The New World Order

Chapter 9

Author's Note

Hi guys!  I am very sorry for the long wait.  Things have been a little hectic in my personal life.  I am hoping that things are finally back to normal and I can begin to update this story more often!

Please feel free to like, comment, and vote.  It would be much appreciated!  I sincerely hope that you, the reader, are enjoying this story.

Without further ado, here is Chapter 9 of The New World Order.

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I sat very still for a moment, before sitting up and looking around me. Off to one side, and easily missed, was a toilet and small sink partially blocked by a small half wall. I had not seen a toilet in ages and the urge to go suddenly overcame me. I went over and sat. While going, I noticed toilet paper, another luxury I had gone without.

When finished, I flushed and looked at the sink. It was equipped with a small bar of soap, which I used. The warm, bubbly water felt wonderful. While washing my hands I looked up. Attached to the wall above the sink was a small mirror and shelf. The shelf held a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a single cup. Before I could stop myself, I grabbed the toothbrush, got it ready, and brushed my teeth. The sensation was full of minty goodness, and it felt wonderful to have clean teeth again.

As I gargled and rinsed my mouth, I looked at my reflection and gasped. A pale, thin face drawn and sunken slightly, framed by long, dull unkempt hair looked back at me. Each eye looked slightly swollen as the bruising developed. I was going to have a couple of good shiners in the morning. My throat was also horrendously bruised in the shape of that brute's hand. I closed my eyes for a moment trying to block out the image as I turned away from the mirror. Shaking my head, I slowly shuffled back to the bed. Everything hurt, but I knew in time that things would heal and maybe escape would be possible.

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Clustered around the monitors in the security room, they all watched as Tabatha inspected her small quarters, used the facilities, and brushed her teeth.

"I hope she settles in okay," said Ben as he watched.

"She should be just fine, Boss. It might take longer because she was on her own for so long, but she should settle with time and a lot of patience on our part. She doesn't seem to be the type to submit easily like some of the humans did in the beginning," said Doc.

"Yes," said Sky, "some humans are easier than others."

They fell into silence as they watched Tabatha slowly pace her enclosure before finally sitting on the bed. It was true that many humans resisted, but some simply let the takeover happen. Experts theorized that this small group of humans were relieved that the daily pressures of life were simply gone. They thrived under the new order. The majority eventually settled in as well, but there were still hiccups here and there.

Turning away from the monitor Ben looked at all of the human's things that had been retrieved from the warehouse and taken from her person. A ratty old knapsack held her belongings which included a big knife, flint and steel, some dented cans of expired food from before the invasion, a sewing kit, rope, 2 fishhooks with line, a faded family photo, a canteen, a blanket, and one change of old clothes. The clothes she had been wearing were also on the table and looked very much like a pile of dirty old rags. The smell coming from them was horrendous.

"Do you think one of you could preserve these items without the smell?" asked Ben.

"Sure I can, Ben," said Rex, taking the pile and putting them into a container.

"Thanks Rex. They will be good additions to the display back home on Zion," replied Ben.

With raised eyebrows, Doc said, "You don't mean to go there soon, do you?"

"No, but that was the plan, to eventually return home. I want Tabatha safe. I don't trust that Gunner will leave us alone, especially here on Earth. He has already made threats. We have more pull back home then we do here," explained Ben, "But that will not happen right away. She isn't ready for travel, especially that kind of travel."

"Well," said Doc, "you are very right about her not being able to travel just yet. She needs time to bond with us and to learn how things are going to be from now on."

Ben nodded in agreement as he looked back at the monitor. Tabatha had finally settled on the bed and looked to be asleep. They would let her nap while Bruno and Red cooked dinner, something they both enjoyed doing.

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Without meaning to, I fell asleep on the comfortable bed. I woke slowly as I heard movement in the room and the main light is turned on. I yawn and sit up, looking around. Ben and Sky had entered the bedroom and stood outside my cage.

"Sleep okay?" asked Sky, tilting her head.

I glared in response as Ben moved forward, unlocking the door.

"It looked like you did," he said, entering my space.

I backed away as Sky also came in.

"None of that now, Miss Tabatha," Sky said with a shake of her head, "Are you hungry? The boys made dinner."

I began to shake my head no, but my stomach betrayed me. Sky smiled at the grumble and both her and Ben gently grabbed me. I wasn't in any type of physical shape to resist and went with them, but I wasn't too thrilled either.

As I was gently escorted out of the bedroom, I looked around me. The furnishings were simple, yet beautiful and looked extremely comfortable. Neutral shades of gray dominated with hints of blue, green, yellow, and red throughout.

The living room had a huge fireplace, which dominated the room. A lush, beautiful gray rug sat in front of the hearth with a large L shaped couch and a collection of lazy chairs. A large bookshelf filled one whole wall. It was a gorgeous room.

As we made our way past the living room, a delightful smell of vegetable beef soup filled the air and my stomach rumbled again. Turing, we entered the dinning room. A long oak table with chairs for everyone was in the center of the room. I was seated between Ben and Sky and was given a huge bowl of soup and a piece of thick home baked bread.

As I staired at the bowl, the Canids chatted around me. They seemed to be a close-knit group, closer than a human family in some ways. As I sat, I compared them to what I knew of wild wolf packs and how they seemed to be very similar to each other.

"Go ahead and eat Tabatha. The warm soup will be good for your throat," said Doc, who was sitting across from me.

"It's alright," said Ben, looking at me before dipping his own spoon in my bowl and eating it.

I watched him for a moment, and decided it was safe to eat. Knowing that if I ate to fast, I might get sick, I sipped slowly. The flavor is rich and nourishing as I eat. Without noticing, the group takes a collective sigh of relief as I eat. They had been worried I might have to be force fed.

When the meal is finished and the table cleared, Luna approaches me and says that I am to have a bath. I glare and shake my head vigorously. I wasn't a child or a pet. I could bathe myself.

"This isn't up for negotiation, Little One," said Ben, crossing his arms, "You will have a bath. Sky, why don't you help Luna?"

"Sure thing," she said while gently grabbing my arm.

"I'll help too," said Togo as he grabbed my other arm.

I grumbled but followed Luna. I didn't have much choice.