Michelle continues talking. “Like Nana, I am also a genetic construct. I was built long before her, and sent to locate a suitable pet for Empress Miki. Ten years ago, I came to earth and found you. You fit exactly what we’re looking for.”
Elladan is dumbfounded. He’s being abducted by aliens! Loads of possible scenarios pass through his mind, none too pleasant .
“You have been chosen to represent the Planet Earth before the Ruling Council of The Universal Imperium.”
Oh, well that sounds good, he thinks. If they can be trusted, that is. If any of this is even real. He suddenly prays that he’s experiencing an elaborate dream.
She takes his hand in hers and puts ink on his palm and fingers. He tries to struggle, powerless to stop her as she inks his hands and fingers. “What’re you doing?”
She places Elladan’s finger prints and palm prints of both hands in the places marked on the Title.
Elladan watches. It’s like watching her sign a death warrant.
He then watches Michelle take a Seal from a pouch. She embosses the title with the Imperial Seal of Emperor Thomas Anton, Emperor of the known Universe.
Elladan notes the seal. Assuming this isn’t an elaborate hoax, it’s at least an authentic looking seal.
Michelle looks up, pulling out a bowl of water. Done with the imprinting, she cleans his hands off and gives him a command. “Pet … I want you to stand. I must give you an inoculation. You have no choice in the matter.”
He was already standing, so this was an easy command. Against his will, he stood still. The voice in his mind was hypnotic and compelling. “Do not move.” And suddenly, it’s like his muscles don’t even exist. He’s stuck.
He sees Michelle pick up a strange pen-like object. She places a cylinder of some kind of shiny liquid in it and gives it a twist.
He watches, unable to move. Fear fills his eyes, as he desperately tries to move his body, despite the collar somehow having control over his own body.
Michelle places it against his arm. There is a hissing pop. He can feel the heat of the injection as it spread through his veins. He looks down. “What is this stuff?” he asks.
“This is a numo-Syrenge. I have just given you a prolongation shot.”
He cocks his head. Prolongation? Wouldn’t that mean he’d be prolongated? As in live longer? How was that possible?
