Chapter 1: Harsh Beginnings

The room is so bright . . . Nothing but white walls and a cold floor.

Shadows in white clothing, appearing like phantoms . . . surrounding me . . . I felt dazed; nothing was focused and didn't seem real. The pain beating in my skull was the only sure indication that I was alive . . . barely.

I tried to lift my head to see the faces of these translucent forms but my neck muscles ached and each time I tried, it grew worse. My whole body was nothing but agony. All I can use was my hearing that caught some of these voices as I laid on the ground. No use finding comfort in it. It was solid and rougher than anything.

"Oh great! Look what you've done?"

Sounded like a man's voice filled with concern but I figured it wasn't for my well-being. No one really cared about me…

"So what? She's given us nothing so far. Everything we have done has yielded no results!"

Another man's voice shouted out but older and less remorseful than the previous. Must be one of the superiors I imagined. "Sir! If we keep continuing this, there will be nothing left of her! All the work we put into keeping her alive will be for naught!"

"You think me a fool?! I know what I am doing! I'm following orders from above. If we don't see any improvements by the end date then our necks will be on the line. Do you want that to happen?!"

I could make out a sound of hesitation from the younger man's voice, "Dr. Harris… I know that it's crucial to speed up the experiment so we can obtain new data but torturing her like this is more likely to kill her before we get anything so we —"

I heard a sudden impact from across the room and my head shot up painfully to see that the older scientist slammed Harris onto the wall with his hand gripping the younger man's neck. Another fight . . . great.

"Listen very carefully Dr. Carter, you have no idea how much is at stake. We're not only doing this to save our jobs but any progress we make here will be a benefit to all mankind. Anything we find here can potentially give us an upper hand against our enemies, not just here on Earth. One way or another we will have it!"

All this talk about mankind and defeating its adversaries was getting old. No matter what they did, I couldn't give them what they seek. I didn't even know what they wanted nor did I understand how I had any value if they kept treating me like dirt. Even if I knew, I would rather die than do so.

As I was trying to get back up to no avail, the sound of doors swooshed open and revealed a group of three but instead of white coats, two of them wore military uniforms and handled guns in their arms. The dark man in the middle wore a suit with shades over his eyes like he thought he was a badass. Whatever . . .

The "shaded" man stepped forward with his soldiers following behind and stopped when he reached the two scientists that were arguing before. They became silent when he approached.

Harris removed his hand from Carter, "Oh, Director Traeger. I must apologize for our behavior. We were discussing the subject earlier and how we should proceed."

Traeger just glanced at Harris before walking towards my general direction. When he finally reached me he just looked down like I was a dog or something and I gave him a menacing glare in return. All he did was grin like an asshole.

"Well Dr. Harris and Dr. Carter, it looks to me like you aren't doing enough with her. She won't obey you unless you show who's in charge."

Traeger took a kneel in front of me and lifted my chin with a sudden jerk. My neck and head screamed for him to stop but I had no choice in the matter. He took off his shades with one hand and leaned in with his face inches from mine.

"Look at me you little brat. I know you have something to share with us. All you have to do is show it and it will be all over. Otherwise, I will show you the true meaning of torture."

He was trying to intimidate me… How stupid did he think I was? He would still hurt me in order to get what he wanted. No matter what I did. His obnoxious grin was pissing me off and after a while, I finally gave my answer. I spat in his face.

In just moments, he punched me squared in the face and I dropped my head onto the waiting floor. I really believed that my head would explode from all the hits I got today. I wouldn't be surprised if I had bumps showing all over my scalp.

Traeger then grabbed a fistful of hair and tugged my head up like a ragdoll and his face was in mine again. "That's your answer? Then you leave me with no choice."

Again, his fist connected to my face and repeated it three times while holding my hair up. Suddenly, he lets go but only to be followed with a swift kick to my abdomen, making me double over on my right side. Now my midsection was pulsing with pain but Traeger didn't stop there and kicked me again. He aimed everywhere on my body that wasn't shielded by my arms and returned my gesture by spitting on me.

The abuse stopped momentarily when Carter placed a hand on Traeger's shoulder.

"Director! Please stop this! We need her to be in good condition so we can operate on her for more data collection! Doing this will compromise it!" Can't Harris just shut up… Don't try to act like a hero.

Traeger just shoved Harris away and resumed the abuse, kicking me again, again, and again until . . .

My eyes shot wide open as the sound of a truck horn rang, passing by on the street near the forest. I must have been dreaming again.

I kept having nightmares of my past and no matter what I did, they just seem to come every time I fell asleep. Guess someone like me can never have a piece of mind.

It had been 10 years since I was freed from my captors but I never saw it as true liberation. I'm still haunted by my memories and the scientists, even Traeger, were still at large and knowing first hand on how they treated their specimens, I imagined anyone else that crossed their path would receive the same or worse. I can't let that happen to anyone else ever again. I've already lost so much to them and I couldn't bear to watch it happen to someone else.

