"Subject 11134-A. Stand up," a buzzing voice said.
Samantha opened her eyes and complied.
A door opened and a stench of rotten fish entered the room. She had gotten used to that smell over the years. She even missed it when it was gone. Despite the fact that it had something to do with her captors, it was something familiar. Or, at least, it had become familiar.
A Tarn glided in and looked around the darkened room, probably looking for a booby trap. She had made one a few years back. It blew the head off of one of them. It wasn't a pretty sight, but it sure made her feel better ... before she was tortured, that was. They knew that she knew the punishment for doing it again, but they weren't taking any chances.
"Subject 11134-A," the buzzing voice said again.
She glared at the Tarn. "My name is Samantha Wilson."
"Subject 11134-A," the Tarn repeated. "Subject 11736-B from Project 2XY-357 has disappeared."
"Disappeared?"
"Reports say that Subject 11736-B has been captured by rebel humans," the Tarn buzzed.
Samantha grinned. At least he's alive, she thought.
"You will help us track him."
"No."
The Tarn tilted its head. "You know how he thinks."
"I won't help you."
"Yes. You will," the Tarn buzzed.
