Three days passed without any news. Riley was in a particularly good mood and did not make a fuss about the night time wake up.

After breakfast, he headed to the kitchen and I followed him. I sat down by the windowsill and covered myself with a blanket as a followed his every move during the preparation of breakfast.

It was utterly unbelievable how well he could manage everything. He is the one who survives everything.

- I'd like to continue your story from the point of getting into the camp.
He turned to me unexpectedly.

- Can I have a bath first? – please!- I added quickly.
- Of course, sweetheart. I prepare some warm bath for you – he answered in mild voice.

The bathroom was in an untouched condition. Riley confessed that he loved order and cleanness. It is true for him and for his environment as well- unluckily his mental balance was not so stable.
He would have helped me with taking bath as well, but I did not ask for his contribution to this activity.

Finally, I was alone and I got into the tub. The warm water burnt my skin and the wounds hurt as well, but I enjoyed being clean. I was striving for that feeling. The feeling the my subconscious is getting rid of Riley.

I did not dare to relax long and I had some bad bathtub related memories as well.

I was planning to put on some dress quickly, when I spotted myself in the mirror.
There was a gigantic mirror that made every part of body visible. I wanted to break into pieces. Not as if it had helped anything at all.

My condition became visible. Not too visible, just a little bump that was nowhere before. I could keep it as a secret so far, but now I cannot. Other women would scream from job, I would do it out of embarrassment. If Riley spots it – and he will, he will definitely take care of both of us. His aggression would be fuelled by this information.

I rapidly put the clothes on my body and truly hoped that the sweater I found will hind my little secret.

Two minutes later I was again in the kitchen and was about the get back to my little spot, when Riley unexpectedly attacked me.

In one moment, he was by the counter, in the next one he was next to me. He unwrapped my arm and started to scrutinize my wounds. He was quite satisfied. Then he started to touch my face.

- I should not have done that…to hit your face as well.

I had no idea what to say and it seemed that he does not even require any answer. He pushed his facet o mine and touched my hair while smelling it a bit.

I felt great disgust when he did this. This was the biggest depth of my intimacy. It was way worse than last time when he made me undress myself in front of him. It would even have been better if he had hit me. He does not know anything about my memories and explicitly made fun of them…those that I insisted the most to.

- You are very silent.

Of course…I deeply in my thoughts about grabbing a knife from the table and stab you in the face…are you willing to die? Because I am not even sure that it's going to be enough for you.

- I was thinking about my life.
- That's a wonderful topic, share it with me! – He returned to the other side of the counter in full excitement.

I had to fulfil his wishes. Just like in the tales of One thousand and One nights. If I can draw his attention, he might not hurt me during that time.

- Could you get into the camp easily? – he jumped in the middle of the topic.
- There was no problem with it; I was already sitting on the bus.

I hated to contemplate on the past, but there was one thing I hated more, him poking me with a knife, so I rather talked. Luckily, he could not get into my head and that is a great tool to make some advantage.

- I still don't understand how you end up there. Do not misunderstand it, but you don't look like a school girl.

I was waiting for these questions and this was exactly the point. He's got the bait.

- They never thought that I was a school girl. They had different plans with me…- My mouth was dry. These memories are too intense.
- More specifically?

I took a look at him. His hand stopped by a knife and did not move. His eyes were in flames and he so loved to feel the control over me. I had his full concentration.

-There are several types of desires in the world. Very different and underling desires – I whispers.
- I guess I understand it. Tell me more about how they welcomed you in the camp.

I liked the idea that he had the discreteness to avoid this question.

I set off my story.

Camp Haven was like a smaller fortress.

Gigantic walls, wires, soldiers everywhere, not mentioning the drones. Not a soul could get in or out without noticing it. It did not make me happy at all. If I have not yet been locked much then I will be.

- Come Hailey!- Parker tapped my shoulder. As soon as I got off, I was given a numbered tag. If I get a chip after this, I will be very happy about this whole thing…

T-67- I read out my number. This was me, a number in the crowd.
I sat down among the kids and waited for my turn that was long way to go.
What the hell are they doing inside that takes so long?

Finally, I was called. I entered the door with full of nerves.

It was just like an assembly line. Put off your clothes, take a shower. Luckily, they realized quickly that I need no help. Then came the inconvenience, millions of questions.

- Where are you from? Do you have a family? Brothers or sisters?

When I reached the seventh question about my family, I got pissed off.

- I have already told you that I have no one, never had. I grew up in a boneyard maintained for humans. I hope that the answer is satisfying for you.- I burst out. The caregiver made some faces, but I did not care at all. He was rude during the whole process, but he was stricken for a moment when he realized how old I am.

- Age? 16-17? – he made some tips.

- 19 rather.

- Inform everyone about this during the following processes.

- I will keep that in mind – I murmured silently as he walked me to the other room. There was really everything that gave me chills, but I had to pull it through. I was taught very early that everything is bearable unless you resist.