From the day I stepped out into the world, I decided from that point on that I would do whatever it takes to stop them or at least foil their plans.

I stood up on the branch that I was laying on with my bag as a pillow, looking out towards the town that stretched the horizon. All those lives down there, not knowing the cruelty that hides in the shadows and going on with their lives like nothing happened. How ignorant…

I didn't know why I was even helping them. I hated humans. They were vile creatures that rather turn a blind eye if you were different and when they do acknowledge, they just crush you down and make you feel less than a living being.

Remember, you are only doing this because of them. Nothing else matters.

After staring at the town a little longer, I swung my bag over my shoulder and climbed down the tree with ease and landed firmly on the ground. The Armstrong Redwood forest was my sanctuary and provided me with enhanced sight if anyone tried to catch me off guard. Although I could have lived in better areas, this one was advantageous as it was close to the scientists that I have been tracking for years. I knew that they had a base somewhere in the area since they kept coming and going like bees in a hive but somehow they eluded me.

Occasionally, I would hear soldiers who were guiding the scientists converse among each other about their plans. They weren't so clever to me. Spilling out sensitive information, unaware that someone like myself was listening in.

However, it seemed quiet today with no sign of activity from anyone in the area. To me, it didn't seem right but there was nothing I can do. At the moment, I needed to find more supplies and gather food/water for future observations. Haven't eaten anything for 4 hours.

I sighed, "Guess I should head into town. Might be a cafe nearby that has delicious breakfast burritos."

My stomach growled but I needed to clean myself up before I headed into town. I was covered in mud, branches and leaves stuck in my hair from when I was in the tree. Grunting, I moved towards the river that was near and kneeled down as I reached it.

I scooped water and splashed it in my face and combed my hair with one hand. While I was washing up, I noticed my reflection in the river and paused to look down.

Long, chestnut hair streamed down and around my face while trying to hide the injuries to my head that was still tender to the touch. My tan skin glistened from the droplets of water and my cheeks were flushed from the cold air surrounding the forest. Finally, I looked into my dark, blue eyes and saw the horror that they tried to conceal but the disguise didn't fool me as much as I wanted it to.

Shaking my head in defeat, I rose back up, closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of the forest. I wish that the world would be this peaceful, even if for a moment.

Taking a huge breath, I pushed my legs forward and began my journey into town.

An hour later, I made it to the outskirts of town. I didn't want to hitchhike for a ride while walking on the road. I didn't trust anyone, even if they had the most innocent intent on helping me. I preferred to walk anyway for exercise and still wanted to hear the forest that was my home.

After moving along, I found a cafe serving breakfast since it was still morning but the fog kept any sunlight from penetrating the sky. I opened the door and saw few people in some tables and fewer at the bar but I completely ignored them as I reached part of the bar that was farthest away from everyone.

The waitress makes it to me with a fake smile, "Hi Miss. How are you today?"

"Fine."

I didn't want to make friends or strike up a conversation. All I wanted was food and a drink and nothing else.

"You okay Miss? You look like you need some company. I can get some food for you and then we can—" I slammed my hand on the bar and gave her a malicious glare. "I. Don't. Need. Company. I just want a breakfast burrito and water from you so please leave me alone."

The waitress's face changed from happy to shock and fear in a second. Her eyes widen like a deer with headlights coming at her. She backed off and went into the kitchen to either put my order in or tell her other co-workers about what I did or both. I didn't care at all. I just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.

I got my answer a couple of minutes later when a different waitress brought a hot burrito sitting on a warm plate in one hand and a cup of water in the other. She set it down and resumed her duties to the other customers in the cafe.

I kept to myself as I began eating to satisfy my hunger. Although I wanted to finish quickly, I didn't want to stuff it all in one sitting and upset my stomach more than it already was.

All of a sudden, I heard the door of the cafe open but didn't pay much attention until they spoke up and I recognized one of them.

"Man I'm so tired from last night. There wasn't time for a break at all."

That voice . . . Is that Dr. Carter?!

I didn't want to bring myself attention by staring so I turned my head slightly in their direction and lifted my eyes just enough to get a clear view of them. Sure enough, it was him. The scientist from before who experimented on me except he looked much older than I thought. His once blond hair was turning a slight grey due to age and his skin look less viable than I remembered. I also noticed there were bags under his eyes, assuming that he was up all night doing experiments no doubt.

"Well, it's your fault for not getting enough sleep the night before. I told you that there's a lot of work that needed to be done."

I didn't recognize the other male with him. He was a few inches taller than Carter but more built and had a demeanor that emitted a 'don't mess with me' aura around him. I'm pretty sure he was a soldier assigned to Carter as protection. Why do these guys need security all the time? Even in a cafe?

Carter was exasperated, "I know Mr. Taylor. I underestimated how much attention was needed. I was hoping we would finish by midnight but ended around 3 am."

I watched as they found a table that was a few feet from where I was sitting and thankfully I was still able to overhear their conversation. They seemed to be immersed in themselves that they didn't bother to look around.

