The space pod was dark, and XJ's hands were bound with thick metal rings--magcuffs--no getting out of these guys. Not that she could do anything in the space pod. It was unmanned, and they barely left more than dehydrated astrofood around, which XJ had to scrounge around for in the dark. Tasted like dry ramen noodles without the seasoning packet. Gross. But it was edible.
The trip to the prison planet was long, which wasn't a good sign. Not a government prison, then. That would have been too easy. She had certainly made enemies in the wrong place--or the right place, depending on how you looked at it. Those bastards deserved to be taken down. Just, apparently, not by her.
"Damnit," XJ said, mostly just to hear the sound of her own voice. It was lonely in here, and it had been, what, weeks? She counted 30 meals and had gone through most of them. She had to go off when her stomach grumbled, which was frequently, and wasn't exactly a good indication of time of day. What she wouldn't do for some sour spacekids. It'd been too long.
XJ closed her eyes and let a few tears escape her eyes. She remembered the last few blissful moments before the suits showed up, bypassing a proper trial and sending her on a one way trip to... the rest of her life probably. Shit. But, before that, before that, when Nix pressed her lips against XJ's, pressed her body into XJ's, the light from the purple sunset glowing through the pink curtains. It was an image from a dream.
A half life, XJ thought grimly. She flashed forward to the look in Nix's eyes when the suits took her away. Something determined and pained in her expression but... she still let them take XJ away. Like she expected it. That look haunted XJ's dreams. Did Nix have something to do with it? Who else would have turned XJ in? Or did they just catch up to her?
It didn't matter now. Nix was still on Nostaloma, and XJ was... in a prison space pod.
---
XJ woke up abruptly when the space pod clicked loudly into a port. It only took a moment for her to wake up fully; she wanted to know what was next. Or maybe she didn't want to know but wanted to be prepared. Either way, she managed to rub the sleep dust from her eyes awkwardly with both hands, stood up, and walked closer to the door.
The door to the airlock opened unceremoniously, but at least there was more light. It was still dim, but it was something, and still XJ's eyes took a minute to adjust after being so long in the dark. Before long, though, there was an undeniable pull on the magcuffs, and XJ's was dragged forward by nothing but magnetism itself. It was tempting to resist--she felt like it would be possible at least for a little while--but it was a lot less fun to struggle against a machine programed to be stronger, so she let it happen--after she had the good sense to tuck the rest of the food into the hip of her slicks. Once the airlock closed behind her, the door on the far side opened, and XJ's magcuffs--and the rest of her body--were ushered forward down a long set of corridors. There were other prisoners being dragged around in a similar fashion, stuck on a track just far enough away from her, but others were walking around freely. Mostly, XJ was just glad to see faces again. She had begun to wonder if all of life had gone extinct while she was in the space pod.
XJ tried not to catch anyone's eye, looking down except to sneak glances at her surroundings. As she passed the mess hall, she could smell it before she could see it. At least it wasn't dehydrated shit. Damn, she was starving again already.
And, finally, the magcuffs led her to a standard-issue cell, complete with a cellmate, it seemed.
Cutting costs as per usual, XJ thought. But once the cell door closed behind her, the magcuffs unlocked, and her hands rejoiced immediately. XJ stretched and moaned, crashing down on the tiny bed that was plenty enough room for her short frame. Home sweet home, XJ thought. A voice came over the megaphone in their cell and was quickly translated by XJ's chip.
"Change into your jumpsuit and put your old clothing in the bin. Training begins at 0600 hours." Lovely. More automation. XJ wasn't interested in giving up her clothing, especially not for the ugly orange jumpsuit at the end of her bed. What were they going to do if she kept her slicks and one-shoulder shirt? Not to mention her sick neon sneaks. She was still proud of the way they matched her bright blue and green hair, but it was probably too messy and smelly to appreciate at present. Did she still have glitter on her face?
"When do I get a shower?" XJ sarcastically asked the megaphone, not expecting an answer. Then XJ looked over at her cellmate, wondering if she would answer instead.
((OOC: By the way "OOC" means "out of character" which is where you can put notes, etc. that you want Andra to know. Feel free to add whatever to the setting; I was kinda just playing around and as far as I'm concerned, it's a shared purview. And, as ever, if something I added in doesn't jive with you, let me know, and we can retcon. So excited!))
Part 1: Arrested!
Re: Part 1: Arrested!
The dark shift had been shortened to facilitate the arrival of newcomers. Lights clicked on and gears whirred as unseen pods docked with the station. Anya's ears perked up as the station rattled to life, or at least to whatever mocked it. Last night, Warden iObey had demanded that Anya clear off the bed that had come to be Anya's extra shelf for the last two and a half weeks. iObey™ version 4.72 was a program created by several corporations to handle most station automation aboard prison stations like this one. The corporations certainly relished in programing it to require prisoners to respond to commands in the affirmative and by name. Anya imagined dozens of strings connecting this station to all the pods' places of origins. She smiled at the thought of being connected to her home planet again, the memory of nature teased her brain's olfactory center for just a moment before the shuffling of inmates magnetically pulled by magcuffs blew the phantom scent away. She scoffed at the passivity of the prisoners before remembering her own trip in isolation for countless days. It was enough to break anyone, at least for a while; even her.