Finally I was escorted to the last room, where there was a dentist chair thing and a computer next to it on the top of the table. Well…this is the secret that you kept. Dental check-up. Oh, and there are the straps. In my case, they clearly need it.

Several years ago I had a severe toothache and my dearest nurturers took me to a not so kind doctor. The typical Hannibal Lecter feeling. There was a certain point when he pointed at my aching tooth with drill – without any painkiller. In that very moment, I did not only see stars, but the whole Milky Way, because of the pain I felt.

The only thing I could do was – since my shouting did not really have any effect – ''Oh, it does not hurt at all." I literally bit his hand.

He was swearing rigorously, but he let me go after all. After this incident, I could not really bring myself to like dentists and doctors in particular.

This situation was rather bizarre. As I took a look around, I started to have doubts about this 'treatment'.

There are no proper tools for that. Then what is the computer for?

- Hailey! – I was called by a nice-toned stranger from the door.

I look up immediately.

It was a middle-aged nice woman. I nodded shyly.

- My name is - she welcomed me by offering her hand. It was a little bit odd of me, but I did not hesitate to shake hands with her.

- I took a look at your file and I see that everything is all right with you. There is only one examination left and an additional test. Do not worry, they won't hurt you at all, it will only be a bit uncomfortable.
She could clearly tell that I got scared, so she did not hesitate to act, before I change my mind about the whole examination.

- Take a seat here, please!- she pointed at the 'dentist chair'.

I almost got comfy when she stopped me.

-Please, tilt your head and do not move!
- What do you want to do?

My voice was not trembling, but I only needed a little to go nuts.

- It's just a chip that makes you identifiable.

- And trackable…- I finished her sentence.
- Do not look at it like that. I raises your level of security.

Yeah, of course. It serves my best that people with guns can track me down. When I took a good look at the woman, I saw that her impression was not sincere at all. She might be smiling, but her eyes revealed her true intentions.

- If it is necessary, I do not object. – I agreed and let her put a label on me. I felt a little pinch, but I did not care. I was rather bothered by why she wants to put straps on me.

- Calm down. This is compulsory for the examination. I swear it won't take more than some minutes and it is not going to be painful.
- But you strap me down…- I added.

- It will actively affect your body and it's better for your own sake, if you do not mive at all.
- Why do you need this examination?
- This is one of the conditions to stay here. This is how we filter out the infected ones. This program maps you. – She tried to keep her normal pitch, but she was visibly struggling.

- Oh, I see. Then it's okay. – I agreed, in spite of the fact that I did not understand anything.

She sat next to the computer and started to type. Maybe this is the time she wants to enter the Matrix. 2 more minutes and my whole life will turn out to be a huge lie. I was wondering, while she handled the computer in a more violent way.

- How are we doing Dr. Pam?
- One more minute – she answered quickly. And I was just waiting…I closed my eyes and opened again- nothing happened. I started to feel myself more and more uncomfortable as I was strapped to the bed.

Finally, she pardoned me and let me go.

- Is the examination ready or I am a UFO? – I asked adventurously. She did not want to get my humour, so she rather made a face.
- Everything was in order during the examination – she answered shortly. Now, there is a last test and then off you go.

I was very happy about hearing these words. I don't think I could have tolerated more torture in this ratlab.
- Follow me.

I could not do anything else, then to follow her in the rabbit hole.
We got in the lift and we took – only God knows how many- some floors till we reached the level she needed.
The air was odd, but I was happy about having air at all. I have always been scared of going under, I just could not bear it.

Of course nobody cared about it now, especially not .
The corridor we took was full of soldiers. They barely laid an eye on us and then carried on doing their job.
- Do not stare and catch up.
Wow, it would be fairly hard to disappear here, but keep on giving orders…
- Come this way – she pointed at a door and opened it. I do not know how she could make difference between the doors, because they did not even have numbers on them. But…she is at home, I am just a guest.

- Sit down here! – She pointed at a chair next to a computer table. I did what she requested, then I looked at her inquiringly.

- I will show you the true face of the enemy. – she said and started to type things in the computer, which enabled the wall in front of us visible.

I was extremely happy that I had sat down, because my brain suddenly stopped from the shock.
I was prepared for everything, from little green aliens to E.T., but not for this.

- This is a child. – I stammered quietly.
- Don't let it deceive you. – She warned me and started to mess with a little device, which had raised my attention earlier when I entered the door.
- Look through this! – She tossed the lens towards me.

I was very uncertain about what to do. On the one hand, I was dying to know what they look like, the enemy, the conquerors. But there was an inner voice that did not let me go…this is not normal.

What I saw was gruesome. There was something attached to the brain of the little boy – that should not have been there. Just like a lame science fiction movie, but this was the reality. And the horror was not over yet.

tossed another device towards me and her intentions were clear. She wanted to make me do that…she gave me the chance to choose. At least that is what I thought. If there is no way out then why would I do this? Why me?

