Chapter 2

I am taken from my cell, the other girls still groggy and scared. I walk out, eyes to the floor, back straight, hands folded politely in front of my stomach. I walk and breathe evenly, showing no discomfort or fear. I have done this for a long time, I don't tremble when I walk anymore, I don't flench with the fear of getting hit. I have learned that if I flinch I will get hit; if I shake these monsters will feel it in there cold bones and snuff it out. I walk as if chained, one foot after the other, a gentle pace. My masters' bare feet guide my movement as I wouldn't dare look ahead. I have become the perfect slave but inside I'm screaming for a chance, an exit, a way out. I want to be free to breathe, to feel, to shake, and cry. I can't think about such silly things now though, If I want to survive I must never dance with bold thoughts. Boldness leads to foolishness and while there is a time for foolishness in every revolt, now is not that time. If I ever try to escape, if I ever become so foolish that my plan was flawed, that I got caught- it would be the end. So I can not amuse those thoughts right now, not until I'm in the perfect position to logically make that risk.

I am shoved by his cold hand into the trunk of a dark-colored vehicle, this car leads to the secluded meeting point where I am handed over to my new master. I lie in a near-perfect fetal position in the small trunk, I can feel every bump adding a new bruise to my arm and hip but protecting my head against any rough turns or larger bumps. Minutes turn to hours and I can feel the road become smoother at some point allowing me to rest my eyes. It is dangerous to sleep like this, normally I would fear getting caught but this is an important survival risk, getting caught in slumber will only equal a scolding and light beatings. Getting some much-needed sleep before meeting an unfamiliar master is essential to adjusting without great pain. I know nothing of him or his rules so it's best to have any energy I can get.

When the car stops, it's jerky motion wakes me before the trunk is opened to reveal a bright sunny day. I feel disoriented as I am jerked into a completely remote and abandoned parking lot, the transporters strong cold grip sparkled in the light as being pushed to my knees. His strength getting away from him a bit, I feel my knees scrape against the asphalt. I bite my lip to avoid any sound of the sudden discomfort. I hear footsteps, slow, offbeat- unusual. I dare not glance up yet, though my curiosity is eating at me. Normally these transitions are smooth, fast, and over before I can blink. This is different, this is to human, I can only hope for it to be a human. Humans can be killed, humans can be escaped, mislead, drugged. The human presents a chance. An opportunity. I spare a glance.

I am overcome with joy and relief to see his ugly face reject the sunlight. He doesn't sparkle, he doesn't notice me, his senses are so dull compared to all I've seen before. He looks nervous, unsure. I couldn't be in a better situation. I let my gaze fall and I concentrate on my breathing, giving anything away now would be suicide while the transporter is still here. I remain calm as their transaction is made, I am careful to listen to everything I can.

"You aren't one of our returning customers, I have to reiterate some fine print for you. These slaves are top of the line, they are worth every penny, Cole entered this deal with you based on the word of a mutual associate. I'm sure you're aware that this is a highly dangerous and secretive business, as a first-time customer I would like to assure you that our product is so good you won't want to tell anybody, you'll want to keep her and this all to yourself. Anyone you want to know of our work must be approved through Cole first and we will handle all future contact. Is what I'm saying clear to you?" The Transporter states. This is recited for all new costumers, the menacing undertones missed by neither party.

"Yes, I understand. Thank you for this opportunity." The human buyer responds with careful steps forward, towards me. I can see his brown shoes in front of me. "May I inspect her? I did pay a great sum for an attractive one." After some silent approval, I feel his warm finger, which sends waves of surprise and confusion down my spine, on my chin to lift my head. I meet his uneasy eyes brown eyes. His face is large and disproportionate to his body. He is a first-time buyer and his hand is oddly gentle, as if he may break me- this gentleness is unnerving to me. I wonder who his associate is, how such an uneasy man came into this business but it's all looking pretty great for me. First timer, human, uncomfortable with me- all great signs for an escape in the near future once I know where or how to go.

"She is top of our collection- very popular, amongst our most talented and this slave has a very clean record. No suicide or escape attempts. I assure you, your money was well spent on this experienced slave, there were many other buyers- almost immediately but Cole had promised his associate that you would receive a high-quality girl but of course I can swap her for another if you'd rather."

Panic shot through me, I'm so close, I can't go back, I can't be swapped. No! No! No! I bat my eyes and puff my bottom lip out, I don't often try to appear attractive but maybe this will work, please work, please.

"No, she is beautiful. I was concerned but after a shower, she may even be perfect. Good large eyes, full lips, and her skin is quite smooth, her body could be better but I think it's fixable. And she is the most talented in your collection? That is of even more importance to me. What can she do?" He releases my face and stands up, focusing on the Transporter. My eyes fall back to the ground immediately, I try to calm my mind. My list of skills, both known and unknown to the Transporter, is my highest selling point and the reason I will escape. My file is filled with my entertainment abilities and talents but I know much more than what is listed, I have been careful to study and learn from every master and every slave I encounter. It's been a long time of practice and study but I am well prepared for the moment of my escape.

"Some of her entertainment-based talents include song, several forms of dance, violin, piano, and she's an adequate artist. There are more listed in her file which you are welcome to look over. It holds all her previous owners, her medical status, her abilities, and any disciplinary issues reported- which she has none, forgiving her first year training period."

"That's perfect, this one is perfect. What's her name?" He asks as he grabs my arm and lifts me from the ground and escorts me to his ugly green convertible car.

"Konaka is her birth name, though feel free to change it to whatever you'd like, she is trained to be whoever you want."

"Hmmm, I'll have to think of the perfect name for my future star, have a good day sir."

"It is a pleasure doing business with you, I do stress that you keep the fine print in mind at all times." The Transporter smiles warmly at my officially new master and watches as I am placed into the front seat on his close-topped car. A few more exchanges are made before I am watching the trees fly by as we head past the most important sign to exist. The sign, the first real piece of information needed for my escape, announces itself as Forks.