A curious set of creatures shuffled by that Anya hadn't seen before. Perhaps the Gloms from the recently acquired Conglomerate for Prosperity. They looked especially downtrodden, none of them speaking a word. Next, several more familiar species passed by, each one a potential cellmate. Anya yawned; it was too early for this, especially having lost sleep from anxiety. How do you even introduce yourself to someone who is going to be stuck with you for what's sure to feel like an eternity? Or will you be stuck with them? Anya supposed that it would depend on who bugs the shit out of the other more. The magcuffs of a figure finally stopped in front of the cell door, which opened with a clunk: time to meet the new cellmate. Anya opened her mouth to speak, but instead of words coming from her own mouth; iObey barked at the newcomer. "Change into your jumpsuit and put your old clothing in the bin. Training begins at 0600 hours." Anya was glad that her new cellmate had been too distracted by the release of the cuffs to notice Anya's recoil at the unexpected orders. It was comforting to see street clothes. Signs of freedom outside, or at least of what passes for freedom on the outside these days. Had it been longer, Anya may have resented that, but having gone through all this only a few weeks earlier it was refreshing. "When do I get a shower?" came the sarcastic response. A wave of emotion flashed across Anya's face that felt like how the Cheshire cat looks. It was an automated system, but poking at it was just too fun; especially since iObey would let the newcomer get away with it until the training.
Anya sat up from her bed, still smiling, legs crisscross, rounded ears perked up. "Nice style! They may take those clothes away, but don't forget that they can't take away your style. And never let ole Oh-Bee change that attitude. It's an old stick in the mud, but it's still limited by its programming. Showers are after the work day. You'll be taken to that training in about an hour, but after that; Breakfast! It seems like they feed us a little better when newbies first get here. I hope you slept before you got here because it's early! I'm Anya. It looks like we're gonna to be spending quite a bit of time together. If you want, we can shake hands. I know isolation on the trip over can leave a person really touch deprived. Remember to take it easy on your first day!"
A curious set of creatures shuffled by that Anya hadn't seen before. Perhaps the Gloms from the recently acquired Conglomerate for Prosperity. They looked especially downtrodden, none of them speaking a word. Next, several more familiar species passed by, each one a potential cellmate. Anya yawned; it was too early for this, especially having lost sleep from anxiety. How do you even introduce yourself to someone who is going to be stuck with you for what's sure to feel like an eternity? Or will you be stuck with them? Anya supposed that it would depend on who bugs the shit out of the other more. The magcuffs of a figure finally stopped in front of the cell door, which opened with a clunk: time to meet the new cellmate. Anya opened her mouth to speak, but instead of words coming from her own mouth; iObey barked at the newcomer. "Change into your jumpsuit and put your old clothing in the bin. Training begins at 0600 hours." Anya was glad that her new cellmate had been too distracted by the release of the cuffs to notice Anya's recoil at the unexpected orders. It was comforting to see street clothes. Signs of freedom outside, or at least of what passes for freedom on the outside these days. Had it been longer, Anya may have resented that, but having gone through all this only a few weeks earlier it was refreshing. "When do I get a shower?" came the sarcastic response. A wave of emotion flashed across Anya's face that felt like how the Cheshire cat looks. It was an automated system, but poking at it was just too fun; especially since iObey would let the newcomer get away with it until the training.
Anya sat up from her bed, still smiling, legs crisscross, rounded ears perked up. "Nice style! They may take those clothes away, but don't forget that they can't take away your style. And never let ole Oh-Bee change that attitude. It's an old stick in the mud, but it's still limited by its programming. Showers are after the work day. You'll be taken to that training in about an hour, but after that; Breakfast! It seems like they feed us a little better when newbies first get here. I hope you slept before you got here because it's early! I'm Anya. It looks like we're gonna to be spending quite a bit of time together. If you want, we can shake hands. I know isolation on the trip over can leave a person really touch deprived. Remember to take it easy on your first day!"
Last edited by Auryn on Wed Mar 03, 2021 2:43 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Part 1: Arrested!
And, in fact, she did answer. XJ looked her cellmate up and down while her fellow Nostaloman talked, taking her in. She had quite a mischievous expression that certainly complimented her appearance, what with her sharper teeth, ears, lush curly hair, and tail. The prison certainly hadn't taken her style away even though she was already wearing the orange jumpsuit. Hell, XJ thought, back on Nostaloma, add a few accessories to the jumpsuit, and you've got a runway outfit.
Still, after so much time in isolation, XJ was overwhelmed by the spunk in the girl's voice and could not help being a little more bitter than she would otherwise. Sure, she wanted to make a good impression, but they were in prison. This was not about to be some happy fun time girl talk sleepover shit. XJ put a hand to her head for a moment.
It took XJ a minute to realize that "Oh-Bee" was a reference to the automated warden voice coming from the speaker in their cell. XJ had an appreciation for technology but wasn't exactly up to date on the latest in lifeform trafficking and control. Gods, she missed the simple times when she could DJ at her favorite undergrounds. Those were the days.
XJ raised an eyebrow at Anya's offer to shake hands. It felt like such a superfluous gesture, something that would happen without thinking back on Nostaloma. Did it really have a place here? Was XJ touch deprived?
Uh, duh! she thought, but she didn't want a handshake.
"So, roomies, huh?" XJ asked, putting a hand on her hip and ignoring the offer for now. "Where'd you stash your clothes?" She thought it was a long shot to get someone to give up their prison secrets within the first few minutes of meeting, but if there was any way to avoid having to toss them all out the airlock...
