Nimda

All review responses, author’s comments and additional information is available at the bottom of the chapter and will remain so for the rest of the story. NOTE: not valid until further notice


Chapter 6 - Codec

Kurt was sitting on the floor of his apartment, surrounded by wires that snaked around his form and fed into walls, humming with life. He bent over, his back straining as he fiddled with a metal device, unscrewing it and pulling its copper wires from their place. “Copper is the foundation of this country, you know? We always talk about gold and silver but back during that era, electricity was starting to become important and copper was where the real money was at.”

“Why?” Alex was lying down amidst the mess of outdated tech, his eyes closed, though he was listening.

“Copper is how electricity made the leap from wire to wire. It’s how we used to make things power on. Essentially, it was a highly complex network of ‘roads’ for a natural occurrence to travel. Think of it like blood in the body, heading to the heart. Man didn’t invent electricity. He only harnessed it.”

“Fascinating.”

“I think so.” Kurt continued to pull pieces away, looking at them and setting each one in a pile with other pieces it matched.

“What are you doing now? This stuff is pretty outdated for a reason. Look at all the space it takes up.”

“You know, our country’s biggest computer, and I mean that in terms of memory and capability size, is as big as a studio flat?” There was a pause as he continued to work at a particularly difficult screw. “I’m combining four different game systems together so I can save room.”

“Which ones?”

“I just found these old blueprints for the originals. Remember the toy museum I dragged you to a year ago? The Nintendo.”

“Seriously? You’re going to build one? Why? Can’t you get the games online? They’re all over.”

“I found working cartridges. I want to see if I can do it. If I can, I want to combine it with other systems.”

Alex sighed. “I don’t get why you think that old stuff is so cool. Anything before the wire is useless.”

“Hey, that’s history you’re spitting on.” Kurt sounded more absorbed than angry, his eyes focusing entirely on separating a string of copper wires. “The wire put a lot of good people out of business.”

“What about the market bubble it caused?”

“Oh yea, the one that mirrored the dotcom bubble, because we can never learn from our past mistakes.” He shook his head and laughed sarcastically.

“Not everyone has their nose stuck in a book.” Alex found the room to be too hot, wondering how Kurt could work in it every day.

“Never ignore history. She is our greatest teacher.”

///

Alex awoke to the feeling of heaviness draped over him and in the process of waking up, nearly jumped until he realized what it was. Jacob had, at some point during the night, wrapped his arm around the young man and spooned him. The man’s big arm was draped over Alex’s side, his hot breath ghosting over his neck and it took everything to keep the brunette from laughing. The image looked and felt so normal.

Jacob shifted, pulling his arm tighter, more possessive, and mumbled in his sleep. Alex smirked, not sure what was funnier: the fact that Jacob was so different in his sleep, or the fact that Alex was finding it all so hilarious and not disturbing. The young man couldn’t even begin to count the times his bad sense of humor had caused fights, grateful that Kurt, at least, could understand it.

Kurt. He suddenly felt a heaviness in his chest, and wondered if his friend was alright. Wow, I’m a great friend, waiting a couple weeks before actually giving a shit about his well-being. Alex sighed, thinking over the dream, or memory—he wasn’t sure which it ended up being—that he had experienced in the night. He should be over at Kurt’s house right now, just waking up on the couch, grabbing a cup of coffee and discussing some huge project they were going to work on for school followed by an even bigger project they would work on for the hell of it. Alex honestly missed the uneventful nature of their friendship. Nothing ever really happened around Kurt and that’s the way he liked it.

Jacob shifted again, this time waking up, his hand pulling away as he stood and stretched. Neither of them spoke, there seeming to be an air between them that said everything in place of words. In that instant, Alex wanted to grab the lamp beside the bed and beat the blonde to death with it.

“I’m having a friend over.”

You have friends? He would have said it out loud, but he was hungry and sore already.

“You will treat him as you treat me. In fact, any person you meet who isn’t owned, you will treat as a master, even scullery maids. Is that clear?”

“Yes.”

“Yes ‘what’?”

“Yes sir.”

///

Alex stared out the large, bay window at the immaculately cared for yard outside, wishing he could run outside and pace in the grass. He wondered if Jacob would be angry with him for asking, even if he did so under supervision, or hell, tied to a damn tree. At that moment, the young man would have given anything to feel grass and smell fresh air. Even in the big house, he was feeling confined, the effects of cabin fever setting in. Jacob had left, promising to be back with a friend in a few hours, and though Alex had time to prepare for the new person, he still founding himself doing nothing but pacing and tapping his foot. Alex leaned his forehead against the cool glass of the window, remarking in his head about how funny humans were when it came to change. Even if Jacob was a prick, Alex was adjusting to him. He didn’t want to deal with someone new.

