An apple and some juice.

He promised me something more for lunch, provided I held this down, and still had an appetite. I thought he was joking, making fun of me in some way.

That was until- to my shock-I found that I was actually FULL after that small excuse for a meal. He ate his meal of meat of undetermined origin and bread with me in his room, which had become my own. Dearka-ever the gentlemen-refused to speak of business until our stomach’s were full, and partially digested.

I have to admit that I was comfortable. The room, while sparse, was cozy and hospitable enough. The bed, Dearkas bed, was more then comfortable, and smelled refreshingly clean. The food, while small in its quantity, it was fresh and of good quality.  Dearka was clearly more then I had thought him to be.

“So, Miss Meeka. To business.” Dearka said, sitting on a chair beside the bed, where I still lay. “I have done everything you asked of me, and more. You have been in my house for a week and, from what I can tell” he gave a small chuckle “you’ll be here another week more.”

I blushed a little at his words. He didn’t seem to mind that I had taken over his bed, and would continue to do so, but more that he wasn’t in it with me. “And for that, Dearka, I thank you. Did you want me to leave sooner?”

He smiled at that “No no, of course not. Truth be told, its kinda nice having a women, however unconscious, in my place. Livens it up a little.” another chuckle,

“You want to know about payment, am I right?” I asked, cutting right to the meat of the matter, but continued before he could answer “If I don’t have enough on me, I can get it for you no problem. What I want to know is what you want for all the, er, extra care. And, well, really, what, exactly I’m paying for. I know what I asked for, sort of, but…” I trailed off.

“Of course, you have yet to try out your new abilities, shall we call them.” He chuckled deeply, his chest almost rumbling with the deepness. “I am not quite sure what you wanted, per say. Most people who come in can tell me exactly what they want. You, however, gave me a vague idea, nothing clear, or focused. So “he took a deep breath in ” I decided to, well, wing it, I suppose.”

[xox]

I had no idea where I was, or how I got to where I was. The walls were white, pure white, the curtains on the window a pale green and open, letting the-from what I could tell-early morning sunshine in.

I realized with a start that I couldn’t feel my body.

The beating of my heart increased, choking me, my beating coming in gasps. What if something went wrong with the modifications? Or, worse yet, what about the eggs that were removed? What if something went horribly wrong?

With effort I cannot even begin to describe, I lifted my head from the pillow it lay on, and looked down. The effort proved too much, apparently, my head and neck giving up, the back of my skull making a soft impact with the pillow.

However, not before I saw that my body was there, and it was more then I could have hoped for.

I ideally wondered if I had enough money on me to pay for all of this….it was more then I had asked Dearka for, this I knew.

I couldn’t keep the smile off my face, my corners of my lips curling themselves upwards, without my consent, or thought. But I wasn’t going to complain.

For the first time in my life, I was perfect!

“Sleeping beauty awakens, finally” a voice-which I knew to be Dearka’s-said from what I guessed to be the doorway.

I smiled even wider, and said “I am indeed, awake, and hungry.”

He laughed as he came closer to the bed, and within view finally. “I would assume so, Princess, you have been sleeping for nearly a week. I was starting to wonder about places to bury you.”

“A week? Are you seriously kidding me?” I said, shocked. A week? I was never that big into sleep, and this was just beyond the call of duty. I thought, again, that maybe something went awry during the process.

“Nope. Not kidding. That’s what I moved you to my own place. Get yourself better soon, Meeka, I don’t particularly relish sleeping on my own couch.”

[xox]

At this point, I do not regret what I have chosen for myself, nor do I see myself doing so at any point during my life. However, I have to admit that I did not take the procedure with as much strength and resolve and stoicism as I would have hoped.

To be frank, I cried like a little girl.

Not because the procedure was rather invasive and painful, which was as much fun as it sounds, but because I had to go through this because of some stupid law imposed by my own grandmother.

I understood her reasons for implementing the law, but, that didn’t mean that I had to agree with it.

