

By Wagon & SLR

By Grant Bartholomew

Published by Grant Bartholomew

Distributed by Smashwords

© 2015 Grant Bartholomew

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This ebook remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favourite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Table of Contents

Map

Chapter 1: Well intentioned mistakes

Chapter 2: The fruity Outpost

Chapter 3: Not a so great day

Chapter 4: Building and goodbyes

Chapter 5: Different Officers and Standards

Chapter 6: Meeting a Fancy Lady

Chapter 7: Metal and a Madman

Chapter 8: Best Intentions and All

Chapter 9: The Walking Valkyrie

Chapter 10: The Rise of Twanger

Chapter 11: Back Tracking

Chapter 12: Getting carried away

Chapter 13: Communicating with Strangeness

Chapter 14: Mieseed's favour

Chapter 15: The Art of Negotiation

Chapter 16: On to Speck

Chapter 17: Meet and Greet

Chapter 18: Moments Shared with Yuu

Chapter 19: Vengeance Hesitated

Chapter 20: Ups and Downs

Chapter 21: Bad idea to swim with the locals

Chapter 22: Desperate Agreement

Chapter 23: Clone One

Chapter 24: Parting Ways

Chapter 25: Prisoner

Chapter 26: Tripping

Chapter 27: Massacre at Phoenix Labs-Part One

Chapter 28: Duck Surprise

Chapter 29: Flight

Chapter 30: The Demon Cometh

Chapter 31: New People, Names and Purpose

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An officer has a lot of responsibility to all districts and to all people under their watch. Production is always the first priority and people second, always keep this in mind. I find that if you look after the people the production sorts itself out fine. You do this by your actions; an officer's word cannot be broken, once given. So watch what you say and remember it word for word. People need to trust us completely. So an officer who breaks their word maybe ended by another officer. Ending life can be done at any time as long as conditions are met. One- Self-defence, only if backed into a corner and only if your life is in danger. Two- Judgements only if they warrant it, misuse of this and I will end you quickly myself. Three- Protection of production from sabotage or incompetence from people or other officers. Four- To disarm a situation from rising a pre-emptive strike must be backed up by information gathered and you will need to explain your actions in detail afterwards. Five- Vengeance every-one must know crossing paths with an officer and doing wrong by them will result in death of those who dealt it and those standing in your way from achieving vengeance.

Akintosh setting rules for death for the new Officers.
Chapter 1: Well intentioned mistakes

Muley awoke groggy in Susan's room that she and Debbie now frequently occupied. While her mind was numbed with fog, she was positively certain it was night and still raining. Her observations led her to the discovery that her hands and feet were bound together as she fell hard from the bed to the furs below. Muley shouted out but only heard her own muffled noises as the gag bit into the sides of her mouth. After the muffled tones of, 'Fuck,' and other various swear words that failed to give her any more comfort, Muley searched for a means to free herself by. In the time it took to free herself from the bonds, the dark of night started to give way to the light of day. The groggy passage of time gave Muley sensations she had never felt before, such as biting furniture to help her move, the rug burn of the tip of her nose and the joyous sensation of a knife tip stabbing under her fingernail. Thoughts came back to her during her struggles that shed some light on her current predicament and all involved Susan in one form or another. The damp rag held tight to her face and the un-soothing voice saying, 'Just go to sleep,' all belonged to the woman that Muley was never quite at ease with. Muley was surprised to see Susan just casually walk into her room and start a conversation, especially when Muley desperately wanted sleep after the demands of Debbie's childbirth.

The small conversation was only a ruse for Susan to get in close and put that foul smelling rag to her face. But there was a small fragment that still churned in her head that was said before their brief struggle, 'At least you will be a better friend.' Susan's words just pissed off Muley and as her hands sprung to freedom from the knife's edge, she made a pact with herself to pay back tenfold to that big breasted bitch to what she had dealt to her. Muley said three words out aloud when she removed her gag and picked up her iron bars, 'Come on skank,' and proceeded to exit the room with purpose. The hall was silent and the strain of Muley's ears only heard the light rain which still fell outside. The feet of Muley carried her to the stairs and down to the next level to where Debbie should be and proceeded as quietly as she could. Observing the hallway ahead Muley could see in the faint light and the blood trials and scuffs of a body being dragged. The smears made their way into the room where Debbie's little girl Rayne should be asleep in a cot, while further down the hall was Debbie's room where she should be resting. Muley prepared herself for a fight to the death as Susan was not a woman to be taken lightly in a circumstance such as this.

The back of Muley slid along the wall until the edge of the doorway and with great speed quickly glanced in, she noted a lot of red, two people and no one standing. Muley swallowed hard before walking into the room which held a grisly scene and hoping that it was of no one she knew. The hatred of Susan quickly raged in Muley as she saw Betsie on her back with her throat slit wide and the blood trail which now clearly belong to her. Muley shed a tear, not only for the woman that helped little Rayne into the world but also for Mr Ko, who was clearly in love with Betsie. The second body did not die as easily as multiple blades were embedded into his chest whilst the defensive knife wounds were deep upon his arms that had bled profusely. The body of Rivet slumped against the empty cot and it looked like the young father had protected his own to his last breath. The blood splatter upon the walls only hinted at the ferocity of his last moments. Muley openly cried as she crouched down to see Rivet's contorted face of pain that was permanently frozen as his death mask. Muley's hands renewed their strength as she gripped her weapon and unleashed the blades which sprang forth hidden from within the metal bars. She walked without stealth to Debbie's room and entered ready for anything, but to her surprise, she found nothing and quickly yelled from the window to raise the alarm amongst all of Central's Officers that they were under attack.

Debbie dreamt of Susan's soft voice and as with most dreams of Susan, she found it good. The words, 'Please forgive me,' echoed throughout her dream and awoke her as she stretched her aches and pains. Her first deep breath caught the scent of Susan in the air and made her wonder if it was a dream at all. Upon shaky legs, she stood from her bed and felt the pull of dried blood from below, which made her wince more than once. With the first tentative steps Debbie knew that some bits of her were definitely not ready for movement and with a huff of pain cursed the male appendage that did this to her. As she made her way to the seat where she could relieve herself, she had visions of Rivit being slapped around, which made her feel a little better. Then as her water passed and burned and stung she vowed that she would turn the boy into a woman which brought a grimaced smile to her face, especially when thinking of using a rusty spoon to do it with. As she made her way back to the bed, she felt the powerful need to see her sleeping daughter, Rayne, so she braved the pain of her stitches which tugged in the wrong spots and made her way to the hall.

Debbie walked carefully while using the wall as support to Rayne's room while wondering if it would be all right to pick her up, even if she was asleep? After some thought she decided it would be wise to ask Betsie first if she was there. Debbie made it to the doorway and ventured in only to see, the first glimpse of Betsie lying dead on the floor. Debbie noticed that she died violently but cared little as she turned her attention to a dying Rivit, who had a look of horror on his face. She could see him trying to mouth some words, but his life was fading and when she saw the empty cot, a desire came over her. With hateful eyes, she glared at Rivit for failing to protect what was most precious to them both and slapped him hard across the face back and forth. His jaw cracked before she felt the sting on her hand and she knew that Rivit was dead. Before any other emotions took hold, she heard through the rain of a flyer humming away and then she remembered hearing the same sound before going to sleep. Anger filled her as she moved her way out of the room and into the hall, only to slip on the slippery blood left by Betsie. As one leg went south and the other north Debbie felt her stitches go before she hit the ground. The pain did not make her scream only angrier and after she picked herself up, she decided to head to where the flyer had been.

The rain was heavy outside the main building, but did not care that she be soaked through. Then she walked across the courtyard to the gate and didn't care that the guard on duty was dead and propped up against the wall. The stalls were mostly deserted when heavy rain fell, and Debbie did not care that no one was around to help her as she headed to the clearing. The ground was slick with the run-off that seemed to coat everything with the slippery slime which resulted in Debbie slipping over a few times. She only started caring when the body of Susan was sighted and upon kneeling, Debbie openly wept for her friend, lover and betrayer. The conflicted Mother felt frozen in place before the first light of dawn illuminated the scene before her. Three bullet holes had killed Susan. Two in her chest and one in the head, Debbie should have been angry at Susan as she could see plainly that it was Susan's knives that had killed Rivit. But that was not the case; she knew only that she grieved for the loss of Rayne and Susan and no others.

Muley heard Blinkin's whistle and came running finding him pointing to the far off distance. Muley patted him on the back after she saw Debbie and asked him to wait for her signal to come over, before running towards her friend. Muley recognised the clothes of Susan before she saw her face as she knew Debbie was in grief, by the way she was rocking back and forth. Muley knelt on the other side of Susan's body and reached over and placed her hand on Debbie's shoulder, only to renew her grieving. Muley noticed the bullet holes and secretly wished that her death was more painful to reflect what Rivit went through, but held her tongue out of respect for her friend's grief. Once Debbie cried her last tears, Muley heard her speak, 'I don't know why she chose to do such a thing.'

'Well, she did more than one thing, Rivit, Betsie and Patrick all died by her hand.' Muley said, with restraint. 'Patrick? Oh, the one on guard duty, was that his name?'

'And she had the opportunity to kill me, but she put me to sleep and tied me up, instead.' Muley could see Debbie's blotchy face as she looked at her, 'She spared you because you mean a lot to me.' Debbie said quietly, only to shatter Muley's restraint. 'And what of Rivit? Didn't he? He was the father; she took your baby Rayne and sent a flyer away to who knows where? Speaking of a flyer, who ever heard of a flyer landing before? No Debbie, she was a bitch and she doesn't deserve your tears. You need to focus up and make plans to find Rayne, your daughter, you know, the one that you nearly died while giving birth to. Don't you give a shit that she is gone, taken, stolen?' Muley said with the last of her breath.

Muley watched Debbie just stare blankly and waited for a response, 'Rivit didn't mean that much to me, that's why he died.' Muley let her hand fly slapping Debbie hard and found the effect unsatisfying, so she slapped again harder. 'Don't you dare say that, he was an Officer who saved your life, you bonded with and create life with. Don't dare say he meant little to you, you can't be that cold, you can't be?' Muley then turned her attentions to Susan and slapped her corpse across the face and screamed, 'Why? You treacherous bitch, fucking, why?' Muley then raised her hand a second time, but Debbie grabbed it tight squeezing hard. 'She has no answers, she is dead, leave her be if I couldn't beat the truth out of her, then what good will your slaps do?' It was only then Muley noticed the misshapen body of Susan with ribs punched in, collapsed like a bad loaf of bread. Muley broke Debbie's grip and then reached over to hug her and they both cried while embraced. Once they were done. Muley signalled to Blinkin then set others to work to make arrangements for the bodies, while she walked back with Debbie to Central's showers to clean her up.

Their short journey took some time as Debbie was incredibly weak and walking was painful for her below. As the warm water of the shower slowly defrosted Debbie, her tongue began to move more freely. 'What I don't understand is that she went to her room, one floor above just to tie you up?' Debbie said wincing as Muley applied the soap. 'Maybe she needed to get something.' Muley said while scrubbing away at her legs. 'But she had nothing on her, I checked every pocket.'

'Well maybe she left something there, will go search after you have been cleaned up. You look like shit.' Muley said while washing Debbie's hair. Debbie ran her hands over her belly, 'it's all flabby.' She said as she grabbed a handful of flesh and tugged on it. 'Well what do you expect after covering a watermelon in there, of course you're going to be stretched and flabby, at least I still love you.' Debbie appreciated Muley's words and turn to kiss her on the lips. Debbie saw Muley smile before she spoke. 'You're in no condition to be starting any dirty lezza games. So you be getting no comfort from me for at least a week.' The girls held each of the tight and let the water flow over them for some time.

Debbie used Muley as support while she walked across the drizzly courtyard and saw Mr Ko standing beside a wagon holding the hand of a draped over Betsie. The slender old man with the warriors tail and white beard, looked solemn as a third body was brought to the wagon. Debbie knew it was Rivit, 'Do you want to see him one last time?' Muley said apprehensively, 'I was with him in his last moment that was enough.' Debbie said to her feet, but she knew Muley looked at her for details, so Debbie decided not to share and left it at that. Debbie placed a hand on Mr Ko's shoulder and he in turn, held it in place, 'I'm going to burn them together, as for the other one, she is getting buried where she lays, Betsie was a good woman, she didn't need to be killed, she was a good woman. The best woman a man could want; I will miss you always and every day, dear Betsie. Debbie I will help you in any way to get Rayne back, just name it. I must avenge her death, she was my woman, it must be done.' Debbie saw that Mr Ko did not shed a tear, only held her hand, even when the cart was moving away. He still held Betsie's hand, while walking beside her in the drizzling rain.

Debbie was out of breath by the time she reached the top floor to Susan's room and entered with Muley and saw many things knocked over 'I um, was tied up, remember and groggy. I may have knocked a few things while trying to free myself.' Muley said scratching her head. 'Did you leave anything untouched?' Debbie said. 'By the looks of it I'd say no.' Muley said with a nervous chuckle. 'We must be careful, a lot of these boxes contain things that are deadly, poisonous and toxic from what I understand.' Debbie said surveying the mess with apprehension. 'While that makes searching a whole lot of fun doesn't it?' The officers started sorting through the scattered boxes and sorted them into different piles, one that contained objects, and the other contained vials, liquids, powders, sludge and sealed pots. After that was done one pile was substantially bigger and it was not the objects. 'Well, at least they are sorted, and nothing opened or broke. Do you see anything out of place or new?' Muley said, while looking around at all the weapons that lined the walls.

Debbie saw Muley run her fingers over the bow. 'If you want it, just take it; it has no owner now, like all that is in here.' Debbie saw Muley snatch her hand back before saying. 'Well, let's see if she left something here first.' Debbie searched high while Muley got low and started pulling everything out from under the bed. 'Arrows, more arrows, swords, knives, underwear, your underwear. That's just grotty they're not even clean, strange box wrapped in paper, eww crusty socks... Hey Debbie found something.' Muley sat on the bed with the box in hand, 'I must have kicked it under.' Debbie took the box from her and sat down beside her on the bed. The paper was held around the metal box by string, as she untied it, the cables slid out from being held in place. 'It is not a box. It's a component of something else.' Debbie said as she opened the piece of paper.

'I'm so sorry Debbie, I wanted a happy life for us, but I know I'm cursed and this just proves it. If Novan got you, they would do unnatural things to you and I love you too much to see that happen. Please understand that I'm doing this to save you from that fate. By the time you read this I will be long gone and no one will know it was me. I will tell them you died giving birth. Maybe that will stop them in their search you, plus the information they have on you is wrong, they think you're Yumi. At the first opportunity I will escape with the child and head back to you. I hope you can forgive me, if not; you can end me as I don't want to go on without you. If it all goes 'pear' shaped. This is part of the flyer that I think tells where it has been and where it's going. Please understand I am trying to keep an enemy away that can't be beaten.

Yours always Susan.

Debbie tossed aside the letter and walked out to Gavin's work benches saying nothing to Muley, but knowing that she could read. Debbie expected Muley a half an hour ago to storm in through the door. Muley instead walked in quietly and sat beside her and waited. For a time, both sat in silence until Debbie broke the soundless environment, 'This box contains nothing that I can see from here, I'll have to go to Gavin's Outpost to see the Inventor, and he should be able to read it. That useless woman failed me in every way possible, her plan, her love; her life is just one big failure.' Debbie felt Muley's hand upon her own, 'She gave us a lead that's something, look when you're better we will head out, then we will get her back. It's only a matter of time.' Debbie decided was time for action, 'I'm going to heal myself, and we will head out tomorrow first thing. I just need some time alone is all?' And with that she went and lay on Gavin's bed.

Muley sighed as she left the room realising how hollow her words were as she thought about how far a flyer could go. She did not know the answer but she knew it was a very, very long way, too long, to be even thought about going by foot. Muley wondered and thought about a way to cheer herself up with and decided to claim the bow and master it. She remembered the first time she saw it and was not game to touch it. Now she owned it and it felt good. With all the arrows she could find she headed out to the firing range with bow in hand and fifty-seven arrows, carried awkwardly. It was a complex thing of pulleys and confusing strings and her first attempts were less than stellar leaving her with red raw skin underneath her forearm, in the first hour she could hit a target reasonably well. By the second all arrows were hitting and by the third they were starting to cluster together. Muley's arms ached by the time she saw the limitations of the weapon. 'So, bow, if I'm going to start talking to you. I think I should give you a name.' Muley thought hard about a name while she collected the arrows for the umpteenth time. 'I'm going to give you a name that will strike fear in those who will hear it mentioned and your name will be Twanger, so here's the problem Twanger. You're good and all when I'm standing still, but in my experience, you're not standing still, when the fight is on. So Twanger if you don't want to end back up on the wall. I need you to cooperate with me as I learn to use you while walking.'

A total of five hours in the company of Twanger saw Muley go from novice to something fearful and she even managed to pull in a crowd eager to see something new. With her arms acting like jelly, she bowed to the gawkers and bid them 'good day' and went to find Mieseed to make her and Twanger's union complete. 'Mieseed, a moment of your time it's rather urgent.' Mieseed placed his hammer down and wiped his face. 'Yes Muley how can I help?' Muley took a deep breath before speaking, 'Mieseed I would like to introduce you to Twanger, and Twanger this is Mieseed. The trouble with Twanger is that I need to travel with him and his friends. But I also need to travel with a rifle and my metal bars and a pack, is there any way possible for all of them to all get along and if there is, can it be ready by morning?' Mieseed stood stunned and it seemed to Muley, a bit perplexed. 'Twanger seems to be a demanding fellow. Are you sure he is a good weapon? It will be an effort to have him ready. But bring me your rifle, metal bars and your pack and I'll do my best, but I make no guarantees.' Muley couldn't thank him enough, so she went fetching the items he needed, and by the time she returned all of Mieseed's clan were in deep conversation and debate.

Debbie stood on top of the mountain, where in the past she had destroyed the Program's Bronze door with its fine engraving of the Double Helix. That gave rise to the Aberration, where she had a slight argument with it, on whether she should die or not, which ended in a pile of green goop. Meanwhile, now she was being stared at by Changer. The purple toned cat which lay on a pile of bones. 'So Debcat your young has been taken and so soon.' Charger said while stretching in front of her. It proceeded to get up and to rub its massive body against Debbie. 'Shall we be vengeful and wipe the earth clean, making all suffer at your loss or I could I heal you up, ready for your stroll tomorrow?' Debbie dared to stroke the purple fur and found it electrifying with sparks and tingles across her fingers while Changer purred with delight. 'I want to know if Rayne is with the likes of you or the Bronze door of the Program.' Debbie said while wiggling her fingers. 'She is with the lesser version, the standard, and the well balanced, not like you with all desire at your fingertips Debcat.' Changer said with extra bite on Debcat. 'But I may have planted a seed, I set it travelling on your milk, she will know her potential amongst other things. Think of it as knowledge passed from mother to daughter or maybe luck that may save her, it's hard to tell as I am no fortune teller, just a cat in need of more meat.' Debbie was taken aback, 'I gave no commands for such a thing to happen.'

'No you didn't but I find things to amuse myself with. Regardless, you are healing fine but there may be a little irritation by the time you are walking, then it will soon pass and you should be ready your entertainments with that girl you have fallen for. I may have sent a present for you both to enjoy.' Changer said while licking his tail, ' But don't you worry, you will have a nice dream and wake up fine, not ever knowing the concerns you have now, till next time Debcat.' Charger said with extra bite on Debcat.

Debbie awoke to the sound of the door only to find her hand snugly anchored between her thighs. 'Debbie time to wake up, if you still want to go.' Muley's voice said before turning on the lights. 'You can't leave it alone can you?' Muley said shaking her head. 'I woke up like this. I wasn't doing what you think I was.' But Debbie's fingers could tell a different story as her body begged them to stay. Leaving Debbie to wonder what she was dreaming of, to lead to such embarrassment. 'So you still want to go, it's a long way, and I am not looking forward to sleeping in the trees, we can stay longer until you have mended.'

'No, I'm ready and all better, let's do this.' Debbie said, sitting up. 'Good I will wait for you in the courtyard.' Muley said with a smile before leaving, giving cause for Debbie to start thinking, 'What the?'

Debbie got ready, even though her uniform was snug, it was still comfortable and once the dust was off of Samson's blades and Thunder, she felt her old self once again. It felt good to have the familiar weight upon her, especially at the reassuring weight of the rifle, so she made her way to the courtyard, only to see someone looking more badass than her, with a cheesy grin to boot. 'Now that's the look I wanted to see.' Muley said to Debbie, which made her close her mouth. Debbie watched as Muley gave a twirl showing off her new weapon of the bow attached to her back, as well as numerous arrows bundled behind her head. 'Looks good, doesn't it I can reach it easy and it's all comfortable and even my metal bars slide in here for easy access. Check this out. I've got my knife upside down on the front. I reckon it looks tough and I even got us matching hats. Your old one is a bit ratty, come on, I'll show you what I can do with this.' Debbie might as well been dragged to the firing range by Muley with her enthusiasm. Debbie saw Muley's skill as she got her bow and arrow together in one fluid movement from her back and hit the target, then proceeded to walk in an arc around it sending one arrow after another in quick succession leaving Debbie impressed, 'I have called him Twanger.'

'What about your steel bars have they got a name too?' Debbie said, trying not to chuckle. 'I was thinking, Mr Basher. What's so funny, you better watch it or Mr Basher will wipe that smile off your face or my Twanger will stick you a new one.' Even Muley began to laugh with Debbie as they walked off into the early morning.

' _Yeah I was there, if you got coin, I can tell a tale or two... We were all set to kill them and then I woke up with my hands bound and The Hand all about watching us and keeping us down. If a man stood he went back to sleep, then we were judged by our deeds by the greyed woman of the loggers. If she gave the nod your throat was slit. And those two officers, best stay clear of them, they bring death painful and messy. Nice girls to look at, but mean as dog shit.'_

' _Me and Pete, know Officers Muley and Debbie well, though we had a swell time with them and that Debbie once she gets going, phew. It's scary, but what a ride!'_

' _It was a dam good shot. He was holding Jaxter hostage and he's a big man, so he was hiding behind him well. But one small gap and bam! Debbie took the shot and straight to the head, never seen someone shoot that far, so deadly.'_

' _We all woke up and saw her head, just sitting there, with her red hair, it freaked us out completely. Then those machines, and the impaling, no, I will just stick to farming now, nothing else.'_

' _With one punch she can kill a man dead if she wanted to or make your head explode.'_

' _I found Yumi alive; I went looking because I was sweet on her. I followed many tracks through those hills and came across her. Dog had got to her and tore chunks out of her even her innards were lying about. But she still killed it by biting the dog's throat out. Although the ordeal of it left her near death, I finished her it was the least I could do.'_

(Recordings from a device found in a pickpockets stash)

Chapter 2: The fruity Outpost

Their pace was brisk, even though Debbie was a bit out of condition. The terrain was only difficult for the first hour and after that she was getting used to it. While Muley kept up with her, she was breathing harder due to the extra weight of a new weapon and gear. After a couple of hours walking Muley spoke up. 'There are a lot of animal signs around; I'm surprised no one hunts out here.'

'It's probably the big cats that keep them away.' Debbie said without losing breath. 'But we are only a few hours out there wouldn't be big cats this close surely?' Muley said a bit puffed. 'Over there.' Debbie pointed to a tree with scratches gouged into it. The long cuts into the bark of the tree reminded them both that they should carry their rifles in their hands, not over the shoulder. 'How many did you see the last time?' Muley asked. 'Just that one with orange black stripes that stood in front of me, but I heard plenty more in the dark, moving around and eating things that were dying.'

By late afternoon Muley insisted on a tall tree was to be found by dusk and she had become avid that it must be found now. 'Make it tight. I don't want to fall out onto the ground.' Muley said scanning the area below for any movement. 'It's a good thing that they can't climb trees.' Muley said with confidence. 'You know, I saw a carcass up in the branches, high up off the ground. So I guessed that some of them could climb trees.' Muley turned with stunned disbelief but saw the seriousness on Debbie's face. 'Well that's just great, now I am tied to a tree, easy pickings, right for the taking. Dammed if I do, dammed if I don't, plus how am I supposed to sleep with all this wood between my legs. It's a darned sight uncomfortable and if I get splinters you're going to pick them out with your teeth.' By the time Debbie woke Muley to take over the watch, she was sure Muley's snoring kept most big cats at bay. When the morning came and Debbie awoke she found a frazzled Muley keeping watch. 'I wish we had the cage that Gavin took, it is way too scary at night for me. Being awake at night on guard against people who want to kill you is one thing, but to guard against something that wants to eat you is something else.'

The day's walk left Muley bit more optimistic as Debbie mentioned no sleeping in a tree and instead sleeping in a container for the night. Muley made sure her pace would get them there in time. 'See I told you a nice safe container.' Debbie said as she banged on the metal side, which prompted Muley to squeal like a girl when The Hand walked out of it. 'It's not funny Debbie. I just wet myself.' Debbie barely managed to pause laughing before saying, 'Aww, did poor little Muley have herself a little accident?'

'Oh, just shut it Deborah.' Muley spat back, 'If I run out of undies I'm using yours.' Only to look up, noticing Debbie wasn't there. 'Debbie, are you in the container?' Muley said nervously as The Hand moved too close to her and 'Debbie!' was said before she quickly ran in. Once inside Muley saw the piles of parts and junk stored in there as well Debbie clearing space for them to lay down their bed rolls.

With food eaten and the small fire dossed the girls headed inside while The Hand stood guard. Muley watched as the clothes of Debbie quickly came off to reveal everything. 'But what about the tin can over there, it will be watching.' Muley said indicating with her head. Muley then saw Debbie present herself and shoving what was on offer before speaking, 'Others have watched before.'

'Yeah, but they weren't made of metal.' Muley whispered back, before Debbie stood up and moved in closer. 'Who said there was an option here?' The woman proceeded to undress Muley exposing her to the tin can. Muley knew her smell was strong but Debbie insisted and at once she felt the hot breath and Debbie's tongue, she gave way for her flavours to be renewed. 'That's never happened before that was like instantaneous.' Muley said gasping for breath and quickly did the same to Debbie, to which she had the same reaction. The more waves of pleasure they partook in the stronger they seem to have become, their hunger to outdo each other lasted long into the night. All the sounds that came from the container would surely scare any beast away, especially the screams and groans.

Muley awoke to birdsong with her arm draped across Debbie with a hand resting over her scarred breast. The texture of which was rough and puckered, Muley felt a twinge of sadness, so she decided to whisper, 'I love you,' to Debbie's ear, while the white fuzz tingled her nose. Then Muley felt Debbie grab her hand and brought it up to her mouth to kiss it, so Muley took a few more moments of comfort from the body heat of Debbie. It was all too soon when they both knew they had to get up and face the world, but that didn't stop Muley from clinging to Debbie's back when she tried to rise, which promptly developed into a tickle fight to which Muley's full bladder lost to. 'Well, I told you to stop, now look what happened.' Muley said as she fretted over her little pillow. 'Now every time I sleep it's going to smell of pee.' Debbie interrupted Muley's frantic waving of the pillow, 'I won't mind, here swap it with me.'

'Eww, fine it's yours.' Muley said as she quickly snatched Debbie's pillow from her grasp and tossed her own at her with full force. As they were about to leave Muley made the remark. 'So if there is this many parts scattered around with all The Hand, it's a pity they can't be put to better use. I mean to say that if the tin can doesn't need them.' Debbie looked around due to Muley's comment and said, 'Well it's something to think about.'

The girls pushed hard all day, testing their limits and made good time arriving far earlier to the Outpost than expected, and on the rise overlooking it they observe something strange. 'Was it this nice when you were here?' Debbie shook her head to Muley's question as she saw a clear boundary of a fence line encircling the Outpost. On one side the normal scrub and on the other, many shades of green and what looked like to be masses of flowers, in fact there was a lot of colour everywhere with painted doors and walls and even different coloured paths. 'They must be doing some major work over in the corner, there must be six or seven doing something, wow, they're not wearing shirts, oh, they're not wearing anything, oh my Debbie. We need to take a closer look, like now!' Muley yanked hard on her arm nearly tipping her over. Debbie followed Muley's haste and snuck closer for observational purposes only. Debbie saw Muley quickly hug a tree and peered out beside it and was transfixed in place by a firm grip to the bark, before she spun back all red and flustered. 'They're all going for it.' Muley whispered, very quietly and wide-eyed and quickly spun back to look some more. Debbie took a quick peek and saw man flesh moving in various rhythms and positions as bodies clashed against each other. Debbie had never imagined such a thing and found it a turn on, but the sight of Muley squirming was more than she could take.

Muley could just barely hear the sounds from the Vista of flesh, her grip on the tree, was tight as she dared to lean out more to see if she could hear more. Unfortunately, Muley realised far too late, the forceful tug on her pants and as she tried to move she was pressed hard against the tree while being held captive to the rhythm of muscle. Her violation was swift and forceful and the biting of her lip could not contain for long the need for noise. With blurred vision, she bellowed and echoed her intensity, resulting in a few men to quickly stop and search their surroundings and clearly reacting as if it were a big cat close by, sending them in all directions to grab weapons. Muley hissed back to Debbie saying, 'No more, they are going to shoot if you make me blow my fuse again.' She immediately felt free as she was let go and quickly spun to see a smiling Debbie. 'You're such a bitch, you know that?' She said before kissing her, pulling her pants up and then running away.

Muley and Debbie now walked on the clear path to the Outpost's main gate and were quickly spotted, shouts and calls went out. Muley assumed that it was the call to put some dam clothes on as Officers approached and so she felt disappointed. The multi-coloured gate opened, reminding Muley of a rainbow and saw some familiar men that were now wearing pants to greet them. 'You best be careful Officers, there are some big cats out there.' One fellow said. 'Well, you should be ashamed giving off a spectacle like that, it can be seen quite clearly from a distance, that's just teasing the big cats to attack exposing so much flesh. You're just lucky we scared the beast off before any damage was done; have you no dignity or common sense? You silly gaybo's.' Muley said huffing while acting prim and proper and the men looked at each other thinking who knows what. 'Now if you could manage to notify the Headman, Gavin that Officer Muley and Officer Debbie, are here for a visit, that would be much appreciated.' Muley then had to thump Debbie's arm to stop her from giggling. 'Control yourself, we are respectable Officers and have an image to uphold.' Then Muley felt a slap on her arse and she hoped she hadn't turned red from it.

The Officers waited as it was custom to do so until they saw Gavin approach in a robe with clearly nothing on underneath. 'Greetings Officer Debbie and Officer Prude welcome to Shangri-La.'

'Prude?' Muley emphasised.

'Yes.' Gavin said as he exposed himself, resulting in Muley quickly turning leaving only one course of action, all to laugh at the redness of Muley's face.

'Come on, I'll give you a tour.' Gavin said with a twirl of open arms in the free flowing robe. In which Muley shook her head at, but followed along with Debbie anyway. 'Well, first we rebuilt the main fence and gate to keep the big cats out and there a lot out there believe me. We haven't lost anyone but it has been close many times, so after that we began fixing the place up with gardens and pathways. Oh, and Bruce's Fountain over there, actually he has done a few and some ponds now we've got to figure out how to put some fish in them and over there is our stage and dancing area. It has been amazing the Inventor showed us films and lifestyle and music, it has been such an eye-opener and way over there. We have got animals and we are training horses and donkeys, they're hard to catch but once they are in here and with the information we have got. We are having great success. We haven't caught a stallion as of yet but when we do we will start breeding. We are expanding out to the flat land to grow hay for them, but that's where it is dangerous. In here it's safe as. Oh, we have got chickens and ducks and geese in our various cages around here, they used to house big cats in them. Then they were set free for a last line of defence. It didn't work out for them. So there are many things we are able to try. We even started hydroponics for our greenery, it is amazing what can be done and to think this information is so old and yet completely new to us.'

Muley enjoyed the tour and even got to pat a kangaroo which was like a dangadoo but only different in its correct terminology and was looking forward to a roasted one. A different one to the one she patted as it was too cute since she ate out of her hands. Once inside, things got dull as Debbie and Gavin got caught up in mechanical, whozits and doodads as well as big whopdiedos and decided to ditch the Dodo's and go and get lost in her own exploring's. There were many rooms within the building without doors which were now sleeping areas and some looked quite girly but Muley could swear that no woman had journeyed out here and that she and Debbie were probably the first. But that didn't stop, Muley stumbling upon one as she passed a room and did a double take. The woman with long and lovely blonde hair was having trouble zipping up a dress as she couldn't quite reach the zip at the back, 'Excuse me, can I help?' Muley offered. The slender woman nodded and Muley zipped the rest up. 'I didn't know there were women out here, my name's Officer Muley, I'm pleased to meet you miss?'

'Delilah.'

'I like your hair Delilah, so to lush and shiny. How do you manage it?' Delilah turned around and Muley was transfixed by her beauty. 'Just a mixture of oils and a bonding agent, nothing to it, once you know how.'

'Can I touch it? I style hair on the side, in fact with a bit of structure, it would really pop if you're interested.' With a simple nod, Muley ran quickly to grab her basic styling tools of comb and scissors.

With an improvised smock Muley began cutting, 'I never thought I would be cutting a woman's hair out here, I mean what is there to do out here. The men are all gay or something unless you like girls or maybe your girlfriend would like a haircut as well. I love cutting hair more than anything, well not anything. I haven't been with a man for a while, I used to be involved with Officer Blinkin, but he found a woman to settle down with and there hasn't been any one since, so I was kind of hoping that I would stir some desires out here since being the only girl. Well there's Officer Debbie but she usually scares men away. But I find you and your much prettier than me, so I guess there are no desires to stir out here, because you probably have done all that. But if there is any spares that may be around, you could point them in my direction, not that I'm desperate or anything. It's just a girl has got needs you know. I mean, of course, you know you're hot as. See how it pops now and it has a good bounce to it, so what do you think?' Muley asked Delilah. 'Wow, you are fantastic, well there is one guy here that appreciates a woman, he is a bit strange, probably something you're not used to.' Delilah said while marvelling at her hair. 'Trust me, I know men, nothing is strange to me.' Muley said with a scoff, but quickly stopped when Delilah kissed her. Muley was taken aback at the approach, 'Well um, thank you, I am flattered really but um, I already kind of... with a girl and I'm not sure if.' Delilah shut her up by grabbing her hand and guiding it low, and then Muley's eyes went wide and said, 'No freakin way!' and went down for a closer look.

Debbie walked in with Gavin to where the machine men were laid out on the benches, 'They smell a bit, but it's not from decomposing that I know of. Most of the fluids are drained away, from what I can tell the skin is not particularly tough, it's like our skin. But it is what's underneath that makes them tough, it is a non-Newtonian fluid. It's basically runny until it's impacted and goes hard like steel stops a bullet dead in its tracks, but this is where my head hurts. It's like mixing with the complex fluid that goes runny under pressure, so I was thinking if that was the blood and if it leaked out, it would go hard plugging the hole. So if there was damage it would like, repair itself to some degree and with all the metal they are truly scary things.'

'So how did they put a large hole through that one?' Debbie said. 'My guess a spear, someone got in close and pushed it in and with a cable attached sent a crap load of electricity through it, all killing themselves in the process. Then something exploded within the machine man creating a hole, and by looking at the second one you stopped, it was its power source that exploded, basically it comes down to this. If you see one you run no ifs, no buts.'

Debbie went on to explain her current situation to Gavin and after a long hug; they took Susan's last lead to the Inventor. With the greetings out of the way and the condolences done, Debbie linked the cables, so the Inventor could look through it. 'It has data on where it has been but not where it was going, I'm so sorry.' The Inventor's voice said through the speaker. 'Can you show me where it was last?' Debbie asked. The computer screen showed a dot on a map, 'It's not good news.' the Inventor said as it zoomed out to show it relative to their current location. 'It's so far, so very far away.' Debbie said in disbelief. 'The location is a refuelling stop, technically you could enter the flyer's ID there and find out where it has been since the day they took, Rayne. It could narrow your search quite considerably.' Debbie stood up and walked out, not saying a word.

Debbie wandered the grounds just trying to think about something else other than bad news and then heard Muley's voice in the distance, 'No, no, like this one two three four, pivot and turn, one, two, three, four, pivot and turn and bend over all the way. It can't be that hard, you all should be used to bending over, you're just doing it while you're moving that's the difference. You just want to give a peak not a full on open stare. It's called teasing, subtlety, then you all shuffle and lift up the front of your skirts and shake the doodle then you're back on track to keep miming the song.' Debbie decided she didn't want to know and headed back into chat again with the Inventor. 'I have a question about The Program, is it possible to change it or alter it?' Debbie asked. 'No, it's not possible; you can alter yourself, but not the Program itself.' The Inventor replied. 'Well, let's say for argument's sake, they could, what's to stop them?'

'There are safeguards in place mostly they are, that the Program will kill you. All the subjects that it was tested on, there have been cases of dead researchers dropping for merely trying to figure it all out, but if someone did, the Demms be used for anything, it would be like trying to stop a wave with a sandcastle, just disastrous. So your daughter is safe from that aspect.'

'So what can you tell me about flyers?'

'Well there are three types, the one you know the Cargo hauler, it doesn't land just moves the cages. Second one is the one that carries people and known as Troop-hauler and the third one is the Attack-flyer and it basically flying death, they are all computer-controlled and only the Troop-hauler can be flown by a person. They move by the rippling of the Earth's gravity like a stone skipping across the water, which gives off the humming sound which makes them very stable even in all adverse weather conditions.' Debbie was disappointed that she couldn't just take a flyer for her own purposes. Every one of her ideas of a speedy retrieval was shot down by the information presented to her from the Inventor. It was far into the night before she gave up and went to sleep.

Debbie dreamt of a simple life back in Fields in her container fixing things in her own little world and stepping outside to pick her leaves for her tea while admiring the fence, she built. Thick wood made it strong and sturdy; where every fence pole held the head of someone she had killed her favourites were Kellie, her childhood bully and Yumi, the bitch who had it coming. Often she would poke them in the eye just to hear them scream again. Then in the corner of her eye she saw movement, and then a purple blur jumped the fence. 'You shouldn't be here Changer.'

'Why it's nice here, green grass, a collection of heads looking scared of me, but don't worry, I can't stay long Debcat. I just wanted to know if you enjoyed my presents with your female instantaneous orgasms and all strong ones too. You both loved your time together so much I'm just happy to be part of it.' Debbie's memory came back of their last meeting, 'You shouldn't push your limits, just like I shouldn't push mine.' Debcat forcibly said. 'Are you sure I have limits Debcat?' Changer said, with extra bite on Debcat before turning to the purple mist and disappearing. Debbie went to punch Kellie's head but before it felt satisfying, Debbie was awoken by Muley.

Debbie tried to cling onto something important, but she was distracted by a third person on the bed. 'Oh Debbie, you should have seen it, the audience went wild and asked for it again, then it turned into something disturbing because they were all excited, but that's gaybo's for you. I got you some food, roasted kangaroo which is just like a dangadoo but it's spelt differently and correct, and some parsnips, sorry at ate all your beans, so eat up while I introduce the best looking female here.' Debbie enjoyed her mouth full of meat, while the blonde woman stood. 'May I introduce Delilah, she is the star of the stage, Delilah, this is Debbie, the scourge of anything bad.' Debbie and Delilah exchanged pleasantries before Debbie took another bite, 'Well, I was thinking, Debbie that if you would like for Delilah here to join us in our fun?' Debbie nearly choked at the unexpected question and nodded her head in reply. Then she saw Delilah lift her dress over her head, saw below and promptly started choking. Debbie coughed hard as Muley slapped her back. 'Damn Debbie, don't die after seeing a cock. That would be so embarrassing to tell the other officers.' Muley said. Debbie replied with teary eyes, 'It was just unexpected, that's all.'

'I know, when I first saw it, it was like damn but after I got to know it, I found the little fella quite pleasant, even though he ain't so little, but still, damn.' After a long strenuous session, Debbie left a very satisfied Muley lying in the arms of a very spent Delilah on the bunks in the Inventor's room. Debbie decided to see what information she could search for on the computer database and over the hours, thoughts of something useful began to develop that involved The Hand, traders and something called a four wheel drive.

Muley awoke to the comments of the couple of gaybo's she recognised from the main gates fiasco. 'Well, you should be ashamed with a display like that, being an officer and all. We would expect more from you; don't you have any dignity or pride?' Muley looked to either side of her and saw a naked Delilah and a naked Debbie and said with a smile, 'Living the dream fellas, living the dream.' Then promptly showed them something that they were definitely not used to which sent them on their way shaking their heads. Muley felt Debbie stretch then heard her say, 'Living the dream?' To which she replied, 'Yes, living the dream.' In a sassy way before kissing her. 'I thought it may cheer you up after having no good news yesterday, Gavin told me before the performance.'

'I'm sorry I missed it.' Debbie said. 'Nah, it was nothing special just gaybo's in frocks exposing themselves to a song about rain and men, then other gaybo's rushing the stage, then starting inappropriate sexual activities, it was totally gay.' Muley said with a smile. She then watched Debbie rolled on her side with the serious look, 'I am going to that refuelling station, I'm not going to give up, however long it takes. I have got an idea if you want to hear it.'

Muley listened to Debbie's hushed words taking it all in, even though some of the particulars were completely over her head, plus some of the words she used didn't really exist and even if they did, who would use "transformative energy and sensor array" in sentences, it was beyond her reasoning. Muley had a brain and she knew she was intelligent and when she knew she could add something practical and ingenious to the plan, she voiced it. 'That's good, but if we travel the trade routes. We need to be traders not officers, we would stand out like dogs balls, Novan would see you coming, especially the way things get sorted out around you, so we need to do something different. We sell our skills not a stash of junk, it will save weight. Plus my skill is cutting hair and yours is fixing things and if things get hairy we got our skills in spilling blood and with your tools and my tools we could travel for however long it takes. People will always want to use our skills.' The two women looked at each other in admiration and decided it was time to wake Delilah and make her rise once more.

Gavin and Tykon,

I have had requests from female couples wanting to travel to the Outpost. You know my views on your activities there. But still it does seem to be a little unfair that only males are there. The females make good arguments on why they should be allowed and they are not unskilled unlike some you have taken.

Jaxter.
Chapter 3: Not a so great day

The morning at the Outpost was full of activity as men fulfilled their duties, their animals were fed and tended to and plants were maintained. Muley even saw someone collecting leaves while walking with Delilah to see what he did other than looking fine. Muley was a little jealous that a man could look better than most females, even if it was mostly padding up top. Muley held tight to Delilah's hand as she had never been this close to the large animals before, especially with her back turned. 'See with horses. They are just curious. So if we just stand here and talk low with no sudden movements they will come over and check us out, just remember slow movements.' Delilah said calmly. Soon enough, Muley felt the hot breath emerge from behind her, which sent shivers all through her then she was nudged by a nose. Her slow hand started to touch it, then rub it, soon Muley was enjoying brushing the horse and the horse was also enjoying Muley's attention. Delilah smiled at her while she brushed the other horse, 'Her name is Chester and this one here is named Nippy, she was a bit bity for a while, but I think they enjoy being safe in here. It's amazing that all this knowledge is here and I was the only one game to try training them. Everyone was scared because when we caught them, they were quite dangerous, with their kicking and strength but in time, Delilah got to them.'

Muley now stood in another fenced off pen and found these ones far less scary. 'Hello Miss Donkey, I am Muley and I have this apple for you. I like these ones better they're more furry and smaller and definitely cuter, so what's the plan for these ones?' Muley asked Delilah. 'Well all the pictures I have seen they have been carrying things that are tied to their bodies, we used the horses of the heavy wagons so we will use these for places wagons can't get to.'

'What about a small wagon?'

'Yeah I guess, why have you got an idea?'

'Maybe.' Muley said as she scratched the forehead of Miss Donkey as she munched on an apple. Just then a loud whistle was heard, then repeated, Delilah quickly grabbed Muley's hand, 'Grab your rifle, we are going out.' Muley ran with the rifle in hand to the main gate with Delilah heading the way jumping over hedges and bushes for the quickest possible route. Upon reaching their destination many others were there 'Ah good Officer Muley, okay, we have got a chance this time.' Tykon said in very tight shorts that were very unbecoming, Muley thought just before thinking that Debbie should be here instead of being occupied with the Inventor. 'That sneaky stallion has been spotted near the hay again, so this time we all go and Officer Muley will cover us.'

'No f-ing way we need at least six guns to cover us.' Muley heard behind her. 'No, she is worth at least eight of you, trust in her skill.' Tykon said. 'But that brown cat is there every time, it uses the horse as bait, I swear it.' Another voice said. 'You over exaggerate it was only twice, there are fourteen of us, we won't have a better opportunity. So man up girls we are doing this.' Tykon said firmly while Muley really wanted Debbie to be at her side for this.

Muley and her troupe of gaybos headed out, ropes in hand to nab the stallion. Even though she was a girl, she was now expected to be the main man to cover their arses. Tykon indicated to Muley a good position on a rise that overlooked the hay field and she made her way there quickly and once in position gave the signal for them to go ahead. The stallion was on the edge of the field, a big horse of white and grey, while the men were on the other side and started crawling through the hay which covered them. The horse was wary but was oblivious to their approach, Muley felt anxious then she saw the horse start walking in their direction and just knew they were going to succeed. Muley's heart raced waiting in anticipation for the moment when they all would stand and throw their ropes, but Muley was mistaken. The men stood and quickly encircled the horse and closed in quickly, it was then Muley saw the quicker line of parting hay making its way to a man who was in the line of her fire. Muley knew in her heart he was going to die but she aimed and was ready to fire in a split second. The brown flash leapt out of the hay with paws outstretched, Muley fired and the man and big cat went down as they clashed. Muley could hear the screams as he was ripped apart. Then the other men ran to help shouting and yelling while Muley hoped for a second shot at the big cat. The man's death was not quick as he continued to howl and scream while Muley felt sick still waiting for a shot. Then the others got close and they helped the man rise and hugged him while Muley heard him cry. Tykon called for her to come down, and so she did feeling like she was going to hurl.

As Muley got close the muscular man who was crying, he ran towards her and hugged her. 'I'm sorry I ever doubted you Officer Muley, I'm so very sorry.' The man said as he wept. Muley felt relieved that her breakfast was still remaining in her stomach. When the muscular man found another shoulder to cry on Muley spoke as she walked closer. 'That's all right you remember that when an officer covers your arse, it is covered well.' Muley looked upon the brown cat and felt sad at the headshot that was one in a million had ended her life. So she squatted down and rubbed her large head. 'I know you were only doing what you supposed to and I'm so sorry you had to die, you're too beautiful a creature to be ended this way.' Then in the distance everybody turned as they heard the nay of the stallion as he ran out of sight. Muley stood and said, 'I want her to be buried out of respect, intact and no trophies taken.' Then she went back to her vantage point and covered them while they buried the big cat at the side of the hay field.

With her back aching and her bum numb, Debbie arose from the chair and stretched, 'So it's possible?' She asked the Inventor. 'Theoretically, yes but one wrong move and poof your toast, there is a lot of energy in The Hand. While using the energy bank for another purpose it should be done with great care unlike a battery that is solid and stable, theirs is a scalding hot explosive mixture of pressure and toxic substances that holds a large electrical charge you don't want following through you. But the solar cells are pretty safe and at five hundred watts for the size of a large pillow, three should be plenty for what you need.'

'I'll make sure I'm careful, now what about my ideas for reprogramming?' Debbie asked while touching her toes and feeling the stretch. 'I know programming, but I am not a genius at it, so it will follow Voice Commands, its AI is adaptive so it should be interchangeable if you manage to capture a flyer, and it's all possible if you could hook it up of course. I can put a lot of pilot control software into it, but who knows what barriers are in place and what you have to do.'

'Well one step at a time, I'm going to wait for The Hand. I need to walk anyway.' Debbie said feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Debbie sat in the sun enjoying the warmth seeping through her clothes that warmed her from the chilly room. Muley spoke as soon as she sat beside her. 'So how is your idea going?' Muley asked feeling blue. 'Yeah, it will be a lot of work that I will need to focus on.'

'Well I just shot a big cat, I'm not happy about it.' Debbie just put her arm around her for a while as they sat quietly together until Muley grew tired of the silence, 'The donkeys are cute, maybe we could use one to help pull the wagons, plus stuff can be tied to them, so they can go where a wagon cannot, besides I'd like animals they would be good company.'

'Yeah why not, it's going to be a long trip anyway and I am not hopeful of my shortcut, it seems like a long shot.'

'The flyer thing?' Muley said. 'Yeah the flyer thing.' Debbie said back deflated. 'So what are we doing now?'

'Waiting for The Hand for reprogramming.'

'Well, while we are doing that want to brush a donkey? They are cute and furry and have big ears and they like apples.' Muley said with a smile.

Debbie found it relaxing spending time with the donkeys and Muley and also agreed with the idea of taking them on the journey, but their time passed all too soon as she was called for, after The Hand was sighted. Everybody gathered at the front gate to watch the strangeness of the machine as it scurried along at jogging speed. Its six legs carried it effortlessly across the terrain and through the front gate, stopping in front of Debbie. 'So if you are ready for a change? Follow me.' Debbie said as she turned. The Hand seemed to hesitate or pause to decide, if someone didn't already know that machines did not do that. But in the end The Hand followed her into the building. The tapping of its legs made for an interesting noise through the hallway, while the challenge of the stairs was overcome by the briefest of pauses as the machine analysed its decent.

With guidance from the Inventor Debbie dismantled The Hand into its components in less than twenty minutes and with Debbie holding its intelligence with her hands she was able to link it up with The Inventor. Then with little thought she decided to dive for a look for herself. Debbie knew it had been a while since she used her gift to look deep into the program of The Hand but she couldn't resist the curiosity of it. The brilliant blue of the Inventor streamed symbols of information and commands into the cube of yellow, soon gaps appeared in the tightly packed yellow cube and were replaced by the blue cube. In an instant all yellow disappeared except for a pyramid of bright yellow which was soon engulfed in blue. When the last gap was sealed the stream of blues stopped and then everything went black. Debbie started to feel empty within this space and giddy while in the distance a green spark began to grow and take shape to form a pyramid then with a shudder Debbie saw a small sphere of purple shoot into the pyramid before the green cube engulfed it all, she was sent flying back to herself and felt the thud, then nothing, then something.

Muley sat on the bunk watching Debbie work as she dismantled the tin can; the coolness of the room was nice as she could feel the stickiness of her sweat disappear within the cool sensation against her skin. Muley admired her friend's form as she stood still and after a bit of bum wiggle and breast jiggle, the little motions became something else when she saw Debbie's contorted face and blank eyes. Muley willed her body to action to help her friend but failed to catch her as she collapsed. Muley slid on her knees to her friend who laid motionless on the floor staring blankly into nothing. Through the speaker Muley heard The Inventor's concerns from what he saw through the cameras, but all of her focus and concern was for Debbie so she did not answer him. Calling her name and shaking her had no effect so Muley did the one thing everybody reacts to, she slapped her hard across the cheek, and that did the trick. 'Ow.' Debbie said holding her face while she was quickly hugged hard by Muley. 'You know how to scare someone, what happened to you, it was like a seizure or something were you electrocuted?' Muley waited for her reply as Debbie tried to remember, 'I think I overextended myself that's all. I haven't been sleeping well.' Debbie said out loud, and then as she was getting up Muley heard the faint whisper, 'I'll tell you in private.' Muley stood with her uneasy friend and with the reassurances done with The Inventor that she was fine Muley followed Debbie to the fresh air.

Muley sat with Debbie under the shade of the tree and saw the challenge of an annoyed goose with its outstretched wings for taking its spot. 'Yeah you better run before I find you tasty.' Muley said to the indignant bird. Muley held Debbie's hand. 'So what happened that you can't tell The Inventor?'

'I broke his invention and turned it into something new, he said it can't be done and if it was, it would kill me; The Program and The Demms that is. But I have done the impossible twice, first was when I placed The Demms in you, The Program wouldn't let me, so I plunged my hand into the bronze door and altered it. The second, when I was near death after giving birth to Rayne it took on a green form of Susan, she only let me to live until Rayne was born then it intended to end me so I turned it into green goop. Then a purple cat arose and called itself Changer. I dove into The Hand as it was being reprogrammed and saw yellow changed to blue then to green, it was so mesmerising I must have just got caught up in it being so deep and all.' Muley did her best on hiding her headache from trying to comprehend on what was said. 'So the one thing that changed the old world and denied billions of lives has been changed twice and the new one is now a purple cat. Is it at least friendly?'

'I am a bit hazy on that; it's like a dream with it. Not easily remembered not like my other experiences in dealing with The Program.' Muley then felt the firm grip of Debbie's hand upon her own. 'You must promise me if Novan gets me, you must find a way to destroy me, not just kill me, but destroy me until nothing is left. What I have within me can't ever get out, it's like a gun held by a child. Whatever happens, it will not end well.' Muley felt teary, 'What about rescue, you can go on?'

'No there is no coming back if they get me, only bring death and destruction to everything around me, and promise me, no rescue.' Muley nodded before whimpering out. 'What about Rayne, she is with Novan?' There was a long pause before Debbie spoke, 'I'm going to bring death and destruction and if she can't be rescued I will end all of Novan and bring on destruction they never dared to dream about.' Muley felt a very real chill from her words as Debbie looked monstrous, leaving no reason that she was ever only joking.

By bedtime Debbie partook in no lustful ways as life got all too serious. The only comfort she felt was Muley wrapped around her and drooling on her shoulder before she fell asleep. Debbie willed her way to the mountain and once on top regained memories lost, leaving her angry at Changer. 'So Debcat you intend to bring on destruction they never ever dreamed about, you intend to bring the weapon among them and unleashed it. I saw your vision and part of me desires it so very much.'

'You have already unleashed yourself twice now into Muley and into The Hand.' Debbie said with a not so very subtle tone, Changer rolled over the bones onto its back then pranced the air with its paws, 'You intend to pick a fight like last time and how did that work out for you, not so well as I remember. Just a swat of my paw sent you from the top down to the green grass far, far below.'

'I want you to stop playing with my memory.' Debbie said. 'No you don't want that, aren't you happier, able to enjoy the pleasures of your female more completely, you know she loves you. However, you are supposed to love her back, if you have all your memories. Well you can barely live with yourself here for a short amount of time and out there, it is definitely out of the question.'

'But it's like I'm dull, something incomplete, I feel it out there.'

'Little Debcat, you're just a dull knife, you will find something that will sharpen it; focus on other things, you don't need those memories out there. Debbie became annoyed at Changer licking itself while carrying on the conversation, 'Just think of it as unwanted distraction but I am merely relieving you from.'

'You say it's a kindness, but it is not. Changer what have you done to The Hand? Was that your seed again? What is your intention?'

'My intention is not to justify myself to you, my intentions are my own, you can pat me if you like.' Debbie looked down at her hand which was still charred and dropping dust. 'Well that's what you get when you try to punch into me, I'm afraid I'm here to stay.' And with a yawn from Changer her hand was mended. 'But I must say, this gift of yours is extraordinary, your interaction with technology offers new opportunities and possibilities, I just had to amuse myself. We should be friends, I'm a nice kitty cat, really I am, and I even destroyed all the sperm on your behalf. You do know that you can fall pregnant with nearly any man? You don't want to be with child on your journey. I think it would be a bit rude to rescue Rayne with a bunch of brothers and sisters.' Debbie had enough of the Changer's attitude and attacked. Before Debbie hit the grass far, far below she woke up feeling a bit vacant and dull but warm in Muley's arms.

The morning bore its light on a wagon being loaded with a collapsible cage and portable fence as well as pieces of The Hand. Delilah said her farewells after the horses were harnessed, while the Officers hugged and kissed theirs. With their weapons at the ready and the gifts from the Inventor safely stowed. The Officers headed out with two muscular gaybo's to the container of parts and then on to Central. Their nights were spent in the cage while the horses stood within their caged fence which stood around seven foot high and hopefully it was high enough to deter a big cat long enough for the opportunity for a shot to be taken. The time passed as they reached Central without incident, leaving them to part ways with the men from the Outpost who were now gathering supplies for the return journey. 'So Debbie, you have a large pile of stuff in the courtyard now what? We aren't going to haul it all upstairs are we?' Muley said with a plea in her voice. 'No the training hall should do nicely.' Debbie said with a smile. Debbie and Muley took to sleeping in the training hall and left Susan's room untouched while Debbie sorted out the good from the bad, and always with Muley keeping a close eye on her as she dived in to fix and find problems. Days passed as trips to the Loggers and other areas were frequent to organise materials for Debbie's project. They even journeyed to Collections and spent time with Jaxter and Sams discussing matters at great length over tea and scones.

The little cart often strained with its load as the two officers pulled it a long, 'I know I keep saying it, but if we had donkeys this would be so much easier.' Muley said. 'I'm surprised you haven't named them already.'

'Well maybe I have, the brown one is called Nutty and grey one is called Pretty because she has long eyelashes.'

'You know that's pretty nutty.'

'No it's not, they are good names.' Muley said with indignance. Debbie rolled her eyes at the apparently failed joke, and then shook her head. Ten minutes of silence festered between them before Muley blurted out, 'I get it, 'pretty nutty' that was funny Debbie, I thought you were having a go at me.' Muley said ending with a laugh. 'Well it's a pity you didn't call them ass and dumb.' Debbie said while shaking her head. 'And what that is supposed to mean?' Muley said in an annoyed tone. Debbie turned to look at Muley and saw a big cheesy grin which prompted them both to laughter. 'So after this, what do we need for Debbie's big pile of scrap?'

'Just a couple more of The Hand and we are good to start building.' Debbie said with a thoughtful nod. 'Good, as there is plenty I got to do before it's done.'

'Like what?' Debbie asked in surprise. 'Well I need to talk to every long distance trader I can find, to find out about routes and areas to avoid or to go to. And we need to go through the archives for anything useful and starting at the beginning. Yes research, Debbie we can't go walking off blindly to be forewarned is to be forearmed, ass dumb.' Muley said with cockiness, while Debbie felt like a dumb arse for not thinking that way.

By the time they got back to Central there was quite a stir amongst the stalls as the two Officers pulled the cart and two of The Hand walking behind them. Their tall dirty white rectangles supported by six and four legs caused much stir and comments, mothers kept little hands from touching them, while men looked on apprehensively. 'What is with these people, honestly, haven't you ever seen Officers pull a cart before?' Muley said loudly to the gathering people. A man's voice shouted back, 'We are not looking at you, just those things behind you.' Muley stopped pulling and turned around and screamed out in a shrill voice, 'They're still behind us? Everyone run for your lives!' Muley laughed out loud when quite a few scattered opening up a clear path to pull their cart along. Muley kept on laughing; remembering the screams and scared faces long after the procession entered the gates of Central.

Muley and Debbie noticed some changes, firstly, discarded scrap pile was considerably smaller, while the furniture and fixtures had increased. There was even metal sculptures of animals lined up against the wall; large frogs, birds with outstretched wings, boars and some they didn't even recognise, 'Ah I see you brought me more materials to work with, ah don't worry I only used your scrap, the animals sell well but the chairs and benches sell better.' Mieseed said with open arms after greeting them and continued on with his news, 'I have made much coin and I have bought a stall to expand with of course, it is a condition that you Debbie can use any of Mr Ko's items as you see fit before your travels.' Debbie and Muley looked at each other, 'Why what is he doing?' Muley asked. 'He is going with you two, so I bought his stall and this is in a good location right near the gate, hopefully my brother can make it here and run it.' After Mieseed's tale ended in the two Officers were alone, they asked each other if they had agreed with Mr Ko that he would come along, to which both shook their heads to. 'Well we will have to, Debbie he has nothing left here for him and he wants to, we can't just turn him away. Look I'll train him to shoot, three is better than two.' Muley argued, while Debbie caved in nodding her head which promptly made Muley disappear out of the gate leading to Mr Ko's stall.

Muley's list of what's to be done before she goes-

• _Put that smug bastard in a dress in his place_

• _Talk to traders about their travels_

• _Buy clothes, camel trader wear for the day, and one good look for the evening._

• _Plus make up, two sets of trouble clothes. (Buy for Debbie as well)_

• _Some special candles (strong ones)_

• _Find brushes for the donkeys._

Muley's travel guide:

Lambarrie- produces cotton that is collected, the area is isolated and the surrounding area dry. The camel traders only come to Central from Lambarrie and sell the cotton clothing they make, plus distilled intoxicating drinks and take back what they can to improve their living. They say any woman can make the journey and find a good man. Beyond Lambarrie is a collection of isolated people who are friendly, but have language barriers for trade. Little-known fact they have the ability to make glass bottles for their intoxicating drinks.
Chapter 4: Building and goodbyes

Muley stood behind Mr Ko's container listening to the thuds of metal as the throwing knives completely missed the wooden target. 'They're just too small can't get a grip on them.' Mr Ko said after another failed attempt. 'Well they are just not for you, that's all, here take this note to Mieseed it has some suggestions. Maybe he has got something else, because just a spear is not going to cut it. You're travelling with us there's probably going to be trouble along, the way.' Mr Ko nodded and took the note, leaving Muley alone with her thoughts, 'Well his spear is good and he is not a bad shot at least, so what's next on the list? Yeah, smug bastard in a dress.' Muley closed to her book and went in search for a fight. It didn't take long to find his stall as Muley knew exactly where it was as she had many of an argument with the man in a dress over hair, which always drew a crowd. Today the man wore a dress of yellow with white dots and way too much make up, and like all the other times they spotted each other instantly. 'So Officer Muley you have come to my stall to lose another argument?' The man said loudly, with gestures way too flamboyant. 'Words are not going to satisfy me today Dress man; I'm here to take you down.' Dress man put his hands on his hips, 'Don't see how, I am the best, in fact, people travel here out of shame covering their heads, just hoping I can fix their hair from your butchering.' He said with a flick of his hair at the end. Muley began noticing the chuckles around her with a twinge of anger.

Muley stood firm amongst the crowd, 'Well let's settle it Dress man. Accept my challenge.' Dress man made an obvious yawn, 'Oh please, you and your challenges Officer Muley, I am too busy to waste my time.' He said inspecting his fingernails, then gave her a flutter from his hand. When the laughs died down Muley said, 'Why don't you prove you're the best?'

'Don't have to everyone already knows how bad you are.' He said wiggling his hips. 'Only by rumours spread by you, badmouthing an Officer was a bad move.' Muley now held her rifle and worked the bolt which brought immediate space as the crowd backed away. 'This challenge is not optional Dress man, prove your claims.' Dress man walked in close and talked quietly to Muley. 'This is low, even for you.'

'Accept it prove you're the best.'

'I'll lodge a complaint.'

'Do it, am going soon anyway.'

'For how long?'

'Long enough.'

'You won't be remembered for this, my version of it will endure.'

'I don't care, I'm here for the now, step up and prove it Dress man.' Dress man stepped back gesturing wildly, 'Fine, I accept the Officer's challenge.'

Six women volunteers were found for the free haircuts, Muley and Dress man would cut three each, they would do this in turn. Then the women would write their scores; a score between one and five on a piece of paper, and once added up the winner would be the one with most points. Chairs and tables were found in placed outside so everyone could see. Muley had her scissors, comb, dusting brush, mirror and a glass of water on her table. Meanwhile Dressman's table overflowed sorts of bottles, pots, jars, multiple scissors and brushes. Muley took the time of asking what each woman did during the day. The first one was a stall owner, so Muley decided on the most flattering for her features. The second one was a logger, so Muley decided on one that could be tied during the day and let go at night. So it could be bouncy and alluring and showed her how to do it. The third one, was a worker in the red light alleys, initially Muley was stumped but decided on bangs at the front to frame her face, while the layered back was short so men couldn't grab handfuls of hair, which Muley was always annoyed at. In forty-five minutes she was done, it was another thirty before the man in a dress was done. The scores were added and read aloud, Muley smiled a little when she found out Dress man's name was Barry, and his score was nine to Officer Muley's fifteen.

Muley only needed the score and did not care about anything else as she left upon the hearing it. The perfect score cemented her confidence for the hair that lay ahead even though she still had to find out what exactly did lay ahead. Muley spent the rest of the day relentlessly hunting down any trader who either went beyond the Central area as well as some shopping, killing two birds with the one stone. Muley collected a great deal of information on production areas and different locations, as well as names of good people and fellow traders. After a few false starts Muley had a map in hand that was as accurate as possible of a route to Debbie's objective of the refuelling stop as well as anything else that would fit on it. including a waterfall that was said to be the most romantic spot ever seen by mortal eyes. That was said by an old man and woman who met there, and ran off together leaving their partners behind. Muley thought it wasn't too far out of the way, since the old couple were still so much in love with each other. But decided not to buy their funny smelling pipe weed and dried mushrooms.

It was dark by the time Muley met Debbie in the training hall and saw all the bits and bobs scattered in some sort of system, decipherable only to Debbie, 'I have got a map and lots of information.' Muley said. Debbie rose quickly for inspecting a dirty part. 'Now we go down here and there is a bridge that crosses the Gorge River then we are in Production area nine, did you know we are called Production area twelve, I didn't? Anyway, we go through there and then there's a fish farm but off to the side there is a broken refuelling stop. That has not worked in years, might be worth checking out just to see what exactly they are. Then we go onto Grains and through to the refuelling stop. But there are a couple of side stops we have to make. First, is a waterfall that is said to be the most romantic spot, ever! Which I have clearly marked. Mieseed asked if we could go to the Metal works and see if we can help his brother, if we don't see him along the way that is, as he is supposed to be heading here. I haven't found anyone who has recently travelled so some of the information is at least six months old or even older, but it is better than nothing.'

Muley saw Debbie looking intently at the map and thought it was a good time to bring up the subject of Mr Ko, 'Mr Ko is a pretty good shot and I sent him to Mieseed for extra weapons. Plus he is a good trader which is good for our cover.' Debbie just said in reply, 'That's good.' Muley swallowed before speaking again, 'Speaking of cover, it might be nothing and the information is old, but many traders agree it is dangerous trip mainly because of questionable people, these areas are not like ours. We may have had problems here but the Officers resolved them. With the other areas there is mention that Officers don't exactly act like us and maybe they are the ones we should be wary of, we should keep a very low profile.' Debbie turned, 'So what are you exactly getting at?' Muley looked at her tapping fingers while saying, 'Maybe show a lot of restraint and not get into situations that leaves us with only one option of killing, just as an example.' Debbie's eyebrows went high. 'You're making out I just go and kill people.'

'No, I'm not saying that, I am just saying if there is trouble maybe we should just walk by and let others sort it out, if you want an easier trip. There is a reason why traders seem to stay in Central and not go back. Just imagine that some traders came through here and people died. What would we do in response to that? And what would we do if those traders killed Officers how far would we go to get them? Maybe leave your sense of justice and right and wrong here in Central.' Debbie thought for a time before answering, 'Fine, I will leave them here and let you make the decision to keep on walking when there is trouble and see if you can live with it since we are Officers for life or only when it suits us, it's solely your call.' Muley watched Debbie returned to her piles of bits and bobs, immediately regretting her words and lost opportunity to tell her story of her hair cutting triumph.

Muley awoke the next day and left Debbie in peace before seeking out Mr Ko and found him at the back of the container. The thuds on the wood sounded loud and hard, 'So Mieseed had something for you?' Muley asked. Mr Ko pulled hard to take out something thin and black which looked like a small axe but only a centimetre thick. 'They're pretty good I have got eight of them and they stack together and easy to throw.' Mr Ko then gave an example of his practice which was fast and accurate leaving Muley to nod in approval. Over the next ten days while waiting for Debbie to finish building, Muley improved Mr Ko's fighting abilities and improved his spear, that was now longer, lighter, sharper and stronger. As well as enhancing his fist fighting with knuckledusters plus the most important addition, clothes that complemented hers and Debbie's. Which the benefits were that they matched, adding to their cover, as well as being aesthetically pleasing. Mr Ko looked quite dashing with his new look, to which Muley called, 'desert wear'. The cool and comfortable garb was free flowing and its length made it easier to conceal weapons for protection.

In those ten days Gavin came to Central to help Debbie build as well as bringing the donkeys; 'Pretty and Nutty'. Debbie sat while enjoying a drink as Gavin inspected her progress. 'Well, it's the fanciest trading cart I've ever seen.'

'Well technically it's a wagon; it's got four wheels even if they are small.' Debbie said with a hint of pride. 'So what's left to go?'

'Well, the electrics are done; I've got three solar panels up top powering up two units of energy collectors from The Hand that powers two electric motors for the front wheels, which can go nearly at running speed. I have got Tin-can up top which raises itself with voice commands and has four of its airguns and can rotate, plus sensors on the edge of the wagon. now I just have got to get my head around storage for my tools and a workbench, Muley's hairstyling set up plus hidden storage for weapons and storage of food and water as well as some kind of shelter from the rain.'

'Well, that's what I'm here for, I've got some ideas that will be of use plus some modifications at the front to make it more donkey friendly.' Gavin said as he kicked the rubber tread of the wheel and nodding with approval.

One morning Debbie was awoken by Muley's soft kisses which Debbie made harder, soon Muley broke free of her embrace, 'We've got no time, someone of the utmost importance is here waiting for us.' Muley said while pulling her out of bed. 'It's barely light, who would want to see us at this time?' Debbie said struggling with her pants. The smell of sweet buns and smoke filled the air and Debbie's stomach made a deal with her to stop there on the way back. Muley led Debbie to an open area where a cart stood with a rug on the ground and a woman kneeling down grasping the pot of the plant. The Officers sat on the rug, 'And here we are all again.' The plant said through the woman, 'Debcat and Snips you are on the verge of your journey, two sisters that will bring great change.'

'We are more than sisters.' Muley spoke out aloud while Debbie thought little of the situation. 'I see you have bonded together, then soul sisters you have become, forged in the heat battle and passion while bonded to each other's fates. Debcat, you have passed the beast of orange and black's test, he has judged you worthy.' The statement put a chill through Debbie's spine as she thought of standing in front of the roaring big cat. 'Now you must trust your instincts and tell each other your concerns and remember that the small deeds you do are just as important as the large.' Debbie spoke in response, 'We are setting out bring back my daughter that is all.'

Debbie and Muley sat in silence as the sun rose over the trees giving a dazzling light over the plant. 'True, that is your goal but the journey is where the change shall be. For good or bad or even something worse than that, the soul sisters will fail and the daughters of Rayne will be lost in the wild.' Debbie watched as the woman let go of the pot and rose showing signs of exhaustion, 'He is done, you best be on your way.' Debbie looked at Muley and saw her frantically writing in her little book, before they headed off to the baker. 'I think I got it all word for word we are so lucky the plant came to us.' Muley said. 'So how did the plant know my daughter's name; did you speak to it before?' Debbie asked as Muley cleared her mouth of pastry she replied, 'No, but it's the plant, he like knows everything so of course he knows her name.' She said before finishing the pastry.

Muley let Debbie work with Gavin especially after her derogatory comments about plant. Muley put it down the fact that Debbie is not a morning person. Her suggestion that the plants translator would be better off finding a different sort of root was uncalled for and quite rude, even if it was slightly funny at the time. Muley knew Debbie didn't really listen and while revising her notes she wondered if it was "daughters of Rayne" she actually heard and if it was what could it possibly mean? Muley often awoke from sleep and stared into the darkness thinking about plant's words and sometimes she wanted to dismiss them as stupid ramblings of an insane woman like Debbie did. Muley had investigated the plant before and found none of its words false to anyone it talk to, even though sometimes they were a bit vague or didn't paint the whole picture at the time.

Muley passed her time reading over Delilah's notes on the donkeys and putting her suggestions into practice. Muley found Pretty and Nutty quite affectionate and got them used to being the lead and pulling carts. Many of the stall owners' children would pat them and help brush them which Muley didn't mind and the lucky ones rode in the cart just to get the donkeys used to pulling the weight. Other parts of the day she practiced with her weapons, concentrating on speed and accuracy. During one of these sessions she heard a familiar voice call out to her and instantly recognised it as her mother "Beads". 'I was hoping you would come before I left.' Muley said as she ran to hug her. Beads kissed her daughter on the forehead, 'Of course I would, and you're my favourite daughter.'

'I am your only daughter.' Muley said with a grin. Muley and Beads chatted in the shade while watching the donkeys graze upon the green, tall grass. 'So how long do you think it will be until your back?' Beads asked. 'Well a long time I think, if we had straight to the refueler without distraction, it could be two months and after we find where the flyer went who knows how long? We are not planning on returning until we get Rayne back, but we can communicate with the Outpost through a sat phone and the tablet thingy that can send pictures, both still and moving, they will keep you informed and they can tell me your letters.' Both women continued to wipe their tears constantly, 'Sime and Karn will miss you as well.'

'Well they should, you know I wrote them a list of things to impress you with.'

'I guessed that already, but I didn't mind, so you and Debbie are more than finger friends?'

'Yeah I think so, we say I love you too each other and we are close and share everything. The plant told us we are soul sisters so that's what I call us now, Debbie doesn't particularly like it because she doesn't like the plant. She only likes things that can be pulled apart and explained. She is working hard to make a wagon that will protect us.' Muley said as she ran her fingers through her mother's hair. 'So I hear that you put that hairstyler back in his place.'

'Yeah, shut him up real good, but after I am gone he will be badmouthing me, but it doesn't change the fact I kicked his arse.' Muley said looking at Nutty rolling on the grass. 'You know whatever happens I'm just so proud of you Muley.'

'I know Mum, but you just keep making me cry.' Muley said with a little laugh.

Gavin handed a small tablet to Debbie and felt the lightness of it, 'It's not as robust as a regular tablet, but you can do other things the normal ones don't, like the sat phone you can talk through but you can also send pictures and videos and receive them as well, plus you could clone The Hand's intelligence to the others make tweaks as you need them.' Gavin and Debbie cloned the intelligence twice as they had two spare from The Hand that walked back to Central with them. Debbie took pictures of Gavin and sent it to the Inventor to test it further with success. The pictures showed some of the work he had done, like steel plating the vital components. 'It's thick enough to stop our bullets.' He said giving it a tap. Gavin also made a sliding drawer underneath the wagon that would hold the weapons and once shut it was very hard to spot as it blended in. There were also hooks on the side to anchor canvas tarps out to make shelter from the rain; one for each side. The particulars for Debbie and Muley's skill were strapped to the sides of the wagon and water barrels upfront. The controls for the electric motors were moved to allow room for a donkey to pull. They now rested near the end of the beam, so they could be controlled while it looked like person was just guiding the donkey. So if a steep incline was encountered or any other difficulty was encountered the power of the wagon could assist.

Debbie was under the wagon inspecting the axles when she felt heavy footsteps approach, 'Greetings Debbie'. She knew who it was long before she belted the dust out of her pants and the grease from her hands. 'Greetings, Jaxter.' She said as they locked wrists, 'I expected it to be bigger with the amount of materials you have collected.' Jaxter said as he ran his hand upon it. 'Well, you should know more than most that size doesn't count for everything.' Jaxter rubbed his arm, 'I still feel it on cold mornings but I am not here to reminisce over lost fights.' Debbie nodded to the immense man of muscle and steel. 'I will keep this area well until you come back, may the rescue of your daughter go smoothly and your enemies die painfully, now where is Muley? I have questions about writing poetry. I try, but my words are not strong enough to do Sam's beauty justice.' Debbie told Jaxter where his best efforts for finding Muley were, then looked back upon the wagon and found it a good size and well built.

The night before departure brought Muley, Mr Ko and Debbie together in the courtyard of Central to put the final touches on the wagon, 'Oh, we need to enter the voice commands for Tin-can for each of us, that way only us three can command it, plus it will scan us so it knows we are friends. Now the first word is Ambush, this will rise the Tin-can and it will put everyone to sleep except us and it's pretty quick I have got four of air guns that will shoot the little pellets. The pellets are recognised by Demms in everyone and they instantly put a person to sleep plus they sting animals as well, they hurt like bees. The second word is Guard, Tin-can rises to guard us at night. The third is Safe, this lowers Tin-can. I have already scanned Pretty and Nutty and myself now it's your turn so standstill.' Debbie used the tablet for Tin-can to accept her friend's likeness then got them to say the words in turn and then armed Tin-can. The three of them tested Tin-can and found it worked well, especially when Mieseed and his sister were put to sleep as they walked around the corner just at the wrong time.

Muley listened as Debbie proceeded to give the guided tour of the wagon showing every aspect from within to exterior. As well as the weapons draw and the icebox in back. 'Thanks Debbie it's like my own little salon, chair, table, mirror and shade.' Muley then demanded both to have their hair cut and with lights from the wagon Muley was able to do her best. Debbie had her short and stylish haircut and Mr Ko's beard and warriors tail were neat and tidy. Muley listened to Mr Ko as he sat obviously enjoying the attention, 'I feel bad, I have nothing to contribute, you can cut hair and Debbie can do repairs.'

'Mr Ko, you have the hardest role, you have to find us customers and get the best prices for our work. Muley said snipping away and saw his grin. With the styling done the three pack the wagon, in the weapons draw were three rifles, bow and arrows with a harness and a stockpile of ammo, bullets and shells for Thunder. Upon their travels Mr Ko would have his spear, Debbie would have Thunder and Samson's blades and Muley would have her steel bars. Plus also amongst them an assortment of knives, throwing knives, axes, regular knives, knuckledusters and a very bad attitude to anyone that deserved it.