He had tried to open the window, but stopped when the computer beeped at him, a sure warning that it either wouldn’t open, or that an alarm would sound if he tried. I just want fresh air. Alex’s eyes fell onto the driveway when he say a large, newer car pull up, windows so dark he couldn’t see inside them. It had to be Jacob. He swallowed.

When the blonde came inside, Alex had made himself comfortable on the living room couch, hands folded in his lap, looking as though he were patiently awaiting his master’s return. Jacob walked into the room, a large bag in his hand, a man trailing behind him, laughing about something.

“So then, she says that I’m being an asshole and I tell her to run back to that bitch of a boyfriend she has. God, she’s so annoying.” The man chuckled, and Alex noticed he was holding a glass of wine. He was shorter than Jacob, and far less intimidating. His hair was not quite brown, not quite blonde and his face was warmer and more friendly. Had
Alex seen him on the street, he would have thought the man looked rather charming.

Jacob seemed to ignore the story, instead setting the bag next to Alex. “I bought you some clothes.”

The young man looked up in honest surprise. “Thank you, sir.”

The blonde stared back, his mouth set in a firm line. “Well, look at them.” There was a pause in the room that stretched as the two stared back at each other, only punctuated by the other man clearing his throat.

“Wow, Jacob. Just, wow.” He swirled his wine glass. “Look, kid, just take that bag over there,” he pointed to a spot in the room unoccupied by furniture. “And have a look through. Pick something decent and put it on.” He turned back to Jacob. “You’d think this was rocket science or something.”

“I didn’t ask for your help, Derrick.” Jacob’s voice was flat.

“Oh, I know. I just know more about being an owner than you.”

Alex ignored them both, moving quietly to the corner to go through what had been bought. He was still reeling from the fact that Jacob had bought him anything at all but after thinking about it, it seemed to make sense. In making sense of it, though, he found himself horrified at what the gift meant. He’s taking me outside. He thought he would be happier, but at the same time, knew that outside meant among other people, possibly other owners, and the thought of other people seeing him—knowing what he was—made his face burn with shame.

The clothes were mostly plain, many of them black or brown. They were simple, but also fit him exactly. He wondered how Jacob had found his measurements.

“Don’t just stare at them; put them on.” The man Jacob had called Derrick, merrily shouted across the room. He approached, setting the glass down and leaning over to rifle through the clothes. Alex could smell the alcohol on his breath, strong enough to knock the average person out. “Here!” Derrick held up black pants and a black form-fitting tee with a simple pattern in silver on it. He then grabbed a shoebox that Alex hadn’t yet noticed and tossed it at him along with a pair of black socks.

“So much black.” Alex muttered under his breath.

“That’s Jacob’s favorite color.” Derrick hadn’t seemed to mind that the young man spoke out of turn. “Now, go change. We have places to go and people to see.”

Alex glanced up at his master, the look of confusion still painted on his face. All he received in return was a small smirk and a tilt of the head, indicating that he head for the nearest bathroom to change.

///

Alex tried to make himself as small and unnoticeable as possible in the limousine, wondering over and over in his head where they were going and what could possibly happen when they got there. Despite the dark tint on the windows, he still stared through them at the beautiful scenery, wishing to open them and take in the air. Leaving the house to get into the car had been enough to make him happy and he took in great deep breaths as soon as the front door had opened. Alex only tore his gaze away from the window when he saw Jacob removing the cuffs and fiddling with what looked like a collar.

“Come here.”

Alex leaned forward, knowing the collar was for him.

Jacob placed it around his neck, tightening it just enough to be snug without being uncomfortable. The cool metal was rounded and there was padding on the inside that cradled the wearer’s neck. The only issue Alex had was that it felt different. He touched it curiously. “It’ll shock you if you go too far from me and if you leave the shock range it will set off an alarm.”

Alex looked up at the blonde. “What about that chip you said was in me?”

“I had to turn it off for you to leave the property, and I don’t recall giving you permission to speak.”

“Sorry, sir.”

Derrick had poured himself another glass of wine, offering a second to Jacob who refused. “You’re so mean to him, Jacob.” He laughed. “Honestly, do the surgery and you won’t have to worry about him.”

“No thank you.”

The other man sighed, taking a swig of the wine before continuing, this time in a different language. If Alex had to guess he’d say it sounded Scandinavian.

He ignored the conversation, looking back out the window as the two chatted, wishing his mind could wander somewhere peaceful like it used to during long car rides.

