Spliced: Part 1, Chapter 7 (End of Part 1)
Jun. 4th, 2008 07:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
AUTHOR:
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WARNINGS: NC-17, most definitely. slavefic. scifi setting. M/m.
WORD COUNT: 1,463
SUMMARY: Part 1. A businessman finds exactly what he wants at a slave market. Or does he?
NOTES: Last chapter of Part 1. Not sure when the next update will be.
Chapter Seven
Months of old Earth time—the standard measure used amongst the AP--passed, and he and his pet fell into a routine. He kept the Andorian on a tight leash, not giving him freedom to do much. Sensing silent protest from the slave at times, he felt it wiser to be strict with him. It was better for there to be no misunderstanding about the pet’s place in the household. He didn’t think the slave minded too much; he always obeyed Matt’s commands, and was easily aroused by any of his master’s play. Perhaps some of that was just his Andorian blood, but he knew that the fire that continued to burn between them in bed wasn’t a simple matter of genes or training. The slave had told him in confidence that he’d never felt such desire for a master before, and he’d made sure Min was being honest and not just flattering him.
In the first month he owned Min, he became accustomed to the occasional angry flashes that flickered in the pet’s eyes, showing him that the Andorian was not a simpleton without thoughts of his own. Those sparks aroused him further, intriguing him and bringing out his need to fight and defeat his pet. He wanted them to never go away, even though the slave usually lost their battles.
It added extra spice to their relationship—that ashen excitement Hollis had mentioned. Matt had vehemently denied liking it at first, but reluctantly he had to admit, at least to himself, that he enjoyed his tussles with Min. At least the ones that took place in bed. Sometimes the Andorian’s skills enabled him to win, when they fought to out-arouse each other. Min was a fast learner, and he quickly found all of Matt’s sensitive spots and exploited them when given the chance. Of course, Matt could ensure a victory if he decided to restrain Min, but it seemed a hollow one when done in mid-battle.
Perhaps the slave went through phases? In the six months he’d had Min, the Andorian had been feisty that first month or two, and then gradually calmed over the next few months. For three months after that beating he’d given Min over his attitude about the books, it was hard to arouse even a flicker in his eyes. Just as Matt had started feeling bored with the arrangement, the fire had returned a few weeks ago. It was slow at first, but now it was pretty built up. Every night was a fight now, and it was incredibly exhilarating.
Too bad he was leaving on a business trip for a few days. Normally he might have brought Min with him, but with his pet acting like this lately it would be too much added stress to keep an eye on him. Better to leave him at home under Sadie’s watchful eye and focus on business.
Finished with his packing, he walked over to the sofa to join Min in front of the vid screen. His pet was frowning at the news report, and he wondered why. He speculated whether the text on the screen held key information Min was missing, since Andorians couldn’t read. Looking at the screen, he saw it was also a complex story on the current Monlean recession, using various business terms. “It’s just talking about how the economy’s doing, pet. Nothing for you to worry about.” Even from the profile view of Min that he had, he saw the slave’s face go blank. He often did that, hiding all reaction, and Matt could never figure out why or what exactly triggered it.
“Anyways,” he continued, “come up here, Min.” He patted a hand next to him on the couch. Min climbed up next to him and he embraced his pet, hugging him close. He closed his eyes and breathed in the Andorian’s rich scent. Then Matt pulled away just enough to turn his head to kiss Min. It was sweet, and gentle, and affectionate. He moved back and tugged playfully at a strand of raven hair, then brushed Min’s nose with a fingertip. “Alright, time for me to go. I’ll be back in three days, pet. You’ll see me again before you know it.” He smiled at Min, but when the slave’s eyes rose to meet his, there was some emotion swirling in them that he couldn’t identify.
Min leaned forward swiftly and captured his lips again, his arms tightening around Matt. He returned the kiss fiercely, and felt both of them heating up. He broke it off with a chuckle, saying, “No matter how many times you do that, I still have to go, Min. But don’t worry, we’ll continue this soon.” He stroked Min’s cheek one more time, and then got up. As he stopped in the doorway, suitcase in hand, he looked back at the Andorian one more time. There was that emotion he couldn’t read again. Sadness, perhaps? His pet was going to miss him, and that thought made something in him lighter.