I am still unsure if I hope she never finds out about this, or, does, and sees what her rule has done to her youngest grandchild, what it has reduced me to.

Dearka was a true gentleman throughout the entire procedure, bringing me water, or anything else that I needed, anticipating any pain I would feel, and upping the medication, and consoling me whenever the pain was too much.

It made me wish that I had time for someone like him in my life. I wish that I had met him sooner, or later, if I had a later. He seemed to be genuine in his emotions, which was more then I could say for most of the men that I had met in my life prior to this point.

Perhaps, when this was all done, when I had done what I needed to do, I would find him again. Maybe we could have something worth my time.

Or maybe the drugs are talking. I have never been on this many pain killers at once. I think Dearka said something about doing my mods while I was unconscious, and drugged to the gills, so to say.

Did I mention that I’m sleepy?

[xox]

This was a course of action that I had not thought of. This should have crossed my mind, but, the thing is, this wasn’t a normal, common practice. History has taught me-and anyone else who was paying attention-that the females of this new world LIKED having kids, being baby machines.

That thought was what did me in. Baby machine. I had better things to do with my life then breed children that I did not want.

“Lets do it.” I said, my voice wavering only slightly. It was a dangerous procedure, but not deadly. The worst, as far as I knew, that could happen was that I would never actually be able to have children. Big deal.

Dearka looked at me, his eyes boring into mine, as if trying to delve into my soul-if I had one.

“You’re sure about this Princess? Once I start, there’s no turning back.”

I nodded once, my resolve strengthening.

“yes”

[xox]

Fucking astute mother fucker.

I took a deep breath in, and thought fast.  Every woman was subject to the Fertility law, which states that every women must bear at least 2 children during their lifetime. Women were encouraged to have more then the required 2 children, of course, however, that was the law. Anyone who resisted, and by the age of 25 had not had a child, was arrested, and held in special prisons.

They were forced to have a child, one way or the other. Force, or by choice was entirely up to the mother.

I was still only 18. I had plenty of time to breed, before I was subject to the law.

I planned on being long gone by then.

“You don’t have a plan on that, do you Mika?” Dearka quietly said, his voice pulling me from my frantic thoughts.

I shook my head. I didn’t want to admit defeat, but, truth be told, I hadn’t come up with a good plan on this one yet. I highly doubted one would come up now.

He moved closer to me, and sat on the desk, his leg supporting the bulk of his weight.

“What did you want to get done?” he asked gently.

I looked at him then, the defeat, I was sure, was plain in my eyes.

“I wanted strength. Intelligence, beyond what I already possess. I wanted…I don’t want to be dependent on anyone but myself.”

He nodded. “Admirable desires. I can give that all to you, at a cost, of course. Or, I could, but my life would be forfeit. I live on the edge of the law, of course, but, I am not suicidal.”

We both sat in silence for a long moment, the seconds ticking away unnoticed, uncounted. My mind was blank, defeated, empty. Dearka..who knows what he was thinking. His face was a mask of emptiness, betraying none of his thoughts.

“I can think of only one thing, and you’re not going to like it, besides actually getting yourself knocked up. Now, don;t get me wrong, if you want to get this ball rolling with some good sex and a baby, I sure would be willing” he smiled at me, seductively, but, it wilted as he continued “but I doubt that’s what you want.”

I shook my head, but more in apology. I didn’t want any children, regardless of who was offering.

“The next best thing is” he paused, took a breath, “well, we could grow you one. From your eggs.”

[xox]

I’ve had this type of conversation before, and I knew that I was in it for the long run. I was not one to be turned out on her ears, as they say.

Dearka brought his upper body downwards in a bow of sorts. He was well built, his thick arms coming from a tight T-shirt, tattoos and self modifications visible. This man, clearly, was not accustomed to bowing to anyone, or, as it would seem, being in the company of anyone above his station.