///

The building was huge, dominating the local skyline when they exited the vehicle and it was at that moment that Alex realized he didn’t even know what part of the country he was in anymore. The cityscape around him was entirely unfamiliar and there were no recognizable landmarks nearby. Jacob placed a strong around arm around his shoulder and began shepherding him inside. Alex, conscious of the collar, placed a hand over it in an attempt to cover it, only to have it pulled away by the blonde.

“There’s no use in hiding what you are from these people.” The assurance didn’t keep his heart from beating painfully fast.

Please just get out of this crowd…please. The room was thick with people, some of them nodding to Jacob as he passed, though almost none made eye contact with the young man at his side.

“Jacob?” A tall woman with curly hair approached—a wide smile on her face. “How are you?”

“Fine, Moira.” Jacob sounded rather happy to see her.

Fine, Moira…Alex felt his heart drop and nearly choked on air when he realized just who was standing in front of him. Moira.

The woman looked directly at him, a smirk on her face. “We meet again, Alex.”

The memories came flooding back. The room. Mr. Hall. She had been there. She had been standing behind the man as he threatened Alex’s mother. She had been scouting from the beginning.

“I’m the reason you’re still alive.”

Alex said nothing, his mouth feeling dry and stuck shut. It took everything in his power to not strangle the woman where she stood.

“Oh, don’t.” She waved him away. “I could have told a much meaner person about you. You got lucky with Jacob. He’s kinder than most.”

Alex couldn’t keep himself from laughing, even if it was quiet. Moira raised an eyebrow and Alex winced as he felt Jacob squeeze his shoulder.

“Still training, hm? At least you managed to shut him up.” She laughed before turning and leaving, walking into another group of people who seemed to recognize her.

Alex only breathed a sigh of relief when they made it to a private box and they were alone again. He sat down, sliding down the chair back, happy, even if he was still with Jacob. He felt the presence of the man as he sat next to him. “You may ask me a few questions now, if you wish.”

“Where are we?”

“At a fight.”

“What city?”

“Chicago.”

Alex’s heart began pounding again. How many miles away from New York was Chicago? “Do I have to meet anymore people?” He added quietly.

Jacob did not answer right away, though there was a small smile on his face. “That depends.”

“How many people know…about this?” Alex fingered the collar.

“About what?” Jacob seemed to know how he hated acknowledging the word.

“About slavery.”

“What kind?”

Alex sighed in frustration. “About…sexual ownership.”

This seemed to satisfy the man. “I’d say about half. Slavery is technically legal now, but we’re all keeping it quiet still. That’s another purpose of that collar. It lets us recognize each other. Now, no more questions.” Jacob leaned back in the chair and motioned for Alex to move down to the floor in front of him. “Think you can manage to not bite me this time?”

Alex obeyed the first command, almost reflexively, though when faced with what was expected of him, he stopped, looking up at the man. “Here? Right now?”

“I said no more questions.” The stern tone was back. “You were doing well. Don’t fuck it up for yourself.”

“But-”

“If you don’t want to please me, I can find a man who will be more than happy to use you while I watch the fight.”

Alex barely let him finish the sentence, knowing the threat was likely real and wanting to do anything to keep Jacob from following through. He was still sloppy and inexperienced and honestly, didn’t know where to begin. Alex heard the man above him sigh.

“Use your tongue and for God’s sake, wrap your lips around your teeth. If I even think I feel them, you’re getting bent over a chair by the first man I find, is that clear?” He did exactly as Jacob said, though he still struggled, worrying as the threat hung in the air. It was awkward and he would choke whenever the head touched the back of his throat, though that didn’t seem to bother the blonde in the slightest. Still, it was uncomfortable and Alex soon forgot about any technique and could only focus on how much his jaw hurt. He heard Jacob sigh again.

“Damn it, Alex, this isn’t brain surgery.” Then the hand was there, on the back of his head and he knew what came next. He vowed not to bite this time, no matter how tempting. It hurt, as the thick member was shoved down his throat repeatedly like a battering ram. Despite knowing he couldn’t, Alex still tried breathing—though he only managed choking and sputtering. His hands, acting of their own accord, grabbed Jacob’s thighs and tried to push, hoping in vain that he could pull away from the assault. Above him he could hear the blonde’s satisfaction, knowing the man was enjoying his struggle. “It’s funny,” he started. “When you choke, you spasm and it feels amazing.” The voice was more amused than anything and Alex felt that made it all the more insulting.

To his left, he heard the door open and two people enter, one of them laughing until his eyes feel onto the scene before him. “Oh, we’re not interrupting anything, are we?” It was Derrick. Alex found that he wasn’t even embarrassed about being seen, so long as what was going on came to an end.