"Well, at least we got it done before the last minute call came in. From what I've heard this could be a lifetime opportunity for us." Carter's face lit up with elation when he made that statement. That definitely caught my attention.

"What do you mean?"

Taylor moved closer as Carter whispered towards his ear, "Last night, an unidentified object fell from the sky around 2 am and landed somewhere in Mexico. Word is that it might be one of those aliens that appeared decades before."

My head perked up and I've almost forgotten that I was supposed to not draw attention but luckily they didn't so much as look in my direction. However, I wanted to learn more about what they were talking about.

"So have they mobilized our troops to go to Mexico? Shouldn't I have been notified if they needed as many soldiers as they possibly can?"

"They are only sending their best to that area and we don't want to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves. Remember, if it's true then Project Stargazer will get involved and Traeger might actually go with them to see."

Traeger? He's going to Mexico as well? Must be serious if he's traveling there himself.

I remembered that bastard… I could never have forgotten what he did to me all those years ago. Now, their conversation was getting very interesting.

"So do you know when they are going?"

"Probably by tomorrow night. They don't want to go during the day and the UFO is trapped in the woods away from civilization so it's safe from prying eyes."

Taylor signed, "We'll cross our fingers for it. It will bring some excitement after so long."

"Let us hope."

The waitress finally came to them and took their order and drinks were brought to them. I studied them carefully but they just laughed and talked about other matters. My blood boiled with how so carefree they were about their previous conversation, not regarding what they will do if they do find anything in Mexico. I saw their cruelty firsthand myself.

The waitress came back to me and spoke, "Are you all done Miss?"

I turned my head back, "Yes. I would like the bill."

She put it down but I immediately placed the money down in front of her, "Take it. It's all in there."

She grabbed the money but gave me a look of disappointment when she saw the tip was only three dollars. "That's all you're gonna get." My voice filled with annoyance. She puffed and went back to the register.

I got off the bar and made my way towards the door but suddenly dropped my bag when another customer bumped into me. I reached down to get it but another hand made it there first and lifted it up. I flashed my eyes towards the person for a minute but shot them down again when I realized that it was Carter. Oh great . . .

"Pardon me Miss but I believed you dropped this."

He placed the bag between us but I stood still for a moment, hoping he didn't recognize me all these years. Quickly, I snatched it roughly from him and never made eye contact with him.

"You should be more carefully next time. You never know what people are capable of doing." A faint smile appeared on his face, barely in my line of sight. Disgusting asshole!

I spun around and opened the door with such force that I thought it would come off its hinges. The hatred inside me was burning in my chest and threatened to burst out with a vengeance at Carter. At least he didn't know who I was.

Not worth your breath! You have better things to take care of.

That's right . . . I needed to get back to my home in the forest to gather my things and prepare for the trip to Mexico. If they are interested in it, then so am I.

Not having enough time to walk back, I saw some motorcycles nearby and decided to steal one. Without thinking, I reached for a silver colored bike and hotwired it in a flash. Learned it from living on the streets when I needed to find food. I started the bike and took off without any resistance from anyone. It's normal for stuff like this to happen. It may have been a town but a filthy one no less, crawling with gangs and criminals.

In little time, I managed to reach the road near the tree that I was previously sitting by that afternoon but I turned off the bike so I wouldn't make too much noise and pushed it towards the direction of my home.

It wasn't much of a home; just a cave in the mountain covered in bushes to conceal the entrance but it's enough for me.

Inside, I build a makeshift bed out of a sleeping bag that I found in a donation box with a blanket on top to keep me warm during the coldest days. On the near side of the wall, all my belongings were sitting in a pile, including my bag, traveling gear and weapons (e.g. gun and set of knives) for defense.

I bent down and began to stuff my bag with leftover food, a canister for water, binoculars, knives and lastly my gun.

As I held the gun in my right hand, I stole a glance at my lower arm and the tattoo that peeked out from the wrappings. It was a grim reminder of my past. It was made of several numbers and a hashtag next to them. This is what they did to mark me as their property when I was a lab rat with no free will whatsoever. I was their toy for them to take apart and play with.

Not anymore Anya . . .

I rubbed the tattoo for a minute before I put the wrappings back into place and resumed what I was doing before I stopped.

My bag was all set and I double checked to make sure I had what I needed. I took a breath and hoisted my bag to my shoulder. I was ready…

Right at that moment, I made a vow that I will find them, track'em, and destroy them. I won't let them get their hands on what they seek. No matter what, I will accomplish it. I walked out to the exit of the cave, filled with determination.

Let's begin . . .

Hi Readers!

Things are starting to heat up with Anya and she's about to go into the lion's den. What she will find is something she would have never expected. Hope you're loving the story as it develops.

All reviews are accepted as long as they are for good criticism. It will definitely help me structure this story better but with a unique twist.

Enjoy and Chapter 2 will be posted next week!

~DarkOne09