Still, after so much time in isolation, XJ was overwhelmed by the spunk in the girl's voice and could not help being a little more bitter than she would otherwise. Sure, she wanted to make a good impression, but they were in prison. This was not about to be some happy fun time girl talk sleepover shit. XJ put a hand to her head for a moment.
It took XJ a minute to realize that "Oh-Bee" was a reference to the automated warden voice coming from the speaker in their cell. XJ had an appreciation for technology but wasn't exactly up to date on the latest in lifeform trafficking and control. Gods, she missed the simple times when she could DJ at her favorite undergrounds. Those were the days.
XJ raised an eyebrow at Anya's offer to shake hands. It felt like such a superfluous gesture, something that would happen without thinking back on Nostaloma. Did it really have a place here? Was XJ touch deprived?
Uh, duh! she thought, but she didn't want a handshake.
"So, roomies, huh?" XJ asked, putting a hand on her hip and ignoring the offer for now. "Where'd you stash your clothes?" She thought it was a long shot to get someone to give up their prison secrets within the first few minutes of meeting, but if there was any way to avoid having to toss them all out the airlock...
Re: Part 1: Arrested!
"My...clothes?" Anya gave her new cellmate a quizzical look. Her sharp nails pulled at the half-unzipped middle of her jumpsuit, as if to present it as the answer. It took her a moment to realize that her new cellmate was asking about any belongings she had arrived with, and not the clothes in her hand.
"Oh, uh...well, I didn't exactly come with any." She dropped her hand back down to her lap. "Our demonstration was friendly to being....less than clad. Did you hear about The Anti-Fashion Parade at the capital about a month ago? That's when they got me. I guess protesting the clothing industry too was the last straw. Ironic, these jumpsuits are made by Calvin Caine, whose headquarters we were marching to. Anyway, Oh-Bee actually got angry because the bin was empty when it came to get me for training. The guards actually had to come override it. I did save this, though." Leaning over the bed, Anya held up a necklace with some small, predatory teeth on it, tethered to the end of the bed farthest from the door. She caught herself holding her gaze with the necklace, reminded of home for a moment, and continued;
"Well, in any case, you'll probably need to put something in the bin. They won't give you new sheets for a week; and if I give you my jumpsuit, Gerald will be on my ass about it again, the prude dick. They don't check under the mattress every day, but it is the first place they look when they do an inspection."
The loud clanks of cell doors opening and closing finally began to slow, until the last echo of metal rang into silence, leaving the whir of motors, buzzing of cheap lighting, and the deep, gentle pulse of the station's core to provide the backdrop to dwindling conversations, a few of the new inmates weeping, and sounds of cooking from the mess hall. Anya recalled her first morning here, naked and alone after a long, isolated journey. She found herself at a complete loss for what this newcomer might need. Anya didn't want to come across too eager, a mistake she'd been known to make in her teenage years.
"Tell you what; I don't have to be up until after your...'Re-education.'" Anya said with a spiteful tone. She hated the idea of people being reprogrammed to conform. "I'll give you some privacy and...wish you luck! I bet you can find a corner to stash them if you want it bad enough!" Anya began to turn away, preparing to catch the last hour or so of sleep left in the morning, but she kept her eye on this new figure for a moment, allowing room for a response; and also time to notice the brilliant colors in her hair, if unstyled from her long trip.
((OOC: Anya will totally entertain more conversation, but suspects that XJ wants some time to herself to adjust and get settled. She'll only hold XJ's gaze long enough to determine what XJ wants to do. Without indication of continued interaction, she'll enjoy the snooze and roll to face away to give XJ the privacy to change and make her own stash spot. She'll sit back up and pay attention if XJ indicates a desire for more interaction.))
"Oh, uh...well, I didn't exactly come with any." She dropped her hand back down to her lap. "Our demonstration was friendly to being....less than clad. Did you hear about The Anti-Fashion Parade at the capital about a month ago? That's when they got me. I guess protesting the clothing industry too was the last straw. Ironic, these jumpsuits are made by Calvin Caine, whose headquarters we were marching to. Anyway, Oh-Bee actually got angry because the bin was empty when it came to get me for training. The guards actually had to come override it. I did save this, though." Leaning over the bed, Anya held up a necklace with some small, predatory teeth on it, tethered to the end of the bed farthest from the door. She caught herself holding her gaze with the necklace, reminded of home for a moment, and continued;
"Well, in any case, you'll probably need to put something in the bin. They won't give you new sheets for a week; and if I give you my jumpsuit, Gerald will be on my ass about it again, the prude dick. They don't check under the mattress every day, but it is the first place they look when they do an inspection."
The loud clanks of cell doors opening and closing finally began to slow, until the last echo of metal rang into silence, leaving the whir of motors, buzzing of cheap lighting, and the deep, gentle pulse of the station's core to provide the backdrop to dwindling conversations, a few of the new inmates weeping, and sounds of cooking from the mess hall. Anya recalled her first morning here, naked and alone after a long, isolated journey. She found herself at a complete loss for what this newcomer might need. Anya didn't want to come across too eager, a mistake she'd been known to make in her teenage years.
"Tell you what; I don't have to be up until after your...'Re-education.'" Anya said with a spiteful tone. She hated the idea of people being reprogrammed to conform. "I'll give you some privacy and...wish you luck! I bet you can find a corner to stash them if you want it bad enough!" Anya began to turn away, preparing to catch the last hour or so of sleep left in the morning, but she kept her eye on this new figure for a moment, allowing room for a response; and also time to notice the brilliant colors in her hair, if unstyled from her long trip.