It was true that most of his clients, people who would look for this sort of procedure, were not the savory types. Credit or work was often how they got the procedures in the first place. Which also was the reasons behind the tight informant web each well known modifier had.

“I am sorry, but, I simply cannot doth to you, not if I want to keep my life, let alone my business. Surely you understand.” Dearka said, clearly both uncomfortable and wishful. I could appreciate his dilemma. On the one hand, I was a woman, but on the other hand, it was clear that I could pay in full, and in cash.

I uncrossed my arms, and leaned forward, my hair falling forward over my shoulders, framing my face in red.

“Listen, Dearka, I understand your issues. However, your logic is wrong. I am not a princess, because my mother is not Queen. Hell, my grandmother, high ruler of the city, is not even considered a  Queen.”

He started to interrupt me, but I raised my hand, effectively silencing him.

“Even on that off chance my grandmother became Queen, my mother would be a princess before I would be. Then, should she pass away, my sister would be Queen long before I would. AND, if she passed away, the title would go to any of her daughters. If she didn’t have any of them by that point, well, I don’t know about you, but I  likely wont live long enough to see that day.”

I was given a long, considering look. I could see his mind working out the time line and how, ultimately, I was right. I would never rule this city.

“Alright, lets say that I do preform something on the almost princess, what would she want?”

I started to answer, but he cut me off

“Wait a minute. More importantly, I know damn well you haven’t fulfilled the Fertility law. Whenever I stretch my business to include women, I need proof of your fulfillment. What are you going to do about that?”

Fuck

[xox]

Or personal hygiene.

The stench of grime, bodily fluids and worse assaulted my senses, making me reel. It wasn’t pleasant at all, but, it couldn’t be avoided.

I had an appointment to keep.

The streets were narrow, made for people, rather then cars. They weaved in and out of each other, like ribbon through a child’s hair. If one wasn’t careful, it was easy to lose track of where you were, walking around in circles for hours, before eventually asking for directions.

The man that I sought, Dearka, was well hidden, and well connected. In this area of town, if anyone said his name, he knew within minutes, the new carrying from informant to informant like dust in the wind.

But, I was as well connected as he was. I knew where he was without having to ask around.

Which is how I found myself at a black, nondescript door, without any problems, or questions.

I pulled my black hood over my eyes before rapping on the door with my knuckles, the sound ringing throughout the empty alleyway.

A small slat, unseen before, slid open, revealing black listless eyes, darting back and forth, before resting on me.

“what?” said the voice, oily and thick.

“You will let me in. I will see your master” I said in a low voice, deep and quiet.

“Will you now?” the man said, his voice full of scorn and mockery.

“If you want to keep your job. Yes.” I said, low, dark and threatening. ” Dearka  is expecting me.”

The black eyes took on an even darker glint, as he said ” I’ll let you in, but, you may not come back out.”

I heard the locks moving, and the door opening smoothly, well oiled.

The lights were out, so there wasn’t much to see. It was larger inside, then it appeared to be outside. I was lead to a small room, likely what served as an office, and told to wait.

The room was bare, save for 2 chairs and a tiny desk, which housed a lamp a pen and some paper. The walls were bare, and, if colored, it was unnoticeable in the gloom of the room.

The door opened, and a man, who I assumed to be Dearka himself, walked in. He went directly to the desk, and, turning the lamp switch on, sat in the chair opposite my own.

“You are not expected, whoever you might be. Take your hood off, and tell me why you are here.”

“You are Dearka. I am in need of a Modifier of your skills. I can pay cash.” I said, still keeping my voice low.

“Hood. Off. Now, or you leave.”

I did as he asked, my long red hair escaping, falling down my shoulders in waves.

Dearka’s milk white eyes bore into me, seeing every single detail, his voice a mask of shock.

“Even if I worked on women, my lady, which I do not, I would never presume to work on the princess herself.”

