Ow. Ow ow ow.

My eyes peeled open to be seared by what had to be the brightest overhead lights I had ever seen. Every piece of me was racked with pain, except for my hands and feet which had lost all feeling due to overly tightened restraints. I could feel my back sticking to the metal slab beneath me, adhered by fluid that I feared was mine. I could hardly breathe the burning antiseptic air, underscored by a sharp tang of iron, copper, and fear. I managed to lift my head and saw crude stitching across my stomach and chest. Too exhausted and frightened to vomit, I turned my head and saw other gurneys with fellow victims strapped in, similar inflicted wounds covering their bodies, blood running in rivulets down from their slabs, across the white tile to a floor drain. I could see their chests rising and falling, too rapidly. They too struggled to breath. I tugged at my restraints, and to my utter surprise, yanked one free.

Unsure when our tormenters would return, I frantically clawed at the remaining straps. I heard voices echoing down the hallway outside the door and increased my efforts for freedom. Success! I rolled off and hit the floor, almost blacking out. I pulled myself upright and staggered forward, intent on leaving the others behind. I had to get free! I could bring reinforcements for them later – I was only an engineer; I wasn’t trained for combat. The room stretched in front of me, each step seeming to take me farther from the door. I slipped back down to the floor, thirst and blood loss taking their toll. I looked back and cursed. I couldn’t do it; I couldn’t leave them. I told myself this was practical – if I collapsed, another would have a chance to escape and bring rescue. I crawled back and went to each of the three tables, fumbling to free them from their straps. I could here one of them stirring, and hoped my efforts were enough – the voices were getting closer.

Crawling now towards the door, I pushed myself to keep going. I finally reached it and pulled myself up against the doorframe. I staggered down the hall and almost collapsed when a blaring klaxon pierced my ears. I heard a cacophony of voices and booted feet thumping toward me. I’d never outrun them, but maybe one of my crewmates could get out. I shouted to bring the hoard toward me and turned toward the heavy door with a push bar in front of me. Big letters brilliant red glared down at me.

EXIT

I hope that meant a way out. I pushed through and staggered onto pavement. My breaths came harder; this atmosphere wasn’t right for my lungs. I squinted, trying to see past the shining lights that were pointed at me. I couldn’t equilibrate fast enough – I felt dry hands grab me and force me to the ground. One of the torturers xyr white coat leaned down into my face – ugly tiny eyes boring into mine. Xyr headfur was tied back and xyr pale washed-out face smooth of lines. Blunt teeth flashed as xyr mouth pulled back and babbled something at me. I stared hard back – my unblinking black eyes, huge in comparison, elicited a shudder. I was roughly dragged back to the room of horrors, but to my delight, one of the tables was now empty. This planet will be dust.