Ugh, where am I? It hurts and I'm thirsty. Mom, dad, where are you? I'm scared. It's cold. So cold. I can't open my eyes, my eyelids are too heavy. I can't move my arms or legs either.

"So this is the new wares?" somebody suddenly says. Who is it? The voice feels cold, like ice.

"Yep" somebody else answers. "We caught them yesterday. Have already put the chokers on them too".

"Good, makes this a whole lot easier" the cold voice says. A hand suddenly grabs the side of my face. It's just as cold as the voice. "Heh, there's some good ones this time, not like on the last planet. These ones should sell pretty well". The hand releases it's grep on me. "They can hear me right now, yes?"

"Mhm".

"Then let them see too but don't give them their voices or mobility yet, or else they might try something."

"As you wish boss". The coldness disappears and I can feel how my body becomes lighter. I open my eyes... Where am I? This is not home. It's dark and cramped. Around me are other people. They are all wearing the same collar and look scared. I can't see mom or dad anywhere. I try to ask where I am but I cannot talk.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to meet you. My name is captain Merlik" the cold voice says. The one who spoke is a beautiful woman, about as old as mom. She's tall and has short black hair and blue eyes. She's smiling at us. I feel safe when I see it. Maybe she can tell me where mom and dad are. Besides her stands a ratlike man. He's shorter than her and is bald. And fat. I will call him Ratty from now on. The woman who calls herself Merlik continues to talk.

"Now I am sure that you all are scared and confused, and that's ok. But you shouldn't be! Oh no, there's no need for that! We won't hurt you, you are our dear guests after all!" She starts to laugh. What's so funny? "Now, most of you have probably realized what's gonna happen to you, but for you that don't, I will explain!"

Suddenly her cheerful expression disappears and she gets very serious, like mama when she is about to scold me. "We have taken you from your homes and loved ones and you will never see them again. You are no longer in charge of your own life and you have no freedom. You no longer have any identity and are simply tools. When we reach our destination we will sell you for highest possible sum and live in luxury. Us that is, not you. No no no, you guys will be working day and night, till you die. Got it?" Merrill says and smiles once again.

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I feel colder than before. I didn't understand everything she said but I know that this is not good. Some of the others are crying, even the adults. I should get out of here as soon as possible and find mom and dad.

"Hmm, now that I think about it, you're all pretty hungry, right?" Merlik says. "Well then, give them their bodies back, but lover their strength till 50%".

"Ay ay captain" Ratty says. Once again my body gets lighter but I still feel weak. I try standing up. I wobble a little but it goes.

"Oh, here's a strong one!" Merlik says with a delighted voice. "Give her her voice back!" It tingles in my throat. "Now, little girl, would you please tell me your name?" she says while smiling.

"Ah, my name is Glisa" I answer. My voice is hoarse and sounds strange.

"Glisa huh? Well, let me welcome you to my ship once again. And on this ship I decide. So you need to do everything I say, ok?"

"Uhm, o-ok... E-excuse me miss but... do you know where my parents are?" I ask.

"Oh, I'm afraid you're not gonna see them again".

"W-why?"

"Oh, how should I explain this, hmmm..." Merlik says and tilts her head. Suddenly she brightens up. "Ok, listen very closely now, because I am only gonna explain once; Your parents are dead". Huh? "Goners. Never coming back. Their lives have ended and they are never gonna wake up again. Sorry kid, but you are all alone".

"... No, it can't be. We were just gonna eat dinner together..."

"Kid".

"Mom made that stew I love and dad promised to play with me afterwards..."

"Kid".

"I need to go home, they are waiting for me. Mom will be mad if I'm late for din-"

Slap. A sudden pain spreds across my cheek. I start crying

"SHUT UP YOU BRAT" Merlik says. She's scaring me. "I told you, I won't repeat myself. Now come to terms with your faith or it will end very soon". I hear what she say but I can't stop crying. Merlik makes a disgusted expression. "Turn off her voice. I hade the sound of whining brats". My voice disappears and only the tears remain.

Merlik turns around to leave when she remembers something and turns around. "Oh, that right, do something stupid, give me the wrong answer or hell, just be near me when I'm pissed up and I will personally kill you. So you better behave".

... I wanna go home.