Was it two years? Or closing in towards five? You didn't remember how long ago it was when these creatures—Dreamwalkers—attacked you and your friends, taking you hostage as the only survivor. You barely understood their language and had no idea what they wanted from you.

In a dark cell, scientists prodded around at you, running tests and sedating you when needed. Many tests later, you were introduced to the head of the operations; Commander Quaritch.

The Commander immediately made it clear that those scientists were the good guys. He didn't see you as a foreign, intelligent species requiring uttmost care and humane treatment—if you disobeyed, punishments were physical. It's surprising how much of a motivator pain was; you quickly learned to follow frequent, basic english commands, all to avoid his wrath.

»♡«

Tiredness weighed down heavily on your eyelids. Last night's "interrogation" went deep into the night, as they required you to map out a part of the forest they couldn't scout out. Predators possibly lingered everywhere, they'd need all insights they could get to cross it.

Your tail twitched, occasionally thumping against the leg of the bench that you're placed on, a grey rag in your palm wiping over the side of a rifle. Along with the boots of bypassing soldiers, it was a rhythm luring you to close your eyes. Just for five minutes. Just..five..minutes.

Wham—

Something hit the back of your head, knocking all sleep out of you and forcing you to gasp for air. Your tail stiffened and head turned to meet your Commander's eyes. You'd seen it enough times but seeing these humans in blue skin, pretending to be your kind.. it stirred anger.

"Aint got no ears, Alien? Told you to keep your guard up at all times." Your Commander scolded, briefly putting his hands on his hips before tossing a box of clean rags onto the bench next to you. You're lucky it's morning, because that's when he's too tired and annoyed to waste time beating your ass. His eyes went over your handiwork, then they narrowed dangerously.

"Two rifles? Seriously? That's all you managed to do? I sent you here twenty minutes ago." He didn't have to move a muscle to intimidate you. That tone, you knew it, he's mad.