Lost

The Breaking Point

Once he was certain Ilk was fast asleep, Red silently climbed out of bed, tucking her in and headed out the door. He had two elites stationed outside the door at all times until he returned, just in case: he wouldn't take any chances.

The Massive has a dark history on her rear section, where the prisoner brig and interrogation rooms are located. Since her inauguration as the flagship of the Irken Armada many unfortunate aliens of different species-rebels, prisoners of war or even fellow Irkens who somehow earned the Tallest's wrath-who were held there never saw the light of a star again.

Irkens have a knack for extracting information. The prisoner who held vital knowledge about something soon learned it. They naturally enjoy inflicting harm on inferior alien filth as a way to remind them of their place, so physical torture is the most common method. When that didn't work, they resorted to less favored but more effective methods, such as obtaining the information directly from the brain or 'truth' serum.

Sobrekt, however, are a peculiar case. They are trained to withstand the torture of all kinds, so no amount of physical pain that would have a Vortian break and make a twenty-page confession could make them spill the soda. In the most extreme cases, they could even go into a semi-vegetative state to avoid feeling the pain or even kill themselves before having the chance of being interrogated.

So when Red arrived at the plain, bare interrogation room where their 'guest' had been 'accommodated' he wasn't surprised to see him covered in his own blood with fresh wounds all over. But he didn't even seem to be in pain.

"He's like an armored torik, My Tallest, he won't talk," the guy in charge of the interrogatory said. His gloves were stained in the lizard's blood. "We tried everything, but he seems to have gone... unconscious or something."

"Did you try to shock him awake?"

"Everything you think of we have tried, My Tallest. It's like he's dead-alive."

"Where is Tallest Purple?"

"Overseeing the results of the brain information extraction with the science drones."

Right. He said he was going to get the information directly from the sobrekt's brain. He stared the alien's limp, battered body. "I'm going in."

The soldier snapped his head up. "My Tallest, I'm not sure it's wise! The prisoner might as well be faking it and will spring upon you once you step inside-"

"I can handle him. In case you forgot, I dealt with the other one in less than thirty seconds when he was in top form, I think I can deal with a dying one. Open the door."

Although reluctant, the soldier obeyed and stepped aside to allow his Tallest to step in. Red walked into the interrogation room, back straight, expression calm but stern. He was the Tallest, one of the Irken leaders; he must look like the epitome of strength and authority, both to his subjects and his enemies.

The sobrekt didn't move.

"I must say, your species' reputation precedes you," Red spoke in a cold manner, but those who work close to him know that tone. He wasn't happy. "Not everyone has the guts to send assassins into the flagship of the Irken Armada, after all, much less to send said assassins after the Tallest themselves. What I cannot understand is what business your... son had with my smeet." Red narrowed his eyes impatiently when he received no reaction from his prisoner. "Listen carefully: I'll make it easier for you. I'm only going to ask you a question. One simple question. If you answer me I'll consider giving you a quick death."