- I don't kill this. – I stated firmly and pushed the butcher button away from me.
- But this is the enemy – she stroke back.
- Still no.
- They are responsible for the death of so many innocent people around the world.
- This is only a child, he's not gonna hurt me. – I answered with a tired pitch.
- That is not a child, a specimen from an unknown civilization, our enemy!

- You know what? I do not care if he is the alien or the predator. I do not kill children, this is not my style.

I finished the conversation, but had a different idea about it.

- We might have made a mistake in your case and you should be sitting there.
- Then court-martial me or get me shot down. As it is done in the army. I am no killer, I leave it to you.

I don't know what made her hold back, but there was something…
- Okay, if I cannot convince you, I give up trying. You will definitely regret that you were this weak and it will only be your fault.
I remained silent, because I had so many things to say, but I held it back.

- I escort you back to the district, where you will work and live. I hope you won't have any problem with it.
- I have no problem with working, my nails won't fall off. – I got a bit more angry.
- Good. You will have plenty of things to do.

I had some concerns about my new workplace and I was wondering the way back to lift where I will end up. I followed her silently to the lift. She did not say a word and also avoided to keep eye contact with me. I was not her favourite candidate.

Somebody messaged her, which totally drew her attention and we almost missed the floor. She realized it in the very last moment.
The door opened and we bumped into a smaller group of people.
- I beg your pardon Sir – she said and based on this I had the impression that the guy had a high rank. The colorful badges were lining on his uniform, but besides that, nothing special. He was a tall, handsome, middle-aged man. All the military leaders look like this. Just like rolling out of an assembly line.
Quick replanning. Whoever he is, do not cross his way Hailey.

- Come this way, doctor. – he let us through.
Well…it seems that high rank goes with gallantry. What an exception.
I followed with my eyes.

When the lift closed, the doctor turned to me.
- So there is no respect in you, right?
- Why? I did not even say a word. What should I have done? To salute?

She grabbed my clothes. I got scared, because I did not suppose she has such strength.
- You have no idea about anything. You should be glad that you are here.
- Then please reveal it to me why I should have saluted and maybe next time I won't commit such crime. – the irony was pouring out of me, while the doctor was totally neurotic.

- Colonel Vosch, you brat. If you are unable to do anything else, keep this in mind – for your interest.

- Of course, I will. – I just let that go. I did not understand why she was so concerned about this topic. I did not even address a word to him and of course I consumed some oxygen, which he might have needed in that little room, but….Sorry for being alive, fuck it.

Dr. Pam did not waste a word for me in the little time we had left, which was good for both of us.

We ended up in a cantine. Oh, yeah, so I will be a kitchen slave. I was passed down to a sick-looking guy, who introduced himself as captain Christopher Peterson. Technically he will be my superior. He did not have much to say, he only taught me the most important things I had to know.
- You start tomorrow at 5. The others will help you. You can find clothes and supplies in your accommodation. If you need anything, call me or your colleagues. And…that is all – he finished as he escorted me to my room.
- Hm…I have a question if you have time to answer…- I tried to be extremely well-mannered, which hit him unexpectedly.
- What is that?
- Can I get something to eat?
This question hit him harder than the previous one and he needed some time to answer it.
- Of course, I bring the food. Don't be afraid, you won't starve here.
I don't think he expexted such an ordinary wish or he might be a bit nervous type after all.

He returned with a tray in some minutes, where I found some real food. He handed it over and said goodbye.

He ran away, which froze me a bit, but my rumbling stomach pulled me back to the reality.
I sat on my bed and happily started to eat up the canned soup. He was so cool that he also gave me a nice slice of bread.
The world is really set back...a little can of soup can make my day, yeah… hunger is a great urge.

I took a look around the room. It was rather a small shelter than a room, but there was a very comfy tiny bathroom with hot water and heating. I almost started to cry. When I lied down in the bed, I could not contain myself anymore. I started to cry.
That was the only place in my solitude, where I dared to cry. I was not that emotional type, who cries all the time, especially not in front of others. In the institute this type of behaviour was not welcomed and I had a strange feeling that it won't be tolerated here either.

But this night was way too much for me as well. Something crossed my mind…the children and the little boy who they wanted to assassinate…by me. What could have happened to him? Dr. Pam killed him?

- Seems like you are not that killer type, but you can adapt well – Riley established.
- Everyone fights for the survival.

- Indeed- he agreed. He finished slicing meat, but he was so captivated by my story that he did not even started cooking.
I got off from the windowsill and approached him, so the only thing that stood behind us was the counter.

- I adapt well, but I do not kill children.
He smiled and leaned a bit closer. I felt the tension in the air and I felt that he might change his mind and let his desires on me before finishing me.

- Riley…

- I am listening!
I put my lips on his left cheek and stopped next to his ears. He shook a bit and waited for the next move..

- I never kill kids…but you are not a kid anymore – I whispered in his ear and grabbed the knife that was placed on the counter, then stabbed him right between the ribs, where I thought his heart was.