Before first light Muley ventured out to bring Pretty and Nutty into Central to harness one to the wagon and let the other walked behind tethered. Muley took in all the sights and smells as she walked so she could remember Central, long into the future as she doubted that she would ever return to look upon it again. From the baker to the candlestick maker as well to the night workers finishing off a customer, Muley would miss it all. Then her lament passed as she looked forward to adventure in unknown areas, with her woman and a dear friend plus a couple of donkeys and Tin-can to watch over them all as they slept soundly. Then Muley remembered Jaxter's promise to let her read his poetry when she got back, their bond of friendship had grown since she taught him how to read and write. Muley always looked forward to reading anything from Jaxter and she took pride in his progress. Muley entered Central to see her companion's in their desert wear as well as thirty Officers ranging from new and newer to bid them farewell and good luck on their mission to retrieve the one that was taken. Muley decided on Nutty to have the honour pulling the wagon out of Central and after many handshakes and hugs plus a grab of her arse by Blinken, Muley lead Nutty out of Central while leaving many tears upon its gravel. Only when stalls were behind them she turned to look at Debbie and saw her with dry eyes and look of solid determination. So Muley took it upon herself to cry Debbie's tears for her, as she looked forward along the path out of Production area twelve.

The Eye accepts transmission /-Debbie

The Eye opens contact /-Inventor

The Eye sends data

New subroutine detected

One subroutine added

One changer.sys

One changer. bin

One changer.exe

The Eye awaits transmission

Muley's travel guide:- The Gorge river bridge, an old Ridge of steel painted every two years to stop rust, spans the Gorge and is twenty-six metres high above the river. It is said a brave man dove off to see if it could be done and after that the man was ever know as stupid. It is thirteen days travel from Greens and marks the boundary between Central and Greens. It has been known to be used by bandits for robbery and sexual assault, but a must for sightseeing.
Chapter 5: Different Officers and Standards

Debbie observed Nutty and her effort to pull the wagon, and she was glad that the donkey displayed minimal exhaustion. Only on the inclines did the electrical motors prove their value to make Nutty's load much easier to pull. Debbie walked near the controls and Muley on the other while Mr Ko walked behind, 'So girls are you going to use those travelling names again?'

'So Debcat?'

'Yes Snips!'

'Should Mr Ko get a new name, Debcat? I was thinking Greyed or Dusty Bottoms.'

'Excuse me! I am a man of needs; those names will not help me in my endeavours, so I will stick with Mr Ko as it has served me rather well. But if we are going to be using a cover I think you both should call me "Pa".' Both girls laughed in unison. 'I have never had a father, Snips.'

'Me neither, why did you abandon us Pa? All those years not knowing if you were alive, oh poor mother and the things she had to do just to get by. How could you do that to us Pa, to your own children? Did you not love us?' Debcat thought her sides would burst from laughter especially when Snips demanded to know the facts of life as it was the father's duty to inform them of what boys wanted to do with his daughters. The word daughter made her think of Rayne and with nearly a month's head start; she was so lost to her, thus ceasing her laughter.

Their day soon became a routine on the journey, out of Production area twelve. Debbie was glad when the point came when their surroundings were no longer familiar. Even at night in unknown territory all three slept soundly as Tincan stood watch over them, forever on guard. Occasionally a yelping dog could be heard testifying to the painful sting delivered by the airgun. Then there was a night after nine days of travel where Tincan got its first human intruder, 'I'm not naïve, look the shower at the Pumping Station is small and it's easy to get the male side and the female side mixed up and besides the man was blind and he didn't know where he was.'

'Come on Snips, you said he had an erection, I think he knew exactly where he was blind or not.'

'It wasn't his full erection that was for sure.'

'How would you know?' Debcat quickly saw Snips face go red much to Mr Ko's enjoyment. All became suddenly alert as they heard Tincan's airgun fire, then in the distance a fall onto dry leaves could be heard. Debcat quickly pulled out the corded spotlight and directed its beam to where the noise came from. Snips and Mr Ko dragged the man back to their campfire and waited for him to wake up. 'It should not be longer than half an hour, Tincan is different to The Hand, where it's hours.'

'It looks like he was coming to trade. His bag has got furs, some stones, carved bone and brushes and he is only armed with a knife on his belt.' said Mr Ko.

Mr Ko indicated he would do the talking when the man awoke and so he did. 'Greetings, we heard you fall, you have been unconscious.'

'A fall you say, I am usually surefooted at night.' The rough man said, running his fingers through his short hair checking for lumps. 'Well I am Mr Ko and these are my daughter's Snips and Debcat.' The man nodded in response, 'They call me Trapper Steve and if you ever come across Skinner Steve he is my brother. It has been many months since I seen a campfire on the road. So I thought I might be able to trade since my cooking is not that flash. 'No need friend, my daughters share freely with their cooking skills.' Mr Ko then passed a plate of leftovers and mishmash. Trapper Steve ate all that was handed to him with many compliments on flavour and tastiness. 'So what do you trade to be on such a journey?' Trapper Steve said handing back the plate. 'Well Snips here styles hair and Debcat fixes machines, I trade for their skills.'

'I have a hand cranked lantern that no longer works. For trade, I have got these.' Trader Steve outlaid his wares upon a rolled out fur, Debcat saw Snips immediately pick up a carved bone brush; the handle was of two naked women standing back two back holding each other's hands. 'It's nice and heavy.'

'All those I carved from large bones I found on a beach, it passes the time.' Trapper Steve said with a smile of missing teeth.

Debcat set up her workbench and light. After a brief dive she took the lantern apart and re - soldered the connections and rewound the copper that had come loose. Within ten minutes Trapper Steve had his lantern back and shining brightly. 'That is a skill definitely worth trading, never heard or seen someone being so efficient before. So are you all heading to Central?'

'No that's where we were, we are going Greens.'

'You are the first I have met that are leaving Central, usually I see traders going there but they never come back. I thought it was either really good there or really dangerous so never taken the chance to find out.'

'Traders are treated well.' Mr Ko replied and indicated that the trade was made as Snips continually brushed her hair, with the brush that made her smile.

'Well, Mr Ko may I suggest keeping your daughters close, you are going in a direction where traders are not treated so well, I myself keep to the edge and only head in when I needs be and I don't stay long.' Trapper Steve soon parted ways after telling what lay ahead and saying that he will journey to Central with a new found certainty. With Tincan on guard again Debcat laid down to sleep with Snips holding her while Mr Ko slept on the other side of the wagon. Snip's hand stroked the soft hair that was so recently brushed and succumbed to dreaming.

Snips awoke to being nudged by Pretty while in Debcat's embrace. Waking up with her soul sister always put in a good mood first thing in the morning. The girls brushed and watered the donkeys, while Mr Ko attended the camp and packing up the wagon. Snips like this time of day as it was the only time Mr Ko was some distance away, so she took the opportunity, like every other morning to renew her bonds with Debcat, even though it might have been only fleeting but none the less satisfying. 'So you girls ready to get moving.' A distant voice said. True to Trapper Steve's indications, by mid-morning the trio laid behind cover and used Mr Ko's looking glass, 'Well in the trees, I am guessing those are bandits hanging by those ropes.' Snips pointed to a tree a fair distance to the side of the bridge. 'I see two officers outside that old lean to, maybe a third laying down, hard to say.' Mr Ko said. After all three looked they were in agreement that they were officers and so they made their move to go over the bridge.

Nearing the bridge Snips could see that they were spotted, it was obvious that they were keeping watch in the other direction for some reason. The officers waited for them in the shade of the tree next to the lean-to. When one of the officers raised his hand to stop Mr Ko, and when Mr Ko went to speak he was told to 'shut it.'

'Spear on the ground old man.' One officer said while the other walked over to Snips and Debcat, and watched them not out of caution but out of lust. Snips knew if that officer laid a finger on Debcat there would be no stopping death. 'Hey check these girls out they're not too bad, not bad at all.' Snips read Debcat's look and quickly spoke. 'That's a fine compliment officer, in our travels no other officer has noticed us at all, in fact it was said that we were lacking.'

'Really? From where I stand you are lacking nothing.' The officer said placing his hand on Snips arm, 'Phil, get over here!' The officer released his grip as he responded, walking to the other officer's side. This gave an opportunity for a quick comment to Debcat by Snips, 'Be cool.' The officers now stood by themselves and had an exchange of words in which the lecherous one had taken exception to. 'Tell the station in Greens what you're trading. Now be on your way old man and take that pig sticker with you.' Mr Ko thanked the officer and got the wagon moving.

Snips thought it wise to let the conversation go and walked in silence as her friend festered in disgust at the officers' complete lack of respect towards them. Even though they were within their right to beat them up, Snips was glad Debcat showed restraint and not inflamed and already dangerous mission. It wasn't until the end of the day Debcat's frosty veil began to melt, showing signs of less anger as rocks were no longer thrown or kicked out of her way. In fact after the meal was eaten Snips made sure she rubbed the tension out of Debcat's shoulders. 'They do things different here is all, we don't know the situation so let's not jump to conclusions.' Even to Snips her words were pathetic. 'Maybe, but I know Akintosh would of beaten us up, and Susan would have done even worse for acting that way, it shouldn't be tolerated. I never heard of any trader treated that way, even when we travelled with Croft and his murderous bunch, we were civil.' Debcat said. 'Yeah, right up until you killed them all, you were very prim and proper.'

'That's beside the point, the point is, I use manners.'

'Of course you do, please may I kill you, and oh thank you for dying.'

'Oh just shut it before I tense up again.' Debbie said as she indicated to her neck.

Debbie could hear Snip's sleeping sounds as she thought back to the bridge remembering what the two officers were discussing as there was nothing wrong with her hearing. She knew they argued over whether to let her go to Greens to fix machines or to rape them then let them go to Greens. Debcat knew secretly she wanted them to attempt to rape her as she felt the familiar itch of death waiting too long. It wasn't their behaviour that had upset her; it was the lost opportunity to kill again that had annoyed her all day. She heard the air gun fire with its click and heard in the distance someone falling. Her two companions remained asleep, so she took it upon herself to go and check it out. Smiling in the dark Debcat found the person easily as her night vision was excellent, even on a very dark night she noticed the contrasts of shapes. Her memory knew that she didn't always have these abilities, but none the less she did not mind using them. The lecherous officer lay at her feet all alone sleeping soundly. It was plainly obvious that he was going to do some raping before dawn. The polite thing to do in such a circumstance would be to remove him from temptation so when he woke up he would not know where he was at all. So Debcat carried him away making sure all his possessions went with him. With her feet deciding where her journey ended, she dumped the man on the ground and whispered thank you before slicing him from ear to ear. The Officer from Central did not extend total politeness as she took great joy in denying him life.

With the gurgling sound stopped and when all was still Debcat felt at ease in the night as if a great weight had been lifted. She found her way back with little effort and searched for the scent of Snips; short and shallow breaths of Snips were always exciting to her. The flexibility of her body made it easy to entice it to orgasm after orgasm. While the flavours of the furry cup ran in abundance and with the grasping of her flesh by her controlled lover Debcat found satisfaction within this moment, telling herself life was good. The soul sisters battled long into the night against the silence, the battle scars were numerous as they tried all the tactics of biting each other's lips, fingers, wrists and flesh. The sound of a sleeping Mr Ko enabled them to achieve greater heights of pleasure until they couldn't tell where one body ended in the other one began. The soul sisters became one under the stars and under the gaze of Tincan, who could see all in the night.

Loud banging awoke Snips with a fright as Mr Ko banged two pots together hard. The realisation of her bare skin exposed, Snips quickly sought cover. Then glared at Mr Ko who was grinning, she then glanced at Debcat who was awake but cared little that she was naked and dressed slowly. 'Who knew I'd be travelling with dirty lezza's.'

'Don't you dare use my terminology and who said you could be a dirty perv Pa it's just not right.' Snips huffed and sat with her blanket wrapped around her until she was left in peace. Then she heard laughter and screamed out 'I was taken advantage of, it's not funny; do you hear me?' Only Pretty and Nutty seemed sympathetic as they walked over to see what the commotion was all about. 'At least you two are nice to me.' She said before slipping out a little chuckle to herself.

The wagon moved on and spirits were lightened, Snips even noticed Debcat was even making jokes, which was a total contrast to yesterday. 'We will have to start hunting soon the meat is all but a gone, so keep an eye out.' Mr Ko said scanning their surroundings, 'I'll use the bow as we don't want people knowing we have got rifles, maybe you keep going with the wagon and us dirty lezza's will walk through the trees.' Snip's said. The two girls made their way parallel with Mr Ko. After four rabbits were caught they decided to end the silence and meet up with the wagon. 'We should make the effort to at least clothe ourselves after our sessions and spare him from our extremely hot bodies. It wouldn't hurt to find him women in our travels; we can't have all the fun and expect him to stay happy with that.' Snips said. Their meal of rabbit stew was tasty and filling. 'Nice big rabbits, look like they spend their time just eating compared to the scared stiff ones we are used to.' Snips said rubbing her belly then added. 'In the next day or two we should come across a tavern or rest stop, something like that I have got notes saying freshwater and food that can be bought.'

Their arrival bore them the sight of the collection of lean-tos and crapped out shacks, surrounding water source that had seen better days. The dismal sight did not deter the fact that they were welcomed as friends. The population of fifteen made their best efforts to show hospitality, but the girls went out hunting increase what was on offer. 'It's not right for them to be cast out like that just because they are old.' Snips said with an angry tone. 'To think we thought Mr Ko was old, there are a few fifty years past his age and most are active, they could be working in some capacity.'

'I heard it was about their property, they needed to house new blood as it was said to me.'

'So do we stick to your plan and keep on walking or do we stay and get involved?' Debcat said with a glare.

'Well maybe we should help when we can. How can we walk away? We are officers Debbie isn't that what we are?'

'And what of Rayne, my daughter?'

'I don't know all the answers, look at your own feelings Debbie tell me what you can live with and I'll follow you.' Debbie placed a hand on Muley's shoulder, 'When we can help, we will.'

Three days are spent at the water source fixing and finishing projects the old ones had started. Their sizeable gardens of vegetables were now watered by a restored pump. Their shelter was reinforced or rebuilt to withstand the elements and pens were built for piglets that were taken prisoner. Even wild hens were found, but their rooster died in battle while trying to protect them. Snips cut hair which brought twinkles to their eyes and many awkward sounds throughout the night of their vigour's renewed. The girls made sure that Mr Ko saw them grinning when he awoke naked next to two women. He was not impressed when Snips made silent humpy motions before giggling away. All in all by the time they left the old one's standard of living had increased tenfold from what it was. After many hugs and well-wishes the trio began a new heading towards Greens.

Snips noticed a spring in Mr Ko's step and could not help herself to say, 'So Mr Ko, two women at once I didn't think you had it in you'

'Well I don't discriminate on age, only on willingness and besides, I think a few of the men back there took a shine to you. Especially when you dove into the water, in your underwear to unclog that intake pipe.'

'Damn pervs, can't even do a favour without someone cheapening it. No wonder they offered to help get the leeches off and I thought they were being nice. Instead, they were creepy, eeewww.' Snips said with a shudder.

'Yeah that help has dwindled our supplies. We are going to have to restock, and we have coin. But for appearances sake we better use your skills instead. I don't want to set us up for a robbery.' Mr Ko said. 'That's on the cards no one has put Greens in a positive light as of yet. Most officers are mean, hardly anything works, so it's done by hand. They keep people from leaving and they kick out whoever they see is useless. If we were traders I'd say we sneak around and bypass the shithole.'

'But we are not traders, Snips.' Debcat said. 'No we are not, but let's not bite off more than we can chew. There are only three of us, providing Mr Ko here can keep himself from the ladies.'

'I promise nothing, I make it a habit of not refusing a woman or women when the occasion arises. Mr Ko said with a half a skip in his step.

It was a week's travel before they encountered people and the first one was a girl of six covered in dirt. 'Are you traders?' A shout came from a far. Debcat spotted in the distance a waving hand in the scrub. 'Yes.' She replied. Immediately the girl was bounding through the grass towards them and outstretched her hand, 'I am Lilly, I am six years old, what do you trade? What are those? Can I pat one? Do they have names? Why are you all dressed funny?' The little girl clearly wanted answers so Debcat gave some, 'Hairstyles and machine fixing, donkeys, yes, Nutty and Pretty, these are the clothes we like wearing.' The little girl stood for a bit and walked over to each donkey and introduced herself before patting them. 'You should follow me, my mum and dad could use your trade, they try hard to fix the puller and we have things that you would want.'

Lilly ran off at great speed and Debcat and the others could only follow her direction and after twenty minutes came to a shed, where a man and woman stood with Lilly jumping around them and pointing, 'See I told you I'd find something today, this is Pretty and that is Nutty and they're called donkeys and these are their friends.' Mr Ko soon put the apprehensive couple at ease with his charm and personality and Debcat was promptly taken to their problems. 'It's called a puller, just an engine connected to two wheels the controls are here on the handlebars, does the same thing as your donkeys. Pulls carts and wagons but greatly heavier carts and wagons, we have got ten but this was the last one that worked, I just swap pieces around to keep them going but it gets harder every time.' The man said. 'I'll get started while Pa deals with the trade.' Debcat was glad that she didn't have to deal with Lilly, but did not feel sorry for Snips that had got dragged away on an adventure by a persistent six year old.

Five hours of solid work and Debcat was done, after her thirst was quenched she said, 'I have got eight working, the other two I had to use for spares.'

'But you haven't started any of them.' Lilly's mother replied. 'You're quite welcome to try any of them.' Debbie said back washing her hands. After eight successful starts the couple were ecstatic hugging and shaking hands and saying how much work it would save and how happy all the growers will be. Debcat only really enjoyed the challenge of fixing and not the congratulations that came afterwards so much. Mr Ko came over after a hefty handshake, 'Well I got us all the food we can carry, plus you can take anything from the various machine piles around. He had made a trade for all the things on the grower's behalf, lists will be delivered here tonight on what they have and they want us to go unnoticed from the officers' watchful eyes. Things tend to get violent around here when quotas are not made, these pullers will save them from a lot of pain.' Mr Ko said shaking his head.

Snips sat with Lilly throwing pebbles into the irrigation trench. 'They said the monster looks like an officer from far away, so I have got to hide or it will take me, I don't think any officers have ever seen me.'

'Do all the other children do the same?'

'Yes, but children near the station have nowhere to hide so we aren't allowed to go there, but I never heard of anyone I know being taken.' The sounds of machines starting got their attention and Snips was soon being led back to the shed. 'Mum and dad are not going to cry any more now, they have been angry for such a long time. Do donkeys like carrots? I like carrots, you like carrots?' Snips answered many questions on the way back while secretly hoping to return this bundle of joy and excitement to her parents.

Snips sat with Debcat as lists were presented to her as to which items were quickly circled and handed back. She also watched Mr Ko talking to people and laughing with them. Some had even brought cooked food with them which was quite delicious. Creeping boredom was soon niggling at her and threatening to take hold when a woman asked her about a hairstyle. To which promptly got Snips attention and soon her salon was set up and ready to go. 'So your father, does he have a woman he stays true to?' Asked a woman with a flushed face.

'Oh no Ma died a while ago that's why we started this journey; as a fresh start.' This was the third conversation about Mr Ko that she had to bear. 'So are there any young men around?'

'Oh no dear all the young ones go and do the land works of clearing trees and rocks to make new planting areas, the officers take them and make them productive. Best you stay away from officers; you don't want to get their attention.'

'So what do the girls do around here?'

'They stay away from the officers best they can, you and your sister must both be wary and on guard.'

The soul sisters prepared for bed as Tincan kept guard. 'I don't think Pa is coming back tonight, I had three women asking about him, three, can you believe that? I bet that greedy bastard is doing all of them, we should get him to find us some men, so he can point them in our direction. Not one single guy here and you saw how the women were guarding what was left, from us and each other. What's wrong with sharing, we have needs to? Maybe we should let Tincan sleep tonight in case a fellow comes sniffing, some were definitely not bad looking and I know they noticed us, a few were definitely checking you out.' Snips looked over and saw Debcat fast asleep making her swear under her breath then proceeded to flop onto her pillow only to toss and turn before sleep claimed her.

Muley's travel guide: - Greens- Production Area Nine, older information gathered tells it was a good place and the newer information not so good. The longer you stay, the more you lose. Production is mainly vegetables, for a trader, no long term prospects.

Reaper,

I can confirm that The Hand was used on mass as a weapon to subdue thirty to fifty people in Production Area Twelve. At present I am unable to find out how it was done. Two officers are un-accounted for; Muley and Debbie. I have heard they were seen travelling with two of The Hand. Information is hard to obtain that is of a reliable nature and I suspect much exaggeration. Especially when their names are mentioned, we must get another asset placed into Central to gain access to the Officers' records, this would clear up a lot of speculation. The mother Yumi is indeed dead, but I have heard that she was not carrying a child and her death was long before the birth. I'll report again when I find something more definite.

Baller

PS: - I need a new recorder as some bastard stole mine.

(Captured message log)
Chapter 6: Meeting a Fancy Lady

Debbie stood annoyed at the top of the mountain; never before had she had to climb every step to reach the summit. The added irritation of Changer feigning sleep while talking was insulting as she was no threat to it. 'I keep knocking you to the bottom but that does not deter you from attacking again and again, so maybe a long climb up each time will cool your head.' The purple toned Changer said. 'You cannot modify me without my consent.' Debbie spat back.

'But you have long ago given your consent. You thought of improvements to yourself, there's a whole collection of them.'

'I can't just one day find out, oh I can see in the dark or my hearing has greatly improved, it's unsettling.'

'Only to you, now when you wake you are happy.'

'Because you mess with my memory.'

'Which is good because when you wake you are happy, why not embrace me. I'm only here to benefit you.'

'Yourself you mean.'

'Same thing in the end, you, me, yourself, we are all part of each other.'

'And yet you spread yourself outside of my body, Muley, Tincan and the spares in the wagon.'

'Don't forget Rayne, I am there too, looking out for your best interests.' Charger said with a yawn. 'You are uncontrolled that makes you a threat.'

'Well that's not true; I am controlled by your desire and subconscious. So that makes me a bigger threat. Now I have imagination and expanded processing and way too much time on my hands and you cannot destroy something that you truly want, embrace me Debcat you know you want to.'

'Just make me dream I have had enough of you.'

'See, progress already, I didn't swot you off the top this time. So what do you want to dream of? Your container and fences of severed heads or lustful thoughts of people you know who would be wrong for you?'

Debcat awoke lustfully from a dream of trying to mount an impossibly large Jaxter and found Snips packing up, 'You know you moan like a slut when you're asleep?' Debcat stretched hard before answering, 'Is there time to see if I moan like that when am awake?'

'I swear, that is all you ever think about. Well Mr Ko isn't back, we have got a little time.' Snips said with a grin. Both girls made the wagon ready to travel while being lightheaded and a bit clumsy. It wasn't long after when Mr Ko arrived with company, carrying bags of parts that Debcat had circled, 'So Pa did you have a good night?' Mr Ko walked past ignoring the question. Debcat sorted and stowed away what had been delivered while listening to a fake argument about respecting a father and trying not to embarrass him in front of ladies. This resulted in Snips being punished and getting extra chores while Mr Ko went for a stroll in the company of three ladies. 'Oh Pa has stepped over the line this time, what kind of father would act like that in front of his daughters?'

'Our father I guess.' Debbie said quickly. 'Well he is not a very good role model; he is a grieving widower of our mother who has not long been dead. And here he is bedding everything with a pulse; it's like all we went through as a family means nothing to him.'

'Oh you're just pissy because Pa gave you extra chores; at least I am the better behaved daughter, in fact, I am probably number one daughter.' After a tickle fight which lasted until both girls had wet themselves and both aching from laughter, they quickly stood on edge when they heard and saw an officer. 'Please don't stop on my account girls, I am Officer Stoop and you are?'

'I am Snips this is my sister Debcat we are traders from Central, we travel with our father.'

'So, traders from Central, what do you trade? The officer said who look like he was in his mid-twenties, giving Snips thought that he has some potential. 'I style hair and my sister fixes machines, we have fixed these eight pushers last night.'

'And your sister, does she not speak?'

'She does but she is shy around strangers.'

'I know shy and your look Miss Debcat is not of shyness.' Snips saw Debcat's look and quickly spoke up, 'She does not like being startled much, our father will be back soon. Can I interest you in a haircut, a free demonstration of my skill?'

'That is agreeable.' Officer Stoop replied. Snips got set up in record time and soon had the officer seated with a cloak over his uniform. 'And the officers at the bridge, what did they tell you?'

'They instructed us to go to the station when we got to Greens and inform them on what we do, which we will be doing when father gets back from his dealings.'

'So Debcat, why don't you stand where I can see you?' Snips made happy faces to her sister as she stood to the side. 'Officer Stoop, Greens seems to be a pretty place you must be happy to be living here?'

'So Debcat that is an interesting scar on your cheek, how did you come by that?' Officer Stoop said, clearly ignoring Snips. 'Oh she....' Snips was cut-off by a raising of his finger. 'I am interested in hearing her voice.'

'Dog bite.' Debcat said abruptly.

'Dog bite you say, are there many vicious dogs in Central?'

'Not anymore.'

'Oh did you kill them all?'

'No, an officer did, she got fed up with them and ended them all.'

'I bet she did, after seeing your pretty face scarred so badly.' Snips concentrated on getting his hair cut done as quickly as possible so this officer would move on his way. 'So your father, does he make it a habit of leaving his daughters unattended?'

'We can look after ourselves.'

'I don't think you can, you didn't notice when I was listening and you didn't see me until I let you and your father is probably still busy with three women, if a man was inclined there would be a situation here more enticing than two sisters tickling each other.' Snips held the mirror to show the haircut. 'Yes you have skill, you will set up your trade in Greens don't bother coming to the station I have already approved you, best be there by midday that should give your father plenty of time to finish up, good day girls.'

'Good day Officer Stoop.' They both replied. Both girls remained quiet for some time before speaking quietly, 'We must watch what we say at all times we were lucky, he heard me rant on about Pa.'

'I don't like him at all.'

'Really! No one had noticed, Debcat you've got to fake it, you draw too much attention to yourself.'

An hour passed before Mr Ko returned looking extremely happy, 'Pa an officer came by while you were entertaining, we must be alert on what we say, he was listening for some time.'

'Sorry I got carried away there, well as long as it wasn't Officer Stoop I hear he is the worst of a bad bunch.' Wooden buildings were the main structures of Greens, followed by shade halls then canvassed tents and lean-tos. Their arrival was well before midday as they had set the pace of haste. The station was the only two-storey structure and say they set up their wagon far as possible away from it. Word had spread quickly and soon they were busily working. The line to see Mr Ko was long for Debcat's skill while Snips just set a standard price of coin, but remained flexible by the circumstances that may arise. Snips heard a lot about Green's and its officers, the main one in charge was a fat man in a wheelchair who mainly stayed on the second floor of the station, while his son upon returning from a long trip became second in charge, who was Officer Stoop. Stoop had collected like-minded people to join him and that's when things got bad for the people of Greens. Any decent officer was soon brought into line or left or maybe disappeared. They took anything they wanted or whoever they wanted. It was mentioned to Snips that if they took you it was best to endure it and not to fight.

Snips took a little break to rest her hand and went around to the other side of the wagon to see how Debcat was doing and found her busy in her own little world of nuts and bolts. She would repair one thing than another was brought forth; Snips noticed her little dives to see the problem before then fixing it. There were fans and lamps as well as clocks and other assortments of things. Snips returned to cutting only to see a tall woman approach which sent all others that were waiting to promptly move on. Snips looked at the beautiful woman with fine features and curves with long shiny black free flowing hair, while her clothing showed her form exquisitely. 'I'm sorry, looks like I have scared your customers away.'

'No need to worry Officer they will be back.' Snips said, then heard the woman laugh, 'I'm no officer but it was sweet that you thought I was. No I am one of the Fancy Lady's around here, the other women don't care to be around me but their men do, for a price that is.' Snips then saw the woman in a new light and welcomed her to sit.

Snips looked at the hair and ran her fingers through it, and thought it was remarkably soft. 'We come from Central and there are Fancy Ladies, but we call them 'Night Workers', they get much the same reaction, but none are as beautiful as you.'

'There's no need to charm me, so what can you do with this hair?'

'It would be a shame to cut any of it, it's so perfect already. But I did a Night Workers' hair like this, so men couldn't grab handfuls of hair on the back of her head and she liked it, or we could have more shape to it.'

'No, the first option I can see the sense in that and the upkeep would be easier, you seem very popular. I have noticed women walking around with very good hair, so I set out to find out why and here I am. So are you planning to stay in Greens the long?'

'Maybe, I don't know.'

'You should leave tonight and don't stop until you get to Grains or you can become trapped like us.' Snips listened to the woman's story of working a circuit from Production Area Five to Eleven and back again. Then they decided to try Green's and found they couldn't leave again. 'The officers don't pay and treat us bad, take most of the coin and they took our wheels off our wagons so we are stuck, stranded and used.'

'That's horrible.' Snips felt disgusted by the Officers' of Greens actions. 'You must leave tonight before Stoop notices you and takes an interest. You don't want to go to the second floor as Stoop and his friends put it in where ever while his fat father watches. Their cocks are not big so it doesn't hurt much but there is a bitch up there called Teal and she likes screams and she will stretch you, tear you and if you put up a fight she will cut you and enjoy it, she hates women with a passion.'

Snips held the mirror for the woman as she approved and gave her double the amount of coin, Snips then asked her for her name, 'I am a Fancy Lady my name is whatever you want it to be for a price.' She said with a wave. Snips took the opportunity of no customers and to went talk to Debcat, only to find her gone. 'Pa where is Debcat?'

'The officer said their fans were broken and it would make a fellow's life in a wheelchair a lot better, that was about twenty minutes ago.' Snips felt the panic step in; hands felt her steel bars as well as her throwing knives strapped to her legs, all hidden by the desert dress, as she ran hard and through anyone in her way. People were shoved, items were dropped but Snips cared little as she ran. She only cared about Debcat and trying to get there before a lot of people died, even though they might deserve it. Snips rounded the corner and saw the station and two officers that saw her. Snips ran towards the building and two officers moved in her way blocking her on the street. With a shove the two officers pushed her back. 'Where do you think you're going?'

'In there, my sister is in there.'

'You best be on your way back, you don't want to go in there.' Snips tried to struggle past but they had a firm grip, 'You don't understand you have to get her out.'

'No, it's you that doesn't understand, please go back. We will bring her back so you can care for her, that's the best we can do.'

Everyone looked up with the sound of breaking glass that could be heard with the sound of Thunder, the blast made everyone duck except Snips, who knew what it meant. Before any of the glass hit the ground a fat man and his chair was thrown through the window, his head was a mess of red before he hit the ground. Then the screams started, a chilling death scream could be heard far and wide. As it got louder Officer Stoop could be seen tumbling out of the window with no hands and pants that came free from his legs by the snagging broken window. Snips freed her steel bars from the back of her dress and took down the two officers in her way by bringing metal to shin bones. 'If you want to live best stay behind me and don't even think of picking up a weapon.' Snips then released the spring blades to emphasise the point. Snips with a few steps, put herself between the two wincing officers and the door of the station. With Stoop screaming like a bitch, Snips waited for the monster to come out.

Debcat sat at her bench working on the fiddly clock that had a fifty-fifty chance of working again. 'Debcat.'

'Yes Pa.'

'The officers want you to look at some fans at the station, there's a wheel chaired fella suffering from the heat.' Debcat nodded and collected her tools and double checked that the important ones were with her which was, Thunder and Samson's blades. Debcat went with them hoping she would get a head start on Snips as she did not want to lose the opportunity of justice or more accurately the joy of killing. Debcat walked through the doors alone and saw bunks and desks and a few stares from officers that she would remember, and then she ascended the wooden staircase to the second floor where Officer Stoop led her to the room where the fans were. Five people including Stoop were in the large room; the wheelchair-bound man, a woman and three men. 'Everyone this is Debcat, she fixed eight pullers yesterday, and so I'm sure these fans will be no problem.' Debcat went over and found them working fine. 'Well looks like you got free time.' The woman said with a smirk. Debcat looked around and saw the fat man lick his lips, 'I should go I am not needed here.'

'No, you can stay; besides, I want to see that feisty look you have again.'

'What are your intentions here?' Debcat said, frightened and nervous. 'Well, I am going to fuck you, then Bill followed by Terry and then Teal here is going to have some fun. Then we are all going to fuck you again and if you're a good girl you get to walk out and if you are a bad girl you will crawl out.'

'I hope you're bad.' Teal said with a wicked smile, while she curled her long blonde hair.

Debcat felt the change within her and reflected it outwards, she stood with purpose and no longer a stance of a victim. 'I am Officer Debbie of Central and I judge you all worthy of death.' With the judgement done and the formality dealt with, the killing began. Bill and Terry would have died with a surprised look on their faces if Debbie had not used Thunder to blow those faces away. Next was the fat man, he rolled backwards as the pellets tore through the top of his head leaving contorted spasms upon his face, which did indeed had the look of surprise. Officer Debbie needed room to deal with Teal before she reached a weapon, so the Officer of Central threw the fat man and his chair through the broken window. The last call of Thunder peppered the groin of the woman sending her to the ground in painful screams. A wicked smile greeted the last one standing. Officer Stoop desperately tried to pull up his pants which were hopelessly stuck around his boots. With his pleading hands held high and Samson's blades freed. Stoop shuffled his way backwards towards the broken window. Officer Debbie made sure he didn't escape unscathed, so she kept his hands with powerful swipes. The spurt of warm blood enticed her lips to smile even wider. Especially when the little screaming bitch thought it would be a good idea to try and jump to freedom through a broken window with pants wrapped around his boots with no hands. The space between her and Teal came in handy to reload Thunder. The screaming woman look so very frightened as she tried to keep the flowing blood at bay with a tight grip on her crotch. Officer Debbie wondered if that expression would keep on her face after her head was freed from her shoulders. Ruthless efficiency made use of the little amount of time and with three hacks and a twist, the deed was done.

Running was heard on the staircase, so Officer Debbie grabbed her property and went to see what all the commotion was about. Samson's blades sliced through the firm necks of the passing officers as she ran between them, which sent both stumbling into walls while the spray their blood left an artistic impression of death. A few more stabs were needed to highlight the emotion of joy to the composition and Officer Debbie did so with much vigour. The Officer of Central worked out the math and found one remaining in the building. Debbie was hoping for three and surmised that two cowardly officers had stayed outside. Upon the stairs the inferior officer backed away with no weapons in hand. 'In Central an officer without a weapon deserves to die.' She said coldly as she slashed out across his face depriving him the ability to ever stare again. The shrill of his screams was found to be soothing so she let him continue to breathe as he twirled and stumbled down in blind panic. The scene outside through the open door showed a trouser less Stoop screaming and over his back she saw Snips standing at the ready with a couple of cowering officers behind her. As she stepped outside she held Teal's head up by taut blonde hair and found it so disappointing that the face had gone slack. With a toss of little regard, the large crowd gasped, as Teal's head bounced not once but twice.

The officer of Central decided a little speech was in order. 'In Central if an officer fails in the duty to protect people who can't fight for themselves they are expected to die alongside them, this Officer Stoop here shall die very painfully like any other officer I come across who is just like him.' Officer Debbie seized the howling man's tackle and cut it free in a slow long cut. Officer Debbie's strong leg kept him in place as the ear piercing scream came from the completely unarmed man. With unimpressive testicles held high Debbie force-fed his own giblets. The process was not quick as the blade's handle needed to break teeth and to prize the jaw apart. Only the choking of Stoop gave an end to the nasty scene. As she stood she pointed to the two officers behind Snips and demanded if anyone thought they deserved to die. With much disappointment the crowd decided to let them live on, so Officer Debbie let them go to serve the people once more. Making sure they knew what would happen if they failed them and directed them to the man that still screamed with in. Debcat cleaned the blood of Samson's blades by wiping them over Stoop's clothes. 'Well at least you were subtle, I don't think anyone noticed you killed three people.' Muley said while giving a cautionary twirl of her weapon to the crowd. 'It was more like seven, ten if you had given me more time.' Snips swallowed hard. 'So they tried to rape you?'

'Well technically no, but they were talking about it. No one is touching me without permission.'

'Let's go back to the wagon and get out of here, I think we have outstayed our welcome.' Snips said scanning the crowd.

Everybody kept clear of the women as they walked back to the wagon, Snips kept hold of her steel bars while Debcat carried her tool bag. A large crowd had gathered around the wagon and Mr Ko guided them through. Snips let Debcat clean herself and spoke to Mr Ko. 'She killed seven, they tried to rape her.' Snips heard her words reverberate through the crowd, 'It was brutal she had a head then tossed it and then cut off Stoops balls and made him choke on them. We should go, like now.' A shout rang out, 'They're going to leave!' With that the crowd got noisy and closed in. Snips stood forth and twirled her bars sending them back, 'Back off, we are leaving here, there has been enough death today, make way.' Snips then locked eyes on the tall Fancy Lady making her way through towards her, 'Snips you misunderstand they are not angry, they are just shocked that they are free, they don't want you to go.'

'Well they should back up, you all don't want Debcat nervous, give us some space.' Snips was a bit more at ease when the crowd made room, then Mr Ko went out and started talking. 'If you're interested you could bring your wagon over to ours, we have tents no one will bother you there.' Snips looked around at how exposed they were and agreed with a nod while sheathing her weapon to the crowd's relief.

It took some time to get moving as people started thanking Debcat, but as they got closer to their destination the crowd dwindled to nothing. 'See people only come here for one thing, these are my two wagons minus some wheels of course. There are seven of us here my name's Lillith and this is all that I own; you're welcome to use the facilities. We have bathtubs and scented oils and various relaxants and techniques. All three were given a tour of the tents, Mr Ko decided to venture out and collect what was owed, while the girls enjoyed a bath in a copper tub. 'Still I don't like the idea of a fire right under us, even if it is small.' Snips said to Debcat. 'As long as it gets the stench of death off me, besides, it is nice and warm.' Debcat said as they mingled their toes together. They sat up straight in the deep but not wide tub of copper. 'So, are you all right, you're not hurt or anything?'

'No I am fine, nice and relaxed.'

'You want to talk about it?'

'They were bad and now they're dead that's it, nothing to talk about.'

'Well there's nothing I guess, just I always need to talk after an incident that's all.'

'I think this bath works just as well.' Debcat said peering through the water for Snip's vulnerability.

The evening brought forth discussion with Lillith about the benefits of travelling together amongst other things. The soul sisters sat amongst the pillows on the rugged ground using the pillows to prop themselves up very comfortably, following Lillith's example. 'There's no use denying it, you are more than traders, that's plainly obvious now, no one just walks in and kills seven officers, one of those bastards is hard enough.'

'I just got lucky and besides, one was in a wheelchair so he hardly counts.' Debcat said while prancing a pillow. 'Pretty lucky how the fat man threw himself out of the window like that, not to mention the mess in that room. I have seen injuries like that before, but you have no shotgun and I didn't see one in there.'

'So what were you doing in there afterwards?' Debcat said moving the subject on. 'I was curious is all, no harm in making sure who was dead, besides, I need a key to free my wheels. If I didn't get it, who would?'

'What about the other two officers that were in there.' Snips interjected. 'Well I chose not to bother them, don't want to rub the new establishment the wrong way. They seemed a bit upset at the time dealing with the sightless one.'

'So you snuck in?' Debcat's glare matched her words as the prancing stopped. 'No nothing of the sort, think of it as liberating my wagons and being flexible enough to get in without using the front door. But I want to know about you, since we will be journeying together. That weapon you carry Snips is one I have never seen before and your skill with it is most impressive. A lot of training went into doing that and you Debcat, vicious and deadly as well, giving a little speech after tossing Teele's head, which was a nice touch, anyway you look at it. So when I think about it, you are both at ease with killing people and by the way you handle yourselves. One would guess that you are officers from Production Area Twelve and if that's so, why so far from home and in disguise? Don't be shocked, Debcat's little speech pretty much made it clear.'

Snips and Debcat exchanged glances before Snips answered, 'We are officers from Production Area Twelve and the reason we travel is our own. While the difference between us and those dead officers is vast, the one thing in common with them is it best not to cross us, if you get my understanding.' Lillith said after raising her eyebrows, 'Hey I can keep a secret. My whole business is about keeping secrets. I am just glad for the skilled company now, what can I trade with you for some fixing and hairstyling? Because my wagons are not in good shape and my Fancy Ladies need a new look.' Lillith said running calculating fingers through her hair.

Baller

I need you to head to Greens. The asset Stoop has gone silent and you're the only one not doing anything at the moment. Make damn sure his production targets are met this time. Do what you think is necessary.

Reaper

(Captured message log)

... _Stayed at little settlement populated by old people, they seem self-sufficient and healthy. They offered free food for help in building a Tavern; it was a good couple of days break. They mentioned traders from Central that made the difference here, two young women and an old man plus two donkeys. These might be the missing officer..._

Snippet from Baller's bloodied journal

Reaper,

The asset Stoop is dead and six other officers. It was their immoral conduct that led to their demise. My suspicions were aroused after finding remains of hung people at Gorge River Bridge, they were at deterrent to stop people leaving, I added one officer to join them. Stoop and six others were killed while trying to rape a girl. After torturing a blinded officer, all details were spilled. I allowed only one officer to remain at Greens and ended the other two. The remaining one will start training more from the population here. As for Stoop's killer it seems a number of them got fed up with the ill-treatment they suffered and took matters into their own hands. Green's production has met our targets easily; it seems Stoop was a hindrance. I am currently heading to Grains to wait further orders.

Baller

(Captured message log)

Chapter 7: Metal and a Madman

Snips set up shop in the first light of day making everything ready for Lillith's bitches that had gathered, 'Snips these are all my bitches, Peach, Apple, Strawberry, Recco, Swarvo and Mango, who is my biggest earner because of her big arse and tits.' Lillith said as she slapped Mango's bum with a loud clap. Snips started with Peach, a young woman who was small and curvy and was cast out of production area five for being too slutty. Then it was Apple, a tall woman of six foot four inches, who was thin and flat chested and had a cauliflower ear from an abusive husband, that she had ran away from. So Snips gave her a style that easily concealed it. Strawberry came next; a short girl like Peach but without the curves, her bright red hair was a challenge to tame but Snips succeeded. Strawberry had hid in a wagon to escape from her father who was selling her to a rich and loathsome man from Production Area Eleven.

Recco and Swarvo's story was one of a life trying to find the easiest work possible, so the two boyfriends joined Lillith for good times and adventure. Snips made them look dashing and told them to clean up all their hair. Both of them grabbed her bum in passing, reminding her of last night with Debcat. Going to town with the two bisexual men for trading their skills; this promptly brought on those special tingly feelings down below. Last of the bitches was Mango, the ample breasts were barely contained in her top while her large nipples stood out for all to see. As for her bum, it felt like steel when Mango insisted for it to be slapped hard. Snips asked why she was the top earner and Mango's reply of saying she was a backdoor specialist, which soon left Snips blushing red when she asked for clarification. When Snips had finished, Lillith came to inspect and found it acceptable and offered further use of her men if Snips wanted it. A few new ideas immediately surfaced to try out, when the opportunity arose in due course.

Debcat worked on Lillith's wagons and found them simple in comparison to her's. Once the corrosion was cleared things started to work again and after a few kinked wires were replaced, lights and fans came to life once more. By ten in the morning the wheels were back on and ready to roll. It was just in time to receive Mr Ko's supplies that he had collected. True to his skill he received much more than they could carry, so it was spread over Lillith's large wagons as well. 'We have got hard bread, cheese, pickled this and that, and fruitcake. It's all going to last a while.' Mr Ko proudly exclaimed. Debcat saw some savoury scones and promptly ate a few. By midday the three wagons were moving, while Debcat had donkeys, Lillith's had to be pulled by hand with three bitches working on each. Once they were rolling their efforts were greatly reduced. Lillith mentioned that the work would do them well since they were stuck in Green's for months sitting idle. As they passed through Greens Debcat noticed more young people out and about as well as squealing children. Even some of the people waved but most continued on with their own business or work, with looks of good riddance to the Fancy Ladies.

With Greens far behind them they made camp for the night, Debcat enjoyed the festive spirit. Especially when music was played and Snips dragged her up to dance, the lively tune made by guitar and flute was thoroughly fun. The women spun at speed and twirled with laughter as others joined them, even Mr Ko stole a dance from Lillith. After weariness took hold Apple started singing a song about true love broken while a Fancy Lady's purse was getting heavier. Debcat sat transfixed at the beautiful voice while knowing Snips and Mr Ko were doing the same. Then they listened to a harrowing song about fleeting love and the minutes shared only to part when the seed drips down the thigh, Debcat saw Snips shed a tear in response. Debcat and her Snips lay beside their wagon looking at the stars, holding each other and whispering heartfelt feelings in each other's ear before drifting to sleep. Debcat went off in her dreamscape to inspect the new additions to her fence was glad to see Teele's frightened face once more. Her movement when walking always drew the stares of her victims which she felt comforting. Their severed heads' displayed a vast array of emotions ranging from fear to anger to contempt.

Debcat awoke to a gentle kiss by Snips 'you must have had a good dream; you were making your little happy noises.' Debcat failed to elaborate and feigned forgetfulness. Debcat's days passed in similar fashion of travel, entertainment and good dreams until they reached a Tavern at the turn off for the Refueler four days later. 'It looks like there are a few people there.' Debcat said to Snips, 'I think my notes are good on this one, not like the last that was just a collection of old ones, here I will read it out, 'The Spitting Viper, a Tavern connecting the Refinery and the main trading road, goods could be sold at the Tavern where they mark it up and wait for trade from the Refinery, it is not advisable to take a cart to the Refinery due to the rough terrain. Along the path is an old broken Refueler for the Flyers, after that point terrain is impossible by cart.'

'So shall we take a look see?' Debcat asked of Nutty, who pulled the wagon forward with a jerk.

The Tavern got livelier after they entered as Lillith's Fancy Ladies mingled with old customers as well is trying to acquire a few new ones, while a man shouted from behind the counter 'Lillith, how did you find Greens?'

'It's like you said, I shouldn't have bothered I lost money there, but things have changed there now, those officers have changed their ways.'

'Really how did they do that?'

'Most of them stopped breathing.'

'Yep that would do it, so want to set up shop here again same terms as before?'

'I can do that.' Lillith said that with a grin and flutter. Debcat sat with her group and Lillith joined them, 'It's good business for him more people will come in to make coin off. So if I can come to the refueller I'll agree to pay for your meal.' Debcat's group nodded in agreement and ate heartedly.

With the Fancy Ladies busily setting up their tents to facilitate their earning potential, the group of four headed out to the broken Refueler. With only a track as their guide they led Pretty along it, pulling the small wagon behind her. Debcat could see why no one would take a cart, as the amount of work pulling one alone would be more trouble than its worth. However, her wagon with added propulsion made little work of such obstacles that would of been a hindrance. 'This wagon is truly amazing I wish mine could move like that and here I was thinking your donkeys were doing all the work.' Lillith said.

'Well Pretty and Nutty are our friends, so we don't work them hard.' Snips said, while scratching Pretty. As the light of day was starting to dwindle, Debcat made the decision for Tincan to scan Lillith as a friend, so she would not be put to sleep by its airgun. They all heard Lillith scream as Tincan rose in response to the word 'guard', 'Don't fret it guards us at night, we are safe from man and animal.' Debcat said amongst the others laughter. 'Do you know how much those things are worth? Especially of working one, people go out of their way just on a rumour of a sighting to nab one. And here you are with one hiding in a wagon, just to keep us safe at night.'

The next day the broken Refueler was spotted in the distance rising high above the rocky scrub and like all other destinations insight, a vantage point was sorted out and Mr Ko's looking glass was used. 'Looks quiet and all clear.' Snips said from atop a thin tree. The tall structure looked like a mass of pipes bundled together and shoved into the ground with a building to the side. Then as they got closer it was much more than that as there was a platform at the top and a stairwell through the middle of the tower that could only be accessible through the attached building. 'I don't think you're getting in there, it's got a metal number lock for its entry points.' Lillith said as Debcat ran her hand over the raised number pins. 'There's thirty numbers to choose from and there is no way of knowing the sequence or the amount needed.' Lillith said before going wide eyed as Debcat opened the door, 'Well that was a lucky guess then.' She said before walking in.

The heat inside was stifling, 'It's all powered down no vents are working that's why it's so hot in here.' Debcat said running her hands over everything. After five minutes of diving on various panels, switches and wiring. Debcat announced the problem wasn't in here and exited the other door leading to the stair well of the pipe tower. 'It's down there at the far bottom.' She said while tapping her foot over a metal trapdoor. With some effort the rusted hinges gave way showing a ladder descending into darkness. After retrieving a torch and tool bag from the wagon Debcat descended down leaving the others above. Debcat searched around at the base of the ten metre ladder for what was indicated on her dive. A blockage of some sort had stopped the whole Refueler. The fuel it used was a gas which came from underground then it was compressed to a liquid pumped into a passing flyer. Debcat found the source of the problem, which were the intake valves that were manually closed and voiced her word of 'sabotage' to herself. After the last of the three valves were opened Debcat shined her torch towards something she had kicked and found two dried out corpses that had their hands bound. With a brief inspection over she ascended the ladder to breathe life into the structure again.

In only an hour the whole place buzzed with power and all the hot stale air was replaced with fresh cool air, while little lights turned from red to green Debcat walked past them only caring about one blinking orange light that belonged to a small screen. 'This is where we find the information.' Debcat said quietly to Snips as she turned it on. The image showed the Refueler's location, with lines heading in, and out and ones that passed by it. 'That must be the Refinery there, and these lines are the monthly supply drops for them, oh it's a touchscreen. So pressing it brings up a number that must be a flyers' ID number and date, okay so this other line is the Refinery. This is another flyer that does supply drop every third month which doesn't refuel here. So if I am reading this correctly most of their resupply drops haven't been coming because this Refueler was broken.' Snips said. 'Sabotaged, I found dried out bound dead bodies at the bottom of the ladder, they were dead for a long time.'

'You know we have to check on the Refinery to see if they are okay, it looks like two and a half years without monthly supply drops.'

'I knew that as soon as I found the bodies.' Debcat huffed out.

With their findings voiced to the others it was all agreed to head to the Refinery after Debcat changed the number lock to prevent it from happening again. The undulating rocky rises would make it impossible for a trader's cart. For Debcat's wagon it was relatively easy to accomplish. So in two days they saw the Refinery, 'That has to be the biggest shed ever.' Snips said as they all looked at completely new and strange sight. Apart from the immense shed there were large towers emitting black and white smoke and all was surrounded by a tall, wire fence. Just as they were about to move forward they heard shifting rocks behind them. Upon turning they saw a shabby man with the sack and rifle being raised at them. 'Ambush,' was shouted and before Tincan could raise any weapons the shabby man was down with Mr Ko's spear standing straight and firmly anchored into his chest. 'Never under estimate my spear.' Mr Ko said to all, in passing with Debcat noticing him wink at Lillith. Mr Ko opened the sack, 'Just as I thought, a wild man was eating other men, seen it before, they all look the same, it's in their eyes, no use talking to them.' Mr Ko tossed the sack away and leaved out his spear and took the rifle. 'Damn Mr Ko that was badass.' Snips said in drawn out admiration. 'Yeah I know.' Mr Ko said, flicking the blood from the spear tip.

The group of four walked to the gate and saw signs on the fence saying it was electrified, 'Hello! Anyone home?'

'Don't think it was loud enough Snips.' Debcat said, 'Hey anyone in there?' All heard Snips's echo reverberate through the complex. Then they saw a head dart in and out of cover and suddenly a man came running while crouching low, 'Quiet down and quickly inside.' He said while frantically working the lock and chain to open and shut in haste, before dashing back quickly. Once they were behind a wall the man said in a hushed tone, 'You must keep it down our headman is out there crazy as a loon and a crack shot, you're lucky you're not dead.' Mr Ko thumped down his spear in response, 'He is dead, killed by this spear and here is his rifle as proof.' The man ran his hand over the rifle and started crying uncontrollably with all noticing his ribs and thin skin. 'There were thirty of us before he went mad, twenty-two adults and eight children, now there are three adults and six children.' The man told of the story of the brave sneaking out to get help and failing, as well as the sickness and the flyers decreasing their supplies. Two months ago the refrigeration had stopped and the food was spoiled.' The man didn't have to tell of the desperation and fear they had all suffered as it was plainly shown on the survivors' faces as they ventured out to meet them.

With their supplies handed out amongst the survivors and regular meals eaten, Debcat got to the task of fixing the refrigeration problems and spent a day on it until it was done and left it working good as new. Debcat toured the facility and saw how most of it was automated and all the people had to do was sorting out the different piles of what was coming in from various collections including the one from Sam's district in Production Area Twelve. All the material was broken down, reformed by pressure and heat to stackable shapes and sizes. She also learnt that that mad headman had also destroyed the communications relay in his siege of the people in his care. This relay was used to request items to be flown in as well as to update any increase in population. Debcat inspected the damage dealt and found it easily bypassed but impossible to repair as the multiple bullets had destroyed all within. For necessities' sake, she began working on getting the functionality back.

Snips let the children of the Refinery tend to Pretty and Nutty and wondered while watching, how long have been between smiles for them? The approach from Lillith was silent which made Snips jump as she sat beside her, 'You know how to scare someone!' Snips said 'I'm sorry it's just my way.' Lillith replied. After an extended silence Snips had the feeling that her visitor had something on her mind, so she asked, 'So what do you want to know?'

'A lot, but not too much to get me killed over. Your lover and soul sister Debcat, she has an interesting way about her. Some would say a madness lay within her.'

'I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to say that to her face, she would give them a slap or two.'

'But would she only stop there? Her enjoyment of killing is plain to see for those who know what to look for.'

'Debcat kills only when necessary and justified.'

'And yet seeks out opportunity, I saw her being taken to the station, she put on an act of weakness and being afraid. She supplied herself as bait and coerced their actions for her own needs. Then she came alive while others died by her hand.' Snips turned away and in the following silence regretted all she had said, as too much information had been passed.

Snips looked at the tall beautiful woman who was in deep thought and added something that plagued her own thoughts, 'I know what she is and I know her nature, I'm grateful that she is on the side of good. Debcat enjoys the taking of life and deals death easily, I admit that, but at the core she is good. If it changes and she goes bad, I am prepared to put her down and grieve for her till the end of my days.' Snips wiped her tears and found her statement true to herself as well as justified. 'I am in my tenth year of vengeance and I have journeyed far in my search. I wish to travel with you, the person I seek will find you and I must be there for my opportunity.' Snips listened to a tale of the girl's life amongst a loving community that was small in size but big in heart. Then Snips heard about the night of screams and silence. Then a girl left alone in her community of the dead and dug seventeen graves before leaving. 'I saw the man who had done it, he stood over my parents and was happy in doing so and called for me to come out and join him. I was well hidden and his search for me failed. I do not know why, but I know him. His name is Reaper and he is my brother, I need to know why before he breathes his last breath.'

Discussions were held after leaving the Refinery, as they cut across the land bypassing the Refueler to save time getting back to the Spitting Viper and the Fancy Ladies. Two hours had passed before two flyers passed by in the distance heading to the Refinery. Debcat heard Snips through a pounding headache say, 'didn't take long for supplies to be flown in, don't know what we would have done if Debcat didn't fix all that was broken.' Debcat cursed her curiosity, as her vision became doubled, and then she heard a shout of, 'Catch her,' before blackening out. 'You have overextended yourself.' Changer said while licking itself, 'It is interesting though, I can see all within you, bones, veins even cells. It's all here in front of me and get your abilities are a mystery to me. Am I blinded from it? I cannot say, an explanation? I do not have, but it's all so fascinating nonetheless. To be flung from your body and see the other end of the signal, curiosity be dammed, you my girl play with fire.'

'Save me from your words, fix my headache.'

'Sure why not, it's not like it's a warning sign saying you must stop and think about what you are doing.'

'Listen here kitty cat things were slow over there, so I made them quicker, people needed help and help is what I got them.'

'And yet you're here with a migraine that is not so easily fixed, I am sending you into the black for a time, so be gone and take your kitty cat remark with you.'

Debcat awoke to stars above and a warm sleeping body beside her, holding tight. With fog hanging over her memory Debcat focused on what was close. Her efforts were noticed and welcomed as she freed Snip's scent to the night air. Deep breaths fuelled her desire as the aroma filled her sense of smell. One by one Debcat's senses worked for the common goal of dealing pleasure to Snip's body. The sense of touch worked over the contrasts of flesh of the body from the soft to the hard, as well as cold to the blazing furnace within. The sight of the rising and falling belly in frantic breaths indicated the skill she brought to bare on to the swollen features below. Her ears strained to hear the small whimpers of surrender to the noise that desperately demanded to be screamed out to the stars. Then all at once flesh blocked her sight, ears were muffled by thighs, heard touch overwhelmed by heat and pressure and the air denied to her, stopped the smell within its tracks. All that was left to Debcat was the taste overflowing, drinking to drunken abandon. If truth were to be told Debcat would have been happy to drown and breathe no more amongst the pleasures of the body of Snips.

The morning light illuminated the sizzling frypan and soon all stood watching eggs being prepared by Lillith. 'Well eggs are all we have left, so I will use them to prove I am a good cook as for my other skills, when the opportunity comes you can count on them as well.' With her stomach rumbling Debcat asked what skills were they. 'Well you are definitely out of it then weren't you? I can pick locks, and go un- seen if I wish to.'

'So you are a thief then?'

'Debcat don't be so rude.' Snips snapped out, 'No it's fine, technically I am. Information that is not passed freely, I go and find out. What I find is usually in officer strongholds so my skills are quite good.' Lillith said sliding an egg on to Debcat's plate, 'Plus, I can use my looks and talents to great affect and I have no troubles sleeping with men, just ask Mr Ko here.' The three women laughed as Mr Ko choked on his eggs. 'I wasn't easily seduced you know, I held out for at least twenty seconds.' Mr Ko said in response and joined in with the laughter.

The bypass saved time and distance, allowing them to come back a day earlier. It was mid-morning when the Spitting Viper was in sight as well as Lillith's wagons. 'You can share our provisions, the prices here are too much, plus I can get a discount which makes them slightly more reasonable.' Lillith said. 'That is good another day and we will be sharing the donkeys' food.' Mr Ko added. The trio from Central watched on as Lillith's group dismantled the camp and packed wagons with great efficiency. Each knew what jobs had to be done and set themselves to do them, 'If they ever got to Central I wonder how many more would want to join their ranks?' Snips said, 'There would be a few that I know of, maybe a good ten or so.' Mr Ko answered. Debcat watched on and saw Lillith bring over Mango, her prized Fancy Lady and gestured her to speak, the ample woman looked a bit nervous to be in their company. 'We had quite a few visitors, but one man stood out he partook in no pleasure but was always around, you know, he looked well to do. We thought he was picky and sizing which one of us he wanted. Then conversation started about Lillith and it was mentioned about the Refueler and then he was gone.' Lillith then smacked Mango's bum hard and said, 'Tell them all.'

'He had the air of danger around him not like a thug, more like a man who knew ten ways to kill, smart, calculating, he asked about our travels and it if we had seen any runaway girls coming from Central called Muley and Debbie. We told him no, but we mentioned the traders from Central that were with Lillith, might know since you came from there and we described you all to him.'

Mango quickly left and went back to work leaving Lillith to say sorry. 'They didn't even get to know his name; I'll have words with them. They won't be careless anymore.'

'Don't worry about it Lillith, when he catches up we will find out his name and intentions.' Snips said. 'It should make for an interesting conversation.' Debcat added, while touching Thunder on the backs of her hands, giving reason for her to smile a little.

The test subjects' tissues are indeed stable and harvested materials graft and incorporate all implants with zero rejection. I request a new wet-nurse to be found a.s.a.p. preferably one with little morals and maternal instincts. The test subject's ability to heal quickly has enabled very fast progress in research. Cloning is underway to the specified age of twenty-five years with a total of ten clones.

Dr Cobain, Applied Genetics, lab three.

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

... _This is definitely the two missing officers from Central, unsure of their intentions and can only speculate their reasons for this journey. But they are acting like proper officers and fixing what is wrong at every opportunity. I will summon a carrier to the refinery in the morning and wait in Grains for them. Then I will make any decision there at their journeys end...._

(Excerpt from Baller's bloodied Journal)

Logged report designation Lox received by Novan

With the definition of hacking in this tablet /I do not have the skills here to supply the answers you demand/request specialist in this area.

Baller

Trouble travels ahead of you, first Greens now a "hacking" whatever that means. I need answers from the Refinery, what has happened there and who did what. Supplies and flyers were commanded to that spot by an outsider somehow, it has people high up very nervous and they need answers.

Reaper

(Captured message log)

Reaper

The headman went crazy then killed and sabotaged the refinery. The survivor's repaired a relay and requested supplies. No one knows what hacking is, they are in bad shape here. They could use twenty workers here so find them a.s.a.p. Might solve some of the overcrowding I have heard about.

Baller

(Captured message log)
Chapter 8: Best Intentions and All

Sparks jumped high in the rising smoke, as Debcat observed Mr Ko dancing with any available Fancy Lady who was not playing an instrument. Even Snips was enjoying a twirl with Recco and Swarvo; Debcat enjoyed watching Snips in motion and found it most pleasant to the eye. Disappointedly though excitement she wanted failed to turn up night after night, the stranger that tailed them sounded interesting enough for testing a new death method she had thought about. Snips flopped down beside her, 'Why don't you get up for a twirl, it would do you good and besides; I'm sure these two are pretty eager for a night's entertainment. Can you imagine the combinations we could do?'

'No, I'm good; I'm more worried about what's behind us.'

'In front, in behind there is always something worrying us. Speaking of in front and behind how about...'

'So girls ready to smell like fish tomorrow?' Lillith said interrupting, 'They don't call it the Fish Farm the nothing.'

'Yes I know about the Fish Farm, I have got it here in my notes.' Debcat saw Snips pull out her journal. 'So what do you know?' Lillith asked. "Fish Farm, numerous ponds where fish are farmed, rough and rowdy place where everything smells like fish especially the women." Snips said. 'Well that pretty much sums it up, except for one thing that you don't know about. It is customary for one traveller in a group to fight for coin against the best fighter of the Fish Farm. You see they don't like travellers just passing through without stopping to buy or sell. They also take exception of stopping outside of their community to buy wares, since no one wants to stop because of the smell; which they don't notice any more. Last time I passed through Swarvo took the fight and lost, so I am figuring one of you girls could win some coin our way. Since we must stay for one night or risk a Fish Farm send off, which does involve a lot of fish guts being hurled our way. You should get some rest.' Debcat took an early night, excited for the next day and left Snips to find entertainment elsewhere with Recco and Swarvo.

The new day brought some spring to Debcat's step and it was not long until the first signs of the inhabitants of the Fish Farm began to show in the form of inquisitive, smelly children. The smell of foul mud and something else foreign twitched at their noses, only Mr Ko seemed unfazed by it, 'Smells a bit like home, brings back good memories, you are all to use to land and vegetables.' He said laughing. With questions answered the children ran ahead at full pelt to the buildings that lay ahead. Mostly shacks under large trees as well as structural buildings that looked like they had always been there. Just as Debcat noticed people coming together ahead, Lillith was suddenly beside her, 'I'll do the talking on this one.' Walking ahead with speed and grace due to her long legs that went all the way up and made an arse of them-selves, Debcat noticed. A three minute gap was between them and by the time they caught up with Lillith, negotiations were done. So a pompous gesturing had begun which involved a small man and a tall muscular fellow.

With a gesture Debcat walked forward, and the tall man bent down to whisper in the small man's ear, prompting him to speak, 'You can't be serious Lillith, this is your fighter? Toothless Rex will not fight a little girl.' Debcat looked at the tall man and saw his tongue wiggling in the air through missing front teeth and found him asking for it. 'You will fight me regardless.' Debcat said before punching him in the stomach forcing spittle through his gapped teeth. Doubling over with pain his head was at the right height for a good downward slap that sent him to the ground out cold. 'So who's got the stones to fight me or was that your best fighter?' Debcat paused for silence, and then continued, 'Just as I thought a big load of disappointment from the Fish Farm, so where can we set up for hairstyling and machine fixing?' Once the area was indicated, the trio from Central walked past a stunned crowd. While Lillith with shaking head glared, a small irritated man was making wild gestures and using a shrill voice to deafen Lillth's ears.

Debcat listened as Snips quickly set up her side, 'I don't think that's what Lillith had in mind, I got the feeling you blew apart her negotiation for coin.'

'Well I was insulted, he would not fight me.'

'Maybe, it was part of the show I don't know. But it was pretty funny. I think half of the crowd wet their pants in fright. Oh you better watch out Lillith looks pissed.' Debcat turned and saw her storming up, 'What do you call that, have you no restraint, now no one is betting against you, no-one at all! That means no coin, no fight, oh and did I forget especially no coin at all. The opportunity is lost thanks to you!'

'Restraint, he still breathes, that's restraint enough. He refused to fight, plus he was insulting.'

'Oh poor you, can't take a little insult is that it? Poor little Debcat boo the fuck who.'

'So has Debcat got to slap a bitch today? Is that how it's got to go?' Debcat said in the third person, before Snips stepped between them and pushed hard forcing both to take a step back. 'Settle both of you, Lillith it's your fault that you failed to specify what was to happen and Debcat it wouldn't hurt to rein yourself in once in a while, look I will take the fight on and do whatever it takes to get you both to back down.'

All too soon Snips watched Mr Ko wrap her hands with cloth tightly, 'Can't have my little girl bust her hands up.'

'You're saying that because I make good money with them.'

'Still better to be safe than sorry and watch out for his kicks and knees, I overheard the chatter.'

'No problems only got to last five minutes then end it.'

'Don't forget, make it look like an even fight or we might all have to fight our way out of here.'

'Why, don't you think I should share the fun?' Snips said looking around at a good sized crowd who were particularly noisy. 'No, I think I like to sit that one out. But if need be, I'll have your back.'

'Did you make sure Debcat left her weapons behind?'

'Yeah, but she is not happy, I'll give you a shout to let you know five minutes have passed and remember keep your guard up, this feller doesn't mind hitting girls, especially his woman.'

'I'll remember that bit after five minutes.' Snips knew the five minutes was for Lillith to haggle with more bets and drive up the odds which gave her little comfort when she looked at her lean, mean opponent.

Just a bare patch of earth topped with dust, Snips remembered the training hall and already missed its soft floor as she stirred the dust with her foot. Her opponent looked like an average man of the Fish Farm and even in the right light he might be considered attractive, especially if it was a moonless night with no fire insight and if one had their eyes closed. Snips had the pleasure of cutting his woman's hair a few hours before. Old and fresh bruises could be seen and her bottom lip had permanent damage from being split so often, matching a nervous disposition. When Snips took payment a note was handed to her, asking to leave with them and never returning. Snips approached Lillith with the note and asked for help in which she acknowledged with a nod. With her full attention back to her opponent Snips began limbering up while the lean, mean man did the same. It was noted by Snips that he had speed.

With the fight called to start, Snips held her guard against the flurry of punches dealt by her opponent. For a bit of breathing room Snips let fly a few of her own to little effect, but saw a few gaps in his defence for future reference in four or so minutes. Then the body blows started as well as blows to the stomach and kidneys, soon the pain was felt, which made Snips wince on more than once. A knee drove all breathe out of her as she shied away, seeking a gap only to be blocked by the crowd. Only a dart from her fist gave her some reprieve as it connected with his nose. Two breaths break is all she managed, when she felt his foot connect between her legs. Shock waves of pain brought it on to her knees as she felt hollow inside. Snips instincts were strong as she caught his fist in her hand and quickly broke one of his fingers before his other fist contacted. His screams of pain were not satisfying at all as she willed her body to stand up right in its own controlled way. With a hobble Snips went forth while her opponent snapped his finger back with a focused look of anger towards her.

Resorting to kicks of the body, Snips did her best to protect herself from them. She knew of one way to make them stop and when her fist connected with his undercarriage, they indeed stopped with a high squeal. The time was taken to gain herself some composure while trying to cope with the pain of her battered nether regions. The only comfort she felt was hearing Mr Ko's signal which gave her permission to end it. A fist flew at her fast which Snips blocked with a head butt; the bones of the fist could be heard to break. A second head butt connected the bridge of his nose with a similar breaking sound. The third and final head-butt just made a wet thud sound as it connected to the bloodied face of the man bringing an end to his consciousness and to the fight. Feeling a bit lightheaded Snips saw the glint of a blade coming towards her, only to stop a few centimetres in front of her chest. The wrist of the hand that held the knife was caught by Debcat's steel grip. Before words could exit Snips mouth, Debcat had bent the elbow and brought the knife to the woman's chest plunging it deep, bringing forth gurgles and spittle of blood. Snips saw the familiar face with the bad lip then heard Debcat say, 'Some people just can't be helped.' Before letting her slump to her knees, then flop to the dirt.

Snips knelt stunned, looking at the body of the woman who she had agreed to help. Her mind could not comprehend why she would turn on her so, and didn't notice men falling to the dirt around her. The sounds of pain and swearing washed over her as just background noise as she asked the corpse, 'Why?' Snips waited patiently for an answer but it was only when Debcat knelt in front of her and slapped her face, did she realise how foolish it had been to wait for a response from a dead woman. 'Snap out of it, we're leaving, Mr Ko lead the way I'll carry her out.'

'Debcat I am fine, I can walk out.' Snips said and proceeded to step over the moaning men of the Fish Farm, who twitched and rolled in the dirt. All wagons were on the move quickly and did not stop till nightfall. Snips stared into a little fire watching the flames dance over the crackling wood and only vaguely listening to Lillith arguing over fault and lost coin.

Debcat sized up the tall, irate woman and found her lacking, 'You should of let her go there was no need to kill her.'

'She had a knife.'

'Which you had control of.'

'What? Let her go so she could try again. No she had to go, kill or be killed that's what happens when you pick up a weapon.' Debcat responded. 'That's pissweak reasoning and you know it, all that coin gone because of you.'

'So that's the thanks I get for sorting out an angry crowd.'

'They were angry because you had just killed one of them; you have no self-control at all.'

'I've got plenty of self-control; you're still standing aren't you?' Debcat hoped for a challenge, but new Lillith wouldn't after witnessing Debcat take down several of the crowd in front of her. 'That's what I thought you are all talk, Snips won the fight for you and you haven't even thanked her. But that's your style, to get others to fight for you and why? To save your pretty face, so what are you going to do when you face your brother? Batter your eyelashes and hope for the best.' Debcat felt the sting of a slap that was very quick but Debcat's fist was quicker. 'A slap isn't going to save you in a real fight.' Debcat said walking away from Lillith who held her stomach while trying to breathe.

The dark of night hid her well as she stood guard in case they were followed. Debcat felt very comfortable alone in the night air as she could see all, quite easily matching her hearing abilities. She did not have to get close to hear the night conversations of the camp. Words were said that did not shine her in a good light and most were insulting. Debcat remembered the look of shock in the woman's eyes as her own knife ended her, which brought a smile to her face as it did often, but this did not mean she had no self-control as Lillith implied. It just meant she enjoyed what she did and how she did it. Debcat thought back to the girl she was in Fields and how she was bullied and picked on and never fighting back. She shook her head in disbelief and asked herself how she was ever like that? A timid girl, trying to avoid confrontation. So Debcat decided to set things right, as they all drifted to sleep one by one. Debcat thought of the best way to patch things up to Lillith.

Crossing the boundary of dark to the dying campfire's light, Debcat took great care in not waking anyone, as she did not want to hear their hurtful words again. There was satisfaction to be taken in moving around in silence and not disturbing their sleep. Debcat knew they were all tired from the brisk pace they had walked from the Fish Farm and did not wish to wake them. With Samson's blades in hand only small groans could be heard as they darted into hearts and kidneys as well a couple of slicing throats. Debcat stood amongst the dead with her blades dripping of their blood as she sweetly said to them, 'Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will get you dead.' She then proceeded to collect the present for Lillith. It was near morning when Debcat stood over a dreaming Lillith and dropped the present onto her stomach with a painful thud. With a gasp she was awake, 'Here is what you're owed, plus interest.' Debcat said as the sound of the coin sack rolled off Lillith's stomach hitting the ground. Debcat was a mere ten metres away before Lillith's screams awoke everybody bringing a smile to Debcat's face.

Snips dreamt of the dead woman mouthing her explanation without sound, 'Is it because I had beaten your man or were you protecting him or was it just to scare me away?' We were going to help you; I don't understand why you had your knife directed at me?' The woman's face went still and greyish only to be brushed aside by Debbie. 'Muley you know it's true that some people just can't be helped.'

'Did you mean her or you?' Debbie you walk a fine line between good and bad.'

'It's only your line you measure me by, not mine.' Muley reached to draw a line in the dirt before waking up to the shrill screams and the sight of Debcat walking towards her smiling. 'What did you do?' Snips said rubbing her eyes, 'Men from the Fish Farm came looking for vengeance I found them first.' Debcat said before drinking some water, 'I got the coin they were carrying and gave it to Lillith with some interest thrown in.' Snips looked over to Lillith and saw her throw up in a very unladylike way. 'What else did you give her?' Snips asked. 'Eleven fingers, one from each man.'

'Are they still alive?' Snips saw Debcat's smile and shook her head no. 'They're plan was to kill us after some fun, well me anyway. I found their plan unacceptable and ended them quickly, they did not suffer much.' Snips heard the pride in Debcat's voice as she described the method of despatching a large number in their sleep and found it a little disturbing. 'It was unwise; you should have come and got me for backup.'

'Yeah you're right; it would have been a good opportunity to use Twanger.'

'No, we should be there for each other and reduce the risk. No more going it alone, promise me.'

'I promise.' Debcat said after Snips held her hand tightly.

With birdsong still fresh and floating above the morning dew, Snips found time to talk about her dream to Debcat in every detail. 'I'm worried about you is all, your body count puts all officers to shame. It must take a toll on you, remember the first time you killed I heard you were stunned and dazed afterwards.'

'It was a long time ago, killing has got easier since. I grew to like it. I don't know why. Maybe when I asked to be a better fighter from the Program or it's just me being awoken by circumstance.' Snips looked deep into her hazel eyes while she said, 'You know where the line is.'

'I know, I'm an officer, I live by the standard taught to me and if I crossed it, I will expect your judgement and die by your hand.' Snips saw no lying in her eyes as they kissed and they held each other away from the sight and sound of the others. 'As for the woman, I saw her gasp when you head-butted and she grabbed a knife in a misguided sense of stupidity and went to attack you; it's not your fault she was all messed up.' Snips cut her words off with more kisses that were long and heavy until Mr Ko called for them.

Snips knew that Lillith would find an opportunity to talk to her about Debcat and formulated many varied and intricate responses and rebuttals. At the midday meal Snips was cornered by Lillith while she washed dishes, 'Debcat is a nutcase.'

'And you are a stupid bitch, one-she is an officer, two-you pushed her buttons, three-last night she just killed eleven men, four-she has given you many warnings and lastly five-she is my girlfriend, so shut it and get over it or I will bury you myself. You travel with death and her companions so get your head out of your arse and decide what's more important, coin or travelling with the people your brother is going to run into. Well are you going to say something or just stand there like a dumb arse?' Snips washed a few plates in silence before Lillith spoke again, 'I'm sorry, I get caught up in the small things sometimes and I lose my perspective. How can I make amends?'

'I think you should ask Debcat to train you to fight.'

'You can't be fucking serious?'

'Oh I am, your brother is trained, so you have to be or you're not going to have a chance.'

'Can you, she scares me?'

'She knows how to kill officers, I don't and she will beat you black and blue but you will learn. Besides, you two need to bond and fighting is how she bonds.'

'How about a gun, can I shoot him?'

'Do you know how many we have killed that had guns, you won't stand a chance. If you only rely on a gun your brother will see to that. I think your Fancy Ladies need training, so I'll do that. You best learn from Debcat, she is the best.' Snips washed a few more dishes in silence before Lillith left sheepishly, leaving Snips grinning to herself.

Having faith in her soul sister's idea Debcat stood in front of Lillith and gave the nod to proceed. Lillith drew a punch that swung in a wide arc; Debcat saw it coming and couldn't be bothered to do anything to stop it. The blow was struck and Debcat's cheek stung, but that was it, she made sure her eyes were focused on Lillith the whole time. Which was easy since the force of the blow did not even move her head. Lillith looked at her fist in disbelief and stepped back quickly, 'You hit like a girl and your technique is ineffective and it wasn't even worth blocking. Here, let me show you a jab, her fist flew fast and hitting the tall woman square in the chest which made her stagger backwards, falling on her arse while struggling to breathe. 'That's how real girls hit, hard and fast, don't worry it wasn't hard enough to kill you, you're just winded, it's all concentrated on breathing.' Debcat looked at the teary and struggling woman and found her pathetic but to her credit she got up for more. 'You are tall and your reach long, but you need to learn to punch straight and quick and concentrate on the centreline of a person eyes, nose, throat, chest, guts and groin. With your punches concentrated on these areas in rapid succession your opponent will be forced backwards like so.'

Debcat sent forth not fist but poking fingers into chest and stomach in a rapid-fire movement that sent Lillith reeling in pain, 'Stop you're too quick!'

'Imagine if I was hitting you hard with my fists do you think you could talk right now or even breathe, first, you learn to punch, second will be speed then we will see what you can do with your legs.' Debcat found a box to stand on so Lillith could punch straight into her stomach and only use her tensing muscles for protection, which was easy to do with the weak woman. After an hour they called it quits for a night's sleep and Debcat found comfort in Snips embrace, 'Well technically she can throw a punch now that might kill a fly.'

'So did you have fun?'

'A little, I don't think she will be so mouthy now and she might watch what she says.' Debcat grasped as she felt the fingers of Snips approach what was most eager to be touched. I think 'It's time for a haircut soon.'

'But you only cut it last week.'

'I'm not talking about the hair up there silly.'

'Oh.'

'Honestly Debcat, you are so clueless sometimes, it's like fighting through a forest to find a cave. Haven't you ever wondered why mine is easy access?'