((OOC: Anya will totally entertain more conversation, but suspects that XJ wants some time to herself to adjust and get settled. She'll only hold XJ's gaze long enough to determine what XJ wants to do. Without indication of continued interaction, she'll enjoy the snooze and roll to face away to give XJ the privacy to change and make her own stash spot. She'll sit back up and pay attention if XJ indicates a desire for more interaction.))
Re: Part 1: Arrested!
XJ looked confused and then smiled and then actually laughed as Anya relayed her experience of getting arrested. Anya was part of the Anti-Fashion parade? Good grief, XJ couldn't imagine being naked in that space pod. That situation had been uncomfortable enough. Although, it might have made going to the bathroom easier. XJ was a little proud of how good she had gotten at removing necessary clothes even with the magcuffs on. All that flexibility training had paid off.
But... that Anti-fashion parade had gotten a lot of press. Hard to believe that that was enough to get someone sent here, though. Hadn't most of the people involved gotten a slap on the wrist? What had Anya done to get special treatment? Surely that wasn't the whole story. But, that wasn't a conversation XJ needed to have on the first day with her cellmate, especially after she did spill the tea and show off some contraband. Yeah, that necklace was dope. A little spooky, but in a stylish way that charmed XJ. This girl had taste!
Ugh, but she was not looking forward to putting anything in that bin. Anya was probably right, though. They must check by weight to make sure you didn't keep anything. XJ started wracking her brain for a way to get away with it. Only here a few minutes, and she was already breaking the rules. Figures. Nix might have approved, if she... well. Damn.
There was probably not any way to keep her shoes. They were the heaviest part of her outfit, and someone was definitely going to notice if she didn't give them up. She suddenly regretted getting dressed up for the club before she had gone back with Nix. Couldn't she have worn something more sensible? Something that she wouldn't mind getting ground up and recycled into reusable plastic? Knowing how stingy the corporate prisons were, she'd probably see her shoes again as silverware.
Ughhhhhh, but, no, XJ would never go to a club without an outfit, even as a wanted person.
Okay. No shoes. And the shirt... could go. Was definitely keeping the leopard print bra and underwear, though. For a while, she could just wear those under her prison-issue versions--drab white excuses for clothes--at least until they lessened the scrutiny on her for being new. In fact, she could probably do the same with her slicks, though she wasn't sure how comfortable they would be, depending on what re-education would be like. Maybe she did want out of them after all. It had been a long time in that space pod, and the excitement of them had long worn off. Damn it, XJ said as she took of her shoes and slid out of her slicks, setting the dried noodles she had stashes aside. Her off-the-shoulder shirt came off next, so she was down to her socks and underwear. May as well keep the socks. They were comfy socks, and that seemed like a small pleasure she was going to appreciate later. There was a very small bin at the foot of the bed for belongings, and socks and dehydrated noodles seemed innocuous enough to keep in plain sight. Her jewelry, though... she couldn't imagine that the prison wardens were going to appreciate the large resin pseudo drop plugs hanging from her ears, saved for occasions such as this. Or the silver rings decorating most of her fingers. She was grateful they probably weren't going to check for her clit piercing. Small joys.
With a heavy sigh, XJ brought her clothes and shoes, sans underwear and jewelry, to the chute and dropped them in after looking at them lovingly for a few more seconds. Yeah, she was going to miss street clothes. But, hey, on the bright side, this would surely cut her morning routine at least in half, not having to decide what to wear.
The sound of the shoes clanking down to the bowels of the space dwelling hit XJ's heart, diaphragm, and stomach with force, and she felt like echoing the other prisoners she could her distantly crying. This was not going to be good, and there were few people on the outside who could help her. She was on her own this time.
XJ put on the white undergarments over the ones she was wearing and then put on the white t-shirt and the orange jumpsuit and the gray socks. Gross. Well, now she was dressed for the part of prisoner. Now... what to do with her jewelry. Taking stock of the cell, XJ identified one tiny corner camera up above Anya's bed and one camera outside the cell facing toward the cell door. So, if she turned sideways between them, she could make use of her hands without much oversight. She took the drop plugs out of her ears and tucked them and the rest of her rings into the slides of her bra. She could find a better place for them later. It would certainly be better than the... alternative. And, yeah, she thought about it.
What now? Sleep? Try to get Anya to talk some more? Do some recon with the rest of the prison? Try to get someone's attention?
Anya looked like she was genuinely trying to catch some z's, though, and XJ didn't want to be a bitch about wanting company. But, then again, Anya had offered a handshake.
"Hey, Anya," XJ asked in a whisper, squatting in the middle of the room as though that would make her quieter. "You awake?"
But... that Anti-fashion parade had gotten a lot of press. Hard to believe that that was enough to get someone sent here, though. Hadn't most of the people involved gotten a slap on the wrist? What had Anya done to get special treatment? Surely that wasn't the whole story. But, that wasn't a conversation XJ needed to have on the first day with her cellmate, especially after she did spill the tea and show off some contraband. Yeah, that necklace was dope. A little spooky, but in a stylish way that charmed XJ. This girl had taste!
Ugh, but she was not looking forward to putting anything in that bin. Anya was probably right, though. They must check by weight to make sure you didn't keep anything. XJ started wracking her brain for a way to get away with it. Only here a few minutes, and she was already breaking the rules. Figures. Nix might have approved, if she... well. Damn.
