PINCERS II - by Tioluwani Aina

It had been 10 years since the Takeover.The memories of that cursed day became a frequent visitor in his dreams. Parts of him still didn't believe it was real. The rancid smell coming from the sick Marsh-dweller serviteur a few feet from him, coupled with the growls from his stomach jolted Tom awake this morning.He had come to terms with his place as a serviteur on the planet Arturia. Living conditions in the Marshes were so deplorable: some didn't even stay to witness the next week. So everyday, new ones would be brought in from other planets to join and fill up the ranks.<img alt="" src="/media/inline_insight_image/1000403196.jpg"/>Monstrous ant hills stretched the expanse of space. The space connecting Arturia to her conquered planets. These also served as the highways cargoing new serviteurs, carried by drone ants. Tom lifted himself out of his mud-bed and went towards the mines where he would work from the second he was handed his mallet till dusk.When serviteurs are done for the day, they are first rounded up at the centre of the Marshes for a headcount before being marched to the ration station to collect their grub in a long, single file.Tom met up with his friend, Dan, after the day's work for a chat. Tom's growling stomach initiated the conversation before a word was said. "I'm going to take more portions, brother" he blurted out mid conversation. "Imagine me, a successful salesman in my past life. Now craving for seconds of bloody slop". Tom massaged his now malnourished frame's belly as he spoke. "You can't be serious, mate. We'll be gone if anybody notices things aren't in the status quo!" retorted Dan.At this point, there was no consideration for what the standard was anymore because Tom's mind was already made up. "If it makes you feel any better...I'll for sure give you some out of what I get, mmkay?" Tom faced Dan, still rubbing his belly."I...I don't know"<img alt="" src="/media/inline_insight_image/1000403212.jpg"/>There was nobody in the Marshes that hadn't held this thought before, even if it was just once. The grub was truthfully slop but in their condition, this was what they had. More grub was better than one."I'll go with you" Tom's eyes widened with glee as he heard those words from him. Dan sighed then smiled."But... as a watchman. Just, let it be a quick one, alright mate?"

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