It took some time to saw through the fabric. Alfred pulled his arm free and took the barb, working on the other side, quickly.

"You are welcome." Ivan panted, exhausted.

The American glared at him. He did not enjoy being patronized.

"I will pick your locks when I'm done."

The elder man smirked and rested his head on the wall. He noticed the long scar stretching across Alfred's chest. It looked freshly made, but, it was near completely healed.

"I think they did something to your insides." He spoke soft.

"What you going on about?" Pain shot through the young American's body. His heart felt as though it was being crushed. He dropped the barb and clawed at the incision. "What did they do to me?" Alfred said through clenched teeth.

Ivan's eyes fluttered. He tried desperately to stay conscious, but, drifted out just as a dozen pairs of black boots surrounded them.

The men unlocked Ivan from the wall and drug him from the room. A deep red trail was left in his wake, staining the tiled floor.

"WHERE ARE YOU TAKING HIM! BASTARDS!"

Alfred's table was pushed upright and the uniformed men began to secure him back down. A piece of tape was forced over his mouth.

"MMmmph!"

He was pushed after Ivan, out of the laboratory and down a hall to a well lit room. Alfred was left, hearing the door close and be locked. White walls lined with mirrors surrounded him. He could see his reflection in the low ceiling. Ivan was bleeding on the floor next to him, his hair plastered over his face. The sounds of chatter could be heard around them.

They were being watched.

"Our next bid is two for the price of one! Both have handicaps, but would make excellent practice dummies for the Arena."

A male voice with an English accent spoke over a loud speaker.

"Ivan Braginski, was imprisoned in his homeland, Russia, for the murder of his eight year old daughter. His body was in hibernation at our facility for the past 1,200 years after a failed execution. He is classified as severely dangerous and a type 2 escapee risk. His arms have been amputated to ensure safety while handling. He is strong and agile, making him ideal for breeding purposes. The other specimen is a recently new find! Alfred F. Jones, an American pilot who was found frozen in the Antarctic. His eyes are poor and requires corrective lenses. Not recommended for breeding, but, a good sparing partner for your potential champion. Both have been equipped with Cardiac Cages, to help control and humanly euthanize, when needed. This is a final sale, no refunds nor warranties offered. The biding will start at 3, 000 Glads!"