Red dots were gathering on young Audrey’s dress like fire ants on a discarded piece of cake. It took a moment for her to realize that drops of blood were falling from above her. A red ring was forming around Holder’s neck as Audrey cradled his arm over her shoulders. Stopping an explosion at point blank range had proved to be exhausting, yet still he persevered. Holder held up one hand as he rose from his knees. Audrey remained seated; staring in awe as the bullet was stopped midway between Maw and his target. Holder held an imaginary gun as the bullet turned until it was facing Maw. The bullet’s new target raised his arms into the air as his fancy revolver bounced in the dirt. Audrey placed a gentle touch onto Holder's outstretched arm; then pulled her body from the ground until they met eyes. He knew what she wanted. Mercy. Those people never showed Mercy. But Audrey helped him escape. He owed her. No. That debt was repaid when he saved her from the grenade.

Holder lowered his weapon; leaving the bullet suspended harmlessly in the air. Maw reached for his control band. Audrey pulled away as her face was painted red. Stunned, Holder was still on his feet. It was not uncommon for a slave to still be standing or even walk after their collar was detonated. The snap explosion removed their heads so quickly that the rest of the body had to catch up. In some compounds, a game called ‘Pop-corn’ was played by workers with control band access. Slaves were put to death at random just for entertainment, but this type of treatment is banned in most settlements; due to the mess created and the added expense of losing a collar before it expired.

The remnants of the collar had fallen to the dirt, leaving behind a wound. But Holder's head was still attached, thanks to Maw. While the intent was to kill the rebelling slave, Maw had revealed the path of liberty instead. The grenade taught Holder that even explosions could be contained. This rebel had seen countless die from these collars to know that the detonators were not that different. Since the discovery of these damning machines, his people had known suffering. The collars were unearthed nearly 300 years ago, by a woman who’s name was lost to history. Some say that the original purpose of the collars was for healing, linked to the ruins of the medical facility where they were found. No matter the original intent, scholars agree that the collars ushered in a new age of advancement. The once feared and secluded people of the wastes were then hunted down and enslaved. People of the wastes only traveled in units of 6 or 9. Composed of 3 couples, sometimes accompanied by 3 children. Numbers, weapons and the recovered technology allowed for the enslavement of these powerful people. The collar became the symbol and tool of their beastly existence. The device created a dampening field for telepathy and other mental abilities. For added measure, the detonator was included into the design. Even with all their powers blocked, the nomads were still gifted physically. It was their ability to work and survive that rebuilt society as we know it. While the slavers deny any resemblance, the people of the wastes were just as human as their oppressors. And it was human instinct to want freedom, even if it had to be fought for.

The bullet was still floating, facing the merciless man who pulled the trigger. Holder returned the favor. Maw looked down as a crimson stain spread over his chest. The bullet had performed just as designed; to penetrate then detonate an emp that would trigger the collar from within. Without a collar, the emp spread throughout his body.The sadistic man dropped to his knees with a grin. The surge of electricity froze his face into a twisted mask of pain and pleasure. Maw dropped dead in the dirt next to his gun.

Audrey stared at the body. She knew he deserved it. She thought of Beauty to justify what she felt in her heart. Beauty was not named for her face; a slave was named for their purpose and duty. It was decided at birth that she would live the life of her mother. She was the last of 28 children born before her mother died. Audrey was just a few years older than Beauty, but she was well aware what fate had in store. On the night that Beauty was able to be used, they ran before anyone else found out. They ran until it was the next night and didn't stop; until Maw showed up. The twisted expression was fixated on Holder’s back as he escaped into the ash. Audrey sat and waited until aid arrived. Unfortunately, they brought someone who could only do more harm than good.

A well groomed, and nobly dressed gentleman emerged from the first of four vehicles. As he strolled towards Audrey, the contents of the other cars spilled into the dirt road. 

“Get up girl, you are a Durwood, and will always appear dignified in public”. Master Durwood barked in his usual tone as he surveyed the scene. “A driver, one vehicle... Oh and this.” He mumbled loudly, already calculating the costs, only to stare down at Maw’s body. A worker was on standby near the corpse. Master Durwood snapped his fingers and turned as Maw was loaded into the truck’s freezer. “Our contract has not yet expired, keep him on ice until I find a use for him.” His head whipped back towards his daughter. “You cost me more than you're worth.” Pausing to inspect her damaged clothes. “Get in the car.”  Audrey dared not look up at his face as the command took the tone of a threat. She gazed out the window in the direction where Holder ran off.

The wind covered Holder’s tracks as he ran.Time was running out. No one could survive in the wastes alone, not even his nomadic ancestors. He was lost with no supplies but he still remained calm. He was now free and his mind unbound. Anything was possible. He reached out with his mind to find others like himself. At first, only the weak signals from those still enslaved responded. He drowned in their cries for help, and screams of pain. But the coolness of night brought hope. Go to the mountains of metal in the south. He repeated the message but the sender could no longer be heard. Facing south, two large peaks sit on the horizon. Holder pressed the scar around his throat before taking his first steps toward freedom.

Audrey had finally arrived back at the ‘Durwood Estate’. A fancy name for a place of misery and injustice. Like most compounds, the Durwood Estate produced a resource on demand. Food, energy and water were the most sought after and Master Durwood monopolized energy in the northwest while self-sustaining his food and water supplies. Master Durwood customized his facilities to maximize profits, while still including the essential components of a basic compound. The plantation fields where food was produced was integrated into the water purification system. Water purification mills also generated energy to sustain the energy converter located in the main factory. The main factory was powered by the windmills, and created the materials needed for energy grid expansion. And he currently powered 8 of the 12 surrounding settlements. The mastermind had a simple motto for his contract employees to remember, “Energy is power. Power is control”.

While the car was pulling up slowly past the gates to the manor, Audrey lept from her seat and ran upstairs. She sat in her room and awaited her punishment. The air in the entire compound was thick with fear. When Maw was on a rampage, only the slaves had to worry. But when Master Durwood was upset; everyone suffered. Starting with his disobedient daughter. He burst into her room still dressed in his full noble attire.