Author's Note: Reading this, some of you might be thinking to yourselves, "Another story? Stop beginning stories and taking forever to update them!" In my defense, I have finished this story, and I will be updating every couple of days. It's actually quite old, but I've made a few changes to make the characterization more consistent. As always, reviews are very much appreciated!
There was always a moment of disorientation as the sun released its hold and he awoke.
Scent was always the first to return. The sharp, acrid smell of metal, the nauseating stench of disinfectants. And of course, the blood, pumping through hundreds of veins. He stirred, the Hunger rising.
Touch next. The hard metal table, the bindings at his wrists. His hair, matted, probably with blood. His head ached.
Sight. Dimly, he could make out the round bulbous heads of a dozen or so bystanders, their eyes fixed on him intently. The white, sterile walls seemed to glow. He blinked and moaned at the light that jabbed into his skull. He shut his eyes tightly, trying to block out the sensation and pull himself more fully into consciousness.
And last, comprehension. His eyes shot open. The world spun for a moment, then jarred sharply into focus. His senses screamed as his brain caught up with them, and he felt panic rising uncontrollably.
Where am I?
The bindings bit into his wrists as he struggled to sit, heedless of the pain. The spectators broke into a wave of chatter; they seemed nearly as frightened as he. After a moment, their language registered, and his eyes narrowed.
Ferengi. I hate Ferengi.
He lunged up again, only to be pulled up short by the cuffs. The Ferengi around him jabbered again and leapt back. They're afraid, he realized. Good.
One of the little beasts approached, holding a prod, his sharp little teeth bared in a leer. The prisoner snarled. Unbidden, the Hunger rose.
He could remember little after that. Dark, confused flashes that seared through his head. The bindings snapped under the Hunger's rage; the little monster died. Screaming drilled into his skull. Light flared, as bright as the sun. His vision destroyed, he sank to the ground, snarling. More light, more pain. He could feel drowsiness seeping in again and struggled against it.
I cannot sleep. I must escape.
He wavered, the pull of the sun too strong. He could feel himself losing.
I have just awoken. There is no sunrise in space. Get up!
His eyes closed; the Ferengi were gone. He heard a strange humming as darkness stole in again.