“No. Have a seat.”

Can’t you be fazed by anything!? His hands were now grabbing the sides of Jacob’s suit jacket and pulled, his eyes glancing up, pleading, please, please, please.

The man only smirked back, shoving Alex’s head down hard, one last time before grunting, the only signal that he was finishing, before finally letting go. The young man grabbed his throat that was now throbbing from the abuse and burning from the release, made worse by his coughing to get it back out. He sputtered, spitting it up onto the floor of the private box as he swallowed gulps of air, as though he would never breathe again. Derrick was laughing.

“Jesus. Mari, go tell the man outside to bring something to clean this up.”

A new voice, belonging to a young woman, spoke. “Yes sir.”

Alex glanced up, his hand covering his mouth, and looked at the figure that now made her way to the door of the box. Jacob touched his hand to the young man’s cheek and pushed him away. “I’m done with you, for now.” The brunette nodded, crawling over to the corner to sit, wanting to be far away from the two men who now chatted freely as another cleaned up the mess at Jacob’s feet. The taste was still in his mouth, but he ignored it, wanting only to be left alone. His wish would not be granted, though, as the girl from before sat in front of him.

“Hello.” She had a slight accent, though Alex couldn’t place it. He did not respond, wishing to, instead, disappear into a nearby wall. She tilted her head at his silence. “They won’t be angry if we talk quietly.”

It was then that he noticed she wasn’t looking at him, but at the wall behind him. He lowered his arm and stared directly into her eyes. “Hello.”

She smiled warmly, though her eyes continued to focus on the wall. “It’s always hard for the new ones. Is it true what Master says?”

Unnerved by her unfocused eyes, he waved a hand in front of her face. The movement seemed to register with her, though she only responded by blinking and shifting to look at a different place. “You’re blind.”

“Yes.”

There was a pause between them before he answered her previous question with another. “What does master say?”

“That you are an outsider, not trained in our ways. That you were free until recently.” She spoke the last part under her breath.

“Why is that so surprising?”

“Well, you see, many of us come from farms overseas or from the quieter parts of this country. They raise us in preparation for this life. It’s rare for someone to be caught from the outside. Well, not rare, but not common. Most masters or mistresses want their slaves readily trained.”

“Like a pet.”

“Yes.” She seemed to sense the anger in his comment and frowned. “I do often wonder which is harder.”

“What does it matter? Slavery is slavery is slavery.” Alex whispered, hoping the two men did not hear them, though he could see they were getting engrossed in the fight that was finally beginning below them.

“Your name is Alex, yes? You are American?”

“Yes, and your name is Mari?”

“Marina. It means ‘sea’ where I come from. I am from Romania. I was trained there with many other girls and boys before being sold.”

Alex felt bile rise up in his throat, his mind unable to comprehend such a life. Marina seemed to not dwell on it, though. Her voice lowered to that of a near whisper. “I know you want to escape, but, you have to be careful. I tried once with my Master. I almost made it but…” She touched her face. “He blinded me.”

“He what?!” Alex hissed under his breath.

“He had a man come and take the light from my eyes. He said that the next time I ran he would take my tongue as well.”

He glanced at the man laughing next to Jacob, finding it hard to believe he could be capable of such a thing.

“Alex, promise me you will not lose yourself. Promise me.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Marina looked so full of sorrow, her next words laced with it. “Some, in tricking their Masters, come to love them. Some go crazy to protect their minds. Promise me you will not let this happen.”

Alex only stared, unsure of what to say to her who, despite never having met her, felt as though she was his only connection in the lonely new world he was in. “I…”

“I’m sorry.” She shook her head. “It must sound so strange but, you tend to latch onto what you can when you live our life.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Derrick calling to her. She looked up, nodding before crawling to the man’s side. He placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling down with confidence. Marina gave him a smile to reassure him, though
Alex could see that, beneath it was a soul that begged to be free.

///

Wow, this was the chapter that would not be written! Sorry about that and I also apologize if it doesn’t meet
expectations. Man, I just got so distracted by finals and then break started I got lazy. Then, my new summer class started I got all BLAH and didn’t want to write. So, this was extracted from me by force, but I still like it. Also, this is the third draft of this gosh darn chapter! ARG

Anyway, responses to reviews and other things are now all at the bottom. I know I said that earlier, but this is just an explanation on what I mean by ‘other things’. Basically, because I don’t see a good way to put it in the story as of right now, there will be supplemental reading at the bottom of some chapters. This is all optional to read but will help flesh out the world a bit.

Reviews & supplemental reading

REMOVED AT REQUEST OF AFF.NET Sorry D: