Un-tameable: The Human-Ethos Compendium, #1

By E Darkwood

A host is a promise of a new life.

A human host, is a valuable commodity. But for Security Subsection 30 Tier 110 Cubicle 350 Enforcer Rank 1 — a member of the dominant species who at the lowest rank possible isn't dominating anybody — both are clearly an unattainable dream.

Until today.

For on this particular day the offer of a lifetime will be made.

However all is not as it seems, for to be offered a host is 'an impossibility for someone like her' or so she has repeatedly been told.

Which begs the question, which is worse? To live out her days floating in the safety of her isolated bubble or gamble it all on a host who rumor has it has been branded as hopeless to tame?

- - -

Host 7-810-577-031 I read indifferently. I wonder, is it a running count or what they judge their odds?

If I were them I'd go with the second one.

A hushed room, because of them it's devoid of everything, including emotion. One of the last free humans is strapped to a table, helpless. A single moment is all it takes, in the blink of an eye a fiery intelligence is supplanted by a passive worker. Another job well done. The sharks circle once more.

Do they ever stop to think their actions as murder?

I doubt it.

But it doesn't really make a difference because I don't either.

Another one comes, another one goes. One more corpse for the pile. If the growing stack isn't proof enough, go ahead keep testing me — I'm not the one who needs a body.

Only 7,810,577,030 to 1. May the strongest rule the world.

-

In a post-invasion version of Earth where humans are but the masks that the alien conquerers wear there is but one question: is there any way to remain human?

This is the first volume in a tale that explores what it means to be the invader as well as the invaded — what would you be willing to do to make your wish reality?

• Language: English
• Publisher: E Darkwood
• Release date: Jan 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393586289

Book preview

What is this?

THIS IS A FICTION BOOK, more specifically of the science fiction kind within the subcategory of alien invasion. In this book, you will be taken through the tale of an Earth that could be after an alien species has taken over; in more senses than one.

What goes through the minds of the invaders? Why do they invade? And what happens if  'the invaded' aren't considered the enemy?

If that sounds interesting to you, then this is the book for you. If not, then consider looking into another title by this author in a different genre or simply something else, but whatever the case...

Thank you for reading.

Untamable takes place

on an Earth that could be.

Chapter 1

A AAH! I roar in protest .

The uncomfortable squirming sound that pollutes my ear, whose magnitude at this point is probably more imagined than not, fuels the outraged behind my struggle.

The gruesome sound suddenly subsides; I pause my thrashing when I feel a slight burning pressure along with the presence.

GET OUT. I command, returning the aggression.

Immediately the pressure dies but heavy beads of sweat slide down the sides of my face from the exertion.

GRAaa! I yell out in warning as one of the faceless observers attempts to move closer.

He backs off.

I glower at them though I otherwise remain silent; trying to conserve my strength for the next attempt. I vaguely see a shaky figure enter the room. That makes five. I allow myself a small release of air.

Then I inwardly chuckle. Each side is wary of the other yet they cannot resist 'an anomaly'.

My glower transforms into open though weary condescension.

But I should spend this interlude conservatively; I close my eyes and concentrate on replenishing my strength.

I hear feet.

I feel the small prick that tells me they do not think me sedated enough. Or perhaps they simply grow more cautious?

We're wearing him down. Comments some hopeful figure.

I inwardly smirk. Not nearly as worn as you are.

They start to discuss if their fallen will affect the procedure, most argue 'yes' but then one loudly points out that there is little precedent.

"Not even seasoned testers have ever gone past three abortions on the same host."

Their squabbling continues and I make efforts to ignore it, choosing instead to focus on my earned repose.

I feel an itch near the zone of contact and as my captors are distracted I try to see if I can tilt my head enough to one side so as to-

Something viscous slides out of my ear. The oozing sound that announces it, is almost as unpleasant as when the Taker was going in.

Eeee! I hear someone shriek and I half open an eye. All those in attendance aren't looking well.

In fact, I'm just in time to witness one of them fainting, and another leave the room holding a hand over its mouth.

Those who remain standing, albeit barely, quickly agree that they need to regroup.

About time.

They hastily retreat, the piercing terror in their eyes speaking also of their utter revulsion, and for a moment I hope.

But I suppose not even the ghastly sight I present is enough to render them negligent; one returns with a sleeping agent.

Ugh.

————||————

No one would deign telling me directly, but in a Colony as small as Earth's there's no suppressing an incredible rumor.

There's an inhabitable host.

Un-take-able? I wonder to myself as I continue to search for untapped reliable sources to confirm this unbelievable speculation.

I skim through news from those high above me but my truest efforts are on finding someone in my own tier who I could contact.

But I come up empty.

I'm contemplating whether to expand my search, when suddenly my attention is caught by a message tagged host. I'm stunned in disbelief for almost a whole second before I disregard the silly notion; it isn't... It isn't...

I open the message.

'To Security Subsection 30 Tier 110 Cubicle 350 Enforcer Rank 1,

Host 7-810-577-031 of Earth is offered for habiting. Do you accept?'

My jaw drops.

I can't comprehend its meaning.

So I go back over it...

Then I replay it...

And then I play it again...

But the words don't change no matter how many times I repeat them. It's for me. I'm being offered a Human.

Not even the lack of details I know someone of a higher rank would have gotten about a potential host, can dissuade me from my roiling. It eventually prompts action.

I form my reply:

'I accept.'

But as soon as I do, I have an existential crisis. What do I do with myself? I pulse with barely contained jubilation in anticipation of further instructions, but I'm also self-aware enough to understand that I honestly never thought this day would come...

Could there possibly be a surplus?...

They wouldn't clear a damaged body... No matter how low my rank is-

Unless...

