Top Dogs

An unexpexted turn of events

Blue

2 years ago.

The corridor was empty, save for us, two forms, sitting alone in the dark. “Do you think we’ll ever get out of here?” I asked, phrasing my hopes into words.

“No.” Pig said, rather pessimistically.

“What?” I asked, half mocking, half serious, “Don’t you believe in miracles.” Pig shook her head.

“But think,” I persisted, “One day, we could run away, never to return and-“Pig’s sharp voice cut me off.

“We’ll never escape,” She stated, “We’re stuck in here, forever.” 

I remember that I sat so long in the dark that night, wishing that my prince charming would come.

Blue                                                                                  ***

Growing up in a less-than-standard- orphanage taught you that life is not fair. That society is run by the people who have the most money- not the people who have the most brains.  Sitting next to me was my best friend. Pig. Short for Pigmentation. A strange name for most but, here, at the orphanage, it was normal. It created a memory jog. They named everyone at the orphanage after certain features they had, really, it was more of a label then a name.  In Pig’s case, it was more of ironic nature. Being born amongst toxic smog and pollution had strange effects. Pig was born without any colour pigmentation in her skin, hair or eyes. Sitting next to her was like sitting next to a ghost. She was swirling the food around on her plate. “Do you think that the meat in this is real?” She asked me, indicating to her bowl of…food. “No,” I replied “No one uses real meat anymore, only,” I paused, “the pack” The pack. The top dogs of society, richest of the rich. It consisted of 5 members. Lady K, a woman who married some rich old guy and ‘inherited’ all his money after he died ‘naturally’.  Big Wally, the owner of the only fast food franchise left. Richard Thompson, A very, very rich middle aged guy who made a stack of cash trading child soldiers (doesn’t he sound like a lovely guy?), Professor Pericoloso a genius who made his money doing dodgy experiments, and Stacey Heathers, the number one lawyer in the world. Lovely bunch of people, I am sure. “Yeah but, there might still be cows left, I mean this looks like beef” I raised an eyebrow at her, “If there were any cows left, the pack would have them, unless they’re weird and radioactive” I heard Pig mutter something that sounded suspiciously like ‘ like everything in this place’. Deciding not to comment, I stuck my fork into the tough ‘meat’ and ate.

Ricky                                                                              ***

“We have a situation.” Stephan called his voice very matter-of-fact. “Oh really?” Paige called, he short blonde hair out and hanging around her face, “Because we never have those”. Montana had to stifle her laugh. “Very funny” I replied sarcastically, “Because no one has ever said that before.” Paige stuck her tongue out at me (I’m lucky it wasn’t her finger). “Wow Ricky, don’t be so nice.” I gave her my best, okay, fine. Smile and continued fixing weapons. “About that situation…” Montana asked. “Well just the usual type thing, some rouge mutants running amok.” I sighed. “Why can’t real mutants be as sophisticated as the one in the old X-Men movies?” Okay. That’s time I got the finger. “Hurry up and pack, pretty boy.” Paige told me as she loaded up (on weapons), Montana was using her excellent computer skills, typing away to see if it was one of the registered mutants. Her purple hair was tied into a lose pony tail and her long sparkly nails were moving fast.  “We’ll have to be careful, this mutant isn’t registered or tagged” Montana informed us as we got ready to leave. I loaded my weapons into my belt (which had various hooks and loops to accommodate). I saw Paige doing the same, strapping her various weapons along her legs. Her black singlet was covered by a leather jacket and she wore tight, black shorts with punk-style boots. Stephan had a long black coat on in which he stored his weapons, accompanied with black trousers. Finally Montana had black jeans on with a black t-shirt with TEENAGE DIRTBAG on it.  She didn’t need any weapons usually. Montana could defend herself with a mixture of strategy and wit. But, hey, if she got into any real strife she could smart mouth them to death.