* * *
Matt’s trip was uneventful until he received the call from Sadie. “Sir, I don’t know how to tell you this, but…” she broke off hesitantly, her face on the vid screen looking distraught.
“What happened?” he demanded anxiously.
“It’s about Min.” Once again, she paused.
“Min? Did something happen to him?” Worry ate at his gut.
“Well, I don’t know, Matt. He’s disappeared.”
“What! What do you mean, disappeared?” Grief and concern washed through him. Had someone taken Min?
“Your room was clean, no sign of struggle. He just wasn’t there. And everything was folded up, arranged.”
Min wasn’t the neatest of slaves, but he’d trained him to keep things in order, since Matt preferred it that way. So there was nothing odd about his room being clean, it just showed that no one had come in and dragged a struggling Min out the door. Unless they’d drugged him, then there would be no sign. “Did anyone sense any intruders? Hear anything strange?” he asked, hoping for clues.
“No one heard anything,” she answered despondently.
“Have you checked the rest of the house? The grounds? Maybe he’s just being stupid and hid somewhere.” Matt hoped that was the case.
“Yes, we searched all of it before I called. I wanted to make sure he wasn’t right here before I worried you. But he’s not,” she said anxiously.
Matt flashed back to Min’s odd behavior lately. The fire in his eyes, and had there been a slight hesitation sometimes before he obeyed? Or was he imagining that? Matt froze, reluctant to say it aloud. But finally he asked, “Do you think he ran away?”
Sadie hurried to relieve him. “He’s a little different from the other Andorians I’ve seen. You know I have my complaints about him not being respectful enough sometimes. But he still is Andorian. A rebellious Andorian is unheard of. And even if he did decide to run, where could he possibly go? Slaves, much less Andorians, can’t make it on their own, they just aren’t made that way, and they’re easily detected. Nothing’s missing, so he doesn’t even have any money. So if he did run, he won’t make it very far. We’ll find him.”
“You’re right, we will.” Her words comforted him, and actually drove him to hope Min had run, rather than having been taken. A runaway Andorian they could find; a stolen slave resold on the black market would be harder to trace. Unless he ran away and then was caught by black market traders… he sure hoped the dealers didn’t encounter him.
He cut his business short, impatient to return home and look for clues. Also, he called the authorities and reported the missing slave. Whether Min had been stolen or escaped, he wanted people keeping an eye out for him.
Unfortunately, his search of the house revealed nothing new. Anger and worry fought for equal attention as he wondered what had happened. He thought back to the last time he’d seen Min. That strange expression on his face—had it been goodbye? If so, it meant the slave had known they would soon be apart, and he had planned to escape. The very thought of it incensed him. How dare the ashen bastard think he could run off? He paced back and forth and slowly calmed himself. Perhaps he was re-interpreting it to suit the current situation. Maybe the clone had just wanted to tell him something, and refrained. He really wasn’t sure what Min had been thinking when he left, and now he wished more than anything that he’d asked him. It had become vitally important, but it was too late.
All that remained were worry and an empty bed.
~ ~ ~
Part One - END. And yes, I'm evil.
On to Part 2
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Date: 2008-06-05 01:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-05 02:06 am (UTC)Thanks for reading though! Hope you enjoyed it, despite Matt. ;)
As for what happened to Min... of course I can't say. Sorry! Stay tuned.
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Date: 2008-06-05 02:00 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-05 02:21 am (UTC)Yeah, slaves are clones, they dont have family, or childhoods, or rights like normal ppl. They dont even get a full lifespan either. They just have their uses, and they're gone soon enough, so why would ppl raised like Muldane think of them as people? That's the problem.
He's completely out of touch with the fact that even despite all those disadvantages, clones are still ppl, and still feel. In his mind, and most of that society's mindset, they were created to serve, so they should serve, no questions asked. And yet it's interesting that he was so drawn to the slave that deeply resents that very idea.
What does that say about himself? ;)
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Date: 2008-06-05 02:06 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-05 02:42 am (UTC)Sadie airlocked lmao. It's funny, she was one of those characters that at the beginning, when I was plotting this out in my head, was okay--not overly friendly but not nasty either. And then I wrote that scene in the kitchen with her and Min and she just suddenly transformed into a complete BITCH. I dont even know how it happened, she hijacked me. I can't stand her either, and she's my own creation!! I had a background story for her at one point, but I can't even remember it anymore and am not losing sleep over it. She's obnoxious. It's intentional, so I did my job well then, at least on her count. (And hey, she actually makes Matt not look so bad.)
Speaking of him... you've hit the nail on the head with nature versus nurture. That's what I was going for. Those are the two directions Matt's being pulled in, the way Min's being pulled in two directions (albeit in different ways). They both have lots of issues to work on, especially Matt, and it's not gonna be easy, and it's not gonna be quick. Matt's whole outlook needs to be changed, and that doesn't happen in a day (or a chapter). ;)
Man, dammit Enterprise! I only found out about Trek Andorians when I was already way into the story, and I just decided not to bother changing it. I'm a trekkie too, but only saw a couple episodes of Enterprise. I'm all about DS9.
And yeah, it starts out pretty simple with the first couple chapters. Doesn't really show much of whats going on underneath and then well... things become clearer, as far as what the story's about.
I'm glad you enjoyed it though (or at least I think you did lol), and yes I'd love to shove Sadie out multiple airlocks too. :D Thanks for reading and commenting!
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Date: 2008-06-05 03:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-05 04:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-05 05:07 am (UTC)Yes, that is the mystery... what happened to Min? Where is he?
And as for Matt... I wouldn't say anything would be better than him. In a society with institutionalized slavery like this, where clones aren't even considered people, there's bound to be far bigger abusers. Matt doesn't smack him around or torture him just for fun--he just has a far too narrow-minded view of how to treat slaves, and their capabilities. But maybe I'm just biased. ;) Actually though, I fall on the Min side of the pond, as far as favorites. I love them both though, just not equally! ;)
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Date: 2008-06-05 06:19 am (UTC)Bring on Part TWO!
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Date: 2008-06-05 11:16 pm (UTC)Part 2... I'm workin' on it! Well, the editing that is.
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Date: 2008-06-05 07:00 am (UTC)cant wait for more, update soon
umm, I am friending u, is that fine *blushes*
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Date: 2008-06-05 12:05 pm (UTC)So glad you enjoyed it! I'm happy I was able to suck people in so that they had to read it all at once. :D
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Date: 2008-06-05 08:01 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-05 12:09 pm (UTC)And Part 2 is kind of umm different from Part 1. It takes place several years earlier, and deals with all new characters. (It's not very long though, and then Part 3 goes back to the present. Just preparing you.)
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Date: 2008-06-05 08:12 am (UTC)On the other hand, Min can't manage on his own and he's acknowledged that he needs a master, so...? [frown] It just seems completely out of character for him to run away. I'm wondering if maybe someone didn't take him after all. :/
Angie
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Date: 2008-06-05 12:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-05 10:07 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-05 12:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-05 10:48 am (UTC)Hopefully the fact that Min is missing will awaken him to the wondeful person that he has in his life. What did he read on that News report that bothered him so much?
He obviously has a back story that Matt didn't bother to find out. I think Min is absolutely adorable, a fabulous creation. He is bright and cheeky and very caring. He was so sweet when he was worried about Nuit. The whole interlude with Min and Nuit innocently playing a game, which they had been forbidden to do. The way that you managed to convey the total bordom of their lives, when they were not 'serving' was masterly
I really hope that you are about to make Matt suffer just a little as he so deserves it. (and Sadie am loving that airlock idea)
Wonderful story, looking forward to more
Lucie xx
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Date: 2008-06-05 12:33 pm (UTC)I'm glad you love Min! Yeah, I love the scenes with him and Nuit; chapter 5 was my favorite chapter of Part 1. And thanks, glad I succeeded in showing how boring and lonely their lives were when not 'serving'. And Min chafes at that.
You know, it would be so gratifying for me to kill Sadie off, but in real life she'd be one of those people that lives to 92, bitter and hating on everyone. We'll see what happens.
-K
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Date: 2008-06-05 03:55 pm (UTC)Ha! Matt, now maybe you'll find out what you had and is now gone. Is so worried for Min, if he didn't run away , where is he? And if he did run away, what will happen when they catch up with him? Bottom lip quivers. Not too sure about Sadie, don't like her much, maybe she sold Min, the bitch. :)
Hopefully we will see a little growth in Matt's character, I don't think he's inherently cruel and unfeeling when it comes to slaves just a product of his upbringing.
Hope there's going to be more soon. Pretty please. Smiles winningly at author.
p.s. have friended and tracked you so I don't miss when you update this.
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Date: 2008-06-05 11:38 pm (UTC)Yeah, Matt's turn to get a harsh dose of reality. What he took for granted is no longer there. As for what happened to Min... you'll have to wait and see! Sorry :S All I can say is, you won't find out right away either. Part 2 is basically a big flashback.. more on that soon.
Yeah he's not inherently cruel, he just really doesn't know any better. He'll have to learn. Uh ohs, character growth!
As for getting more story, send me telepathic subliminal messages like: "Kelly... Edit part 2... UPDATE... ASAP..."
Or just more comments from readers lol. ;)
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Date: 2008-06-05 05:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-05 11:40 pm (UTC)<--- evil, as stated. :S
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Date: 2008-06-05 07:48 pm (UTC)Matt is a narrow-minded person, but then he seems to be a product of the planet he grew up on. Not easily likeable, but I hope that will change as we get to know him better. Min on the other hand seems sweet, despite his attitude problem. But then I always like the cheeky slaves! *g*
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Date: 2008-06-05 11:26 pm (UTC)Cheeky, yeah that's one word for Min. I'm sure Matt could think of some others. :D
And yeah, Matt's a product of his planet. He's adjusted some, so he's not like Sadie, but obviously still has a long way to go. He'll get there, eventually. ;) I wanted there to be significant character development, and to do that I had to make him somewhat of a jerk at the beginning. I still do like him though.
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Date: 2008-06-05 09:05 pm (UTC)Hope it is alright to friend you.
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Date: 2008-06-05 11:39 pm (UTC)Spliced
Date: 2008-06-06 01:26 am (UTC)Re: Spliced
Date: 2008-06-06 03:41 am (UTC)According to m-w.com, Splice:
2: to unite, link, or insert as if by splicing
3: to combine or insert (as genes) by genetic engineering
According to m-w.com, Splice:
2: to unite, link, or insert as if by splicing
3: to combine or insert (as genes) by genetic engineering
<e.g. spliced a human gene for insulin into a bacterium>
So you're right on the money. It's the "united" definition I was going for, cause I liked the idea and I thought it appropriate, given the whole cloning (and therefore genetics) aspect of the story. I thought it worked on multiple levels, but I won't name them all here. :P
As for your other guess about Min, I will neither confirm nor deny, because hey, where's the fun in that? ;)
And please, as if I'd get upset that you posted another comment. The more the merrier! Go right ahead. :P
Re: Spliced
Date: 2008-06-06 03:51 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-06 10:48 pm (UTC)*blinks*
But weird associations aside, I'm seriously loving this story. I'm not crazy about 'awsocute' fluffy master/slave relationships (when done badly they just smack of Stockholm Syndrome, and they're easy to do badly), so I'm really enjoying the tension between master and slave here. Highly original, really interesting characters--you get a WIN. ;D
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Date: 2008-06-07 04:04 am (UTC)And yes, I agree, sometimes slavefics come off as a little creepy to me--particularly when done badly, where the slave is just so emotionally dependent and fragile without the reassurance of their master. It does reek of Stockholm Syndrome and kinda squicks me. There are always exceptions of course, but in general it does.
I definitely wanted to write something that was NOT like that. (I write the things I like the most, how about that.) Of course, I may have gone a little too far, but time will tell. ;) For now, I'm glad so many people are enjoying it.
Thanks for the vote of approval! Especially since I'm enjoying your fic as well. :D I bow before your sheer amount of details--I thought I'd put a lot of thought into Spliced, but wow, you've obviously done more than me with Golden Bird lol. I think maybe I overbalance on characterization and not enough on setting. Ah well. Still learning, as always!
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Date: 2008-06-07 03:32 am (UTC)You also have some great icons. All of the boys I love and at least one of the girls! :)
Raenae
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Date: 2008-06-07 04:11 am (UTC)Glad you loved my humble offerings to the fangirl gods. Yes, I adore Min, writing him is tons of fun. Ah training Matt... we'll see. ;)
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Date: 2008-06-07 11:29 pm (UTC)Really liked chapter 5b. Loved Min corrupting Nuit
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Date: 2008-06-08 05:17 am (UTC)Yeah I love Min and Nuit together too--chapter 5 is definitely my favorite chapter of part 1. Their interactions just flowed for me.
Thanks for commenting!
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Date: 2009-01-06 05:55 pm (UTC)WOW
Is what comes to mind, I love this fic. It's wonderfully written, I love most of the characters (save for Sadie who is getting all the hate from me mainly). Yes I even love Matt, who seems to be getting a lot of hate. Not without reason of course, but I like how the intricate details point to the reasoning behind his behaviour when it comes to Min. We're all governed in some way by the culture we grow up in, and though he may not stick to the strict rules he was surrounded by in terms of how to treat slaves, he still allows some of them to judge how he treats Min.
It's the same with Min. Again his culture and genetics, even if he is a clone, means he's bred to act and be a certain way but his mind and thought make him conflicted to it all. Strangely enough these two conflicted souls seemed to have chosen each other, bow they need to learn how to BE together.
And you plonk them right into this amazing fictional universe, which just adds to the enjoyment of reading because it's always the more intricate, subtle details which make a fic enjoyable.
If only these two could find a measure of balance as Hollis and Nuit. I love the more subtle edge of Hollis's master and Nuit's slave, it's simple, elegant and the spin off chapter you gave them was an amazing, beautiful insight into their relationship. However I doubt it's the kind of relationship Matt and Min could be in, they like the excitment too much and that's just fine. But balance and understanding can be found in excitement too.
can't wait to read the next parts, just had to pause in my reading and leave a note seeing as I haven't on indivdual chapters. I think I have an awful lot of catching up to do, but I look forward to doing so.
Thanks for the great read.
xx
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Date: 2009-01-06 07:04 pm (UTC)Yes, Matt and Min are both products of their respective backgrounds, and they both have internal struggles going on because of them. Matt needs to past his culture's influence, while Min is struggling to escape his genetics. It's a big nature vs nurture conflict going on for both of them. ;) But I'm glad you felt the details or inferences about Matt's background explained his way of looking at things. He's a flawed character, but not irredeemable. (As for Sadie... she should be airlocked. *evil grin*)
And I agree, they have a long way to go as far as learning how to be together, but you'll get more on that as you keep reading. ;)
Thanks for the world building compliments though! I always find that the hardest aspect of writing this, and I really struggle with it sometimes. So I'm happy that you think I've managed to do it well. I agree that the details are really what can make or break a fic. You could have the most wonderful characters ever created, but if they have a lifeless backdrop, they'll only take you so far. :/
Yeah, I agree that the Hollis/Nuit type of relationship wouldn't fit Matt/Min very well, but they could learn some things from those two all the same. As you said, there has to be balance and understanding to go with the excitement. They still haven't figured that out yet, unfortunately, but there is still time. But I am glad you enjoyed the Hollis/Nuit spinoff! I'm fond of those two, even though they are not as beloved to me as Min and Matt. ;) Doesn't mean I don't adore them too though. There's more to come with them as well. :D
Thank you for leaving such lovely comments! I really enjoyed your response. :) And you even paused in your reading to do it, despite a cliffhanger! Now I feel even more flattered. ;) I hope you keep reading and continue to enjoy the story. =) Thanks again.
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Date: 2009-03-11 11:33 pm (UTC)I wouldn't blame him if he had run away... but I don't think he has.
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Date: 2009-03-12 02:32 pm (UTC)Thanks for reading. =)
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Date: 2009-05-11 07:07 pm (UTC)Part Two is set in the past, so I'll be left wondering for awhile! That's just evil!
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Date: 2009-05-11 07:32 pm (UTC)Yeah, sorry I know it's evil... but you'll find out soon enough! At least it's posted. ;-) Thanks for all the comments, I'm enjoying reading your reactions. :)
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Date: 2009-05-11 08:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-11-30 10:46 pm (UTC)