[xox]

]]> http://ondayas.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/20/feed/ 1 mistril http://ondayas.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/19/ http://ondayas.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/19/#comments Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:10:45 +0000 mistril http://ondayas.wordpress.com/?p=36 ]]> The rain-if it could be called that-had stopped by the time I had worked my way into the city proper. It was a well protected city, simply because it wasn’t easy to get in. Besides the pipe lines, there was only one road that snaked its way up the steep walls around Guardian City.

I made my own way down the steep decline, choosing to descend in my own way, and at my own pace, rather then have everyone who chose to look see me.

It wasn’t exactly illegal for me to walk to the upper areas, but, it was frowned upon greatly. Not just because that sort of practice wasn’t encouraged, but also because it was even worse because I was a woman. I might have been the only one to admit it, but, like history before, it wasn’t exactly fun to be a girl in these times. For the first time in North America’s history, we lived in a matriarchal society, but for the wrong reasons, which made it all the more demeaning.

For the most part, females had greater intelligence, greater stamina and ideas. We didn’t encourage violence, nor did we lose our temperon the same scale as our testosterone carrying counterparts.

But no one recognized this.

No, instead, we had a matriarchal society because we were the bringers of life. We could conceive and bring life to our dying planet.

We were glorified baby machines.

The whole idea made me slightly nauseated. I was one of the few who believed that my life was more then a few organs, which I happened upon by no fault of my own.

I wasn’t in a very nice area of town, the south side. It was ridden with the scum of the city, the dealers, the hookers-who only worked after producing the legal 2 children- the crackheads. The worst of the city all lived and worked here.

I was here on business.

But they weren’t the only ones.

If you knew where to look, who to talk to, you could find the Modifiers. The ones who changed your body, your genetics, your DNA. The ones who upgraded your soft human flesh, into something stronger, more durable.

I had business to conduct with one of them. They just weren’t aware of it yet.

[xox]

Guardian City wasn’t much of a city, but it was home. The only one that I have known, and, as such, the only one I could base any of my ideals against.

I stood at what was once known as New York City, or so my grandmother told me. I believed her, she seemed to know what she was talking about, seeing as she was one of the few who survived the Great Dissent. Who was I to argue?

The city that existed now resided in a great pit of sorts. Almost a valley, but the walls that the bombs had blasted in were too steep, too perfect to be natural.

The  buildings were covered in the dirt and grime of the past few decades, making the city look darker then it should have. The water lines and energy pipes ran over the west side of the walls, and down into the city, giving light and water to those below.

This was my home, and home to a lot of the survivors of the Great dissent, and the generations that followed. While it was home, it was not safe, not secure.

Nothing was as it should have been.

There were other cities strewn across the world, most of them small, containing the populations of entire counties in their walls. Guardian City was no exception. Here contained most of the population of what had been United States of America. A few hours north of us, in what had been Montreal, contained the entire population of Can-union, which had been Canada, before their political problems forced the country apart. I had been to Storm City once, but many years ago, when I was a child. That city got some of the worst rain storms in history, which had sufficiently terrified me as a child.

The only thing that all of the remaining cities had in common was the dirt, the heat and the crime. It wasn’t safe to walk around alone anymore, especially not as a woman.

We were prized for our abilities to give life, which was in short supply.

It wasn’t safe for us anymore.

My name is Mika. I intend to keep whats rightfully mine.

[xox]

March was no longer the transitioning between the cold Winter, and the life-giving Spring. In this part of the world, as with most of the populated area, there was no Winter. No Spring, no Autumn. Only summer.  Blistering,  sweltering, feverish heat. The nights brought a sweet cool release, but it was short lived.

Nothing was what it had been.

The days were long, and dry, but not like the ones that my grandmother reminisced of her younger years. Her stories lulled me to sleep when I was a child, soothing and promising, filled with such hope and joy.

I knew better now. But, as a child, they were like a security blanket, wrapping my mind in hope for the future.

I knew better now.

So did the remaining 10,000 people on this planet.

We all knew better.

[xox]