There was probably not any way to keep her shoes. They were the heaviest part of her outfit, and someone was definitely going to notice if she didn't give them up. She suddenly regretted getting dressed up for the club before she had gone back with Nix. Couldn't she have worn something more sensible? Something that she wouldn't mind getting ground up and recycled into reusable plastic? Knowing how stingy the corporate prisons were, she'd probably see her shoes again as silverware.
Ughhhhhh, but, no, XJ would never go to a club without an outfit, even as a wanted person.
Okay. No shoes. And the shirt... could go. Was definitely keeping the leopard print bra and underwear, though. For a while, she could just wear those under her prison-issue versions--drab white excuses for clothes--at least until they lessened the scrutiny on her for being new. In fact, she could probably do the same with her slicks, though she wasn't sure how comfortable they would be, depending on what re-education would be like. Maybe she did want out of them after all. It had been a long time in that space pod, and the excitement of them had long worn off. Damn it, XJ said as she took of her shoes and slid out of her slicks, setting the dried noodles she had stashes aside. Her off-the-shoulder shirt came off next, so she was down to her socks and underwear. May as well keep the socks. They were comfy socks, and that seemed like a small pleasure she was going to appreciate later. There was a very small bin at the foot of the bed for belongings, and socks and dehydrated noodles seemed innocuous enough to keep in plain sight. Her jewelry, though... she couldn't imagine that the prison wardens were going to appreciate the large resin pseudo drop plugs hanging from her ears, saved for occasions such as this. Or the silver rings decorating most of her fingers. She was grateful they probably weren't going to check for her clit piercing. Small joys.
With a heavy sigh, XJ brought her clothes and shoes, sans underwear and jewelry, to the chute and dropped them in after looking at them lovingly for a few more seconds. Yeah, she was going to miss street clothes. But, hey, on the bright side, this would surely cut her morning routine at least in half, not having to decide what to wear.
The sound of the shoes clanking down to the bowels of the space dwelling hit XJ's heart, diaphragm, and stomach with force, and she felt like echoing the other prisoners she could her distantly crying. This was not going to be good, and there were few people on the outside who could help her. She was on her own this time.
XJ put on the white undergarments over the ones she was wearing and then put on the white t-shirt and the orange jumpsuit and the gray socks. Gross. Well, now she was dressed for the part of prisoner. Now... what to do with her jewelry. Taking stock of the cell, XJ identified one tiny corner camera up above Anya's bed and one camera outside the cell facing toward the cell door. So, if she turned sideways between them, she could make use of her hands without much oversight. She took the drop plugs out of her ears and tucked them and the rest of her rings into the slides of her bra. She could find a better place for them later. It would certainly be better than the... alternative. And, yeah, she thought about it.
What now? Sleep? Try to get Anya to talk some more? Do some recon with the rest of the prison? Try to get someone's attention?
Anya looked like she was genuinely trying to catch some z's, though, and XJ didn't want to be a bitch about wanting company. But, then again, Anya had offered a handshake.
"Hey, Anya," XJ asked in a whisper, squatting in the middle of the room as though that would make her quieter. "You awake?"
Last edited by andrav on Wed Feb 03, 2021 2:21 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Part 1: Arrested!
Seeing her new cellmate start to look around at her situation, Anya proceded to turn over and give privacy to the new arrival. What...what was her name? Anya began to worry that it would be awkward to ask later, but resolved to ask as soon as socially possible. She had probably just been overwhelmed, Anya didn't blame her. What was she...like? Her fashionable style was anything but ordinary, in fact it had almost looked like she had been headed to a place of dancing, not of prison labor. At least she probably knows how to have fun! Anya smiled to herself at the comparison to her own situation. This new cellmate had come dressed up, and Anya...well, Anya had certainly not. What would this forced proximity feel like with this person?
Anya began to think about the future. She had tried not to for some time. How long will we be stuck here? Anya didn't even know how much she or her new cellmate had to work off. The station would probably just overcharge her for room and board, food... everything; all to keep her here permanently.
As clothes continued to shuffle behind her, Anya released her mind to float away from her. Anya had been grateful that noise didn't much bother her when trying to sleep. The prison was never silent, and inmates were always talking, at least softly, into the night. Back home, she had found herself in a similar position, her group going to bed as they liked, while some stayed up later. The sounds of people had come to lull her to sleep. This morning, as low conversations dwindled between new cellmates getting settled, Anya found an auditory peace. This was not interrupted by the rustling of clothing being removed, sorted, changed, and stashed or thrown out. The jingling of metal on metal made Anya wonder what was getting stashed where, and what was actually getting tossed; but she kept on drifting toward sleep, her mind like a canoe, gently bumping into islands of thought, but never landing long enough to explore them.
How are my friends back home?
Have any of them been caught?
Will I see any of them again?
Will I find great friendships here?
Will I see home again?
Is this home?
This prison sucks as a home...
Would this...new home...person....
....
What about...space.....rocks...and...........
Pancakes....
....
.......
Her name prompted her back to reality. "Hey, Anya. You awake?"
Am I? ...Yes....yes, that was outside my head, not a dream... Right, new roomie. What was her...
"Mmmmmmm?" Anya rolled over and opened her eyes, the light catching her yellow-brown irises. She pawed at the blanket she had pulled over herself to make sure she could see. "Mmn, hello! I...hope you found some good spots! The orange, it doesn't clash with your hair. I...um... Well, what can I call you? Is there anything you need? Maybe I can help."
