Author's note-Whenever [ ] is around a quote it means they are speaking in an alien language.

Chapter Eight-Pain

"Come on now, wakey, wakey." Robin was woken with a slap to the face. He wearily opened his eyes to see Blackfire hovering over him. He struggled to move again only to realize he was in the same awkward position as before. "Time to see your new home." He groaned in response noticing he was still gagged as well but now she had replaced the metal strap with a clothe one. He caught sight of the same object that had captured him back on earth floating next to Blackfire and he cringed in response. She caught his expression and smiled. "Now if you're really good and don't make such a fuss, I won't have to zap you."

As they exited the ship he did his best to pay attention to their surroundings. They appeared to be in the lowest level of a large city. Looking up he could still see the bright orange sky. This place was vast and even if he managed to escape it wouldn't be easy getting back to earth. He started to feel dizzy and he closed his eyes. That didn't seem to help and he was feeling even more light headed. Blackfire led the way lower into the center of the city until they entered one particular building. By this point Robin was having a hard time keep track of things. They were greeted by Blackfire's client and two other beings. The woman was clearly Rannian even though she was still concealing her face under a cloak. Her two companions appeared to be androids as they didn't require clothing and appeared to be made of some kind of metal. The client nodded at them both and they immediately hurried over to Robin. A conversation took place that he didn't understand since they were speaking in an alien language. He couldn't believe this was actually happening. In this moment, he really wondered if he'd ever see Starfire again and his heart sank in his chest.

["Here's that sample you asked for as well. He's a little tapped out for now but I'm sure if you give him some protein he'll be up and running."] Blackfire handed over the case to her client.

["He doesn't seem to be doing very well,"] one of the androids chimed in. The client became tense and hurried over despite her better judgment. Without a second thought she pulled his mask off with one hand to get a better look at him. He let out a weak breath and attempted to inhale. The next breath was shallow and brought a concerned look to her face.

["It's our atmosphere, ma'am. His oxygen levels appear to be dangerously low."] The cloaked woman gently removed the gag in his mouth. She motioned for them to follow her further inside. The two androids headed into a nearby room with Robin and closed the door behind them.

["I'm sure he'll be fine. He's pretty resilient. Now about my payment..."] Blackfire received a glare in response.

["You will not receive payment until I know he is healthy enough for what I need him for. If he dies you'll get nothing."]

["Then I guess I'll be sticking around for awhile,"] the Tamaranean crossed her arms over her chest. Her client smiled back from under her hood.

["I'd recommend not wondering into the city. You won't receive a warm welcome."]

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It took every ounce of strength for Robin to stay conscious. He turned his head to feel an oxygen mask over his nose and mouth. His head was less cloudy allowing him to think a little better. Once the two androids finished checking his vitals and making sure he was okay, he could feel them moving him. Before he had a grasp on what was happening he felt warmth covering his entire body. His surroundings became hotter and he realized he was laying in something similar to a bathtub. He let out a groan in response.

"It's okay, just need to decontaminate you." He was surprised he understood the one android as they started scrubbing him all over. He didn't remember them removing his only shred of clothing but it was gone now leaving him vulnerable. Despite receiving the much needed oxygen, there was a definite unnerving feeling of fear that he couldn't shake. Once they finished cleaning him up he was moved again, this time onto an exam table with a bright light overhead. He was turned on his side and suddenly felt a pain in his lower back. He let out an abrupt yell and attempted to move away but was held in place. "Do not struggle, it is important that you remain still." He grit his teeth and balled his fists. It felt like fire coursing through his body and after a couple of seconds of pain, it melted away leaving the area sore. "Very good, we can't have you fighting against us during the initial examinations. " The statement caused his stomach to do an unsettling flip. He attempted to move only to confirm his fear and sent him into a panic.

"What did you do to me," His tone clearly revealed he was scared and he couldn't hide it.

"It is best that you remain calm. The injection into your spine will restrict you movements during our tests. It will wear off in awhile."

"If you're so worried about something like that why not put me to sleep," the edge was still in his voice despite his efforts to sound angry.

"Our examinations require you fully lucid." He gulped nervously at that statement. It wasn't that he couldn't handle pain, it was the unknown factor that worried him. He knew they needed him alive but it didn't mean they had to be gentle. And considering they were unfeeling androids, Robin knew they most likely would not be.

He wasn't sure of everything that was done throughout the process but he knew it was as unpleasant as he expected it to be. There had been scans done of his entire body, measurements taken, blood drawn, spinal fluid extracted and at some point they even forced a urine sample which was not an enjoyable experience at all. He had voiced discomfort but after so many times they stopped responding to him. By the time is was all over he was trembling involuntarily despite the injection they had given him at the beginning. He had lost track of time although it felt like it had all but stopped by now. "Okay, you are all done. You did very well." The kind words did nothing for him. There was so much residual pain at this point his consciousness was starting to slip. [ "He's all yours, ma'am,"] he heard the one android speak gibberish again. His head fell to one side and he realized for the first time he was no longer in the sterile exam room. He felt clothing against his skin as well as the warmth of blankets.

He shifted and every muscle protested from the slight movement. His head was pounding against his eyes and everything seemed to be aching now.

"I am certain you are experiencing some discomfort. It should pass in time." Again he was surprised he understood and he sat up to see where the statement came from. The cloaked woman from before sat in a chair nearby. One of her androids was standing next to the bed he was currently occupying. Getting his barrings together, he glanced around the room. The decor was simple but appeared to be a living quarter. Almost like a hotel suite from the future. "I doubt you understand why you are here." Robin realized she was still talking in her own language but the android was translating the words before they reached his ears. Gritting his teeth, he looked for anything he could use as a weapon. Not wasting any time he leaped from the bed as quickly as physically possible and grabbed a nearby pole that was holding up a piece of art. Bringing his now make shift staff around, he pointed it at her.

"I don't care what reason you had to bring me here. It was against my will and I won't do whatever it is you want."

"I believe if you would calm down and hear me out, you would understand the importance." She seemed unwavering even though he was threatening her with a weapon.

"Blackfire told me enough. I won't let you use me for that." She smiled slightly, removing her hood and revealing her face. Her pale blueish skin would have spooked anyone else but Robin had been living with an alien for years now so it left him unfazed.

"You don't seem to understand you don't have an option. You can either cooperate or it can be by force. All depends on you." He started to back away towards the door. He was surprised when it actually opened. No one chased after him as he bolted from the room and ran down the hallway.