Ch. 4: Old Scars
Suddenly, he was flying, hitting hard against the elevator doors.
"You left me! Mom told us to stay together and you left!" Annalise screamed, her biotics flaring around her, encasing her body in wavering blue light. She lifted him and threw him back again. James grabbed her arms and pulled her back, expecting to be thrown as well. She collapsed in his arms, shuddering and crying.
"I have been beaten and raped and cut and slapped since that day. I've had masters who wanted me only because I had a young body. I saw my parents an all my neighbors killed. You never even bothered to check to see if I was alive!"
John interrupted softly.
"I ran because I was scared. I wanted to get help."
She shook her head, tears soaking into James shirt.
"Bullshit. What help would've come? You had top status you could've easily looked me up."
John sighed and shook his head.
"I'm sorry...we'll take you back to Earth and-"
"I'm not going back there. I'm staying here. I'm a good fighter, John. I know I can help!"
His face hardened.
"Out of the question. You're only-"
"John, I'm 29 years old, 30 tomorrow. I'm capable of handling myself, and I make my own decisions. Let me come." Her tears were dried, but James arms still encompassed her small form.
John sighed.
"Fine, but first time you slip up, you're out."