Anya began to think about the future. She had tried not to for some time. How long will we be stuck here? Anya didn't even know how much she or her new cellmate had to work off. The station would probably just overcharge her for room and board, food... everything; all to keep her here permanently.
As clothes continued to shuffle behind her, Anya released her mind to float away from her. Anya had been grateful that noise didn't much bother her when trying to sleep. The prison was never silent, and inmates were always talking, at least softly, into the night. Back home, she had found herself in a similar position, her group going to bed as they liked, while some stayed up later. The sounds of people had come to lull her to sleep. This morning, as low conversations dwindled between new cellmates getting settled, Anya found an auditory peace. This was not interrupted by the rustling of clothing being removed, sorted, changed, and stashed or thrown out. The jingling of metal on metal made Anya wonder what was getting stashed where, and what was actually getting tossed; but she kept on drifting toward sleep, her mind like a canoe, gently bumping into islands of thought, but never landing long enough to explore them.
How are my friends back home?
Have any of them been caught?
Will I see any of them again?
Will I find great friendships here?
Will I see home again?
Is this home?
This prison sucks as a home...
Would this...new home...person....
....
What about...space.....rocks...and...........
Pancakes....
....
.......
Her name prompted her back to reality. "Hey, Anya. You awake?"
Am I? ...Yes....yes, that was outside my head, not a dream... Right, new roomie. What was her...
"Mmmmmmm?" Anya rolled over and opened her eyes, the light catching her yellow-brown irises. She pawed at the blanket she had pulled over herself to make sure she could see. "Mmn, hello! I...hope you found some good spots! The orange, it doesn't clash with your hair. I...um... Well, what can I call you? Is there anything you need? Maybe I can help."
Re: Part 1: Arrested!
((OOC: Lmk what you think about "hybrid" as a low-impact "half-breed" type word.))
Yeah, the girl had definitely been asleep. XJ smiled a little, surprised by the color of the hybrid's eyes, though she probably shouldn't have been. XJ hoped Anya wouldn't expect her to be this peppy if XJ ever woke up in the middle of a dream.
And, gods, what kind of ditz was she? She didn't even tell Anya her name. Probably not making the greatest impression here, XJ.
The kind of ditz who just exited a space pod to get on a prison ship, she consoled herself.
Well, good enough reason to ask for that handshake now.
XJ tilted her head and opened her mouth wide in a smile for a moment, though the gesture didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I'm XJ," she said, and extended her hand. Her heart skipped into her throat all the sudden, but her face softened. She was about to touch this person, assuming the handshake was still on. It was then that XJ felt all the touch deprivation hit her at once, forcefully, such that her smiled faded a little but betrayed an honest and sudden nervousness. Wow, she would be devastated right now if Anya let her hang. And yet, she was also terrified of the contact.
Great space-monkeys, I am not okay. What even happened to me in that space pod?
Well, here goes nothing. At least Anya thought her outfit was cute, as absurd as that was given the context. So her hair couldn't be that bad.
Yeah, the girl had definitely been asleep. XJ smiled a little, surprised by the color of the hybrid's eyes, though she probably shouldn't have been. XJ hoped Anya wouldn't expect her to be this peppy if XJ ever woke up in the middle of a dream.
And, gods, what kind of ditz was she? She didn't even tell Anya her name. Probably not making the greatest impression here, XJ.
The kind of ditz who just exited a space pod to get on a prison ship, she consoled herself.
Well, good enough reason to ask for that handshake now.
XJ tilted her head and opened her mouth wide in a smile for a moment, though the gesture didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I'm XJ," she said, and extended her hand. Her heart skipped into her throat all the sudden, but her face softened. She was about to touch this person, assuming the handshake was still on. It was then that XJ felt all the touch deprivation hit her at once, forcefully, such that her smiled faded a little but betrayed an honest and sudden nervousness. Wow, she would be devastated right now if Anya let her hang. And yet, she was also terrified of the contact.
Great space-monkeys, I am not okay. What even happened to me in that space pod?
Well, here goes nothing. At least Anya thought her outfit was cute, as absurd as that was given the context. So her hair couldn't be that bad.
Re: Part 1: Arrested!
((OOC: I love it. Hybrid is perfect. I think half-breed is probably an incredibly archaic and insulting slur.))
Anya sat up as soon as XJ offered her hand. She remembered coming to an empty cell on her first night, after having been isolated for far too long. All she had wanted was to be held. It was too early for that, of course, and prison cuddles are rare anyway--at least Anya guessed, having only been in one for a couple weeks. She could tell by XJ's facial expressions that touch was wanted, but also intimidating. Moving swiftly, but smoothly so as to avoid any surprising movements, Anya grasped XJ's hand. She then moved her other hand to cover the backside of XJ's hand.
It was odd to move so intentionally for what was such a mundane sort of touch. In other contexts, this kind of touch upon meeting was often thoughtless and easy. Anya knew that there could be a lot of weight in this touch. She also wanted XJ to know that this wasn't thoughtless. Meeting XJ was important to Anya; a roommate, someone to share space with, speech with, time with... maybe even secrets with. Anya had met a few people here, but it had been lonely in this cell.
Anya tried to ensure her grasp was firm, but non-threatening. She softened her gaze, resting her eyes on XJ's brown irises. She hoped that her look was not too intense, but she wanted XJ to know that she had Anya's full attention. "It's so nice to meet you XJ." Anya shook XJ's hand a few times, and slowed the shaking to allow XJ to let go if she wanted; but it would not be so bad if she wanted to keep holding on for a while too, Anya thought. It won't be awkward if I don't perceive it that way, she told herself.
