Khivar turned to the young recruit and sneered at him. His army consisted of both soldiers from Antar and Earth, but they all disgusted him. They were all merely puppets in this game of his, and much too stupid to realize otherwise.

“What do you want?” Khivar spat out.

“I, uh, well… the girl… she… uh-”

“TALK.” Khivar’s threatening voice echoed deafeningly off the walls.

“Both the prisoners are awake, sir.” Khivar’s tight lips curled up in a smile at the news. The time to play was to begin. He could almost taste it. Anticipation played with his nerves, and he was impatient to commence.

“Have her prepared. Actually, have both prepared. You know what to do.” The young soldier nodded. He was about to step out of the room before he paused and turned back to Khivar.

“Sir?”

“What is it that you want? Didn’t I give you direct orders?” Khivar’s irritation crept into his voice, and his tone was teetering on anger.

“I’m sorry, sir, I just wanted to know about the female prisoner. She fought the guard earlier, and he had to, uh, subdue her. Any orders you would like followed through this time?” Khivar again placed a grin on his face.

“No, continue as is. Earth women are known to be independent. We can’t have that now, can we?”