Chapter 1
Sold

Dustin lay on a table of cold metal, finally having drifted off to sleep, which was difficult. Everything was difficult when you were on an Alien Ship, ever since it had happened. They had come from nowhere, killed many, and taken those they chose. Now, at age seven, Dustin knew the harsh life he led in the hands of the Greys. Earth was now inhabited by their hybrid race, as had been inevitable. People were brought in and out like cattle, most adults, but many of them were children. They traded among galaxies, sold them, and the cycle went on. Some were lucky, some were the pets. Others, slaves, that were not the least bit lucky. Things for the humans were not well in any respect however, they were considered the 'scum' of the universe.

It wasn't long before he felt a poke at his side, a hand went over his mouth quickly before he could scream. He was flipped oer onto his back, bare chest moving up and down slowly. His eyes moved open, and one of the larger ones hovered over him. It's brown eyes fixed onto his own, rendering him paralyzed. "This is not what I ordered." A voice hissed, looking at Dustin from under a hood, it sounded snake-like.

"You requested a young, new, and healthy human male." The Grey motioned, and Dustin unwilingly sat up it had powe over his mind which made it easier "We found this one no more then four weeks ago. He and his parents were hiding, but he is in perfect health. I'd give you his young father, but he was already sold."

The Alien inspected Dustin like live stock again, a clawed hand feeling each part. He was thin, but as The Grey had said, rather healthy. Much to Dustin's surprise, despite not sounding friendly the Alien was gentler with him then other species had been. He had been looked at many times, but never bought. Each one before this one had been rough, going so far as to slap him to see how he took pain. This creature however, seemed only concerned with his health. "Has sperm been harvested?" It asked, moving his head to one side.

"Of course, we took around twelve samples when he first came."

The Alien shook his head, hissed and turned to The Grey. "I want one older!"

The Grey stood there, contemplating before nodding, releasing Dustin, who was quietly returned to his laying position. The Grey left with the buyer, off to who knows where, a single bright light shone down on Dustin. The door opened again, and before Dustin knew it, another Grey was over him. It lifted him by his arms, and forced him to sit up. He realized he must have fallen asleep without realizing it, they only did this in the morning. Slimy fingers ran over his back, and before long, his t-shirt was placed back on. Obviously they had found him to still be healthy, otherwise, they'd have disected him or far worse. He sat up, cross legged, and shivering as the temperature of the room dropped. "You've been here long enough to know what happens within a year if you are not purchased?" The Grey asked him, Dustin nodded "Then I suggest you begin making yourself presentable, if you wish to live."

"How?" Dustin managed to ask, there was a small chuckle.

That was the only response he would get as he was motioned to get off the table. He followed The Grey as it beckoned, this happened daily, and they'd take him somewhere new each time. He could see adults being led by force, and children being led by The Grey's more willingly, or by force as well. Dustin was young, and he didn't really know his fate. He just knew he didn't want to be there and had no choice. He followed them and did what they told him for one reason: They were the only things keeping him alive.

This time he did not recognize the way they were going, until he realized it. They were leaving the ship, for the first time, it was leading him out. He wasn't the only one, a few Adults and Toddlers were being led out as well. As they stepped out, he found himself in a hangar. All around there were different ships belonging to Greys. People were being examind like livestock, and being traded for a strange clear purple currency. He could see one child around age five in a horrible position. Being led out with a metal dog collar-like object around his neck, and a laser-like leash held by a seven foot tall furry alien. He reached out for two adults whom Dustin guessed were his parents, but was pulled away.

He had been chosen to be examined for pet adoption and he knew it. He was led towards his area, where a couple was leaving with an adult on a leash. Had The Grey not held him back, he'd have run. This is why The Grey wanted him to be more desirable, this had been planned. "Now look at this, so you do have one in stock." He looked up to see a creature with green smoothe skin, and red eyes "It's perfect, I can't believe my luck today!"

"Yes, yes... 40,000 Killos, and he's all yours." Dustin was eyeing the metal collar and lazer leash the Alien held "A bit pricy, but this one's rare. Born after the invasion according to his biology. You won't find many natural borns like that. Most are born in test tubes, you know?"

"Yes, I've heard of the rebels doing that." His new owner, took the same currency out of his pocket "Ex-wife didn't approve of this, but now that she's not with me anymore. I couldn't resist a natural born." He noticed the shirt and pants being removed from Dustin, leaving him in his underwear "The pet clothes ain't provided then? Figures..."

The Grey nodded, and held out his hand, the currency was dropped into his palm. Dustin felt him let go, and leave him standing there. "His name is Dustin." The Grey spoke "Name him something other then that if you wish. We only kept their names as we had them on file."

"He looks like a Dustin." His owner looked down, and pet him on his head like a dog "Now, where do I get him clothin-?" The Grey had already begun to walk off however "Figures, cheapskate." He looked at Dustin and smiled, bending down "Can you speak?"

"Y-Yes sir." Dustin's voice trembled.

"Now there's no need to be fearful, you may be my pet, and yes this leash is yours... But I won't do harm to you." His owner spoke, looking as other children were carried onto various ships "My race treats their pets kindly, as you'll very well see Dustin. You may call me Hrgoroth." Dustin blinked at the name, to which the Alien smiled "Too difficult? Well then, let's stik to Henry until you're old enough, shall we?" Dustin nodded slowly "Well then Dustin, be a good boy and hold still, will you?"

Dustin just stared at 'Henry' as The Alien placed the collar around his neck, it fit tightly enough, but not too much. Though it did very much hurt, Dustin guessed even Henry didn't have a say. He guessed it was a sign that you were a pet owned by an alien. "Hmm... According to this." He inspected his neck "You're growth gene has been removed, I guess you'll be seven until you die then."

Dustin froze, he hadn't realized that, they must have done it when he was asleep. Or in one of their painful procedures, none the less he was stuck like this, a pet child until he was dead. Henry stood, and held his leash by the end, pulling Dustin along, the boy walked beside him obiediently. He scratched at the collar slightly, it felt uncomfortable and he could clearly feel it there now. "Unfortuanently I cannot remove that." Henry shook his head "It attatches to your skin and sticks."

Dustin whimpered, but felt Henry rub his head again, they reaced a small ship and he led Dustin in. As soo as the door closed, the lazer leash was gone. "No need to keep you on a leash, we're not in public." The Alien led him down a few hallways, and into what appeared to be the control room "You'll sleep in here, if that's alright." He pulled out a bed about Dustin's size, in the shape of a dog bed, only with a pillow and blanket "Why don't you get some rest, I'm sure your tired."

Dustin rubbed his eye, and walked over, laying onto the pet bed. Pulling the blanket over his almost bare body, he closed his eyes. Immediatly, he felt his head covered by the blanket as well. He ignored it however, allowing himself to fall asleep. Feeling something run down his back, a hand maybe, he twitched, but it retracted. He felt it come again, but this time, he was too deep in sleep to do anything before he felt it move away. And then as the blanket was pulled off his head, he saw what it had been. His new owner had a brander in his hand from what he could see once he was awake. He was laying on his side with the blanket at his front.

Had he been able to look at his back, he knew he'd see an alien name branded into his skin. It made him wonder just what 'Henry' considered to be 'better treatment'.

--

If you want to read more, please review!