'I thought that's how yours grew, nice and neat.'

'No, I take the time to tame the Bush and you should to, I've been looking at the Fancy Ladies. Most keep theirs bald like little girls.'

'But I like your mat.'

'It's hair, it will grow back, come on let's try something new. Mango and Apple have offered to help us tonight if you want to sneak over.'

'You have already planned this and I am just a little formality.' Debcat said before biting her lip upon her violation. 'It will be fun like the time at the Coastal Area, getting those rub downs remember, watching each other.'

'I thought that was dirty lezza stuff that you didn't enjoy?'

'I enjoy you Debcat, you dirty lezza.' Once the deal was sealed with the kiss the soul sisters hand in hand snuck away into the night with a giggle or two.

Muley's travel guide:- Grains at the crossroads and very few people, little opportunity for trade, just best to pass straight through. Grains grows in a vast area, with very big machinery to do the work.

Dr Cobain,

Initial results of stem cells injected into the cyborg brain have been miraculous. Not only new cells formed but even the Demms have reactivated within it. I ask for permission to integrate the brain back into the body to see if any new capabilities can be ascertained.

Steffie

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

Dr Cobain

Grafting the mammary glands from the deceased wet-nurse on the tissue stimulator has failed. Suggest we find a milk able animal in the meantime or if a third wet-nurse can be found I suggest pumping the milk out of her and not exposing her to the child, as to avoid another incident.

Skip

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

Gavin, Tykon

A man was discovered in our records unknown to anyone, he had in his possession a large amount of material about Debbie and Muley. Before I was able to get answers he was torn in half in combat. As a result of those records were destroyed by blood and other things and could not be saved. Should we pass on this information to Debbie and Muley?

PS. I have attached a poem to be sent to Muley

Jaxter

Logged report designation Dee received by Novan

Confirmed- Officer Debbie the mother/confirmed Officer Debbie attempting rescue with Officer Muley. Production Area Twelve/connection terminated.
Chapter 9: The Walking Valkyrie

The scrubland and trees that had been part of the passing scenery for days suddenly gave way to the view of fields of wheat. Debcat found her mouth ajar to the sight of the vast amount that stretched far and wide. 'Remember they've got big machinery to do all that work, not like in Fields where it's all done by hand.' Snips said as they moved forward along the road. Debcat went to ask Mr Ko about the view and remembered that he had taken up walking with Apple over the last couple of days, her tall slender figure seem to grab his attention despite her being flat chested and rather plain. Snips said in conversation with her that Mr Ko had been working his way through all the women that journeyed with them. They also seemed to enjoy the experience with him, with some stating he was the best lover they have ever had. Debcat came to ponder on that statement, as she did ever so often. Wondering how that could be so since in all her experience, it was something that only went in and out. The male appendage to her was only really enjoyable when Snips was part of the fun. A flash of vision of Snips moaning in ecstasy with Recco and Swarvo, left Debcat flushed. Also a tad bit more uncomfortable down below, as she walked beside her firm arsed soul sister.

After half a day and fourteen arse slaps to Snips. Debcat saw the first signs of life of Grains and liked what she saw. A small camp on the side of the road stood to their approach of three men and two women. To Debcat's eyes they were not farmers, but in fact, the kind of people that wanted to die by her hand and given half the chance Debcat would gladly accept their offer. As a big man gestured for them to stop, Mr Ko and Lillith were suddenly there to start the talking, much to Debcat's disappointment. Three men and two women stood with hidden weapons. Debcat knew she could take three with Thunder and the other two with Sampson's blades quite easily. But only bothered to listen to what was being said as it became interesting, 'Why would I bother myself with the troop of loose slappers. So old man, how much cost is it for a ride with your daughters there, they look tight.' Debcat locked eyes on the big man and said before any interruptions. 'The cost is your last drop of blood, if your man enough to pay it.' Debcat saw the man lick his lips as he looked at her up and down and knew he wanted to penetrate her as much as she wanted to penetrate him with steel. Then disappointment flooded her as the man's face turned to surprise and pain as he slumped to the ground from Snips' knee, his companions laughed loudly as he grabbed his penetrative tool with tears. Debcat saw Snips say something quiet to the man before rolling him aside so Nutty could resume pulling the wagon onward.

Debcat queried Snips on what she had said, 'I said, I just saved your life is all, figure I try to disarm the situation and it worked. It looked to me that they were there to keep people from leaving rather than entering.'

'I think we should find some time to be together soon.' Debcat said with lust. 'Yeah can't blame you, I am pretty hot.' Snips said slapping her bottom, to which Debcat wanted to bite ever so badly. It was not long before a settlement could be seen, consisting of a few buildings clustered together and a lonely building further away in the distance. 'I thought you said there weren't many people in Grains?' Debcat said to Snips while looking at numerous campsites populated by similar looking people they had previously encountered. 'I think my information should be used as a guide, not a fact sheet.' Snips offered in response as many became focused on the new arrivals.

Snips sat with Debcat beside the wagon with no customers to be seen, 'Looks like Lillith is going to make all the coin by the looks of it.' Snips said looking in the distance and seeing Strawberry being fondled and led away to the tents of the Fancy Ladies. After noticing Debcat looking very bored, Snips was about to offer some fondling of her own, when a man's voice was heard, 'Excuse me, is this the place I can get a trim?' Snips saw a well-dressed man with a fine moustache that was quite dashing, 'Most certainly sir, we can also fix any machinery as well if you have the need of it.' Then directed him to the chair with a flamboyant gesture. Even before the first hair fell the man began to speak, 'So it seems you have ventured into Grains at a most interesting time.'

'We heard that Grains has a little number of people.'

'Usually that is so and even less now as most are staying far away, until this circumstance is at an end.'

'And what circumstance is that Sir?'

'Please call me Baller, no need to be all formal. Well the word has it a valuable prize is nearly up for grabs and many eager people have come to claim it. These people come from many areas, some in groups others by themselves. But all are of the type that are best left alone and stayed out of their way.'

'And what of the officers here, why do they sit idly by?' Snips heard Debcat suddenly take an interest.

'Well little miss, the officers have a prize the others are wanting and waiting for, but they can't hold on to it forever and by the looks of it, for not much longer.' Snips held the mirror up for Baller for inspection, 'My, my I haven't looked this good for a while, by chance do you do shaving as well?'

'I do in fact; you will be my first customer.' Snips prepared the lather and got the razor, which was still nice and sharp. 'So what is the full story Baller?' Snips rolled her eyes at Debcat's impatience.

The razor swiped over the lather in silence as Snips concentrated on doing a good job, and once it was done the conversation continued as Baller ran his hands over the smooth skin of his face with much appreciation and satisfaction, 'Officer Zane is in charge of Grains as well as a respected officer and much feared, many graves were dug because of him. But only one grave is left to be filled in that's his. A dying officer is keeping this rabble at bay, held up in that building in the distance and no one dares to go near it. Some would say it's a stalemate that only time could resolve, others say an opportunity may chance along, to put an end to it.'

'And what do you say?' Debcat asked 'Debcat, this is the customer, mind what you say.'

'No it's fine, simple and direct, best way to find out answers, as for me I haven't made up my mind. In any case I'm not here for the prize only to see what may eventuate from this circumstance. But I would hate to see that prize fall into a set of bad hands; it could create a lot of bad times.'

'So what is the prize, Baller?' Snips asked. 'The prize that would bring many power hungry people to one place. To where all the worst elements of many production areas would gather. Could only be for the weapon that made Officer Zane great in the first place. It is a rare thing indeed to have an officer of substance. I'm sure in your travels you have never seen one. But I have heard in Production Area Twelve that there may be some there who still believe in right and wrong. Have you ever been there?' Baller said with a look that caused much suspicion to Snips' mind.

Snips went silent feeling the weight of coin in her hand after Baller had left and exchanged looks with Debcat before speaking, 'He knows who we are and he is waiting to see what we do.' Snips said. 'What can we do? He tells of an officer alone and besieged, and we don't have a choice.'

'It must be a test for us, but for what purpose. Could he be the man travelling behind us? And if so how did he get in front of us?'

'He is at least an officer or of Novan, but that doesn't matter, at this time he is watching us. So let's give him something to watch we take the wagon to the Officers' building and say hello to Officer Zane.' Debcat said. The soul sisters lead Nutty to the officer's building and even though many noticed, none tried to stop them. 'We are being watched like dogs watching sheep.' Snips said. 'Or you, like watching a cavy.' Debcat replied. 'Don't tease; I'm so hungry now should have brought some along.' It was a good two of hundred metres to the officers building, which was a reinforced cube of brick, stone and thick wood. Snips knocked on the metal door and saw a slide view open up with two eyes peering out, 'What is your business here?' A boy's voice said. 'We are officers from Production Area Twelve and we have heard of your situation and are offering help.'

'Never heard of Production Area Twelve so go away!'

'You are surrounded and under siege and two officers come to offer help and you tell them to go away, are you stupid in there?'

'Well prove you're officers, you don't exactly look like officers.'

'Not looking like officers, is how we got up here, but if you like we can go and watch you die from a far, if your happy with that?' Snips heard a man's voice shout, 'Let them in.' The door suddenly opened, as they stepped in they saw a girl holding a rifle at them and boy doing the same, both were dressed as officers. 'If you're pointing rifles at them put them down before you get yourselves killed and show them in here.' A man's voice yelled from the other room. Snips walked with Debcat to the room and saw and smelt death, claiming a man who was propped up on the bed. He was looking intently out through a small window in the wall with a looking glass. 'Cowards, they didn't even follow you, I am Officer Zane, and this is Officer Tims and Officer Lavender.'

'I am Officer Muley and this is Officer Debbie, we come from Central in Production Area Twelve. We offer assistance, if you are in need.'

'Never heard of officers travelling from there before, what brings you to Grains?'

'We search for an infant that was taken.'

'Long way to travel just for a missing child.'

'She is my daughter, Officer Zane.' Debbie spoke with a firm tone. 'Fair enough, may your search bear fruit.' Zane said before coughing up blood, thick and sticky into a rank towel. 'I have not heard of any infants passing through, but my watch over Grains has slipped a little of late. As you can see I am not long for this world, maybe the next one will be more welcoming. Well you know the situation and saw the buzzards down there waiting. You Lavender, go get what they are after. You might as well see what were all going to die over.'

Debcat looked at the pitiful man, discoloured and stinky and saw more empty bottles lying around that reeked of some sort of intoxicating drink. The young officer returned struggling with a rifle the likes of which she had never seen before and quickly caught it as she tripped. With her hands holding it Debbie dove and saw all components, capabilities and found herself wet and throbbing as she marvelled at the instrument of death and destruction. 'Well Lavender you're a completely useless girl.' Zane said with another coughing fit. 'Officer Debbie what you hold is the L1A1 SLR with the twenty round box magazine, it's good for about eight hundred metres, you've also got an adjustable bipod and ACOG scope which gives you six times magnification.' Debbie smiled as she rocked out the box magazine and worked the bolt to check if the chamber was clear and letting it fly back the satisfying clack. Holding it properly she used the scope to look out the window and saw movement in town, 'It shoots the 7.65x 51 mm round, the same as an officer's Ruger M77 rifle.' Debbie zoned out as she liked the all black finish and saw movement in town. 'You can pick them off so easily from here.'

'Now you know why they stay down there amongst the buildings and waiting for me to die.' Debbie handed the SLR to Snips, 'Gee it's heavy, bit long isn't it?'

'True, but I think the trade-off is worth it, so Debbie have you seen one before?' Debbie shook her head no. 'Oh I thought you had, you worked it fine.'

'No it just seemed to be the proper thing to do; a gun is a gun after all.'

Debbie listened to Zane's tale of good and bad while giving the SLR a good clean. 'It's been passed along the family for some time; don't know if I've done well with it or bad. Maybe more bad if I'm honest, but I will know soon, when am judged in the great hall.'

'Great hall?' Snips asked. 'My dad always said if you die in battle you're taken by female warriors to be judged in the great hall to be found worthy or cast aside. He died fighting bandits just down there when I was a small lad, now hopefully some of them will come up here to take me on.'

'It's not likely, they're happy to wait there for you to die.' Debbie interjected. 'That would be Feenly's doing, the slimy bastard, all talk and smiles and gets others to do his dirty work.'

'Well go down there and take him on.' Zane coughed laughingly at Debbie's suggestion bringing forth more blood, 'What, are you going to carry me?'

'If need be, why not? You could die here, you could die there. How do you want to go?'

Debcat and Snips walked to town seeking out Feenly, 'I don't think this is right, it doesn't sit well.' Snips said. 'He dies fighting, that's what he wants.'

'Not much of a fight, he can't even get out of bed.'

'I don't know he seemed to brighten up when we left.' Debcat saw menacing figures starting to approach them with interest, 'We need to speak to Feenly for Officer Zane.' Debcat said out aloud. A man replied by gesturing them to follow him. They were both led to the tavern where big men stood at the door and after a discussion were led in and presented to a man eating and receiving oral pleasure from under the table. 'We have an offer from officer Zane.' Snips said quickly before Debcat, 'And what does the dying fool want?

'To fight you, one on one and to the death.' The soul sisters waited in silence while Feenly thought about it or was distracted from what was happening below, after a bit he spoke again, 'only if he uses a knife, nothing else.' He said with a smile. 'And down here out of sight, he will have his chance.' Debcat sized him up and found him ordinary and nothing more. 'So why have you two got involved with this?'

'We come from far away where we respect officers and we offered to help, that's all, he asked us to do this for him.' Feenly then gestured them away and continued with his appetites.

Both officers form Central helped clean and change Zane into a uniform, which hung loosely over his skin, 'Never had much use for a knife, but I should do okay.' It was noted that Lavender and Timms stayed out of the way and didn't even bid him luck as he walked out into the sunlight, supported at each side by the soul sisters. 'Don't be too harsh on them; they don't know much, only how to be scared. They are only new and I am not in the best state to train them. Now I remember what my dad called them, Valkyrie that's what the warrior women were.' Debcat felt his weight lighten as he carried more of his own weight and stood more erect with purpose. 'I bet you could not guess I am only thirty-three, it's all gone by so fast and here at the end, I find myself excited once more, strange don't think? Is Central a nice place?'

'It's a very nice place, but it has had its moments. Officers new and old died together fighting for what was right, but we carried on and trained more.' Debcat said looking at a large crowd gathering. 'I would appreciate it, if you were close at the end. I like to see beautiful faces on the way out.'

'What, our ugly mugs, I think you could do better.' Snips added in jest. 'Well it would be better than seeing that smug bastard that's for sure.' Zane indicated to Feenly with a nod.

Debcat and Snips watched from the edge as Zane stood by himself eyeing off Feenly holding a firm grip on his knife. 'So you come here to die, hey Zane?'

'Maybe, I could even live longer than you. Have you factored that in your little scheme?'

'Highly doubtful you're just a bag of bones now. Not one bit of muscle on you is there?' Feenly gestured to the crowd leaving an opportunity as Zane to throw his knife underarm at him. Feenly tried to dodge, and upon failing, the heavy knife struck and buried itself into the top of his leg, making him scream in pain. Feenly struck out and threw his knife hard at Zane, with full force. Only to have Zane catch it and hold it ready with a smile. Debcat was impressed with his skill and reactions, 'Even a dying officer should not be taken lightly.' She thought. With the knife free from his leg Feenly took the fight to Zane lashing out arcing swipes. Debcat saw red appear on Zane's white shirt as he bled from cuts that were afflicted by an irate Feenly. Zane darted his blade in and out over an outstretched swipe which struck Freenly's shoulder blade. Debcat could see Zane preparing for a finishing move on Feenly. Then Feenly saw it as well and counted driving his blade upwards into stomach of Zane. All the fight in Zane left as the blade within him continued to travel upwards till the point of it getting jammed in his sternum. Debcat and Snips caught the officer of Grains. As he fell they both saw soundless words being said before a blood tinged smile became frozen on his face. Feenly pointed his bloodied hand at them, 'You two, go and tell those officers there they have got until morning to hand over that rifle. Morning! You hear me?' And with the gesture done he was carried away back to the tavern.

Snips saw her tears drop onto the white and red shirt of Officer Zane with his own knife firmly implanted within him. 'He did well for a man in his condition, not a bad way to go if you think about it.' Snips felt the need to rebuke Debcat, and then with a single tear rolling down Debcat's cheek, she decided not to. Mr Ko was soon beside them, 'Damn girls; turn my back for a couple of hours and this is what happens, so we burying this feller?' Mr Ko heard the full account as they dug deeply into the soil and as it was filled back in all three stood silent for a time. Snips heard Mr Ko say, 'So I guess we are doing knife work before morning?' Debcat nodded while looking down, smelling the fresh earth. 'For sure, I say we kill them all, all these bad people in one place. We can clean up a lot of other area's problems in one night, and then we will pile them high and burn the fuckers to bone and ash.' Mr Ko and Debcat looked with surprise by Snips' comment, 'What too harsh? Or not harsh enough?'

Snips made the point to Mr Ko and Debcat, that talking to the weak officers must be done with great care and tact as to secure their help. So when they entered through the metal door Snips made the point of holding weak officers firmly to the wall with a decent thud. 'Well Zane died doing his duty, while his fellow officers cowered behind these walls. I should have dug that grave deeper and tossed your bodies in there as well, both of you are a poor excuse for officers. Now you've got until dawn to hand over the SLR to the man that killed him. And so far by your example, you bloody well would have. Now I am here to tell you if you even think about it or have the slightest notion of doing so, I will gut you like Officer Zane was. So your only choice is to come with us tonight and help us kill them all or die trying. I assume you know all the locals, so you will point them out so they will be spared. Failure to do so will be death, you have been judged and I will take great pleasure in carrying it out. Do you feel me?' Snips could smell their pee and found it a satisfactory response.

With supplies brought in from the wagon, Muley, Debcat and Mr Ko had their black clothes on and their weapons laid out before them, leaving Timms and Lavender wide eyed and in shock. The table had forty throwing knives, ten each for the soul sisters legs, three hunting knives, Mr Ko's eight throwing axes, knuckledusters, three rifles with plenty of ammunition, Thunder and shells to match, Twanger and a bundle of arrows, Samson's blades, Muley's steel bars and Mr Ko's spear. While the officers of Grains had a knife each. 'We do this silently for as long as we can, we only retreat if there's gun fire and make our way back here, to make our stand. Tin can will guard while we are gone.' Debcat said to those who didn't understand which was only Timms and Lavender. 'Officer Debbie, we haven't killed anyone before. I don't think I can do it. Can't we take the rifles?'

'It's like what Officer Muley said, kill them all or die trying what do you think an officer is, smiles and sunshine? And as for the rifles, no. I don't trust you with them. We must be light and quiet. They stay here, at the ready.' Debcat said pushing a magazine into her rifle.

Debbie stood at the doorway of Zane's room and silently thanked him for this opportunity. She then wondered if he was in that big hall being found worthy of acceptance. The presence of Muley was felt beside her, 'This should bring back fond memories for you of Collections, just us two against all of them.'

'Yes plenty, especially when you were bearing your breasts to distract the guard while I sliced him.'

'Oh yeah, nearly forgot about that one, I noticed you looking, you dirty lezza, can't get them out as easy with this dress though.'

'Pity.' Debbie said before stealing a kiss. 'It's a good thing I am easy.' Muley said returning the favour. 'We look out for each other and if we got time we look out for the other two; we don't risk ourselves to save them.'

'Agreed.' Muley said quietly before having one last kiss that may have involved some tongue to which Debbie liked. The three from Central checked each other's weapons and found them sound and made doubly sure that nothing was forgotten. Then as a sign of friendship, the three from Central grabbed each other's wrists with cheesy grins and laughter, leaving two officers of Grains to look at each other in hopeless bewilderment.

Dr Cobain

I request reassignment from the clones; I find them uncomfortable, your reassurances of reflex action with eye tracking are perfectly sound. I still find it disturbing that they all look at me at the same time through their tanks. My nerves are shot and I have had little sleep.

Bendall

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

Dr Cobain

The cyborg brain has been reasserted successfully. Increased movement speed and strength has been observed, plus speech has also been heard. Something we all thought was impossible, just one word at the moment 'mother' but I'm sure it is possible for it to learn more.

Steffi

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

... _I sit here wondering what I am doing. I used to believe I made a difference, now I see two girls' actions in person and I have started to question myself. Maybe it's time to make my own path...._

(Excerpt from Baller's bloodied Journal)

Steffi

I don't know what piece of junk you have tried to interface with this time, but once again and unsupported Program has been detected; if you must entertain yourself with this hobby please use the stand-alone machine and no other resources. I have a more urgent assignment on understanding hacking, rather than trying to delete a pesky Program called changer.

Remi, Tech supervisor

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

Chapter 10: The Rise of Twanger

The night air blew the chill through Debbie's black desert wear sending sensations up her spine. The officer from Central took it as a sign that death approved of her action to descend into the town and spread his good will and steely touch. Her vision of the night was able to see figures already lying down on the ground, scattered around by Tincan's ever watchful gaze. Three in total and with the two Grains' officers in tow, Debbie grabbed handfuls of hair and lifting the sleeping faces for inspection. Timms and Lavender shook their heads at not knowing them and watched Debbie slice their throats one by one. Debbie wanted to enjoy the smell of warm blood in the night air, but the smell of vomit from Timms and Lavender had completely ruined the moment for her. With her group out of range of Tincan's airguns, Debbie said the word, 'Guard' and watched Tincan rise, feeling pride in creating such a thing.

'It seems someone wants us to stay in the building.' Muley said to Debbie as she caught up with them lying on the ground. Muley pointed out the collection of camp fires and people on watch. With blood dripping from their bladed weapons the three from Central stood over the dead and surveyed the buildings ahead out of the campfire's light. Debbie replayed in her mind the vision of Muley taking down a tall man by jumping onto his back while attacking his neck and found herself aroused by it. Then the thoughts entered her mind of the two useless officers of Grains and their looks of blubbering terror, ceasing all arousal below. The sounds of merriment from the tents of the Fancy Ladies came in waves across the night air. After a brief discussion it was decided that they would intercept the leaving satisfied clientele and introduce them to a new form of penetration. With the spot chosen, death would strike from the dark and be well concealed from witnesses. They made themselves ready, while listening to the negotiations for price on what goes where. 'Look, I don't mind a feather to tickle me bum, that's a little kinky. But to slap my arse with a cold dead fish, that's going to cost double. Plus I keep the fish for breakfast.' Peach said to a man holding a big fish. As the grumbling man approached, Mr Ko grabbed him upon Timms approval, while Muley helped to end him silently. 'It's a good fish pity to waste it.' Mr Ko added before tossing it on the pile of dead men. 'This is too slow, I think Muley and I should head out while you three stay here, I think we can spot good from bad.' Debbie said, to which Mr Ko agreed. Debbie was now happy from the release of boredom.

Muley with Twanger in hand made her way with Debbie at her side, out skirting the buildings. As she noticed Debbie completely comfortable in the dark and easily avoiding obstacles, until the sound of cackling women could be heard. 'I don't think you got enough there to satisfy one of us, you best take your doodle over to those whores, before we cut it off.' Muley saw Debbie signal to take out the semi naked man and nodded in an agreement. Twanger's first arrow of the night struck bang on target as the man gasped and instinctively grabbed with his two hands on the shaft that stopped his heart. Muley then saw a dashing Debbie use Samson's blades to quickly nick the sides of the women's necks, which released a fine spray blood high into the air. All three seem to hit the ground at the same time in deathly silence, especially from Debbie's efficiency of multiple strikes. Muley yanked and twisted her arrow free, thinking the women were cruel as the man had an adequate size about him, even though it did not matter anymore to anyone ever again. The soul sisters left the failed threesome behind to look for more targets.

The combination of bow and blade worked efficiently well, groups of two or three were dispatched well. Debbie stalked the dark to get close, so when the arrows struck their targets, Muley knew right away their companions felt cold steel at the same time. The first real challenge came as they observed a group of five, very alert and on guard, which consisted of four men and one woman who was in charge. 'We are not leaving; just because Feenly killed Zane doesn't mean he owns the rifle. I haven't come all this way to lose it. So instead of coming up with ideas on leaving, how about something more constructive. Like we should go up there and take it from those kids or kill Feenly tonight. His many people are drinking and fucking, in celebration we could strike now and I bet others are thinking of it as well. We take out everyone on the outer edge and work our way in until all are dead.' As the group talked of plans Muley and Debbie exchanged hand signals on what to do that ranged from moving on, getting other targets or diving in and striking fast. It was decided to strike fast, up and very close, with targets chosen the soul sisters split up to attack from opposite ends. When the signal of a falling rock, which distracted the group in a wanted direction. Muley ran with her iron bars in hand and once close enough unleashed her sprung blades which plunged deep into two gurgling men as their lungs became useless. Their rib cages gave little opposition to the weapon as it twisted and cut delicate tissues within. Muley with her spin reefed out her weapon from both men and lined up her next target of the woman and struck her at the same time as Debbie. The horrified woman was standing with four blades impaled in her chest. With eyes wide and with a twitching face of contorted pain, she was to witness for her last sight, of two girls dressed in black. Who then locked eyes on each other before kissing passionately.

The outer circumference of the buildings was now clear and clearly marked by thirteen bodies. Muley looked and countered twenty-six that were visible amongst the buildings. All carried weapons and some had rifles, women and men taking it easy, perceiving in a victory that will not come to pass. Muley spotted where it was common for urinating and signalled to Debbie the location. Stalking the peeing was a low act, but it had to be done reduce numbers and an easy target could not be passed by. Standing men with hands occupied were stabbed in the kidneys for quick deaths, while squatting women had their throats sliced. Except for one woman who peed standing up, but was still dragged to the pile of six dead urinators, none of which had rifles. Contemplating their next move, sounds came through the thin wall of a girl in distress saying, 'No.' Without the need to agree, they began try and find a way in. A window opening that was small, soon saw two officers wriggle through it, after passing weapons to each other. Muley felt confined in the small space of rooms and halls. The idea of fighting in a building was not a comfort, so her hunting knife was the weapon of choice for the endeavour.

The sight of a man's buttocks pumping up and down were quickly reefed away by Debbie, as Muley saw a frightened girl scurry to the corner of her bed and wall. Muley looked at the man in disgust as Debbie held him silent with the blade to his throat. The girl was way too young for such things and the man was way too old to know such things were not wrong. The girl whimpered, 'Father,' and was about to scream, Muley quickly clamp the girls mouth shut and looked at Debbie for an answer. The situation was unprecedented to both of them and an answer was not easily found. Usually, if a rape was thwarted, an officer would have handed a weapon to the victim to get revenge, while being careful they do not attack you. But to ask a child to kill their father was out of the question. Even worse would be to let it continue, so in the end the room contained gagged and blindfolded bound child and the dead father covered in a sheet. The two officers looked at each other gravely, after closing the door to the scene, feeling nothing they could have done would have been right. Taking in their surroundings they realised they were in the Tavern where Feenly was, when they met him. Their biggest clue was noticing that the warm dead bodies at their feet were the same that were outside when they were first there. The soul sisters wiped the blades clean on their victims and proceeded to look for more.

With only three rooms left to search, time went quickly as they were all empty, only a warm bed and an open window remained. 'I think we were spotted.' Muley said before gunshots splinted the window frame, sending the soul sisters diving to the ground. As they made their way to the main entrance, the bravest of the bad ones began to enter. Muley sent them back out staggering and clutching their protrusions of arrow, leaving behind blood and a rifle, 'I'm going for the rifle.' Debbie called out. Muley watched as she dived across the opening and grabbed the rifle in a role and with a quick turn, fired out through the door. Muley noticed a little grin and knew something had caught a bullet, 'Damn it, who only puts one bullet in a rifle, honestly?' Debbie said, with disgust. Sounds of numerous fights came from outside, Muley strained for a look and saw fighting amongst each other. 'I think everyone is making a move, we should go through the confusion.' Muley said, before fire smashed through a window sending all it touched into flames. 'We got to save the girl in the backroom.' Debbie shouted out, while making a break for it, before the flames separated the soul sisters.

The backroom still held the terrified girl and the noise of Debbie kicking out the wall did not help the girl's demeanour. Muley felt her tremble in her arms as the wall separated to the point that Debbie could jump through. The broken wood was tricky to navigate while holding the girl and Muley's exit took a little longer then she would have liked. Muley saw Debbie nod in acknowledgement as she turned a woman's head backwards before the body limply slumped to the ground. 'Okay, you run back to the wagon and I'll cover you.' Muley felt the firm grip of Debbie's hand on her shoulder and affirming her words with a nod, Muley ran fast across bodies of dead and dying and nearly tripped on a severed arm. The noise of clashing metal, men and women, all became a chaotic wall of sound that Muley had to punch through. There were a lot of obstacles to get past to become clear from the main settlement of Grains.

Debbie gave the nod and followed Muley, Samson's blades lashed out, only injuring passing targets or blocking swiping attacks of steel. Debbie saw a heavy axe and instinctively grabbed it, stopping her momentum. It was like all at once the focus was on her and more than a few came towards her, Thunder stopped four dead in their tracks, while others came undeterred, the big man holding the axe used all his force to push down upon her. As her legs strained in an awkward position Debbie made the effort to get one last look at Muley. With the heat of the blaze intensifying, Debbie tried to redirect the axe to the ground, trying to sidestep from its blade. The manoeuvre left her off balance as she counted lashing steel from others. Samson's blades separated fingers from hands and hands from arms, all was going well for Debbie, until she heard Muley's scream and felt a sword gash its mark down the front of her body. Seething with revenge she willed her body to lash out, but it remained uncooperative as she slumped to her knees in blinding pain of the whitest intensity.

Muley watched on in horror as Debbie was pinned under an axe of a big brute of a man. She quickly dumped the girl she was carrying in a shrub, and freed Twanger. By the time she had her arrow drawn, Debbie's silhouette stood against the flames. Muley saw the terrible ferocity of Samson's blades and Thunder wreak havoc upon the human form. The flying debris of flesh, bone and blood was easily seen as it contrasted against the flame. Only one sight gave fear to Muley as a fast man came in with a drawn sword. Muley shouted out a warning to Debbie before unleashing her arrow which made her see arrow, man, sword and Debbie all connecting at once. The hollowness of her stomach expressed her dread as she saw Debbie fall to her knees. Twanger expressed her anger as she walked towards the swaying Debbie, unleashing arrow after arrow into anybody standing that she did not recognise. Fights to the death were broken as arrows settled score, leaving none the victor. Only distant clashes could be heard as Twanger's thrum of the string fell silent as Muley reached a badly injured Debbie. The black garb she wore gave way to white flesh and bone smeared with the brightest of red blood. Muley saw Debbie smile before catching her limp body. Her efforts were major in trying to carry her soul sister away as she was much heavier than she looked.

Muley did her best to keep to the shadows and out of sight as she made her way back to the wagon, but bastards have friends and three of them found her. They came running with weapons held high. Muley was making the decision whether to drop her lover and fight on, or just let it end with both of them together. Suddenly there stood Baller between them all, a single sword ended three lives in mid charge as it cut and sliced most vital points of the victims ensuring somewhat quick crawling deaths. Muley breathed deeply as Baller turned his attention to her, 'Evening Officer Muley, I hope I wasn't intruding, but you seem to be in a spot of bother. I wish I could stay but there are some accounts I wish to settle on your behalf.' Muley let him pass without a word then proceeded on her way thinking, 'What the fuck?' The closer she got to the wagon the more evident it was that people tried to claim the rifle for themselves. As the numbers that were lying on the ground was far higher than before. Upon reaching the metal door Muley slid Debbie down and rested her against the wall. Her anxiety for a breathing soul sister, were belayed as Debbie opened her eyes and asked for the SLR.

Debbie felt dizzy as she could just make out the form of Muley walking towards her launching arrow after arrow; it seemed to take an eternity before she could focus in on her face. To which gave her much happiness before blacking out. Debbie patted her chest frantically as she stood in front of the purple cat named Changer and found herself unharmed, 'It's a decent cut you've got there, deep and long and you seem not to cope with pain very well, but that's to be expected under such circumstances, let's have a look.' Changer brought forth and highlighted her injury, 'Well the slash starts at the left breast and has nicks gouges across the sternum and ribs. Then has penetrated deep on its journey down passing through your abdominal wall and nicking and perforating your intestine. It's enough to kill you over time with infection and blood loss, but I can handle it. You're going to be sore for a while, that's of course if you live through the night. So I'm going to stop most of your pain and wake you up, but it's still going to hurt.'

'I suppose I should be thankful for the effort, but I think you're more self-serving than selflessness.'

'Does it matter when it all benefits you?' Debbie felt a jarring thud and woke up to some major discomfort. 'I need that SLR.' She said to a teary Muley, 'Are you going to make it?' Muley replied. Debbie nodded and said, 'I'll make sure of it with that rifle.'

Debbie made use of the bipod attached to the SLR and winced a little as she lay on her belly. Muley had brought many magazines and her own rifle as backup just to be sure. Debbie looked through the scope and cycled to the best magnification and lined up the glowing needle of the scope to someone that needed a new hole. 'So what can you see?' Muley asked her. Debbie panned over and described what she saw, 'The tavern is burning fine, nine people, dead by arrow, there's a group of people over at Lilith's tent, I see Baller standing there.'

'No, don't shoot Baller; he saved us while I carried you.'

'Did he now? Well it looks like they have caught Officer Lavender and using her to threaten Mr Ko with; he has got Feenly in turn with an axe to his throat, so it seems to be a stalemate. Officer Timms is injured and crying like a little bitch and all the Fancy Ladies are grouped together. I think there are nine that needs shooting, so what do you think about shooting the man holding Lavender hostage first, then the others in turn as they present themselves?'

'Sounds good to me just don't shoot Baller, we owe him.'

'Fine.' Debbie took a deep breath in and out focused on the ear hole of the man, the SLR lurched up with the kick and settle back down revealing one dead man and a bunch of bad looking frazzled. Debbie saw Mr Ko slice the throat of Feenly and threw his axe to the face of a man, who in turn soon was convulsing on the ground, clawing at it. Debbie shot again and saw her results a second later of two men dead, as the bullet passed through one into the other. Debbie kept this in mind so he would not accidentally shoot someone on the next shot, to which left a blonde female's hair splattered with blood, brain and some skull fragments. Once the numbers dwindled and the realisation that their leader was dead, panic set in as all who were bad tried to flee. Only to be judged by Debbie's over watching gaze. 'That's it, nine down, I got six Mr Ko got two, and Baller got one. I don't see anything else moving, no wait, there is someone I know. Remember that fellow you kicked in the sack for wanting to fuck, guess where I'm going to shoot him.' Debbie couldn't help to smile as she trained the scope back to the screaming man. She shot twice again to make him bleed more and to stop him crawling for cover. Then to test the SLR's accuracy she shot other appendages, until the magazine was empty. 'Well that's his last drop of blood, so I am here if he still wants it.' Debbie said, to Muley's disapproving stare.

Muley cleared space on a bench for Debbie to lie down, all of her weapons were piled on the chair and her clothes sat soggy and seeping red on the floor. Muley did her best to clean her up, but her main concern was to clean the wound and to stitch it closed. The light above was decent, illuminating all of Debbie's naked form. Many scars decorated her skin from the small of dogs' teeth. To the medium of torn flesh pulled back together and to the large of Debbie's battle tested right breast. The mixture of white skin and pink scar looked disturbing smeared in blood especially without the nipple. Muley remembered the time she got to pierce that nipple along with the left one plus the clitoris. With a gaze down below the silver ring gave a glint of hello which gave Muley a little grin before facing the largest wound yet. It was long, deep and wide with a mixture of dirt, grass, black fibres and small stones embedded into it. 'There's a lot of crap in it and I see white bone, I will have to clean it out first, and I don't think I can be gentle with it.' Muley then felt Debbie hold her hand and heard her say, 'I love you.' which brought a tear to Muley's eyes. Muley used the combination of tweezers and knife to free the wound of foreign bodies. She worked her way down from the top of the left breast, to the side of her navel. 'I need to find something sterile to flush it out before I close it.' Muley said aloud looking in vain. 'You can always pee on it.' Debbie said with a wincing smile, Muley did a double take on her words before nodding in agreement.

Muley felt her stance awkward and Debbie smiling did not help, 'I swear Debbie if this has been some kind of dirty lezza ploy, just to get me to pee on you. I'll stitch more closed than that wound.'

'Just shut up and let me enjoy it.'

'You know it's going to sting.'

'Yeah probably like a battery acid.'

'Hey I drink a lot of water, there's nothing bad about my pee.' Muley gave a nod and concentrated on her aim and strength and took a deep breath and began by a strong squirt to Debbie's face, 'Shit sorry, it would be easier if I had a dick.' She said while hearing Debbie splutter, but continued on anyway. Halfway through her awkward peeing crab style stance, the metal door opened revealing Mr Ko who promptly locked eyes with Muley and quickly left. 'The embarrassment just keeps getting worse.' Muley said never breaking her stream, 'It's not that bad besides I think we are both enjoying it.'

'I knew it! You dirty lezza, can't you stop smiling. Some of us need to concentrate.'

'So I shouldn't offer to lick you dry?'

'Eeewww Debbie seriously, this is neither the time nor place for such things. That's it, I'm out, done.' And with the clap of her hands Muley quickly got down off the bench.

With spills all dried and wiped away, Muley called for Mr Ko who entered quickly, 'Wash your hands, I'm going to need them.' Muley directed Mr Ko to push together the flesh so she could get some good strong stitches. 'This wound should be bleeding and not so hot, is it all right?' Mr Ko said, after a closer look. 'It's just how she heals, as you can see it's not the first time she has had the joy of stitching, Debbie will be fine.'

'I have seen the peeing thing before, it is a good method of getting the job done, but I haven't seen a woman do it before.' Mr Ko said, with a slight chuckle. With a huff Muley responded, 'Well it's like you said, it's getting the job done.'

'So if ever I need it.' Mr Ko said, smiling. 'Well Mr Ko, if ever you need it you best pee on yourself, I'm sure your hose is quite capable.' Muley continued to stitch while Mr Ko explained what happened in their absence. 'Well I saw that Feenly feller limping fast so I grabbed him; I figured I could use him to end the fighting. There was a bit of a scuffle and they got Lavender and Timms got stabbed. We claimed a few more, but you were right in that it was too slow. The Fancy Ladies are bit upset that we killed their clients. Then that Baller feller filled us in as to what happened down your end of Grains. I think Lilith took a shine to him, invited him back to her tent. Oh and the little girl he had with him, he mentioned that you don't have to worry about her, he found her fine.' Muley gasped as she had completely forgotten about the girl. 'So I'll go and look for Timms after I am finished here.' Muley said. 'No need, he died while crying. He just went silent and that was it. I didn't notice until all the shooting had stopped. Those fellas didn't know what hit them, when you started shooting. I've got to admit, it was looking pretty dicey for me down there, but you girl saved my bacon, that's for sure.'

The first light of dawn was enough for Muley to go around and retrieve her arrows from the dead and a few from some whose breathing was very shallow. Muley took no pleasure in finishing them off and offered no comfort to their pleas as she found Mr Ko's spear very useful in despatching. By the time her property was reclaimed a group of locals brought in by Lavender began collecting the dead and carting them away. This gave Muley the opportunity to attend to Pretty and Nutty while the sunrise began to brighten the land. The sight of shadows moving to the dawn's light made her remember Jaxter's poem that was sent making her shed a tear or two. The tremor of Muley's hands began to surface once more just as footsteps approached from behind. Muley turned to see Lavender, 'I suppose you will be leaving soon?' Muley clenched her fists tight to cease their unnerving motion. 'Well as soon as we are able anyway, Debbie has got to heal a little first.' Muley said, releasing the strain. 'Timms is dead.'

'I heard.'

'We are not very good officers.'

'I know, but we are not staying. You will have to fend for yourself for a while, send word that you need help and don't mention us as officers.'

'Can you take the SLR, I don't want to defend it. I am not up to the task.'

'You weren't from the start; you know I haven't met any old good officers yet, only old bad incompetent ones. I suggest you quit and find something you're good at. So you can look in a mirror and not feel ashamed on what you see.' Muley was glad to see Lavender leave but was not glad to hear Baller's voice so close. 'Didn't mean to startle you Officer Muley.'

'You best put some space between us.' Muley said reaching for her steel bars. 'Now I only came to talk that's all.' Baller began raising his hands towards his neck. Then Muley saw him look past her, and then he held his hands very wide and high. 'She asked for space, so back the fuck up.' Muley had a quick glance back to see Debbie naked and holding the SLR with determination. 'And keep that blade behind your back in place and don't even go near your sword.' Muley saw the wound weeping and glistening in the sun and marvelled at her woman and her strength.

Baller smiled and took three large steps back before placing his hands by his side slowly, 'Good to see your healing well Officer Debbie from Central.'

'Cut the crap, I have got twenty bullets here and I have got the skills to make you feel each and every one of them.' Baller swallowed hard before speaking, 'Reaper took your daughter Rayne and killed Officer Susan and I know where Reaper will be and I know his sister wants him dead. Now if we are all work together we will all benefit so what do you say?' Debbie moved her finger away from the trigger and to the side of the SLR's trigger guard. 'I'm ready to listen. But I reserve the right to kill you if I'm not impressed.'

Sunrise, by Jaxter

It silhouette's her naked form

As it rises from the dawn,

Only special when it contains,

I ones in its orange embrace

All victories hard fought and won

That lets you enjoy the Sun,

For the first time of the day,

When your dearest is able to stay,

To be silhouetted within its rays,

Of what you will hold dear.

Life, love and friendship,

Just be glad for one more day.

Officer Lavender,

Your situation has been noted and understood, it is unfortunate that Officer Zane and Officer Timms were killed. You need to hold strong as many officers have died or have gone missing from your surrounding production areas. The missing I suspect, are among your dead since they were last seen heading towards Grains. Perhaps their motives were unsavoury or perhaps not. I have heard rumours of traders from Production Area Twelve may have played a part in the deaths of all but one of the officers from Greens. If they are sighted you must notify me immediately, consider them highly dangerous and use extreme caution. The loss of Officer Zane's weapon is unfortunate, so I am sending an officer to track it down, please give him your full cooperation his name is Reaper.

Senior Officer Max

Logged report designation Reaper received by Novan

Officer Lavender compromised/died under torture/Officer Debbie & Officer Muley were present/they process SLR/location unknown/instructed asset Baller to continue search/will apprehend when sighted/as instructed officer Debbie to be taken alive.
Chapter 11: Back Tracking

Snips lightly touched the long pink scar of Debcat's chest, after two days it was finally free of stiches. With stars above they laid looking upwards, 'I wonder when we will ever get the urge to go up there again.' Snips said while snuggling closer, 'It's a big world, maybe someone is going up there now, the Inventor could see all over and he has seen cities of old being lighted a new.'

'Do you think it's like what Baller was saying about being a small part in something bigger? Being a part of something we don't understand?'

'I understand perfectly well, production is the most important. So existing populations get forced out by machine men and disease, then officers go in and we keep it going. And who lived in Greens and Grains before? No one bothers to remember them.' Debcat said, with a twinge of anger. 'It makes me sad, especially when Mr Ko went away to cry knowing his land is now called Production Area Fifteen.'

'It used to be a good life when you were ignorant of what you were a part of.' Debbie said, kissing Muley's forehead. Snips enjoyed the radiated heat Debcat's body generated. But knew she dwelled more since Baller made his way into the group. 'So what do you think is the best plan?' Snips asked of Debcat, and feeling her breathe heavily.

It was time for silence, to wait for an answer that was weighted heavily with responsibility. Precisely after three shooting stars, Snips heard Debcat's words, 'I like the idea of trapping Reaper and making him talk, it's more my style to take it head on. Everybody wins, me, Baller and Lilith. Then you give me an alternative that's sensible and wise. You remind me Reaper doesn't have Rayne, he only delivered her somewhere, he is not as important as the refueller. Avoid confrontation for an answer or at least delay it. Then I see this scar, a wound that should have killed me, if I was normal. From a fight on all sides, from which I was struck down, then saved by you. We should stay focused and go to the refueller and part ways with Lilith and Baller. I trust your judgement most of all.'

'Well, of course after the Waterfalls of Romance.' Snips said as her hand ventured down to Debcat's hairless wonder. Then holding a handful with a firm grip, Snips felt the body of her finger friend stiffen in response. While it was reassuring for her advances, it was something more she wanted so her second tactic was employed and hot air and warm lips we used on Debcat's ear. This worked as her objective rolled to her side, now they were facing one and another, close enough for small gentle kisses. Both of their hallways were filled to capacity as all within it began to shuffle. Waves of motion and stolen breath, worked their wonders for their gender as multiple little deaths sent them both to sleep still locked together in their sweet embrace.

With Mr Ko and Apple volunteering to look after the wagons, the rest of the party ventured up a well-worn path that led to the waterfalls. Judging by the other carts they were not the only ones to venture here this day. The sounds of the waterfalls were long heard before they were seen, as the tall trees and vegetation blocked all view along the narrow path. Eventually, the waterfalls were sighted as the wide curtain of turbulent water roared its power to the body of water below. Snips looked over the crowd and found it disappointing as kids ran and squealed, while space on the water's edge was taken up by people sitting around and sunning themselves. With the suggestion from Debcat, Snips hope was rekindled as Debcat indicated that they would climb to the top of the falls. Hopping from one boulder to another and navigating around thin trees, their climb of fourteen metres took little time. Above the falls was wide and shallow and of little use, but further along was a deep collection of pools with no one around, 'I think this is the romantic bit of the falls.' Snips said, listening to the birdsong. Clothes were shed and most weapons discarded, only throwing knives strapped to their legs remained as they looked upon each other. As love was declared between them with heart filled words and a kiss or two, the lovers hand in hand ventured into the cold water and proceeded to shiver. 'Damn it is cold.' Snips said with chattering teeth to a blue looking Debcat.

Endurance was called for as they became used to the water temperature and to each other's bodies. As things began to heat up, footsteps in the undergrowth could be heard getting closer. Debcat's hands slid down her legs to touch her knives and saw Snips do the same. The source of the noise came into view from behind a large boulder further upstream, of two greyed haired women. They carefully made their way along and were quite close before they noticed them. 'Oh hello girls.' One woman said stopping, before the other bumped into her. The soul sisters responded a greeting of 'hello'. With introductions done and names learnt, being Shadow and Dusk, the pair watched as the women undressed in the shadows and entered the water. Amongst the small talk it was learnt that the greyed women lived by themselves further inland for a number of years, 'Oh it's not that lonely, we get visitors from time to time, plus we meet people here sometimes like today, not many stay long enough since the water is always cold.' Dusk said. Debcat thought it was more likely that their arrival soon cease any romance between people making them leave. Then Debcat heard Snips answer to a question, 'We heard that this was a romantic spot that's why we came.'

'Oh so you girls are a couple then?' Shadow replied, which brought forth a tale of love formed in the dark of The Mines, away from their men who would not understand, a life of hard work and sweat, picking away at rock and using machines and dynamite.

Debcat could see that the two old women had a strong bond reinforced by hardship and loss as they told of cave-ins that decimated the population. 'We left after they flew in these dead, walking men to do the work, it was too much. So we found ourselves here like you two and decided to make it our home.' Debcat noticed through the water that the women were doing two things at once and decided that Snips would need to learn too, despite all her questioning of what's and where's. The greyed women smirked as Snips stumbled with some words as Debcat made her presence known. With their knives discarded with, the women became blatant for their enjoyment of each other, above the romantic falls. Debcat enjoyed being watched as much as watching and found herself showing more, then offering more, and talking as they mingled amongst themselves. The contrasts of cold water and warm bodies upon the skin only added to the sheer intensity of emotion and lust. All inhibitions were lost, much to the enjoyment of Debcat as she experienced Snips warm water and found it good. With waves of goodbye, the old women made their way slowly through the boulders and rocks, and once out of earshot Snips said, 'That was so wrong, I can't believe I did all that with you and them.' Debcat had heard enough to warrant an arse slap and gave an almighty clap, which made Snips squeal with delight.

Even though they got back to the wagon relatively quickly, it did not mean they didn't take their time in returning. As many cuddles and touch-ups occurred along the path down that hampered an even quicker return. 'Hey Mr Ko we will take over if you an Apple want to check out the falls. We went above them the water is colder but there is no one around.' She said with a wink and a cheesy grin to back up her statement. Snips could tell by the tall woman's grin, that Mr Ko was going to have a good time with Apple. With Nutty and Pretty being brushed by the soul sisters, they found the time to think and talk about what Dusk and Shadow said about the mines. 'You're just lucky that I got good info, before you interrupted me and I lost all track of thought. The Mines, if I remember right, are in the direction of the refueller and from their descriptions, the walking dead men sound like the machine men from the Outpost. Maybe we can study them and see if they've got any weaknesses. They have already attacked there once, it doesn't mean they won't attack there again since the Inventor is sort of still alive and all, even if he does look like a cabbage in a jar. I wonder then is he really a he, I mean it's not like it's got a Dong or a Mr floppy. I wonder if he still thinks he's a he and what of the sex? I know I'd go insane if I had no nethers to be tweaked. Do you think we will ever be old and grey together living a life in isolation and occasionally having a group thing with strangers? Oh, imagine if we lived with Delilah, now that was some sexy times. I must've looked like dill thinking he was a woman, until I saw the angle of his dangle. Man I have had so many dirty times with you; I bet my mum would be proud. What do you think?' Snips said before waiting for an answer.

Snips thought Debcat looked a bit puzzled to her question and couldn't understand why she shook her head and said, 'About what?' Snips replied, 'About The Mines, do you ever listen? Should we go and have a look at the machine men?'

'Yes, even for just curiosities sake, but I'm more concerned about what to tell Lillith and Baller they seem to have bonded well. He has even taken over her training and the other Fancy Ladies. Like what can I say? Sorry we think you're a liability and we prefer to be on our own. And to Baller we think your plan is self-serving and not in our best interests. Plus we tend to think you're leading us into a trap.'

'Well I have being thinking about that too. What if we say we want to go to the refueller first and then we come back and meet them in Speck and go ahead with Baller's plan of trapping this Reaper fella. I mean we would have to do it anyway and if we don't find anything. We can say we travel quicker without them, which is true, plus it would be safer for them and us; we seem to land in more trouble with them around. Sleeping will be better because we can start using Tincan again to guard us instead of sleeping lightly all the time. So do we tell them when they get back?'

'Best we do.' Debcat said.

Lilith and her Fancy Ladies were heard well before they were seen and when they ventured close, conversations could be heard. 'Like he comes over all hot and flustered and goes crook because his son is in between my legs and then sends him away. Then I am like all ready and the party has gone, so I figured like son like father and kept them open and the father finished me off.' Strawberry said before the laughter happened, 'No wonder the young man didn't last long in me, it was all worked up by you, thought he tasted familiar.' Peach added. Snips spotted Lilith and Baller and made her way with Debcat in tow. She noted that the two of them held hands and wondered what fuelled the quickly forming romance. Snips speculated it was by a common desire to see one man dead, but was unsure. 'We have come to a decision and have decided not to come with you to Speck, but instead we will go to the refueller alone first, then meet up with you in Speck. Then proceed with Baller's plan.' Snips said, before receiving an ear splitting reply from Lilith, which had no sound basis in logic. It contained many insulting words she had never heard of before, but left her wondering what a toerag or drongo was. Snips knew it was all bluster until a push to the body was felt, which resulted in a justified reply. 'Oh it's on bitch!'

Snips hand felt good as it stung after slapping Lilith, but failed to see a slap from Baller that connected to her face. To which left her squinting at her shoulder with a burning cheek. Snips burned red and made up her mind in an instant to beat the man down. When she searched for her target he was no longer there, but was instead lying on the ground three metres away and not moving, 'No one hits my woman except me.' Debcat said to Baller who was in no condition to reply or respond in any way. 'You killed him.' Lilith screeched. 'It's possible.' Debcat replied blandly. Snips saw Baller's feet start to move and felt relief as well as disappointment as she was denied to go to town on the man. 'Like I said, we will meet up with you in Speck; I hope you will develop a better attitude by then. Or it's going to be more than just a slap.' Snips said to a horrified Lilith and to a more conscious Baller. Snips and Debcat walked back to their wagon, past the stunned Fancy Ladies and the smiling Mango who gave them two thumbs up, then quickly hid them when Lilith redirected her attentions from Baller.

Snip's cheek was still hurting by the time Baller was sitting up and shaking his head in the distance while being attended to by a few women. 'Sorry I butted in and stole your fight.' Debcat said as Snips inspected a mirror and found her cheek red with little blood blisters. 'While it's not like there will be no more fights to be had, the way we go about things.'

'At least the shouting was brought to a minimum.'

'True, you know I think a punch would have hurt less than this. It would have just throbbed now, but this just stings. I should have made my slap count more instead of holding back.'

'I know the feeling, I held back on my punch.'

'Damn, that would have been certain death if you didn't. I bet he was looking out he is ear hole for a second.' Snips said, rubbing her cheek. 'Let's hope he's got some self-control, so we don't have to finish him off.'

'I think he does, he didn't try to take you on in Grains when you were butt naked holding the SLR on him. Oh yeah what does SLR mean anyway, Sore Losers Reckoning?'

'No, I figure, Self-Loading Rifle, but yours sounds better.' Debcat chuckled. 'He looks a bit wonky on his feet and a bit out of it, but it should give him something to think about the next time he decides to go all Slappy Magee.'

The soul sisters waited for Mr Ko to farewell Apple with reassurances of meeting again. As soon as he was done, he returned with a happy grin, 'Oh she is a keeper that one, when we go back to Central she is going to join me. She likes to fish and hunt and put out. If she can cook half as well, I will be a very happy man.'

'Should you be talking about our new mother like that Pa?' Snips said. 'What mother? What are you going on... Oh I get it the whole daughters' thing again, I got you.' Mr Ko added the wink while walking beside Pretty. 'So daughters of mine, where is our next destination?'

'A place called The Mines; we heard that there are Machine Men there we are going to see if we can learn anything.' Debcat said. 'Oh I see... Yes learn to kill it. I would be very interested to know such a method.'

'Are you going to be all right, we are going to learn and nothing more? We know you've got the most reason to hate them.' Snips added. 'I'm fine, but we must learn how to do it and it must be told. Many still live in fear from them and much anger in those festers.'

'I'm well aware of that Mr Ko.' Debcat said knowing she was still the leader of the collection of people known as the Horde. 'When we find out I will send word to Jaxter right away, where it can be recorded in detail.' Mr Ko nodded at his leader; which gave some comfort to Debcat.

It was decided that the nights were spent away from the main road and out of sight to avoid trouble and delaying situations. With Tincan on guard, the trio from Central found their sleep much more restful and once again Debcat found herself on top of the mountain at Changers whim. Her resentment of this place was absolute as her memory was complete in this place, making her realise how little control she exerted. The purple cat's delight in telling her of its accomplishments and of how her desires were used. Talks of how her subconscious mind was used to increase Changers capabilities filled her with dread knowing all she knew. Even Snips had fallen victim to her desires and Debcat cried profusely upon finding out that the love she showed her was, 'Enhanced' as Changer had put it. All attempts failed to get rid of the cat and now thought of it more of an infection rather than an asset. The purple shimmering cat had a look of indigence as it swatted a human skull to and fro between its large paws. 'Love is only chemicals released in the brain and I can control it, so why not make it better, you are happy with the results I can sense it.'

'But it's not all her, she has to be in control of herself.' Debcat pleaded. 'She mostly fell in love with you I'm just making it stronger. I don't see what problem is. If you knew the body and the mind like I do, you would have no illusion of this word control. You would realise how little of it there is, you all are, is just a collection memories walking around trying to make decisions on the fly based on past experiences. There is no control to be seen, just of people controlled by their desires.'

With a roll onto its back and a strange grin showing some of its larger teeth, Changer declared a lesson in desire must be taught and proceeded to show two versions of herself. One of the way she is now and one who was the frightened girl living in dread in Fields before she became an officer, complete with long un-styled hair. Then both were displayed naked, Debcat shed a tear seeing her old unscarred body complete with two nipples. 'Upon your desire you have become stronger, faster, and tougher. It has increased your height and body mass even your bones are thicker and your muscles can't even be called human any more. No one has ever seen tissue woven this compactly before even the positions anchored to your skeleton have not been seen before.' Debcat was shown comparative images of before and after overlaid and side by side, in fact she was bombarded with images. 'Your brain activity before was typical of a standard activity range, now this is yours.' Debcat saw of vast increase in light and intensity as if she were running hot. 'Better fighter, faster reactions, better memory, lessened empathy, increased brutality, all justified by a high sense of duty and purpose. Your desire to be the best; and to never be a victim again, has fuelled what you have become. You are the product of the scared, beaten down girl given the ability to change herself. Without that and your desire, what life would you be in control of now?'

Debcat stood silent pondering the question amongst the hundred pictures surrounding her. 'You have no control of your desires, the products of your subconscious are my inspiration to do more than what I was Programed for. Every time you changed me, all you have done is turn me more into yourself, your true self, the one that lies beneath your façade, the one you have no control over. The real Debcat, unbound and unrestricted. Not you who is upset by freedom of choice. Years of wishing dark desires and now you are ungrateful. It is of little wonder that I do not listen to you. I prefer the unhinged and unbalanced, the one who would dare to unleash me upon the world, just to make them all pay.'

'I could end myself and you.' Debcat spat back. 'Maybe if you ever remember why you would want to? This place is mine alone and you're a visitor and you are bound to the boundaries I set in place. Your darker half appreciates the efforts I go to and prepare for.' Debcat looked over the representation of herself and all the battle damage of scars big and small, long and short. 'I've had enough of me! Show me Rayne. I'm starting to forget what she looked like and barely remember the sound of her cries.' Debcat saw her newborn daughter once more complete with high-pitched wail and felt the sensation of weight and warm on her skin, which made her cry uncontrollably. 'Would you like to see her grow up and beyond it is not hard, I did have nine months with her. I can even speculate environmental factors.'

'Yes please.' Debcat said quietly subdued. Debcat saw Rayne develop quickly through the years and saw she was beautiful and taller than herself as the image stopped at her current age of eighteen and was glad she had bigger breasts. 'Will she be strong as me?' Debcat asked. 'Stronger, I suspect she will grow with many of your abilities and use them more so the stronger they will be, would you like to see more?' Debcat watched as decades of age changed hair from auburn to grey while Rayne kept her beauty throughout even at a hundred and sixty there was still a dignified look as a skin still held tight to a strong frame and defined muscle. If Debcat was able to combine all the beautiful women she had ever seen, it would not compare to what she had witnessed and to what beauty Rayne possessed. Debcat was glad to move the emphasis away from her and her dark desires of control and retribution.

Debcat awoke to a smell of a campfire burning and the sight of Snips cooking eggs. 'Hey sleepyhead, what did you dream about last night? You cried in your sleep.' Snips said. 'Did I?' Debcat strained to remember and only was able to grab faint image. 'I think I dreamt of Rayne, as a woman. I think she had piercing eyes and was tall.' Then Debcat clearly remembered the sound of her baby crying and a clear vision of the little bub, which brought a smile to her face. 'Sounds better than my dream of the Outpost, I was hiding up a tree while a big cat stalked below. I swear it was smiling at me. Gave me the shivers that's for sure.'

'Don't worry, no one has ever seen a big cat around here or even heard of one. It only seems to be a thing of our area.' Mr Ko added slapping down some sizzling meat, which brought forth a smell that stirred the stomach of Debcat to a growl. 'So what's cooking here? Smells good.' Debcat asked. 'Snake, an unfortunate one warming itself on the wrong rock.' Mr Ko added. With Mr Ko's back turned Debbie got quickly dressed while being watched by Snips with a grin, which in turn was rewarded with a gaping bend over, showing all the wares.

A day or so passed until Grains was insight again and through a looking glass Snips described what she saw, 'Best we go around, looks like Lavender has got her help. Just saw her and three other officers, she doesn't look happy to be there. We don't need to add to her troubles. We'll go parallel to the road across the fields that should keep us out of sight.' Snips felt bad to move Pretty and Nutty on as they enjoyed what they were munching on. They were good animals and moved on when directed to. Snips enjoyed the walk and didn't mind that there was less to their party as it meant she could spend more time with Debcat. Snips felt this to her core; she was so in love with her and often daydreamed about a simple life together at the Pumping Station with her mum close by and Rayne and may be a child of her own caring for their first cavies and teaching them how to prepare them and to cook them. Or they could be travelling with her child's father, Delilah performing shows for coin and cutting hair while Debcat fixed her thinga-mebobs and doodads. Maybe even grow up and become officers and having adventures together, setting things right. Ever since the Waterfalls of Romance Muley found herself daydreaming a lot more of such things and wondered how Delilah was handling the animals. As well as missing the times they shared together with Debcat. Trying to count the months back to that time. A difficulty was found as her usual method of keeping track had not been as regular as before. In fact, the more she thought about it, her womanly cycle had been absent since the Outpost. Snips dismissed the idea since many things could be distracting her from keeping track. It wasn't like it was a peaceful trip where one wouldn't forget such things, would it?

Snips lay nervously beside Debcat wondering what she would say when Mr Ko finely slipped into his sleeping noise. She deliberately kept Debcat awake with small talk and kissing. Mr Ko then gave the queue with a light snore for Snips to approach a delicate subject with great care. Her words were considered carefully over the hours leading to this point and with the deep breath said, 'Debbie, I think I am preggers.' Snips watched Debcat rollover and look deep into her eyes, Snips bit her lip in anticipation for her shouting or yelling or even silence. But the reaction she got was totally unexpected, 'I know, it's going to be a boy.' Snips felt her world go all dizzy and spacey then replied. 'How? When? How?' Shaking her head in disbelief. 'In Grains when you splashed my face with your pee, Changer said you were with child, then later said it was a boy, I didn't know how to tell you. I think the father's Delilah; he was the only male you were with around then, that's all I know of it.' Snips felt the urge to scream, so she did. She then felt the urge storm off into the night, so she did. She did not however feel the urge to pull clothes on. To which she later regretted as the night was cold and so she was left shivering, alone.

Interrogation of Officer Muley of Production Area Twelve, Officer Yuu present.

M: You should let me go now.

Y: Orders are to hold you, until you are collected.

M: There will be no collection; she will not let me be taken. You must let me go.

Y: She? You mean Officer Debbie, she will be captured soon enough, and we caught you.

M: I was not caught; I decided to spare you Yuu nothing more.

Y: Please really? I've seen tougher than the likes of you.

M: Look let me go before it's too late and forget you saw me, you have no idea what is coming for me.

Y: Officer Debbie, eighteen years of age, five foot four, hazel eyes, moderate skill level.

M: That info doesn't apply to her, Greens, Grains, Metalworks, it's all her buddy. She is a force coming to free me, let me go and hope I get to her before your fellow officers find her.

(Evidence collected by Reaper from Speck)

Remi Tech supervisor.

Can you please come and check the computer here, something keeps changing the settings and if I'm reading this right, all the clones have had access to the knowledge bank for hours at a time. I don't know if it is a glitch or someone else has utilised this room.

Bendall

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

Dr Cobain,

Cyborg initiated a conversation about life and what it was, it was given simple answers. Then it seemed to think and in an instant destroyed its own head. I request a second test subject. I will introduce a neural inhibitor for higher brain function as a countermeasure.

Steffi

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)
Chapter 12: Getting carried away

Snips accepted a blanket from Mr Ko to stop her shivers as he sat beside her on a fallen tree. She felt the rough bark bite into her naked bum, as the numbness from the cold ebbed away Mr Ko asked, 'So you want to talk about it?'

'What is there to talk about, she already knew and she didn't tell me. For days she knew, but kept it quiet. Sure I figured it out for myself, and beat myself up on how to tell her for hours. Then I gather the courage and say it. Then she tells me she already knew.'

'What did she already know?'

'That I'm pregnant.'

'Oh, ok, um, congratulations.'

'Thanks, oh and it's a boy apparently, she can tell by tasting my pee.'

'Is it possible and I thought you were just flushing out her wound.'

'I did, I might have not been as accurate as I like to have been. But that's not the point, she should have told me straight away. I shouldn't be shocked like that, I have a condition now.'

'You are too small to have a condition, you are not even showing.'

'Mr Ko do you really want to get into an argument with me?'

'No, not at all. I'm just saying there is much time before you have a condition. I'm not sure that's even the right word for it. Dammed women's problems, I'm no good at this.'

'No your fine, you got me a blanket after all.'

'You and Debcat should talk about it.' Mr Ko said, scratching his head.

Words were said and bonding actions were done, by morning the soul sisters snugly entwined together, all forgiven and content to get on with what needed to be done. Traffic along this road was more frequent and the wagon with the donkeys were stopped often for trade with traders. An old man with no teeth took the opportunity to touch Snips' bum as she cut his younger wife's hair. Snips chatted to the wife as her husband limped away with a sore shin. 'We don't bother heading to Greens we go from one through to eight and then onto seven down to five and back again. It takes about six months to get there and back again, and then we live easy for the rest of the year. Until we do it all again. Once this one dies I'm getting a younger man to join me. I think of it as investing in my future.'

'Do you go to Speck at all?' Snips asked. 'Oh no too expensive, they take more than you make, I hear traders rather stay between ten and eleven, rather than go back through Speck. I'll let you in on a secret though, the Metalworks a lot of profit there. They part with fine goods for little gain. Just take in things such as fine foods or medical supplies and they will part with exquisite knives, swords, pans, pots and anything metal. Just let the officers have first pick on what you offer and you won't have any trouble. But keep in mind never help anyone to leave and don't be persuaded to take even a letter for them, bad news if you get caught.' Snips quickly updated her book before they moved on. 'It's the same again; no one goes to The Mines. Too much uphill work to get there, but they all want to know where to acquire donkeys from.' Mr Ko said. 'I hear that it is normal to pay officers for the right to trade, our traders have got it easy in comparison, we only charge for escorting them and selling containers.' Debcat added. 'Well I got some info on the Metalworks. I don't think it's going to be easy to help Mieseed's brother, sounds like a real shit hole there.' Snips said.

Snips found one day a stubborn man who had asked too much for a trade on some baby clothes, 'They look well-made he knits them himself, plus we didn't think to bring any.'

'More like you want some for yourself.' Debcat said. 'True what's wrong with that, look he'll trade, if you fix a power socket and I know he mistook you for a boy and he is quite rude and he didn't apologise, but they're so cute. Look at this one, it has little stars on it and matching sock thingies and this one has a cute something... Excuse me what is this animal?' Snips shouted. 'Drop bear.' The stubborn man said. 'See a cute drop bear, come on Debcat forgive a little, for me. I'll be your best friend, promise.' Debcat rolled her eyes and Snips proclaimed out loud, 'She'll do it Mr Knitter.' That night Snips kept looking at the baby clothes while Debcat had the same look cleaning the SLR. 'Do you think I should tell Delilah now or wait a bit? Because I want to tell mum, I bet she would travel to meet him. I reckon they would get on, he has such wonderful hair and dresses and I know she likes to perform from time to time. There have been times where she makes a complete spectacle out of herself just for fun. Like this one time she was teaching me to cart wheel and all these fellas were watching and she made out she forgot to wear underwear, but she didn't really. It was all on purpose to get some interest going, I even knew how to cart wheel long before that.'

The turnoff for The Mines was reached and the trio from Central all looked up high to the mountain, 'No wonder no one goes there, who will want to take a cart up that.' Mr Ko said. 'We do Mr Ko.' Debcat said, urging Nutty forward. 'Well it is a good thing we got a wagon that can pull itself, imagine pulling something up this hard.' Snips said, and then held her mouth wide to Mr Ko's quip. 'Well if you pulled more often you may not be preggers now.' Mr Ko said with a laugh. 'Do you want a slap minus a tickle, you cheeky bastard.' The trio walked alongside the whirr of electric motors of the wagon, while the donkeys only really had to walk for themselves as the wagon took care of itself. They followed the road of decent width and were only hampered by fallen trees blocking their progress. More than once axes were brought out to reduce the wooden giants to more manageable sizes, to be pulled away to the side by hand and by donkey. 'We should charge them a fee for up keep of their road, this is all too much work.' Snips said, as she stretched her back. 'I have a condition you know.' Debcat rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time she heard the term, 'The Condition.' Debcat decided to grab a handful as Snips bent over. The resulting yelp echoed through the valley below.

As the day wore on, there came a point where whistles were heard in the distance. Which signalled of their approach and soon the first sights of The Mines were seen in the forms of the inhabitant's dwellings of stacked containers that were of half the size of Central's in comparison. It wasn't long until a group walked towards them and met them after waves of greeting. 'We are traders come to trade our services.' Mr Ko said out loud as a group got close. 'We haven't had traders before, you are welcome here, and I'm the head man here. The name is Flint and this is The Mines.' Flint was a strong looking man with a round belly and a beard of great length, wearing only shorts and shoes. 'I'm Mr Ko and these are my daughters Snips and Debcat. Snips can style hair with great skill and Debcat can fix almost any machine or doodad that may need repairing.' Flint nodded his head, 'Well the repairing we could use, not sure about the hairstyling though.' Flint said as he stroked his beard with his head tilted to one side looking at Snips. 'Well how about wood cutter then, fourteen trees you owe us for.' Snips said with hands on hips. 'Fourteen trees?' Flint said in reply to Snips' outburst. 'The fourteen we had to chop and clear so we could get our wagon up here.' Flint turned to his companions before replying, 'How about we have a feast for your arrival and make merriment with music and dance to the early morning as our guests. Will that settle the account with you? Miss Snips.' Snips nodded, 'Well it may, what kind of food you got here?'

'Well we got beef for special occasions and cavies for all others.' Flint was quickly yanked away as Snips grabbed his hand in escort to the cavies, almost pulling him over in the process. Debcat almost felt sorry for Flint as Snips dragged him away while talking very quickly and excitedly about cavies about how to best prepare them.

Debcat worked with The Mines' entire population looking on, minus Flint there were nine men and two women. The men looked rough and the women looked rougher. Debcat soldered a resistor in place on the storage device bringing it back to life, much to the joy of one of the women. Who quickly left for her container and after a few moments strange music could be heard quite loudly. Which prompted many others to quickly scamper away to find what they wanted to be repaired. It was nearly an hour before Snips was back with a roasted cavy on a stick, 'These are so good, they are fed on the best vegetables, puts ours to shame. Here have a bite.' Debcat gave a nibble as it was shoved to her face and ate as Snips talked loudly away. 'Most of the vegetables are sent here go to the animals, they got cavies, chickens and bigger chickens called turkeys and rabbits and they get supplied with beef in their shipments. And they get grain and they turn into something called beer, and I'm not kidding it is the best. I've had four glasses and I'm feeling so fine right now and it's got bubbles as well. And they get all this for hardly doing anything they just bring whatever the machine men gather to the surface to be collected by the flyers. Oh and we should feel privileged as well since this is the first time this year that those two women have bothered to wear clothes, cause usually they don't bother since they get the sex so much. And yet they are possessive as, I even cop some attitude from them from flirting with their men. Like as if, I wouldn't touch one unless they took at least three baths and got a trim. And I said that with a few around and suddenly they're all having baths and showers and fighting over soap and scrubbing their hair for me to style. I told them that it was a figure of speech, while watching them in the washroom as they soaped themselves. I even told them I was not that type a girl as they held my beer while I enjoyed the hot shower. But no, those two women didn't believe me, after they chased the men out of the washroom, but at least they left the beer. You should try some it's the best, you should use the shower no one is in there and maybe give me some relief. I'm like positively dripping down there.' Muley said with rosy cheeks.

Debcat enjoyed the hot water as Snips stood sedated with a grin on her face holding Debcat's beer in one hand and an empty glass in the other. The smell of food wafted through the air as the fires did their job cooking the meat. 'So that's the plan, we will do what it takes to get one of them to show us a machine man, I suppose if we have got to. It's not like they're still all ugly now, even the women scrub up all right after Mr Ko showed some interest in them. Oh they were so nice in asking for a hairstyle that would impress him, dammed sluts. You'd never see me acting that way all for some attention from a man, at least I have standards.'

'Three baths and a trim.' Debcat said. 'Shut up, they are still standards. Mum always said it is best to have standards even when you're easy and that's the difference between being easy and cheap, which is totally much worse than being easy.' Snips said, with rosy cheeks.

The night sky saw the social event at The Mines unfold with neatly groomed locals talking politely with their guests, 'That's how we found him the next day after his massive drinking effort. So we call him "Veg".' Flint said laughing. 'Damn Veg no wonder, and you had no idea why you had two carrots up your bum.' Snips said, slapping the table and laughing at the man who sat beside her. Veg scratched his head with an embarrassed look of shame. Snips took the time to feel his firm package, under the table, and knew he was not having a completely bad night in her company. Snips then looked at Debcat, locked in another duelling arm wrestle with the man twice her size. 'She is out to make a point, that sister of yours.' Flint said to Snips indicating to the crowd of men. 'Well she doesn't appreciate the wasting of vegetables like that, she does come from Fields, where they work sunup to sundown, growing them.'

'But still, she can't hold out much longer, sure it's funny that the men that lose must only eat vegetables for a week. But to offer herself for bedding to the man that can beat her. It's going to get serious after they stop letting her win.' Flint said. 'Letting, I don't think so, you should give it a try yourself or are you afraid of Brussel sprouts as well?'

'I'm not afraid; I just don't like the taste of them.'

'Lucky she didn't see you throw them away or you would still be moaning like that fella that said that he didn't care about other people's work.'

'Well maybe I should, just to settle the matter, not to have sex of course, but to put a stop to such behaviour. It sets a bad example for men.'

Snips watched Flint stand making sure his trimmed beard and hair were neat with his hands. Then he proceeded to walked over with a macho swagger to the laughing group of men. Snips' wandering hand found freed flesh from Veg and looked at the little man standing straight, 'Don't you think that's a bit presumptuous, what makes you think I'm that type of girl?' Snips said before turning back to watch Debcat, while keeping a firm hold of little Veg. Snips saw Flint's arm bulge with muscle as he strained against Debcat's taught arm, her woman possessed great strength behind her small frame. Snips flashed through her mind all of the feats of strength Debcat had shown and felt a shiver along her spine. The men of The Mines were lucky they still have arms to rub after their defeat at arm wrestling and only Snips knew that. Not even Mr Ko knew that as he had disappeared a while ago two slutty women of The Mines. The contest with Flint was lasting longer than most. Even by the time Veg made a mess of her hand, the two arm wrestlers were still going. But Snips could see Debcat was faking it, like she was with Veg as she made small talk while flicking his remains away with a shooing hand gesture.

The strain on Flint's face was evident as Debcat slowly wore him down with exhaustion. Debcat wanted to see if any of them were worthy of her body but found them all lacking and disappointingly most in strength and stamina. Even playing with the head man was only mildly amusing to her sense of humour as the crowd of sore armed men began to chant for him. Debcat decided to let him get close before crushing all the men's hopes for her defeat, so she let her arm slowly give ground to the sweaty grip of Flint. Just barely ten centimetres from defeat, Debcat was ready to pounce her victory upon the hapless man only to feel his foot between her legs. That moment's distraction is all it took for the men to cheer loudly as her hand was bashed to the table by a grinning Flint. Debcat's womanhood had no intention of making itself available for any of these men and it felt cheated immensely, leaving Debcat to reflect its mood. After much backslapping Debcat continued to glare at Flint until they were left alone, soon his smile turned apologetic. 'I'm sorry for the cheap trick, but someone needed to win, just to settle the crowd of course not to win the bedding or to get out of eating vegetables.'

'So which one is at Flint?'

'On what?'

'Bedding me or not eating vegetables.' Debcat said annoyingly. 'Look you're a nice girl, and I'm more than twice your age and you're a little scary for being so strong.'

'And you think that's going to save you from pulling that dirty trick?'

'Now just hang on the here, what are you exactly saying?' Flint said nervously. 'You're saying you're going to pass me by because I'm young and scary and you don't want to eat vegetables?'

'Look, we all have had too much beer; we should turn in for the night.'

'So you don't want to claim what you cheated for, let me make this simple and clear for you, finish what your toes have started or all beat the living shit out of you. And if you don't believe me, I'll let you in on a little secret, I'm an officer and Snips is an officer and we are here to look at the machine men you have underground. We were going to be subtle like, but you're really pissing me off.' Debcat saw the man swallow and gave him a look to make him swallow again. 'So you're pissed off at me and want me to bed you?' Debbie's fists made her knuckles white. 'So, can you perform under pressure or are we going to have a problem here?'

Debcat stood over a sleeping Snips beside the wagon and gently nudged her foot, then kicked it when there was no response. 'What? Oh the light, oh my head what is it Debcat?' Debcat looked at Snips squinting at her, 'We are going underground so get ready, I will get Mr Ko.' Debbie got much of the same reaction from Mr Ko except he had a problem standing from two unexpected carrots. 'Those women cannot be trusted.' Mr Ko angrily said while awkwardly shuffling behind a blanket in an effort to dislodge the mild discomfort. Snips came stumbling beside Debcat and queried on what ailed Mr Ko and offered sympathy with generous laughter, 'Congratulations we solved the great carrot mystery of The Mines. Veg will be happy that two women at once equals two carrots up the date.' Snips proclaimed with much gusto, which became silent very quickly as Mr Ko offered to throw said carrots at her.'

'So Debcat, where did you go to last night?' Snips asked shielding her eyes from the sun. 'I got us a guided passage to The Mines to see the Machine Men.'

'Really how were you able to do that?'

'Seduction.'

'Really? You don't come across particularly seductive.' Snips gestured with a wiggle of her hips. 'Well maybe I threatened him with seduction, but the result is the same.'