Anya sat up as soon as XJ offered her hand. She remembered coming to an empty cell on her first night, after having been isolated for far too long. All she had wanted was to be held. It was too early for that, of course, and prison cuddles are rare anyway--at least Anya guessed, having only been in one for a couple weeks. She could tell by XJ's facial expressions that touch was wanted, but also intimidating. Moving swiftly, but smoothly so as to avoid any surprising movements, Anya grasped XJ's hand. She then moved her other hand to cover the backside of XJ's hand.
It was odd to move so intentionally for what was such a mundane sort of touch. In other contexts, this kind of touch upon meeting was often thoughtless and easy. Anya knew that there could be a lot of weight in this touch. She also wanted XJ to know that this wasn't thoughtless. Meeting XJ was important to Anya; a roommate, someone to share space with, speech with, time with... maybe even secrets with. Anya had met a few people here, but it had been lonely in this cell.
Anya tried to ensure her grasp was firm, but non-threatening. She softened her gaze, resting her eyes on XJ's brown irises. She hoped that her look was not too intense, but she wanted XJ to know that she had Anya's full attention. "It's so nice to meet you XJ." Anya shook XJ's hand a few times, and slowed the shaking to allow XJ to let go if she wanted; but it would not be so bad if she wanted to keep holding on for a while too, Anya thought. It won't be awkward if I don't perceive it that way, she told herself.
Re: Part 1: Arrested!
XJ felt immense relief when Anya took her hand and even placed her other hand on top of it. The gesture was warm and friendly, and XJ didn't expect to experience any of those feelings in a place as cold and uninviting as this. The warmth made XJ's eyes water, though she did return Anya's gaze. There weren't going to be many secrets between two prisoners in the same cell, XJ determined, so may as well let Anya know that XJ was a bit of an emotional roller coaster. And, given the circumstances, XJ imagined that that was forgivable.
After the actual handshaking stopped, XJ gave it a few beats, enjoying the contact, before pulling away when she thought it was socially appropriate. Didn't want this girl to think she was clingy, and first impressions were still at stake here.
"Well, I'll let you rest. I gotta... gotta get ready for brainwashing," XJ joked, though she was sure they both knew that there was more reality in what XJ said than either of them would have liked.
((OOC: We good to end this scene here? I can go ahead and write the re-education scene now if so.))
After the actual handshaking stopped, XJ gave it a few beats, enjoying the contact, before pulling away when she thought it was socially appropriate. Didn't want this girl to think she was clingy, and first impressions were still at stake here.
"Well, I'll let you rest. I gotta... gotta get ready for brainwashing," XJ joked, though she was sure they both knew that there was more reality in what XJ said than either of them would have liked.
((OOC: We good to end this scene here? I can go ahead and write the re-education scene now if so.))
Re: Part 1: Arrested!
"I'll take you up on that. Just remember, they can't change you unless you let them."
Anya was glad to have had such a positive exchange with XJ. She could tell by the way XJ met her gaze that the touch and the warm greeting was appreciated. It was probably best to give XJ some time to adjust, though, and the idea of getting some last little bit of snoozing was appealing. Anya got comfortable again as XJ went about her own business. Once again letting sleep take her, light faded from consciousness. The sounds of the prison faded to silence, and all was still for a moment, until Anya found herself alone in a small, metal sphere.
The darkness in the space pod was overwhelming. The magcuffs that had become so familiar the past two weeks were foreign once again. She struggled against them, pushing herself off of the surface she rested on in the absence of gravity. Where...? How...? ...oh, right, they took me into custody today... I'm off to some prison somewhere... Goosebumps formed across Anya's legs and arms until they spread all over. She thought she might have goosebumps on her forehead, or on her fingertips. Wait...that's not possible...is it? She instinctively curled her short, furry tail around her backside and pulled her limbs against her body to keep in warmth. I should have known better than to go to a prominent protest so soon after...well...too late now, in any case. She pushed herself against one side of the space pod so as to come to rest against the other side, warming up the surface with her body to fight the chill air. They could have at least given me a blanket. If we still had due process, I'd at least have been given something to keep warm. Those goons just threw me from vehicle to vehicle until...I scratched at least one of them real good. I hope that leaves a nasty scar.
The blackness filled all of Anya's senses. Her dreaming mind sent her flying through hours, or perhaps days, in an instant. Feeling the edges of the space pod early on, learning how to find food and water, sleep; all of it had blended into a seemingly endless, lonely blackness. Her body adjusted to the cold as her mind degraded from the isolation. Despair set in, and then desperation. She hadn't gone this long without contact...maybe ever. Even if she was no longer cold, the warmth of touch was all she could think about. She tried to meditate, she tried imagining that the bulkhead was a partner, spooning her to sleep...anything to find peace. At long last, she screamed. She screamed just to hear someone, anyone...even herself. Her knuckles bled from hitting the side of the space pod. It didn't help. She cried, and didn't stop for hours. She liked to imagine that the claw marks she hoped she was leaving on the metal bulkheads would make the next tenant feel less alone. If she could even reach across time to feel someone, anyone...but the smooth metal bulkheads were unfeeling and unchanging, and there was no voice, flesh, or feeling except her own to keep her lonely. Anya eventually assumed that she was dying, or perhaps already dead.
