THE CHANCE

YEAR : 3250

PLANET : TARTARUS ( A high security prison planet for extremely dangerous criminals, as deemed by the Empyrean Council )

Heavy footsteps resounded along the corridor mixed with the clanking of chains. Nearly twenty prison guards armed to the teeth escorted a seemingly weak female prisoner who was secured with numerous unbreakable chains. An overdone escort for a feeble earthling, a race who depended on their intelligence to create the current Human Empire, which had a seat on the Empyrean Council. The procession walked a long time through many dark and dingy corridors until they reached a high security room intended for questioning prisoners. They pushed the woman into the room, secured her to a chair and then left. She was so quiet, with her head lowered that some would have though she was dead. After a few minutes, a light suddenly blinked and the hologram of a man with rugged but handsome features came into existence. He stared at her silent figure for a while and then spoke, " Han Xixi, you have been awarded a chance by the Human Emperor. A chance many would have died to receive. Raise your head to receive your instructions." But the woman never moved. She was as silent as before. Her long dirty hair still covered her face, its colour no longer evident.

" I see, as rebellious as ever! Nevertheless, we have instructions from his Majesty. You are to receive your redemption for the inhumane crimes you committed! You must give thanks to his benevolence." commanded the man. Suddenly the woman raised her head and all that could be seem from her face covered with dirt and grime were her emerald green eyes and exquisite mixed blood features, as though sculpted by the hand of Michelangelo. She stared at him expressionlessly.

"Thank his benevolence? What game is that scum playing now?! You don't need to speak all that redemption bullshit with me, Warden. Just get to the point. What does he want in return for my freedom? After all I was sentenced to life with capital punishment at the end."

" Well then, if you wish to be freed from Tartarus then you are required to enroll in the cosmic transmigrator program which was initiated a century ago. Although we saw initial success with this system, lately we have been encountering problems and a lot of mission failures have been reported. Since government personnel have been failing, we are starting on a new idea to send in some of the criminal cadre as an experiment. The reward will be your freedom."

"Oh, really and how many worlds must we save before we get our 'freedom'." she ridiculed.

"Even if it takes the rest of your inconsequential life, I'm sure its much better that rotting in this hellhole! At least you'll be of some use to the empire. Contribute something before you throw away your worthless life!"

She stared at him with her dead eyes .

" I'll agree but on one condition, tell his 'majesty' that if I succeed I wish to retrieve what he has hidden. Pass him this message. If he agrees then you may enroll me for this program."

"How audacious! Just this chance is more than what others would receive. I could command any other human criminal in this centre, and they would all agree without a thought!" shouted the warden, his voice trembling with anger.

"Why didn't you then? I can just return to my cell right now and not lose any sleep at all." mocked Xixi. Watching the warden nearly explode with fury curiously brought a sense of satisfaction to her long deadened heart. Nothing piqued her interest anymore.

"Very well! Let us see how his majesty punishes you for your disobedience !" he shouted and then his hologram disappeared. The moment he left Xixi's face turned blank as though there was no soul within. Her past was too heavy to be remembered and her future too bleak. There was nothing left for her. Maybe this transmigration program might be the key to change her fate. But, how could that man on the throne provide her with such a good opportunity. No, there was some trap involved. But what could she do she mourned; beggars couldn't be choosers. This time she wouldn't be reckless. She would wait patiently for the chance to complete her old vengeance. The program would be an opportunity she could use. After all, she had been imprisoned for nearly 20 years. At age 60, she was young for a human with a lifespan of almost 500. This was her only chance, otherwise it would be her end. She didn't mind death but not without completing her long delayed task. Suddenly the light blinked, and the warden reappeared with a message " His majesty approved your condition, but you must work your hardest and failure will not be tolerated. This is your last chance. Will you or will you not participate in this program to keep the safety of the universe?"

There was a glimmer in her eyes which was absent before.

" I will."