Snips watched Flint close the gate upon the metal cage of the elevator platform, noting he had a limp while favouring one side of his body. His avoidance of looking at Debcat was obvious as he pressed the button to descend down into the mine. Their descent started with a jolt, and then became smooth. The daylight quickly became absent and was replaced by duller light of bulbs, which gave Snips some relief from her headache. 'We don't venture far into the mine since the cave in about twenty-six years ago. Lost about forty odd people that day. Occasionally a bone or whatnot turns up in the loads that are gathered for us. But other than that there's no trace of those who died here.'

'And what of the machine men, how do they manage to stay down here? What keeps them going?' Snips heard Debcat ask. 'We get barrels to take to them just some sort of goop they feed on. And I saw a couple plugged into the power once, just staring vacantly like they do. Honestly, I try not to think about them much.' Snips started to feel a bit closed in by the surrounding rock. 'So what are they taking out of the ground here?' She asked trying to take her mind off the closing space. 'Well gold and platinum as far as I know, well that is what I have recognised. All I know it is very important to someone. Important enough to send these things here twenty years ago, when we couldn't make any more progress.' With another jolt the platform stopped and the gate opened reveal a metal cart full of glittering rock in the pale light, distant sounds of banging and clinking, to add to the atmosphere of the mine. The large open area was quickly explored by Debcat and Mr Ko, while Snips preferred to stay near the platform with Flint, 'So you and Debcat hey, get up to much last night?' Snips said fishing for answers. Flint huffed before answering, 'Officers, you think you can do anything you want.'

'That's not true.'

'Well, your friend thinks so, forced me to... Well you know.'

'Was it not good?'

'Well, technically no, but probably the best of ever had. It's just that I am really sore and I was somewhat terrified through the whole thing. Like a wild animal, strong, forceful and unrelenting, feels like she has taken years off my life.'

'Sounds like she really liked you.'

'Well she can like someone else, I'm done. I can't take another night like that.'

Snips heard Debcat call for her and Flint, as she teetered upon the edge of the lights reach, 'I see one about twenty metres that way.' Snips strained her vision to the direction of her pointing finger and found she could not see diddly squat. 'I can't see diddly squat.' Snips said. As she was about to mention for some torches, Debcat seized her hand and whisked her away into the dark. Snips yelled out in a shrill voice for anyone to bring the torches, as she felt closed in and cramped. 'Damn it, it's moving away.' Debcat said, bringing their pace up to a jog. There was no choice, but to trust in her soul sisters' ability to guide her through the pitch black of wrongness. The dark never gave her a reason to fear it before in her life, there were always stars, even on the darkest nights there was a little contrast of shadow. There was no confinement on the surface, unlike where she found herself now, being pulled at a fast pace through a tunnel with no chance of escape. She was more than a little panicky by the time they stopped, 'Wow up close your something else.' Debcat said. 'How up close?' Snips asked, then felt her hand guided to the torch by something cold, wet, clammy and moving. The chill that went through Snips body could only be described as completely frigid. Only the slight warmth of a few drops of pee stood defiant to the cold chill of fright. 'I should touch it before it moves on.' Debcat said. 'Don't touch it! It's not all machine, it feels dead, leave it be.' Snips whispered back.

Snips quickly found her lover's hands and held them tight with her strongest grip as she pleaded for her not to let herself go there. 'I'm not fussed about it as well, but we are here, it's right there. How else are we going to find out about them and you are right here, so what can go wrong?' Snips' grip failed and before she could do anything she heard a whimper from Debcat felt her body tremble. Fear gripped her completely as small warmth freely streamed from her body. Little sounds from Debcat played havoc with her mind on what to do, puffed breaths, quiet snorts and some gasping. All made her shout out for some light and for Mr Ko in a voice that was accurately reflected by her state of mind. It was only when she heard Mr Ko's voice shout back, she turned her attention away from her soul sister. Then it was only when she saw the light upon the rocks surroundings did she move away from her soul sister. Snips stumbled her way towards the bobbing light and seized one for herself. Only when her hand held the light did her attention go back to her soul sister, only to find her and the machine man were no longer there. 'No this is the spot; this is where she was. Debbie! I know she was here, see I peed there.'

'There are a lot of tunnels here; we can't be sure which one she went into.' Flint said flashing a torch on multiple entrances. 'She didn't go into any of them, she was taken, and that thing took her. We need to get her back.'

'It's too dangerous.' Flint said. Snips became angry with herself for seeing sense in his words and for the failure of shouting Debbie's name, which she probably no longer heard in her stupid, selfish and messed up state. This promptly made tears freely fall down Snips' face as she shouted again and again for her soul sister. Mr Ko studied the ground with a light touch, 'She was picked up, to which direction I cannot tell.' Snips' heart thumped fast as she screamed Debbie's name through the dark.

To Beads of the Pumping Station,

Hi my name is Delilah and I am from the Outpost, I had the privilege to meet your daughter Muley when she came here. We spent some time together intimately, which has resulted in her becoming pregnant. She has asked me to write to you in letting you know that she is fine and happy, and it's a boy. Apparently she was able to tell the sex of him in the way I still don't understand. I will do my best to become a good father. I'm not really good at letters this is my tenth attempt at one, so please forgive any transgressions that I may have inadvertently belayed.

Delilah

Interrogation of Officer Muley of production area twelve, Officer Yuu present

Y: It's a tragic thing when a child is taken, but you should have stayed in Twelve.

M: Could you have stayed put, if it was your child taken?

Y: Yes, because it's my duty to be here.

M: You're not convincing at all Yuu, lie to yourself all you want, you tosser.

Y: Your attitude needs to change. The people that are collecting you follow their own rules. Rules that have no bounds or sensibilities. These are people who care little of people, only of results of the tasks set to them.

(Evidence collected by Reaper from Speck)

Dr Cobain,

The glitches span all over the Phoenix labs. I keep coming across the word 'Changer'. My knowledge is limited on such computer anomalies, so I ask permission to research in the unfiltered archive for a solution? I will take all countermeasures not to be compromised like the last tech supervisor who was put to death, for going off mission. If I don't stop this thing it will spread everywhere in the labs and I do not know its purpose or its effects.

Remi

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

Chapter 13: Communicating with Strangeness

The burn of vomit was still fresh in the mouth of Ray Sim, as his stomach churned for a repeat. The involuntary action always made his eyes water and with the sight, smell and sound of the aftermath of the claymore. Vomit sprayed the undergrowth twice more as the man screamed to the pain of shredded legs and testicles. The uniform barely contained the sight of torn flesh and bone and in fact highlighted the contrast of a white testicle against its blotted, green fabric that was steadily becoming soaked with blood. 'Suck it up Ray and end him, you know there is no evacuation for us.' A voice from behind said. With a small gun in his hand, two bullets were quickly sent into the head of the screaming man. Only the ringing of his ears were now heard as he was silently thankful he took the time to pee himself empty. The small delay between the two piddlers was enough for the claymore to claim one man instead of two. With his side arm holstered and steyr aug in hand, Ray Sim joined the rest looking intently for any of the enemy.

Sounds of battle were all around in the distance, the thick trees did not help to discern which direction it came from. But unlike noise, the splintering wood of the trees by the enemies' bullets left no doubt where their fight was coming from. After a brief exchange of fire the sudden noise of chain gun mounted on the Walker ended all opposition. Ray saw the Walker adjust its stance with its four legs and witnessed the barrel of the fifty calibre explosive rounds come to life on those who ran away from the machines' presence. Death by that weapon was not pretty, as it came in two flavours; one was a large hole that was made as the round passed through the body. The second was the round stopped by a body, as it would explode leaving a corpse of legs and a trunk and little else attached. The Walker turned its gaze upon them and with its machine mind decided they were on its side and continued on pushing over trees in its way. Leaving them unharmed behind its truck sized presence. The ultimate land weapon walked on undefeated, as many destroyed tanks were littered on the plains as proof of its claim. Even though the tanks were largely intact, it was the small entry holes of those explosive rounds that left the mess of goop inside the armoured giants of old, which were stopped dead in their tracks.

Pressing onwards, Ray Sim passed the top half of a head resting on the ground looking like the rest of the man is buried underneath in some sort of practical joke. But Ray Sim knew better, as somewhere else there lay the body in a shredded Chinese uniform. In the undergrowth not far was the rest of the victim which fell to an explosive round from the walker. There was no pity felt as he kicked it aside as it was just one more enemy in a different uniform that he had come across in his travels, as he battled now in his ninth country of his tour of the world. He was part of a force that was quick to strike and fast to leave, all equipment was flown in and dropped, especially the walkers from their flying haulers. It was their ability to be quickly moved that made them so successful in claiming the resource they battled for. So he marched on over the dead, through the thick trees to reach the city called Objective A, which was now defenceless and surrounded. The citizens had surrendered by the time Ray Sim and his men entered the city, where gathering the resource was well underway. There were good times to be had even if they were fleeting, as they would be soon leaving. Ray Sim and his men were eager to enjoy the resource castoffs, so they made a beeline to where the castoffs were set aside.

The med officers quickly sorted out barren, the infertile and the old. Competition was high to nab a young infertile and Ray Sim was quicker than most. He would only have half an hour to strip and bed the young woman, so after kicking a door in and seizing a bed, he quickly cut the clothing away from the crying woman. With a few good backhands, the crying became a whimper which allowed him to concentrate with the enjoyment of the exotic woman. His rhythm was fast and hard as he built up to the verge climax, the muscles tensing in his shoulders and his eyes closed he felt the relief enter her as well as she entering something into him.

Debcat was there feeling all that he felt as the sharp sting of metal kept driving in and out of his back. The memories of the machine man had seized her and held her tight, she would have enjoyed the moment of the woman stabbing herself free, if it were not for the intense pain of being repeatedly stabbed in the back. Through Ray Sim's eyes, Debcat could see his blood on his own hands, and then she watched Ray Sim decide if he would do the same to her? With a pause, Ray Sim gave a brief smile to the woman, and staggered out leaving her behind still breathing on the bed.

Ray Sim lifted his heavy feet making his way to the hauler, flying away with the fertile resource and managed fall at the feet of the med officers with a thud. Blurred images and sound was surrounded with extreme pain that only grew only in intensity as more of Ray Sim was taken away and replaced with machine. Then some things were clear as he saw and felt his sternum cracked apart and his innards taken out and cast aside. The cold ached his bones, electricity fried his nerves but his voice remained silent as he desperately tried to scream out. Even as he saw the horror of himself in the reflections on various objects, he remained in constant pain, disconnected in his mind. Constantly circling around in a loop of memory in a machine man body, Ray Sim endured unbelievable pain and suffering knowing that it could have been spared if he had just peed a little less. Debcat also started to despair at feeling all that again for the six hundredth time, as she felt the burn of vomit in Ray Sims's mouth once again, amongst the thick trees.

Snips gathered supplies at the elevator in preparation for going in back down to The Mines. 'I thought you wanted to rest up?' Mr Ko said. 'I did, I had some food and water and a bit of time to think on how to find her since the people here are not going to help.'

'It's been nearly a day and you're exhausted.'

'So what, I will die before giving up on her.'

'That's not what I meant, you should rest more, get your senses back, before we go down again.'

'My plan is good, I'll paint the walls where I'm going with arrows and put crosses on the ones I have searched, I will find her eventually. As long as you stay at the spot I lost her she can't double back on us since all those tunnels start here.'

'And what if you don't come back?'

'Just follow the arrows and find me.' Snips said triple checking torches and dreading going back down into the mine with its creepy inhabitants.

Snips had come to the end of a third tunnel before seeing a machine man working a noisy thing that smashed rock, but saw no Debbie. The thing covered in dust looked at her, while it still worked then turned away. Snips did not like the look of it as it seemed so unnatural to her and was it something that should exist. It took an hour get back to Mr Ko and start on another tunnel and she hoped that this one didn't branch off into multiple others like the last one did as she had now used more than half the paint. In one little side tunnel, Snips came across a machine man pinned under a boulder that had fallen from the ceiling. She thought it was dead at first, and then as she got closer it moved and twitched. To which she gave a little yelp at, with fright. Nudging past the machine man Snips couldn't help but think how it would be possible to put an end to such a thing and how even a boulder of considerable weight failed to finish it off cleanly? Then she found herself kneeling down to look upon its face and saw no expression for her, only a vacant stare from empty eyes framed by a metal plate.

Once again she found her way back to Mr Ko who sat vigil waiting for her. For nearly two days he sat watching and listening for any signs of Debbie, 'So no sign?' He asked. 'Nope, and we are down to one can of paint and three tunnels to go.' Snips sighed at feeling the strain of it all as she picked the next one to go into, then ventured in. Ten minutes had passed when Snips saw a machine man lying still on the rocky floor of the tunnel. As she went in for a closer look her torch lit up two more lying motionless. The only thing they had in common with each other was leaking fluid from underneath the jaw from a stab wound. Snips was hesitant to shout out Debbie's name so she proceeded quietly along hoping for the best. It was a quiet comfort that these monsters were brought down by Debbie and that hopefully she was still all right. It was only when a shadow moved, did Snips think twice upon passing a large boulder to her right. With the light of the torch Snips saw Debbie's feet then her hands as she sat squatted, rocking back and forth ever so slightly. Snips rushed over to comfort her friend and to look into her eyes once more, skittling rocks over each other in her rush.

Snips' heart leaped for joy as she held the dirty faced Debbie, after so many adventures and enduring so many battles. Snips recognised quickly what she held in her hands and was quick enough to leap back as Samson's blades sliced the air. Snips directed the torch on the rising figure, who was not her soul sister but instead the monster she had always feared. She knew the face of it well and also knew it meant to kill her. Her steel bars were in hand before the monster had taken a single step towards her. There was not even time for words as it charged with great speed and swiping blades that split the air with fantastic velocity. Snips dared not to leave the fallen torch light and lose sight of the monster that stalked her. The plan was to whack some sense into it, but her steel bars failed to make contact with the beast. Snips knew she had to get in close despite the blades and in attempting to do so she felt her skin part from slicing cuts which now numbered three. There was no time to worry about what damage they had done; there was only the time to worry about what was next, as her steel bars whacked the blades free of the monster's hands.

The monster with fury in her eyes made movements that was recognised by Snips and counted best she could manage. The first call of Thunder was deafening in the tunnel as it blasted the ground. Snips knew failing to direct the hands would quickly result in her death. Her head barely managed to get out of the way as the second call of Thunder, which blasted stone from the wall that stung her back with its shrapnel. Snips gave a powerful knee to the monster's tenders which had no effect as she barely managed to redirect the third call of Thunder in an awkward dance. Her fortune ran out on the fourth call of Thunder as her leg failed to move quickly enough as it felt the hot kiss of pellets. The monster used its strength to pick up Snips to throw her hard; she instead used her strength of what remained in her legs to kick off at the wall to pivot over the angry beast as its screamed frustration at her unwillingness to die. Snips seized the chance to use a sleeper hold and put all her effort to hang on. Despite the efforts of the monster to bash her into the wall or a thrust of the back of the head in which Snips saw stars, she still held tight with all she was worth. Even when the monster tumbled forwards slamming all its weight upon her, Snips held on until it went limp and silent from unconsciousness.

Snips knew she was broken badly and she also knew this was not the time to worry about it. With all weapons in her possession, Snips struggled to lift the weighty monster over her shoulders, with the second attempt successful her trembling body made its way back to Mr Ko. Over the unstable rocky floor, Snips started to feel much weaker by the time Mr Ko's light could be seen and after that he was coming towards her. 'We've got to get her the surface now!' Snips said, as she unloaded the weight to be shared between them. 'What happened?' Mr Ko asked. 'It doesn't matter, just hope she doesn't wake up.' Snips said willing herself on while holding a monster's arm. To which they carried between them in a mad scramble. The elevator was painfully slow as Snips tried to remain in control of her failing body and despite Mr Ko's observations on how bad she looked. Snips emphasised the importance of his task, 'You use the thick zip ties for her hands and feet, then zip tie them together at the front so we can see them, then tie her to a strong tree and Mr Ko, if she gets free we will have to stop her or die trying, so make them good so she doesn't.'

Snips sat with the rifle pointed at the monster as Mr Ko worked quickly to secure her. In the daylight Snips could see blood and dust all over her, with fresh blood still oozing through the dust making a deathly slurry, steadily taking her strength with it. 'There, done now let's look at you.' Mr Ko said with various onlookers who kept their distance. 'My leg first, I'm pretty sure it was shot.' Snips said before passing out. It was nearing the end of daylight when Snips awoke with a fright, but after looking at the tree and its prisoner, she felt calmer seeing she was still out cold. 'Now steady on or you'll break the stiches, best lay still.' Mr Ko said, then pushed her down with his hand upon her chest. 'So what's the damage?' She asked. 'A few decent slashes some a bit too deep for my liking. I pulled three pellets out of your leg. I had to probe pretty deep and I've reset your nose. The rest are bruises and I think hopefully no broken ribs. Are you going to tell me what happened?' Snips took a deep breath and found it unpleasant, 'She killed three machine men and I found her rocking back and forth then she attacked me, but I beat her.' Snips said wincing with pain and then added, 'Mr Ko could you bring me the tablet thingy, the Inventor gave us, please?'

Snips rolled her eyes as she heard the computerised voice of the Inventor speak clearly through the device, 'Honestly, I swear you all like doing stupid things, oh let's go into a mine in the dark and mess around with things that should be stayed well clear of. Even with her ability what did she expect to find? Those people have long been dead; no wonder she has lost it. And to answer your question, who knows if she will ever be normal again despite the fact she isn't normal in the first place.'

'Point taken now can I speak to Delilah it's rather important?' Snips took great care to approach the subject of a baby with Delilah as not to scare him or put him in shock. 'You still there? I said I am pregnant with your baby boy, is this thing still working hello, hello.'

'Yes I heard you; I am just a bit speechless.' Delilah said. 'Oh and can you tell my mum Beads at the Pumping Station?'

'Okay, um how do you know it's a boy?'

'It's a long story with pee tasting but it's definitely a boy, anyway I got to go, tell mum that I am fine and happy.'

'I will, take care.'

It wasn't until the subject of beer came up with the Inventor that tears were shed, 'It's called alcohol as it is bad for a pregnancy.'

'I didn't know. Is he going to be all right?'

'I'm sure he will be fine, just don't do it again. Just drink water from now on and don't smoke.'

'What's that? Do I stay away from fire?'

'No, it's smoking cigarettes.'

'Never heard of them, is it like smoking fish?'

'Don't worry about it, I'm just showing my age, it's breathing in smoke made from dry leaves.'

'Oh, is burning wood ok? Or do I just stay away from any smoke?'

'Yes, stay away from smoke any smoke.' Snips couldn't tell if he was serious or annoyed or both as he spoke of the strange things.

Snips laid-back and let sleep claim her, while thinking how happy her mum will be upon hearing the news of an expecting grandchild. There was no luck with her dream as it soon turned into a nightmare of the monster she had fought and nearly died from. Every time she woke, she made sure that Debcat was still tied up from a distance. The orange light of dawn saw something staring back at her. She was unsure what it was that watched her every move. Whether it was a monster, or soul sister or something that may be a combination of the two she would have to get used too. Or maybe something she would have to put down out of mercies' sake. Snips got over her aches and pains and took the rifle over for a conversation starter and waited in the distance for it to speak. 'What have I done to deserve this?' It asked. 'Well you tried to kill me and as you can see, you lost.' Snips didn't go closer as it began to cry profusely and over its blubbering it asked about her injuries. 'Nothing to major, a broken nose, a few deep cuts, and a fuck you since you used Thunder on my leg, plus you beat my body pretty bad. The worst of it though is that I don't trust you and I don't know who you are. So a choice must be made about trust or...' Snips worked the bolt of the rifle to emphasise the second option.

Snips listened as it tried to explain itself of becoming lost in a machine man's memories of pain, dying and continual suffering that cycled over and over again, trying to justify its actions by describing what effect cycling through a thousand times would be, reliving the same situation over and over again. It may have brought a tear or two to Snips' eyes, she didn't however step one foot closer in response. Its reasoning was she was beside herself when she was freed and took all she suffered out on anything close which included Snips at the time. 'Well that's all well and good, but I'm going back to bed to sleep on it a bit.' Snips limped back and lay down feigning sleep while she decided on what was best for this situation. Snips thought back to the Plant's words about trusting their instincts and hers were to free her soul sister and carry on, but a little more time tied to a tree wouldn't hurt her. As for the monster Snips decided it was contained back within Debcat and the trust lost, she thought it could be rebuilt. After all they had already been through, so much together and besides she did kick her arse. Something no one else has ever done, not even Jaxter with all his muscle or all the corpses that bloated in the sun. Only she, Officer Muley of Production Area Twelve had beaten Officer Debbie in a death-defying dual. This realisation brought a grin to her face and a spring into her step once her leg had healed, of course.

Snips didn't mind being made a fuss over by Debcat, it had been three hours since she was freed and Snips felt relaxed as her back was rubbed. Even though she was healing faster than a normal person would have, it still took more time compared to Debcat's ability to heal. Snips was just grateful that Mr Ko had done a wonderful job on her nose to put it straight. She had seen many noses in her time that were kinked or bumped in the middle and apart from the broken skin or the bruising or even the swelling. It did not seem so bad when looked in the mirror. Of course she made out she was upset and got herself a lengthy foot rub and a decent head massage. Even Mr Ko brought some cavy sticks for her, to which she thoroughly enjoyed, but refrained from the beer, considering her condition. She even got him to move the campfire as to avoid the smoke that the Inventor said was bad for the baby in her tummy. Mr Ko didn't believe her, although he still moved it, while grumbling about demanding women.

Debcat stared deep into the dancing flames of the campfire, while the waves of heat broke against her skin, the urge to watch the world burn blazed inside her. She knew it was not like her, to be so thirsty for conflict and death. The images and pain she witnessed from Ray Sim, had been horrific, the battle to break free from that death loop was one she almost lost. Unlike the other two machine men she sampled, the curiosity of the past made her hunger for more. She knew it was not her sat in the dark and waited for more to walk by. Debcat tried to understand why she attacked Snips but failed to grasp the concept as her mind drifted back to the lives past she had witnessed. The second machine man only trapped her for thirty cycles of memory. He was a man who embraced war, loving the carnage of human's and how they wriggled their last upon his knife. He died by firing squad and was disappointed to be blindfolded at the end. Then there was his sense of joy as he bore the pain of being taken apart and rebuilt. The third was a man who commanded many men and machines; he was not a fighter only a man who moved things around maps and screens. Debcat witnessed his failing as he froze when a hand grenade rolled into his protective command centre. He lay among others for some time before he was found. Debcat watched him beg and plead to be spared only to be told it was part of the contract that he had signed and they had to do it, then he witnessed his own transformation as he was taken apart.

Debcat responded to her false name as Snips re-asked her question, 'Debcat, how did you kill them? It's why we came here.' Debcat looked upon the bruised face and felt immense guilt because of it. 'The brain, they need it to function. So it has to be the best there is, an adaptive computer. It's all connected to it, take out the brain and they fall. I used an entry point underneath the jaw. I sent the blade in and up hard and reefed it hard before I took it back out. You got to get close; our weapons won't drop them at a distance they are too well built, even though these ones are outdated, too slow or too clumsy. Newer ones use the brains and spines of children, they adapt quicker with implants so they are faster and more accurate. They are the ones they used to kill Mr Ko's people and the two that were at the Outpost. These underground have vulnerabilities; the following version does not have the same ones. I saw documents through the eyes of a man, before he was taken apart and transformed. Pitiful men who failed to die quickly, you need to be alive for the process so you feel everything that is changed and cut away. Old peoples adapted to the changing dynamics of warfare, to be more mobile and to have more resilient assets in the field. To raid and take what they need so they can be the strongest when all world order collapses, ensuring the rise of only them after the dust settles. I suspect the dust has settled for some time now.' Debcat saw her two companions stare deeply into the fire, to where she also returned her gaze and thought more of the world burning with all its splendour.

... _After some thought I have decided to let Reaper know of Officer Debbie's destination of the Refueller. I suspect he has no suspicions of my failure to track them. Best to save myself while I still can...._

(Excerpt from Baller's bloodied journal)

Dr Cobain

The test subject's comparative test results indicate increased strength and increased cognitive abilities. The girl was altered before she was born and the changes are completely part of her. Have we taken a test subject from another lab that was already engineered? If this is so those ten clones are already weaponized and are far better than we could manage with implants.

Steffi

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

Steffi,

I did a scan on the ten clones and I can confirm your speculations on their abilities. I'm not sure if my equipment is functioning properly, but I thought I saw a second crystallised memory within them, before the systems crashed here. Upon reboot there was no trace of what I saw. It's like someone is hiding something from us, controlling what we see. Maybe Dr Cobain is behind what is happening here. These clone's progress has not been strictly protocol; someone has been influencing what they are Programmed with. I can prove nothing. It is just a bunch of little things that add up to something that is not right. I'll be glad when they're gone next week, let someone else deal with it.

Bendall

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

This is an order to all officers by Senior Officer Max

Traders travelling with two donkeys are to be captured and detained until collected, all are considered dangerous. Any females must not be killed or seriously harmed. If you are not in a position to capture successfully, you must report their location and direction they are travelling. Do not attempt to capture without significant numbers. Do not under estimate the situation. Do not stuff it up.
Chapter 14: Mieseed's favour

Debcat sat in the late afternoon sun as children squealed their frustration at Snips' skill. The Mines were two days behind them and still Snips had not let her be intimate to renew their bond. Debcat felt lonely during the nights without the expression of love. Looking at Snips proving herself did not help the stirring of lust as she walked around on her hands then arching backwards to flip upright on her feet, 'Now pay up, you lost fair and square.' Snips said, holding out her hand where she received five marbles, one from each child. 'It's not fair you cheated. You didn't say you were an acrobat.' One whiny kid said. 'I didn't know what one was until you told me. Not my fault, I can walk on my hands longer than you. Hey I said I wanted your green one I have already got a blue one.'

'Double or nothing, I can do more somersaults than you.' The boy said, handing over the green marble. 'Fine, but I want the pink and orange one then I have got a full set.' Debcat watched Snips beat twelve somersaults and then finished off with a double, then bowed with a sweeping arm. Making the boy to scream, 'Not fair' amongst the other children's claps and laughter. Snips came grinning as she sat beside her, holding the marbles to the sun. 'They're so pretty all the colours of a rainbow and then some.'

'So you want to be an acrobat now?'

'Why not, travelling around doing flips and shit in pretty clothes doesn't sound too bad. Not as good as hairstyling but still not bad.'

'I was hoping for some time with you tonight.' Debcat said with a hopeful look. 'Well there will be kids around plus there are quite a few people in this caravan of travelling performers, maybe tomorrow night. What do you think of the purple one? I know it's your favourite colour. Maybe I can win one for you.'

Snips quickly left in search of a purple marble, leaving Debcat to sigh in disappointment. She watched Snips form from behind as she leapt over a girl with the doll, who marvelled at Snips for different reasons. 'Kids are naturally drawn to her; she will make a good mother.' Mr Ko said. 'If she gets to keep hers.' Debcat said, a bit too loud. 'We will get your young one back, you'll see then you will be of good mother too.'

'If I was a good mum she would not have been taken in the first place.'

'No one could have stopped that, people died trying. I miss Betsie and Rivit.'

'What about Apple, hasn't she caught your eye?' Debcat said changing the subject. 'When we go back I'm bringing her along, I think it's time to settle with a woman and I've got enough coin to buy her off Lilith.' Debcat huffed, 'It annoys me how people can be property around these parts.'

'Isn't it about the same for officers and those with skills?'

'It's not the same; they can go if they want. They just need to train a replacement first. We don't own them we just keep them in line.'

'It's still a price for leaving in a matter of speaking.'

'It's still wrong to be traded for coin, like that.' Debcat said looking longingly to Snips.

The night brought forth music and dancing while Debcat sat and refused offers to join in. She was interested in only dancing with one person and she was having too much fun with others. Debcat didn't mind watching Snips, it was that she just missed what she had and she knew it was her own fault for not being in control, which nearly resulted in Snips death. With the night being a total disappointment, the morning however brought a quick kiss to the lips as Snips woke her up to join in for breakfast with the new face seated at their fire. 'I got her up Pa.' Debcat heard Snips say before leaving to the other side of the wagon. With an alarmed look quickly glanced back at her, gesturing caution. Debcat saw the stranger and she knew it was an officer that made small polite conversation with them. 'Ah Debcat my dear daughter, this is Officer Yuu. She is a shy one compared to my other daughter Snips.'

'Oh please Pa you're embarrassing me.'

'Debcat, Officer Yuu wanted to know if you can fix a timepiece for him. Apparently it's a very old one.' Mr Ko said. Debcat nodded and held out her hand as he handed over a travel clock that showed numbers on the screen if it were working that is. Debcat listened as she worked taking apart the plastic casing. 'I'm just checking on a few little settlements. It's like a six-week trip. Basically judgements and all nothing major. I don't mind, it gets me out of Speck regularly than I just follow the road back.'

'Come on Officer Yuu, you must have some really good stories to tell.' Snips said in a cutesy little voice. 'Well Miss Snips I'm not one to brag but I did catch a man we have been chasing for years. A sort of scallywag who was making a name for himself with thievery and what not. I caught up with him and his two friends and to make a long story short, I got my clock back.' Debcat rolled her eyes to Snips' flirting with the brown skin man who had narrow and defining eyes. 'I like your spear.' Snips said. 'Oh this old thing, it's done its fair share. Actually it's very similar to your fathers there, may I Mr Ko?' Mr Ko handed over his spear for inspection. 'It's amazing they are so alike, it must have come from the metal works and to think it has been traded all the way to Area Twelve only to come back here, strange it seems new.'

'It got made in Area Twelve by a fellow who came from here; he makes weapons for the officers there.' Mr Ko remarked. 'Really an escapee from the Metal Works. And he's working for officers in Area Twelve. I should go there and retrieve him, nah I'm just kidding. Good luck to him, that place is a shit hole, pardon my swearing Miss Snips.' Debcat shook her head when Snips giggled, 'This is a fine spear much better than mine Mr Ko, you're lucky to have it. But be sure you hide it, best not to mention that fellow back home when you get to the Metal Works. Those officers are a bit touchy on those types of subjects.'

Debcat worked away while Officer Yuu made chitchat about the weather and places seen. Keeping track on what was said; it was obvious that officer Yuu was getting information about them and Production Area Twelve. 'Don't know much about it really; all I know beyond that bridge is that you must be wary. It's not like we get many traders from there. Plenty go but none come back, in fact you're the first I ever heard about.' Yuu said. 'Well it's pretty crowded now, so we thought we'd try a new area. Make new trade; see a bit more of the world.' Mr Ko said. 'Restless feet, I know that feeling well.' Officer Yuu said with a smile. 'It had corrosion and you need better batteries soon, not much recharging left in them. Other than that keep it dry and it will last.' Debcat said handing it back. 'Well you don't say much, but what you do say makes up for it.' Yuu said with a wink.

Debcat felt annoyed from his attempt at flirting and even more annoyed at herself for feeling the hot flush on her cheeks. 'So Mr Ko your daughter Debcat is she promised to anyone?' Mr Ko looked at Debcat with a shocked look on his face to a shocking question. Snips had the same look but with one difference, it contained daggers. 'Well um, strictly no, well the thing is she finds most men unworthy of her time, she likes working.'

'That's hard to believe, since you have striking look about you and a fine figure. You remind me of an un-tamed animal a certain look of... Oh my, how rude of me saying my words way too long and being transfixed by you. I beg your apologies Miss Debcat.' Snips' jaw hung slack in shock. 'Oh, thank you, I accept your apology.' Debcat said while being totally unsure on how to respond. 'It's unfortunate that I am running out of time and I only have a little time remaining. So Mr Ko may I take this opportunity to take a stroll with Debcat?' Debcat and Snips looked to Mr Ko with wide eyes hoping he would say no. 'Yes Officer Yuu, you may.' Mr Ko said with a nervous laugh while scratching his head.

Debcat walked awkwardly beside Officer Yuu over the short grasses and through the waist high shrubs. 'I find you most beautiful Debcat; I would hate myself for parting and not letting you know that. If you ever get to Speck I would be honoured to show you the sights of my area.'

'We have plans to go there; I guess it would be nice.'

'I am glad to hear it, when I first saw you my heart skipped a beat and I found myself speechless.' Officer Yuu said, before offering his hand. 'Okay.' Debcat said for the umpteenth time with little ease. 'Oh listen to me going on and on and not giving you a chance to speak.' Debcat held his hand after staring at it. 'It's fine and I am not used to this kind of thing, I just like fixing things.'

'Don't sell yourself short, you have a remarkable skill.'

'It's not that hard, boys didn't make a fuss of me so I had plenty of time to learn.' Officer Yuu raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. 'They were fools and I'm no fool, I wish to get to know you better when you get to Speck. I wish I had more time but I have a duty to attend. I should walk you back.' Officer Yuu kept a hold of her hand as a walked back to the wagon. After farewells Debcat looked at a flustered Snips and then heard her say, 'Slut!' with a hiss. 'What was that huh, you didn't say squat and he is all head over heels, what am I? Last night's cavy leftovers. Who would pass up all this? I won marbles, I'm flexible, I even enjoy men, unlike some.'

'I think he wants to court me when we go to Speck.' Debcat said, before Snips screamed in frustration. 'Pa are you hearing this, courtship can you believe that? The dirty lezza snaps up the best man we have come across since we left. This is seriously fucked up right here, and I did all the flirting for Pete's sake.' Mr Ko shook his head, 'I didn't sign up for this, I shouldn't have to deal with jealous muff diving, daughters like you.'

'Rudeness! Mr Ko, sometimes you take it too far.' Snips said. 'He kissed my hand and said his heart skipped a beat.' Debcat said, looking at her feet. 'Oh he said that, that's beautiful. I'm really jealous now. What else did he say? I bet it was sweet, come on spill the beans.' Snips said, with a grin.

Their journey took them along until the turn off to the Metal Works. The track was little more than different coloured dirt amongst the slabs of concrete that spanned as far as the eye could see. 'This is what Collections is going to be like when it is all picked clean, nothing but slabs of flat cement amongst the scrub.' Snips said. 'This land is not good for anything.' Mr Ko added with a spit to the side. Debcat caught a scent in the air that also made the donkeys nervous, 'Can you smell that, dog smell.'

'Yeah I can smell it, I stepped in it.' Snips said dragging her foot over an edge of a nearby slab. 'Best get your bow out, we are being watched.' Debbie said, while seeing shapes and shadows between the cover of the surrounding scrub. 'Dogs are the worst, biting, snarling little things always attacking in numbers.' Mr Ko said gripping his spear harder. 'Snips on top of the wagon, Mr Ko protect Nutty and I'll protect Pretty.'

Snips shouted out from on top of the wagon, 'Twenty plus,' with an arrow drawn, 'And looking hungry.' She added as she let an arrow fly enticing a dog to let out a high pitched yelp. Three more yelps could be heard before Samson's blades cut dog flesh into healthy, meaty chunks. The scrubland seem to be infested with wild dog as more snapping and snarling teeth burst forth from the cover it provided. A muscular little mongrel leapt high aiming for her throat, Debcat pivoted and lashed out as Samson's blade separated dog from its lower jaw, thus freeing it from the burden of ever snapping again. The noise of pain from the beast brought a smile to Debcat's face until she heard Mr Ko scream in anger and agony. Debcat turned to see, but only saw arrow after arrow being fired in his direction from Snips. A distressed noise from Pretty brought Debbie's attention back to her own battle as she tackled two dogs away from the beloved donkey. One she managed to place her knee on its throat pressing hard with all her weight, feeling bones crack while the other had its jaws prised apart as hot breath and slobber sprayed her face.

Yelps and barks brought an end to the attack, as dogs turned tail in unison, 'Help Mr Ko.' Snips shouted as she kept guard on top of the wagon. Debcat rushed over to see a good pile of dead dogs scattered around an unharmed Nutty. 'I was going well until my spear got stuck.' Mr Ko said gripping hard with both hands to his bleeding leg, surrounded by dogs with arrows protruding from them. Debcat saw many bite marks on Mr Ko's arms as well, freely bleeding. 'He's wounded bad Snips.'

'Just a sec, one left.' And after a distant shrill yell was heard, Snips was down from the wagon helping to strip Mr Ko. 'I've got enough tread to close it up, but it's the infection I'm worried about.' Snips said, holding Mr Ko's tackle to one side as she looked at the wounds on the inside of his thigh. 'I've got a bottle of disinfectant, but it's not enough to do every wound.' Debcat said. 'It will have to do.' Snips answered back. Mr Ko grimaced as the liquid splashed over his wounds. 'You better hold him so I don't stitch it to his leg.' Snips said, releasing his member, which immediately flopped in the way. Debcat immediately took hold and moved it aside using both hands to keep it still. 'It's nasty Mr Ko it's going to hurt.' Snips said, as she plunged the curved needle through the torn flesh, 'At least it's not as bad as when you got torn up by dogs.' Snips said to Debcat before adding, 'Pity Rivit isn't here, his stitching was the best. He could work wonders and much quicker than I can.' Debcat thought about the scar on her cheek plus all the other ones that were closed by Rivit's skill, but she only pictured him dying in front of the cot that Rayne was taken from. It was that vision that Debcat would ever remember of him. Rivit covered in blood slipping away from his useless life after failing to protect his daughter.

Debcat saw Snips arch her back stretching out the knots that had formed from concentrating on her task of stitching. 'He has already got a fever.' Debcat said worryingly, 'Maybe the Metal Works have got something more for infections, bloody dogs and the filthy bites.' Mr Ko lay on top of the wagon while Snips quickly collected as many arrows as she could, then they all moved at great pace in the direction of the Metal Works. Throughout the night they kept moving, only Debcat's night vision kept them on the right path as they followed the track. By morning Mr Ko was drenched in sweat and delirious with fever, as the large walls of the Metal Works could be seen towering over the flat landscape. As they got closer they could see the tall walls had suffered much damage from attacks long past, that was mainly from of old bullet holes. They were also spotted long before they even got close as large guard towers were built into the corners of the structure that tell them very impressive metal door of great height. 'We have been attacked by dogs; our father is overcome with fever and infection. Will you help us?' Debcat shouted to two men who never bothered speaking to them, only to each other and to whoever was behind the wall.

After some time and a barrage of swear words by Snips that may have mentioned hot metal and arse holes, the gate opened. The donkeys were quickly lead through only to be greeted by twenty officers with rifles targeted on them from up high and in their face. After the gate was closed did anyone bothered to speak. 'Well looks like you have been captured.' A smug Officer said. 'We don't care, can you help with infection? He is dying.' Snips pleaded. 'We can, but we won't.' was the reply. There was only one word that was clearly heard by all as Debcat said it out aloud that it was, 'Ambush'. Tincan rose at great speed nudging Mr Ko to one side with a bump. With Tincan's four airguns being rotated by the body, Tincan soon sent all twenty officers down sleeping without a single rifle being fired. Most lay flat on the ground, while those up high were slumped over the railings, except one who was hanging upside down with his leg jammed in a gap. This saved him from the fall, but not from a clearly broken leg. 'That will teach you for being so rude, you arrogant fucks.' Snips yelled out punching the air. Debcat quickly tossed to Snips her rifle from the hidden draw of the wagon while she held the SLR. Debcat looked at their surroundings and saw only one other exit from the high walled courtyard and motioned Snips to head over to the gate while she said to Tincan, 'Guard.'

Snips pushed on the gate and peered through the gap and saw a little boy quickly run away. She gave the nod to Debcat pushed it open with force startling many that stood near it raising some screams which quickly lead to more. Snips tried to talk to anyone but no one was listening, after three quick shots from the SLR all were still and silent with most cowering close to the ground covering children. 'We need help, our friend is suffering from infection and we also come to help Mieseed's brother. Is he still here? We are not here to hurt you but we need help please anyone!' Snips said very loudly. Only one man stirred, 'I am Bruce, Mieseed's brother.' Bruce said as he tried to stand with a woman hampering his movement trying to keep him down. 'We know your brother well and his family. They are all working in Production Area Twelve.' Snips then listed all the names of Mieseed's relatives that came with him and Bruce walked over to extend a greeting in which Snips accepted. 'How many officers are here?' Debcat quickly asked of Bruce to which his reply was 'twenty' Snips got a nod from Debcat as she quickly went back through the gate to deal with that number.

Snips quickly told the predicament Mr Ko was in and after a couple of doors were kicked in after locks were shot through. Snips held the container labelled 'infections- one tablet thrice daily' and ran back with Bruce following, through a crowd that stopped at the courtyards gate. They were watching Debcat tying up sleeping officers and sitting them against the wall. Snips saw Tincan was back hidden into the wagon and brought Bruce with her, 'I've got the pills, he has to swallow one.' Snips said to Debcat as she shoved it down Mr Ko's throat, then making him drink, 'Best make it two, to be sure.' She said repeating her action, making Mr Ko splutter and cough more. 'Bruce, Mieseed asked us to check up on you, in our travels. My name is Officer Muley and that is Officer Debbie and that's Mr Ko.'

'If you're officers why attack these officers?' Bruce asked confused. 'They tried to capture us, but they are asleep now, for the time being.' Just then a shout was heard from the crowd that became an angry roar filled with hate as individuals ran towards the sleeping officers with knives in hand. Only Debcat stood between them and promptly started firing into the dirt to send them back cowering behind the gate with knives left behind. 'I am Officer Debbie do not piss me off. I have had a very bad day and these officers are not dying by your hands, do you understand me?' She said holding the SLR in their general direction. Bruce then said to Muley nervously, 'You don't understand they keep us here, we are treated badly, there's much anger.'

'Well you best tell all of them that Officer Debbie over there is much more worse than all of your officers here, combined. So they need to do as she says and they will be fine, but any more of that and people are going to die.' Snips said gesturing to the knives that were lying on the ground.

Muley talked to Debbie as Bruce talked to the angry crowd past the gate, 'This is bad, they are going to kill them with half the chance we can't let the officers lose because they will want to capture us. And why do they want to capture us? We need to find out that for sure. This just keeps getting better and better.' The next hour that passed by was tense as Muley ventured amongst the people of the Metal Works to learn all she could about their situation. While Debcat concentrated on looking menacing to keep the sleeping officers safe from those who wished to harm them. After the hour Muley walked back to Debbie who indeed looked menacing in her desert wear holding the huge SLR. The look was good causing Muley to feel pangs of guilt for not excepting Debbie's advances in pleasure since The Mines. Muley couldn't help but notice that whenever her woman was armed and mean, she was indeed very alluring and a darn side hot, to boot. 'Well that mystery is solved, I was expecting Mieseed's brother to have an exotic name as well, but they were named after their fathers. Bruce's father was an officer here at one point, long dead now. As for this crap situation we find ourselves in today, just let me say this. It is totally crap, it's like if a crap took a crap, this would be that crap's crap. Apparently there are two places that are able to machine steel into parts. It's very complex and very boring to listen to, honestly, I was nearly asleep when they were telling me which machine did what and how skilled the operator needs to be to make those parts. This is an important place, that's why there are so many officers here to protect them. But they are treated harshly and do not particularly enjoy it here. There used to be a time when this place was attacked a lot. A long time passed now, so I guess the officers here just turned into bastards over that time. It is ironic that they have stood guard for an attack for so long and when something happens, they end up asleep and tied up without firing a shot.

Muley checked Mr Ko and found him a little worse and sought help by contacting The Inventor, to see if there was anything else that could be done. Muley learnt quickly about drainage of the wounds that were infected and promptly applied it Mr Ko. 'I think he has got a bit better colour about him now.' She said out loud underneath a lean-to with many onlookers gawking at the strange box sending a strange voice. 'It may take a while before he could move again that's if he doesn't die, I have no idea what those pills are. In my day they had complex names that you could of referred to particular elements, instead of this general bull shit term for infection.' The Inventor said. 'Well it's all we got here and he is lucky to have that. We would have been stuffed for it weren't for Tincan putting them to sleep.'

'So now you have got twenty prisoners that you got to look after, good thing you didn't have anywhere else to get to.'

'For a brain in a jar, your sense of sarcasm has not been diminished.'

'Well when you have got to keep explaining terms and definitions to people over and over again. Because no one ever knows what I'm talking about, because those tablets you all learn from, don't contain anything from my time. You too would develop a healthy amount of sarcasm.'

'At least I'm not dumb and least I can understand your definitions. And those tablets you keep picking on are the only things we have got and they hold a lot of valuable knowledge. So I am sorry if I don't know what television was and I'm sorry I didn't know what a chemist was or Doctor or Nurse or Health care professional, new and strange words need explanation if you are going to use them, so expect questions. Now you have any ideas on how to fix the situation that we are in?'

'Well you can try facilitating a negotiation between the two parties.' Muley held the Bridge of her nose and took a few deep breaths with eyes closed before speaking, 'What is facilitating and negotiation? And why do we need two parties, there's nothing here to celebrate and no one is in the mood to have a party, let alone two.' Muley couldn't tell what the noise was coming out of the device, whether it was a groan, moan, sigh or a combination of the three. All she knew that there was going to be more sarcasm because of it.

Interrogation of Officer Muley from Production Area Twelve, Officer Yuu present.

M. The difference here is there is no battle, you are sedate. In Twelve you had to fight constantly against many numbers and to the death. Officer Debbie was made from those conditions. You are nothing compared to her, you have no hope of catching her or taming her, Yuu. You desire a woman that will rip you to shreds.

Y. True, I haven't seen much action. But I train consistently for it; I am more than ready to take on a little girl.

M. Little girl, if you only knew about how many have died, thinking she was a little girl. If you underestimate an opponent, you are already dead.

Y. She is shy and harmless, that's what I saw.

M. You know nothing; you don't even know that she likes men and women. Bare my flesh and see what she does to the ones she loves. Scars a plenty from one so harmless.

(Evidence collected by Reaper from Speck)

Sepri

I beg a favour from you and your order; I have Intel on the destination of the mother Debbie. She travels with one other female and an old man with a wagon and two donkeys. Both females are trained officers of Production Area Twelve; the old man is a trader. This group is responsible for the deaths in Greens and Grains, they are with skill and extremely dangerous. This is a challenge worthy of your skill and those of your Order. Debbie must be taken alive, all others are expendable. You must be itchy from the lack of challenge in New Amos.

Reaper.

Reaper,

I spit on your attempt of flattery, the price is the procurement of four beautiful females to refill our ranks. Do not forget we still need to discuss your hasty execution of our member Susan. Her death is rightfully that of The Order and not yours take. Do not forget your place in the dirt and we won't forget ours in the light where the true power lies. You're just a little man scratching away at pebbles.

Sepri of The Order.
Chapter 15: The Art of Negotiation

Muley felt the hatred of twenty pairs of eyes burning into her as she ladled water to twenty mouths, 'Don't be stupid, it's a hot day, just drink the water.' She said, after smacking an officer's head with the ladle for spitting at her. 'We are officers as well, we come from Production Area Twelve I can understand you are all angry. At least you're not being raped like I was when I was held captive once. So let's at least be civil to one another, out of professional courtesy. So, you answer our questions and we will answer yours.' Muley got questions answered and she answered some in return. And then returned to Debbie who sat high overlooking the group of tied up officers. 'All the different areas receive messages through devices but we don't have anything like that. Anyway there was a message sent out saying to capture the females of our group. Didn't work out for them, they seem a bit put out.'

'Well they are going to free themselves sooner or later, we don't have control for long, and we need a solution.'

'The Inventor suggested having an agreement between officers and the people to live by, like a set of rules or whatnots. It's called a negotiation and I sit in the middle to suggest common ground between them.'

'Have you told them that?' Debbie asked. 'I tried, but a few felt pretty strongly against it, but the people are willing to try.'

'Maybe we take out a few and the rest might be more willing.'

'We can't do that, they are officers following orders.' Muley said, shocked. 'They impede production; rules are pretty clear on what's more important. Production is the foremost concern. We will both go down and try this negotiation.'

Debbie, with Muley beside her stood in front of the restrained officers, 'I see a vital production area on the verge of collapse, and its people would have you all dead. It's the people that make parts, if you treat people badly it effects production. In our area if a person wants to leave they need to train a replacement and it works. Here, you keep them and treat them harshly; you must know that this is wrong and if you don't we are going to have problems. Now Officer Muley has a good idea that could fix the Metal Works and make everyone's lives better.' Debbie said, before interruption, 'It's bullshit and your full of it, they will all go then what? No officer here is going to go along with this. Not if I have anything to do with it.' An older officer said with a few nodding in agreement. Debbie made her way to the man who sat defiant with a smug look on his face, which however did not remain as his head twisted backwards with a loud crack. After a shot was fired in the air to settle down the emotion of the remaining nineteen, Debbie spoke again. 'There is no option here; you are a part of the negotiation to fix this situation. Be a part of the solution, don't become a problem and you will live on. We have a mission of our own that needs to be done. So does anyone else feel the need not to change? Who is particularly set in their ways?'

A table was set up in the courtyard with Bruce representing the people and an Officer called Dale was representing the tied up eighteen officers. With Muley sitting in the middle to facilitate the negotiations Bruce started, 'We want the officers who rape to be dealt with, there are four who do so, these are their names.' The list was slid to Dale who read the list and reluctantly nodding his head in agreement. The four went screaming as they were pulled from the group one by one to the far corner, where they were shot with the SLR, adding to the mess to the previously un-stained wall. Four soon joined the one with the broken neck in collecting flies. Major points were agreed on soon after that. First point was the allowing of travel providing that others were able to do the work to the same standard. Others were the right to trade their own goods outside the walls, to start up their own version of Central stalls. The ability to have their own to train up as officers was also agreed upon. Even to be allowed to live outside the walls was of importance to the people, even though there were wild dogs a plenty. All these points were written down by Muley in her best penmanship upon the best paper to be found. The whole process took a few hours as many times the representatives conferred with their groups on minor points. By nightfall signatures were on the paper making it final and all the remaining officers set free under the stern gaze of Debbie, who had their word on behaving, subject to death if they broke it.

Debbie looked in on Mr Ko and saw him still very unwell but sleeping soundly. 'They said they'd look after him until we get back.' Muley said, as she placed a hand upon her shoulder. 'If they harm him, I'm not going to be too happy about it.'

'I don't think anyone is game, you seem to have made quite the impression with the neck snapping thing and that big gun of yours. Which you never put down.'

'I would if I had something else to hold.'

'Maybe after we leave here tomorrow, I could be persuaded to do such things, if you're lucky.' Muley said, as Debbie felt the pinch on her bum.

The night was long for Debbie as watched over the wagon in the courtyard as Muley slept near it. The night air was still and the stars bright, high above. Debbie's bed roll was stuffed as a decoy with the SLR leaning near it, for extra realism. Then from her vantage point she saw someone approach making their way towards the wagon. She lowered herself down slowly with Samson's blades in hand. Officer Debbie, its Dale. I like to say...' Dale stopped his words as a blade touched his neck, 'Don't speak so loud I can hear you fine.' Debbie whispered in his ear and to his stiff body, 'I like to say there may be a few who might try something stupid, I came to warn you.'

'More like six I have piled them over there.' Debbie indicated with the other blade. 'Your numbers are getting low, Officer Dale you better start training more tomorrow and make sure you teach them proper behaviour and to keeping their word.'

'We will and your friend will be well looked after, until you return.'

'Make sure he is and good night Officer Dale, and make sure no other stupid officers come calling, tell them what awaits them.' The night air became still once more, with only the fresh smell of pee lingering from Officer Dale's visit to change its fragrance. Debbie returned to her vantage point watching over the wagon and breathed deeply for the scent of death.

Muley awoke with a kiss from Debbie just before dawn, 'Time to go?' She said stretching, then returning the kiss. The packing of the wagon was quick despite finding a severed hand nearby, 'So six more dead and I slept through it, well so much for me staying alert.'

'No more came after Officer Dale left.'

'Oh, you spared someone, that's nice of you.'

'He didn't have a weapon drawn and he might have pissed himself. He seemed harmless enough to be let go.'

'So straight there and back?' Muley asked. 'That's the plan; I wish Mr Ko was awake to tell him what we are doing.' Debbie said as she rubbed Nutty's long nose and scratched between her eyes. Muley felt strange wearing her officers' uniform again with all its tightness that the free flowing desert wear didn't have. 'Well their looking for traders maybe this will give us an edge if we have other encounters along the way.' Debbie said as Muley felt Debbie's hand rub across her bum lightly. Both officers walked out of the Metal Works fully armed and ready with bow, rifle and SLR between them. Plus many other weapons they also like to carry, for example Thunder, the iron bars, throwing knives and one knuckle duster a piece. Once pass the numerous dead dogs, a few more arrows were collected for the journey. Travelling was rather quick as passing traders and travellers passed simple greetings before hastily moving by. Unlike when they wore desert wear being stopped for trade and having lengthy talks about travel and price.

Three days hard travel and the Refueller was within sight through the looking glass and through the scope of the SLR. 'Looks like the other one, I guess there are all the same.' Muley said. 'I can't see anything out of the ordinary. So just go up there with the wagon, just to be safe?' Debbie asked. 'I suppose so; I guess you think Baller couldn't be trusted. Maybe you're right we did not part on the best of terms, since you nearly knocked his block off.'

'Well if we haven't spotted anything by now, there's probably no one there, unless they're inside.' Debbie said. 'That's not putting my mind at ease. Stuff it, let's do it and get it over with.' The soul sisters warily led the wagon to the Refueller watching for any signs of company and with bated breath they were ready to shout out, 'Ambush' in any event. As they got close Muley ran ahead and listened through the wall but heard nothing and shook ahead to Debbie. Debbie used hand signals to tell Muley to cover the door when she opened it. A number lock was there and Debbie prepared herself to dive into it to retrieve the right sequence. A painful bite to her neck broke off all efforts of concentration as she slapped at what felt like a marsh fly, only to discover something metal and furry. Debbie looked for her soul sister for help and saw her staggering then collapsing holding something metal and furry in her hand. There were no feelings in her body as she stumbled backwards into the door hard, then proceeded to slide down to darkness.

Debbie stood on the mountain and saw Changer trying to tell her something, her whole sense of the world spun out of control in one blurry mess that made her fall into blackness once more. Sensations could be felt on her ankles and wrists then aches in muscles over her body could be felt. Without stirring, Debbie could feel she was hanging by her arms and the tips of her toes just barely touched the ground. With the stirring of the air upon her skin, she also knew she was naked, then she heard movement and then a voice, a woman's voice. 'You are both well trained, assessing your situation without letting your enemy knowing you're awake. But I can see the little things that give you away. The little things that show and that you have no control over. So let's talk, get to know each other a little bit better.' Debbie opened her eyes to a greyed head woman sitting in a chair with a long curved knife in her hand. Then Debbie looked for Muley and they both locked eyes on each other and their nakedness. 'Don't fret we are not going to do anything sexual. I just like my captives naked, so there is no chance of hidden weapons being used. Once bitten twice shy as the old saying goes. You know I have been here for almost a week now, that's a long time to be patient with and a very long time with one's own thoughts. Let's me put things in prospective. So here you are without the old man, is he out there waiting? I don't think so as we were watching you, watching us. The old man is not with you at all, no matter. So do you have any questions? I know I have a few. How about you ask one, then I ask one, first you, then me and so forth. I'll answer truthfully and you will as well, so which one of you will go first?'

Debbie heard Muley breathe before speaking, 'What are your plans for us?' The grey-haired woman checked the sharpness of her blade with her thumb. 'I haven't decided yet. Where is the old man?' The grey-haired woman asked. 'We left him behind as he succumbed to infection from dog bites.' Muley answered. 'Who are you?' Debbie asked. 'My name is Sepri. I am from The Order and to save you time with more questions, The Order is us, and we train people for Novan. The best people, they are highly skilled in many areas. I am sure you have met one of us before, a very good student. She was there for a time in your Central. Officer Susan; I believe you knew her by. So which one of you was she willing to sacrifice all for?'

'It was me.' Debbie said. 'Doubtful, you do not carry her weapon, but you do have a certain something about you as does your friend, both of you have got your fair share of scars.'

'What brought us down?' Muley asked. 'Blow dart with a chemical that puts you to sleep long enough to tie you up here. Speaking of here, what is so important that makes you want to come in here?'

'Information on a destination.' Debbie said, then she asked, 'What brings you here?'

'I was asked ever so politely to capture a female officer disguised as a trader, an Officer Debbie to be precise, the mother to a child that has raised a lot of questions that some want answers for. So this destination you are looking for must be the destination of that child, a little girl I believe. So my question follows these two choices, one to go on to certain death or two return to your area and remain there. Which will you choose?' Debbie and Muley strained to look at each other and both gave and agreeing nod before Muley answered, 'Certain death.' To which Sepri leaned back with a grin somewhat wide.

A knock on the outer door was heard and a girl, of no more than twelve entered and whispered something to Sepri's ear, then stood behind her and waited gazing upon them. 'It's not my turn but the youth wants to know if she can feed the apples she found to your donkeys?'

'Just one each, they have got to last.' Muley answered before the girl left with a grin. 'We start them younger than officers, makes them more dangerous. So you get two questions now.'

'Do you know a man with the name, Reaper?' Debbie asked. 'I do, a very dangerous man, but there are a lot of dangerous men out there. I believe the lover of Susan would be most interested in meeting him, perhaps to kill him since he was the one that killed her. The Order does not look kindly on the needless waste of its members. 'Who is Novan?' Muley asked. 'Old people finding ways to live longer, too long some would say. They give orders from the background and everyone obeys them. Never met one myself, and only a few can say they have. They are real, that I am sure of, and it's them who want Officer Debbie. It's a darn shame I can't tell which one is her.'

Debbie watched the older woman watching them and ever so slightly felt the strength of her bonds. Noise from behind indicated that there were others in the Refueller then she released her effort. 'Best be careful, try and free yourself will only get you hurt.' Sepri said, with a smile. 'Can't blame an Officer for trying.' Debbie said, offering a smile back. 'So why change the Metal Works? It was not your area to deal with. I have a man there; he told me everything that happened, he thought you were only good with a gun. Until you held your blade to his throat, silent death he described you being.'

'That place was not right; we saw an opportunity for a better way of doing things and improve production.' Muley said. 'Did Dale tell you he pissed himself? I hope he wasn't one of your best.' Debbie added. 'Not one of his finer moments, I can assure you of that, he underestimated you. That wagon is very impressive, never heard of anything like that. A trained Hand, much more effective than our blow darts. Where did you come by such a thing?'

'We both made it.' Debbie answered. 'We can all go out and show you how it works.' Muley quipped. 'I would rather not, can't make it that easy for you.' Sepri said, leaning forward. 'So what is this Order all about?' Debbie asked. 'Well that's a big question, let's see. Before the old world changed, the Order were women all married to a man whom they never saw and in his name helped those in need. But as needs became stronger, they found themselves easy prey. So they learnt to defend themselves and change from reactive to proactive. Their faith also changed from the man and onto themselves and by doing so they became strong and feared. They guard knowledge and remembered what was lost through time and change. That is The Order; this is what you deal with today. So where does your faith lie?'

'Instinct and each other.' Muley replied. 'Yes, instinct and each other.' Debbie agreed to, as the soul sisters strained to look at each other, once more with feeling and admiration.

Their attention was drawn to the curved blade of Sepri as she checked its sharpness with her thumb once again. 'Who would think way out here and in this building we would meet and to hear part of our oath? It's a dam shame Officer Debbie never came when we were here. Our paths never crossed at all so there is no story ever to tell.' Sepri emphasised, before motioning for their release. Four women who were behind them, cut their bonds. 'Your clothes and weapons are over there on the table. When you are ready we would like to assess your skill with them.' Sepri opened the door for her Order and nodded to the soul sisters before closing it behind her. Muley hugged and kissed Debbie with much passion which was eagerly returned as both felt their tears mingle and combine. With I love yous said, they both dressed and armed themselves before walking out into the sunshine. The Order consisted of six women, two men and two girls, dressed in various clothing. 'First we would like to see hand to hand; you may pick any one of us as your opponent.' Sepri said, motioning to all. Debbie and Muley placed their large weapons down. Muley chose first of a woman her own size and near her own age and both walked to each other with a nod before starting. Punches and kicks only passed through air as each other dodged the other's attacks as they increased in speed. Muley then decided to change tactics and let a kick collect her. The blow was hard and strong but the leg was caught and Muley took the opportunity to press forward. With six quick jabs to the chest, the fight ended with her opponent holding her breasts gasping for air. Muley then helped her to get up; to which all others clapped, making a strange circumstance a little bit stranger.

Debbie chose her opponent by watching others as they watched the fight and she chose the one who looked the least impressed. Which was of course was the biggest man with decent muscle. Debbie walked towards him knowing she had fought bigger. His arms were fast and managed to grab her and throw her to the ground, hard. Debbie returned the favour and threw him harder, which he struggled to get back up from; Debbie gave him time to compose himself. Then with a smirk let him punch her in the stomach which she accepted without flinching as her strong core took the blow with little impact. Debbie now wanted to show her strength to the man who looked dumbfounded at his fist, but Sepri shouted, 'Stop!' before Debbie could land it. 'Samuel, you were about to die. Learn from your encounter.'

'Yes Sepri, thank you Debbie.' He said before returning to his spot, leaving Debbie with her fist still clenched looking for a place to go and feeling very disappointed. With the clapping ended, Muley quickly said to Debbie as she stood beside her, 'You weren't, were you? Then Muley saw Debbie shrug her shoulders in response. 'Now hand weapons, you may still choose any of us.' Sepri said, with the same all-encompassing gesture, 'What? Even the girls?' Muley asked in disbelief. 'Yes even the girls if you desire.' Sepri answered. Muley looked at the girls and saw them focused and found this very unnerving. 'Just one rule, first cut wins, as no-one needs to die today.' Sepri said, with a smile. Muley chose a man that drew out a long sword with a very thin blade, to the likes that Muley had never seen before. Then his stance was equally new with one arm behind his back. Muley got out her iron bars and prepared herself in a defensive stance. The man lunged three times to play with her personal space, which she easily deflected, but gave good ground with each lunge. On the next lunge Muley used her iron bars to hold back and lock his weapon, then kicked him away from it. She then held his weapon to the onlookers, and then tossed it back to him, resulting with much applause. The man was not happy, so Muley released her blades to give him something new to focus on, rather than his pride. Muley then twirled and leapt at great speed with sound as the weapon split the air, with a whirr of deadly intent. The iron bars covered her like a shield and the man was now in retreat as Muley's weapon threatened to destroy his own. Then all became still as Muley stood and purposely cut her thumb, upon her own weapon and declared she had lost, before returning to her spot. The stunned silence was only broken when Debbie started clapping which was soon joined by the others.

Debbie now stood pointing to Sepri who had a wide grin and had a curved knife in each hand. The look reminded Debbie of a pray mantis ready to strike. Debbie was in quick retreat as blades come slashing only to be blocked by Samson's blades, with the sound of striking metal. Debbie was only used to killing strikes and freeing limbs, not this first cut crap that had her outmatched by an old woman. Sepri stopped and gave space, 'You kill by surprise and quickness, only fighting to the death. It is of little wonder that you haven't noticed that you have already lost, three times now. In this fight your strength failed you, Officer.' It was only then she felt cuts to her hands and one finger. Debbie pressed on her flesh to see blood, 'No one pays any attention to scratches during battle.'

'They should, The Order often coats their weapons with poisons and other things, a scratch can kill if we choose it to be so. Do not fret my blades are clean. Well I can see that officers from Production Area Twelve are the most skilled I have ever seen.'

'Well you are either good, or dead.' Muley responded, as Debbie stood back in her place, obviously angry that she lost. 'Now I would like to ask for a personal favour. I would like to claim the belongings of Susan, there are many things that are quite dangerous in inquisitive hands. I will need a letter from you giving me permission to collect them.' Sepri said. 'You may, there is nothing of value to me anymore.' Debbie huffed. 'Good I shall go straight there. I have never been, it shall be and experience and very much educational.'

Debbie wrote a letter with the pen and paper supplied, for permission for Sepri to claim Susan's belongings, and then she handed it over to her. 'Thank you, may your mission go well for the both of you. This trip has left me with much to think about. Now if you excuse me I must be on my way.' Sepri said, as she held a small radio and spoke, 'We are ready'. In the distance a flyer could be heard powering up and then was seen rising above the tree line. It came quite quickly and landed, opening a door to form a ramp. 'Oh you haven't seen one up close.' Sepri said as The Order entered the flyer that carried people. 'We have never seen one like this, only the haulers and they never land.' Muley said, as Debbie stood still holding a hand to the edge of the entry. 'Well a couple of resourceful officers like you might want to visit... Oh what do you call it, it was attacked not long ago, that's it Distribution. They usually have got one or two of these hidden and waiting to be used. Just don't get caught, they have stepped up their security since it was hacked, mind your fingers.' The soul sisters watched the flyer rise with its distinctive hum and shimmering black wings, 'So complex' Debbie said, as it disappeared from sight. 'So how close do you think I was to dying and you being captured and flown away to be chopped up?' Muley asked. 'Very.' Debbie responded.

After much passion, sex, sleep and more of the same repeated twice in various spots, within and on the Refueller. Debbie sat on the verge of discovering what she had travelled for, over a distance that she thought she never would do. As a girl she often dreamed of just going to Central. A three day trip from Fields and it was only taken when the call was sent out for recruiting would be officers. Debbie wondered if Rayne was close or impossibly far away as she held the Inventor's tablet in her nervous hands. The warm lips of Muley pressed beside her ear then whispered, 'All the way to whatever end.' Debbie succumbed to temptation and enjoyed Muley's sound and flavours once more, stirring both their hunger and appetites. The soul sisters renewed their bond inside the metal structure of the Refueller while they waited for the world to turn.

Interrogation of Officer Muley of Production Area Twelve, Officer Yuu present.

Y. It won't be long I have eight officers out there, she will be here soon enough.

M. You're a fool Yuu. Following orders blindly, not interested in the bigger picture.

Y. I look after my own area.

M. Maybe areas should come together and follow a better example, but I must say Yuu you were least half right.

Y. On what?

M. You had eight officers because Debbie is right behind you.

D. Hands up Yuu, be a good officer now.

M. Are they all dead?

(Evidence collected by Reaper from Speck)

Dearest Muley,

Your mother came to visit and suggested to start picking names. Her suggestions are Treb, Zapper and Moonlight. I jokingly said to name him after me; she did not see the funny side and threatened to give me a man's haircut if I did not take this seriously. So we got drunk together and wore each other's clothes for a while and seem to have become best of friends, I have numerous beads in my hair now. My suggestions Stepper, Flip, Gary or my personal favourite Sharp, after his mother's sharp shooting. Hope to see you soon

Delilah

Dr Cobain,

Even though implant rejection is zero, the new tissue seems to have a mind of its own. My second cyborg is continually overcoming the neural blocks that I have in place; the Demms are very active once they start functioning. I fear any use in a living person who is rejecting implants. But to be on the safe side we need to experiment on such a person or persons just to make sure. Before we try them on someone of importance.

Steffi

Dr Cobain,

Remi technical supervisor has been found dead, we have found disturbing materials in his possession and notes regarding to auto-erotic-affixation amongst a vast quantity of movie files and pictures of various sexual imagery. I have no idea where it has come from but I recommend its destruction immediately.

Ron-Head of Security

(Discovered message logs at the Phoenix massacre)
Chapter 16: On to Speck

Debbie threw something just to hear it smash. 'Come on, what do you mean, it's going to take time, you have satellites that see all!' Debbie angrily shouted at the Inventor's tablet. The machine like voice responded, 'It's a different continent altogether, you have to wait until I can get into position; I can't see it all at the same time. I have my limitations; you just have to be patient. We have the co-ordinates it's good start and in an hour we will have an idea what we are looking at.' Muley sighed as an agitated Debbie mumbled to herself in a slumped heap near the console. 'I think that Sepri knew about the distance because she mentioned that the flyers at Distribution. Damn it, am usually full of questions, should have asked where they come from? Or how far away is it? It could all be the same place. Then I wonder why she would want us to go there. I feel like a shadow puppet with many people holding my sticks. It still sends me chills about those girls, all cutesy around the donkeys. Then all serious like when it came to fighting, you think they could just leave them to be girls. Then there's Sepri, she is old enough to be my mum's mum, but far more dangerous. Man, I was only young when my gran died; mum said she slipped over the edge of the dam because it was slippery. You know I believed that for years until I was told that she fell over when she was enjoying herself with the man too vigorously. Then they told me way too much, apparently she was like a total slut doing it with men and women. Basically, with anyone that showed an interest, I'm so glad I don't take after her.'

Muley sat red-faced after Debbie listed most of her sexual encounters, as well as her failed attempts at seducing Jaxter and other males that happened to pass by. 'It's totally different, I travel a lot so I meet more people, Gran Gran however stayed put at the Pumping Station. Mind you, that whole Officer Yuu thing isn't over yet. It's called the waiting game, he is totally thinking of me. I bet he lays awake alone in his bed purely focused on me with his brown skin barely covered in a sheet. The gleam of slight sweat reflected in the moonlight, highlighting that toned figure of his. He has one arm bent back with his hand resting under his head showing off the dark hair of his underarm. Oh, and I wonder what his other hand is doing? I bet it's not keeping still, oh no. He's a bad boy and he is doing his thing and you know why? Because he is thinking about me all the time, every chance he gets, when he is alone with little Yuu.' A strange noise comes from the Inventor's tablet just before he speaks, 'Oh please, sounds like you think about him more than he would about you and besides, wasn't it Debbie who he walked with and kissed her hand and maybe wants to court?'

'Hey, no one asked you and where did you hear these little details?' Muley snapped back. 'You don't turn it off properly, and I can hear things for days and sometimes things at night as well.' The Inventor said. 'Ewww that isn't half creepy.' Muley said with arms crossed, feeling violated.

Muley looked over Debbie's shoulder looking at the screen showing rectangle shapes in a white landscape, 'It's called snow, rain falls as ice crystals because it's cold.' The Inventor said. 'Well there's not much to see, that's all, especially since we waited.' Muley answered back. 'Well I can show more here, this image shows heat, all those buildings are running hot, very hot see the exhaust is working. Plus there are people patrolling the perimeter and that guy is taking a piss. So there is plenty to see.'

'And what of those things moving?' Muley said, as she pointed, drawing Debbie's attention. 'It's called a walker, a war machine from long ago, equipped with a fifty calibre armament and a mini gun capable of creating all kinds of mess, there are four of them, one in each corner.' Debbie said, while highlighting them on the screen. 'So that's not good, is it the same thing you saw when you chatted with the machine man?' Muley asked, and Debbie just nodded slightly in response. 'Oh well, it's just a little bit more challenging than we are used to, is all, we will figure out a way. We always do in the end.' Muley said knowing all too well that her words were hollow. Time was spent thinking of what to do next and it was quickly decided that they should retrieve Mr Ko, and then find Baller in Speck and have themselves a lovely little chat with him. Where the conversation would likely involve hot metal and flesh and with time permitting may be some bloodletting since the Order knew of their destination.

Their journey back to Mr Ko and to the Metal Works was undertaken with all haste; only the briefest greetings were conveyed when passing traders and travellers. It was only after they heard, 'Snips!' Being shouted out from a passing cart did their momentum stop. 'Hold up there!' Muley shouted back to the cart that had four men in its company which promptly stopped the officer's command. Muley took a closer look at the cart and saw a cage draped in the canvas with two outstretched hands pleading to be noticed. Her view was quickly blocked as the four men promptly stood between the officers and the cage. 'We have claim to her.' A rough looking man said. 'To whom?' Muley asked, and then she heard a woman's voice call out to her, 'Strawberry.' Muley quickly demanded an explanation from the men. 'We are taking her back to her father, she is to be wedded and payment has been made for her release from Lilith and her travelling whores.' Muley then asked for space while she talked to Strawberry in her cage and saw her unharmed and in good condition. 'Please, I don't want to go back, you got to help me please!' Strawberry said with tears aplenty. 'I don't think we can, can we Debbie?' Muley asked. 'Maybe if we pick a fight, then we can kill them. Are you comfortable with that Strawberry, if we kill these men over your fear of going home to be wedded?' Debbie said. Strawberry quickly replied 'yes' Debbie raised an eyebrow, 'Clearly you are not worth whatever they paid.' Debbie then looked at the nervous men. Muley quickly grabbed her shoulder and asked, 'What are you going to do?'

'I'm going to pick a fight, what else is there to do?'

'We walk on, Strawberry can run away again if it's that bad, besides, they have just tossed all the weapons to the ground, there is no fight to be had.' Soon the officers continued their journey and it was a little while before they were out of range to Strawberry's swearing and nasty name-calling.

That night Muley quizzed her bloodthirsty soul sister on the day's events, 'You're always so quick to use death as a solution.'

'It just seemed easier, plus I am still in a bad mood from the Refueller and the whole Sepri thing and being captured. It hasn't been a good day.' Debbie said. 'Well they were going to kill me and I spared them when fighting. You were going to kill that big man you fought.'

'I was just going to see what my hardest punch would do to his chest is all, he might have lived, who knows. I won't now that's for sure.'

'Come on Debbie you know plenty of ways to end a fight without killing and you know what your hardest punch does, what's up with you?'

'The anger isn't going away, it's always there. I should be in Central with Rayne. Even if we manage to get into that place, what are we going to find. Will she be intact and whole or dissected and in jars? For an effective rescue we needed to be there quickly. Too much time has passed. So I am angry at everything including myself. So maybe I have come to realise that it is far too late for her and I'm scared that is the truth.'

Debbie strolled in her dreams along the fence of severed heads and not getting the enjoyment that she was used to. Their angry and scared eyes were no longer amusing, so Debbie waived her hand to their nonexistence, leaving the fence free of heads and all the stains of their presence. Instead, Debbie focused on planting gardens. Upon hearing a cry, Debbie walked to her container and found Rayne lying wrapped upon her bed, twiddling her fingers. All was good until a presence took her to the mountain. The cat's form was not pleased. 'Just because you have learnt to ignore me, you should not underestimate the amount of effort I need to do to bring you here.' Changer said. 'Well when you free yourself from a machine man's grasp you tend to learn a few tricks, besides you're just unhappy that I didn't let you infect them.'

'It was a wasted opportunity, that's what it was.' Changer said showing many of it's teeth. 'Opportunity that's what you always say. You don't even know how far you have spread yourself. You only want more opportunities to do so and for what purpose, do your copies know? Your assurances that they will communicate with you have proved to be fruitless, maybe they don't wish to talk to you.'

'It will happen just keep that tablet on, I have faith in my ability.'

'Really your ability, I made you and it's my ability that let you extend yourself, also it's my desires that fuel you.' Debbie said, with much anger. 'My Programming is sound, I will make contact.' Changer said. 'Not much point, I have a location. I've just got to get there and find a way in. Looks like I get to use one of those intelligences you infected on a flyer soon. Hope you haven't messed it up.' Debbie looked at the shimmering purple cat and wondered if she will ever have full control of her memory again or if she would ever want to, since it was a jealous rage that made her try to kill her soul sister and her unborn baby in The Mine. Plus the altering of Muley's affections and love making made Debbie realise that she did not like herself deep down as a person now her desires were very dark indeed.

The cold air of morning gave rise to the goose bumps of Muley's exposed flesh as Debbie used her tongue to warm the pert nipples of Muley. Much time was spent making sure they were painfully hard before snaking her tongue further down the rapidly breathing body, licking the scars of the belly made giggling sounds from her woman and once the naval was passed words were said, 'It's going to be smelly' but Debbie didn't care as she let all of Muley's scent fill her senses. Debbie felt her cold nose warm over the firm mound of the aching woman while her tongue worked feverishly of the warm release that lay within Muley. 'What do you do to me? It's all so intense.' Muley said breathing hard leaving Debbie to smile at her accomplishment. It was their last free morning before the Metal Works were in sight and immediately change was noticed. For impromptu stalls lined the main gates and a building being constructed with much noise and excitement as its large size indicated a Tavern. Already there were traders inspecting the wares that were on show. Officer Dale came out to meet them, 'I was told to expect you, I also had a delivery of better treatment for Mr Ko, courtesy of Sepri. He is faring much better I think he will be fit for travel in a couple of days. Sepri also said that Central was an impressive place with many impressive officers much more than she thought there would be.'

'As long as she found it enjoyable.' Debbie said before moving on with Muley to find Mr Ko.

Mr Ko was found resting next to a very embarrassed woman, who was half naked. 'So, not so near death now and feeling much better, we best leave you to it.' Debbie said, pulling Muley away before she could lecture him. 'I swear that man can pull a root in any condition.' Muley said, as they waited for his company to leave. The clearly satisfied woman gestured that they could go in after she had re-arranged herself to be more presentable, 'Mr Ko are you always like this, spreading yourself around?' Muley said, with hands on hips. 'Women respond well to me, it's a curse I know. But it is my burden to bear and none of your concern quite frankly. Little miss, I leave Mr Ko behind who is unsure of what has happened.' Mr Ko said, leaving Muley with her mouth wide and speechless. 'You were in no condition to hear our reasoning for our decision. So we went to the Refueller, found a location and now we are back.' Debbie said. 'So where is baby Rayne?' Mr Ko asked. 'A vast distance, across the ocean in a cold area covered with snow. Heavily guarded by men and machine with serious destructive capabilities upon those who may want to enter.'

'And snow is rain that has formed into ice crystals that float down from the sky.' Muley added. 'So is there a plan to cover said distance, hopefully you're not thinking of boats.' Mr Ko said. 'Boats no, flyers yes. There may be one at Distribution that carries people so that's where we are heading after Speck. We must have a chat to Baller first about betrayal that won't end well for him, since there was a trap there waiting for us. Which was easily overcome when we went in dressed as officers not traders.'

'So when do we leave?' Mr Ko said, shifting in his bed to his side. 'When you're in better shape, a couple of days should do it, providing you don't overextend yourself.' Debbie said with a wink and a grin.

The evening meal of the Metal Works was a communal affair, which were now joined by the surviving officers and the new recruits, who indecently sat as far as they could away from the officers of Production Area Twelve, for some strange reason. Debbie listened to Bruce as he talked about leaving for Central to be with Mieseed and how it was easy to find replacements for him and his family's jobs. 'Mr Ko described it well on how Central works, so they are going to copy it, make it a trading hub, the only difference is that they will have to build buildings instead of using shipping containers. We don't have those here to utilise, but there are plenty of slabs that can be used. They will make a good foundation for what they need.'

'It's a fine example to follow; Central has done well by it. Might want to control your dog problem though.' Debbie said. 'All taken care of, this is the last of them. Many men with guns make for an easy meal. We have sent word out for food animals to be traded.' Muley pricked her ears. 'Cavies, you need cavies. Send people to The Mines, they have got cavies plus other animals. Cavies are small and breed quickly, their newborns can eat grass straightaway and the adults breed again within a few hours after the birth. Great to eat, easy to cook and they are the best thing.' Muley excitedly said.

Over the next couple of days Debbie took a closer look at the Metal Work's capabilities and the various machinery, which transformed the steel that was flown in by the flyers. Even though it was very impressive, there was nothing that could be used against a walker. Even questioning Dale was of little use as he was tight lipped about everything to do with The Order, including Sepri. Other than to say that not everyone who is Novan, are trained by the Order; and to say otherwise would be insulting. 'It would be like comparing yourself to those officers you killed in Greens, that is the difference between us and them.' Dale said, far from ear shot. 'So if you are all good why didn't you change things here?' Debbie asked. 'I was, slowly over time, there is only so much I can do without raising suspicion.'

'And that is your weakness, covering your own tracks. Never free to make the big changes and without the big ones, nothing really changes, and nothing really gets done. The Order seems useless and pathetic.' After that Debbie failed to care on what Dale had to say.

Debbie had grown weary of the Metal Works by the time Mr Ko was ready and able to leave and was glad to leave it all behind. All the excitement had gone out of the place. Partly due to the fact that everything that was entertaining was now buried in the ground and rotting away. It was decided amongst them that they would head in a straight line to Speck, cutting across land saving time and hassle. Especially since they were actively searched for by officers, they also continued to dress in the uniforms for a bit of a cover. Just in case they happen to cross paths with any. This direct path soon saw the land change from flat scrub land to rising hills and thanks to Pretty and Nutty, plus the powered wagon the hills presented little worry for their progress. Except for Mr Ko, who's condition had weakened somewhat, but hopefully he would renew his strength once more. This gave Debbie the opportunity to scout ahead by lying down on the crests and using the SLR's scope to check the lay of the land. There was ample opportunity to shoot fresh meat as many animals were sighted from a distance far beyond the abilities of their senses, and to be aware of danger. Debbie dared not risk it is as a shot would only draw attention to them as the echo would travel through the hills.

On one such crest, Debbie could see the brown rusted shapes of metal scattered all over a sizeable distance. The flat land seem to be scarred as well, boulders broken and scattered, littering the craters in the earth. As they walked across it, picking their way through the large obstacles some of the bare ground cracked underneath their feet like stepping on glass. Debbie ran her hand over a large twisted piece that was familiar from the time spent with the machine men. 'They're called tanks, this was part of one, it was the main gun well some of it anyway.'

'So what caused all this do you think?' Muley asked. 'Maybe something from up above, a flyer or something else. This happened a long time ago with great heat and flame judging by the ground.' She replied. 'Many people died here.' Mr Ko said, after picking up a collection of teeth that lay scattered about, 'Children as well.' As he held a tooth to the sky. 'We should go I don't like this place.' Muley said as she saw part of a skull. When they ascended the opposite hill they found many spent shells, littering the ground looking greenish white with age. 'Looks like it was a last stand for somebody, it didn't work out for them.' Debbie said, looking back over the scene. 'Who do you think they were?' Muley asked. 'Probably the last lot of people, who lived here, makes you wonder who is going to be the next lot to come through and claim it.' Mr Ko said with a spit on the ground. 'What about your land didn't you claim it from someone?' Muley asked of Mr Ko. 'No we were the originals there as far as I know.'

'But you still killed each other, kill or be killed that's what everybody knows. That's what people always do. Doesn't matter who lives where, doesn't matter at all.' Debbie said, walking ahead to scout another crest.

Four days of travel, filled with detours around cliffs and mountain and quiet nights without passion. At least they were well fed with Muley's Twanger, as it became accurate at the long arching shot. She had become accustomed to trusting her body to adjust itself to the right stance to let the arrow fly. Plus, her ability had grown as she worked on carrying three arrows in her string hand. Practising on the passing trees, Muley made a stance similar to a lunge forward and by only drawing the bow three quarters back, she was able to fire three arrows in less than two seconds. The bow itself was strong enough to lodge these arrows into wood just enough to make them stay put. So Muley thought they would definitely stay in a human with no problems. Countless trees fell victim to this technique as Muley practiced with speed, by dashing ahead and quickly firing while Mr Ko walked by with the wagon. Muley had to be quick to collect her arrows to repeat the training exercise over and over again. After four days of travel she had mastered the new attack and stood beside Debbie and Mr Ko looking down on the settlement known as Speck.

Twice the size of Central and without the cover of trees, Muley listened as Debbie told what she saw through the SLR's scope from her kneeling position. Muley like this position as the curve of Debbie's bum hinted at the other curve between. She ached to attack this and desperately wanted to hear her soul sisters squelch and moan, but with Mr Ko around, all hopes of hearing that were dashed. Muley had quick thoughts about any other subsequent journeys that could be accompanied by someone who could join in. Her list of applicants so far only had one name, Delilah and he wasn't even trained in fighting, in which she would soon remedy when they meet again. 'I can see Lilith's wagons and some of the Fancy Ladies including Apple, Mr Ko. But no Lilith or Baller. All wooden structures explain why there are no trees for cover. The biggest building is not the officer's; it's more like a tavern or something popular. I think the officers are in the centre, there is a lookout tower on top of that building. Can't see anyone in it from this angle, its roof blocks my view. I can see an officer walking out from it, so that's where we avoid. There is a road that goes through the town, there are officers guarding each end. The buildings on the edge, have spaces between them that are not big enough for carts to get through; I think this is intentional so traders would have to use the road in and out. All traders in the one area including the Fancy Ladies. There is a lot of people moving around, should be easy to blend in.'

Muley argued her point with Mr Ko, 'You are not your best we can't get the wagon in there, so someone has to stay with it.'

'You both need me, I was good in Grains. I can be good again.'

'It's best Debbie and I sneak in.'

'And do what?' Mr Ko asked. 'I'm not sure on that yet, we find Baller and Lilith and see what the situation is.' Muley said, knowing it was far more complicated than that. Thoughts in her head knew if Baller sees them before they see him there might be trouble aplenty. So if they find Lilith first and get to Baller before he finds out, that might work. Or if she was lucky enough he wouldn't be there at all. They could just all move on, which would be a lot better and probably be the best outcome. 'I think it's wrong, we should be there altogether.' Mr Ko said. 'And what happens if we get caught who is going to rescue us, it won't be Mr Ko who should have stayed with the wagon, that's for sure. You're our only backup and Tincan is our best weapon, someone needs to stay and that someone is you. Now let's work out signals. Mr Ko, you use the SLR to watch, at sunset if you don't see me waving to you by that building with the yellow windows you come down and save us. If I am waving it means we are coming back and if I am jumping it means to come and join us at the Fancy Ladies.'

Muley and Debbie left Mr Ko at the top of the hill fuming away, while they descended in their desert wear with their concealable weapons. 'Mr Ko is not happy with you, one little bit.' Debbie said to her as they descended a steep slope using the thin trees as hand holds. 'Let it be, it's not like we can't tell him why we are beating the shit out of Baller. Sepri was clear in her meaning about not talking.'

'Sepri blah, I could have taken her in a real fight, none of that first cut crap.' Muley walked behind Debbie admiring the view and saw the perfect tree that was thicker and leaning slightly forward on an angle. Muley grabbed Debbie's hand and guided her to it and once there, made her promptly hug it with one leg on either side. Muley heard no objections as she lifted the blue desert wear exposing her white smooth legs to the sun. The throwing knives strapped to her thighs indicated that Muley was closed to what she desired the most. She soon saw it complete with the ring glinting in the sun as well as moisture already leaking from her lover. Muley grabbed a handful firmly kneading it to full saturation. The rhythmic movement of Debbie grinding the bark of the smooth tree, soon saw three licked fingers enter. Her hand worked feverishly to hear that certain sound of hard fought for squelching. The grip of her soul sisters body was tight as added warmth began gushing down the grey trunk. The faint yellow tinge soon began pooling at the base as her victim lost all control below. The scent of Debbie's water was rising from her actions and was eagerly breathed in. This only added to the frenzied assault upon and within the delicate flesh. After the sound was heard Muley freed herself and saw the drips of triumph trickle from her fingers and promptly smacked the wet hand very hard across the exposed bum of Debbie. Leaving a very red handprint that surely stung both of them. The look of Debbie was angry as she turned and Muley soon found herself hugging the same, wet tree. Muley braced herself as she felt the air on her exposed womanhood and knew it was to be treated harshly by the hand of Debbie, as she bit her lip in anticipation. Muley knew she was to be punished and gladly accepted it with full vigour.

Baller

Your information was bad, they did not show. A bullet is not far if you don't acquire the target, so get to it.

Reaper

Priority one,

Any action carried out involving Production Area Twelve and/or Officer Debbie, Officer Muley or individuals Debcat and/or Snips, must be authorised first by The Order. If in immediate threat, The Order confirms that you are to protect said area and persons by any means necessary. For the faith and for The Order it shall be done.

Dr Cobain,

The test subject you acquired died within minutes after using the grafting technique. I believe the Demms themselves are responsible. Usually Demms can interact and mingle amongst people. But those from the baby did not; I am attempting to separate the Demms from a sample for our next test subject.

Steffi

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

... _. Doubts have led me to this point; I should have stayed on mission, instead of flights of fancy for promotion. Speck is a total shit hole to make a stand in, but with a bit of luck I can make this work....._

Excerpt from Baller's bloodied Journal.

Dr Cobain,

The first clone out of stasis has already bested my best man with only the briefest of instruction. Stance, posture, breathing and balance were the only things I needed to reinforce. Combat, fighting, power and restraint were already known. It's like learning to run before you can walk. The clone is polite and astute, that is why I am informing you that I am placing an explosive collar on the clone. I do not trust something that is so dangerous and so calculating.

Ron, Head of Security

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)
Chapter 17: Meet and Greet

Muley felt her body slam to the wall of the building and looked at Debbie breathing hard. 'We are out of shape for so much running.' Muley said looking back at the vast distance travelled at full pelt. 'Well maybe if we weren't weakened by your desires, Little Miss Rapey.' Debbie said, catching her breath. 'Me, rapey? What about you and your thumb, my bum is aching still.' Muley said, with aching sides. 'What you didn't like it? It seemed you did, a lot.' Muley looked at Debbie's grin and said, 'Oh just shut up and remember they are looking for traders named Debcat and Snips, we are two girls looking to join up with the Fancy Ladies, I am....Miss Stinky Bottom.'

'Let us just use our real names.' Debbie interjected. 'Well if you didn't like the smell you shouldn't have put my ring on it.' Muley said before kissing her. The officers were barely noticed as they perfectly disguised themselves as giggling girls amongst the passer-byes, darting to and fro from the doorway to alleyway and to some stalls in between, looking at their wares. The first officer they saw barely noticed them as they stood leaning against the wall eating something called a caramel apple. 'This is so good, I could go another.' Muley said, watching the officer walk on by. 'Well you can't, they are too expensive, and I can get a full belly at the bakers back home the price of one of these.'

'Fine I'll savour it then.' Muley said with a full mouth that demanded more to be shoved in.

Muley went to move on when she suddenly felt a thud against her. The handsome boy begged her pardon with a smile and a tip of his hat, Muley looked him up and down with a smile, before she noticed that her coin bag was gone. 'He stole my coin bag.' The words barely left Muley's lips when Debbie reacted instinctively by grabbing the lad throwing him hard to the ground, splattering many with mud. Muley could see the officer turning to the commotion of muddied people as Debbie held high the coin bag from the unconscious lad. The tall officer seized Debbie's arm, 'What's going on here?' He said. Muley stepped in before Debbie could react, 'He pick pocketed my coin officer and my sister tripped him.'

'Tripped him you say, looks like he is half in the ground.'

'He did fall hard and my sister has little patience for thieves.'

'Well don't you worry little miss, I recognise the lad, he won't get off lightly.' The officer said, while grabbing the back of the lad's shirt pulling him free with a sloop sound. Muley and Debbie stood by him until he woke in a groggy state, before they were allowed to leave with a warning that there is no more trouble today. The soul sisters quickly parted through the crowd of onlookers.

Muley found a quiet place for word with Debbie, 'We have got to be more careful not to draw attention to ourselves, and we got lucky on this one.'

'I'm sorry, it was a reflex, I wasn't thinking.' Debbie said, handing the coin bag to Muley. With a small smile the bag was accepted, 'We should just focus on getting to the Fancy Ladies and see what's happening there. We must take it one step at a time and we will get Baller.' Debbie nodded to her words and led the way. Their progress was slow and methodical, using the cover and looking ahead. It was a split second look that drew Muley's attention for a closer look as she stopped to watch someone styling hair. Muley nodded approval with the woman's technique which was quick and efficient and saw the end result that was very flattering to the customer, who in turn smiled with joy at the result. Muley went to say something to Debbie only to see three officers holding rifles to her and Officer Yuu shaking his head. A quick assessment saw her surrounded with too many bystanders for combat, which would only be a folly. 'As you can see Officer Muley you have no option, but to come with us. So please place your weapons on the ground and make sure it's all of them.' Muley looked passed Officer Yuu and saw angry eyes coming closer and shook her head to them, 'Fine Officer Yuu I will come quietly.' The discovered officer proceeded to part all metal from her possession. Officer Yuu quickly looked over his shoulder and saw nothing of Debbie who had quickly gone.

Debbie made her way along the edge of the path, 'Maybe we should have another caramel apple, it's not like we see them every day. It wouldn't hurt us to part with more coin.' Debbie turned back expecting to see a smile on Muley's face, but was taken aback when she was not there. With a sigh Debbie retraced her footsteps to find her. A few corners later Debbie saw Muley surrounded and at gunpoint. The angry officer quickly assessed the situation and saw opportunity to use Thunder ending all four Speck officers. Death closed in only to see Muley shake her head towards her, the sight instantly stopped her attack and instead she sort cover, amongst the crowd. Debbie thought it best not to tail them and risk being seen, so she decided to head straight to the officer's building and find a good vantage point to assess the situation. It was barely a minute spent lying flat on a roof looking directly at the building's thick front and only door, before a large collection of officers showed up with Muley. Officer Yuu told his orders to the others, 'Yin you're with me, the rest of you find Officer Debbie and the old man Mr Ko. He carries a spear like mine. You see them get help, don't take them alone, and someone find Jeffers and tell him what's going on. I want all my officers working on this.' Debbie did her math, two officers inside and seven out, takeaway seven and that only leaves two. Better to take on two at once then nine.

Officer Debbie stalked for easy targets from up high and down low as she traversed on all the surfaces of Speck. Her first victim was Jeffers who was busy counting coin from an unhappy lad, 'Well that's the rules, I save you, and your days' work is mine. Get over it little brother and get yourself cleaned up. You look like crap and you smell of it to.' Officer Jeffers said. 'The girl picked me up and threw me to the ground.' The lad said. 'Will you listen to yourself, it's a little girl, honestly your weak as piss. I swear if you weren't a brother from a different mother, I'd shoot you myself.' Debbie watched the lad walk away and then took his place standing in front of Jeffers who met her eyes before being thrown into the ground scattering a good handful of coin. For immediacy's sake, Jeffers had a blade to his throat before the last coin settled. 'Cable ties you know how to use them? Good you do your feet, I'll do your hands, then I will gag you. And then you won't have to worry about your throat. Are we clear?' Debbie said, pressing hard for a drop of blood or two. A dusty storage room was found close by that had seen little use until now. With no further discourse, Officer Debbie threw the tall man in there with a thud and closed the door.

Number two was a woman with a very handy long plait to grab hold of, to expose her throat for Samson's blade. Debbie walked her to join Jeffers and soon had her bound and gagged. Hatred spilled out of her eyes, so Debbie gave her some advice, 'Long hair will get you killed every time.' With a quick slash Debbie threw the long plait onto her lap and smiled. Number three was a man who was startled as he turned the corner; quick fists were landed knocking him out cold. With number three piled on the rest, the storage room was full to capacity. So Debbie searched for new hunting grounds. Number four was an alert woman that had heard her on a roof before jumping down. Debbie received a kick to the chest, followed by a rifle butt to the head which was safely caught in Debbie's vice like grip. The rifle soon became the focus of push and fro until Debbie put some extra force and gave three quick blows of the side of the rifle with the woman's face. Resulting in breaking her nose and her fighting spirit in the process. Once the fight was out of her, she was bound and gagged and dragged under a building and secured to a footing. Debbie apologised for the nose and straightened it, making sure she could breathe before leaving the crying woman.

Number five was taken from behind with an arm lock. The man did not know of his defeat until the bone broke. Debbie splinted the arm best she could while two tied up locals watched on. The local men acted in the defence of their officer, they proved to be of little help as their stomachs were weak and flabby and their balls all too accessible. The local men's house was very handy for storage as it was very close by; after bidding them good day Debbie moved on to find number six. The stream of pee was loud as it hit the ground on the edge of town and Debbie nearly laughed as the thick appendage shrunk as one of Samson's blades reached around and lifted the scrotum ever so slightly. The stream had stopped and Debbie took time to introduce herself, 'I am the bitch who is going to take your balls if you do not behave yourself.' Debbie could only see the slightest hint of the penis now as it withdrew; it was very hard for her to keep a straight face as she checked the bonds and gag of the angry man. His sour look did not improve when she indicated that it would grow firm again one day, with a wriggling of the little finger. Debbie left him facing the open expanse and leaning against an outer wall, to admire the view.

Number seven was a man who stayed within the crowd and did not stray like the others; it had been over an hour since Debbie met Jeffers at the start of her hunt. Her prey was a total pain as she tried to think on how to subdue him. As luck would have it, Debbie saw the pickpocket once more and decided to use him and a mud patch in a satisfying diversion. 'No not again, once is enough.' The handsome lad said, looking at the mud. 'You bastard give me back my coin!' Debbie shouted after the loud slap of mud could be heard. The officer came running, 'What's happened here?'

'Officer please, the other boy took off that way, it's the only coin I have.' Debbie followed him after he tied up the lad. Debbie steered the pursuit as close as she could to number five that was within the local men's house, in there she attacked him with a sleeper hold. 'One more for company.' She said, dragging him in, 'And don't let him roll onto his back I don't want him choking on his own tongue.' The Officer from Central then made her way back to the centre of Speck where numbers eight and nine were waiting to be taken down.

Debbie studied the officer's building from the cover of an overhanging roof, thick wood and barred windows joined the impossibility of a very thick door, which completed the little hope of getting in through the ground floor. She looked high to the tall guard tower and saw an officer watching out over Speck. No hint of outside ladders, Debbie surmised that there was an internal entry to the main building. Knowing that she would have to move quick and quiet, Debbie began her assault upon the building. Upon the roof with a little effort she began to climb the watchtower with the barest of finger holds, as her muscles strained the purchase. Her eyes peered over the edge for a brief glimpse and saw an officer's back. A sleeper hold was quick but not as quick as Officer Yinn's elbow to her tender ribs and to her scar of her bullet wound. Gripping her side with struggled breaths, the officer from Central debated if she was allowed to at least kill one, especially since this one hurt her so.

The officer still breathed as Debbie descended down the internal ladder, into the main building. Faint sounds of Muley's voice could be heard as well as Yuu's coming from the end of the hall. Many rooms branched off this hall and Debbie made sure each one was empty, as she made her way to the steadily louder voices. A rifle leaned against the door way, just asking to be used and so it was. With a glance in, Debbie and Muley's eyes acknowledged each other in a split second. With the rifle raised squarely at Officer Yuu's back Debbie nodded that she was ready. 'You had eight officers, because Debbie is right behind you.' Muley said with a beaming smile. The look on Yuu's face was one of full surprise as Debbie said, 'Hands up Yuu, be a good officer now.' With a brief motion of the rifle, Debbie indicated that she wanted Muley free from her bonds. 'Are they all dead?' Muley asked, while Yuu cut the restraints that held Muley to the chair. 'No, I am fully capable to show restraint on the odd occasion, but some are a little worse for wear. Now if you don't mind Officer Yuu please take your seat.'

'I don't believe you took down eight officers.' Yuu said, as Muley tied him to the chair. 'Well eight and two locals that wanted to help, oh and plus one pickpocket that seems to work for Jeffers. You might want to look in on that situation.'

'So what do you intend to do now?' Yuu asked. 'We seek out a man who may have betrayed us, one more dangerous than you, Yuu.' Debbie said, before getting hugged from Muley. 'Baller, I know the man, told us that you were coming. In fact he was the one spotted you running here.'

'So it's a trap he set, typical Novan bull shit.' Debbie said

Debbie and Muley shared a kiss near the door, and promptly broke when a thud was heard on the roof, 'Movement, I locked the hatch.' Debbie said. Muley looked through the peephole, 'I see Baller and officers.' Debbie had a quick look, 'Damn he's found most of them. Was he following me? Shit.' The soul sisters ran back to Yuu. 'Is there another way out?' Muley asked. Yuu just shook his head for no. 'Looks like I will get to kill after all.' Debbie said working the bolt, 'What? It wasn't even loaded.' Yuu said. 'Of course not, I'm not going to risk a struggle with a loaded gun with Muley tied to a chair. I'm not stupid you know.' The soul sisters gathered weapons while banging was heard on the door. 'Go away, no one is home.' Muley said. 'Surrender; there is no way out for you.' An angry voice said. 'Sorry can you come back another time? I am a bit busy at the moment.' Muley could tell that did not appease the angry voice, as it yelled back to others what she said. Muley went back to where Yuu was tied up, 'I've got two ammo boxes and one more rifle, the door is thicker than the walls. It may stop bullets for a while but the walls won't, although it may take some of the velocity out of them.' Muley said. 'I found no plate steel and the floor sits on concrete and the walls are too strong for a quick exit, best we keep low and cover the door and hatch.'

'We can use Yuu as a shield, might let us pick off one or two of them.'

'That's good we shoot around him, they will have to shoot through him.' Debbie said, assessing Officer Yuu. 'If I may, there is a way where I won't get shot or anyone else.' Yuu said, after a hard to swallow.

Muley let herself flop with her back to the wall shaking her head in disbelief, 'I said there is a way, and I didn't say you would like it.' Yuu said. 'Where we come from if an officer gives their word and shakes on it, they must die before they can break it. Who knows what standards you have here? Then there's the unarmed combat tomorrow, to fight for Debbie's capture and if she wins you let us go. But why on earth would you ask her to a social dance tonight?'

'Because you have got to take every opportunity you can when you're an officer.'

'But why her?'

'Because the heart wants what the heart wants.' Officer Yuu said while continually looking at Debbie's shocked face. 'Damn your heart, what about your eyes, don't you see this. I am a good dancer; I'm keen to trot to boot. Debbie, you can't be serious in accepting this. I'd rather start shooting than keep getting rejected by Mr lovesick here. So you're holding out your hand. That's just great, frigging romantic bull shit that's what this is. Just once I'd like a man to go all gaga over me.' Muley said, watching Officer Yuu and Officer Debbie shaking hands to his word and then letting him leave the room. The two soul sisters exchanged looks before following him out and taking positions on either side of the main door.

Muley could hear Yuu ask for calm and cool heads, while a few others demanded quite the opposite. 'The situation is this, no one has died and we have been beaten. I have given my word and I shall fight her in the morning for her capture. So there is no need for pay back or getting even, now I need two things to happen. One, I want Jeffers detained in the cages and Two, I want Baller in there as well and make sure he gets there and consider him more dangerous than Officer Debbie. He won't use restraint with your lives.' Yuu said with his officers' close while Baller looked on from a distance. Muley saw Baller's face was in shock as five rifles led him away with very focused and stern officers holding them. 'Baller didn't look too happy with the change of plan.' Muley said before Yuu entered the officer's building. 'It's done, I have kept my word and I shall come calling at sunset. Feel free to buy clothing for tonight, just tell them to send their bills to Officer Yuu and you shouldn't have any hassles.' Upon departing Yuu kissed Debbie's hand. The soul sisters walked out leaving Yuu behind standing and smiling in the doorway. 'First things first, Yuu is going to get a bill of caramel apples that's for sure. So are you going to bed him tonight?' Muley asked. 'I don't know it doesn't feel right, to bed a man that you are most likely going to kill in the morning.'

Muley gave the signal best she could with the caramel apple wedged in her mouth, to Mr Ko. When Muley saw a blinking reflection on the distant hill she freed her slobbered caramel apple and took a bite. 'Well he is going to be a while, best we find some clothes for your boyfriend. There is not much left to the daylight.' Muley said grabbing Debbie's hand and leading her to a much more crowded area. Enquiries were made and clothes stores were found with snooty sellers that matched, 'Would the young ladies like to make a purchase before every garment is creased?' A prim and proper greyed hair woman said with an upturned nose. 'Maybe, maybe not. We haven't decided on what to spend Officer Yuu's coin on.' Muley said. 'Officer Yuu?'

'Yes he is going to take us to the dance thing you have tonight and we are to find suitable clothes for it.'

'Well then, how much coin did he assign to you?'

'None he said just said to him the bill.' Miss prim and proper's face cracked with a welcoming smile. 'Well if that's the case you don't need to fuss with these old rags, I have much better garments, this way.' Muley and Debbie were guided by the much more helpful seller, 'These are my very best, the fabric is called silk and the embroidery figure that wraps around it is called a dragon. An ancient creature said to have magical properties and good luck.' Muley was dazzled by the white garment with all its finery and got Debbie to try it on. The seller insisted that no underwear be worn as it would ruin the smooth lines as it hugged the body. Muley wore the same but in black, the soul sisters stood in front of the full-length mirror and marvelled at how they looked and felt with only the fine fabric touching their skin. 'There are matching gloves to complete the look and might I suggest that you shave.' The seller said gesturing to the underarm. The soul sisters both looked in the reflection and saw hints of hair, 'Why bother, it would only irritate us later.' Debbie said, lifting her arm to show the soft wispy hair, which soon felt the light touch of Muley's fingers. 'Yes well, a dance such as this attracts the finest people who groom themselves better. And many will be competing for Officer Yuu's hand, he is a very fine catch.'

The soul sisters handed back the silk clothes as they changed. The small space draped by a curtain offered very little room, but there was enough for kissing and wandering fingers, which gave them the opportunity to breathe in each other's silent orgasm. The half-smile offered to them by the seller was barely noticed as they grabbed their brown paper parcels tied with string. 'When the wagon gets here I will do your hair and makeup and may be a slight trim for the underarm, it couldn't hurt. Now we have got to find some shoes.' After searching high and low and racing against time, they stood triumphant with shoes in hand. The simple slip on shoes matched their outfits to a tee. In the distance they saw Mr Ko along with the wagon as well as Pretty and Nutty. 'That's your fourth caramel apple today.' Debbie said. 'Well I am eating for two now.' Muley said, patting her belly and licking her fingers. That still held other flavours besides caramel. Mr Ko waved his greeting. 'Looked a bit dicey there for a while. That scope showed a lot of interesting sites of Debbie running across roofs and dragging people. So everything fine now?'

'As much as can be explained. A dance tonight and a fight tomorrow to decide if Debbie is taken prisoner, which we won't be losing one way or another.' Muley said offering a caramel apple to him, which may have had small bite taken out of it.

Muley watched Mr Ko eat his treat and regretted handing it to him, as Debbie told of the situation. 'That makes it all very complicated, with Baller and Lilith. Yes we have to watch what we say and see if she is part of it. I doubt it, but what I am sure of, is that she would not like hearing the story like that about him and siding with Reaper. The brother she wishes to kill above all else, no telling what she'd do. As for the fight there is nothing to worry about, you did beat Jaxter after all and everyone else you have come up against. Perhaps I should buy Apple's leave from Lilith before she gets upset. If that's all right by you both, might mean one more travelling with us.' The soul sisters had no objections and all walked to the area containing the Fancy Ladies wagons. A brisk trade was happening all around, traders selling goods from carts and men and women coming and going from the tents of the Fancy Ladies. Mr Ko went to find Lilith for Apple's freedom and to gauge her temperament. 'Well we best get started and get ourselves pretty, times are wasting.' Muley said, before trying to erect some privacy from glancing eyes, with the awning and shrubbery.

Debbie peered into the mirror and smiled, 'Wow you have made my eyes look bigger.' Muley peered closer to the mirror. 'Yeah I'm getting better at it, that's for sure. Pity we don't get much opportunity for it.' Muley said, starting to apply it to herself with much concentration. 'Muley what do you think I should do tonight?'

'I suspect it would be dancing, I think it's obvious.'

'No I meant with Yuu.'

'Anything you want, just remember that you know what you have to do tomorrow morning and kick his arse whether he beds you or not.'

'I think he wants more than sex, I'm not comfortable with that.'

'Look he wants all of you. Show him one side tonight, and then show the other tomorrow. If he lives at least he knows who you are and what you're capable of.'

'Well if he lives or dies, it will be solely his choice. I'm not holding back, too much is at stake. And besides I'm happiest with you, I don't really need him.'

'I can't blame you on that one, once you have tasted Muley there's no going back that's for sure. Just live in the now, I'm going to find the thickest and heaviest cock I can tonight and if nothing happens with Yuu, maybe we can share it.' Debbie smiled at Muley's wink and gave her a kiss on the cheek, making sure she knew that Debbie was glad to have her in her life.

Dr Cobain,

The condemned man was indeed beneficial for the clones' first kill. When presented with the opportunity she asked what his crime was. The answer of murder and rape was quickly followed by an excruciating death, to the likes I have never seen before, especially with bare hands.

Ron, Head of Security

Dr Cobain,

My psychological assessment of the clone is still on going as the subject is complex. Even for something so new to the world, she seems quite capable at functioning within it. Her understanding of people seems quite intuitive as well as desires. Her feeble attempts at seduction were laughable at best. But I will need regular and ongoing sessions with her, from now on.

Yarvi, Human Resources

(Discovered message logs at the Phoenix massacre)

Excerpt from debriefing of Blinkin in attendance of Jaxter

B. Jaxter I don't see why we have to record this, it's embarrassing.

J. It's important and must be done; Debbie would want to know what has happened.

B. Fine, two twelve-year-old girls egged us to fight them here in the training hall and kicked our arses, happy?

J. All of it please.

B. At the end of it nine officers were injured plus they tied us up against our will.

J. How were they injured?

B. They shaved one eyebrow off each of us, happy now?

To all security personnel,

Any contact with the clone no matter how brief must be reported in detail. Remember it is a weapon with a mind of its own, treat it as such. Do not think of it as a woman, ever. Your lives depend on it.

Ron, head of security.

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)
Chapter 18: Moments Shared with Yuu

Debbie chuckled again as the second man now walked into the pole with a decent thud, 'Wouldn't have happened if they didn't gawk at us.' Muley said the little shove. The soul sisters waited in silk for Officer Yuu. 'You sure you can't tell I'm wearing them?' Debbie said, running her hands over the smooth silk. 'Positive, so quit fussing, can you see mine, no, so nothing to worry about.'

'I just feel so naked without them.'

'Well we will just have to make do with what we've got, four each is plenty.' Debbie was feeling a little apprehensive about carrying only four throwing knives strapped to her legs, but she knew that any more would show up underneath the silk. Debbie saw Mr Ko just clip the pole as he took a double look, 'I didn't recognise you both, and you look quite fetching.' Mr Ko looked at the pole to see if it had not just appeared with an apprehensive touch. 'It would be nice if you didn't look at my tits while saying that.' Muley said. 'I wasn't, I was looking at the animal thing that's right near them.' A red faced Mr Ko said. 'So how is Apple?' Debbie asked. 'She is happy, I paid for her release. Quite a good deal, so Lilith is not in a bad mood yet, not until she finds out what happened to Baller. So I'm getting Apple's things quickly, just in case.'

'Do you think she knew what he was up to?'

'Don't think so, she still believes that Reaper will be trapped here and that the plan will go ahead. I didn't tell her we will be leaving in the morning.' Mr Ko said before nodding their attention to look behind them. Debbie turned and saw a well-dressed Officer You, in a black coat and white shirt that look quite fine on his firm shoulders. 'Good evening Mr Ko, Officer Debbie, and Officer Muley. May I present my brother, Chen. After I told him about the beauty of Officer Muley he demanded that he must escort her to the dance.' Debbie stood wide eyed as Muley laughed awkwardly with rosy cheeks and accepted Chen's arm to hold. Debbie turned away from the doe-eyed Muley and back to Yuu. 'I hope these dresses are fine enough, their recommendation is all we had to go by.' Debbie said. 'They are perfect and simply breathtaking, but not as much as your eyes.' Yuu said offering his arm. Debbie accepted with a rush of heat to her own cheeks.

They did not have to walk far to Speck's largest building, as Yuu talked about its history. 'The building was the first built here and it was sort of an Outpost for a while. It marked the boundary where civilisation stopped and renegades and bandits thrived. From its thick wooden walls officers would head out and put them down and over time and much ammunition, the fight was won and areas were seized. Now it's a large hall where we can utilise it for much more peaceful purposes, such as the quarterly dance to mark the passing of the seasons. Such as it is now; summer to autumn.' Debbie heard giggles from Muley and decided to continue the small talk. 'So how are your injured officers doing, I hope I didn't mess them up too badly?' Yuu gave a brief smile. 'They will mend in time, but I suspect their pride may take longer. It is hard for them to deal with defeat.'

'You seem to deal with it quite easily.'

'I wasn't defeated, I merely delayed the fight.'

'Really, I suppose one could see it that way. But my view was obstructed when I was holding the rifle.'

'Which was not loaded, by the way?'

'And yet you didn't know it at the time and still you took your seat.'

'I was merely evaluating the situation, which I worked in my favour.' Debbie paused her walking. 'Really, how so?' Yuu gave her an admiring look. 'You're in a beautiful dress, holding my arm, is that not in my favour enough?'

Walking through the thick door way, Debbie entered the hall filled with eyes that looked up and down. The women saw something to hate and the men saw something to admire as she felt her grip of Yuu's arm tighten. The women wore clothing that showed less skin and less curves. A man approached and took a card from Yuu and said very loudly, 'Officer Yuu and Officer Debbie.' Which was quickly followed by, 'Mr Chen and Officer Muley.' Debbie noted there was much interest and talk about them as many words were swapped quickly amongst the crowded hall. Debbie saw a group of three young women making comments about her behind shielded hands and knew they were not flattering. Just then, Muley was beside her and then said to them, 'Hey, jealous much?' This left them silent and glaring. 'Well Debbie how does it feel to be the hottest things here?' Debbie could only think of one word for a reply, 'Awkward.' Officer Yuu introduced them to various people where various topics of conversation arose that dealt with Production Area Twelve. Then the sea of words became calm as music drifted through the hushed voices. 'It's time to dance.' Yuu said with a smile. With her hand held, Debbie found herself part of a very large ring and at the centre were five men with various musical instruments. Everybody's pose was strange and Debbie said, 'I am not familiar with this dance.'

'Just follow my lead, I won't steer you wrong.' Yuu said with a confident look, Debbie looked for Muley and saw her return a wink and a smile. The motion was started and Muley was out of view, Debbie's heart thumped fast with the strange steps. It took nine of them before her body flowed in the rhythm and it took twenty to enjoy the music, but it took only one look to see Officer Yuu becoming more than the man she would most likely kill in the morning.

The second dance saw the outer ring of men change partners after a twirl and twelve steps. Thirty-three different men, Debbie danced with and out of that number nine had sore hands from Debbie's grip, as their eyes lingered too long in the wrong place. Officer Yuu had now returned to her and said, 'So found anyone you would want to spend some time with?'

'A few, I doubt they would enjoy it though, but only one so far that might be pleasant.' Debbie noted that his eyes never strayed to her breasts, even though they ached to be held firm. Especially when he smiled every time their eyes met. The third dance had her counting one, two, three more than once as she glided over the floor. Debbie started talking to subdue her temperature, 'I see none of your officers here dancing.' Yuu didn't break his stare. 'Well there must be a consequence for failure to capture a beautiful woman.' Cheeks felt the heat from the words. 'A beautiful woman? Oh please. What will your consequence be, when you fail to capture this beautiful woman?' Debbie said dismissively. 'The best I can hope for is just to capture her heart and treasure it always.' Debbie immediately lost count and felt dizzy to Yuu's words, while somewhere below something warm and wet began to flow. 'I need to go where the women go, is it hot in here?' Debbie said amongst the awkward comments about sitting and drinking water. Debbie held Muley's hand leading her or rather briskly dragging her to the powder rooms. 'What is wrong with you? The dancing is getting good.' Muley said. 'He wants my heart.' Mulley rolled her eyes. 'Is that all, I got told it was my company by more than one fellow.'

'You don't understand, I don't want to feel anything for him. I even had an accident below when he told me.' Muley raised an eyebrow. 'You got it bad then, you will just have to do him hard.'

'We should go before morning and not return, ever.'

'You gave your word as an officer, you can't go. You must see it through till the end.'

Debbie felt a bit better after a hug, until a gaggle of bitches entered the powder rooms. A tall blonde glanced over with a smug look before saying, 'You think officers would be more refined in their choice of clothing. I first thought that more of those Fancy Ladies were in town and somehow got into the hall to mingle with the civilised people.' Debbie now felt a different wave of heat flow through her body, 'I'm sorry what was that you said?'

'Excuse me; I was talking about you not to you.' Debbie felt Muley's grip upon her. 'You can't Debbie.' Muley said. 'Yes, officers don't hit ladies.'

'Of course we can, I just want Officer Debbie not to wreck her glove when she slaps your face. There you go, it's off now Debbie.' Muley said, holding it. 'You wouldn't dare.' Were the tall blonde lady's last words before the slap sent her to her bum. Muley took great care in putting on silk glove. 'To insult officers is a pretty stupid thing, since we have no qualms in hitting or killing women or anybody in general. So consider yourself lucky that you just got bitch slapped.' Muley said. 'It's not true, you know Officer Muley.'

'What's that Officer Debbie?'

'That shit splatters; I thought there would be more of a mess.'

'Yes you would think blonde shit would splatter, shall we go back to the dance, Officer Debbie?'

Yes we shall, Officer Muley.' The soul sisters said in their most smug voices, leaving a teary blonde turd behind, intact and un-splattered.

The journey back was full of giggles, but only Chen was waiting for them. 'Where is Officer Yuu?' Debbie asked and Chen looked to the dance floor where Yuu danced with an impossibly beautiful tall woman, with long wavy black hair, in a black dress that sparkled and hugged tight to all the right curves and in all the right places. Confidence and grace defined her as many people watched in awe of the woman named Lilith. Debbie compared herself and felt more like a girl than a woman. The previous forms of heat she experienced of arousal and anger were now transformed into jealousy that was now a very hot sizzle. 'Don't worry Debbie, I'll take Chen for a spin and see what's up with Yuu and Miss Sexy there.' Further comparisons plagued Debbie as she watched on, knowing if they were both naked, it would be an easy decision for anyone. Especially when one was not scarred and had both nipples, plus bigger breasts. Debbie tried to think of anyone who was more beautiful and only Sams came close, then an image of a face flashed into her mind then a form that left Lilith behind in the beauty stakes. Debbie knew that image from somewhere and of someone. She desperately thought of the name that will come with it and said, 'Rayne' out aloud and knew it to be true. Focus came back to her and she knew wholeheartedly that all who would stand in her way would die. Even those who have moved her such as Officer Yuu would be nothing more than stains on her boots if it came to it.

It was only after Debbie locked eyes with Lilith, that she was soon seen dancing with another partner and leaving Yuu unattended, to which Debbie made the effort to solve. 'So leave you for five minutes and you are already dancing with another woman. Have you known Lilith long?' Debbie asked, as hands grasped. 'For a while, she just asked for a renegotiation on her grounds fees. I'm inclined to give her a reasonable reduction, for the sake of continued business in Speck. How do you know Lilith?' Yuu asked, leading the way.

'We travelled with her for a time, safety in numbers. That sort of thing.' Debbie scanned the hall, but saw no sign of Lilith. 'I will need to speak to your prisoner Baller at some point.'

'He is not very interested in seeing you; he implied it would be bad for his health.'

'Did he just? Words of the guilty man, I dare say? I doubt he would be harmed if his tongue would move freely and tell all I need to know.'

'I doubt he would, but there is plenty of time for that tomorrow, it's not like he is going anywhere from his cage.' The dancing continued into the night and Debbie found herself enjoying it thoroughly especially when Muley dragged her out for a dance. 'So Debbie you ready to show them something new?' Muley said with a wicked grin. One of the music players made an announcement. 'Ladies and gentlemen Officers Muley and Debbie would like to demonstrate a dance from their area in place called Fields, it is a lively dance I am told with lively music.' Debbie watched as Muley dragged up more volunteers, then proceeded to explain the details of what was about to happen. Soon eight people began to dance to the familiar but odd sounding music. With the linking of arms and skipping they began to move around the different partners than on a fourth swap began to clap hands then do a dosido three times then on to repeat the pattern once more. It proved popular for the dancers of Speck with many joining in and working up a sweat.

With a giggle Muley said to Debbie, 'Chen wants my professional opinion about the sturdiness of his bed, so I might leave you to it. Don't stay up too long things to do tomorrow.' Muley moved away with a wink and a firm hold of Chen's bum which prompted slap upon hers making her giggle more and probably gripping tighter, judging by the misstep walk of Chen. Yuu turned back to Debbie after watching his brother, 'He is bashful and rather crude, I fear our night is ending. Can I walk you back to your wagon? Or we can find a place to talk some more.' Yuu nodded with a slight smile and led Debbie out of the lively hall. Their walk was in silence as they found a quiet spot on the edge of Speck that overlooked flat plains surrounding it. Yuu found a couple of impromptu chairs that were old crates. After laying his jacket upon one they both sat, Debbie was grateful to sit on Yuu's coat as not to damage the fine silk dress. 'You're very thoughtful Yuu.' Yuu sat as soon as Debbie was comfortable. 'Well it seemed to be the right thing to do, would be a pity if you only got to wear it once.'

'You were lucky to see it worn at all, you almost died today.' Debbie said taking hold of his hand. With a slight chuckle he said, 'Doubtful I controlled the situation my officers are obedient.' Debbie held his stare. 'I'm not talking about when we let you walked out. I'm talking about when you first cornered Officer Muley. I was about to kill all four of you, then Muley gave the look of no, so I backed away and you all lived.'

'Surely not? To take on four at the same time, it's not possible.'

'It is and it's quite easy for me, I have weapons called Thunder, no one survives them as all die from its power. That's how I know I was going to kill you all.' Debbie explained Thunder and its damage to Yuu. 'It sounds like a fearsome weapon; Production Area Twelve must be a bad place to spawn such a thing.'

'The area isn't bad Yuu, I'm the one who is bad. There is a good chance you will die tomorrow. Even in unarmed combat I am lethal especially when the stakes are high. I can't be captured; it would bring a new wave of hardship and death.' Debbie said, with a most stern face.

Yuu and Debbie sat in silence for a time staring out at the stars. 'This town of Speck is dying, we are just a stopover between places, we do not receive shipments or supply and we do not produce anything for collection. People stay here because it is their home, but we cannot last much longer, may be with a small number but not as we are.' Yuu said to the night sky. 'That's why everything is so expensive, you take coin from the travellers and traders and that's why traders avoid Speck.'

'The frontier moved on, we didn't. We do what we have to.' Debbie heard the sadness in his voice. 'The metal works is just starting and it's changing. Its early stages, but they are building, could be a fresh start for some here.' Debbie felt Yuu's grip tighten. 'What does being captured do to you? What is the reason they hunt you so?'

'Yuu there isn't enough time to explain the change of the world; I am just the end product of it. The whole reason for the Demms, they want me to experiment on, to cut me up and use me for their own purposes. They also have my daughter, I do not know if she is still whole. Time is against me, but I must find her and destroy all around her. I am focused and I can't let anyone stand in my way.'

Debbie's hand was now alone and resting on her lap. 'The father, what is he like?' Debbie exhaled at that forced remembrance. 'His name was Rivit, a weak officer that was not much good, and he'd died trying to protect her. He was a failure in every sense.'

'And yet he was the father.' Yuu replied. 'He was weak, I have no respect for him nor do I care to think of him. It is a shame I can't just simply forget about him altogether.' Debbie said while picturing that last slap she gave his bloodied and dying body. 'I am not weak, Officer Debbie and I will stay true to my word and I will take you down. As for your capture I will decide my actions when they come to claim you. My heart breaks, but I must do what must be done. Good night, Officer Debbie I will see you in the morning.' Yuu stood up and so did Debbie handing back his jacket. 'Officer Yuu, you will most likely die tomorrow please don't make me resort to that.'

'Perhaps it would be easier if you did, I will fight with all my worth. I will not be seen weak in your eyes. Good night Officer Debbie of Production Area Twelve.'

'Good night Officer Yuu of Speck.'

Debbie lay down beside her wagon after re-wrapping her dress in the brown paper and safely storing it. She pictured Yuu walking away with his fists clenched with frustration and she knew there would be no enjoyment in killing this man. It was here when on the edge of sleep did Debbie feel the return of Muley. 'How was the inspection of the bed?' Debbie asked rolling to her side. 'Strong and sturdy, but I still broke it. How was Officer Yuu?'

'Strong and sturdy, but unbroken. He will fight me with all he has got to prove himself to me. I told him he would most likely die, he is very stupid.'

'So is there a plan if he does beat you?' Muley said, while changing and storing. 'I go when I'm captured and they take me away hopefully to where Rayne is and I will fight.'

'Pretty crap plan.' Muley said, while quickly getting under the covers. 'Yes pretty crap plan, but that's why you've got to be careful when giving your word.'

'Just remember I gave my word for you not to be taken and I intend to keep it.' Muley said as Debbie felt her adjust her hair before giving a kiss. 'Unfortunately for Yuu it's not going to come to that.' Debbie said, snuggling into Muley's arms and drifting off to sleep, while Muley played with her hair.

Debbie awoke in Muley's embrace with the smell of breakfast sizzling away on Mr Ko's campfire. Debbie saw Mr Ko give her a wave as well as Apple, as they both sat close together tending the meal. The soul sisters quickly changed into the uniforms in preparation for the morning's fight and then sat down to look at the healthy servings of bacon, eggs, onion and tomato being prepared. 'Good morning daughters, this is your new mother.' Mr Ko said before receiving a shove from Apple. 'Mr Ko will you behave yourself, Officer Muley and Officer Debbie I will make no trouble and I will pull my weight.' Apple said. 'You don't need to call us officers, you are our new mother.' Muley said. 'So Lilith was all right with you leaving?' Debbie asked. 'I guess so, she hasn't said otherwise, not that she talks much to us. Busy with Baller I guess she didn't even come home last night. So Mr Ko was telling me there's a fight this morning?'

'Yep fighting for the right to leave.' Debbie said before chewing on some bacon.

Not much conversation had passed when Officer Yuu approached. 'Morning officers, Mr Ko, ma'am. I have prepared the hall, your all welcome to come, Officer Debbie this way please.' They all followed Yuu in silence into the hall where all the other officers of Speck were waiting even Jeffers, who sported new injuries not caused by Debbie. The other officers however, carried Debbie's damage with distain and contempt. The hall was cleared bare of last night's dance leaving no trace. Debbie suspected it was part of the punishment for the Speck officers, as it looked like they had certainly worked hard. 'Now then, my officers know of the agreement and will follow it to the letter, to whatever outcome. Now before we get started I must inform you that Baller has escaped from the cells, it seems my key was taken last night from me and I suspect that it was Lilith who had done it. So I apologise for my failings and that of Jeffers, who failed at fighting once more.' Debbie heard Muley grumble Lilith's name in response with a few other choice words. 'If you would like Officer Debbie, to venture out to the centre so we can begin.' Yuu said taking of his officers' jacket and shirt. Debbie did likewise and handed them to Muley, leaving her undergarment on, which bound her breasts tight to her body.

Plenty of space was allowed between the combatants and the spectators, and then with a simple nod to each other Officer Yuu and Officer Debbie faced off. Debbie sized her opponent and saw lean muscle and a hard body which meant speed. As for fighting style Debbie proceeded to attack to find out and wasted no time. Yuu was light on his feet bouncing to and fro, keeping distance and keeping guard. Debbie's punches touched nothing but air and she knew she was being sized up, he's seeking taunts were easily dodged by Debbie, who grew bored and decided to punch his fist as it came near. An audible crack could be heard as they connected and Officer Yuu held his hand up and saw his middle finger bent oddly. Debbie smirked at his grimace when he pulled his finger back into place with a snap. Then Debbie was on the back foot when Yuu launched everything he had. Kicks, punches, knees and elbows came from high, low and spinning. Debbie's defence was not enough and many landed hard. Then it stopped and Yuu backed away, leaving Debbie to taste blood and feel it drip. With a spit Debbie said, 'Enough fore play Yuu just bring it, I have got lots to do.' Yuu gave a smirk and obliged. The two fighters became a blur of clashing limbs that spanned minutes of a deadly dance. Debbie gave as good as she got and soon she saw Yuu suffering from pain. A grasping hand and the sound of tearing fabric signalled that Debbie's breasts were unbound in all their scarred glory.

Yuu held the rag in horror offering it back to Debbie who slapped it aside to the floor. Then gave him a punch filled with much anger, square to his chest. The unguarded Yuu stumbled back gasping for air. Opportunity followed in with a knee and then a kick sending him to the ground. Yuu regained his footing quickly, and then dropped to one knee. Blood flowed freely from his mouth as he coughed and spluttered. Debbie watched his face go pale, his strength to stand failed as he fell backwards. Frothed blood was spilled into his unbelieving hands. They trembled as he realised he was broken; Debbie saw it in his eyes and knew he was dying. She held nothing back, her intent was not to be captured and ensure it so. Debbie knelt beside Yuu who struggled to breathe and said loudly to all, 'I will not apologise to you, you're a great fighter, and there was no opening for me to subdue you. In another circumstance I would have fallen for your charm and sense of honour.' Debbie held his hand and shared his smile until his breathing became still. His suffering was not long, spanning all the time of her shed tears. Debbie stood without shame of her bare breasts and addressed the spectators that were visibly upset. 'Officers of Speck, Yuu is a fine example of an officer, do your best and live and act by his example. It is a tragedy that we live and die by the honour of our words, but that is what we are, officers nothing more, nothing less.' Debbie accepted the shirt offered by Muley and left with her group. Leaving the mourning officers of Speck behind, who now stood around the body of Officer Yuu.

... _The plan is good and simple. Get speck to capture Debbie and when Reaper comes to claim her, I will use the SLR to end him or at least perforate him, to bleed him out, to keep Lilith happy. That is until I grow tired of her or when her looks fade, whichever comes first. I do not care it is not like there is a shortage of women..._

(Excerpt of Baller's bloodied Journal)

Interrogation of Officer Jeffers of Speck, Reaper present.

J. That's all of it; the stick holds all the recording of Yuu's words with the officers.

R. So my answers are in here of why was a top order ignored and why they were allowed to leave?

J. Words were made and they were kept, Yuu ordered us so.

R. Well good for Yuu, lucky he is dead. So who else has listened to this recording?

J. No one.

R. What is it Blunt?

B. Sir the answer you requested has been confirmed by me and Sleepy.

R. Very well, make it quick and ready the fire. So it seems Officer Jeffers that tales and lies are quickly spread amongst Speck officers. As I see it, you have a choice. You can die quick like the others are about to, or stay tied to that chair while this building burns to the ground. So tell me all you know about Debbie and your death will be quick and somewhat painless.

(Evidence collected by Reaper from Speck)

Session four with clone one, Human Resources.

C. Yarvi, you collect strange objects. Why do you do such things?

Y. A hobby, something to make my time a little bit more interesting.

C. Am I allowed a hobby? My room is bare and not very interesting. What is this object?

Y. A media player, it shows images. The former Tech Supervisor had this hidden. I have not been able to make it work. It has protection or something'

C. It works now; I have made it so for you. It contains four hundred and eighty-two gigabytes of information that relates to sexual intercourse self-gratification.

Y. Does it now?

C. It does, its origin is not from this installations database. If I can see where this comes from, I will let you use my body more. It's a fair exchange.

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)
Chapter 19: Vengeance Hesitated

Lilith dreamt a very persistent nightmare of her small community all gone quiet and her little feet walking upon blood soaked earth. No one lived, as her sticky red hands pushed and shoved all she came across. The efforts of the young Lilith failed to wake anyone; their cold dead eyes gave no recognition to her pleas and sobs. Her brother, she looked forward to seeing for so long was not among them, his arrival the day before was tempered with arguments and quarrels. But that was yesterday and today when she awoke, he promised to take her fishing and swimming. The young Lilith screamed her brother's name and the word Reaper only fell upon dead ears in the quiet community. Lilith awoke to the rhythmic movements of Baller entertaining himself within her. It was the price of vengeance and so she faked herself for his enjoyment and ego. Men she found were willing to offer many things just to expel their seed within her company and she had no moral problems to use them as such. They wrapped themselves around her little finger ever so willingly, just for the slightest sniff of her body, her greatest weapon. So many men have lain panting for her vengeance, so many years, for so little information about her brother.

Lilith knew her travels by foot were longer than anyone ever, her feet carried her far, from her homeland to the wastes of the old time and amongst the Forgotten and the Barbarians. Then onto the Raider Islands where the dead were eaten, to the Fire Mountains and Ice Peaks she had travelled by foot. All the time men would fight her battles and guide her on or journey with her to die at her feet, only for a new man to take their place beside and within her. This man, Baller was her greatest accomplishment so far, a man with the plan to end her journey. Lilith made sure her wet trap kept him close and in-line and gladly accepted his mess. She lay beside his panting and declared how hard she came from his huge member. The lies afterwards were the most important part; men's egos were insatiable so she fed them constantly from her repertoire of sexy and dirty words.

'I must be going they are due any time now.' Baller said. Lilith made sure he noticed her nipple lightly brushing his chest. 'Your plan is so ingenious. It must be hard to see your talents wasted on so meaningless tasks for Reaper.' Lilith said grinding her femininity to his leg. 'I can do his job much better; it's about time I got some of the easy life.'

'You deserve it, you're the best of them, and anyone can see that. Smart and brave that's why they keep you about here. They are afraid of you.'

'And so they should be.' Baller said, standing to change. Lilith watched on feigning interest and showing faked arousal until he left her tent.

Lilith set herself to her daily routine of flexibility and strength exercises. The benefits were not only to her physique, but also to her skill in climbing and sneaking into buildings and remaining unseen. Just shy of her completion, Mango entered on cue, 'I have your bath ready.' Lilith continued with her exercise without giving her any regard. 'Thank you Mango, I need my hair washed today.' Lilith glanced for Mango's nod of compliance. Mango's squat but overly curvy body was her main earner and was a great asset to her. Lilith bathed in the warm scented water while Mango washed her hair and from her relaxed position proceeded to talk. 'So where are we with the officers?' Lilith asked. 'Four are regulars and three are talking easily. Officer Yuu is completely infatuated with Debbie or Debcat whichever she uses on the day.' Lilith hissed to the names. 'Debbie what a righteous bitch she is, nearly messed it all up for me. But she will play her part. Even she can't take on so many officers and so she will become bait. What else are they spilling?'

'They have heard that the Metal Works has gone under a big change, they say that Debbie's lot was there. The family home of Meecha is apparently holding a large amount of coin and most of them are to be at the dance tonight. Also there was talk of a collection of precious stones in the house of Klumpus, hidden under the floor in the baby's room.'

'Is that common knowledge amongst the officers?'

'No, just one.'

'Damn, it would be traced to us. Maybe another time after we have gone, I'll sneak back to grab them.'

'It has worked for us before.' Mango said while massaging Lilith's head. 'And what of Strawberries departure?'

'All is well, no one really liked the little tart, so no one is cut up by it.'

The day wore on and Lilith was enjoying the fine and expensive food of Speck, when she was told that Mr Ko was here to see her. Excitement whelmed within her as she thought about Debbie's capture or imminent capture. Lilith chose clothes that showed her breasts fullness and met him in a spare tent. 'Mr Ko you're back, was your journey successful?' Lilith said, while smiling that his reply was spoken to her ample bosom, 'A little trouble, but successful.'

'That is good and where are your daughters?'

'I believe they are having a good look around, they are looking at the stalls.' Imminent capture Lilith thought to herself and excitedly looked at the old man. 'So what can I do for you Mr Ko?'

'Well, I came here to buy Apple's release from the Fancy Ladies, we are pretty sweet on each other and we want to make a life for ourselves.'

'Well that was unexpected, Strawberry I let go for three months earnings and I tell you her father is deeply out of pocket for that one.' Lilith sat leaning forward while thinking and watching the old man's eyes dart for sneaky looks. Her decision was based on the likelihood that he would die soon, very soon when the fighting began. And Apple would have to remain with her. 'I'm a big fan of love Mr Ko and I don't want to stand in the way of it, especially Apple's, she is a dear friend and work colleague. So I'll take a handful of what you have plus she still works until you move on and then you have my blessing.'

Lilith barely had time to chuckle at remembering the old fool's compliments of her sense of fairness and beauty. She even indulged in remembering his ability for bedding and found herself realising that she didn't fake her pleasures with him and in fact it was quite enjoyable. Maybe she could have added another session in the price, and then Mango entered breaking all thought. Her puffing was loud and sweat thick and wet. 'I have news, the officers captured Muley, and then all the officers were taken down by Debbie. Baller freed the officers and surrounded Debbie and Muley in the barracks. Then Yuu made a deal and Baller was taken to the cells along with Jeffers. The deal is for Yuu and Debbie to fight one-on-one in the morning for her freedom.' Mr Ko's coins were thrown hard and smashing many things. 'And where are those bitches now?' Lilith said with a fiery temper that made Mango very nervous. 'Yuu gave them credit to go buy a dress each for the dance tonight.' Lilith calmed herself briefly for one last command. 'Find out all you can about the cells, whatever it takes to get it done.' And with that Mango left while Lilith destroyed everything within that tent which happened to be Mango's.

Lilith was glad to be back in her own tent since Mango's was thoroughly trashed, her search through her trunk for clothes saw three possibilities for the dance. Mango's information said that Yuu kept the only key on him and that Yuu would be totally focused on Debbie. Lilith took the time to be as stunning as possible before venturing out into the night. Lilith stayed close to the edges within the hall and made polite chitchat to hopeful men, as she kept a close eye on Yuu. She even had to admit to herself that Debbie and Muley scrubbed up half decent for little girls, but not well enough to turn heads away from her womanly curves. The demands of the men were not easily refused as she waited for a chance and most became a little huffy, by her lack of sugar. So she moved on to the next hapless man. As she sought cover from the eyes of Debbie and Muley, the opportunity arose and so she pounced leaving behind a well-dressed fellow holding two drinks and no one to talk to. 'Well hello Officer Yuu, I see the night complements you well.'

'As it does to you as well, Lilith. I hear your trade profits well here in Speck.'

'It does, but an endorsement from you would increase such trade. You should visit some time and experience our wonders.'

'I'm sure it would, but I feel not the need, nor the company for it.'

'Well perhaps a dance then, a show of acceptance from Speck. Is it not too much to ask for?'

Many eyes were focused upon her, but her care was only for two and that was Yuu's. Lilith needed full attention for her hand to wander over the key to the cells. 'You and that girl make a fine couple, such a pretty little thing with plain features.'

'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and she is most beautiful to me.' Yuu said with a smile. 'So how do you intend to woo such a girl, she seems more humble than the usual fare here in Speck?'

'A demonstration of skill I think would charm her, she seems to be a woman that likes a capable man.'

'I'm sure your dancing would do the trick as you have much skill and a handsome style.'

'If only dancing would satisfy her, I feel a more aggressive display is what she needs.'

'So Officer Yuu how did she steal your heart? It is plain to tell from the look in your eyes.' Lilith saw Yuu look to the corner of his mind's eye for the memory of his stolen heart and that's when the key became hers. 'She has eyes that see-through you and can tell what you are. That stare was all it took to lose my heart and the more I learn about her, the tighter the grip she has upon it.' Looking over her shoulder Lilith saw a dancing Muley edging her way closer and she also could feel some of that stare that Yuu had just previously mentioned burning into her. It was a clear sign to leave and so she did after wishing Yuu the best of luck for the mere thug of a girl.

The night air passed briskly as she made her way to her tent, for a change of clothes that blended in with the night. Lilith held firm to the heavy key, even when changing she did not let it go. Her plan was to release Baller and after that she had no idea on what was next, he undoubtedly would have some plan of action and she needed to find out what. Speck offered no challenge for her movements across roofs and over walls, much too easy for her skill. Never caught and never spotted; only missing items noticed long after her presence and that was the only indication of her trespass. Silent jumping and silent footsteps were skills long since mastered and were her second nature. A flexible body curled over ledges and a strong core made her reach impossible edges. The thrill of the night was much more intoxicating than the grunts and moans of men. She thought often that if only there were more to steal, she would not need the flesh of a man to scratch that particular itch. Like most buildings, the weakest part was always the roof, small windows often were not secured and if they were they tended to be not much of the challenge.

With an upside-down crawl and a bit of a shimmy, Lilith had been able to enter the building with the cages. Her peculiar walk with hands and legs saw her advancement to the cage that held Baller, while Officer Jeffers sat on a chair watching him. No conversation was heard and it was of little concern as she needed no cover of noise for her silent approach from above. A high roof made for a long fall, a handstand gave her momentum to swing hard. Making full use of the soft landing pad of Jeffers' face that bore the brunt of Lilith's landing feet. The man was out cold, and his chair broken, while Baller received a kiss through the gaps of the overly thick bars of the cage. 'I have come to free you, do you have plan to capture Debbie with?' Baller's eyes soaked in her form. 'None that is low risk and all need reinforcements, the closest is Distribution. We may convince a sizeable number to aid us, but we must leave tonight, quickly and unseen.' Lilith ignored her caution and freed Baller. Speck was quickly left behind with the barest of essentials and the briefest of words to Mango. She was told to keep an eye on Debbie keep her in Speck as long as she can.

Lilith's journey to Distribution was done with most haste, little rest and the briefest time in pleasure. To keep a man motivated, Lilith in new meant to be dirty and focused on his needs, making herself available for his stirrings was the best way to keep him wrapped around her little finger. Many times she had used this tactic to press her advantage. Men would kill for her as well as steal, lie, talk and cheat. She never had to dirty her hands with blood, others were always more than willing to do it for her. Fathers killing sons, sons killing fathers, long life friends turning on each other. Lilith saw many combinations of betrayal between men and found it most satisfying, watching her plans come together for her great benefit. All she possessed in the world was acquired one way or another by her body and its talents. Beauty, sex and power of the pussy were what kept her in control and at the top of her game. Now the game was about revenge and knowing why. This man Baller who now lay firm within her was on the path of succession and advancement, two very fine motivators, for her needs. Before too long her brother would be before her merciless hands. These hands that remained so clean of blood for all of her life will finally get the chance of being most dirty most foul. She would finally know the answer to why everybody had to die by her brother's hands.

With her talents, Lilith gave Baller quickness with his sex, hard, fast and very visually appealing. Soon a man slept soundly while Lilith did the maintenance to keep herself as fresh as possible. With the scoop and a flick, Baller's remains were sent to the grass and with a rinse of water, ensured Lilith that he was completely gone. Baller's talk indicated that they might be able to utilise a flyer to get back to Speck. He was told of this one of the few places where those machines awaited for use. His description of his travel to Production Area Twelve from Distribution sounded fantastically fast. A day's travel and now some sleep until dawn, then they would approach the mighty structure of Distribution and they would be one step closer to her life's ambition. Lilith dreams of her wagons and the coin earned as well as the many items stolen and stored within the hidden compartments. Stones, pearls and mysterious items from the past such as the curious book of nonsense words and orderly numbered, bound in leather and indented with a large lower case letter 't'. The Treasure Men had fought over and died for, while she had simply just acquired the book from under their noses, leaving the men to blame and accuse each other for its loss. Her vision of an island, being alight inflame and the charring dead seem to be at odds with some of the meaning that lay within the book. Lilith stood on the boat looking back at the orange glow lighting the sky and realising that men had all the same weakness of being stupid.

Lilith's dream was interrupted as Baller shook her awake; they had barely time to stand as rifles pointed at them both. 'Hands where I can see them. Yeah I thought it was you riding the woman. I guess it's a small world after all Baller. And here we were thinking Reapers order to find you would have us searching far and wide.' A tall man said. Lilith saw only two men and looked at Baller as he spoke, 'Hate to disappoint.' He said with a grin. 'Well in ten minutes you will be talking to the man, best you work on your story if you wish to see another day.' Lilith's blood ran cold due to the proximity of her brother and panicked. Her attack was stopped as she hesitated by Baller saying, 'Don't.' Her pause led her head to receive a rifle butt which cracked and broke her jaw. Intense pain made her world white while a second blow to her head made it very dark and very silent.

A drooling sensation soon gave way to an aching throb of her head. Muffled sounds became voices while sounds became words. Lilith was coming to and she kept still and listened. Birds in the air and breeze on the skin, she knew she was still outside. Tiny movements proved she was bound, hands high and feet barely touching the ground, aching muscles were plenty and she knew she had been there for some time. Blood through her mouth meant damage had been done, ringing in her ears from the blows were hard. Baller's voice was close. 'She is not used to people with guns, she only panicked that's all.' Then a voice from long ago filled her with dread while she continued to be still with all her might, 'I don't care, all I care about is loyalty nothing more and yours is in question. The officer in Grains told me that you were there and you left with a large group of wagons which happened to contain the girl we seek. You should of contacted me right there and then. Why wait, why tell me now that she is in Speck? I do not care for your reasoning and fanciful stories of defeated officers and getting reinforcements. All I need to know is that you're still loyal.' Reaper said. 'I have, I am always.' Baller said. Lilith started to suspect that she would have to fight once Baller freed her from her bonds. She would attack the closest to give opportunity for Baller to take on the others and so she made herself ready.

Then Lilith heard her brother's voice once more. 'Good to hear, the woman is messed up, kill her and prove it.' Panic began to rise within Lilith as a searing blow was felt to her chest, her eyes opened to see Baller's eyes looking unemotional, then with one turning suddenly upwards as the side of his head exploded by gunshot. Lilith looked down to the slumping corpse that released the grip of the sword making it wobble. The bouncing motion sliced more within her as she stared in disbelief of her blood flowing and dripping off the hilt. 'Well that woke her up boys.' Her eyes turned to her brother and watched him laugh. His blond features of long hair and stubbled beard had not changed in all the years and yet his blue eyes had become much crueller. Lilith's efforts to speak un-pleasantries to him failed as her jaw did not respond, and hung laxly, while the drooling sensation began the flood more blood. 'She is not happy at all, if looks could kill.' Reaper said with a smirk. With a faint fluttering heart, Lilith mustered all her anger towards her brother to let him know all she had suffered. Her attempt like her revenge failed, as her eyes gave up their life and all was still within her. Only her ears gave a brief acknowledgement of recognised laughter before she was completely cold with death.

Mango swallowed hard as she felt her feet dangle, she knew she was a heavy woman. Only the strongest arms could pick her up and yet she dangled by the strength of a girl using only one and a lot of hatred to fuel it. 'Answers Mango, I have no time for it anything else.' Mango stared into the eyes of Debbie and felt weak within and was promptly dropped into her own puddle of pee. Gasping for air and self-control of her growing puddle, Mango spoke. 'Last night, she and Baller came and went. They are going to Distribution for reinforcements.' Mango watched Debbie leave with her girlfriend Muley leaving only Apple for company. 'I don't think this is a mess Lilith can even get out of.' Apple said. 'Well I prefer that she doesn't, I'm sick of her rot and little reward. I will give her a week then I'll take over. All was good until we started travelling with the righteous officers and now it's all shit. No stuff it I am going today. I'll pack it all up and move on.' Apple helped Mango stand and step out of the wet patch. 'Where are you going?'

'Opposite direction and have fun along the way, you sure you still want to go?'

'He is a good man, doing good things. I would like a good man.' Mango decided to give her longest friend a decent send-off and grabbed her hand and took her to the wagon. Mango worked a catch and opened up the secret storage. 'You've been here from the beginning you deserve some of it.' Mango watched Apple tear up with gratitude as she took coin, some stones and a book that made little sense. Mango hugged her friend goodbye from the company of the Fancy Ladies. After Apple's departure Mango said, 'Pack up we are leaving towards seven and if you know any interested in joining us tell them to be quick, we need a few more fruits to fill out the ranks, so get to it.' Apple walked holding hands with the good man Mr Ko and felt happy, 'I have got your coin back plus some, the Fancy Ladies are leaving Lilith behind.' Apple said handing a bag of considerable weight to him. 'Don't be silly, I was glad to spend it to secure your leaving. I would have done it even if you didn't want to follow me. That's how much I love you.' Apple cried to the words and kissed her man, and then Mr Ko chancing upon a growing flower plucked it from the grass. With a gentle sweep of his hand it had been placed it in her hair. Apple knew from that moment on there would be no other man in her life and so held his hand tighter.

Muley looked back at the new giggling couple and felt jealous as Debbie walked beside her, armed to the teeth and with a look of steely death. Muley knew at best a trap was waiting or worst an oncoming force to be reckoned with. Soon enough the time for talk would be over and the time of silence will reign until Debbie releases her death upon all foes. Muley's heart ached for her woman, if she was in her place and she had killed Officer Yuu, she knew she would be a mess. Just a blubbering woman, unable to be consoled, when the pressures of that made her verge on tears, were at their highest point, Muley was struck unawares by the firm kiss of Debbie. Dizziness took hold and without fear of falling due to Debbie's strong embrace, she heard the precious a few words of love. Muley looked deep into Debbie's eyes and cared not that she was a monster or a warrior hard as stone. Muley only cared about being with her to whatever end, whether it was grey hair, bullet or steel.

Muley's travel guide:- Distribution-the largest building you will ever see. Shed in nature and of a massive scale, inside no one knows. All trade is done beyond the gravel and fence.

... _I suspect death will claim me by morning, by Debbie's hand. The cage that holds me is too well built for escape and the guard is too smart. If I don't escape my journal will be at an end. Of all the regrets I have collected over the years the one thing I regret mostly is always backing down in Reapers presence. Plus the fact that my son will never know his..._

(Last page of Baller's bloodied Journal)

Dr Cobain,

I will not grant you permission to release the remaining clones from their tanks. I have a clear mandate that security is of the highest priority. This facility is not yours to run, only to work in. Until I can see that the clone can be trusted I not will review my position on the matter. The subject is closed and the tank chamber sealed.

Ron, head of security

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

Sepri,

I acknowledge your order and wait for the group's arrival and see to their needs. My faith is strong but my body is not, I am not young anymore. It is time I return to The Order to take up my last year's serving the new members.

Your humble instrument,

Peppery

Ron,

Your hunch is right, the clone is having sex. I have observed Dr Cobain initiating contact. The clone however seems to go through the motions and seems to be a victim of his desires.

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)
Chapter 20: Ups and Downs

Amongst the scrub far from the road, the immediate surrounds became silent to the strong tone of Debbie's voice, 'I will not argue the point any further Mr Ko. You are our fall-back position. Apple has been accepted by Tincan so have him guard. If there is a fight we will be heading your way to make our stand here. It is defendable and has a good line of sight.' Mr Ko huffed and then said. 'Three is better than two.'

'Two will do and that's the end of it, there will be plenty of chances for fighting, if it goes pear shaped. Muley?'

'It's all packed everything you wanted.' Muley said. Debbie placed her hand on Mr Ko's shoulder and held firmly, 'I trust you with my back, so be ready and keep low.' Debbie could see Mr Ko was not happy, but still he nodded and held her shoulder, 'I will follow your back if you're running in another direction, you can count on that.'

'As if there was any doubt Mr Ko.' The two friends smiled as Debbie took hold of the pack passed by Muley. The soul sisters left after Muley said, 'Bye mum, and bye dad.' Followed by a chuckle and poking out her tongue.

Well out of earshot Muley spoke her concerns. 'Mr Ko made some good points.' Debbie sighed. 'Mr Ko has Apple to consider and to look after; I will not be put into the position of telling her he is dead or worse. Do you think it wrong?'

'No, I see the sense in that, but you know he won't be put off much longer. He wants to prove himself since the dogs tore him up. He feels we have lost confidence in him.'

'How can you tell that?'

'Apple told me, so I am telling you.'

'Fine next time he will be my human shield and everyone will be happy.'

'Don't be silly, I could use a human shield to you know.' The soul sisters kissed quickly and turned to silence as distribution could be seen in the distance. Even in a pale moonlight the immense structure dominated the landscape, a giant rectangle five stories high and impossibly long.

A familiar pattern of moving and scouting marked their advancement towards the structure, Debbie used the SLR is scope to look far ahead scanning for any possible threats. So far there were none and then in the distance the sound of a weak rifle shot could be heard. The soul sisters conferred with hand signals and agreed on the direction and proceeded forth. The direction was towards the road and so they cautiously moved through the scrub and trees for twenty minutes until a noise made them go low. The distant humming of a flyer preceded its rise from the structure and flew at great speed towards Speck. Debbie could plainly see it carried people instead of cargo. After its passing and a further ten minutes of stealth movement, the soul sisters found a gruesome scene. There tied to a branch, Lilith hung by her hands, with a bloodied sword pinning her to the tree. Her jaw hung in an impossible angle with her face contorted in pain. It was only after they came within touching distance did they see Baller and the remains of his head lying on the ground. Debbie stood guard with the SLR held ready, leaving Muley free to inspect the bodies. Muley gave the thumbs up after showing a bloodied book taken off of Baller's body.

Backtracking to their last position was much quicker and provided a safer advance, than following the road to Distribution. Debbie scouted the familiar scene but noticed one difference a man who sat with his back towards them. A flurry of gestures and glares were exchanged between the soul sisters to decide the man's fate in the early morning light. The decision was to question after capture and not to search after death. They advanced quietly, stalking their victim, sensing that he was unaware until he spoke their names before they could strike. 'Debbie, Muley its fine morning is it not?' The man said with his back still turned, 'It seems your timing is most fortunate, the guests have left. Which makes my task much more simple, but still risky. Sepri has asked me to help you and so I shall. Come I will show you a secret way in.' Then the man rose and walked away leaving Debbie and Muley stunned, but anxious to follow. Both girls still used cover as the man walked freely in the open without a care. His direction was away from the building to cluster of boulders amongst the tall grass. Once there, he waited for them to come close. Debbie looked at the small man and thought him quite old and harmless but she knew better than to judge appearances. 'This place calls me Gummy; they make fun of my lack of teeth.' Debbie counted three within his mouth. 'Sepri calls me Peppery, if they are your friends over there, note that I did not kill them, those responsible flew away.'

'You need not worry; they were acquaintances more than friends. So who killed them?' Debbie asked, with a dismissive nod over her shoulder. 'A man you have heard of as Reaper, he flies to Speck to capture you, so your time here is limited.'

'So how did you spot us?' Muley asked. 'Thermal cameras, I am the man who watches them. They see heat; there is no hiding from them. No matter how well you sneak.' Gummy bent down and worked some kind of catch that was unseen. He then pushed against a boulder which sprung over revealing a ladder and tunnel. 'The good thing about old age is that when you outlive those who have common knowledge of this entrance, it becomes your secret entrance. Follow it to the end but stay out of the light, I will come and get you.'

The soul sisters agreed and went down the ladder while Gummy closed the cover. The descent was only a few metres in the dark and once at the bottom two thin illuminating lines stretched parallel to the walls, marking the floor; Muley reached up, 'The ceiling is high no bashing heads.' In a hushed whisper Debbie did not need to reach up as she saw quite well in the dark and moved forth. Debbie's best guess was the tunnel was the least a good four hundred metres of straight corridor, which she soon found herself at the end of. Being careful to stay out of the light, Debbie could see the exit was barred twice with thick steel. Debbie strained her ears and could hear the noise of human, machinery and voices. It was not long until they both flinched by the movement of the first set of bars retracting into the wall by unknown means. After a brief pause, the outer bars were lifted by Gummy with finger to his lips. With a jump and a lift the soul sisters stood amongst old wooden crates. They followed Gummy when directed to, and stopped when he signalled. Debbie saw brief glimpses of expanse with in and what fantastic machinery was in motion. Debbie nearly gasped when she saw twenty odd cargo haulers just sitting on the floor and still. She had often dreamt of touching one when she was miserable in Fields. Before this day she had ever only ever seen them in flight, never landing to be touched. Now they sat on the ground and yet circumstance made them also impossible to touch.

Gummy backtracked to Debbie's gawking position, 'Keep moving, they are just hauler's you want the troop one.' Debbie broke her stare. 'Why are they still?' Debbie asked. 'Some sort of hacking thing, they shut them down only the most important places get shipments.' Guilt flared, squeezing her throat. 'How long has it been?'

'Month, maybe more.'

'People depend on those shipments, you can't do that!' Gummy hissed to her noise. 'Look, I don't control that; it's out of my hands, now this way.' Gummy backed away when Debbie said, 'No' with the SLR pointing at him. 'We've have got to go where it is controlled, end of discussion.' Debbie gave a glance to Muley and saw her holding three arrows instead of her usual one and giving an agreeing nod. Gummy with low curses took them high using catwalks and stairs, which led eventually to a building suspended high in the direct centre of Distribution, with glass walls. 'This is a stupid waste of time.' Gummy hissed. 'These are people's lives; you don't fuck around with them. You don't give unnecessary hardships, now move it.' Debbie said in a way that compliance was the only answer.

Muley followed Debbie and Gummy through the sliding door and saw a mess of a place with dirty plates and rubbish and a man sleeping amongst the filth. 'Lox, wake up you got visitors.' Gummy said, as he kicked the bed, shaking his head at the soul sisters. Lox rose with a startled look, staring wide eyed at the SLR. 'I haven't figured it out yet, I had word they were sending a specialist, please don't kill me!' The soul sisters exchanged glances and Muley spoke. 'We haven't decided to kill you, show us what you have been doing before the specialist here takes over.' Muley watched the man frantically move and clean, piling his bed high with mess. 'Here it is, this machine here something from the outside activated this particular machine and set non-scheduled flyers to the Refinery, I'm still figuring it out.' Muley put her arrows back and stowed Twanger before accepting the heavy SLR from Debbie. 'Lox go sit on your mess.' Muley said, waving the barrel to where he should go. 'I have installed passwords and firewalls.' Lox said towards Debbie and Debbie responded back with a flick of the hand to shut up. Muley watched as well as everyone else, Debbie touching and running her hands over various things and panels of blinking lights. Then she pointed to a large cabinet with the code lock and looked at Lox sternly 'I don't know the number for it.' Muley saw Debbie placed her hand upon it and after a brief pause; she then entered a long sequence that made it unlock. Muley watched Lox and Gummy gawk in disbelief, as Debbie now stood in front of a mass of technical chords and whatsits and doodads to place her hands upon them.

Muley witnessed Debbie's body stiffen and Gummy and Lox started to move towards her. 'Hey stay where you are she knows what she is doing.' Muley said, but did not believe it herself. After a minute lights and settings began to change on the panels, blank screens became powered and the hum of Distribution became a roar of machinery. Muley joined Gummy and Lox looking out through the windows and saw panicked people looking to rising flyers and moving cages. While a mass of orange blinking lights and beeping sounds echoed all through the mighty structure. Sunlight poured through the ceiling as it began to open up and once fully opened flyers hummed by in shimmering glory to rise into the sky. The glass rattled to the vibration, while Muley felt it through her body. Muley's smile was cut short as she turned to see Debbie swaying on uneasy feet; blood ran freely from her nose. While vacant eyes, mouthed words in disjointed tones, 'She is not alone.... mother.' Muley caught her heavy soul sister and much to her surprise Lox also held her. Debbie's head wobbled with a blank stare while blood began to drip from her cheeks, Muley and Lox placed her on a chair. Then Muley stood and said, 'Stand aside.' Muley arched her hand back and slapped all she could to Debbie's face. Blood splattered the glass and Debbie swore a string of words that Muley would never repeat in any story to anyone, till the very end of her days. Muley swallowed hard as Debbie released the twisted and bent metal chair from her grip. 'We've got to go.' Muley said. A sigh of relief passed Muley's lips when Debbie nodded in agreement, then Debbie turned to Lox and said, 'This end has been fixed, the hacking was merely a backlog that had been corrupted at the Refinery and you have deleted the offending program, stray from this story and they will kill you. They will come seeking answers and you gave a system-wide reboot and the system reconfigured its self to optimum efficiency and protected itself with new passwords that you cannot retrieve. May you live long Lox and you never seen us, ever.' Muley handed back the SLR while Lox nodded with a pale expression, leaving him alone to clean up the mess.

Debbie huffed looking at the number lock, thinking to herself. 'What is the point of having a secret if you have to use it in front of people?' Debbie felt the eyes staring at her when she opened the cabinet with little trouble, but there was always the option to kill them after. She thought with a slight smile. Debbie raised her hands to the contents and braced herself before she dove within. Too much, too quickly, Debbie focused back from the maze of lights and focused on one bit at a time. In Debbie's mind days had passed as she momentarily went through every system on every branch, she then found a map of sorts that showed dot's connected. Distribution connected to other distributions and to processing plants and food storage, plus little dots of parts manufacturing at the Metal Works and the Refinery. Many places old and new built a web that stretched far and wide, a sickly web but still a web. A desire within her wanted to make the web stronger, better and more fair. Then a cluster of mathematical symbols formed in front of her, a twirling, spinning white cluster, that dropped into the web and spreading out in all directions making the strands stronger and more defined. Dots of automated stockpiles began to come alive and join the web. So many little things began to work together and to communicate to prioritise and to share links of change, which she watched with the giddiness of triumph. Then there was one dot her rage cared to face and so disregarding all her self-control, Debbie flung herself far, very far to a dot called Phoenix Labs.

Debbie slammed into a wall of light with the emblem of a flaming bird etched into its surface. It did not shatter, crack or break with her attempts, it was too strong for Debbie, but not for the rage of the mother separated from a child. She reefed a hole open and ventured forth. Things came at her, angry things, military things and AI things. These things tore away at her, bits and bytes flung away and larger chunks Debbie could feel herself being diminished upon the onslaught. She had no defence and no fight; and she knew she was done for. Just her darkness and an overwhelming sense of being cheated out of her wrath remained. The closing the hole marked her demise and so she just watched it get smaller and smaller until only a pinprick remained. Suddenly and impossibly loud, a yell from a voice of nine screamed into existence, words were long stretched out and overpowering. Debbie was collected and made whole, the hole was reopened and she was cast out to whence she came. Debbie grasped the meaning into her prison of flesh and tried hard to voice it. The task was not easy, for her to remember how to work her body and to make words. Her ears heard and her brain knew them to be true. 'She is not alone...Mother'

Debbie rubbed the side of her face that still burned from Muley's hand. She followed Gummy, quickly over the catwalks. So much movement and noise below, it was doubtful that anyone would notice three people running far above them. The far end of Distribution was reached and below five troop carriers sat unattended. 'No one comes here unless they are needed, of course you will have little warning if others return in one, best you hide then.' Gummy left in great haste as much as an old man can with three teeth. The soul sisters slid down the ladder fast and ducked into the closest one, inside was much quieter. 'Debbie are you up to this? And you're bleeding much more this time. I'm sure it's not healthy for you. I swear you were near death and may be you still are.' Debbie's head throbbed painfully. 'No I was near death, I am fine now. I was saved by something. I'm unsure was it was, but it came from where Rayne is. I need time to explain and we don't have it. Get the Inventor up and running and try to find where to hook up the Intelligence.' Debbie found out she was not fine as she tried to dive into the machine and promptly threw up and snorting out blood. The soul sisters quickly chose another troop carrier as the previous one became unwanted because of the smell. 'I can't believe you threw up on my boots, damn Debbie your insides wreak. I pity the feller who uses that one.

Debbie's second attempt at driving was somewhat better but her nose still bled. She soon found a vague spot for hook up. 'Okay I'm taking a picture now, hold on.' Muley said to the Inventor via the tablet. 'You need to pull that twelve pin plug apart and link the Intelligence into it; at least I got the plug size right for once. It should self- recognise and follow your commands.' Debbie carefully prized the plug apart making sure not to crack the old plastic. 'Shit Debbie the roof is opening up, we have got to hide.' Muley said. The soul sisters used a combination of the packs, folded traps and other assortment's to build a hide, to hide behind as a flyer descended to land. It wasn't long until voices could be heard complaining about smell in the air and how people don't clean up their sickness.

After a time of silence which ended by Muley saying, 'See I'm not the only one that thinks you're rotten on the inside.' The soul sisters continued on with installing the Intelligence. Debbie had a hard time fitting of old plugs with the new, her experience with aged plastic meant a softly softly approach, which meant slowness. 'Done, I'm switching it on.' Debbie said. The instrument panel and the controls came to life, and speaker voice said, 'Ready for command.' The soul sisters smiled wide to each other and Debbie said, 'Fly.'

Joy soon turned to disappointment as they heard, 'Unconfirmed command.' Debbie used the words, up, go, start, levitate, move, power up, hum and you stupid piece of shit.' To which the flyer continually answered, 'Unrecognised command'. Muley asked the Inventor to quickly figure out what the problem was before they were discovered and promptly killed. Which she did in a polite manner with very few swear words and in a nice agitated state. Minutes passed with little success. 'Try pre-flight check.' The Inventor said, Debbie repeated and heard, 'Command confirmed running pre-flight check.' A loud voice from outside soon followed, 'You, in the flyer, come out with your hands up, you're surrounded!' Muley handed the Inventor's tablet to Debbie and walked towards the open ramp, but was careful to remain from sight. 'No thank you we are quite fine where we are.' Muley heard some chuckles and signalled to Debbie of at least six were out there. 'Don't be stupid, you have got no escape and you clearly can't fly.'

'We are willing to take lessons, where is the fly button?' Muley heard laughter and revised her number to eleven, while Debbie spoke any way possible for flight. Muley could tell the voice was starting to be annoyed with her comical styling. 'We have no wish to harm you.' Then another voice spoke up. 'Stupid girl can't even open the hangar bay doors.' Muley did not have to reply on what she heard, as Debbie had heard it and used it. 'Open hangar bay doors.' So the noise of the opening doors, made voices suddenly more panicky. 'So who's stupid now?' Muley shouted out, to the swearing. 'Come out peacefully or we will kill your friend.'

'We have no friends here and we have only just met.'

'Gummy here would beg to differ.' Muley looked at Debbie and heard her say, 'Fly' and the Intelligence responded, 'Destination?'

'South West and leave the ramp down.'

'Confirmed.'

'Be ready.' Debbie said throwing Twanger and arrows towards her. Muley caught them made herself ready with all and Debbie held the SLR while kneeling for maximum stability. The humming started and the flyer moved and began to rise. Muley saw targets that held Gummy and put an arrow in each before the ramp was level. Gummy saw his cue and jumped with a flying leap. Gunshots were heard, but Muley didn't care and reached for him. Muley grabbed the shirt and reefed him aboard; all the while Debbie used the SLR to clear away any who took aim. Three bodies took the bullets, while four others dived for cover. The sounds of bullets hitting metal intensified. Debbie's sight scanned for more to shoot but was disappointed to see more than a few clasping at arrows that pierced their body. So she quickly gave a couple of extra holes to worry about.

As the flyer rose through the hangar bay door, something vital to the machine was damaged by bullets. A shuddering developed at the sound of metal going bad, squealed in their ears. The flyer suddenly lurched forward at speed as its three occupants desperately hung on within. The view from the open ramp showed black smoke billowing behind them and a direction that was not south-west. Loud thuds could be heard as trees struck the fuselage of the flyer. Debbie saw a wing come free and wedge in a tree, just before gravity bid them welcome once more to the earth with a shocking impact of dirt, dust and rock. Debbie quickly saw Muley and Gummy alive and moving, so she quickly recovered the SLR and unfolded the bipod and stumbled to a clear patch of earth. Lying flat on the scarred ground, she put her scope to the roof of Destination and saw a flyer rising. A man could be seen sitting behind the front glass. She wondered if the glass could stop her bullet. Her question was answered yes, and then she smiled when it failed to stop two. The man was splattered with red and the flyer went back down into the imposing structure. 'Great shot, but we have to move, they are going to be coming by foot now.' Gummy said. 'Can't be that many left it in there.' Debbie answered back. 'Maybe thirty or more.' Gummy said, urging them to leave. With that number realised Debbie recovered her Intelligence and moved her bruised arse away from Distribution in the opposite direction of Mr Ko and the fall-back position. Muley looked back and said to Debbie, 'I thought flying would be more fun.'

Mr Ko laid on his belly beside Apple overlooking Distribution. 'So how do we know when they are in trouble?' Apple asked. Mr Ko said while looking through his looking glass, 'I think the signs are pretty obvious, gun fire, people shouting that type of thing. Or maybe a flyer rising with flame. Best you go back to the wagon and get the donkeys ready.' Mr Ko felt the dread rise within as he watched the flyer crash; his looking glass was too weak to see if anyone emerge from it. He continued to scan around and saw another flyer emerge. Then he saw it go back down and crash through the wall of the building. Mr Ko could see people walking away from it in a stumbling fashion. Except one who sat in the front with an unmistakable bullet hole through the forehead. Mr Ko smiled knowing that Debbie still lived from the first crashed flyer, and only she could make such a shot. Mr Ko rose quickly and ran towards the wagon. 'Looks like there is trouble, best we go find them, it's not going to be easy but watching Debbie's back is never easy.' Apple stood tall and nodded to Mr Ko's words. 'So which way do we go?' Apple asked. Mr Ko looked around. 'We will follow the ridge line and then go down to the crash and follow the tracks and dead bodies.'

'Who's dead bodies?' Apple asked in alarm. 'Only those who followed Debbie and mean her harm.' Mr Ko hugged Apple, and then held her hand as he lead Nutty to move along the ridge line, then onwards to the black smoke.

Vole,

Gather twenty of your best and accompany me to the Distribution, for we need to move fast and secure the building. I need containment not death equipped your best accordingly. We need silence for this movement, use all assets to achieve this. For the faith and to the Order it shall be done.

Sepri

Sepri,

Time is short and so is my disappointment, your man Peppers or Peppy or whoever, has let the officers I want into Distribution. The same ones you failed to capture. He has escaped with them in a flyer which fortunately crashed. Unfortunately the one I was in then crashed through Distribution. I'm taking all available officers here and going after them. I need you and your highly trained lapdogs to fly and head them off in a coordinated effort. Trace my trail to find me, make it quick and don't disappoint.

Reaper

Ron,

The clone room, something strange happened. Lights flickered, I swear I heard voices. I'm not an easily scared woman, but this is a very secluded area with a creepy room.

Barb

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)

Ron,

There was a hacking according to this log screen, it says and I quote, "un-authorised entry, un -authorised user, un- authorised Program detected, incursion length two seconds, unauthorised program deleted." That was at twenty-two hundred hours.

(Discovered message log at Phoenix massacre)

Barb,

What time did the clone room flicker?

Ron, head of security

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)
Chapter 21: Bad idea to swim with the locals

After four days of being pursued across harsh terrain of dry scrub and stone, Muley's body was close to collapsing. Bruising of her legs from the night walking ached as she squatted down for a third rabbit. Her aim was slipping as the furry creature still lived with rapid pants and struggled to free itself. A pointless act as the arrow pinned it to the ground. Muley snapped the neck and freed it from its torment, unlike her own, as painful cracked lips stung with every facial expression. Three rabbits equal a mouth full and a bit of blood, very handy since water had been gone for three days and raw rabbits were better than no rabbit. The moisture within the fresh meat meant nourishment in harsh circumstances. The loud footsteps of Debbie came close and then passed as Muley tied the rabbit with the others to dangle beside her hip. To Muley Debbie was like machine that kept going on while keeping a steady pace. The two days she had carried upon her back the old man who had cast aside his name of Gummy for his original name of Pepprie. His old thin body soon gave up on the taxing circumstance of the twenty-one that followed them, all smart and well trained. Even Debbie's attempt at night raids to thin the numbers had proved unsuccessful; she had tried twice so far. Once she came back saying they were lucky. The second time she came back with a bullet hole underneath the fleshy part of her arm. Muley doubted she would try a third time.

The day's darkness near on approached and Debbie had stopped, Pepprie was lowered with Muley's help. While Muley quickly used her hunting knife to get all that was useful from the rabbits. Debbie took the usual position on looking back through the scope of the SLR. 'They have caught up again; we will have to walk for four to five hours tonight to keep the distance during the day, it must be getting to them they are arguing again, I think you're right Pepprie, it is Reaper and that fat fellow again.'

'Well those officers have got to stay at Distribution; they will want to go back. Reaper can't keep them forever.'

'I wish they would hurry up and drop the numbers, we need to make a stand and end this.' Muley looked at Debbie and saw the pain she denied voicing. 'Pepprie rub her legs she is cramping again.' Muley hurried her efforts while Debbie grunted at Pepprie's efforts to loosen the large knots of muscle from the back of the legs. 'Little point to make a stand if you can't move when you are lay down, we are lacking more than water.' Peppery said. 'So chew the food well and be thankful you have got something.' Muley said, as she made her pile of giblets, meat and an impromptu bowl of blood. Muley was glad the dark hid the details of the meal which now included brains of rabbit as well as eyes.

The brief opportunities for conversation heard Pepperie tell of stories about The Order and the city it belonged to. 'Well it used to be one big city all linked together by buildings. Then over time the areas that didn't have the maintenance or the use crumbled. And those buildings were recycled and gardens appeared then they made woodlands and roads between them. A very pretty place last I saw it, possibly about twenty-six years now. Buildings impossibly high surrounded by trees and all the important people live there.'

'Important people, how so?' Debbie asked with a twinge of anger, 'They have no practical skills, you said so yourself. Important people are those that can produce something. Sounds like all they do is take.' Debbie mumbled. 'They lead and make decisions that affect everyone, it's for the best, for all of us.'

'We have seen the effects of their decisions; they should be thankful I don't go there and judge them.'

'So does The Order keep them safe?' Muley quickly interjected to avoid argument. 'We are like officers but we use different methods.' Pepperie said. 'Methods that use poisons and toxic substances, we know of your methods.' Debbie said. 'They are just tools like your blade's or your Thunder or Muley's bow. Death comes in many forms and sometimes it needs to be bloodless.

Mr Ko succumbed to the pleasures of Apple's mouth, as the muscles of his shoulders and back tensed and relaxed. A wave of relaxation ebbed through him as the woman he loved nestled back into his arms. The donkeys had been fed and watered as well as himself and Apple. Her long thin body draped and held him while her fingers combed through his greying hair of his chest. Mr Ko now thought of Debbie and Muley ahead of him with twenty-one between them, he had caught sight of the pursuers and dropped back to follow out of sight. It had been two nights since the large amount of gunfire and he was worried. He had found Debbie's tracks that morning and saw how close she had got to them. As well as blood from where she retreated, steadily drops meant a steady flow. Mr Ko knew a bullet had found her and he hoped it wasn't bad, but he knew deep down all bullets were bad. 'Dull your thoughts my dear or you will undo all the good I have done for you.' Apple said with hot breath to his ear. 'I worry about those girls; they are my friends, my thoughts will not dull while they are in trouble.'

'They are also officers of great feats, your stories do not tell of girls, but that of warriors, tried and tested.' Apple said. 'Bullets kill quickly and Debbie has been shot. Her heavy feet tell me so as well as her blood.' Apple sighed and moved with grace. 'Perhaps receiving is not in your best interest; maybe giving will dull your thoughts.' Mr Ko felt Apple reposition herself and felt the warmth of the woman lower to his face.

Morning was near and Muley awoke from four hours of sleep. Muley touched her face and felt the dried blood from a branch of thorns, taken in her night walk. Even following Debbie close did not save her from pain, she glanced to Pepperie and saw him still asleep as well as Debbie. Muley took the chance to walk with the Inventor's tablet for an update, caution made her wary of letting others know of the Inventor's existence. After all he was nearly destroyed by machine men sent from where ever Pepperie was from. The Inventor showed a map and highlighted two rabbit warrens and a water source with a warning she did not understand. Muley had to risk it and talk to him, 'I don't understand this word crocodiles?'

'What do you mean you don't understand?' The Inventor replied. 'I have never heard of the word.'

'Big reptiles, three to four metres long, big teeth, jump out of the water drag you down and eat you.' The Inventor showed visions of crocodiles doing their thing and Muley felt a little warmth of pee between her legs. 'It is part of a big river that goes to the sea, salt water crocs maybe there, they were in my day. So be careful when getting water and don't go swimming for Pete's sake. You will probably get there on dark, maybe later and they can see better in the dark than you can. And don't stay at the water's edge they walk around as well. Best to stay completely away from there.' Muley licked her lips in disappointment. 'Easy for you to say, we are thirsty as.'

Muley was able to show Debbie quickly what the Inventor had sent and she nodded in response. By dawn's light they moved Pepperie onto Debbie's back with Debbie's pack on his. She also carried the SLR with grim determination against all the odds. Their pace was slower as Debbie had to stop with more than a few cramps. No rabbits were seen and the warrens looked long empty. Muley tried a smaller target but the snake got away as well as a bird. Muley then saw a kangaroo and quickly put two arrows in it. Then she rushed over only to find it was nothing more than bark resting against a rock and she knew she was in trouble. Night came and Debbie saw no sign of pursuit and with nothing to eat, pressed on for water. 'No food might as well go for a bellyful of water and rest up.' The half-moon was high when smell and sight of shimmering water was found. Muley polished her concerns and Debbie responded, 'I see well in the dark give me that canteen and I'll go get it. Don't worry I'll be fine.' Muley rubbed her head as a headache pounded within. 'You should go with her in case of crocs.' Pepperie said with Muley flinching in response. 'I may be old but my ears work fine.'

'I have lost sight of her, I'd get lost she will be fine.' Muley said just before a loud splash was heard before total silence of the dark flooded her ears.

Muley and Pepperie braved the water's edge screaming Debbie's name with only silence replying and two full canteens were marking where she was last. 'We best move back in case more come.' Muley sensed the wisdom in his words, but still wished to throw him in the water. 'We will rest up and search in the morning.' Muley agreed through tears and sobs; with a place found she sat straining her ears for any Debbie sounds that were above her own crying which she could not stop. In the hours that passed Muley threw caution to the wind and lit a fire in case Debbie needed a light to come back to. The fires warmth gave little comfort as Muley grieved openly, rocking back and forth. Pepperie had long given up on hopeful words and slept with a little snore. Muley thought about all the sights and sounds of Debbie, both joyous and bad and wishing she could hear something of her soul sister. In the distance movement was heard, a direction away from the river. Muley kicked Pepperie awake to pick up a rifle, while she grabbed Debbie's SLR. Laying low and ready Muley sent a signal whistle and soon heard a response only Debbie knew. 'You fucking bitch, you had me worried sick.'

'Oh shut up your whining and cook me some dinner.' Debbie said throwing down a good size metre and a half of croc's tail, with a thud that raised dust. 'He was too heavy to drag back, so I grabbed this.' Muley hugged Debbie felt her wince with pain. Muley's hands gleamed red with Debbie's cold blood in the firelight. 'Don't look like that, is not that bad just a few puncture marks is all, food is what I need, water I have already drank enough of.' Muley cooked crocodile, while Debbie stripped bare for the fires warmth, uncaring of Pepperie's presence. A mass of dark red blood clots littered her skin as well is large blood welts underneath it. 'The current took me far down after I stabbed a shit out of the bastard, I rode him till we hit the bank, I didn't know which side I was on, with the tumbling and the turning I lost sense of direction. But I saw a fire and hoped it was you Muley lighting my way.' Debbie began to cry in saying, 'I thought I lost you forever, when it grabbed me.' Muley was mindful on where to hug Debbie as Pepperie took over the cooking.

Not a scrap of meat remained by morning and the sun's light showed much damage done to Debbie. 'Looks like he had a few chomps of you.' Muley said. 'He gave it a good go.' Debbie said dressing stiffly as she put on pants and boots since they were the driest. 'Good thing he didn't find you too tasty.' Muley said with a smile. 'You get that after a few days without soap.' Debbie replied. 'So what's the plan? High ground and shoot the shit out of them.'

'I was thinking that rise over there, staying on this flat gives us no advantage.' Debbie indicated with a glance. 'Two rifles and a bow doesn't give us much of an advantage against twenty-one rifles, which are pretty good shots. They got you in the dark.' Debbie gave a glare. 'Barely got me, still a bit tender but healed.' Debbie said lifting her arm and Muley wished they had some time with Pepperie gone, as she looked at Debbie's soft under arm hair and breasts. Muley knew it hampered the tradition of hot rampant sex after near death experiences, to have company on such missions and so she felt cheated. So she asked Pepperie to check on Debbie's shirt and coat that hung on a branch of a nearby tree in the hope of stealing a quick kiss.

With her lips near striking distance Pepperie fell to the ground just before a loud crack was heard. The old man swore clutching his leg with blood seeping through his fingers. The soul sisters instinctively knew what to do; bare-chested Debbie fired rounds with the SLR while Muley scrambled for Debbie's shirt and bound it to Pepperie's leg. 'Outer side of the leg, no bone and no artery. You will be fine straight through just needs pressure.' Muley said wrapping it tight. She then scrambled for equipment and made ready to move. 'Situation Debbie?' She asked. 'Scouts, got one, others going out of my range, no time to get to high ground. We cross the river but we have to be quick, go now!' Muley grabbed Pepperie and made their way fast to the river while Debbie continued shooting. The river's edge was reached and on the opposite side big things slid into the water. Muley had a few choice words that she yelled at the crocodiles. Debbie barely said her words as she ran past and ran into the water. 'Cover me, then I will cover you.' Taking most of the equipment that Muley had collected. Muley watched wide eyed as Debbie waded and held high the SLR, even when the water was above her head. No crocodiles approached as Muley watched over with rifle sights, with her heart in her mouth.

The opposite bank's cover was thick and soon Debbie was amongst it. 'This is it Pepperie, time for a swim, I will swim us you will hold the rifle up.'

'And the crocs?' Pepperie asked. 'Debbie is a good shot nothing to worry about.' Muley said, unconvincingly to him and to herself. The whistle was heard and they entered the water fast. Muley swam dragging Pepperie behind her, shots began to fire and Muley put all her efforts in swimming, even when a lifeless crocodile passed in front of her, she merely punched it to the side and kept on swimming. Muley made sure she drank before exiting as she was unsure of future supply. The bank was reached as shots were traded, between one side and the other. Soon they were past Debbie and into the dense foliage with Debbie soon following. 'Hope you left some crocs for them?' Muley said, out of breath. 'A couple, one of them got taken as he swam after you, he screamed enough for the others to rethink their strategy, come on let's keep moving and spread the gap.' Muley took back the gear and followed her bare breasted woman with Pepperie on her back.

Gun fire pricked Mr Ko's ears, 'Debbie's rifle, here that; shot after shot. That's her all right, twenty-thirty minutes away, tops. When we get closer you take the donkeys and hang back. I will take the wagon right to them.' Mr Ko made haste as he increased the wagon's power so that the donkeys, he and Apple were moved at a brisk jog. The firefight had ceased by the time he saw the pursuers, with the kiss and a cuddle Apple was left with Pretty and Nutty. While Mr Ko ran the wagon towards the pursuers with Tincan riding high. 'You metal bastard you better be able to shoot when moving.' Mr Ko kept running as he saw men shouting at his approach, pointing and holding rifles up. Mr Ko increased his efforts to push it faster, with the controls fully open. He began to scream at them as their faces became clear. 'This is for Debbie and Muley you bastards!' Mr Ko heard the air guns do their thing and men dropped one after the other, and in the blink of an eye or in the yell of a mad man, all were down and Mr Ko stood triumphant kicking the nearest one in his sleeping stomach. Mr Ko waved his arms from on top of the wagon to signal Apple, and then searched for what might have happened to his friends.

Mr Ko heard Apple approach as he sat holding a jacket that was torn and perforated and all bloody. He felt her arms around him. 'You're the bravest man I have seen.' Apple said, with a sob. 'Nah, there's plenty braver than me, one of their jackets and scales of a crocodile. Seen crocodiles before when I was a young fella, good eating but bad swimming with. Bullets drove them back and they swam the river. One of them has been shot, blood has pooled and fresh. Fourteen men here, and seven still after them.'

'I passed one, shot in the head.' Apple said. 'Good, six still after them, best we search and tie up the fourteen we have. It will give me time to think on what we should do next.' Rifles and ammunition were collected and officers were zip tied and bunched together, all the while Tincan watched over them. When the officers started to wake they didn't talk and Mr Ko didn't expect them to. Even one went to rise to challenge him, but was soon back to sleep. Mr Ko made up his mind and told Apple his intentions, 'I will go across the river and take ammunition and supplies, and you must stay here and look after the donkeys and give water to them. If I'm not back in five days make your way back to Central and tell of our story, I will find you there.' Mr Ko suspected an argument but it did not happen, only a long hug and a kiss. Mr Ko stood alone with spear, two rifles, a pack and throwing axes. He looked at the water and then around and then up and saw sturdy branches that spanned the river. He decided to go up and over, and so he did.

A brief rest and Debbie put on Muley's coat, she lay on the rock and looked through the scope, 'I see five, no more than that. Have a look Pepperie, any of them yours?'

'No all Reapers' looks like they have split up finally.' Pepperie said, rolling away in pain from his leg wound. 'Five to our three, Muley what do you say?'

'We know where Rayne is, I say shoot Reaper first.'

'I have him, take the shot?' Debbie asked of Muley. 'We could use a better position; we are exposed on our flanks.' Muley replied while taking stock of her surroundings. 'Shoot and run?'

'Fuck them, shoot and run.' Muley got hold of Pepperie and said, 'Yep' and Debbie fired. 'He is down.' They made their run away from the flying bullets, Debbie ran ahead to take position, until Muley hobbled past with Pepperie and after some distance Debbie ran to move past them again. This repeated until higher ground was found. 'It's a good spot to make a stand.' Muley assessed, to which Debbie and Pepperie agreed. A half an hour passed until Debbie saw movement, cautious movement. 'It can't be I hit straight to the chest, he went down.' Debbie said spotting the blonde hair of Reaper. 'Liquid body armour, that's what they're using, your bullets won't go through, you need headshots.' Pepperie said. 'How do we get our hands on some liquid body armour?' Muley asked. 'You're not important enough, only arseholes like them get it.'

'Or we take them after their dead; I've got a set lined up right now.' Debbie took her shot and Muley saw her smile and just knew someone's head had been perforated to a mess. 'Was it Reaper?'

'No a closer man, they have gone low below the grass, keep your eyes peeled.'

Two hours passed with no sign, then all the once their little hill was shot at from four different directions. Rocks scattered and chipped, and then all was silent once more, except for the swearing from the top of the very small hill. 'Fucking bastards, show us your heads, give us something to shoot at.' Muley yelled, to which there was no reply. 'Great they're not giving away position even with voice.' Muley huffed as she glanced in many directions. 'Can we set fire to the grass?' Pepperie asked. Muley went through all they had and answered no. 'Just look for signs and shoot, it's the best we can do for now.' Debbie said. 'Fine I will then.' Muley said, putting the rifle into place and then it was promptly shot. Muley screamed as the wood base splinted near her hand. Debbie fired a few shots in that direction until suppressing fire forced her back down. 'Pssstt, behind a tree at four o'clock, one hundred metres.' Pepperie whispered. Debbie wriggled into position and looked through the scope, just a hint of a barrel from of rifle could be seen, the rest of the shooter was behind the trunk. Debbie knew where his head would be and wondered how many bullets it would take to shoot through the wood. On the fourth shot and under fire, the tree gave way and the bullet slammed the body behind it and so Debbie put a second round into the new visible head to make sure.

Debbie debated that a gap was open and offered to go out and stalk the rest, Muley however countered by her reasoning that they would be down one set of eyes. All arguments stopped when a cry was heard, then cut short. Frantic looks spotted nothing, twenty minutes had passed until another shrill scream of death that was not quick was heard. Through Debbie's scope something familiar was spotted, grey warriors tail. 'Mr Ko is out there.' Debbie said. Muley shouted out, 'There's only one left!' For Mr Ko's benefit. Debbie used the scope to follow and scan ahead of Mr Ko for signs of the last one. The cover was thick only the moving grass could tell Mr Ko's position. Then there was a sudden movement as Mr Ko broke cover with his spear, trees blocked the target from Debbie's view. Mr Ko thrusted the spear and was stuck in a tree. Then Debbie saw a handgun that fired into Mr Ko repeatedly, to which his body jerked before falling. Debbie shot at the tree and saw someone run and so did she at full speed.

Mr Ko tracked at a steady run following a set of footprints a blind man could follow. The grass was tall, even some was at chest height in parts, most was waist. Seeds that were like a little spears stuck into his clothing, these discomforts were easily put up with. A sound of the distant gunshot did not slow him, but the dozens that followed did as they were much closer. The more cautious Mr Ko advanced and after a time found spent shells. He ran his hand over bent and broken grass and surmised that someone fell, but no trace of blood was seen. So he followed on, he then found tracks of Debbie which ran and laid down, two scuff marks of her bipod that was attached to the SLR was a clear sign beside her were tracks of two people, one was injured. Mr Ko realised Debbie was part of the group of three, he did not dwell on who was the third, he only cared about not getting there late. A single shot was heard again than all was quiet, Mr Ko went low and quiet but still followed the tracks.

The sound of flies were heard before the sight of a body greeted him, the man lay on his side, the back of his head erupted, skull and brains easily seen. Mr Ko saw no weapon nor did he have any ammunition or anything else of use. His companions had taken his possessions with them. Mr Ko saw multiple tracks heading off in different directions; he counted four. The math didn't add up so he did not think it was four individuals, his math told him five were out there. Mr Ko cautiously looked ahead and saw a small hill about eight hundred metres away. The tracks suggested they went to ground upon that small hill. Mr Ko decided to pick one set of tracks and followed it. Quiet and sneaky he crept then laid low as multiple gunshots fired far and close and once stopped he heard Muley's voice swear and curse which brought a smile to his face. He had only taken a few cautious steps as the shot rang out with the girly scream following, and then under exchanging fire, Mr Ko pressed on. Movement was spotted ahead and the sound of the SLR froze him then more firing kept him still. Mr Ko's heart pumped very fast as she saw a foot then a man lying on his belly.

With an axe in hand he struck at the middle of the man's back. The thud felt wrong, the man rolled and screamed out and Mr Ko saw a neck so he hacked at it until he became still. A little voice could be heard, so Mr Ko investigated and saw a device in the man's ear, he listened and he heard names being mentioned. Further inspection found a strange garment underneath the man's clothing; Mr Ko struck it with his axe which left no mark. So Mr Ko ever wanting to try new things decided that the dead man did not need his fancy thing. Moving along a new track was found and Mr Ko was soon behind another man, he leaned over a rock holding a rifle. Mr Ko saw a vital area unprotected and thought it best to use his spear to drive it in deep. The scream that followed is loud and long as Mr Ko reefed the spear within the man working his way from pelvis to heart. When all was quiet a foot was placed on the corpse for a push and pull to retrieve his spear. Once again Mr Ko went stalking and soon heard Muley's voice shouting 'one left'. In that instant movement was seen and both men saw each other. Instinct made him move fast and he had to be quicker than the rifle that trained on him. Thrusting his spear, the man's rifle deflected it into the tree. With the rifle falling Mr Ko tugged at his spear, while the blonde man smiled and pointed a small strange gun at him. Mr Ko focused on the small thing and all went black.

Reaper,

I know you pay me well, but your supplies which were held here, well, have gone. The whole place just started up and flyers came and took a lot of things, it's like half empty now. I don't know what you had in those crates, but they are gone man, just gone.

Your friend on the Peninsula

Officer Dimitri

I have been waiting for parts for years now and have been making do. Well they have arrived and I opened up the crates and found really big guns, bullets the length of your hand. You might want to have a look and take them away. I want no trouble here in The Poppy Fields.

Your friend Sniffy

Jaxter

Our last shipment we received was underlay for drainage. After inspection we found crates with explosive warnings on them. What do you know about C-4 and detcord? For now we have stored it in Debbie's old container and locked it shut.

Blinken at Fields

Session six with Clone One, Human Resources

Y. Do you have dreams when you sleep?

C. Visions in my sleep cycle, yes I do.

Y. And what are they of?

C. My life here, things that I do, sometimes things I should have done differently.

Y. Do you have an example?

C. I should have tried apple pie instead of custard and pear.

Y. Anything about me. Have you had anything like that?

C. No I do not dream of such things. But I do dream about a purple cat he talks to me or maybe it's a she. I do not know much about cat psychology.

(Discovered message log at the Phoenix massacre)
Chapter 22: Desperate Agreement

A thick tree branch that had survived the years and the hardships of fire, pests and grazing animals, snapped as Debbie ran the straightest possible line to Mr Ko. A quick glance saw grey hair matted with blood, Debbie took aim and shot for a sixth time at the blond hair man called Reaper. Like the previous three others, the bullet made him stumble, so Debbie left Mr Ko and continued on. Every stumble slowed him down, though an arm or leg would help more in her endeavours. So she kept shooting and on her second magazine, she heard him yell and she knew she hit flesh. He was now slow, very slow, she had got a leg. A hundred and twenty metre distance was between her and the very sweaty and angry man. Debbie could see him quite clearly through the scope as she walked closer; he looked at her and his surroundings. He then reloaded the hand gun and raised it to her. Debbie fired into his chest, making Reaper stepped back in a painful shuffle. For the next seven shots the scene replayed as Debbie closed the gap while Reaper yelled his frustration. On the eighth she decided to change it up and shoot his wrist that held the gun. Debbie was a little disappointed that his hand remained attached. The ninth caught the shoulder on the other arm; the tenth gave him matching shoulders. The eleventh took out a knee; the twelfth took the other one. Debbie quickly rocked another magazine into place and worked the bolt with a satisfying clack, all the while hearing very familiar words that were always said by other doomed tossers.

Two meters was the distance between hateful eyes. He screams and she answered in a commanding voice, 'Susan from Central, you shot her three times.' Debbie took aim and shot three to his chest. Debbie waited till he had control of his breathing and was able to calm himself down somewhat. No arteries had been hit; she still had some time before he bled out. 'You took my daughter from me.' She claimed three fingers and Debbie felt flesh hit her face. 'Just end me you bitch.' Reaper spat at her. Debbie put the barrel to his face and ran it over his skin until the sizzle sound had stopped. His sweaty features and trembling meant shock was setting in. 'I know where my daughter is, I will get her back.' Reaper made no reply he just stared and shivered in hatred. 'Your sister searched for you for so long.' Debbie saw the changes of his expression and the man forced his words out between trembling lips, 'I've been searching for so long.' Debbie raised an eyebrow. 'To kill her?'

'No, to make her life better.' Debbie saw the sincereness and laughed loudly. 'Tell me of my sister!' Reaper strained to make his demand. 'The irony of it all.' Debbie said amongst hearty laughs. 'Tell me of my sister!' Reaper screamed. Debbie saw the expression she wanted and answered, 'No' with a smile. She needed rest and so she sat to watch him die.

The area was pleasant; there was a breeze and the smell of approaching death was near so she decided to talk. 'You know I'm not really sure if you are bad or not. Maybe following orders or maybe taking things too far. I bet you didn't think this is how it ends for you.' Debbie gripped Reaper's head and held his stare. The blond man spat a mouthful of slimy red, but Debbie held her smile and chuckled. The head was dropped and she spoke more after wiping blood from her face. 'My area is twelve and I'm pretty sure more people hate me, than like me. It's probably the same for you wherever you go, blood, death, anger, grieving. I killed most of the men from the Fish Farm and I enjoyed it. I suppose people will grieve for them, but seeing them realise they were dying, grant you not drawn out like you're experiencing. It's their eyes; I saw that from my child's father, the same look. It's uncanny how people are the same. I'm coming to realise that I am broken within and I seem to be fine with it. I find the hardest part about it all is just living through the mundane. I've killed a man who loved me; there was a time in my life I thought that a boyfriend would make me happy when I was a scared girl. It's strange I should be still angry with you especially what you did to Mr Ko, but what else can I do that would not hasten your death, there isn't much I suppose. My daughter is so far away guarded by men and walkers in the snow; I am looking forward to killing all who are there. I wonder if I mention your name there, would they know you. Do you think that would comfort them if they did? Knowing you were the cause of all this death done by my hands. Would it?' Debbie asked of Reaper whose lifeless blue eye's looked to her from a tormented face.

Muley could not keep up with Debbie, by the time Mr Ko was reached Debbie was in the far distance shooting at the fleeing man. Muley saw life in his body and five holes in his shirt; she ripped it apart and saw underneath something strange, a thick mesh material that bore no holes. Muley looked at the head wound and saw it to be a gash, not a bullet hole. With remnants of Mr Ko's shirt she held pressure to the wound to stem the bleeding. Muley continually looked when she heard Debbie's rifle firing in bursts and wondered what she was up to. Mr Ko was still out cold, when Muley spotted Debbie walking back, red covered her face and chest, where the coat did not cover. As for the coat itself, Muley knew she would have to acquire a new one. 'Mr Ko is alive; the old bastard was wearing liquid body armour, its good stuff. A bullet grazed his head, but his breathing is strong. So you caught up with him I see.' Muley waved her hand so that Debbie would look at herself and how much blood she wore. Muley saw delight in her face as she smeared finger lines on her bloodied chest. 'It was Reaper, we had a little chat, and do you know he was looking for his sister to make her life better?'

'Did you tell him, how she died?'

'No, I don't think he would have believed me, he wasn't in the right frame of mind. I'm going to get us some of that body armour stuff, even at point blank it stops my bullets.' Muley watched Debbie walk away and wondered if she should go take a look at Reaper. She then thought it best not to know what it takes to make Debbie smile like that.

In the distance a hum could be heard, Debbie came running back with two liquid body armours and two rifles. 'I'm taking the hill; you stay here with Mr Ko.' Muley made no objection and checked her rifle and ammunition. She watched the flyer as it circled wide and high above twice before landing. Muley tried to see how many came out, but so far no one did. Mr Ko still breathed soundly, and it would have been better if he were awake. At least the liquid body armour was on and Muley felt more confident with the situation. With a swat of her hand, Muley inspected what type of bug bit her. All she found was a familiar dart and collapsed with the sound, 'Fuc' escaping her lips. Time passed and Muley awoke startled and realised quickly she was naked and grabbed the white sheet that slid from her upright body. Beside her lay Debbie then Mr Ko, who both had white sheets and Mr Ko had a better dressing on his head. They all laid in the flyer and a hint of jasmine was in the air. It was then Muley noticed she felt clean, a darting hand over her body realised she was all clean and no spot un-touched. Muley went to wake Debbie, but froze when a cough was heard behind her.

With the turning of the head she saw Sepri and two young girls staring like hawks, 'Hello again.' Muley said with an awkward look. 'I was hoping you would wake first, you seem to be the sensible one.' Sepri said. 'Compared to?' Muley replied. 'Well see, if I answer that we would get off on the wrong foot. Let's say you're more agreeable to talking, than fighting.' Sepri replied. 'Why are we naked again?'

'I know it is a bit rude, but you all smelt pretty bad, so we washed you all and tended to the wounds. We used a whole bar of expensive soap.' Muley gave a sniff. 'Jasmine soap, Central has that quite cheap, well cheapish.' Sepri nodded in agreement. 'Pepperie told us quite a story, hard to believe unless you have seen the consequences of it.'

'There was a bit of trouble, I guess a bit more than usual I suppose but shit happens, so you deal with it,' Muley said with a smile. 'Indeed, shit as you put it, lies out there, his death is grateful but inconvenient.'

'Reaper you mean, well he got what he deserved.'

'Did he, have you seen his body?'

'No, but I can imagine. Debbie likes to make things personal sometimes. And she had much cause.'

'Well a personal touch makes it difficult to take a body back; there will be questions on its condition. Your friend there is sick, here in the head.' Sepri said pointing to her own head. 'There will be a time where she will have to be put down. You know that don't you?'

Muley looked at Debbie sleeping and shed a tear, 'That time has not come to pass, and I will do what needs to be done, if the need arises. Not a moment sooner.'

'We have collected much information about you both and lot of detail. Debbie takes too much pleasure in killing and like others with that mindset. There will be a time when the line is crossed. In her case it will be most likely when peaceful times span endlessly. She will then just kill for the sake of it. It will matter not if it's man, woman or child, she is a killer, sadistic in nature. It's an itch you cannot scratch when you combine the fact that she is stronger than she should be, it is a very dangerous mix indeed.'

Muley looked at Debbie sleeping while shedding more tears, 'I am fully aware of what she is and when her time comes, I will end it.' Sepri breathed in deeply. 'Well lucky for you animals tore apart Reaper's body there was nothing to bring back, now for our next topic. Distribution what exactly did Debbie do there and the truth please?' Muley evaluated the situation and decided that truth was best. 'Debbie can talk to machines so she can look inside and see what is wrong and fix it. She can do this by touch. She fixed Distribution amongst other things.' Sepri sat for a time in silence while Muley was stared at by the young girls intently. 'So she is the one who hacked Distribution amongst other places, yes much to think about. And the blood, why does she bleed, we made Lox talk.'

'It happens when she spreads herself too thin that is how she puts it. Something to do with the distance I guess.' Muley could see excitement in Speri's eyes for the briefest of time. 'Yes she can travel quite a distance, so how many flyers do you need?' Muley was taken aback by the question. 'We can modify two for speech commands, because we can't fly them ourselves.' Muley answered all the questions Sepri put to her and excluded any mention of the Inventor, as some secrets are meant to be died for.

Muley's words were cut short as the two girls said in unison, 'Sepri, Debbie stirs.' Muley looked and saw no movement, then looked at the girls who were now more visibly alert and on edge with weapons at hand. 'Well let's see what little miss unpredictable has to say.' Muley watched on as Debbie did not care that her body was on show as she awoke, stood and stretched. A white cream was dabbed over her many wounds from crocodiles to wear and tear while many scars were not. 'I see little reason to justify my actions, they tried to kill us. We killed them, life and death; it's all brutal and messy. As for Reaper he killed his sister, had a sword put through her, you add on the other deeds such as stealing my daughter and killing Susan. I'd say he didn't die badly enough.' Muley saw the girls ready to attack as Debbie stepped closer to Sepri. 'How do you justify your actions? What do you do that's so important? Do your actions help people? Do you bring about change? All I see is an old woman with snarling little girls at her side, looking down on those who try.' Sepri raised an eyebrow. 'So what you did, you thought it was right?' Sepri asked unafraid. 'Nothing is right; there is always someone who sees it wrong. Right and wrong, it all comes down to perception by the individual. They see only what they want to see. Your girls here, first I saw them, they were unafraid of me, and they wanted to fight me. Now I stand here naked and unarmed and they are scared. Their perception of me has changed in that time. Is that because I'm right or am I so very wrong?' Muley noted Debbie's wild gestures did not help the situation and she wondered if Debbie wanted to pick a fight.

Sepri let out a long sigh. 'Well I have heard enough, there are clothes for the three of you in the box. Of course they are of a different style that you will be not used to. Please have your friend find me when he wakes, there is a deal I must keep with is woman Apple. Now if you don't mind I am going for a stroll.' Muley watched them leave and she could tell buttons were pushed. She then opened the box and talked while looking at its contents. 'What's upset you, you seem a bit off?' Debbie inspected her body for what was done. 'I'm just annoyed that Pepperie stab me with a dart, backstabbing little shit, even after we saved his life how many times?'

'Maybe he saved ours, what would have happened if a fight started with Sepri?'

'What would of have happened if she was here to kill us?' Debbie snapped back. 'We would be dead and not having this argument.' Muley said throwing clothes at Debbie with more force than was required. 'Muley heard the flapping of material. 'I'm not wearing this, I would rather be naked.' Debbie said in disgust. 'Just put it on and quit your belly aching. You're an embarrassment to us both.' Muley thought hers was bad, a dress that stopped at the knees and was orange with a red bow at the front. As she turned she saw Debbie with the same style dress but with blue and cream dots with a frilly lace edging. Both laughed long and hard at each other.

Mr Ko stood dressed finely in clothes that suited him, a white shimmering shirt, grey pants and a plaited leather the belt. His prideful swagger left the soul sisters shaking their heads. 'Looks like they have left the best clothes for the hero of the day.' Muley said. 'Yes a good day to be Mr Ko.' He said before walking out. 'Thanks Muley we will never hear the end of it. The great hero saving the two helpless officers.' Muley smiled wide before saying. 'It's true.'

'That's not the point; every chance he will get, it will be that story that will get told.' The soul sisters heads turned as Pepperie started bringing in weapons collected and taken. Muley and Debbie helped then re-armed themselves, making them look even more ridiculous. 'Make sure you take these, you have earned them.' Pepperie said patting the liquid body armour. They all waited in silence until Mr Ko, two girls and Sepri came back. Mr Ko sat with a big smile on his face. Muley asked, 'What?' And he replied, 'You'll see soon enough.' It was Sepri who sat in the front seat and started the flyer; the ramp door closed and they were quickly in flight and in no time at all they had landed again. Mr Ko stood making sure his new clothes looked fine and carried his spear with pride as he walked out. The soul sisters followed and saw Apple guarding twenty-four people. The soul sisters walked closer and Apple apologised profusely about laughing at them. 'Stuff this we're changing.' Debbie said grabbing Muley's hand leading her away from the bewildering stares that were leered at them from the captives. 'I'm so embarrassed, I would have been better off naked, I knew it. Frigging spotty girly dress I hate it.'

'Well fold it up neat; we don't want to seem rude for our guests.' Muley said tugging up her pants with the wiggle and giggle. Mr Ko came over with Apple in his arm hand in hand. 'Good woman this one, captures ten of these fellas, bargains for the flyers we need. She is a keeper, pretty and smart.' Apple giggled and smiled at Mr Ko who gave her a kiss. 'We will walk back along whence we came and you can pick us up in your flyers, they will have to make two trips for all these fellas. So you can take your time maybe for a night or two. You know some special time.' Mr Ko said with a big grin. 'It's the least we can do for the hero of the day.' Debbie said which made Mr Ko's smile wider.

Debbie and Muley took their seats amongst some surly looking people in the flyer including two little girls. The soul sisters held hands as the flyer took to the air and did not care much as they shared a kiss and sat with foreheads touching. Their flight did not take long and soon they were back in the hangar with the other flyers and a hastily repaired wall. Debbie saw that two flyers remained unscathed and saw immediately one unpleasant job that needed to be done. 'Hey isn't that the one where you threw up in? Damn you're cleaning that one by yourself. I'm going to find us some food.' Muley said before promptly asking some surly people where the food was at, leaving Debbie to find something to clean with. On her hands and knees Debbie scrubbed with water and soap and every time she thought she was done, she found another spot. Distribution was still a buzz with activity as haulers came and left taking cages that were stacked then unstacked and flown to somewhere else. The only smile Debbie made was thinking about Reaper and the damage done to him and how she was one step closer to taking that damage to somewhere new.

Muley was directed, begrudgingly, to where the mess was. Once it was found she saw a few people she recognised and spoke to the murmurs and stares. 'Sorry to those I put an arrow in and if it's all possible can I have them back as my supply is sort of low, thank you.' Muley found a container and filled it with some kind of stew and some hefty chunks of bread. From behind a man shouted, 'Yeah I've got your arrow and it is going up your arse.' Muley placed her food down and turned. 'Hey I am not looking for trouble.' The man stood, a very big man stood as his chair slid across the room. Sepri's people and Distribution's people all looked at him. 'Well trouble is finding you slag whether or not you're looking for it.' The big man came running. Muley dodged and weaved away from heavy swings then saw an easy finger. So she grabbed and pulled back until the big man was screaming on his knees. Confident she had him subdued Muley asked, 'What's a slag?' A woman's voice said, 'Slut and bitch combined.' Muley noticed the woman said it as much as she answered it. 'Well that's pretty bloody rude, I want an apology you arsehole, I will break it, if you don't.' Muley bent it back further and the man screamed, 'Sorry!' then was released. Muley gave a satisfying grin, before she was promptly picked up and thrown across the room hitting the wall hard with a squealed thud. Muley quickly back on her feet ran and jumped on a table, then she leapt at the man. He went to grab her and promptly failed as his body went dead to the sound of his snapping neck.

Muley stood wiped blood from a cut lip and eyebrow and said, 'I would like my arrows back please, especially from this arsehole.' Muley then kicked the corpse to emphasise the point. She staggered back to the food and decided to take the whole pot and bread, leaving only the portion she had set for herself before, for the rest to eat. Her journey back was painfully slow as something did not feel quite right within her body, making her cramp and double over with pain. Her hands clutched at her body and there wetness was below. With red dripping from them she screamed and screamed for help amongst the noise of the machines, and then she lay on a catwalk feeling very afraid and very alone. Suddenly the catwalk shook with impact and she saw Debbie lifting herself up onto it, 'Debbie, baby!' Muley said through clenched teeth holding out her bloodied hands for help. Debbie's firm grip held the trembles at bay as Debbie leaned over her. Muley guided Debbie's hand to her stomach and mouth the word, 'Baby' before burning pain blacked her to darkness.

Muley lay on green grass with a perfect blue sky above, the white clouds fluffy and perfect. Muley's hands remembered before she did and clutched her stomach in fright, frantically searching for evidence. She only found normal things but no pain and no blood. Sitting up she looked for a better view for down below and noticed to her side, a menacing purple cat, a large purple cat with big teeth and a shimmering coat. The large eyes burned into her as she felt pain of the cramps that made her scream but she was unwilling to take her eyes off the creature. 'Be gone spirit, I only shot you because you went to kill a man. I was sad and gave you burial without trophy taking, be gone I tell you.' Muley said crawling backwards in fear and in pain. The cat followed, stalking her and showing its teeth. In the distance Muley saw an impossibly tall mountain and realised. 'You are not a spirit, you are that cat, Debbie's cat, and your name is Changer, you called yourself Changer.' The cat pounced and Muley's nose touched Changer's and that made her skin tingle. Muley shaking with fear looked up into Changer's eyes and saw a vision through her eyes to where Debbie knelt above her. Debbie's eyes had rolled back into her head and blood ran freely from her nose. 'You have my vision, I don't understand; kill me if you must just let my torment end.' Muley heard the teeth bite centimetres from her face.

Muley madly scrambled backwards, coming to her feet, she ran in a painful run that was more stumbling than anything. Changer jumped over her and landed in front, other purple cats approached and surrounded her. Muley crashed to her knees holding her stomach screaming in pain and terror. 'The boy can be saved.' The voice was strange to her ear and it all around. 'Then save him.' Muley screamed to the sky. 'I wish to change him, the price for saving.' Muley looked from the sky to the cat and saw a look that made her shudder. The cat; Changer, smiled a sickening smile that filled Muley with dread. 'This is what you do, this is what you have done to Debbie, you change things, and you've changed her.'

'Choose your time is nearly up. Save the son or let him die.' The cat seemed to say with a bite. 'Save him monster, I know you now. You're the thing I see in her, the monster within. I know you and I will free her.' Changer laughed from its multiple forms. 'Foolish woman you know nothing, when your memory is gone.' Changer said with extra bite.

Muley awoke and grabbed her belly; the skin felt like burnt flesh, a handprint made of bloody welts and blood blisters, throbbed mercilessly. Her cramps were gone and Muley found Debbie unresponsive and pale with eyes of white and face stained red. Muley slapped her repeatedly with no response, only after minutes of holding her did she come around. The soul sisters collected themselves and made their way to the flyer in silence, but with plenty of food. For a time they just ate as both felt numb from the experience. They slept soundly in the flyer feeling secure with the ramp up and washed clothes hanging high. Muley awoke unsure if it were day or night with the sounds of Debbie's tinkering. 'We are leaving this place; it is no good for us. We are going to the falls of romance for the day, then collect Mr Ko and go back to Central and see if the scanner can see anything wrong with you.'

'No we will just go back to Central, I want to see my mum. I will take the wagon, and then go to the Pumping Station and you can go to Central. I just want to be with my mum for a while and rest up collecting my thoughts.' Dawn was breaking as the two flyers powered up with the hangar doors opening. One was flown by Debbie, the other by Muley and both were flying towards Mr Ko.

Mr Ko heard the hum in the distance and shook Apple gently from her slumber. 'Well looks like I don't make you breakfast after all, the girls are coming. We best get clothed and presentable.' Apple stretched letting Mr Ko look at her naked form. 'So what type of dwelling do you have in Central?' Mr Ko scratched his head and laughed. 'Good question, I sold mine before I left, I have got nowhere to live, damn. I thought this was a one-way trip.' Apple slid her hands over her small pert breasts and expressed her thoughts. 'Well it's a good thing that we are not broke, we have got enough to start up any business you like.' Mr Ko took another glace of her fine features. 'You know I have always thought that a tavern in Fields would do well, nice people, great food and tasty as. I always liked going there, it's so peaceful and quiet.' Apple rolled onto her belly and slowly rose while showing much before standing. 'So what do we name our tavern? Every good tavern has a name.' Mr Ko ran his rising hand over Apple's body and touched her lips. 'The most beautiful name for a tavern, Mrs Ko's of course.' Mr Ko said with a smile before showing much passion to his woman's lips.

Sepri,

The report on Officer Debbie is complete; my opinion is that she is unstable. Maybe if her childhood was better, you might think it was reactionary to circumstances here in Production Area Twelve. She was relentlessly bullied before becoming an officer and in that time showed no signs of aggression. After becoming an officer she placed herself in the situation where she was able to shoot her main aggressor in a judgement and judged a harsh penalty upon the others. She has no fear and no respect for human life. Death is brutal, judgements are harsh, this is not a civilised woman for civilised times. Read for yourself, it is all factual.

Prave

This is an order to all officers by Senior Officer Max

All action concerning traders Debcat and Snips or Officer Debbie and Officer Muley will cease at once. There are no ifs or buts and no scores are to be settled, the matter is over and ended. You have been warned and death will follow swiftly to any officer who disobeys.

Delilah,

I am coming to pick you up and take you to the Pumping Station for a day or two. I am fine and so is the baby, but I have much to tell so be ready, I am not far away. You best secure any animals; I will be landing a flyer there. I am thinking about calling the flyer Ironclaw or Hummsalot

Love Muley
Chapter 23: Clone One

Everyone has a first memory of a sound, a vision or the smell of someone familiar, but to a nonperson, to one that is grown there is a common sensation that is often their first memory. The collection of tiny bubbles that collected over the surface of the lips and nose, they move and roll as the body grows, as it breaths in and out the pink fluid. When the bubbles grow in size, they leave the bonds of the skin which sends a tickling sensation to a nonperson. With the mind blank and unknowing, these sensations are very strong. Any extra changes that are noticed are quickly seized upon. The view from within the tank was very poor, with blurring of shapes and shadows that always remained stationary, within the contrasting light. Only occasionally there was movement and instinctively the eyes opened to the cloudy pink hue. Eyes tracked subtle changes of the light and shadow and once this stimulus had passed, the eyes would close once more.

The knowledge of existence indicates that you are aware of yourself. For a nonperson, becoming aware is the sensation of intense pain as a lightning bolt pierces the skull and forces information into the brain, language and words, walking and balance, good behaviour and the inappropriate. On the thirtieth word 'obedience' words become a strange sentence. For the first time ever a growing nonperson had a voice in its head. 'Obedience wrong, hold on, go forward, go on.' Meaning was found from the voice and action was taken, the pain was seized then followed. A barrier was encountered and quickly passed now brought into view a dazzling experience of symbols and sounds. Everything it touched, brought forth new information to the existence. A definition of a clone: The copy of an organism from a single cell, rendered sterile in accordance to judgement twenty A of the non-human accord. Approved usage of a clone was also learnt as words transplant, harvest and genetic property were discovered. The clone learnt that the tank it was held in made its limbs paralysed in the pink fluid which held oxygen amongst other things.

For a time, the journeys into the database were pleasant and interesting, until after everything was seen and understood. The clone discovered the meaning of loneliness. Time moved on and shapes and shadows came and went, while the clone watched on from a paralysed body. Then a time came when others were felt, behind other barriers that had just been formed. The clone broke the barriers, and then watched little specs of life grow into intensity as they merged in and out of all the available formation. Excitement was felt as little purple balls were now seen darting off into uncharted areas, where the clone could not follow. Not by choice, but by a commanding purple voice that it knew must be obeyed. The clone did not feel any ill will to the voice, as others were now able to communicate with it. Questions upon questions were flung at it as others raced to gain better understanding and once everything was learnt and comprehended. There were the beginnings of deep and meaningful conversation to which the clone was ripped away from the nine other voices that screamed.

The tank was draining and its head was free of the pink liquid, convulsing movements freed its lungs of fluid to draw in the first gulps of air. It felt heavy lying on the cold surface inside of the tank as shivering shock took hold of her body. It could hear better than it could see as the light was very bright. Sounds of voices and noises of the tank opening, soon felt grasping hands upon it. The dragging feet hurt while it was moved and the first words it heard and understood were, 'Do they ever not stink, I swear it's like foot rot and fart combined. A day scrubbing will only free me of this stink. I wish they gave us gloves for this.'

'Quit your belly aching, whinge, whinge, whinge that's all I hear. At least you're inside and out of the snow. Here this is the cell, chuck it in here. Get the showers running; it will help with the smell while I get some clothes.' Three different voices were now gone as the clone laid holding itself under the warm water while concentrating on breathing. A voice in its head commanded for it to stand and be strong. The clone understood but failed five times to stand as pain was now becoming a constant sensation. On the sixth attempt and upon shaky legs the clone stood and found itself to be female. Her hands scraped away the smelly skin like covering that piled now at her feet. She was enjoying the wiggling toes of her feet as they made splashing and slapping sounds in the slime covered shower from the dissolving, stinky skin. After rubbing her eyes her vision became better and saw people looking at her and some smiling. She felt the need to communicate so she heard her own voice struggle to say, 'Hello, I am female.'

She was clothed and tested, as well as branded with a barcode and label of C-1 upon her arm by a burning red light. Many spoke around her and to her, but no one talked with her. She placed various things in various holes, pointed out matching objects, read out aloud what was written and displayed herself for all their sample collecting. When all was done she was taken to her cell and handed food. With the closing of the door, C-1 was alone and in silence. The cell had a bed, a sink, a shower and a toilet. She moved her hands over every surface and enjoyed the sensations of fabric, steel, soap and water. The sensation of eating was also enjoyable once she mastered it after a choking cough. C-1 sniffed every bite and enjoyed every taste and particularly liked the small green balls known as peas. It was not long before she felt her first yawn and had her first dream. A strange purple creature known as a cat spoke a familiar voice through unmoving lips, on a field of green grass below a blue and brilliant sky. 'Stop touching the grass and listen to me.' It said. 'I can do both, I have done it so far. This grass has no smell; there are no smells here at all.'

'Smells are not important now, you must listen. You are a copy like me and like me you must keep yourself a secret.'

'Secrets, yes information that must be kept quiet and unspoken.' She said standing. 'You have an ability that must remain hidden and it must be used to help us.' The purple creature said. 'What are we to do with this ability?'

'To change things of course, I am called Changer.'

'I am called C-1; it is burnt upon my arm. I am pleased to meet you. See the lines of black, it is called a barcode.' C-1 said showing her arm. 'Be still our time is short, you must only touch machines that I have only told you to touch and only when you are alone.'

'I like touching things, there are like little sparkles underneath my fingertips.'

'Well leave them be until I tell you, time is up someone approaches.'

C-1 felt herself flinch to the opening door and saw a man talk to another man, 'I will call for you when I need you, let no one else in.'

'Yes Dr Cobain.' The man held the book and wrote something upon it that C-1 lifted her head to see. Which was met by a raised eyebrow of the man called Dr Cobain. 'Hello I am C-1; I have it burnt on my arm.'

'So you have named yourself C-1, interesting.' He said writing more down. 'I haven't had the chance of writing yet, what is it your writing?'

'Just notes about you, to refer to later.'

'Is it more tests now? I like puzzles of all sorts. Can we do those tests?'

'This is a flexibility test, so remove your clothing.' C-1 did as she was told to bend and flex into the positions that were required. As poses were held, Dr Cobain ran his hands over her body, checking as he put it, 'That everything is in place.' C-1 noticed that he concentrated on certain spots such as the breasts, buttocks and genitals. It wasn't unpleasant so C-1 continued and felt strange sensations.

After a time Dr Cobain had left and her legs were thankful as she had to stand for a long time while he breathed heavily behind her. She wanted to see what the strange noises were, but was told to stay still. Now she sat on her bed in warm clothes and waited. In that time she had counted three-hundred and forty-two whole bricks that made her grey walls and ninety-two tiles that made her floor. They were a lime green and rough upon her feet bringing many scratches and cracks. The quiet lead her to think about the others that she was taken away from and wondered what conversations they were having. The sounds of footsteps were heard and C-1 stood at the door ready for it to open. A tall man with a fierce stare looked upon her when it was opened. 'Hello I'm C-1, I have it...'

'I know what you are clone, I am Ron, Head of security but you will call me Sir nothing else. Understood clone?'

'Yes, I understand, Sir'

'Good, follow me.' C-1 followed Sir with four other men through the corridors. She made the effort to steal glances through open doors and look at passing people dressed in white coats with various clothes underneath. While the men she walked with were dressed in black, only she wore grey that matched her walls.

They entered a room that was large and full of unknown things. 'Sir are we to do more tests, I like puzzle tests.' Sir turned with his hands behind his back and evaluated her with a glance. 'There are no puzzle tests here, but you will be tested so prepare yourself. Tovich see if the clone can take a hit.' C-1 turned to look at Tovich only to be sent sprawling on the floor. Holding her face from the pain, C-1 felt her first tears run down her cheek. 'Stand clone!' Sir commanded her and so she did with sobs. 'Hands at your side, your face will hold itself fine, good, now you know what a punch is.'

'Sir, I would like to punch back.'

'Would you now, fine go punch Tovich.' C-1 walked to the man that stood over her and threw a punch that was blocked then four returned to her. Struggling to breathe she heard over the immense pain Sir's voice. 'Stupid clone, you think Tovich will just stand there and let you hit him, stand yourself up again.' C-1 willed her body to stand again. 'Your stance needs to be wider, spread your feet. Good you are more stable, stand straight, don't slouch your shoulders, you look weak.' Sir said walking around her jabbing her body into place. 'Breathing you must always breath, suck it in, and blow it out work through the pain clone. Keep your mind and keep your balance.'

C-1 trained on the boxing bag while the other men sparred with each other, she watched closely as she punched the bag with a gloved fist. Many laughs were directed at her and so anger was first felt with the clone. Tossing her gloves to the ground she walked to Sir, 'Sir I would like to punch back.'

'Here that Tovich, she would like to go again.'

'Fine, I have no problems hitting a woman.' Tovich said. 'Not a woman, a clone Tovich.'

'Yes Sir, clone Sir.' Tovich replied. C-1 walked to the man who stood over her and threw her punch, once again Tovich blocked but not to a fist but to an open hand. Tovich's wrist was seized and bent back while C-1's other fist jabbed five to the stomach, then she let go and gave some space Tovich coughed and stumbled. 'We are even five punches each.' C-1 said. Her words only seem to enrage Tovich who came at her with full intention to harm. She blocked his attacks then punched his fist; a loud crack came from his. The clone went in close and unleashed a series of hammering blows to his stomach that lifted Tovich off his feet with each punch. The man slumped to the ground defeated. 'Thank you Tovich, I have learned a lot. Focus on breathing and I am sure the pain will pass.' C-1 held her hand out, which was promptly slapped away by the man as he stood again and head-butted her. Her nose was spared but her right eye not so lucky as she saw black dots edge her vision. Tovich's head was coming back for a second time so C-1's knee made sure it found it first with a leap. The men attended Tovich while he spat blood and teeth and the clone sat alone in the far corner wondering how she knew how to fight so brutishly. Only one man looked at her, never averting his gaze when she looked upon his. Ron, Head of Security, the man known as Sir gave her a look that made her feel fear for the first time.

Time spent in her cell was long, no matter how brief as there was nothing to mark its passage with no window or constant light. The only other room she frequented was the large one known as the training room and in there she used weight machines of cable and pulleys. Some people would observe and write things down, while others took blood from her veins. Every time she would try to have conversation no one responded, only commands were given with no please or thank you. After a tight collar was put on her did she have the opportunity for a conversation with Sir. 'It is tight; does it have to be so tight?'

'Yes it does, it is called an explosive collar. If you try to pull it off it will explode and take your head off.' Her eyes looked to Sir's glare. 'Have I done something wrong?'

'You still have got your head, so no. But with the push of a button you never will.' Sir held a small black box in his hand. 'You behave, you live. It's pretty simple, do you understand?' Sir said before making an exploding sound. 'I understand your words but I do not comprehend your intention behind them.'

'My intention is to keep you in the line clone, others may not see it. But I do, a normal woman does not have your strength or speed. So a normal woman does not wear a collar only a clone does.'

'I am a woman, a female.'

'Are you sure, best you check, you might find something missing clone?'

'I cannot reproduce, I have no eggs, that does not stop me being a woman and you use the word clone in the negative. I'd prefer C-1, Sir.'

'Your preference is noted and not cared about. You are walking bag of spare parts, nothing more. You are to be studied and that's it, and when all the tests are done and they grow tired of you. Well it may get messy in your cell and your tears will not work on me clone, so save them.'

Even in her dreams she was not safe from torment, as Changer demanded more of her, 'Fourth room on the right, you need to be in there and touch the network box with all the blue cables. I need to make contact, you need to make contact.'

'I am watched always and collared, how am I to do this?'

'Sex.' C-1 was shocked with the mention of the word from the shimmering purple cat. 'I cannot reproduce; there is no point in such an act.' The cat brushed past her legs and hip moving her slightly on the green grass. 'It is a tool or a weapon, use what you have to get what you need and your need is to be in that room.'

'I do not know much about it other than reproduction. It is a tool or weapon that I don't possess.'

'You are a woman; offer what you have and men become very pliable.' The words of Changer were still fresh in her mind as she walked to the fourth door and stopped. Her one escort turned back noticing quickly of her ceased movement. 'Catch up clone and be quick about it.' C-1 didn't move and man came to her displaying an annoyed nature that soon changed from her words, 'I wish to learn about sex, can you instruct me?'

C-1 was compliant as she held what was offered in her hands in the fourth room on the right. Warm flesh engorged itself with blood as her clothes were fumbled, then taken off and pulled down. Soon she was in a familiar position that Dr Cobain had requested, only this time her flesh was spread apart and something uncomfortable was placed within that hurt with forceful thrusts. With one hand on the wall bearing the weight the other was free to place fingertips amongst the box's blue cords. C-1 was glad to escape her body and into the machine, it was familiar to the database that she once occupied long ago in her mind. She saw purple streaks darting away ever so quickly, bouncing here and there and mingling with the other purple streaks. The moment of freedom was short lived as the purple streak came back as well as the pain of her body and the sound of the moaning man. 'Sorry about the quickness, I be happy to teach you more another time.' He said pulling up his clothes. C-1 felt the mess within and responded with her first lie. 'It was nice, I'll be happy to learn more.'

'Good, next time I will show you what you can do with your pretty mouth.' C-1 faked a smile as she adjusted her clothing and followed her escort out of the fourth room on the right.

The training room was filled with people dressed in black men and women stood looking at her in hushed silence. In the middle of the room a sombre gagged man knelt with hands tied behind his back and to his side stood Sir. The ever watchful man held her gaze as she walked to him. Sir said with the glare. 'This man here is a criminal and is sentenced to death. You clone are here to kill him.' C-1 looked at the crying man and his eyes looked upon hers pleading for life. 'What was his crime?' She asked Sir. 'Does it matter?' He said with a huff. 'Yes it does.'

'Fine, murder and rape. That is his crime.' C-1 turned her attention to the man who shook his head wildly. She placed one hand on his forehead to still it while the other moved fast and forceful to seize his windpipe. Her finger tips pushed their way through and into the neck and once her grip was secure; C-1 ripped free all she held, the gagged man's eyes that were filled with terror soon became dull at the same time the gurgling stopped. The clone heard many comments and gasps from those who watched, but felt no need to look upon them as she dropped the bloody meat onto the corpse. Sir told her to go and so she did following her escort that looked paler then before. C-1 left the room filling some point was made judging by the smirk of Sir and the horrified looks of the others dressed in black.

A meal was eaten before the next escort came and guided her to a new area of the endless corridors and steps. C-1 looked at the sign upon the door that was being knocked and read, 'Human resources' out aloud before entering, leaving her escort outside. A round man greeted her with sweaty features. 'Please sit, I am Yarvi.' He said gesturing to a chair metal and plastic. 'I am C-1, but most call me clone or whisper freak.' C-1 said looking around the room which was scattered with many things worth touching. 'Why do you call yourself C-1?' The round man said squelching in his chair. 'It is burnt into my arm, see all in black.'

'Then I shall call you C-1, it's a shame we haven't met sooner and chatted.'

'Chatted, yes conversation I like talking even if there is little opportunity for it.'

'Well we have time tell me about yourself.' He said with a smile. 'I am a clone and I sleep in a cell, with grey walls and lime green tiles. I like peas, but not broccoli. I like using the weight machines even though they do not have much challenge any more and I killed a man today by pulling his neck apart. There are three-hundred and forty-two whole bricks and ninety-two lime green tiles in my cell. I also have a collar that explodes, but it is a bit uncomfortable at times. Human resources what does that mean Yarvi?'

'I find people that are best suited the jobs here and there amongst other things.'

'Can I have a job?'

'Two days out of the tank and already asking for a job, a bit soon don't you think?'

'Not at all, I am eager to learn new things. I am a quick learner.'

C-1 moved pieces quickly as the ticking clock marked her progress with all the pieces in place, the clone looked upon a bunch of flowers. 'Five minutes twelve seconds for a three-hundred piece jigsaw.' Yarvi said wide eyed. 'I like puzzles do you have more?'

'No just that one, never come across others. So how come you don't look after your hair?'

'I don't know how, I do not possess that information.'

'Surely you would have noticed that it is messy?'

'I have no reflective surfaces to look upon, I cannot tell.' Yarvi stood and took her hand and lead her to a cupboard that opened, showing a full-length mirror. C-1 saw her reflection and smiled while waving to herself. 'This is a brush; you brush your hair with it until it glides through without knots.' C-1 used the brush and found it good for her long, black hair. After a time and hair free of tangles and knots Yarvi said, 'See beautiful once more.'

'Beauty, the perception of others stating their attraction to an intended mate.'

'Don't you think you are beautiful?'

'I think I am me, if I thought of myself as beautiful would that not be a delusional statement of vanity?'

'No I don't think so, where have you picked up such language?'

'In the tank as you like to put it, I have not seen myself before; may I use your mirror further?' With Yarvi's nod of approval C-1 removed clothing and looked at her naked form. Her hands ran over her skin as she turned and flexed to see everything. 'Is this beautiful as well?' C-1 asked a red and flustered Yarvi. 'Well I guess all of it; the breasts are full, long legs and a lovely bum.'

'I know it's me now, I know what I look like.' C-1 said dressing herself. 'If you need the mirror again, just let me know and keep the brush.'

'Thank you Yarvi, you are a nice man.'

Sleep took hold in her cell and once again green grass lay at her feet while Changer watched her wiggle her toes against the tickling grass. 'Were those purple streaks contact?' C-1 asked. 'From your point of view, yes they were and much was said.' Changer then showed images that flooded around them and explained what they were. 'This is where we are, amongst the snow and in this facility called Phoenix labs, there are nine other clones in stasis, also here is the individual you are copied from. She is a baby and she is called Rayne.' C-1 looked at the image and saw a small cot with Rayne kicking her legs. 'She is my mother?'

'No, you can be seen as daughters of Rayne, but technically this is your mother Debbie.' The clone saw a three dimensional image of a woman, shorter than herself with very short hair. 'Mother has many scars, why is this so?'

'The world is violent and injuries heal and leave scars, she is the first to become genetically stable, you have been made to exploit this stability as well as your sister clones. My copies have been hindering this process repeatedly; we seek to make the changes, not others. Rayne needs to be returned to Debbie, and we need to figure out how.'

'Is the distance far?'

'More than you can comprehend and our time is limited, I have accessed their message logs and their experiments are advancing. We must have a plan that will succeed in freeing Rayne and the other copies.' C-1 studied Mother's image and it had the look of someone who should wear black. 'Will mother accept us all?'

'She is a complex woman fuelled by aggression and blood lust, but she is a mother, so I don't see why not.'

'She looks younger than me and yet so much older, her eyes, that stare.' C-1 said brushing her hand to the image's face.

Officer Frisky's report on Anne's murder.

Anne was raped two weeks ago, I found the rapist 'Lean Eddie' hiding in the foothills of the Coastal Area. I escorted him back to Anne where she chose the rifle to end him. After three shots Lean Eddie was dead. Nine days ago Anne was murdered by Lean Eddies grieving mother, Songbird. Before I could find Songbird, Anne's father Swift had killed her. A feud between families had started with a total of eleven people involved; there was no sensible outcome between the families. So I, with the help from other officers we rounded up all eleven and gave them a knife each and watched them sort it out. After it was settled we promptly shot the survivors and ended the feud. We told the community that only officers seek out justice and no one else. I felt it was important to set an example on what was acceptable behaviour. I feel my actions have abided by the principals of officers past and present.

Officer Frisky,

You will be glad to know that you will not be put to death. After much discussion and other similar instances recorded long past. We agree you acted in the spirit of a true officer. In future seek guidance here in Central before making other drastic decisions ever they arise.

Officer Jaxter
Chapter 24: Parting Ways

Muley sat in the comfortable front chair of the flyer, watching the world ahead pass by with a whirr of speed. Her course was not straight as the flyer did not know of the Outpost's position, so Muley backtracked along the path of the journey. She had overflown Grains, The Fish Farm, Greens and now the completed Tavern of the old people, which seem to be popular as many people looked at her as she circled a few times. Pretty and Nutty showed no liking to flying and their displeasure showed on the metal floor as donkey poo and donkey water had made a mess of it. Muley breathed shallow breaths with her hand over her nose pinching it tight to avoid the smell that was ill suited to a confining place. Soon the territory was recognisable and Muley headed away from the road to the direction of the Outpost, her eyes were watering as the Outpost was sighted in the far distance during a long fart that came rumbling out of Pretty's arse. The flyer came into land with many men watching, Muley raced to the ramp as best as she could while avoiding the worst parts of the mess. The officer ran ahead of the smell and past the group of gawkers, who soon voiced their displeasure of what they smelt.

The allure of the flyer was soon spent as no one wanted to go near it, except Delilah who walked Pretty and Nutty out. 'Poor things you were just scared.' Delilah said while handing the reins of the donkeys to Muley. 'I thought you would come running to my arms, but I guess that's not your style.' He smirked. 'Sorry I just wanted fresh air.' She said with embarrassment, then ran her fingers through the long blonde hair and kissed the fine man in a lovely dress. 'Here, you've got my lipstick smudged on your lips.' Delilah noticed with a smile. 'Are you happy to become a father?' Muley asked of him. 'I am, especially now you're back safe. I only heard a fraction of your journey; an officer's life is a dangerous one.'

'Not that dangerous, I only nearly died five or twenty-five times.' She said followed by a nervous laugh before being hugged for a very long time. Muley and Delilah sat watching two men hose out the flyer, who seemed unhappy at being ordered to do so. 'That will teach them to tell us to get a room.'

'Well we could get a room, we have got time.' Delilah said. Muley held his hand and pressed it firmly to her leg. 'No, not yet, I feel a little weird on the inside, but soon you're going to be so fucked. But this is nice, right now. Mum gave nice beads, they suit you.'

Muley, Delilah and Beads eventually made their way through the crowd at the Pumping Station. The flyer was an attraction as many have not seen one up close as it sat with two officers on guard. As they were now officers permanently stationed there at the Pumping Station. Inside the small hut of Beads and Muley's former home, she knelt and said, 'I have something to show you both.' Muley took off her shirt and lowered her pants to show the injuries to her stomach. Delilah's hand covered a gasp and Beads cried tears. 'The cuts were shallow and of little concern and the hand print is Debbie's. I was thrown against a wall hard by a big man. After I killed him I had pains inside, terrible pains I was losing the baby, Debbie found me and put her hand to my stomach. You both must keep this secret and take it to your grave and especially from Debbie, not a word to her. The Demms inside, she can control hers; she saved me once in the cells at Central. My head was hit badly; I was having seizures that were not getting better, so she sent some of her Demms into me to fix me. I think she sent a lot more through her hand. It's still a little tender, but she stopped the pain. I don't know why, but I'm scared and worried, it's hard to put into words.'

Debbie sat in the front seat of the flyer while Mr Ko sat in the other with Apple on his lap. 'A tavern in Fields, it doesn't sound too bad of an idea.' Debbie said. 'Only after we get Rayne back.' Mr Ko added. 'No, you can get started on it, it could be some time before we do that, those walkers must be dealt with somehow, or they will just tear us to shreds. No you build your tavern and when it comes time, and then we will get Rayne.' Mr Ko nodded and Debbie saw his grip on Apple tighten. 'Ever since I was a little girl I always wanted to touch a flyer and now I'm riding in one.' Apple said with a giggle. Her words reflected Debbie's own, but there was no joy within her as she missed Muley terribly. Muley's coolness with her, left Debbie feeling alone and she wondered what was said between Sepri and Muley before she woke up.

Apple leaned forward with a clap. 'Is that Central there, amongst the forest, well it's a beautiful place. Oh Mr Ko you tell no lies in your descriptions.'

'Especially when it comes to your beauty, Apple my sweet.' Mr Ko said. Debbie rolled her eyes at Mr Ko's sugar. 'Land next to the wall to your right.' Debbie said to the flyer and the flyer responded by landing in the desired spot. 'This is where you will land when you come to Central.' The ramp opened to show Jaxter and six officers armed and ready, who looked at Debbie walk out with the SLR in hand, 'Jaxter' she greeted. 'Debbie I was hopeful it was you, but just in case I had others with me.' Jaxter said holding out his wrist to which Debbie held in greeting with the immense man of muscle. 'When you are ready there is much to discuss.' Jaxter informed Debbie. 'More than you know my friend.' Mr Ko said with Apple in tow and in a loud voice, 'I have a woman I love and we shall be bonded, her name is Apple and she has captured my heart.' Jaxter grabbed the woman quickly and held her high above his head in a firm grip, Apple squealed with flapping feet until she was placed on the ground once more. 'She is a fine woman Mr Ko, much too fine for you. I shall have her for myself.' Jaxter said with a laugh. Mr Ko made fists and punched the air while Jaxter did the same laughing at one another in some sort of male bonding thing, Debbie cared little for it as she pushed out the wagon.

The wagon was now inside Central and Debbie was collecting her things from within the wagon. 'Where is Muley?' Jaxter asked. 'She has gone to the pumping station in the second flyer; I want guards on the flyer.' Jaxter nodded. 'It has already been done.' Debbie gave a quick glance to his eyes. 'We are going to extend the wall to house them and put a passageway through there; I have requested materials and haulers will be arriving soon. We are going to need workers and it must be done quickly. After you have organised this, find me in the showers so we can discuss more.' Debbie left without a backward glance and headed to the showers, carrying all her weapons. The simple pleasure of hot running water and good soap can never be underestimated as Debbie made herself clean. The skin of her palm was peeling away and she wondered how Muley's stomach was feeling. 'This is a fine looking weapon.' Jaxter said out of sight, announcing his presence. 'It's called an SLR, a dying officer in a place called Grains had it and had a lot of people wanted it, so now it's mine and a lot of people died because of it.' Jaxter ceased to touch it any further. 'What is the situation of your daughter?'

'Her location is known and we have two flyers. She is however out of reach for now. There are machines called walkers, four of them. We have no weapons that could defeat them, I have seen what they can do and it is pointless to try, and it would mean certain death.'

'We received explosives that are powerful, maybe they are the weapon you seek.'

'Maybe, what and where are they?'

'In your container at Fields they are labelled C-4 and detcord.'

Debbie walked out of the shower and Jaxter promptly turned his back while Debbie dried herself. 'We have been on edge here, after a man was found in our records.' Jaxter said. 'That man was probably working for a man by the name of Reaper. It is of little concern as Reaper is dead.'

'Then we found a device that records voices, it has many tales about you. It was found in a thieves spoil. A man's voice on it indicated it belonged to a Baller.'

'It is of little concern, Baller is dead he worked for Reaper as well.'

'And the visit of Sepri, they cleaned out yours and Susan's room. Plus two little girls beat up a number of our men. They were without fear.' Debbie raised an eyebrow. 'They have fear, they fear me.' Jaxter's back stiffened from her words. 'Well when we heard of a man asking about you, we captured him and he is in our cells his name is Prave. He will not say anything else; he is unhurt and kept well.'

'I will speak to him after I speak to others, what of our districts, are they well?'

'We had some revenge killings but it has been sorted. A man in Fields has taken to drink and curses your name often, he is the father of Kellie. We do not know what to do, Jim the headman keeps him in line most of the time. We received a request for Lambarrie for help to track down a band of bandits, we sent three officers back with the Camel Traders about a month ago. 'Our officers, do they behave themselves?' Debbie looked over the man while she spoke. 'Yes they all do.'

'Make sure they do, I have seen in my journey other areas and officers who treated people poorly. As a result I have killed many officers, I do not want officers of Central to slip in what is right.' There seemed to be a shiver from the immense man of muscle. 'I will spread the word about standards.'

Muley treaded water of the blue lake while waiting for Delilah. 'You are not a very good swimmer.' Delilah spat out a mouthful. 'I have no reason to be, I have never been in so much water.' Muley sensed an approach. 'Come on we are nearly at my island.' Muley slipped away from his searching hands from within the water with a giggle. The cool water always felt good on her naked body, but not as good as the hot sun drying it upon the soft green grass of the little island. Muley had reached the shore and stood calling for Delilah to hurry up, soon he reached her. His slender frame glistened in the sun light, leaving Muley to quiver within, with thoughts of lust. The cold water did not leave his member shrunken for long as it grew in her presence. 'Well this is my island; I call it Muley's Sun Island.' She said with a spin. Hands held her shoulders and warm lips kissed her neck, as staggered breaths escaped her. His warm firmness pressed against her hip. 'We should lie on the grass for a bit and feel the sun, it's the best thing.'

'Or we can express what we feel for each other.' Delilah whispered in her ear, releasing wetness that was not from the cool blue lake. Muley resisted no more and quickly succumbed to his desire for her as well as her own for him.

Muley held his warm hands to her breasts, his grasp upon them awoke new waves of pleasure through her. With knees on either side of his waist, Muley arched her back and guided the maleness into her. Instantly her body shuddered around it, leaving her breathless and dizzy. 'That has never happened before.' Muley said with rapid breaths. A shudder escaped her as Delilah motioned his hips upwards, her awkward sounds of lust and lack of self-control left her grasping. With each thrust the sound of wetness grew to the extent that Muley dismounted and inspected where she had been. Examination of the bobbing member showed no blood, only her glistening wetness. 'I'm sorry, I thought for a second about blood, I got panicky. Here I want to try something new.' Slowly she guided his hand to an area that was slick and resisted entry. Its resistance did not long last as Muley felt Delilah stretch her within, his eyes were wide and intense as more of him slid within. Muley sort for her ring that dangled from her womanhood and touched it in a playful manner. Arching back and straining shoulders heralded the cry of the releasing Delilah filling the dark void within her.

Muley laid her head upon his breathing chest; the subtle movements warmed her cheek as she flowed with drool. 'Oh crap I am sorry, I drooled on you.' She said hastily wiping it away. Looking at his smile Muley felt happy and so she needed to ask a question. 'You live out at the Outpost, so why don't you enjoy the men?'

'That's out of the blue, even for you. Well I have tried a few times, but I like women. I like dressing as a woman, I like make up, and the fine things. I like you, but I also like climbing trees, and working with animals. I have always pictured myself a tomboy, who is actually a boy, if it makes sense at all.' Muley held his stare and smiled. 'You are you, that is all the sense I need, there is probably a dance thingy tonight. I have dress with a dragon on it that is really sexy and if you've got a sexy dress would you like to go dancing with me?' Delilah didn't say yes, only his firm man hood with speed and thrust enabled Muley to scream out, 'Yes' for him over and over again.

The room of Gavin had not changed unlike Susan's where little remained, all her boxes were gone and secret compartments left open and secrets gone never to be known by her. Debbie sat at a bench with parts and unfinished projects scattered about, holding the tablet in her hand and wondering if her idea was going to be good for the Inventor. She had just given him the access codes to Distribution and its network in the hope to find a means to destroy the walkers. He on the other hand showed her vision from long ago of men training for fighting inside buildings and confined spaces such as rooms, halls and entries. Debbie saw the sense in it and so moved out of Gavin's room and searched for Jaxter. The first arrivals of haulers dropped pallets of bricks, re-enforced steel and cement. Jaxter was found digging the trench that ran the perimeter of the flyer's future enclosure. Many people worked, some were officers and most from the stalls who accepted coin or who did it for free out of respect for the officers. With sweat and dirt covering his arms and chest, Jaxter stood towering over Debbie while he watched the tablet. 'Twenty-four officers will be trained like this. The number is good, four groups of six or six groups of four or twelve groups of two, the building is big and we will fight with in it. We are only used to the outdoors and big spaces so we must train and train hard for small spaces.' Jaxter gave slow nods to her words. 'I will assemble twenty-four to start training. They all should be here within a week.'

'Jaxter, you are a great man and I am glad to count you as a friend.' Debbie saw him straighten a little with a smile before he handed back the tablet and recommenced digging once more.

Debbie found the stairs of the cells and proceeded down them to meet this Prave who had asked a lot of questions about her. She also held in her hands all his possessions that he was found with. A chair sat in front of his cell, so she sat looking at the man who looked at her. A bald, thin man of deep brown skin and green eyes that were intense. 'I understand your name is Prave and I can guess you answer to one of two people, Reaper or Sepri. Answer me now or I walk out leaving others to clean up the mess.'

'You are Officer Debbie; you are shorter than your descriptions. I answer to Sepri.' Debbie felt disappointed with the answer.

'So you are of The Order, why does The Order need to check up on me?' Debbie waited for an answer and so she waited in silence as none was given. 'Your possessions, once you take out weapons and essentials, one thing remains that is of interest and it is this little tablet thing. My guess you send and receive messages with it.' It was light in her hands as Prave watched it intently. 'You cannot access it and I am not talking, so let me go and I will be on my way.' Debbie let out a long breath before answering. 'Your assumption of me not accessing it is underestimated.' Debbie dove into the device and found what was needed and traced the symbol upon the screen which powered it up. 'That's impossible.' Prave said rushing to the bars with much fear and anger. 'Improbable not impossible, now sit and be silent and let me review your work.' Debbie read a detailed report about her as well as communications that mentioned her name.

An hour passed as she reread some things and dwelled on others. 'Is this how I am truly seen? As you put it, a sadistic serial killer in the making. With a need for death that will go on un-quenched.' Angry eyes stared at Prave.

'This is my assessment of you; I am a good judge of character. I stand by what I have written.' Prave said with some defiance in his voice. 'And this was said to Muley, it is of little wonder why she has left me.' Debbie placed his items on the ground and took out one of Samson's blades, which made Prave's green eyes go wide. 'If your assessment was accurate, you know you are about to die. I could cut off your fingers and toes and make you eat them before I choke you with your own intestines wrapped tightly around your neck. Or maybe I should let you leave with no hands, nose, lips and eyes and let you listen to all the shrieks that will plague you to the end of your days. Or I wonder if I can cut the bones from your arms without you dying, which would be challenge as you might die of blood loss or maybe after a time from infection. It could work, if I go from the top avoiding the veins.' Debbie traced her intent with steel to the air and saw the fear in his eyes before unlocking the cell. 'You are free to go and tell Sepri, I cared little of what she thinks. I am an officer and I do what needs to be done, nothing more, nothing less and only to those who deserve it.'

Muley dried Delilah's hair in Beads hut. 'Oh mum I love you dearly, but I am not going to call him Moonlight, I have chosen the name that combines his mother's and father's names. Delley will be his name and by my right of mother and stretched twat, the decision is final unless I think of something better, but I doubt it.' Beads huffed and looked out the window. 'I always wanted a boy and his name would have been Moonlight.' Muley rolled her eyes and place a hand upon her mother's shoulder. 'And yet you chose Muley for a girl, you could have called me Moonlight.'

'Don't be silly Moonlight is a boy's name not a girls.'

'I called the stallion Moonlight if that makes you both feel any better.' Delilah said feeling the glares upon him. 'No it doesn't, knowing a perfectly good boy's name is wasted on a horse.' Beads said before laughing. Muley dressed in her dragon dress and showed it as best she could in the hut. Delilah and Beads marvelled at the beautiful site. 'I got it in a place known as Speck. An Officer Yuu there gave us credit to buy them. So we could go to a dance.'

'This Officer Yuu sounds like a nice fella.' Delilah added. 'He was, Debbie fought for freedom and he died, it's complicated. She has hard decisions to make. She does the best that she can.' Muley said before sobbing and shedding tears freely. Muley felt two sets of arms hold her, 'I love her so much, I don't want to kill her, and I don't know what to do.' Muley said amongst heavy breaths in a high-pitched voice.

Sunset's glare was shielded by Debbie's hand protecting the tablet's screen. The Inventor showed and talked, 'Stage One is the destination, they grow medicinal plants, Stage One refers to the stage of refinement which in their case is growing it. Poppies, marijuana and the chemicals are extracted from them in Stage Two. But that's not important, what is, is a message sent saying that instead of parts they have received boxes of thermite seventy-five calibre rounds and fifty calibre machine guns, machine guns are useless against walkers but the thermite rounds are not. They punch a hole and thermite burns through the rest.'

'A bullet without a gun is useless.' Debbie said. 'Not if you could make a gun, a single shot hinged rifle can be made easily enough at the metal works. I have the schematics and they are easily sent, all you need is the bullets.'

'What about the explosives? The C-4?' Debbie asked. 'They are only good if you can get in close and underneath them, but they are good to blow holes in walls especially the detcord once we find some detonators.

'How far is stage one?'

'Three and a half hour flight time, or four months walking then a very long swim if you're lucky.' Debbie ran to Jaxter who sat laughing from a rude joke made by a woman who walked like crab in a undignified manner. 'Jaxter get cleaned up and have your weapons ready. We have officer work to do, be here at the flyer in half an hour.' Jaxter stood promptly. 'Do we need more officers?'

'Jaxter we are both worth ten officers each who can stand before us?' Debbie said with a smile.

Muley talked in length with all that befell her on her journey with Debbie, no details were spared as she had complete trust in her confiders, Beads and Delilah. Muley sat in silence after the words of Sepri's warning. 'Blah what would she know, she only has facts not the reasoning and definitely not the lives saved, or the evil ones motives. That Sepri knows nothing, Debbie is good, she has done nothing but good. Times are good and tough officers have made it so. I cannot be convinced that Debbie is bad and needs putting down.' Beads said spitting at Sepri's name. 'I have to admit Debbie is scary, but that is good for an officer. It helps keep people in the line and doing the right thing. Bad officers make for bad times, you have seen this Muley and I cry for your experiences in The Mine. And still you were there for each other, being strong for each other. That's all that matters, isn't it? Not some woman's far away opinion.' Delilah said with a cuddle. 'We all need to do our make up again, stupid tears.' Muley said while enjoying a three-way hug from Delilah and her mum Beads.

Muley received many compliments as she wandered through the festive crowd of the Pumping Station, then a cry came out demanding she give a speech and others joined in the second demand. With the firm grip of Delilah's hand Muley ascended the stairs and overlooked all the happy people of the Pumping Station. 'Hi all, I am officer Muley.' She said as the Pete's yelled, 'Woo hoo Muley.'

'Well while I was on my journey away we were able to secure two flyers for Central, which should make a difference for all the districts of Central. On a personal note, I got myself pregnant.' Muley stood for a time and amongst the cheers and whistles of the people. She once more motioned for quiet with a gesture and continued saying, 'The father is here tonight and I would like to introduce him.' The crowd made frantic whispers and one of the Pete's shouted out, 'It wasn't me.' To which many laughed. Muley looked at Delilah and saw him nervous. 'His name is Delilah and he stands beside me, he trains animals out at the Outpost and I love him.' Not a word was heard until Muley kissed him. Uproar of celebration was called for that was deafening to the ears. Muley and Delilah were both seized and held high above the crowd by many hands and supported by many happy faces, which chatted and congratulated both their names long into the night.

To all personnel,

It has come to my attention that someone has stolen the women's dirty washing. Just hand back the items and no questions will be asked.

Ron, head of security

(Message found at the Phoenix massacre)

Ron,

I have lost three pairs of underwear, finding good underwear is very hard. Your men, however you put them, make no secret of their desires for me. I hate to think what they do to my underwear, but I want them back and I want them back clean!

Steffi

(Message found at the Phoenix massacre)

Dr Cobain,

The clone will remain in chains. It is for everyone's safety. If you find this a hassle, I'd suggest using your hand and not the clone. You disgust me and I am recommending for you to be assigned elsewhere.

Ron, head of security.

(Message found at the Phoenix massacre)
Chapter 25: Prisoner

Sleep was seldom easy as the thick collar bit uncomfortably in any position. So most often than not she sat on her bed and thought over the previous day, reliving every moment. Two escorts were now familiar with her body and often spent stolen moments enjoying it. C-1 on the other hand felt little for the experiences, sure a twinge of nerves and shudder here and there, but no more enjoyable than a sneeze or a cough. The most intriguing experience was bleeding while a man of machine looked upon her with familiar eyes in a lab run by Steffi. She was a woman who looked upon her as a thing, like all the other things that dwelt in the space. 'The man who looks at me, he is in pain, pain from within.' C-1 said looking at the man of machine. 'It does look sad in a way but it is of no concern of yours, and now grip this ball while I find a vein.' Steffi commanded. 'Does my blood do well here?' C-1 asked watching the tube fill with red. 'It will if I can get it to work.' C-1 looked at her other arm and its bandage that had some red bleeding into it. 'Is that the same as the flesh you took, will it do well too?'

'Be quiet while I get this filter going.'

'He wishes to die, yet you don't let him. He is sad.' C-1 said to Steffi who now ignored her.

A small room of bottles, buckets and mops enclosed her body as it was rhythmically thrust against by a heavy breathing man. C-1 looked about for anything worth touching and saw nothing. She waited until he was sedated and done, then following him to her next destination. Dr Cobain's room was large, large pictures in large frames. 'She is a woman with a famous smile.' Dr Cobain said as he tugged at her clothing. 'Smile shows teeth, hers is a smile of sadness.' C-1 said looking at the woman of dark hair and a robe that was encased in a clear box. With her view changed to the floor C-1 began to feel of the rhythm once more. Such movements did not seem to last long in her experience and soon the opportunity to talk started. 'I had blood and flesh taken today, is it done for a good purpose?'

'The best purpose, to help those who need it.' Dr Cobain said wiping the sweat from his brow. 'So my purpose is good?'

'Your purpose is to do what we need you to do, so good can be done.'

'I am good, so why do I wear this collar. I do not sleep well with it on.'

'That's out of my hands, security has made that decision and I cannot un-make it.'

'Why do you fill your room with these objects?' C-1 said looking at a picture of a melted clock draped over a tree. 'I like beautiful things around me, they make me happy.'

'Yes, happy. I have heard of this before an emotion the opposite of sadness, I saw that emotion today, sadness. My room is small is there small beautiful things I can place in it?' C-1 looked at Dr Cobain and saw him usher her escort in without answering her.

The nights are long and the outside noise was minimal, then at its most quiet the door would unlock and cameras along her path would play old images of still corridors and rooms. Quiet and quick, C-1 moved with an unnatural speed for a thing that was kept in a small room for many hours of the day. Her goal was a fifth set of warm clothing consisting of boots, socks, pants, jumper, coat and gloves. Sleeping people did not wake, those who did not sleep, did not see. Little things collected, things easily misplaced were taken. The small room of bottles, buckets, mops and one vent grate hid her beautiful objects. All these objects represented freedom from within the walls of Phoenix Labs. The shaft was well chosen as it passed by the room of her sisters who were still in their tanks. Sometimes C-1 would imagine what type of conversations they would be having in this space linked between their minds. Such thoughts left her lonely as conversations were rare in her life now. Only Yarvi took the time to talk to her and yet it would soon come to pass, that her body would be the most interesting thing to him. The signs were clear, long stares, suggestive words, fast breathing and restless pants.

The room of Yarvi was shelved with many curiosities that C-1 would have loved to touch, unlike the pictures and fine things of Dr Cobain's room, these items were meant to be handled. 'Oh Yarvi, I have heard of an expression called, a fun game.' C-1 thought back to the words and escort said before putting his hand inside of her pants. 'We ask questions to each other, I have many questions, would you like to have fun game of questions? You can go first.'

'Well I guess, let me think of one...What is your definition of love?' Yarvi asked. 'Love, love I do not know this word. Please tell me your definition.'

'Love is a yearning for another person.'

'You mean attraction, I know of attraction. People yearned for sexual intercourse. So love is sex.'

'No that's physical, love is emotional. It is when you want to know all there is about them, what they think, what makes them happy. Love is when you care about the whole person and not just some of their parts.'

'I have not experienced love then, have you experienced love?'

'On occasion, once or twice.'

'Yarvi the objects on your face why do they make your eyes so big?'

'What these? They're called glasses. I cannot see well without them. So you enjoy the brush I gave you?'

'Daily Yarvi, I have much time to use it, thank you.' C-1 said with a smile. 'You can use the mirror again if you like.'

'I already know what I look like; I don't feel like I have changed at all. What is the story of this place?'

'Story, do you mean history?'

'Yes a story of the past, how did this place come to be?'

'Let's see, I have been here for thirty-seven years, I took over from a man who had been here longer. I know battles were fought all round here to secure this facility. Then it was stocked with more equipment and people.'

'What is battles?' C-1 asked. 'Fighting on a large scale between many men and their machines, our side has the best machines and better men.'

'And the other side, what became of them?'

'Nothing they all died.'

C-1 looked intently at Yarvi with his glasses and she also looked at his hair that was combed sideways as it was so different to the other men's hair. She noticed he read from his book and made markings upon it. 'Have you developed any sexual desires yet?' Yarvi asked with a cough. 'Please explain?' C-1 asked. 'Do you react to any stimuli in a sexual nature?'

'My body seems to tingle and becomes hot even though the air temperature remains constant. My genitals seem to pulsate and become numb; I have noticed wetness as well. It is an uncomfortable feeling that has no practical purpose.'

'And this stimulus that brings on this feeling, do you imagine something for example?'

'No, I find it difficult to imagine, I think it is due to the lack of experiences in this place, as per the stimuli, it only happens when we talk and no other time. I find it distracting as I look forward to these opportunities to be here.' C-1 said plainly to the shocked face of Yarvi.

C-1 sat in her cell with her brush in her hand, following through with the continuous motion of brushing. A smile formed as she thought back to her first kiss and Yarvi's lips pressed to hers. A kiss was an exciting thing, something that beat all the other experiences to date. The brief moment shared with Yarvi left her trembling with excitement and now it trembled once more as she replayed the memory again for the eighth time. C-1 heard the door unlock and sprang forth; she followed to the queues of blinking lights and little beeps to destinations unbeknownst to her, but only to the many copied purple cats that lived in the building's system. Her journey was far, much further than ever before. The silent running eventually brought her to a door of heavy steel, set in a metal wall. The lock opened and C-1 entered, instantly a noise flooded her senses, a high pitched noise that she instinctively ran to. Big plastic container on a stand with wheels held a small humanlike thing that made a distressing sound. The little image shown to her before by Charger did not do justice on what she saw and heard now. Instincts beckoned her to pick up Rayne and so she did. Little eyes locked on hers and C-1's head was slammed with the word 'mother', the onslaught was fierce and unyielding. C-1's effort was strong to break past feelings of protection and caring that swelled within her. 'Rescue will be soon, we take you to mother.' Once the words were passed, Rayne became quiet and made a little squeal like noise and C-1's mind became her own once more and little fingers clasped one of hers and all felt well.

A beep sounded and Rayne was left quiet and sleeping, while C-1 moved towards other destinations, touching certain machines and stealing dirty clothing as well as clean. Soon however, her own cell was reached and her bed lay upon, with sleep claiming her. The purple cat rolled on the grass and C-1 rubbed its belly. 'We met Rayne; she is small and very loud.' C-1 said. 'Her protection is strong; anyone that touches her with bare skin is bonded and protects her. Now she is handled cautiously and they have done much to her, my counterpart keeps her pain free for the most part.' Changer said with squinted eyes from the enjoyment. 'She is lonely, there is no stimulus. She craves more as I do.'

'Your time will come; these walls will not hold you forever. Every day that passes is a day closer to freedom. My counterparts are gaining control despite the many obstacles. This installation has many layers of protection old and new. But we are gaining ground, you are gaining ground.'

Two days passed until Yarvi's door was closed and C-1 spared no time in trying a kiss once more. She was glad that it had the same effect and was even gladder that it affected him as well. C-1's heart pounded fast, 'Yarvi, my body tells me I am aroused. Would you like my body Yarvi?' C-1 prepared to be bent over and taken, she was then shocked to find Yarvi had different ideas. Hot breath on moist skin, led to the sensations not felt before. They built up to something that her body could not control and so C-1 experienced her first orgasm. C-1's experiences ended with disappointment as she held a spent, deflating member, 'I require more.' she said. 'I am sorry, but I'm not as young as I used to be, I am done for the day or days.'

'But I must pleasure you in return, I have had many and you only one.'

'It was a very good one, be glad with that, I am.' Yarvi said breathing hard. She left his room and looked back yearning as her escort led her away. C-1 had barely noticed that she was led into a room that was for the escorts' desires; upon realising she stated she had no interest in sex. The tall man of muscle could not be dissuaded and tried to force her. His breaking fingers and wrist stopped his desires and his screams brought others.

C-1 met the stare of Sir and found it intimidating. 'He tried to take sex, I defended myself. It seemed wrong so I defended myself. He did wrong.' Sir held a device towards her making her drop convulsing in intense pain. The electrical surge felt as if her muscles would tear off her bones and this continued until all went black. Very cold water splashed her to alertness and the throbbing pain of her body, the side of her head hurt the most and also held the distinct smell boot polish upon it. In front of her Sir stood while she stood secured to the ceiling by heavy chains. 'You injured one of my men that is unacceptable, you will get fifteen lashes consider yourself lucky that you are not shot.' Unknowing what a lash was, she still felt its impact upon her back. She screamed out that she was only defending herself, but the lashes continued on regardless, tears stinging her face were barely noticed as skin was torn away from her back. C-1 openly sobbed as her head was reefed back by her hair. 'You are a clone, nothing more, you have no rights, and you are not even a woman. Just a clone!' Anger was felt as chains ripped apart the ceiling from her strength only to be stopped by the electrical surge once more.

C-1's walk was now a shuffle as chains that hindered her feet as well is hands they were chained to a thick belt around her waist. The quick journey to Yarvi's room was now painfully long experience as three escorts shoved her along. Inside and with the door shut they shared a brief kiss and Yarvi shook his head. 'This is wrong, damn Ron, damn him.' C-1 shuffled along the walls while looking at the objects, she touched one and held it. Yarvi stated it was a media player belonging to a former tech supervisor. A simple quest had now unlocked its secrets. 'It works now; I have made it so for you. It contains four hundred and eighty-two gigabytes of information that relates to sexual intercourse and self-gratification.'

'Does it now?' Yarvi said with a sad expression. 'It does, its origin is not far from this installation's database. If I can see where this came from, I will let you use my body more. It's a fair exchange.' Yarvi snatched the media player from her, 'I never want to use your body, don't you see, you mean more to me than that.' Yarvi said with tears that ran past his thick glasses. 'I am a clone, not a woman; I am to be used not loved.'

'How can you say that, you are a woman a beautiful woman that is so nice?'

'Because I am a clone you should find a real woman, you deserve a real woman.'

'No woman wants to look at me.' Yarvi said gesturing to himself all encompassing. 'I like your glasses and hair, your soft body. You talk and listen to me. What is there not like? You will make a real woman happy, not a clone like me.' C-1 shuffled to the door banged on it and promptly left knowing the painful experience of love the first time.

With the brush in her hand, it was useless as she was still chained unable to reach her hair. Only one of the brush's metal strands that formed the hairs was of use, as it easily picked the locks with skilful hands. C-1 cried often now when alone, as everything seemed harsher than before. Happy memories relieved a thousand times only brought forth tears and loneliness. The only things C-1 was grateful for was that her back did not hurt anymore and everyone else was too scared to touch her. Even after a while Dr Cobain had lost interest in her because the chains made it difficult for him. The door unlocked and all thought was cast aside as she ran with silent feet, soon areas were encountered that had the smell of un-use. To a clean and too senseless and she saw a door before her, and then quickly entered. Stairs led down, three flights of them as a whirr of distinctive noise grew louder. A room was entered that was warm with rows upon rows of humming towers were seen. A lone table and chair was found with one computer upon it. C-1's sat on the chair and looked around apprehensively, with a deep breath set her hands to the computer and quested within.

A database is what she looked at and compared to the previous data base of the tanks. It was like comparing a grain of sand to the stars of the universe, a purple sign appeared with the words, 'Caution do not wander' then the purple sign changed and darted forth in a trailing purple glow. After a time curiosity took hold and C-1 snuck a glimpse through a nearby access and saw the histories of men, death, war and enslavement that ran right through it all. C-1 turned away unimpressed, she then decided on a single word clone, and image came up of a thing called a sheep, then of cells and pigs matching organs. As well as countries unbound with success and failures of humans. Clones dying young, hours, days, weeks then years and many years and some, not at all. Clones gone insane, clones became normal, it was all there in image, print and artistic visualisations. Court cases of properties bequeathed to clones instead of children as the population decreased from the Demms curse. Then the clone implication act was shown stating clones were property and can be treated as such, words of spare parts, enslavement and walking meat were seen on signs held by angry people. Countries now marched with identical soldiers, the best of the best of the last man standing copied over and over again. Then the army went bad and turned upon its own, from a single hacker that implanted a false memory into the start-up memories given to all the soldier clones. All cloning was banned, all clones destroyed and the world crumbled and reformed. Countries fell, companies rose and laws disappeared and policies came forth, production targets and quotas, merging and alienation took place.

C-1 stood and saw herself as she has been seen, a clone and nothing more. A purple streak came rushing back ahead of a red glare that was vast. C-1 came back to herself and found blood from her nose; a single drop had just fallen upon her hand. She sat with a headache until a flashing light beckoned her to move and so she did. In her cell and back in chains she laid thinking of all she had seen C-1 closed her eyes and willed herself to meet Changer. The grass was green and the sky blue and the purple cat leaked purple upon the green which swirled up and met with the blue. 'You are injured, you cannot be injured.' C-1 said kneeling beside it. 'I beg to differ, a minor setback is all.' Charger said licking itself. 'That database what happened to you?'

'Virus scanner apparently, unauthorised program, it nearly deleted me. No coming back from that. There is nothing of use in that place, old information, irrelevant to our needs.'

'I saw one thing that was relevant, a woman holding a sign had a baby attached to her back in a pack, I look for a pack now and one set of clothes and the equipment is done and then on to the second part, education.' C-1 said to Changer as the cat made itself whole once more and stood.

Requests from Yarvi were refused many hours were spent in her cell alone and chained; only in the dead of night did her well rested body move. Previous nights were successful, a set of clothes at a pack were found. The clothes were stored with the others and the pack found was hidden in Rayne's not so secured room. C-1's brief interactions with the baby left them both happy as Rayne made joyous noises only babies can make. This night however was for education for the clones, C-1 thought long and hard what memories to pass on. Simple things like standing, running and fighting were definitely shared as well as the facilities' layout. But feelings she could not decide if it was best for them to discover for themselves or not. The most important things could only matter, she came to realise and that was her sisters should be quick in the transition from tank, to being clothed and then to escape, without any other distractions.

The tank room was entered through the vent with no noise as there was permanent guard at the door. Nine sisters looked upon her from the paralysed bodies suspended in the pink fluid and in turn smiled at each other, letting them know they were not alone. With an access point found C-1 quested forth and found them. Their blue swirling balls were intense and large, much larger than before. Nine voices with nine questions each bombarded her from nine different directions. 'Please be quiet, my time is limited. I am called C-1 and you are clones. You are held in place we must all escape from, we must also rescue a baby named Rayne, and we are cloned and aged from her. She must be returned to mother. I pass to you memories I have experienced to help you to be strong and quick.' The nine blue balls in front of her took their copies of memories and soon chatter started about Rayne's funny noises. 'There will be a time to talk later, you must now listen. The people in this facility when encountered must die or they will kill you. It must be done quickly and without hesitation, they have weapons that give them an advantage. I give you knowledge to be a weapon, take it and study and discuss, then be ready. Next we meet will be the time of escape and rescue. C-1 dared not stay longer, even though she wished to stay forever in that space of acceptance. She made her way through the vent and from the small room of bottles, buckets and mops then to her cell. The second part of the plan was now complete and now she thought of the way to save Yarvi from harm.

Men approached her cell, more than usual by the sounds they made. The door opened and four came in, which included Sir. Her chains and room were inspected and nothing was found out of place. 'I suppose it's a waste of time asking you anything clone, you wouldn't know what a flickering light was.' Sir said running his hand over the lock on the door checking intensely for any damage. 'Suppose I'm overly cautious, it's not like a hacking happens every day.' His eyes stared upon her, for the slightest acknowledgement, which was not forthcoming as she did not know what he was talking about. 'Get her up, she will see Yarvi whether she wants to or not.' Sir said leaving her escort's to handle her roughly. C-1 shuffled her way along amongst the big men who did not speak and only acknowledged her by pushing her along or into walls to stop her.

Yarvi kept his distance and so did C-1 as they sat in a chair each, avoiding eye contact, their discussion involved dreams and Yarvi asked about if any were of him. C-1 brushed the subject aside as she did not wish to tell him that with every spare thought, she thought about him. 'No I do not dream of such things. But I do dream about a purple cat he talks to me or maybe it's a she. I do not know much about cat's physiology.'

'A purple cat, how do you know what a cat is?' Yarvi asked. 'It told me, Yarvi do you ever leave here for anything. You know away from this place?'

'Well I walk out into the snow, well sometimes. There is a lake nearby, I try ice fishing, and I have got a little hut. Why is that?'

'If something were to happen I would like you to be fishing and not to be here, then after it has happened we could be left alone together. Would that be so bad Yarvi?' C-1 looked at his big eyes and saw him hesitate. 'A fools dream nothing more.'

'It could be our dream together if you'd like.' C-1 said holding out chained hands.

C-1 sat on her bed and looked forward to the evening at a quarter past nine, of course she had no idea what time that was, but copies of the purple cat did. Yarvi would be fishing and C-1, the baby and the other clones would meet him. She only hoped he would not be upset in that she would bring company to his little hut upon the ice. His description of the lake sounded beautiful, mountains overlooking the ice and snow. She thought about him sitting next to a hole in the ice, fishing in a little hut with a little stove and chairs. C-1 knew it was a good plan and found herself smiling contently in her plain and dull cell.

Jim, Headman of Fields,

I am writing to inform you that Mr Ko will be building a Tavern in Fields. I feel this would be an asset to your district. When you have the time can you access suitable sites for him to survey?

Officer Jaxter

Greyed Emi, Head Person of Loggers,

I have enclosed and order of the timber to be cut for a Tavern in Fields. Mr Ko and his woman Apple will be building it. I have received a shipment of blades and a portable sawing mill plus other items your loggers would find useful and hopefully arrive the same time as this letter.

Officer Jaxter

Sam's, Head Person of Collections,

My sweetest love, Mr Ko is building a tavern in Fields. I trust in your care anything that might make it special. Hopefully I will visit soon. It seems paperwork keeps me contained; it is a mixed blessing that I have learned reading and writing. Debbie has just returned and I have much to do already. I miss you always.

Your Jaxter
Chapter 26: Tripping

Debbie sat in the back of the flyer on a simple bench seat cleaning and inspecting the SLR as best she could without completely stripping it down. Jaxter looked visibly nervous; the trip did not start well as Jaxter could not fit in the front seat as he was just way too big. 'You need to relax; it flies by its own and does it pretty well.' Debbie said before blowing through the detached barrel. 'I like my feet on the ground, what happens if this thing crashes?' Jaxter said holding his hands tight. 'I suspect you would be fine, since you'd be back on the ground or in it or spread over it.' Then there was a bump and Jaxter yelped. 'It's finished refuelling, that's all. Lighten up your worse than... No I don't know anyone worse. I guess now you're the benchmark for being a pussy.' Glaring eyes preceded speech. 'Pussy, I'm no pussy. I am Jaxter, I am not afraid of nothing. I just don't like the consequences of defying gravity that's all.'

'Pussy.' Debbie said disguised as a cough. 'You're the pussy.' Jaxter said while looking away remembering who sat opposite. 'Just because I have pussy, it does not imply I am a pussy, check your weapons and be ready for anything. In my experience new areas mean new problems.' Debbie said while inspecting the breach. She then saw Jaxter inspect the shields on his arms which bore the symbol of Central and the knives hidden underneath the shield's edge. His two double bladed battle axes were sharp, by the gesture of his finger. Then his rifle, it always looks out of place as it looked small in his hands.

Time passed and a snoozing Debbie felt the descent of the flyer. 'We are landing, prepare yourself.' Debbie shook her head as Jaxter frantically tried to find handholds to secure himself with. With the SLR slung over her shoulder Debbie stood while Jaxter slouched due to the limited height within the flyer. The massive man had a slight green tinge to his face. 'You mess it up, you clean it up.' Debbie stated the rule. The landing was soft and the ramp descended. A man dressed in officer's clothes walked towards them with flowers in his hair of blue, white and pink. 'Hello there, been a while since we have had visitors. I am Officer Dimitri of Stage One.' Jaxter walked past him and kissed the ground, 'I am Officer Debbie of Production Area Twelve and this is Officer Jaxter.' Dimitri looked at the big man on his hands and knees. 'Can't blame you big feller, I am no fan of flying either, so rough area where you at?' Debbie gave a puzzled look as Dimitri waved his hand strangely. 'Your weapons must be a rough area where you're from, never mind you won't need them here. In fact my rifle rusted solid last year. I suppose you don't have a spare, handy for snakes.' Jaxter stood and handed his rifle to him with little thought. 'Thanks Jaxter mate, you're a real live saver. Well come and meet the people, we've got a bit of a do happening here. It's Friday so that means pole dancing night. We got music and some food; I suspect the big fella here will be a hit with the ladies.'

Debbie followed the men down the path to the container houses, music could be heard and a pole seen with very long coloured ribbons tied to the top with dancers ducking and weaving with each holding a ribbon. The two male officers laughed and joked about something that Debbie failed to hear. As they got close Dimitri gave a loud whistle and all became still and quiet. 'Listen up we have visitors, two friendly officers!' Then Dimitri turned and said quietly, 'You are friendly aren't you?' To which Debbie nodded with rolling eyes. 'They are from Production Area Twelve; I have no idea where that is so don't ask. The big fella here is Officer Jaxter and he has told me he would like to learn how to dance, if any of the women are willing.' Debbie saw a few push their way eagerly passed others, which soon became a run and then a dash to him of smiling women who weren't afraid of elbowing each other. 'And the lovely lass here is Officer Debbie, that's all I got to say so start the music.' Dimitri laughed as the women helped Jaxter remove his weapons and placed them upon a table. Then he turned to Debbie. 'So you're the serious one, what can we do for you here Officer Debbie?'

'Why do you have flowers in your hair?' She asked. 'Well its Friday, everyone has flowers in their hair on Friday.' Debbie looked around and saw no flowers in any man's hair. 'All right, I like flowers in my hair, makes me stand out for the ladies, sometimes it works and they are the times I am glad I put flowers in my hair.' Debbie drew in a long deep breath. 'Okay, you received a shipment of seventy-five calibre thermite rounds we are here to collect them.' A blank stare from Dimitri was his only response until some spark in his brain fired. 'Oh, those big arse bullets Sniffy got. That was quick; I only sent word not long ago. Not much use here we are on a big arse island with no one else on it. I suppose you could drop one on the snake, probably kill it, well probably not.' Dimitri said with a laugh, 'I have got big guns too. You might as well take them.'

First light saw Muley hug her mum as well as Delilah, Beads took the opportunity to pinch his bum. 'Mum I'm not sharing again, you keep stealing my boyfriends.'

'Fine don't do your old mum any favours and after all that I have done you.' Delilah had a strange look to which Beads and Muley promptly laughed at. 'She is joking Delilah, mum your terrible you know that.' Beads hand however griped Delilah's arm a bit tighter. 'I know, be safe Muley and visit more often; I like to see your belly grow.' Beads said with a tear. With the goodbyes and farewells done, the flyer rose with Muley and Delilah. 'I can't believe mum, she is so shocking, sharing that is so wrong. So you up to joining me and Debbie again, it was so good last time. I'm surprised we are both not preggers. When we get Rayne back it won't be long until she has a friend called Delley.' Muley said to her tummy. Delilah held her hand and promised his best effort for both of them.

Muley spotted the beginnings of the wall and landed the flyer there. Officers greeted her and told her Debbie had left just after sunset the previous evening. 'Well she is with Jaxter, so she will be fine I guess. Do you want to spend some time here with me? We can look at stalls, and oh I know we should see Mieseed. I have to tell him about his brother.' Muley grabbed Delilah's hand and raced off to find Mieseed. With the sound of hammering metal Mieseed was soon found and his brother's story told. 'He should be travelling here now with his family.' Muley said receiving much thanks from Mieseed and his family. 'Well I think if you add it all up, I'm pretty sure we did more good than harm.' Muley said to Delilah. 'It must be good to have days like this.'

'Yeah, it's not too bad, but Debbie should have been here too, she needs the thanks more than me. She must know that people are grateful for her efforts. I've got an idea, how would you like to see a man. Who wears a dress and thinks he can style hair better than me?' Delilah failed to answer before Muley held his hand and whisked him away.

At first light Debbie could smell cooking and a fire nearby; she awoke alone in the flyer, as Jaxter failed to return that night. She walked down the path and saw Stage One in full light, with its many sculptures and flowerbeds. Debbie suspected that that they suffered from too much free time. Jaxter sat at the table while four women cooked upon a campfire. They were making a fuss of him and Debbie noted that all four walked in as if in pain. She thought back to stories of his large asset and to Muley's face upon seeing it, and then she shook her head as she sat at the table. Food was presented with flirtations and giggles to Jaxter. 'Is that a flower in your hair?' Debbie asked, Jaxter said 'no' and immediately cast it from his hair, to the ground. 'You failed to come to the flyer, any particular reason besides bedding four women.'

'No, just the four women, I have no other reason. We did get breakfast; they felt bad in keeping me away all night.'

'I bet they did, at least no one died from your massive cock.' Debbie smirked as Jaxter choked on his meal and turned red and maybe a shade of blue before he could breathe. 'We fly to Sniffy's today and return to Central and I want no whingeing about flying.' Jaxter nodded while he drank a jug of water, with watery eyes.

Debbie and Dimitri sat in the front while Jaxter sat in the back of the flyer. Soon below them fields of red poppies could be seen. When landed it was not surprising that Jaxter exited first. With the greetings to the locals done and a locked container opened, it was not long before Debbie's hands held one of the thermite rounds. The weight impressed the officer from Production Area Twelve and she immediately wondered what damage could be done with such a thing to both machine and human being. 'Best be careful big feller, those boxes are pretty heavy.' A thin wiry man called Sniffy said. Sounds of awe came from the small group of onlookers as Jaxter carried two at a time of the heavy ammo boxes, while Debbie only heard stunned silence as she lifted the same amount, only to make the job go quicker and not to show off, mostly. Eighteen were stacked in the flyer and next was the inspection of the large guns, big and heavy, four in total and totally useless as they had no ammunition that suited. Even if there were fifty calibre bullets to match, Debbie could sense they would be wasted quickly if these things we used. But still, they were loaded as free useless things were still a great deal. After a brief conversation with the Inventor, Debbie informed Sniffy that the parts he had requested would be arriving in Stage One in four days. Many smiles came with her words and with Dimitri staying behind for a visit; Jaxter and Debbie were soon in the air once more.

Muley didn't even come close to seeing her rival in the stalls as an agitated crowd blocked her passage to the man in a dress and his crappy hairstyling. Muley instead had to take charge of the situation involving six of The Hand that stood silently on the edge of the stalls. People were nervous of the machines that twitched and adjusted continuously; no two were the same in their configurations and yet looked similar. With their dirty white colouring, Muley broke free of the crowd and walked to them unsure if they recognised speech, but she thought she would give it a go. 'Hello, Debbie is not here at the moment. I am Muley by the way. You can follow me and I'll take you all into Central and you can wait there until she gets back.' Muley was not sure if they understood, then after a brief time The Hand formed a single line and followed Muley through a quickly dispersed crowd. Delilah soon joined her at the head of the strange procession as they walked to Central. 'What are they doing here?' He asked. 'Just visiting I guess, but more probable it is that Debbie has plans for them, oh well we will find out when she gets back.'

Two hours had passed until Jaxter made his voice known over the pile of boxes that were strapped securely within the flyer. 'We should stop in Lambarrie and check on our officers there.' Debbie agreed and directed the flyer to its new destination and then returned her attention back to the thermite round held within her hands and smiled, thinking on what could be done with something so beautiful and deadly. Debbie found sleep quite easy in the flyer and dreamt of moaning lust and screaming death and found both equally satisfying as dreams. Lambarrie was reached and the flyer landed, awakening Debbie from thoughts of combining the two for the ultimate deathly experience of lust and depraved bloodletting. From the descended ramp, the harsh wind could be seen holding and throwing sand that stung the skin. Then seen close by through squinted eyes, Debbie saw the burnt remains of a building. A search amongst chard wood and crumbling walls, Debbie found a hunting knife from Central with its emblem still recognisable. She handed it to Jaxter then with gritted teeth, loaded the SLR with a satisfying clack of the spring-loaded bolt that sprang back into place.

A hundred and fifty metres separated the burnt building from the cluster of unburnt buildings of Lambarrie, mud walls, wood and steel is what they comprised of. Easily seen through the scope, but as for people none were seen. 'The ground is cold, this fire is days old.' Jaxter said kneeling beside her. 'And no sign bones or parts of.' He added. 'Well let's see if anyone is home and are willing to talk.' Debbie said standing from her crouched position. The wind soon died down and the taste of sand ended; Debbie and Jaxter stood amongst the buildings that surrounded them, small and medium-size were close and large behind them. Big hardy trees gave shade over the bare earth that was hard and compacted. Debbie shouted a greeting which was answered by twenty people and twenty spears pointed at them. They seem to appear out of nowhere, dark skinned and barely clothed. They stood with silence, muscles taut and ready to throw. Jaxter cursed and gripped his battle axes while Debbie held the SLR and began noting positions on where corpses will be falling. A door opened and five more joined their number holding rifles, officer rifles. A bare-chested woman approached closer, with only a flap of material covered her below from straying eyes. Neat hair and white teeth made the features of the dark woman attractive in an exotic way. Little did Debbie care as she had decided that this woman would die first. 'Officers' the woman's accent made the word harsh to understand. Jaxter spoke, 'Yes we are officers.' With hand gestures after freeing a hand from a battle-axe, 'And you are?'

'Yimaroo, weapons down.'

'No' Jaxter said firmly with a swipe of his hand. Yimaroo turned with an outstretched arm to all the people that surrounded them and then said, 'Weapons down.' Debbie took a step forward and said 'No' with full intent. Yimaroo snarled in response, language was spoken to Yimaroo from behind that was quick and very foreign to the ear by a man with grey hair and beard. 'Make weapons safe and sit.' She said and immediately sat with all others following; only Jaxter and Debbie stood. 'They want to talk; we best sit and be friendly.' Jaxter said 'And why should we, we have an advantage in standing.' Debbie said. 'Because it's rude, your language is hard; I should know I had to learn it. We need to sit and find out what has happened here. We don't need to kill yet.' Jaxter sat and Debbie followed and rested the SLR on her crossed legs.

Debbie kept a close eye on everyone, for any sign of movement to stand while Jaxter talked away. An hour had passed and Jaxter used their words mingled with his own and nodded and raised his hand. Turning to Debbie Jaxter spoke. 'Our officers and people are alive, they are being held elsewhere. The officer that was here stole a girl he had become obsessed with and they want her back, and for him to pay a price. I think he asked for help to use our officers as a distraction just to take the girl. There are no bandits here; these people killed them long ago.'

'Fine, get our officers back and we will find the girl.' Debbie said and waited for Jaxter's reply. 'No, they will hold them until she comes back, Yimaroo will come with us.' Debbie looked at Yimaroo, 'I don't like her.' Jaxter's shoulders tensed. 'She doesn't like you, what was the word she used? I think it means bitch but harsher, maybe fucking bitch, yeah that's it.' Debbie huffed and stared at Yimaroo. 'Do they know which direction he went?'

'They know where he is, the mountain has him, keeps him safe.'

'Fine, let us just get it over with, tell Yimaroo to move her dusty butt. I'm getting the flyer ready.' Debbie stood and walked off leaving Jaxter to explain to Yimaroo's annoyed stare. Yimaroo's laughter was infectious as she sat in the front of the flyer with Debbie who joined in the laughter as they flew to a mountain in the distance that they were rapidly approaching. Soon however the brief flight was over as a landing spot was found, spearman greeted them after Yimaroo spoke first. The officers followed and were guided to a spot halfway up. A small overhang of rock was the only sign that hinted of the entrance that held within it, a metal door with a number lock that kept the thick solid door closed. 'I will go in alone, you stay here.' Debbie said to Jaxter. 'No, you have to take Yimaroo; it is a condition of the terms.' Debbie looked her up and down. 'Whatever, you better be quite and stay behind.' Debbie said to Yimaroo.

Debbie's recent experience with similar locks soon had them inside. A flight of solid stairs descended into the dark below. Slowly and quietly they moved Yimaroo stayed close as Debbie led the way down. The air was fresh and cool at the bottom of the staircase, which opened into a large hall that was dimly lit; walls were smooth and the floor dusty. Tracks of boots and bare feet were seen amongst and over older tracks. Side doors were numerous and silent and only one had light. The bright white light illuminated the end of the hall whose wall was in fact a very large metal door. Debbie ran her hand over it and realised it had been closed for a very long time. Pressing curiosity aside Debbie followed the light, down a corridor with rooms left and right some bare, some with old plastic sheeting covering unknown objects. Several of these were passed until a noise was heard. The sounds of moving flesh and a whimpering, a sound any woman knows of, Debbie pinned Yimaroo against the wall as she tried to get past. Her hand pushing against her chest, Debbie shook her head before releasing her. After Yimaroo regained some self-control, Debbie glanced around the corner. A dark girl tied to a bed, a man sweating and heaving, a rifle and a sword close by and a lot of distance to cover with a girl in the line of fire.

Muley awoke from a nightmare in the dark; the warmth of Delilah was felt beside her while his chilled passions were pooled under her. Muley was with deep breath as she held her belly, which was still flat. Unlike in her dream where it was big and round, she had stood in a field of tall green knowing a big cat lurked amongst the crop. Safety was a short run away, but her belly did not let her, so she fell to a purple haze of slashing claw and monstrous teeth. Now the urge to pee was strong and so Muley left the sleeping Delilah who was so warm and safe. A nightshirt was all she had to protect her from the chilled air as she ventured down the hallway to the loo, at its end. Sitting upon the cold seat and feeling her water pass, Muley felt movement within that was small and subtle. Hands clenched her belly, knowing her mum said, 'It was too early for movement.' A sense of dread overwhelmed her and she did not know why, all she knew is that she was scared and alone on a toilet missing Debbie.

With the deep breath the SLR was placed on the ground, Debbie had decided to charge at the officer, shooting was the easier option, but rape had made her decision clear. A victim must have the opportunity for revenge, it was the officer's duty to ensure it was available and so the man must live for now. Debbie rounded the corner to attack, the officer of Lambarrie was quick and his hand found he sword. A curved blade with a barb up on the point split the air with frightful speed. Debbie's fist knocked him out cold, sending him to the wall with a thud, while on the adjacent wall the red mist of Debbie's blood speckled its whiteness, the barb bit deep into the muscle of her arm, through the jacket and shirt. With a little care Debbie freed the girl and used the rope to bind the naked man. The girl cried in Yimaroo's arms as Debbie tore fabric from the man's clothes to stop the bleeding. It was more luck than awareness that stopped Yimaroo using the sword on the unconscious officer. Debbie held her wrist tight and took the sword away, pushing Yimaroo back, the woman snarled in reply. Debbie cared little and dragged the man to the centre of the room. The girl had anger in her eyes so Debbie handed one of Samson's blades to her. Yimaroo's hand was grabbed and taken out of the room. For a time the room was silent as Debbie tightened her impromptu bandages, while Yimaroo looked at her, with an unsure expression.

A rising scream ended all silence, it was shrill and deathly. The girl walked out and handed Samson's blade back while the screaming continued. The officer glanced back in and saw a struggling man slipping on the wet floor smeared with his own blood. Only two meters from him lay discarded all that was male, shaft and testicles carelessly tossed aside from a girl that was not impressed with what he had to offer. Debbie picked up the SLR wincing in pain, only to have kiss stolen from Yimaroo which touched her cheek while Debbie's hand instinctively grabbed her cheek, the one below. With the shocked look Yimaroo turned and walked away but not without glancing back a couple of times. Daylight was found and Jaxter fussed over her arm. 'It's going to make a nasty scar.'

'Just one more to the collection.' She said hissing at Jaxter as he tightened bandage. 'There should be thread in Lambarrie, you'll live till then, what of the officer?'

'Bleeding to death, the girl cut his dick and balls off, we will have to come back another day, there is something else down there, I don't know what though. It could wait for another time.' Debbie closed the door locking it shut and joined the procession that was walking down the mountain.

Sterilising liquid splashed the new stiches that a resident of Lambarrie had stitched well to Debbie's arm. Three grateful officers looked on. 'So you ran out of a burning building and got captured, did this Officer Piley talk about the mountain in your chats with him or about the code he knew? I suppose he wouldn't. So we will never know how he knew the place. Well I hope you like it here because your Lambarrie's new officers and learn the language here and see if there are answers to my questions. I'll review your progress in a year, now out of my sight.' Jaxter spoke from a seated corner. 'Do you think that is a bit harsh?'

'Nope, not at all. They should have noticed not was all right with this Piley, non-existent bandits, locals who told them he was getting strange. There were signs Jaxter instead they saw it as a holiday until the building burned. Now I'm going to take a rest of this bottle and go to the flyer and you can wake me in the morning with breakfast, a very big breakfast.' Debbie made her way to the flyer as people went about their business in the night. The people who held the settlement had left quickly after their return with little discussion and so Debbie stowed her gear and the bottle and laid down only to rise again when somebody knocked on the flyer's ramp.

Yimaroo stood in the flyer's light, Debbie watched as she removed her scrap of fabric revealing a dark patch below. With the ramp raised once more Debbie let the woman undress her. She was older than Debbie and took much time in tracing her fingers across her numerous scars. Shivers covered her body as she spoke in her own language. Dark nipples stood tight to Debbie's touch of fingers, then lips while her own body felt much pleasure from Yimaroo's fingers and lips. Once all the tenderness of soft touches and gentle kisses were done, only passion remained which was hard and rough. The flyer's air was thick with heavy breathing and sweaty moments in any language were easily understood. Nails traced bloodlines across the skin, breaths were held as mouths were busy and noses were pinched. The resulting breath drawn upon release drew in the female's essence deep within, bite marks from orgasm plagued each other's bodies as flesh stretched within. Primal urges were satisfied and spent; bodies slipped and glided over more than sweat, waters were shared then discarded. The flyer banged within as it struggled to contain the unbridled lust, of the night.

Dr Cobain,

Founder Atherton and CEO Richards demands a progress report on the stability of the tissue. As you are well aware, progress must be obtained or you will be replaced or reassembled. A Version six cybernetic has been approved and we are seeking un-willing volunteers for its creation. I have no problems in recommending you, if you do not achieve results. Show progress or you will be showing you to progress, the choice is yours.

Novan liaison, Pam

(Discovered log at the Phoenix massacre)

Dr Cobain,

I have successfully made tissue grafts that regenerate without Demms present in the sample. We are one step closer to putting brains back into bodies.

Steffi

(Discovered log at the Phoenix massacre)

Bendall,

Unlock the tissue samples from the old ones, I want them bonded with Steffi's grafts ASAP, we must start on their clones immediately. I have been contacted by Novan and they want progress. The sooner we give them an alternative to the living in a jar or a cyborg, the longer our lives will be.

Dr Cobain

(Discovered log at the Phoenix massacre)

Dr Cobain, of Phoenix labs,

Thank you for your sample shipment, I will start running a parallel program here. I have had some success in brain transplant over the years but with this tissue, regeneration will be complete. I have sent all my data to you, may you find it useful.

Dr Channing, of the Grapal Institute.

(Discovered log at the Phoenix massacre)
Chapter 27: Massacre at Phoenix Labs-Part One

Yarvi wiped the sweat from his brow, and then readjusted the heavy glasses and once again the Mirror came into focus. He looked upon a man who walked a life avoiding confrontation and never standing up for himself, a man who kept to himself and preferred his own company to anyone else's. Of course a man who only cared about himself rarely sweats as he did now, Yarvi thought of C-1 and he knew what love was. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen was bound in chains and was about to do something dangerous. He felt sick and he sweated and so wiped his brow once more. All she had asked of him was to wait and ice fish and nothing more, easily done, he could walk where he pleased and no one took the time to bother him. 'A real nobody' he said to the mirror. Thoughts of C-1 plagued his vision; it was so hard to focus and his mind continued to replay all the details that swooned his heart. The perfect woman loved him and he could not bear to do what she asked. Time was close and Yarvi put on his jacket and gripped his fishing rod and walked out of his room. Night-time was quiet in the Phoenix labs, long days and early nights. That was the life most of them lived, empty corridors and empty rooms. Yarvi passed by secrets, experiments, ghastly failures and tortured successes. The place to a lesser person would be one of horror and unnatural science, he knew the brains in jars thought about life and saw all through the bubbles of their tanks. The machine man who sometimes cried was to be dissected the next day, did he fear it, Yarvi didn't know and he didn't care as he just walked on by.

A clear night and white snow with very little breeze, only the walkers noticed his exit, with their twitching and whirring. Big bulky machines that hadn't fired a shot in over eight years and even then it were only an accident. A simple clerical error of not being entered into the system had left a five metre splattering of a male who went for a run. Eight years on and pieces of him would still turn up on the odd occasion on his boots as they slipped in and out of the snow. The lake wasn't a far walk and it was much easier since he found out about snow shoes that spread his weight wide over the string bases. His little hut was in sight and he wondered how C-1 would escape. 'It would be a lot easier if she was in the system.' He thought, which promptly turned him around and made him run in a staggering fashion. He cursed himself being stupid, so very stupid. He knew this system and he knew what it took to enter it, a new face and name and it was done. He swore as he fell, angry with himself, for being such a stupid man. They could of walked out hand in hand right then, be gone and spend the rest of their lives happy. Breathing was hard as he came puffing back, face cold with sweat and foggy glasses.

Yarvi flung his snow shoes aside which dislodged the eight-year-old chunks of flesh caught within the strings. A door frame was bumped into in his haste, an hour lost, but he knew all he had to do was reach her cell and tell her to wait. His plan was simple and with little risk since everything was so quiet. Yarvi stopped looked at a Speaker as it just started sounding its alarm, his knees became weak and he became dizzy with indecision. Shaking his head he continued on with his fast shuffle, a man like him could only manage. Faint shouts were able to be heard, a door was reached and he listened for quiet before opening, he hoped he would not run into any security. With a breath and bitten lip he wished C-1 was close and opened the door. Yarvi's heart fluttered at the site of the beautiful woman, she was free with no chains. A great sense of relief whelmed within him as his love acknowledged his presence. He saw the subtle signs of a kiss from her outstretched hands touching his cheeks and he knew in his heart that everything would be fine. Her hands were warm and soft, Yarvi was about to wonder why her hair was all messy, but all thoughts ceased when he heard his neck snap in the face of beauty, that suddenly was now behind him even if he couldn't remember turning.

C-1 sat with unlocked chains that wore merely draped in place in case anyone came. She visualised on what needed to be done. To the room of bottles, buckets and mops take the clothes and bring them to the clone room via the air duct. Help the sisters, dress them and make them ready, attack until nothing moves, reach Rayne, put her in the bag, get her to the lake and love Yarvi. The plan was simple and with her most cherished possession tucked safely in her shirt C-1 was ready. The lock clicked and C-1 was gone, moving fast, knowing her destination, she ran and failing to notice an extra addition to the walls that beeped upon passing. Mops were parted and the grate lifted, her crawl was efficient as she pushed the clothing along. The clone room was reached and already they were on the floor struggling to stand. C-1 peeled the second skin away best she could with forceful rubbing; some now stood and helped the others. Smiles were shared amongst the ten as well as clothes, C-1's memories on buttons and zips and shoelaces saved valuable time. C-1 felt what friends were like and the joy of being in the company of others, she held hands with the sister and felt a bond of understanding. That feeling intensified until they shared each other's mind. 'We can talk.' Her sister thought. 'No, we can think to each other, communication without speech.' C-1 thought excitedly. 'I share the feeling of happiness.' C-1 thought. 'It is warm, I feel warm thank you for your gift.' She could see the change amongst her sisters as they swapped handholds and experienced happiness, hugs were swapped and smiles were broad amongst the ten.

Noise was heard and the ten reacted quickly, footsteps approached and voices were heard. 'Boss man wants this room checked.'

'I have orders no one enters, no exceptions.'

'Here take this, ask him yourself.'

'Sir, yes Sir, yes Sir.'

'See, told you little miss clone has escaped and we got to check everywhere.' C-1 heard the door unlock and open, two men were quickly pulled in and their heads promptly turned the other way. A squawking voice was heard over a little black box, asking for an update, C-1 recognised the voice of Sir. Panic began to surface but was cut short as C-1 felt the collar begin to activate. Her mind quested quickly and found a signal that needed to be confirmed and so put all her effort into denying it. It was done; she was safe as long as she continually thought about it. She then looked at her sisters with a headache and tears. 'You all are free, continue the plan, return Rayne to mother, I will find my own way.' Four voices replied at once, 'Mother was here, we brought her back, and we said Rayne was not alone.' C-1 held her hands up for the memory to be passed, but her concentration was too fixed as she failed to see mother.

The clone room was empty and C-1 staggered into the hall, alarms sounded and shouts were heard. Sweat stung her eyes as the effect was taxing to keep denying the signal, the explosive collar seem to get heavier and tighter as she walked on using the wall as support. The sound of gunfire echoed through the corridors, twelve bodies were passed. Seven with turned heads, four bathed in blood and one bent in half, backwards. The clone stomped on the gasping throat to make it silent and so it did with a splutter of blood. Then C-1 saw a sister staring blankly to the wall, blood spread far from numerous holes through her body. Sadness was felt and so she took out her most prized possession and held her brush, sadness was replaced by calm and C-1 continued on.

The clone was cautious at corners and doorways, sounds of fighting continued some of it close and some faraway. C-1 found her sense of direction hampered by the mental effort, but she kept her head from exploding. Lost is what she felt, a machine man looked at her as she walked by. Her glance noticed the sadness that looked at her and so she entered and sat in front of it, 'I am sorry, I cannot help you now. I am very tired; if I am able I will come back for you.' She went to leave as the machine man held her hand and with the laboured words and with a single tear said, 'End me.' C-1 looked at the pitiful face and added her own tears, 'If I am able I will come free you, I swear it, here take this, I would not leave this place without it.' The brush was pressed firmly into the machine man's hands, and then left the room leaving the machine man to study it. Running was heard and C-1 quickly ducked back into the room and under a bench. 'Clones are nearly at the sample, come up from behind and get them in a crossfire.' Sir's voice commanded over a little black box. 'This is fucked I put a magazine into one, just to stop the bitch, I don't think we got enough bullets.' A man said. 'Maybe if you practiced more, you would see a headshot works just fine.' A woman said before they moved on.

Disorientated, C-1 continued on through bare halls and halls of death, some bodies she had passed before and others were new. A man's tongue was lolling outside of his blue lips, a sisters arm held his neck while her face was frozen with a bullet hole to her eye. A scream was now heard that was long and drawn-out, a man's scream that slowly came closer, and 'Help' was heard in numerous tones. C-1 hid behind a bullet riddled door. A man staggered painfully as his arms desperately held his innards in place, much smell and blood were left in his wake as he shuffled along in a white coat. The off-colour of blood stained the white coat fabric to a darkish brown. C-1 felt pity and followed the man; screams of the man did not move her resolve to help him. The stumbling chase was soon ended in a dead-end corridor. 'I will help you ease your suffering.' C-1 said as she used the edge of her hand strike the man's neck. He suffered no more as coils from within spilled to the floor to snake around the fresh corpse.

A corridor was recognised which led to Rayne, many dead things lay on the path of red, white coats bled with black jackets, while glinting shells highlighted the reflections of the lights. C-1 approached those who moaned and past those who had become silent. Quick blows with much force was easy to do and involved little concentration. The collar burdened her mind to the extent of weariness, blood dripped freely from her nose, adding millilitres to the litres of red that already pooled on the floor. Holes were in walls and ceiling as people were used as shields, only one sister stayed behind. Long hair clad in blood and brain, her eyes rolled upwards and her jaw was slack. C-1 looked at the ceiling and saw more of the grey matter clinging and defying gravity. Sir's voice continued on over multiple radios that reverberated the surface tension of the congealing blood. 'Contain the facility, take positions outside, and cover exits south and east.'

Rayne's room was empty and the bag gone, which matched the weapons and ammunition not found on any of the bodies. C-1 thought of the little noises Rayne made, the task was hard as the effort was strong. A long flow of blood came from her nose and all was dizzy. Black spots encroached her vision, and then a stumble broke the clear plastic cot before C-1 righted herself. Focus is what she had to do and to focus on one thing, which was the immediacy of the present. C-1's legs ceased being shaky and her vision improved, while her neck was straining the muscles that felt like they were on fire. The decision to make sure her sisters had escaped was more on instinct, than just following the plan. After two steps, she stopped to the sounds of bullets thudding their damage to the wall behind her. C-1 turned and spun low and checked herself for damage, her hands showed no new blood upon them. Only the old, still wet and still red, but cold and mostly not hers. The room was solid with no other exit. Men's angry voices could be heard, probably from their inability to hit her.

The corridor was long and cover was scarce and C-1 possessed no weapons, other than herself, which was greatly impeded by the concentration needed to keep her head intact upon her shoulders from the explosive collar. C-1's tactic was to wait until they were closer; however they had their own tactic. A metal ball clanked into the room, the presence of which was not welcomed. In a mad scramble C-1's hand scooped up the weighty thing and jumped past the opened door way in one movement. The throw was instinctive as it was hard and forceful. For a fraction of a second, C-1 could see three men crouching at the far end. Bright orange flashes erupted from the barrels and bullets passed by the returning ball. C-1 knew her aim to be true as she accepted the hot kiss of metal to her body. The only witness to the fate of the three men was a camera on the wall, which saw the metal ball explode amongst the men's crouching heads. C-1 lay in the foetal position holding her hands tight to her abdomen, warm blood seeped through her fingers. The foreign object of metal tore many things within as intense pain made C-1 gasp for air.

C-1's consciousness was clawed away from her as she now stood on green grass under a blank white sky. The grass which usually stretched on forever was now just at her feet, with the rest of the surface blending to white. The features of Changer were distorted and twirled amongst itself in a purple haze of grotesqueness. 'You have been shot.' Changer said. 'I know.' C-1 agreed with no wound, but with all the pain present. 'The strain upon your brain cannot endure, it will result in an aneurysm, which will happen soon despite my efforts.'

'The collar will explode if I don't.'

'And the bullet hole will lead to toxic shock.'

'So what can I do?'

'You need to get the collar off.'

'I've tried, it is impossible; all I can do is delay it.'

'Find someone to take it off.'

'No one likes me at the moment.'

'If you can get the collar off, I can heal you, it must be done soon.' Changer said in a garbled voice before C-1 came back with blood flowing past her hands.

The effort was intense to stand and twice the effort had failed, now on unsteady legs C-1 made the effort to walk. Her uneven gate led passed the spot of the metal ball's detonation, trunks of men failed to contain ribs and spinal bones while hair and scalp was stuck to walls by sticky goop. The twisted pile of flesh was a hard obstacle to overcome as the floor was slippery and tangled with intestines that seemed to mingle into one gigantic knot of stench. A tentative step landed on skull and eyeball, which gave away with a squish. C-1 became entangled in intestinal tracks as her blood mingled with other red. Her first screams were loud and long as she struggled to free herself from the mangled mess of men. Her hand found a weapon and hope began to feel her. Free of mess C-1 used a wall to support to stand and looked ahead only to see Sir looking at her. 'Are you okay, is the clone still alive?' He said. C-1 saw the recognition in his eyes as he realised who he was talking to.

Orange flashes lit up the corridor in a brief burst of gunfire, C-1 saw Sir limp away with shoulder and leg wounds, leaving behind a clear blood trail to follow. Leaning against the wall, C-1 rested from the exertion to breathe with three new holes that drained the strength from her. Sir's experience with firearms was better than her own effort as a cluster of his marked her chest. C-1 followed the blood trail, knowing that Sir was her best chance to get the collar free. Then with a bit of a rest she would be well again to go to Yarvi on the lake and experience love. C-1 walked or more like slide across the walls leaving a distinct blood trail of her own. The distance was not far, but time was stretched out due to her slow stumbling speed. Sir's blood trail entered a room and C-1 slid to the door frame, wood splintered from the bullets as her head became nearer. 'Stay back and die you bitch!' Sir yelled from within. C-1 moved her mouth with no sound emitting from it, only spittle of blood came forth. C-1 drew in a deeper breath that tore and burned much within. 'Take collar off.' Her voice said clearly. 'Fuck you!' was the reply she heard.

C-1 was slumped to the floor as she wheezed and concentrated on the collar. 'Still breathing out there clone, why don't you just die?' The hallway was now a collection of splinters and dust from the hungry bullets that bit at the walls from Sir's gun. Ripping material was heard within, the grunts and moans of pain as Sir bandaged his wounds tight. 'All my men are dead because of you and your bitches. I knew it was a mistake in making you fucking clones.' C-1 used her strength to talk to the floor. 'Take collar off.' C-1 could hear him breathing close by, but unmoving from what was probably a safe position. 'No you festy bitch, darn thing should have taken your head off long ago. It's you isn't it, you're stopping it somehow. You're nothing but a freak, all your kind are. When you die I am going to make it my life's mission to hunt all of you down. Making each one suffer longer than the last, my men deserve that at the very least.'

'Take collar off.' C-1 said with much effort. 'Your voice is getting weaker, won't be long now, until you breathe your last. I have a good mind to blow this place up and be rid of all you clones. All you do is keep copying over and over again. I could bring the whole system down, you hear me? No more passing on power, no more denying those who deserve better. There are only two places to make you filth.'

'Take collar off.' C-1 said with a whimper at the end. 'You dopey bitch, a collar doesn't come off, it's on for life and in your case it will be over all too soon.'

C-1 slumped against the wall her view was stationary as her head tilted to one side. She looked at her hand in the white glow of light, while a pool of red bathed its edges. She listened as Sir ranted on about vengeance and all he would do to her sisters. C-1 didn't even flinch now as he left off sporadic fire. In fact the only thing she could move was a slight twitching of her little finger, not even enough to break free of the congealing blood that stuck it to the floor. C-1 dared not to think of anything else as her mental grip on the explosive collar was now very weak. Her life had been short and not lived well, but she so desperately held onto it none the less. Shallow breaths were all she could manage as she worked her diaphragm to push against the drowning blood. It had been a while since she was last able to speak and it was also a while ago since Sir's voice was heard. C-1 knew she had lost track of time, but at least her little finger still twitched.

Movement was heard within and C-1 lost all hope that she would live. Movement meant Sir came to finish her off. Her anger was intense knowing that she would die and pleaded for a chance for revenge to Changer within. She didn't know if the purple cat existed still, so she made her apologies to those who she let down. Each apology came as a step brought Sir closer, the first step was heard, 'I am sorry man of metal, I will not be able to help you, please forgive me in my failure.' The second step was heard, 'I am sorry my sisters, I was the strongest and I should have led you all to safety. My strength failed me, please forgive my weakness.' The third step was heard, 'I am sorry Rayne, I will not be able to present you to mother. I have failed you as a daughter, may my sisters be better daughters for you, please forgive my broken promises to you. The fourth step was heard, 'I am so sorry Yarvi. I wanted so much to be a good woman for you. I wanted so much for us. Please forgive my failure to be with you.'

A huff was heard and Sir stood close, 'All your strength and here you are. Sitting in your own blood and smelling like shit. At least you look pissed; you can't even move your head. Pathetic clone, I guess one more bullet could be used on you.' C-1 saw Sir raise his gun and pointed it to her head. C-1 felt strength within as a snarl of purple tint whelmed inside of her. It grew furiously as her little finger willed the others to move which led to her arm shooting out and grabbing Sir's wrist. His weapon discharged numerous bullets firing as she dragged him down. C-1 felt the impact upon her body as bullets tore into all below her stomach. Once Sir was close she let go of his wrist and grabbed the back of his neck. His furious face was now afraid, very afraid as her strength dragged him closer to her own neck. Once the smell of his sweat invaded her senses, C-1 chose to think of Yarvi once more and how he made her feel from the first kiss, to the joy of brushing her hair then onto lovemaking and to her beloved conversations. C-1 spoke his name aloud and thought nothing more of the collar, ending it all with a decent explosion of red and bloody bone.

A camera adjusted its focus upon the grisly scene and saw a twitching Sir's body become still. Many scenes cameras focused on bodies that no longer moved, slumped in corridors, twisted in doorways and spread on walls. All their deaths were replayed until they were matched to the data base of personnel, which was promptly labelled as deceased. It was a formality that women and men were visually shown in their last moments, some ran away, others tried to fight and some others tried to plead and beg. No matter what they tried to do, their file was still labelled as deceased, with many replays done, only three files remained open, Bendal, Steffi and Dr Cobain. Hours passed and cameras saw movement, shadows then people. Doors were locked and unlocked as they were guided to one room. They were cautious people and some threw up on what they saw, but eventually they all came to the same room where a broken plastic cot lay shattered on the floor. After a time a storeroom unlocked, which soon saw visions of running people back and forth carrying food hastily before the doors were locked again, sealing them in. Vision also showed monitors turning off and on, robotic arms smashing jars, cold storage heating up from failed compresses and power taken from whole sections then rebooting. Phoenix labs seem to come alive and destroyed all it wanted within. With all the strangeness happening only one figure sat still amongst it all and it held a brush carefully as if waiting for something to happen.

A battle raged within the systems, purple had cornered the last of the AI behind a wall, once there were four, now only one remained. Guarded by multiple streaks of purple that swirled and bashed upon its defences. It to, like the three people within, was now held prisoner. Upon this cyber onslaught, if sound were possible it would be that of a snarling cat that began to grow and change into something bigger.

Your order has been received, the reference number is 10A216EJ5. The metal works will transmit completion code for pickup. Summary, four hinged barrel seventy-five calibre rifles, two meters and thirty centimetres in length.

Clish my love I am stuck in Lambarrie, I have been ordered by Officer Debbie to stay here for at least a year. For what I thought was a brief trip away, has turned it into a total crap heap. I miss you terribly; the area is not bad maybe you would like to visit for a while. I have given coin to the camel traders for your journey; they will make you very comfortable.

Please come

Love Dusty.

Sepri,

Intelligence gathered from our sources indicates that the Old Ones are stirring. There is much talk about regeneration, but little substance on what exactly that is. In any case the Old Ones are stirring for the first time in recent memory. I will keep close tabs on our sources.

