizon.

"Lizzy." I started unsure, "Been awhile, damn do I miss you. I need you in ways I can’t even describe, but you’ve helped me get though this. Thank You. I couldn’t of done it without you. I hope you are in a better place than here, you deserve it. I love you sis." I said with full emotion, shedding some tears. Doc came up and laid a hand on my shoulder letting me know he was there for me. A thoughtful gesture but it was to late, the wounds were to deep to heal without scaring.

"I’m sorry for what happened. And for what I had to do." I didn’t say anything. I knew he felt guilty about having to make sure I couldn’t have children. He performed the procedure and I was awake through all of it, I saw his face.

"Do me a favor?"

"Anything."

"Dig a grave for my son and put it next to Liz." I would do it but I couldn’t not with the chains. Sticky was waiting by the truck looking annoyed, about 15 foot away.

"No problem Nova." He told me as we walked back. "You know if I ever had a daughter, I would hope she would be like you." He whispered.

"Don’t know about that Doc."

"I do." And as sticky was about to jump in, Doc stuck a needle in him.