Stronger by Lani Woodland

us?” he demands, leaning closer to her.
    She wilts against the wall, her hands pressing into the cement. My hands are clenching at my side. The whole room is silent, waiting for her reply. No one is doing anything.
    I’ve never hated the Vals more. And I never really considered Bryant one until this moment. He stands there, his arms crossed, appearing bored as his friend bullies this girl. Doing nothing!
    Aren’t they supposed to be the Earth’s protectors? Aren’t we Debs citizens?
    The Debs avert their gazes, even Ansel. At times like this it’s hard to believe we all came from the same species. But it makes sense why the Orions chose the Vals to police us. They get power and an easy life to keep us in line. And we let them.
    Does being born a Deb really rob us of all courage? And does being a Val automatically make them bullies? Does it really mean they are better than us? That they can simply toss our dead bodies in mass unmarked graves and the whole world goes on without even mentioning it. They were people with loved ones.
    “We can give you a tattoo. Several Vals enjoy getting troop insignias needle inked on their arms and necks. Or a temporary warrior-tat if you want,” the receptionist offers, not meeting his gaze.
    Lee laughs and so does Bryant. “Why would we want a warrior-tat? We earn ours. Ours are real.” Lee’s smile makes him seem even more sinister. “I know, what if we give you a tattoo. You’ll be able to make up the credits you’re short by providing us with some entertainment.”
    She nods but starts to tremble.
    “Of course, I don’t know how to use the machine, so it might hurt more than normal.”
    Ansel tenses beside me. Apparently the threat isn’t idle. Lee stands back and the girl steps out and takes two steps before she collapses. The sound of Bryant’s laughter stabs me in the chest with a jagged blade of hurt.
    “Pick her up and put her in a chair,” Lee says.
    “She’s out cold,” Bryant argues. “Our work here is done. You’ve had your fun.” Bryant holds up his hand. “Let’s move on.”
    “But we didn’t get paid. She said I could give her a tattoo. I’m feeling artistic.”
    Is no one going to help her? Is she going to end up deformed or dead and no one will care, just like the people who died in the greenhouse this morning?
    I can’t imagine another Deb dying such a senseless death and no one doing anything about it. Someone has to do something, something has to change. Olivia’s face flashes in my mind. I can feel the threads of her hair as I pulled myself to freedom, the smell of the damp earth where they tossed her like a piece of trash. My insides freeze, expanding until I feel like I’ll explode out of my skin.
    I don’t even realize I step forward until I’m speaking. “Do me instead.”

Chapter 13
    “What are you doing?” Ansel whispers.
    “Saving her. Someone has to,” I snap.
    Bryant’s gaze lands on me, his head tilting. He recognizes me despite the hair change. “You don’t want to do that. Step back little Deb, this isn’t your fight.”
    “A brave Deb? I don’t believe it.” Lee clasps his fingers together. The cruel gleam in his eyes isn’t because he recognizes me. He’s just evil. “Sounds good to me!”
    I settle in the chair I recently vacated and hold my breath as the two encircle me. Bryant is still studying me, and Lee’s eyes are dancing with anticipation.
    Ansel steps forward, offering him the tinting brush. “May I show you how to apply the colors?” he asks.
    But Lee shoves aside the applicator used for Deb skin and reaches for one of the needle machines used for Vals. “This is what I’m looking for.”
    Lee stabs the vibrating needle firmly into my skin, drawing blood. “Oops.” Lee’s smile never diminishes.
    I refuse to whimper. My eyes never leave his. Yes, I’m challenging him but I don’t care. He’s not better than me and someday he’ll realize the Debs aren’t the enemy that his bosses are.