————|————

Eighty-eight Radium.

I open my eyes and roam them over the empty holding cell no one else has occupied.

I prop myself up more comfortably before I let out a low whistle.

While I wait, I idly wonder if I'll be able to complete my litany before they come back for me, though I don't doubt they will come.

Pride is a dangerous disposition.

————||————

I go into the habiting module with steady practiced motions; I'm surprised at just how easily my training takes over. But before I can recant, I feel a sway that would mean I'm growing that much closer towards my escape, my freedom. All criticisms are lost, to contemplation.

My nerves had been racing up to this moment, but I find myself eerily calm at present.

Perhaps it's the, 'calm before the storm'?

No.

I can admit to myself what this really is: my one shot.

With stomach-turning determination I brace myself as the module hums; a sensation I'd longed for, an abstract dream. My reality.

The swaying becomes ever slower until it finally subsides; we've landed.

The hatch slides open with a transcendent hiss, and with my odd calm to propel me forward I slowly make my way out, towards, hope.

————|————

The Takers are willing to try again. I muse as I jolt into animation. Even so, something, is different.

They administer their assimilation serum and as before I feel the tickle of persuasion, product of their drugs; I move towards a mood near complacency. I’ve always wondered, why don’t they try to take me while I sleep?

Some sort of moral code?

Perhaps it’s akin to neurosurgery; to verify the results are as affective as they are meant to be effective the patient needs to be awake?

I watch indifferently as they approach with their latest, at this point I assume, volunteer.

I feel it slither out of it's carrier, towards me.

I feel the entry and brace for the following unpleasantries, but, only the oddest subtle itch is to be found.

AAAH! I cry out when I feel too much time has passed without further internal cue; I struggle to call my rage and I ponder a miscalculation.

Why don't I feel it?

Suddenly, I hear a distant and vague, disjointed something... Almost, static like.

I'm compelled to reach out towards it, to grasp it, understand it.

'SANCTUARY!!!'

Chapter 2

'C an you hear me?' Echoes a small foreign voice in my mind; utterly perplexing and intriguing.

My outward wrestling continues, though inwardly I am, undecided.

'I hope you do hear me.' Continues the intrusion.

'I, I plead sanctuary.' This comes now in a clear tone; the desperation palpable.

I heard you. You only yelled it. I rebuke.

I feel a slight squirm in my inner ear as if in response, but it subsides almost as soon as I notice it.

'I apologize. I, I wasn't sure this would work.' It explains sounding contrite.

I don't answer, instead I opt to thrash around.

'You- Mm. I offer a deal.' It states, the last part filled with what I surmise is suppose to be confidence.

Interesting. I think to myself.

'I offer you the greatest currency, in exchange for safe passage.' It says so, 'grandly', inciting a lack of validity but it's enough to encourage some response.

You only have a few more seconds before I tire of you; speak plainly. I advise.

I'm slightly taken aback when I perceive a small sigh from it.

'I will give you access to all the knowledge I have accumulated.' It vows.

'With it, you will passed unperceived; you may live a life in the colonized parts of the planet or you may return to wherever you came from.' It pauses, and I translated this as it taking a moment to gather itself.

'I ask in return that you allow me to reside within you. I solemnly swear by all that I hold dear that I will not interfere. Our arrangement will be a habiting- a taking, in name only; you will retain complete control of your functions! I only wish to be, a passenger.' Its speech is the oddest mixture of impassioned and hesitant I have ever heard; coaxing one obvious reply.

Why?

I am less surprised this time, when I somehow sense a shrug in response.

'I am the lowliest of the low; destined to never see the world for myself.' It admits, sounding, something like frustrated. But also, sad.

'I was born into a role I don't fit and if change ever comes, it'll be too late.' It relates matter of factly.

'I was presented an opportunity and I decided to take it.'

Why should I believe you?

I'm not keen on the hesitation-laced fear I receive in response.

'With your permission, I can let you see for yourself.'

See?...What does that entail?

'I will open my mind so you may experience my existence, as I have.'

I don't respond.

Its concern grows and though no words are given, I imagine it overflowing with uncertainty; has it gone too far?

The side of my lip turns up with a quiet chuckle.

You make me doubt about something as unscientific as luck.

I sense excitement.

Show me.

Instantly I am swept away into a sea of memories, experiences, interpretations. All of them sweeping through me, into me; reenactments, yet a viewing...

A passenger.

I was expecting, I'm not too certain what, but what I am given is as close to an out-of-body experience as I have ever had; exhilarating, informative and unbalancing.

Rightfully so. I reflect as the show comes to an end, and then just as quickly as it swept me up I suddenly feel as if I were washing ashore, despite that I hadn't ever really been adrift. Not truly.

The, journey, likely took no time at all but when I am able to take stock, I am as immobile as if I had lain still for years. Both my mind and body reply to me as if they were justified in their atrophy; I should be more than mildly irritated. But what is foremost in me is to act on my now made conviction:

I accept.

Chapter 3

The change seeps through me, branching out with dripping spider legs that crawl over the entire area, covering the cerebral cortex in hostile web then sinking deeper; the consummate takeover . Unforgiving and one-sided.

I flinch with the reminder, but soon what I'm actually experiencing calls me back from those morbid thoughts. A tingling starts around my left eye.

My face marks the finale; a mere byproduct but the most visible stage of the intricate merger.

The accompanying sensation of this last step is best described as a mild burn, one almost easy to overlook were it not a branding. Though in this instance, likely because of my new acquaintance, it is carried out with a more muted sting than with cattle.

An apt comparison I think wryly.

But will it hold?

When I sense nothing more, I suppose the process complete so I open my eyes to find a room divided;  those incredulous and those outraged.

Their stares intensify but I hold firm; I'm