Finally, after an hour identical to what seemed like all hours before it; the shaking of the space pod docking woke her up, followed by the first light she'd seen in...."How...how long?" Nobody was standing in the doorway. Her magcuffs moved her, by their own magnetic will, out and into a hallway. But how glorious! There were other people! She couldn't see them clearly through the water in her eyes. She fought against the magcuffs to try and reach them, her feet slipping against the floor; her whining voice pathetic, longing, and incoherent. As she whined and barked and pleaded, the magcuffs pulled forward against her will, until they deposited her into her cell. Some...voice...yelled something at her, but she didn't know what it said. It didn't matter. Oh, I remember this... I... I cried after this too. I crawled into bed and curled up and...and then... The voice barked more orders at her. Wait...that's Oh-Bee. What does Oh-Bee want?
"Prisoner! You are overdue to report for count! Stand to attention now, or a guard will be dispatched to assess your situation. This is for your own safety!"
Anya jumped out of bed. She glanced around: no roomie. They'd have taken XJ to her training course by now. Shit! I'm late!
"Uh, sorry Oh-B.....Uh....Yes, iObey!" Anya rushed to stand at attention in front of her cell door, adjusting her jumpsuit's shoulders and zipping up on the way. She could see the other prisoners already lined up. The dream-memory of her own experience coming here faded from her consciousness, and she hoped that she hadn't been too long.
((OOC: Scene end sounds good. I think they were going to shower next, then breakfast, and then a work day? We could start anywhere in there after your next scene.))
Anya was glad to have had such a positive exchange with XJ. She could tell by the way XJ met her gaze that the touch and the warm greeting was appreciated. It was probably best to give XJ some time to adjust, though, and the idea of getting some last little bit of snoozing was appealing. Anya got comfortable again as XJ went about her own business. Once again letting sleep take her, light faded from consciousness. The sounds of the prison faded to silence, and all was still for a moment, until Anya found herself alone in a small, metal sphere.
The darkness in the space pod was overwhelming. The magcuffs that had become so familiar the past two weeks were foreign once again. She struggled against them, pushing herself off of the surface she rested on in the absence of gravity. Where...? How...? ...oh, right, they took me into custody today... I'm off to some prison somewhere... Goosebumps formed across Anya's legs and arms until they spread all over. She thought she might have goosebumps on her forehead, or on her fingertips. Wait...that's not possible...is it? She instinctively curled her short, furry tail around her backside and pulled her limbs against her body to keep in warmth. I should have known better than to go to a prominent protest so soon after...well...too late now, in any case. She pushed herself against one side of the space pod so as to come to rest against the other side, warming up the surface with her body to fight the chill air. They could have at least given me a blanket. If we still had due process, I'd at least have been given something to keep warm. Those goons just threw me from vehicle to vehicle until...I scratched at least one of them real good. I hope that leaves a nasty scar.
The blackness filled all of Anya's senses. Her dreaming mind sent her flying through hours, or perhaps days, in an instant. Feeling the edges of the space pod early on, learning how to find food and water, sleep; all of it had blended into a seemingly endless, lonely blackness. Her body adjusted to the cold as her mind degraded from the isolation. Despair set in, and then desperation. She hadn't gone this long without contact...maybe ever. Even if she was no longer cold, the warmth of touch was all she could think about. She tried to meditate, she tried imagining that the bulkhead was a partner, spooning her to sleep...anything to find peace. At long last, she screamed. She screamed just to hear someone, anyone...even herself. Her knuckles bled from hitting the side of the space pod. It didn't help. She cried, and didn't stop for hours. She liked to imagine that the claw marks she hoped she was leaving on the metal bulkheads would make the next tenant feel less alone. If she could even reach across time to feel someone, anyone...but the smooth metal bulkheads were unfeeling and unchanging, and there was no voice, flesh, or feeling except her own to keep her lonely. Anya eventually assumed that she was dying, or perhaps already dead.
Finally, after an hour identical to what seemed like all hours before it; the shaking of the space pod docking woke her up, followed by the first light she'd seen in...."How...how long?" Nobody was standing in the doorway. Her magcuffs moved her, by their own magnetic will, out and into a hallway. But how glorious! There were other people! She couldn't see them clearly through the water in her eyes. She fought against the magcuffs to try and reach them, her feet slipping against the floor; her whining voice pathetic, longing, and incoherent. As she whined and barked and pleaded, the magcuffs pulled forward against her will, until they deposited her into her cell. Some...voice...yelled something at her, but she didn't know what it said. It didn't matter. Oh, I remember this... I... I cried after this too. I crawled into bed and curled up and...and then... The voice barked more orders at her. Wait...that's Oh-Bee. What does Oh-Bee want?
"Prisoner! You are overdue to report for count! Stand to attention now, or a guard will be dispatched to assess your situation. This is for your own safety!"
Anya jumped out of bed. She glanced around: no roomie. They'd have taken XJ to her training course by now. Shit! I'm late!
"Uh, sorry Oh-B.....Uh....Yes, iObey!" Anya rushed to stand at attention in front of her cell door, adjusting her jumpsuit's shoulders and zipping up on the way. She could see the other prisoners already lined up. The dream-memory of her own experience coming here faded from her consciousness, and she hoped that she hadn't been too long.
((OOC: Scene end sounds good. I think they were going to shower next, then breakfast, and then a work day? We could start anywhere in there after your next scene.))