A Choice Is Made, But Not By Ry
"Ry William?" one of the Radinri said. Ry spun around to see the Radinri he hadn't ridden standing on the opposite side of the cells' bars.
"What do you want?" Ry said bitterly.
"I've come to make you an offer," the hunter continued. "You're an impressive fighter." Ry couldn't help but smile. "Your reflexes are amazing. Most humans can't dodge our weapons. And riding a Radinri is a neat trick, although it didn't quite work out for you." This time it was the Radinri who smiled. "My name is Rysthin Charrak, by the way."
"What's your offer?" said Ry.
"I just got a message from the planet's governor. She says there's some island where they're rounding up human prisoners."
"What for?"
"She wouldn't say. I think it might be that they've decided to let some humans keep living as humans instead of killing or converting them. Of course it's just as likely that they'll kill you there. Personally, I wouldn't go. I'm willing to make you my servant. You'd have to become a Radinri, of course."
"What?!" Ry shouted, indignant. "You think I'd want to work for a Radinri? You think I'd want to be a Radinri?"
Ry was shaking with rage, but Charrak stood coolly impassive. "You'd be paid, of course. I'd let you accompany me on my hunts if you wanted. Plus, when we get back to my home planet...well, maybe...just maybe...you'd be able to become a Rysthin. A Convert has never become a Rysthin before, but perhaps you'd be the first."
Charrak waited a moment for his offer to sink in. Ry said nothing.
"Which will it be, Ry...the islands, or Conversion?"
"What if I don't choose?" said Ry, looking Charrak in the eyes defiantly. "What if I just stand here forever?"
"You humans have a thing called art," Charrak said, leaning in closely, his red eyes gleaming with a terrible malice. "For Radinri, we have pain. Do you understand that, Ry? Radinri art is the art of pain. And there is a hunter in the cockpit right now whom you offended greatly today. Do you understand what I'm saying, Ry?"
"No," Ry lied.
"I am saying if you don't choose one or the other, I will stun you again. And when you come around you will find yourself restrained, so you can't pull another stupid stunt again. And D'Joyer will eat you. Slowly. Very slowly. He will nibble you to death, bit by bit, starting with your...least necessary parts." He was smiling now, not the kind smile from earlier but a truly evil grin. "And while D'Joyer is eating you alive, I will use all the medical prowess at my disposal--which is a considerable amount--to keep you alive, and fully conscious, while D'Joyer eats you. And your glorious screams will be like a concerto to us. Perhaps we'll even record all the wonderful sights and sounds and sell it, so every Radinri in the universe can laugh at the horrible anguish of the child who dared to challenge us. I believe I am making myself clear, Ry, and am giving you a very generous option. Go to the island, or become one of us. The choice is yours, but do be quick. D'Joyer is hungry."
Written by Zodiac on 10 July 2009
The end (for now)