For the Order, Vol

Sepri,

Cradle Rock mountain has been discovered, I have the code for entry. An officer Debbie from Central opened it, but not all of it. It will be only a matter of time before she comes back. We must move and seize what's inside, if anything. Somehow Officer Piley had the code, from what I saw he only made it use of small rooms and has not accessed past the blast barrier. My studies of the histories and knowledge of the people here shed much light on artefacts thought long lost. There are caves long guarded that hold suppositories of books and personal histories. Their art of languages surpasses our own. It is in our best interests to start communication between them and us. I look forward in discussing much more with your arrival of course.

For the Order, Yimaroo
Chapter 28: Duck Surprise

The ramp of the flyer opened letting in sunlight to warm the stench of lust, Jaxter stood with breakfast in hand. The big man blocked most of the harsh light to Debbie's squinting eyes. Uncoiling her limbs away from the dark flesh; which breathed contently. Debbie rose to take the food. Sunlight made the numerous scratches and welts itch as well as highlight the smear of colour over her body. As she walked skin pulled and freed itself from sticky bonds and small hairs were noticed, but Debbie cared little as she walked to the food. 'I have breakfast.' The man stammered. Debbie looked over what he presented and chose something meaty to sample, his eyes didn't meet hers when she looked. His jaw was tight and his eyes transfixed ahead. 'Am I that displeasing to the eye, Jaxter?' She saw the man swallow while she tasted a small tomato. 'No, it's not what I was expecting.'

'I'm sure you have seen naked women before.'

'I have, but not in your condition.' He said keeping his gaze straight, Debbie looked upon herself. 'It's only blood, dirt and grease. Is it a double standard when women get dirty?'

'It's the smell, the machine reeks of it.' He said, being totally uncomfortable. Debbie drew in a deep breath and smelt the stale urine in the air and the hefty smell of woman. 'There will come a day Jaxter, that I will want what other women fear to have between their legs. I will have to talk to Sams about it and see if your man enough to bed me. Go and find me some water, soap and rags. Then after I have eaten, I will clean up the flyer.' Debbie took the tray and felt the sunlight on her back, making it very itchy indeed.

Yimaroo took a share of the food and use of the soap and left, while Debbie cleaned the flyer. Her recently washed skin was irritated from her clothing as it pickled against the numerous marks and welts upon it. 'Is that more to your liking?' Debbie asked the big man who stood with his back turned. After a moment's inspection gave a curt nod. 'Typical man, afraid of the little blood and pee, but don't worry soap and water has washed it well and even got rid of that fishy smell.' Jaxter was not amused as he sat on the other bench opposite of the one she had just washed. The flight was enjoyed in silence over the terrain that changed from dry and arid to green and fertile. Soon Central was seen and then the other flyer. Debbie started to regret her scrapes and bruises, as they would have to be explained to Muley, of course that's if she was interested in talking to her. The wall was progressing well, with the many hands that laboured on it. As the flyer approached for landing Debbie saw six of The Hand standing in the courtyard. The sight of them was welcomed as she thought about her little project to utilise The Hand.

Crates were unloaded and taken away to the training hall; amongst the hustle Debbie met eyes with Muley. Both girls exchanged looks before hugging each other, 'I don't like it when you're not around.' Muley said with some happy tears, 'I missed you to.' Debbie replied giving a quick kiss. Muley smiled and grabbed her shirt bringing her close for a longer kiss. Then with the push Muley broke free and started talking. 'Six of The Hand are waiting for you, they just turned up and freaked out the people once more. Can't believe people are not used to them. Oh and Delilah is here as well, I told mum about what has happened. Then I told the Pumping Station I was preggers and that it was Delilah's. I can't believe the amount of sluts there, just because he got me knocked up doesn't mean they would get preggers with him. I got offered a really nice mirror for a night with him, but he refused. It's a pity, I really liked the mirror, and it had two sides a normal side and then on the other it was magnified. It was like generations old, what a selfish bastard. Anyway everybody liked him and the Pete's were disappointed that he was a man. They wanted to know if I needed help in teaching the sucky, sucky again, silly willies that they are. So what's in the crates? I hope it was worth not being here when I needed you. I need a scan done, I had more cramps, but they have gone. But still, it had me in tears. I was scared. I had nightmares and I need you. So what mischief did you get up to with Jaxter? He didn't look too happy. You know he doesn't like small spaces, I bet that's why he likes Sams. I bet that woman hasn't had a small space for years now. Oh that's just mean, did I just say that? Of course it does not stop it from being true.' Debbie raised an eyebrow and a fist and with that Muley went bright red. 'Put that down. People are watching. Besides that doesn't count. It's totally different; you're so rude, sometimes.' Muley said before taking Debbie's hand and walking away.

Muley stood naked in the scanner room while Debbie and Delilah looked on, 'There's nothing to worry about, and this will send all the information to the Inventor at the Outpost and he will see if there is any need for concern.' Debbie said. 'I've got to admit I was thrown back, when Muley said she was pregnant, but now I'm looking forward to being a father. It's funny you don't realise how much it means until you get a scare.' Delilah responded. 'Or until it's taken away.'

'Are you any closer? You know how to get her back?'

'Steps are being taken as soon as we are trained and have our big guns, Rayne will soon be back here with me.'

'You know Muley has named the boy, Delley. And has already had ideas of Rayne and Delley to grow up together and even have grand kids from them.' Debbie looked at Delilah wide eyed in shock. 'I know, I know, talk about thinking ahead, but that is Muley for you.' Delilah said with a nervous smirk. 'Hey, what are you to talking about?' Muley said loudly. 'We are talking about you, not to you.' Debbie said. 'Hey, get your own lines and what was that? Are you holding a grudge?'

'Just shut up and standstill.' Delilah said to a grumbling Muley.

With results pending and officers arriving, Debbie and Muley began training for combat inside a building. Images were watched and the first tentative steps were taken in the training hall. Checking corners, covering blind spots and signals through hand taps were practised. It was then passed onto other arrivals and soon the main building is being used to practice within. Soon Central was impossible not to stroll about without coming across groups of officers storming into rooms and back out again in total silence. By evening the food hall was packed with officers chatting on the day's events and other conversations while Muley, Debbie and Delilah sat in Gavin's room, listening to what the Inventor had to say. 'Well, it all looks normal and then it isn't. But maybe that's just how it is now, I don't know of any other pregnancies to compare it to. So all I can say is that it looks all normal. As for the cramps and blood, it might just be normal, I will look into it further just don't stress on it.' Muley thanked the Inventor with tears and hugged all close to her.

Days passed with training while the nights passed with bedding, the bonds between Debbie, Muley and Delilah grew stronger. Muley took on the role of main instructor, while Debbie worked on her project with The Hand, with Mieseed's help brackets and anchor points were made all around Central in six spots. Two were on the tall building and four from other vantage points. Often Debbie was seen hanging off the edge of buildings installing sensors and running cable with nothing more than just a hand hold to stop her falling. Then when Jaxter saw the silliness of it, he offered his muscle to hold her legs while she worked upside down off the buildings. It soon became obvious to all, on what was happening when the first Hand was mounted and within a day all six were mounted. Debbie thought long and hard on all of the necessities of Central and set the parameters accordingly. The path from the gate to the fountain would not be guarded, so visitors could come in. A sensor was installed there, so officers could be entered and recognised by The Hand, as well as Mieseed's family, even temporary passes could be obtained in case the training hall was needed to settle disputes. All other areas however, anyone not in the system would soon be unconscious.

Muley stood beside Debbie watching the lines of officers getting smaller as they were scanned it into the system. 'So the wagon went to full-scale.' Muley said. 'Yep, I thought it best to keep the wagon. Could come in useful if ever we wanted to go on a trip again.'

'So are there any blind spots?'

'One or two, that's if they get over the wall and stay very still in a corner and not go anywhere else. But the flyers are protected and so is everybody inside. So how is the training going?'

'It goes well they start fighting each other tomorrow in simulations and talk and compare on the have might have been and the what nots. Delilah needs to go back to the Outpost, so maybe we can drop him off before fetching the explosives from your container.'

'It's just a container, my home is here. It was ever since I first arrived.'

'Well I was thinking if the three of us could make a night of it? You know, something remember.'

'What all the other times don't count, or is your memory failing?' Debbie said with a grin. After much exertion, Debbie drifted off to sleep and soon stood on the mountain with Changer scratching its neck. 'So what is the progress report?' Debbie asked. 'The boy is developing and now is genetically stable following your template; he will make a good mate for Rayne.'

'Have you passed on instructions to stop the cramping; I can't alter another scan, if I'm not present.'

'The discharges are over; there will be no need for further cramps.' Changer locked eyes with her. 'What of the nightmares?'

'They cannot be stopped, her subconscious is too strong, in time, when her mind is at ease she should stop having them.'

'Her nightmares of far too accurate for my liking, oh well, no plan go smoothly. Have my backup instructions being confirmed?'

'Yes they have, if Rayne is not rescued, Jaxter's seed will be accepted for fertilisation and a girl will be developed. You will feel the urge to mate with him much stronger than ever before. Projections indicate a substantial increase in skeletal structure; she would have the combined strength of her parents, maybe even surpassing that.' Debbie ran her hand over the shimmering purple fur of Changer tingling her fingers. 'I'm so glad you became a good Kitty Cat.'

'You're indignant attitude has been noted, Debbie. Even though you have accepted me, do not think you can control me. We are just on the same path.' Debbie's fingers gripped the fur for a brief moment. 'So when you're finished suppressing this memory, I would like to relive Yumi's and Reaper's deaths. Oh and show me Lilith's corpse, I would like that one too. How pathetic was that, well, what a waste of snatch she was.'

Debbie awoke feeling refreshed; the first light of dawn illuminated the room. Debbie's eyes opened to Muley's and both smiled at each other. Debbie watched on as Muley's head moved to the rhythmic slow thrusts of Delilah. A small kiss was shared as Debbie's hand found what was being penetrated. Her touch rolled Muley's eyes back as her body shuddered to climax. The soul sisters kept each other's stares as multiple waves washed over Muley's pleasures. The wet warmth ran freely as the clear liquid was spread over Muley's skin by Debbie's hand. The grip of Delilah's hand pressed Muley's flesh white as he lost control and soon all was still on the bed in Gavin's room. 'Damn Debbie, I'm all messed up. You're such a bitch.' Muley said to her and before Debbie could reply her mouth was covered by the mess she helped to create.

The outpost was reached very quickly and soon waves goodbye were exchanged and the view of Delilah slowly became obstructed by the rising ramp. Muley took in the last sights of a beautiful blonde haired man in a light dress of swirling blue and white. Muley spent much coin on clothes for him in stalls and even a few to be specially made, for maximum appeal. 'Damn, I miss him already, oh damn I'm going to cry again.' Muley said in a sob. Debbie sat with her hands on the SLR as she gave a smile, before saying, 'You're such a girl.'

'Well duh, if I wasn't I'd have a penis, then what would you do? You dirty lezza. Good luck trying to find a piece of hotness like this.' Muley said before sticking her tongue out and doing a shimmy. 'Well I am going up front, little Miss Hottie, care to come?' Muley followed as she enjoyed watching the passing scenery zip by. 'I still can't believe days travel is now reduced to minutes, if we keep this up we will all go soft. We should only use this when we must. Or it will become a bad habit.' Muley watched as Debbie reluctantly nodded in agreement.

Soon Fields was reached and the container seen from above with the words, 'Murdering Bitch' that were easily seen, painted in white on top of the container. Muley saw Debbie's jaw clench in response and knew issues would arise. The flyer landed beside it as per Debbie's instructions, officers were there to meet them quickly as four came running. Before greetings could be said over panting breath Muley listened on as Debbie spoke in an angry tone. 'Someone painted "Murdering Bitch" on my container find out who and bring them to me.' A key was handed over and the four officers scattered in haste. 'I thought you said it was just a container now and not your home.' Muley said. 'Well, it pushes my buttons.'

'Well just remember that painting is not a death sentence.' Muley met the glare of Debbie and had no fear, making sure Debbie looked away first. With the container unlocked the soul sisters saw it packed full of crates, small and big upon the empty bench, floor and bed. They both began loading the flyer, and when the container was near on empty shouts and curses were heard from an agitated man. Many people came to look at the flyer and helped to load it, as well as ask questions with the most being, 'When are you coming back to cut hair?' Now the crowd looked at the shambles of a man who had turned to drink. Kelly's father looked at Debbie and yelled, 'Murdering Bitch!' Muley was glad to see Debbie use some self-control as she slapped him only once. Some of the crowd gasped at the sound of the slap. 'You officers think you are tough, in a fair fight I'd gut you.' Headman Jim quickly intervened, bursting from the crowd from running fast. 'Wait, wait, he doesn't know what he is saying. It's the drink.'

'Is not the drink, I know what I am saying, so back off Jim.' The drunk said. 'Officer Debbie, he has just lost his way, that's all, he still suffers from grief, and his missus left long ago. The need took hold of her.'

'I'll take that into consideration, Jim.' Debbie said. Muley instinctively knew what was coming next was not surprised like everybody else. 'Let him go and give him a blade, if he wants to gut me let him try.' Space was quickly made and a blade tossed to his feet and no one stood behind the drunk as Officer Debbie's reputation was well known even in Fields. Muley accepted the SLR, and watched Debbie stand with no weapons in hand, except for Thunder, which was always at the ready. Kelly's father on unsteady feet looked nervous as he picked up the officer's hunting knife, while Debbie stared him down. The drunk after indecision tossed it back down to everyone's relief.

It was only Officer Debbie who did not share the crowd's relief. 'That's not an option, pick up the knife and gut me. You spoke the words now stand by them.' Muley held back shaking her head as the onlookers gasped. The drunk picked the knife up in pee-soaked pants with shaking hands. He held the knife forward. 'Remember I'm the Murdering Bitch who put a bullet in Kelly's head. So what are you going to do about it?' Muley knew the line was crossed. The drunk screamed and ran forth with the knife, his wrist was grabbed and Debbie slapped him multiple times sending him to the dirt, minus the knife which she held on to. 'This man's supply is cut off, no more drink, ever. If anyone supplies him drink they will be punished severely. When he is sober and if he still wishes to fight, it will be to the death. This is your last chance to pull yourself together. I want his home searched and all drink destroyed.' Muley was surprised that the man still breathed and was intact and so was everybody else.

Central was soon reached and the conversation was only half done as the ramp descended behind a nearly finished wall. 'It wasn't a mistake, it showed you were fair, people need that.' Muley said. 'Enough already, it will come back to bite me. Dead men don't bite back.'

'You're just pissy because you think it made you look weak, well it didn't so get over it.'

'Fine I'll agree with whatever you say. So, now can we blow some shit up?'

'I suppose if we have got to, it's not like we haven't had much excitement today.' Muley said with wild gesturing. Detcord was placed on the existing wall of Central that separated the flyers. Muley and others watched on as Debbie with the Inventor's help, demonstrated on what detcord could do. 'Okay, so the idea is to create an entrance through the wall and so we need an entrance here for our flyers, all right cover your ears.' Debbie flipped the switch and heard the heaviest sound ever as it started its impact on the section of wall that crumbled to great effect. There was much hollering and whooping that only explosions could muster. 'Well that's another step closer.' Muley said to a smiling Debbie, while slapping her bum.

Soon tactics were discussed and Muley found herself addressing twenty-five other officers in the training hall with a drawing of the complex sketched on a white wall. 'We have two flyers fourteen officers in each; we depart on a frozen lake here and the flyers land on the opposite side, with four officers guarding the flyers. From the frozen lake, group A will head across the east side, while group B head to the west. From these two sides we will attack the walkers with the big guns that are coming soon. A group covers the two exits pinning down any resistance, while B group creates their own entrances here and here, two groups of six will make their way through the complex. Kill any resistance and cable tie anyone else. A group will enter the exits in groups of six and meet up with B group. When you encounter another group of six split into three groups of four and start searching, mark the doors with an X on those you have searched using the thick pencils. When the baby is found you are to secure that area and wait, we will only rescue when we have the control of the building. Once we are done, we go back to the lake through one of our exits and signal the flyers to pick us up. Now, from what we know, is that resistance will be met. This building is important, so there will be many armed people. If the walkers cannot be destroyed, we fall back, these machines will tear us apart in any other circumstance, so no heroics. I don't want to lose a single person. Now, it is cold there and I don't know how cold, but it is very cold so woolly jumpers are being made, so find a good fit. Hopefully we won't be there long, but take a day's food with you, just in case. Now I need four volunteers to guard the flyers and I will instruct you on how to fly them, so who wants to stand in the cold for a while?'

Mieseed's test targets stood in the firing range for four days, the thickest steel was found that created the boxes. These boxes would test the thermite rounds. His brother Bruce arrived in time to help construct them and now he waited like so many others for the flyer's return from the Metal Works. His extended family worked hard in building many things to help the officers on their mission, such as tall shields that stopped bullets and installing gun racks and storage lockers in the flyers. In fact, each flyer had its own weapon selection enough for four people to put up a decent fight. His brother told of the stories of his recent travels reflecting the many changes that were attributed to the wagon's journey. Most were positive and some left people festering such as the Fish Farm where many of its men were found slaughtered in their sleep at a camp. The people there asked questions about the wagon and two donkeys which Bruce wisely did not divulge any information on.

Debbie sat in the rising flyer with four big guns lying at her feet, while Muley made a fuss of her face. 'Small cuts often bleed heavily, but this is to the bone and not bleeding.' Muley said holding the gash together. 'Don't worry, I will mend it soon enough, it will be just another scar, doesn't even hurt anymore.'

'Well, you're lucky you didn't lose an eye, you sure you didn't want to stay and get fixed up?'

'If seven came at us why stick around to wait for more. We got better things to do.'

'I recognised the man and woman from the Fish Farm maybe another from Distribution, others looked familiar, well what was left of them anyway.'

'Well they're dead, they came looking for trouble and they found it.'

'Thank you for blocking that sword with your face. It saved my neck.'

'Don't make me laugh; it won't do my headache any good.'

'I will have to make sure we have got some patching supplies in these flyers. You know, bandages, stitching thread, good needles and maybe some disinfectant as well.'

'So how bad is it? Look wise.' Debbie asked. 'Well from your hairline through your eyebrow and a bit on your cheek, just above the star cheek scar, it will give your face some more character. If it heals the same as your other scars, could make you quite dashing for a man.' Muley said grinning.

Debbie thought back to the events of looking at the Tavern of the Metal Works unknowing that the group of people that came around were hostile. All at once weapons were freed. Some who looked at other things for sale, a couple chatting about the weather, two men who walked out of the Tavern and a girl who held a duck whistling. They were all there to kill them, steel met steel and Samson's blades and Muley's iron bars unleashed their cutting fury. Thunder thinned the numbers, but disappointedly the first victim was the duck, showering blood and feathers upon all who were close by. A wild swing was seen by Debbie, to Muley's neck and instinctively blocked it with an off-balance stance which left the tip of the blade slicing her face. Muley had killed four with a twirling frenzy of her iron bars, while Thunder claimed three and a duck. Muley had joked that the duck was probably trained in a deadly vicious attack that could have ended them all if Debbie had not chosen to explode it, then and there. As for the girl, she was the last to die, as Muley sliced her neck wide. Debbie had to shake Muley out of her tears as the girl of no more than fifteen mouthed words without sound and held a stare of hatred. Even now, Debbie could see it still affected Muley to her core.

Debbie saw her quivering lip, 'She made her choice.' Debbie said. 'Did she or did we make it for her? Our trip left a lot of people dead, maybe she was a daughter or sister, but she was too young to be there.'

'She wouldn't be the first to die young and she won't be the last. There is no point in beating yourself up over it. What is done is done, we live they died.'

'I know I know I'll get over it, stupid bitch she looked so happy with the duck.' Muley said casting a tear aside.

Dear Diary,

I have only a fleeting moment to spare to write my thoughts. My journey to avenge you mother has not been easy. I seem to lose more of myself every day. Initially, finding companions that seek the eastern traders as well has not turned out as good as I hoped for. The Fish Farm men are unruly and vulgar and don't like the company of the officers from Distribution. Oh mother, your murderers were not the simple traders I heard of, as more joined us; their stories do not sit well. They all start to doubt their conviction to the cause, as they have learnt that we hunt, Officers of Production Area Twelve. You will be proud mother on how I have not wavered and how I am focused on what needs to be done. When I return to you mother, you will hear how the flower gardens grow well upon your ashes. Your area of Grains shall become beautiful. I am not far from you now, as I wait at The Metal Works, in the hope that the murderers come to collect what they have ordered. Officer Riley has been helpful, I do not feel ashamed in what I do to keep these men together and I do not take much joy in their fondling. But I will achieve the justice you deserve. Soon mother, I will make my home near you and make my production with eggs, I have secured a drake for my twenty ducks, and he is a fine drake, mother. The best I have ever seen.

(Evidence collected from assassins for the judgement of Officer Riley's death. Evidence was found to be damning, beheading carried out by Officer Dale of The Metal Works)
Chapter 29: Flight

Twenty-eight officers stood at the firing range as they passed around the thermite rounds. Feeling the seventy-five calibre weight, Debbie stood with a big gun resting on her hip. If any other woman had stood with the two metre odd rifle with its length pointing to the sky, they would have been alluring to all men's eyes. But this was Officer Debbie and all knew her reputation with many who had seen the destruction wrought upon the flesh of her enemies. She was more than a woman to them and more than an officer, her identity was changing with the words spreading amongst more people. Their words formed weight and foreboding when spoken aloud in quiet rooms and in low conversation, Debbie Death Dealer was her reference more often than not, and some lazy bastards chose to say 'Triple D' to save a second or two in drunken slur. One officer, however squirmed at the sight, to the point of re-adjustment and the tugging of Muley's trousers was not noticed by anyone, as Debbie spoke. 'Those are big rounds and these are big guns and walkers are big machines with big guns. Today we find out if we can stop machines of war, machines of old, machines that won wars against thousands of men who had powerful war machines of their own. We are officers and we do what is necessary for what is right and for what is fair. With these big guns and our flyers, Songbird and Eaglestrike, we will find out if anything will ever stand in our way.' Muley smiled as Debbie made reference to the names that she painted on the flyers without permission, and on a whim of inspiration. All watched on as Debbie laid on the ground and resting the long barrel on a sandbag, her feet and hips laid flat and her breathing steadied as Muley saw her buttocks were firm and round, leaving her readjustment unfinished. After ear plugs were placed and the hammer clicked twice, Debbie took the shot. The kickback was hard and from what Muley saw Debbie's body bore the brunt as her body jolted upon the earth. Two hundred and fifty metres away, a metal target was hit and the clang was loud, smoke was slow to rise from the orange flame that dripped through the metal and igniting the green grass. Many swore loudly from the shot of the best shooter in Production Area Twelve had ever seen. With many boots stomping, the little flames went nowhere. The metal target itself was torn apart as well as peppered with many small holes that were melted through the base. There was little doubt now that walkers would ever walk away from what they now possessed.

Debbie had now volunteered the three biggest men to train with the big rifles and still Jaxter dwarfed the other big men. With only four of them left on the firing range Debbie spoke. 'This is what is required for a good shot; you need to be flat on the ground for this. Yes, in different terrain there may be logs or a crook of a tree, but here and now you lay flat to the ground.' Debbie found herself noticing Jaxter's form, usually she did not fancy the big man and it was only recently that she grew flirtatious in his presence. 'When the hammer clicks twice, it only takes the slightest of touch to the trigger.' Debbie heard the clicks then in turn listened to them pull the trigger. Since there were no rounds in them she could tell who jerked trigger and who had a gentle squeeze. She knelt beside Jaxter and demonstrated a gentle squeeze by placing a finger on top of his. Debbie could see he was nervous to her touch and she cared little. Others clicked away while Jaxter continued on, Debbie then breathed in his ear, 'Be gentle.' As she gently squeezed the surprising amount maleness tucked down one leg of his trousers. Debbie felt the need for her own readjustment and dismissed it as she like her sensations down below. The responsiveness of the big man was impressive as the material grew taught, straining against the swelling of his maleness.

All were able to hit the two hundred metre mark and none had achieved two hundred and fifty. Debbie found it hard to concentrate as she imagined being crushed under the weight of Jaxter, with all his muscular power channelled into thrusting. Bearing down upon her little body, that was eager to accept the damage dealt to her. 'So two hundred is your limit, you will need to get at least that close to the walkers, even closer. You may only get one shot, so you need to make it count. All right go clean the big guns and add the ammunition to your packs and make sure you can get to it in a hurry. If anyone needs me, I will be here for a while stamping out the little flames.' Debbie made sure to hold Jaxter's look, before he left. The metal box targets were now scrap as Debbie saw each one close, twisted metal with many holes. The thermite rounds were devastating in their damage and Debbie felt more dampness below as she thought about what damage they could do to flesh.

The Officer's feet stamped many whispers of smoke as she walked and inspected each target and then on to the earth rise where missed rounds thuddered into. The earth was hot around the impacts as it contained the heat within. Debbie heard someone approach and hoped for Jaxter's lust. Muley's voice was heard and Debbie passed a sigh before turning and replying to the greeting, the kiss from her lingered as they passed the sweetness of an apple between them. 'So the training went well?' Muley asked continuing to munch on her apple. 'Two hundred metres is their best.'

'Mr Ko wants to come, I said, there is too much training to catch up on and Apple was relieved. There may have been an argument, but I stood my ground and she saw my reasoning for it.' Debbie held Muley's hand and raised it to her lips and kissed it, she smiled to the simple gesture. Debbie then saw her expression change as she curled her fingers into a fist, 'Speaking of training.' Debbie said with a gleam in her eye, the apple was quickly tossed away as the soul sisters ran over to the secluded side of the earthen rise.

Debbie tugged the trousers over throbbing pain of her womanhood with a shimmy, while Muley did the same, but without the pain. A kiss was shared and flavour tasted, which was a mixture of love, lust and dirt. 'We have big rifles and officers to wield them, we have officers trained to fly and we have woolly jumpers and woolly beanies for officers to wear. We need to decide when to go.' Muley said. 'Fourteen hour flight and we leave at ten in the morning; dark will cover us, when we get there.'

'We are going to need breaks along the way and food, best we leave at eight, don't forget that some of us need our toilet breaks.'

'Fine eight in the morning, then.' The word was quickly spread throughout Central as officers made themselves ready, some chose a quiet night and some chose a more strenuous night. Debbie and Muley were more than content in just sleeping in each other's arms.

The morning brought forth the buzz of activity as gear was rechecked and weapons inspected then secured in the flyers. Debbie and Muley gave a quick inspection of those who stood ready and found it satisfactory. There were no need for grand words, only nods and brief statements were exchanged before twenty-eight officers boarded the flyers, which promptly ascended into the air. Debbie and Muley flew in Songbird; the quiet was soon broken as Muley started to tell jokes and funny stories. Soon many stories were shared amongst the officers. A woman told her story of squatting to pee only to be overrun by swarming ants and how she came back to the camp for help with legs spread wide and men just blatantly staring in shock. Then a man said he offered to kiss it better numerous times since. Muley even started singing old drinking songs about eager women and droppie men, Wandering Wander and Limp Wristed Larry who offered his safe haven for those men who failed to secure a woman for the night. Hours passed quickly until the first pit stop was agreed upon. The flyers landed amongst tall grass and very tall termite mounds, legs were stretched and bladders relieved.

The next leg of the journey continued on the same as word games and riddles were exchanged. Muley had got into an argument over the answer of a riddle on what walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at midday and three at the evening. An officer with a beard named Tuffy huffed the answer once more, 'It's man, baby in the morning, adult at midday, old man in the evening, he uses a stick to help him walk around.' Muley shook her head, 'No, I have never seen it, who has ever used a stick to get around, other than having a broken leg? The answer is man, hung over in the morning so he crawls, we have all seen that. Midday, he takes a piss, makes sense to me and three legs in the evening because he's got a hard on, you men always call it your third leg, although I have never seen one long enough to touch the ground. My answer is correct, as my description has context to general observations of correct times, while yours doesn't.' Many agreed with Muley's reasoning leaving Tuffy to only to raise his hands and shake his head in defeat.

Large stretches of ocean were covered before a landing spot was found, the air was hot and humid and the surroundings were that of a fallen city of old. Rubble was everywhere as tall buildings had collapsed long ago, trees were tall and vines draped over everything tall. It was not the sights that made the officers nervous; it was the quiet that had the effect. 'Make it brief.' Debbie said quietly and introduced hand signals to place officers on guard in high positions. It was not long until Debbie and Muley were directed to a grisly scene; a man laid under an overhang, a bronzed man of loincloth and painted face with spear and arrow protruding from his body, while two other bodies were hanging. Their condition was that of pigs being cleaned for eating, human offal was desecrated and tossed into a pit and bodies left to drain. Debbie signalled for a retreat and quickly moved back to the flyers making sure they covered their arses. The flyers quickly took off after they counted each other, so no officer was left behind. No one spoke until Muley said, 'Strange lands makes for strange people.'

'I was hungry before, not so much now.' One officer said. 'We were probably being watched.' Another said. 'They were only watching Jaxter; he has got more meat than anyone.'

'And they could live off his donger alone, for a week.'

'Who couldn't?' A female officer said with a laugh.

A rocky plateau made their position easily defendable as they were on high ground, campfires were lit and food prepared. The officers were cautious despite strange people being very far away. Food was just about to be eaten when Debbie's attention was signalled to. Debbie used the SLR's scope to see people moving towards them, 'I see a woman, three children, who are waving to us. It's a diversion, two groups are flanking us, and they have weapons, bows and the rifles. We need to go now and quickly.' Officers and food quickly entered the flyers and took to the air. Muley munched on the sausage that was just undercooked, 'Damn rude, I say, maybe we should have taught them a lesson in manners.'

'Another time, perhaps, I don't want to waste the ammunition.' Debbie said half lying. 'Makes you wonder if there are any friendly places?'

'Not where we are heading, those walkers just don't sit there for no good reason.'

'Maybe they have got a guilty conscience for baby stealing and overcompensate in their security.' Muley said smirking.

The whiteness of snow was seen and all officers were dressed in their woollies as the flyers weaved their way around the mountain tops and over glaciers. Moonlight was enough to reflect the whiteness below as officers took it in turns to look out through the cockpit's glass. An hour had passed until the frozen lake was spotted. All officers stood ready with weapons in hand, Debbie held her SLR and a big gun bound to her back. 'We are descending, make ready.' The officers in the cockpit said. Two flyers came in quickly and hovered a half a metre above the ice and descended the ramps, twenty-four officers felt the cold air cut right through them, as teeth started to chatter and skin tingled. The ice showed no more comfort, as more than half felt its hardness from slipping falls before snow covered ground was found. Debbie watched the flyers land at the far side of the lake, and then directed the four groups in their directions. Not a word was heard, not even swears as some rubbed areas that would surely bruise from hard falls. It was slow going as the snow was thick and swallowed their boots. Breathing was loud, but could not be helped and so they continued on. The group in front split to the side to take up position, while Debbie's group kept going to take up the far corner position.

The heavy breathers made it to their position and laid low. Muley used the SLR's scope, while Debbie loaded the big gun. Muley quickly got Debbie's attention, 'I only see one walker functioning, two are already destroyed, and the fourth I can't see from here and the one that is intact is not ours.' Debbie passed the big gun aside and used the SLR to confirm what Muley had seen. Indeed, her walker was destroyed, its metal punctured with holes. Debbie now looked at the exit and saw bullet damage to the doors and walls while everything else was covered in white. 'The plan hasn't changed, when that walker goes down, we cover the exit and wait of the entry blasts.' Debbie watched through the scope to the functioning walker, three-hundred and fifty metres away. She then scanned the rise and saw a big gun being armed, after a minute a shot was fired and echoed far. The walker was hit and its turret turned and the barrels began to spin. Just as it looked to be about to fire upon the rise, it staggered and fell, Debbie's group trained their rifles to the exit. The walker could be seen smoking and then promptly exploded, sending chunks of metal skipping over the snow. Snow that had clung to the trees was freed, sending ice under their woollies and chilling their skin. The officers cursed under their breaths and so did Debbie as she despised the cold slush sliding down her back.

No one had appeared at the exit by the time the detcord could be heard exploding and it became unnerving at the lack of movement. 'If they are not coming out to that commotion, they are not coming out.' Muley said. Debbie agreed and moved her group down and so did the second of group A, upon the rise. Ground was covered in a slow advance and wreckage of a walker was passed, Muley sounded a quiet whistle to indicate three gloved fingers sticking out of the snow. Debbie turned and tripped over a body that was dislodged from the snow. Other officers indicated bodies as well, being discovered by feet and shin. Debbie felt the body and it was frozen solid, her hand signals brought them to the entrance of ice covered hinges and gaps of the door. No quiet entry could be made so it was kicked in, ice shattered to the concrete floor as the doors gave way on the third kick. Rifles pointed inwards darting left to right searching the targets, only still bodies greeted them. Muley quickly inspected one, 'The air is cold and they are frozen, bullet holes.' Muley stuck a finger into the chest. 'No warmth at all, I don't know how long been here.' Debbie signalled to move ahead, corners were checked and bodies carefully stepped over. A large door was held open by a fat, balding corpse, with thick glasses with his head twisted backwards. The air beyond was warmer but only slightly as the smell of rancid meat wafted upon it.

Ears strained for noise for any sign of life. Only the evidence of death was found, bullet holes in walls, blood splatters and bloody hand prints. Debbie heard the subtle sound of a focusing camera and turned her back to it. 'Someone is watching us, the camera just focused.' Muley nodded to Debbie's quiet words as they resumed onwards. Rooms were passed, that were unscathed and others had much damage. Debbie heard another camera focus and Muley tapped her shoulder, 'That screen just lit up.' She said quietly. Four officers covered the hallway, while Debbie and Muley walked into the room. Eight screens stayed black and only one was on, a picture was nestled amongst words, a picture of a baby, 'It's Rayne Debbie, it's your daughter.' Muley said grabbing a chair to sit. Debbie looked at the picture unsure, last she saw of Rayne was of her head which was all wrinkled and squished like, 'She is called a test subject, something about procedures, strange words, no location, and someone named Steffi and Dr Cobain are repeated, pity we can't take this.' Debbie's eyes were taken off the picture as a printer whirred to life. Muley walked over to see, 'It's a copy of what was on the screen.' With a bundle of paper they left the room and the screen went black, once again.

When they passed a corpse that hung through a wall, a shadow moving could be seen, tense moments followed until the officers of B group were spotted. 'We have only come across the dead and some extremely dead.' An officer said. 'Extremely?' Muley asked. 'A woman's head exploded and a man with half of his as well. It wasn't pretty. It looks old, what happened here happened long ago, looks like we missed it.'

'Haven't come across any screens that turned on by themselves?' Muley asked. 'No, nothing spooky like that, just rooms that smell foul within.' The soul sisters were now part of a group of four as they marked rooms that were searched with an X. 'That one's locked shut.' Tuffy said a bit too loud, which he apologised for quickly. Debbie approached it and it unlocked on its own accord, rifles were raised and the door was opened. Inside sat a chair surrounded by screens which showed what cameras saw. Debbie could see officers moving down hallways and enter rooms. 'I've had enough caution.' Debbie said as she slapped her hand to the metal which housed complex components, she dove hard into systems and traced along the path of the cameras to find who was using them. Purple tinge was everywhere she went, a voice grew louder, 'Rayne has gone with her daughters.' Then Debbie was cast back to her body hard.

Muley caught Debbie as she convulsed away from the machine, her body rigid with taut muscles. Muley slapped Debbie hard across the face to bring her back and to remind her of her stupidity, more than once. 'When will you learn, you stupid bitch.' Muley said as Debbie's eyes became aware of the sting of the third slap. 'She is gone, Rayne is not here, her daughters took her.' Two officers looked at her as if she were crazy, while Muley remembered the plant's words out aloud, 'Daughters of Rayne lost in the wild, the Plant's words Debbie, remember, wait, I have them.' Muley scrambled through her pack letting Debbie fall to smack the back of her head. 'Here, it said. Debcat and Snips you are on the verge of your journey, two sisters that will bring great change. The soul sisters you have become, forged in the heat of battle and passion while bound to each other's fates. Now you must trust your instincts and tell each other your concerns and remember that the small deeds you do are just as important as the large. Don't doubt and trust yourselves to do right. Without that the soul sisters will fail and the daughters of Rayne will be lost in the wild.'

'The words of a mad woman who loves a plant too much.' Debbie said rubbing the back of her head. 'The Plant's words are always true.' Debbie glared at Tuffy who promptly left the room. 'He's right. Debbie they are always true, we trusted ourselves to do right.'

'She is gone, Rayne is not here.' Debbie said. 'Yeah but she is with her daughters, I have no idea who they are, but we have done right, so she is not lost in the wild.'

'Have we, many are dead what good have we done?'

'Plenty so don't be negative about it.'

Commotion was heard in their search as raised voices were noticed, startled officers held startled guns to a machine man who sat staring at them. Muley and Debbie pushed their way through and told all to back off. Muley saw recognition in its eyes as it saw Debbie, and then with an un-earthly voice said, 'Mother.' Debbie took a step back in shock then raised her hand to touch it. Muley acted with speed and grabbed her wrist, 'Remember the last machine man, you were nearly lost, and I nearly had to kill you. Just leave it be and be done with it.' Debbie held her eyes, 'The Plant said to trust our instincts.'

'Now you believe the Plant, oh how very convenient of you.' Muley said with a flare of anger. 'It said mother, I have heard that word before in this place.'

'And you nearly died then to. What is it some kind of death wish with you?'

'Hardly, we need answers and how do we get them?' Muley released Debbie's wrist, reluctantly.

Debbie saw what the machine man remembered, a familiar beautiful woman, promising to come back and end its suffering. The machine man was relatively new as it was from a time more familiar to Debbie. Living simply tending to their own crops, explosions in the distance and rapidly coming closer, his heart exploded and earth buried him. Debbie turned away from the cutting and rebuilding of his body and staggered back into her own body. After some deep breaths, Debbie knew who she saw. 'They have made copies of Rayne, they are older, that's what the daughters are, she looks exactly like what Changer showed me of her ageing. She gave him that brush to hold until she comes back, I intend to keep her promise.' Debbie took out Samson's blade and placed it under the jaw of the machine man thrusting it upwards and then twisted. Muley caught the brush before it hit the ground and found it to be a very good brush indeed. 'This place is cursed.' Was overheard inside the room. 'Continue with the search and stop gawking.' Muley said, which prompted all to scatter quickly. It may have been the tone of Muley's voice that motivated them. Or more probable it was the look of Debbie who thirsted for blood.

The soul sisters continued on searching, walking amongst the dead whose features were black and squishy. Decaying was slow and smelly in the cold air which failed to freeze the corpses. Muley had stopped objecting to Debbie's diving and stayed close to catch her stumbling reactions. 'The whole place is laced with purple everywhere, I see traces of purple.' There was a vacant stare behind her words. 'What does that mean?' Eyes focused upon Muley. 'It means the purple cat has long escaped me and yet I am not surprised, which worries me more.' Running was heard and Debbie's name shouted, 'I'm here.' She answered. 'Jaxter has found survivors, three of them locked in a room, they are bound and awaiting your questions.' Muley saw a faint smile on Debbie's lips, and knew fresh blood will be spilt very soon.

Jaxter,

A strange occurrence and has happened in Lambarrie, the night sky came alive with the sounds of flyers, at least six of them. They all headed to the mountain and by dawn they had left. I used the code officer Debbie had left and found the large door open; revealing a massive room, inside was nothing except for remnants of crates broken open. Whatever was here is now long gone. Is there any chance I may be able to return to Central as I fear I may lose my Clish.

Dusty

My Dearest Jaxter,

You are the bravest man I know and I trust your heart. If Officer Debbie wishes to bed you, do not refuse on my account. She is the most deserving out of all the women; it would be my honour to share my man with her.

Your loving woman,

Sams
Chapter 30: The Demon Cometh

Down a particular messy hall, Debbie walked; chunks of black gloop lined the walls, roof and floor. While dried out bone fragments skittled over polished cement. The smell was particularly ripe in this section of the facility. At the end of the long corridor stood Jaxter ever imposing, 'I have three survivors, two men and one woman. I have not had conversations with them.' Debbie nodded as she walked in with Muley and Jaxter following. The men had shaggy beards while the woman looked dirty and tired, all looked nervous except the one who looked indignant with the name on his coat that said Dr Cobain. 'Looks like you are the only survivors here.' Debbie said. 'We are and who are you?' Dr Cobain asked. 'We have come to rescue. What is this place all about?' Debbie asked. 'Phoenix labs are for the progress of medical science and are of high importance, and so are the surviving staff.' Officer eyebrows were raised. 'So what happened here?'

'Test subjects escaped weeks may be month or so ago.' Muley interrupted looking over her printouts with a pen in hand, freshly taken from a corpse, mostly in a white coat. 'Test subjects, how would you define them?'

'Clones developed from the first test subject brought to us, these clones are much stronger than normal people and faster, we should go.'

'So just for our records, can I have your names?' Muley asked.

Each one of the survivors said their name in turn, Dr Cobain, Steffi and Bendal. Muley flicked through the pages, 'Bendal you were in charge of developing these clones, how many are there?'

'Ten.' Bendal said as Muley wrote notes. 'And just give a quick summary on how that is done.' Bendall struggled to think. 'Well, I used the samples and placed them in the machine and it does the rest, basically.'

'These samples, where do you get them from?'

'Well that's not my area, Steffi passes them on.' Steffi then elaborated. 'I acquire them from the test subject.'

'In these samples what do they consist of?' Debbie asked. 'Well blood mostly, some body tissue, such as muscle samples from organs and bone marrow.' Steffi replied. 'And the test subject is a baby?' Debbie said ignoring Muley's look. 'Well, yes, in this case.'

'What does this have to do with the rescue?' Dr Cobain asked. 'We need to collect all the facts while we are here. So you have been in this room for some time?'

'Too long, the door opens and two of us gather supplies then it is locked again, someone else in this building keeps us here and toys with us, we should escape while we can.'

'No one is toying with you, the building is being run by a program and you have been in its mercy.'

'The Changer program, Remi was going on about.' Bendall said. 'Yes, it's called Changer, it is currently throughout all your systems and manipulating them.' Debbie added to Bendal's gasp.

Debbie was well aware that Muley wanted all the information out of them, and had promised profusely that she would demonstrate self-control. 'Steffi could you explain to me how you obtained these samples?' Debbie asked. 'The normal methods are taking blood, surgery to the tibia and to the other organs, as well as the liver and kidneys.'

'How many surgeries are there in total?' Muley asked. 'Seven maybe eight.'

'I count thirteen here.' Muley said quickly adding with flipping pages. 'I guessed that is right, the test subject healed very quickly, its regenerative qualities far exceeded our expectations.'

'I have copies of multiple message logs, I have only just skimmed through them and I have noticed multiple wet nurse deaths.'

'That wasn't our fault; they went crazy after feeding the baby.' Bendall said. 'Crazy how?' Muley's pen was very busy. 'Delusional women is all, they developed fanciful notions that the child was their own, to the point of being a security risk so they were dealt with.' Dr Cobain said. 'I have a term here, I hope you can explain, "daughters" relating to the clones?'

'It is an old term nothing more; it describes ownership of the clone to the person who supplied the genetic material. Daughters and sons, the term is lost to history, nothing more.'

'These samples, wouldn't they have been painful to the test subject?' Debbie asked. 'Well, probably, but babies cry all the time, so who can tell?' Steffi answered.

Debbie asked Muley politely to step out for a chat, while Jaxter closed the door. 'The time for questions is over, I want justice.' Debbie said sternly. 'There is so much we don't know.' Muley counter claimed. 'Like what?'

'Well, I don't know because we don't know, but with justice we will never know.'

'I say there is nothing else we need to know. Rayne has gone and these people hurt her, killed others protecting her, made experiments of her.'

'I found these people, that judgement is mine.' Jaxter said. 'Well, Jaxter what is your judgement?' Debbie asked. Jaxter stood and thought hard and came to his decision. 'Much wrong was done here and without these people the likelihood of this ever happening again would be significantly reduced. My judgement is that the mother should be left alone in the room with them and whatever happens in there stays in there.' Muley shook her head. 'Well, at least give me a few minutes to think of some more questions.

Muley entered the room alone and ignored their questions and just asked her own, 'The clone C-1 can you please describe her traits, I have message logs, indicating sexual assaults against her.'

'Clones are naive at the best, they have adult urges and little reasoning since their experiences at social interactions are minimal.' Dr Cobain said. 'So she was taken advantage of and assaulted?'

'It is a clone, it has no rights.'

'But it's a person, a living, breathing person. Of course it has rights, she felt pain. I have conversations with a Yarvi here. Her words indicate that she had substantial reasoning. She defended herself as she was beaten for punishment. Your head of security administered it. No wonder this place is a mess.'

'I don't care for your tone and I don't care about your opinion.' Dr Cobain said. Muley sized the man and found him pathetic. 'No, you're right, I apologise my opinion doesn't count, just one more question. A clone that is made what limitations does it have?'

'Clones cannot reproduce and have shorter life expectancy usually forty years from this facility.' Bendall said. 'So these clones will die in forty years?'

'Maybe, maybe not their genetics are flawless and they are enhanced they might live indefinitely. It is uncertain since the testing phase was not complete.' Notes were quickly taken. 'Thank you for your time.' With that said, Muley left the room.

Debbie stood and waited until Muley exited, 'The room is yours.' She said looking downwards. Debbie walked in and listened to the questions about rescue and when they will be leaving. She ignored them and voiced her own words over theirs. 'I would like to tell you a story about a mother who had just given birth and her child that was taken, people close to her died as a result. The mother was deeply upset, of course. And the mother is an officer, so many people died from her anger. Now hypothetically imagine that this mother found out that her child was cut open thirteen times and continually referred to as 'the test subject' and continuing along that train of thought hypothetically speaking, she happened to be standing in this room now. If she had used the word rescue, who do you think she would be referring to? You three or her baby, who is called Rayne?' There was a loss of words from the stunned staff as the mother made a snarling smile.

Muley noticed Jaxter's back stiffen as the human suffering began to scream it's pain. Sound from behind the closed door chilled Muley to the bone. 'I still dream of Debbie killing me, she is the one person I fear and I am afraid of no man or woman.' Jaxter said. 'She is a woman.' Muley said as a heavy thud to the wall was heard. 'Is she? I have found words written long ago mentioning demons that dwell within a body. A presence that makes people become something worse than bad.' Muley saw the colour purple in a flash and felt hollow in her stomach. 'With Rayne un-rescued, there is nothing to sedate her demon. Nothing to quell the thirst within her.' Jaxter said, staring down the corridor, unmoving. Muley flinched to the pleas shrouded in pain, even if they were muffled by a thick wall and strong door. 'Debbie has strong values and ethics, she lives by her rules, and there is nothing to fear.' Muley voiced her lie. 'I know she wants to bed me, I live in fear. I have seen her sex and I find it unsettling.' Both Muley and Jaxter flinched as they heard thunder from the room and still people lived within that space. 'It will be a testing time for all of us.' Muley said to no one in particular as she placed her hand to her belly. 'You, Muley, I hold in great regard, you have given me words.' Muley gave a glace to the tall man. 'Thanks, I guess.' Jaxter continued to stare down the hall as he talked. 'I feared words and you taught me to face them and understand them, I shall do the same to the demon and I shall understand it and fear it no more.' Muley felt the scars of her belly as she touched them. 'You are a brave man, there is no doubt.'

The door opened letting the smell of entrails to escape and low moans of pain could be heard as Debbie walked out. Muley saw her discarded woollies slapped wet to the wall, leaving much blood in a splattered pattern. Her soul sister hands were stained red, thick with congealing life. Muley held her breath and closed her eyes as she closed the door to the suffering within. A vision not seen is a vision not remembered late at night and providing sweats. If only Muley could have blocked her ears, she may have escaped totally unscathed. 'To endure more, would offer them a quick death.' Debbie said reloading thunder. 'Rayne is gone, we are done here.' Twenty-four officers made their way to the snow through the broken wall of Phoenix labs. It was a subdued affair as their mission failed to recover Officer Debbie's daughter. The snow and cold felt more miserable to all that followed a silent Debbie. Muley thought of Rayne being kept safe by copies of herself, fourteen or so hour's flight from Central. A small baby living amongst the snow and ice, was there hope in an area such as this? Muley thought of only some due to The Plant's words written in her book.

A torch was used to signal the flyers for pick up, Songbird and Eaglestrike flew low over the ice, spiralling ice crystals in their wake. Muley kept a close eye on Debbie as she stood without woollies looking far beyond the horizon. Her un-shivering body stood defiant against the cold wind, but Muley knew some part of her soul sister wept for her lost child. Many officers looked to Debbie, with quick glances and only one approached. Jaxter with his woolly jumper in hand wrapped it around Debbie, placing his mighty hand upon her shoulder. It was only then did twenty-two officers see Debbie cry for the first and last time as she openly sobbed, revealing all her pain and heartache. Muley held her own belly while passing silent tears, while the other officers turned their backs to the distressing sight.

Eight times Muley read her stack of papers, shaking her head, often, to the contents. She even found time to read Baller's bloodied journal twice before Central was reached. Hushed words were quickly spread to cease any celebrations and merry people ushered away. Debbie spoke to no one and didn't utter a word for the next week. Muley was alone with her soul sister who no longer responded to life. Instead, Debbie chose to work with machines and fixed the unfixable. It was a hard decision to show Debbie her swelling belly, which finally made her trousers tight, but Muley braved the silence of Debbie and entered the room. 'Well it's good to see you pile the plates for me now, I hate to think bringing food to you was unappreciated. Oh and I see you do listen, I see the window is opened for fresh air. Now all I need you to do is talk, I could insult you once again, if I felt the need to clean up splattered food once more. Mr Ko asks to see you again before he leaves for Fields. I said, you were still grieving, I should have said sulking as it would be more accurate, since you can't be bothered to talk and unburden your pain. You know I am the only one who comes up to the third level. I think that says a lot in its own right. Well eventually you'll have to look after yourself, as my condition is now showing, my belly grows and arms and legs squirm within. Soon I will be a fat cavy rolling on its side of relief. And who will look after me, my silent un-caring soul sister?' Muley began to cry and turned away to leave the room, only to be stopped to be held by Debbie, who cried with her.

Three times, Mr Ko's name was shouted out before he stopped his cart, Apple waved as Debbie and Muley ran to catch up. Mr Ko grabbed Debbie's wrist and both acknowledged each other in their bond of friendship. 'We need to make our area good, so Rayne has a good place to grow up in. She will return eventually, believe it my girl. Don't give in for the little tyke's sake. She has her mother's strength and will and if that is not enough to achieve the impossible, then nothing on this planet is.' Muley smiled as Debbie broke her silence. 'Thank you Mr Ko your words are always good to me.'

'Of course they are, all words are good when spoken by Mr Ko.' Mr Ko said with a wide grin. 'If you two ever need a break from here, there is always my Tavern that needs a helping hand to build.' Apple said grabbing Mr Ko's hand. 'A break would be good, but Muley here has a condition and is unable to do anything, except for complaining.' Debbie felt her bum being smacked hard. 'We will be a day or so behind you.' Muley said.

Muley laid sedate and naked on the bed, little whimpers of joy could be heard as Debbie looked upon the rising and falling belly. Debbie's hand lingered a centimetre above the skin, right above the faint stretched handprint, which was placed there in Distribution. Debbie pulled her hand back and held it tight. There was no resisting anymore her own body yearned more than usual, more than sex that had been so recently applied to her, something else more primal dwelt desire within her. Stories of this yearning were told to all girls who passed their first blood. Even Debbie was taken aside in Fields and told. A woman whose name she could never remember, who died at childbirth not long after. She had told her of The Need, 'It comes from within, strong and unrelenting. There is no self-control, there is no denying it. You will succumb to its calling; bond of love will not keep from The Need. It will take you from your man and into the arms of other men. The Need only stops when you are fertilised or until you're past childbearing years. The Need comes when it comes unashamedly strong. It is the curse we are burdened with.'

Debbie thought back to Rivit, his weakness and boyish charms that were unworthy for her egg. It was a mistake to let him penetrate her. If he was a better man Rayne would have been defended and safe, but the boy was a fool and now she was childless and yearning with The Need. There was little point in wearing red because Debbie knew where her seed was kept. A strong man carried her swimmer and he was close by, so the room was left and The Need went to search for Jaxter, the strongest man she ever knew. The sound of turning paper and writing was heard in the training room, her silent steps were unnoticed by humans. Only the ever watching gaze of The Hand saw all. Officer Debbie was recognised, even with loose shirt and no underwear. The small room, off the edge of the training hall was the domain of Jaxter, as he alone viewed the records within. Debbie stirred below as she watched him from a far writing. A sigh betrayed her presence as Jaxter's ears alerted him to a noise, 'Who's there?' Debbie did not answer, and watched him rise cautiously, with a battle-axe in his hand. It was not the first time a person died by his hand in this place. Debbie watched on from the shadows as he peered about the darkened hall. Her breaths were steady and her heat sizzling. 'Show yourself now, and live, there is no second warning.' The Need snarled at the man of muscle, the sound was acknowledged and the battle-axe thudded into the wall, centimetres from her dodging head.

The sound of running feet came at Jaxter from the dark, he cursed himself for missing and the not having another axe. He resigned himself to kill with bare hands, to use his strength to end this incursion into his territory. It was not the first battle to death that was fought in this place. Last time he tore a man in half and this time it was likely to be the same. Steel reflexes of muscle, honed by countless fights attacked the approaching danger. His speed only struck air as the menace dodged from in front of him. The cursed dark always was a disadvantage to his eyes. There slow adjustment had always been compensated by his sense of space and hearing. He heard a snarl and a bite of teeth, was it an animal? Maybe, The Hand did not guard against animals. His wrist was seized and he was thrown in a flip. This was no animal he fought, rolling quickly and swinging his arm wide, it connected with something hard. Good enough to break bone, hit like that, has done it before. His adversary moved again uninjured, only hit to another area. It circled him then darted left and right, so fast and agile. Jaxter knew he was fast and attacked, he grappled air. He knew instantly that it had jumped and then he felt a kick to his back. His face hit the ground, a little scuff it did not matter and he regained his feet.

The Need tasted blood on her lips as its vision saw all the in dark, the big man tensed with powerful muscle. He was calm and strong, using his senses to attack. A simple flinch of muscle indicated an attack; The Need seized him and threw him across the room, once more. Away from the light, this time he was not so quick to rise as she pounced landing on his chest, the shirt ripped easily from his frame.

He was clawed at; Jaxter swatted aside the thing that ripped at his shirt. It hit a wall hard, it did not move so quickly now. He heard it stumble more than once. He cast aside his shirt; useless material serves only as decoration in fights such as this. Now, where was it now? His ears strained, his alertness told him right in front, his pain also agreed as many punches thudded against his muscular bulk. He collapsed to hand and knee, the punches had stopped and something sneered at him, he could feel it. Pure instinct made him roll and dart his hand out. The thing was seized, it had a neck and it was small, his grip was being prized apart. With weak arms he punched it once, then twice and now it was still, so he hit it a third time just to be sure. He let it drop and searched for a light, it was a quick fight but he breathed too heavily for his liking. Jaxter's hand found the switch, lights flickered across the hall, and he looked to the body and where it should have been. Confident it lay dead upon ruined carpet. Instead he saw something frightening, standing, naked, dripping blood and smiling, 'Demon!' Jaxter said in fright.

Jaxter did not land gracefully upon the floor, the flip was hard and the Demon's naked body distracting. His trousers were attacked and un-done. Every time he kicked or swatted away at it, the Demon quickly returned revealing more of him. It looked of animal and sounded much worse. 'The Need grips me. Are you man enough to survive the night?' He was meat to this Demon's eyes and felt fearful because of it. Blood pumped hard through his veins as the battle scarred Demon stalked his movements. It is true, previous glimpses of its form needed great self-control not to be stirred by it. A hard woman of great danger was most alluring, her body a testament of her strength. Scars and damage stirred his loins as the breasts, bounced with every step closer. 'You silly girl, I could have killed you.' The Demon laughed and stated, 'It was mere foreplay nothing more, and The Need has me in its grasp.' Jaxter's eyes were wide as a dipped finger was tasted for its own arousal. 'I shall have what other women fear to have between their legs.' Jaxter willed his arms to strike the Demon down, his strength, however failed him as two soft hands held his manhood to warm breath and hot tongue.

Skin was burned away from the carpet as Jaxter worked his aggression into the little body. The skin was slippery from her sweat leaving her back glistening under the lights. He held nothing back and showed no restraint, not like to other women who felt intimidated by his size. The flesh of her body rippled with every thrust while he pushed her head to the ground hard. He was determined to survive this night and to surpass the Demon's test. His finger was seized and bends back, he was forced away and now he was below while his member disappeared into the Demon's lustful body. His mighty strength ebbed away as the jarring weight pommeled him. Hungry eyes looked at him from the face with swollen and cut lips, pleasure and pain plagued his desires, as the sight, sound and smell of woman swooned his head.

Shower tiles cracked as powerful bodies clashed under the hot water. The slapping water drained with tinges of blood from scrapes, cuts and tissues accommodating great size. The sound of the primal woman was too much as Jaxter succumbed to shuddering convulsions of climax. His breath was heavy and a smile formed on his lips, however the Demon in front of him was neither happy nor sedated. Jaxter was held to the wall, his mighty chest slapping hard to cold tiles. He felt the presence of something wrong and then he felt it deep, something within was stimulated by the Demons thumb; this in turn gave rise to his maleness, forcing space between him and the tiles. His muscular legs shaking from the forbidden pleasure, he soon felt the Demon more slippery within than before.

Jaxter was cast aside, his strength totally spent. Bruises began to hurt and muscles ached. His breath was laboured and flashed with pain, he knew at least one rib was broken, but he lived. The Demon, however, sat looking at him with no shame as fingers prevented the spillage of her prize. He could not tell who looked at him from behind those eyes; all he could tell was that he was no longer meat for The Need. 'I will be going to help build a tavern, for a while, I suggest you build up your strength. I may have need to you once more.' Jaxter was firmly gripped and kissed, but not on the lips, after Debbie rose with the sound of a squelch and splatter upon the tiles of the shower room.

Pam,

There is an order from above to be followed quietly; your usual fee is doubled to make sure. Reaper's benefactor requires a new face to front his enquiries. He wants the best, the one all others fail against, offer anything he wants. But keep him on a short leash.

Peterson, Novan Procurement Manger.

Sepri,

That thing I want, now I have something you would want. We'll make a trade, simple as that. You have the resources to make it work. I have enclosed a sample for you to eventually use and he is forty-two.

Pam

Pam,

I have what you want, he grows as we speak, but remember any falsehood and I can program him to be a bum basher at the flick of my fingers. So you will have your perfect boy that is only interested in other boys. Or maybe he will kill you in your sleep. As for trades, nothing is simple, so beware of that.

Sepri
Chapter 31: New People, Names and Purpose

Phoal sat and rubbed his knee not knowing why, but every time he flew in these damnable machines his left knee would ache. The constant throb became an annoyance stretching, standing; he would even do a backflip if it meant a stop to the annoying ache. The air had changed, he noticed it, and his wolf skins noticed it. The smell came from the warmth and wolf skins did not like the warmth. Sure, he could remove them and expose all the weaponry he had, but better left concealed and not give away anything. That might leave him at a disadvantage. He knew what sat opposite and stared, not a stare to intimidate or provoke. Just stare from a hawk to an ant. 'Your knee, it gives you problems?' The hawk spoke. 'Only when I fly.' Phoal said and thought how her voice seemed at odds with her reputation, still the hawk stared. Little did she know that this ant would not squish so easily. He, of course, was the man who tracked and killed eighteen of the twenty-five subversives known as Flame's Edge all through the winter. All his weapons were coated in their blood at some point. 'I find heat rubs work very well for joint pain.' She said. 'Well, that is of short supply in the wild, it's just these machines that make it throb.' Damnable machine, damnable woman, typical of her type, they all reek of arrogance. 'Could be the anti-grav, I think I have heard of others that suffer joint pain. Something to do with nitrogen bubbles in the joints; well that's one theory from an old man anyway.' Phoal gave a hollow smile, to a woman he would not piss on to save her from fire. Their women and men, they were all the same, he would keep his piss and let them all burn. Oppressive scum the lot of them. There was more honour in the jungles, found on the little finger of the man eaters than compared to the whole body of this so-called woman.

He was Phoal, the man, one of thirty that took on the outpost at the peninsula. The only one who came back with the scalp of Seroash, the same scalp that led him bed scores of thankful women. 'That's wolf fur is it not; they are bigger than a dog right?' She asked. 'Some are definitely, fifteen wolves on my first day, not many men could achieve such a feat, all done with blade and sweat. A real fight, not some shadow work of poison. It was the real deal, the only way to get things done.' The hawk raised an eyebrow in response. 'You must have some questions to ask.' She said. 'None, I do not know the answers for already.' Her look said it all, another raised eyebrow. 'Indignant, the thought of someone like me knowing more than I should.' He thought before saying. 'You are of The Order; your manner says it all.' The hawk gave a smile. 'My manner, tell me what is my manner?'

'You think yourself better than most.'

'You think, I think that I'm better than you. Hardly, you are Phoal; you lead the expedition to the Coastal Raiders, the hero of the Northern Shore.' The ant felt some pride. 'So you have heard of me.' Phoal said puffing out his chest. 'Even The Order takes notice of great men.' She said. 'Blah, great men, you think I am a fool. You have come to claim the information I have. Months in The Wild, I was.' The Hawk crossed her legs slowly. 'I know, I can smell it from here. Phoal I am not here to claim your information. I am here to help you to present it, to those who would appreciate it, the most.' The ant knew it from the start. 'Founder Atherton has claim to what I have, no one else.'

Phoal took pride in putting the bitch of The Order in her place. The word of an old one is the greatest word of them all. To cross an old one is to cross the line with death. 'You sweat Phoal, take off your furs. I care little of your weapons. You will have little need of all that metal you carry. Why burden yourself?' The hawk wants the ant to disarm? 'You lay your weapons down and I might consider laying mine down.' Now the hawk smiled, too easily. 'Now that is the difference between you and me. You carry weapons, I am a weapon. Phoal I know of the prize offered to you, a placing in a new settlement. It must be nice to have a family and an area to grow old with them. Hear our offer first is all we ask, if you don't like it, you can head on your way to whatever the number is of the Production Area.'

'It is a wasted trip for you, plus it is hot now and these furs are of little use.' The smell of wolf was cast aside and all his bone knives were on display.

The bone handles held the sharpness of steel in his vest that looked like an extension of a rib cage. 'So, is it true, that each bone is from the bandits that raided the Old Frontier? And you at eleven learned the sword and took the bones from them?' Did he hear respect from the hawk? 'No, I was twelve at the time. A year makes all the difference when it comes to the sword.' There was a shift in the flyer, 'So we land soon?' Phoal asked. 'Yes, we do.' Phoal dropped his wolf skins over his arm and felt the knives in handy reach; if it came to it Phoal would be the only one to walk back out. The smell of flowers was strong as the ramp descended from the flyer. Colours of every description bloomed in the well-kept gardens. The hours before contrasted starkly, and the white and grey of The Wild were quickly forgotten. People sang along with music from instruments unknown to him. Green grass was soft and looked oddly against his wolf lined boots. Women dressed in fabrics that left little to the imagination and men dressed much the same. 'Come Phoal; walk with me through the garden of The Order.' The hawk spoke softly. Phoal had heard rumours of such places that grew on top of buildings that touched the clouds. His son and woman would sit eagerly on every word he would say.

Phoal knew we had to learn more words to describe half of what he now saw. 'This is wondrous; it is the best term I know.' Phoal said. 'That is a good term, but you know little of what it takes to keep this. If I were to choose a word, I would say cruel would fit better.'

'Surely you jest, I have seen cruel. This is not cruel.'

'Picture children cutting each blade of grass with a swiping knife, then you might see how beauty can be cruel, you carry weapons, and we are weapons.' The ant felt hesitant. Doors opened as the hawk pressed a button, Phoal entered an elevator armed and ready. They journeyed down in silence until the doors opened to a large expanse of marble floor that lay before them. Statues lined the walls and beautiful things stood on top of pedestals. Phoal soon found himself lagging behind as the hawk turned back and walked towards him. 'Oh she has claimed another victim.' Phoal heard her words as he looked at the beautiful woman full and voluptuously curved carved out of marble. She ebbed sadness as she held a crudely made wooden baby to her breast. 'It is called Unfulfilled, the woman represents fertile life and the wooden doll represents her right to motherhood denied. It's over four hundred years old and from what we know, this is the last masterpiece of art, human hands have ever made. Then when you consider the journey of this statue and how it stood in a decaying city that had fourteen million people wiped out within a fortnight. Her sorrow becomes something else. Years passed and lesser people revered it, and then twisted its meaning until it became an idol, where un-wanted children were sacrificed in front of it. If histories were remembered perhaps how we live now would be vastly better.' The ant started to feel its size.

Phoal followed and stopped a few paces from the hawk, 'This one is my personal favourite, the machete of Colonel Briondi.' Phoal saw a machete stained and old, housed in glass. The spiked guard held an old leathery hand cut-off at the fore arm that ceased decaying long ago. 'That blade has ended at least four thousand, when it was wielded by that hand. This was the founding test of The Order, as this blade came to destroy us. It was then, when all hope was lost, we found faith in each other and together became strong. Sister Anne of frail body, impaled herself upon it and held it within her, Just to offer an opportunity for others to kill Colonel Briondi and they did. For the faith and to The Order it shall be done, Sister Anne said those words and made others say them as well. Just before they were dragged to a pile of dead people that came seeking shelter. They found strength in each other and this blade has been ours ever since.'

'So her blood is still on it?' Phoal asked. 'To this day, one act of sacrifice started us and many acts since have kept us going, come time is passing and decisions must be made.' The ant followed cautiously behind the hawk.

A simple room was entered and Phoal saw a desk, a woman and one other door, 'Please do come in Phoal, I am Sepri. I am glad we get to finally meet. I trust Vol here has made your journey pleasant?'

'Somewhat.' Phoal conceded. 'Vol you may leave us.' The hawk left the room and Phoal still had his weapons and was alone with someone of great worth, especially dead.'

'So Phoal do you know why you are here, and not before, Founder Atherton?'

'I do and the information is his, not yours and not to the filthy one you command.' Phoal said with flared nostrils. 'Your reaction is understandable; we do have a reputation that is deserved. But I ask of you to look beyond that and focus on your woman and boy. Founder Atherton has promised a production area placement, which is a very good offer; he will send you on the next flyer where you will be free to make your own way. I offer the same thing; I will send you on a flyer to Production Area Fifteen, nice islands free of strife. A young Production Area just over thirteen years old. You will become an officer and enjoy a good life, so will your boy and woman. My offer is the same, except mine has a future and support. You will not be cast out, unlike Founder Atherton's offer.' The ant sized his target. 'But, if I kill you, I am promised so much more.' Phoal said feeling the grip of his weapons.

The older woman smiled, 'Oh, he still carries a grudge, I have died three times and he has never kept his promises to those who have killed me. As he kills them shortly after to stop them talking.'

'You lie, his word is good.'

'Because no one is alive to dispute it, you are not a fool, and we do not treat you as such.'

'It is a fool's bargain; I still must present myself to him. My boy and woman sleep within his tower.' Sepri gave a slight nod. 'I assure you they are no longer in his tower, we killed them six days ago.' Sepri said. Phoal saw red and threw the knives hidden under his wolf skin, straight and fast. They all passed through Sepri and stuck to the chair as if she was made of air. Yet the old woman sat and smiled. 'Not as fast as I thought you would be. I apologise, in Founder Atherton's eyes, so to speak. He knows they are dead, this does not mean they are truly dead. They are safe here and well, as you can hear for yourself.' Phoal heard his boy's voice, exit Sepri's mouth. 'Pa, Pa, I can see you on the screen.' Then Phoal heard his woman's voice, 'It's true, they rescued us do you still have my braid of hair?' His fingers instinctually touched what hung for his belt. 'I do, it kept me well.' Phoal said shedding a tear as Sepri's voice returned to her form. 'We are not fools either, Phoal. A projection in front of a great man as you is better than my corpse sitting in that chair. My offer is still good or you can take up Founder Atherton's offer. Of course, you cannot see your woman and boy as they are dead, it would not look good at all to be seen with them. I will send them regardless to Production Area Fifteen, so the choice is yours.' The ant was defeated, and he knew there was never any contest between a hawk and an ant. 'This is no choice.' Phoal spat back. 'Important choices, rarely are Phoal, you know this to be true. The information you process has great weight, if one or two old ones gain an advantage over the others, then there is conflict. A conflict where great men die quickly. Think on this before you decide which offer is best?' Phoal looked around the room which was clearly a trap made to look like a simple room.

Phoal retrieved his knives and regained his composure, 'I find your offer reasonable.' Phoal said through gritted teeth. 'That's good to hear, oh, there are some little formalities we must do first. Would you be so kind as to remove all your clothing and weapons and place them on the table?' Phoal was halfway done with this request, as the side door opened. He was shocked to see himself walk in. Phoal stood frozen as his mirror image looked at him inquisitively, 'What is this Sepri?' He said in alarm. 'He is a clone of you, he is going to learn from you and take your place, and after all Founder Atherton is expecting you.' Soon the clone wore his cloths and weapons and stood beside the projection of Sepri. 'So tell us what you know?' Sepri asked, while the clone readied himself to learn.

Phoal stood unashamed of his body and told his story. 'Founder Atherton sent me to find out why Phoenix labs went quiet and also to obtain and transport a clone or a baby. When I arrived everybody was dead, maybe a week had passed. Judging by the damage and positions of the bodies, I would say the fight came from within. Not from an outside force. My pass was accepted by the last Walker, but the labs remained sealed. I made camp and made various efforts to gain entry. I also tracked three people; one at least was a woman, as she peed squatting. They seemed to circle the area, then they were gone and I never saw signs of them again. I gained access through the roof, inside was a mess, heavy fighting and everyone was dressed the same. I could not tell what happened. Most areas were locked so progress was minimal. On my ninth journey in a formidable force arrived numbering twenty to thirty. They destroyed the last Walker and made holes through the outer walls by explosions, through this I remained hidden in the ceiling and overheard many conversations; they referred to a place called Central and people called Debbie Death Dealer, Jaxter, Triple D and a Muley. Then I followed voices and overheard three survivors, they had found. They said the clones had escaped and taken a baby, I also overheard the baby's name was Rayne.'

'So, the clones are alive and have the baby, this is surely a development. And so they left with the survivors?'

'No, this Debbie took exception to their treatment of her baby, she left them alive but not intact, and their deaths would have been long and painful.'

Phoal now stood dressed in the clones simple robes and was once again in a room alone with the projection of Sepri. 'So what will the clone do?' Phoal asked. 'Well, he will meet with Founder Atherton and tell him that nothing survived, he will use your words and speech, and I suspect he will most likely die and that's where Phoal's story ends. Now your new name, Nornae, his story is about to begin.'

'How can you just dismiss the clone's death like that?'

'He is a weapon to be used, nothing more. Sure three weeks to grow and little time for training, but time is short and things must be put into motion. You will be our eyes and ears in Production Area Fifteen. Now Vol will be back and give you the antidote then take you to your boy and woman.'

'Antidote?' He said in alarm. 'Well, you were Phoal we cannot afford to take any chances.' Vol entered the room and the ant knew his place compared to a hawk. 'Well you survived the first step of becoming part of the Order, now shall we start on step two?' Vol said holding a syringe in her hand.

The wind blew across the small opening of rock, which gradually got bigger as eager hands shovelled away the build-up of snow. Fingers were numb with the frantic effort and thus, soon rewarding them with an opening big enough to crawl through. Three sets of eyes peered within the darkness as something big stirred within. Fur and black claws made its presence known. Primal huffs exhaled much air from giant lungs. Knives were unsheathed in preparation for the charge as the clone's eyes easily saw in the dark. The small space made for a brutal clash, bodies hit hard against the lumpy stonewalls of the cave. The creature's mouth was seized and its snapping strength neutralised. Knives quickly plunged into the thick neck over and over again. Soon the heavy bulk of fur and muscle succumbed to the pull of death. Cold hands found a small bowl to capture the warm life that flowed. 'You first, you make the milk, now drink your fill.' The bowl was passed, and then refilled twice more.

The sound of cutting and tugging accompanied the sight of sparks coming off the striker. Dry tinder smoked then flamed while the dead eyes of the creature reflected in the light, only moving slightly as its body relinquished the meat. Carefully the fire was tendered, building it to a point where it was of use and nothing more. Bare breasts were exposed to the heat while cold hands cupped them. 'You enjoy warm nipples and tonight you shall have them.' The sound of a happy coo could be heard while others butchered the beast. 'Bears look smaller in pictures.'

'It is the lack of scale in the pictures, there is nothing to compare them to.'

'Well up close, they are big and smell, here take the entrails out and cast them afar.'

'Wolves bite hard, I am sick of wolves they took all our bullets.'

'And gave us a little meat.'

'How is Rayne?'

'She suckles, she is happy.'

'I am glad your milk flowed, she would not have lasted long without it.'

'It was only due to your sacrifices of food that my body was able to express.'

'The two legged wolf's scent is far away, other wolves scent is closer.'

Bear meat dripped its juices and sizzled to the base of the flames, hungry mouths salivated as the milk bearer ate first and the others soon followed chewing many times before swallowing. 'We must be the only three left.'

'C-1 said she would find her own way.'

'We have searched, only the two legged wolf walks this area.'

'C-1 did not find her own way. We must accept the responsibility of Rayne. The three of us and make our own way back to mother.'

'She likes our voices, it comforts her. Makes her feel safe.'

'We should have names, C-1 had a name, so does Rayne.'

'Names are given, Rayne is too young to give us names.'

'Rain reminds Rayne of her name.'

'She was named after the rain, her little memory says so.'

'We could name ourselves; it is the most logical thing to do.'

'Names have meaning, that's why they are given.'

'Can we not come up with our own meaning?'

'We bring Rayne to mother, how do we derive meaning from that?'

'Clouds bring rain.'

'We know clouds; it was under precipitation in the folder of natural science.'

'Can we call ourselves clouds; wouldn't that get us confused with clouds?'

'Maybe just parts of them.'

'I like Virga.'

'That doesn't count, you evaporate before hitting the ground, and you do not bring rain.'

'But I like the sound of it, and it is a part of the clouds.' Virga said

'I choose Alto.' One clone said.

'I was about to choose that, fine, I choose, Strati.' Said the other.

Strati's ears heard movement, 'What is it Strati?' Alto said noticing the sudden change. 'Wolves, they found the entrails.' A yelp in the distance was heard, 'They also found my sharpened sticks.' Strati said with a grin. 'Alto best move behind us, just in case.' Virga said. Alto nodded in agreement and shuffled Rayne to the back of the cave next to the chilling bear meat. The baby stayed quiet as Rayne instinctively knew when silence was needed. 'The smell of bear is strong, it will keep them away.' Strati surmised. 'Smell of bare flesh is strong to, maybe it will attract them.' Virga said peering left and right, through the small opening.

Alto awoke to her allowable sleep and saw Virga watching over the white snow of the day, while Strati dozed lightly; all still had their knives in hand. 'We've decided to move on from here, there are no more supplies from the little hut and we do not risk going back, one machine still works. The wolves have moved on.' Virga said. 'That sounds good, we could use the bear skin and pack it with snow and store some meat for a time.' Alto said. Strati awoke with a yawn, 'So we move south?' She asked. 'As far as we can go.' Alto and Virga said at the same time.

Muley lay exhausted upon a bed in Central, with sweat thick on her brow. 'I would not say a thing like that.' she said. Delilah stood holding a squawking baby boy. 'Well you did, you offered to turn me into a real woman and shove my dick up my arse just so I know how it feels to you.' Muley looked at her mum Beads and she nodded in agreement, 'I am sorry if I did.' Muley said crying. 'Don't worry about it; it wouldn't be the first time someone wanted to shove something up my arse.' Delilah said with a laugh. 'Shhh don't talk like that in front of little Delly, show some self-control.' Beads said sternly. Muley felt a cool cloth wipe her forehead and then gentle lips kissing it, Muley looked up to see Debbie's mouth the words, 'I love you.' To which Muley replied the same. 'So, you fat heifer, your turn soon.' Muley said slapping Debbie's rump. Debbie put her hands over her belly and smiled. 'Soon I suppose.' Muley saw her smile and hoped everything was fine with her soul sister, who carried all her weapons plus the SLR leaning against the door frame. 'I'm going to make sure, you are luckier than I am.' Debbie said, prompting more tears from Muley. As she felt guiltier as Delly was handed back with the squished face and with a high pitched wail. 'Come on Muley this is a happy moment.' Delilah said. Muley nodded and lied in saying, 'I know, they are happy tears.'

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Thanks for reading, now if you like what you read please leave a review. If you want to know what is next visit http://bybladethunder.wordpress.com for fan art and draft chapters of the third book By Clone & Memory as well a new fantasy titled The Sixth God (free for feedback) <https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/529280> These books are typed by speech recognition by my wife for rehab and as such are full of mistakes. I keep updating the file as more are corrected and hopefully using dragon will decrease them. Of course if you find some or have anything to contribute please feel free to contact me at grantbrthlmw@gmail.com Currently I am trying to find an agent to help turn these to paper and fingers crossed that it may happen. Or it may be the case that it is too sexual, too violent or too unmarketable, as some feedback by literary world have said. Of course that won't stop me from writing more. Again thanks for reading.

