Light in the Arena

The security gate beeped, and a light turned a rich green as a pale female hand ran an ID card across its sensor. A few steps away an unshaven security guard gave a subtle nod in recognition and a brief smile came across the face of the hand's owner. It was a pretty smile, although fleeting, with full red lips in contrast to the pale blue eyes above them.

This is how most days start for Lauren, a physicist at a remote laboratory. But today is not a typical day. Thrust back in time by a malfunctioning experiment, Lauren finds herself bound to a gladiator and his quest for freedom.