It was a havenworld. The inhabitants? Almost all Uplifts, former slaves that had been freed, and their therapists helping them recover. The protectors? Three, 2 - person teams of Pax Humanis members that worked on 8 hour rotations. When dereggers come to try to "claim a prize"... they find that it's not the claws of an Uplift they must worry about, but far deadlier fangs. -- Anon Guest
Gengineering should never be used to make toys. The more you think about that statement, the more ways a rational mind should agree with it.
That said, there's always someone who thinks they're special enough to ignore that kind of thing. That's why Uplifts exist.
Teratogenetically altered pets, made to be smart enough to understand consequences. Strong enough to serve their tailored purpose. Given enough bodily modifications to serve... whatever their owner decided upon. More often than not, that 'service' is in the bedroom. Uplifts, their owners know, are made to be used. Horrifyingly, a lot of the Uplifts know that too.
Rescue is eventually welcome. Those who are rescued do not initially understand it. After all, they only know to be used. They're only familiar with threats. They've never been allowed to make a choice. In brief, too many of them are a collection of coping strategies in a shivering lump prone to hiding under the furniture.
The Humans keep their distance, for the most part. They announce their presence with soft and gentle voices. They speak solely about what they're doing and be certain they only do that before leaving their patient to resume their former activities.
Therapists know not to initiate eye contact unless requested. As for the guardians of this sanctuary... they take things seriously.
The Uplift known as Pup had grown brave enough to venture outside. Freezing whenever they spied a Human. Only moving on when they were sure the Human would do them no harm.
It was nice, outside. The sun was warm, the weather mild, the scenery both a wilderness and a garden. Lots of open space gave Pup an intense temptation to run. Not to run anywhere, just to run for the sake of running.
They weren't brave enough to do that, just that. Mostly because they spotted a nightmare. Their former owner, headed right for them. Pup's feet wouldn't let them run. All they could think was that their boss would be so very mad at them for being stolen.
The armoured space marine came out of nowhere. Their battle-cry was, "No trespassing! Punishable by DEATH!"
Boss did not take the only warning, but did take a vibra-knife to the sternum. The marine took Boss's life with quick efficiency. Cleaned their blade and called in the security breach. Then they hunkered down on the spot and offered their hand.
"It's okay, now, Pup. The bad man's gone away. Nobody's going to hurt you."
Pup did the bravest thing they had ever done. They crept forward to sniff the armoured stranger. Who made no sudden moves.
"There. See? It's going to be all right."
For the first time, Pup could believe it.
[Photo by C Perret on Unsplash]
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