“You have come here from all over the world because society has no further use of you. This place will now be your home again until your death. I’m very good at this business because I make all the rules, but if you break any of my rules you’ll find that there is life after death.”- Intro to "Immune" on Godsmack's album "Godsmack"(1998)


Julian stood perfectly still as the soldiers marched by. A new shipment was coming in today and it was his job to inspect it and decide with sector it belonged in. There were four main sectors in the Citadel. The first was for human criminals, those who opposed the Initiative’s rule. They were separated into different subcategories relating to age, gender, and skill. The old were sent to the Pit. No one ever came back from the Pit. Men who were healthy and strong were taken to training cells. They would be used as cannon fodder for the real soldiers. Woman were sent to the kitchen, laundry room and hospital wards. A few that were found to be uniquely skilled were either companions to the Commanders or trained as assassins. No man thought a tiny woman could get the best of them, so these ladies were never seen coming. They also held the highest turn over rate. None of the leaders wanted them to get too skilled in the art of killing. The children, if old enough were taken to the factories. Their tiny hands were better suited to building weapons and repairing machines. Those too young were sent to the Pit.

Half breeds, consisting of anyone who was half human, half demon were tested on their usefulness. Depending on skill set they would be combined with the humans, but only if they could pass for human. Those that couldn’t were trained as fighters in order to take down the rebels.

Full demons were studied and dissected. No half breed nor human wanted to draw attention to themselves for fear of joining the demons. Best to be cannon fodder than an experiment.

Vampires were held in a category on their own. No demon, half breed or human would stand to be around them. Those who could be molded for civilized company were used as guards, those eager to please were trained to serve various masters. Only a few were allowed to mingle with the others, depending on their skills and uses. Most were locked away and starved, used only for battle ragers. Soldiers with no though but to kill. They were effective in clearing out buildings and streets.

When the cargo doors opened, Julian took his place. Since he was a half breed with a talent for reading people he got first look at the shipments. Once the containers were opened Julian pulled his shields down to protect himself from these people’s grief and fear. These emotions so thick even Julian could pick up on them.

It wouldn’t do to let the solders know that he wasn’t anything more than a good little puppet.

People, demons and half breeds stepped out. Julian let his emerald green eyes sweep over the gathered crowed. Mindlessly he made his selections. This group to Johnson, the soldier in charge of the fodder, this group to Melly, the half breed who over saw the domestic side of the Citadel, vampires off to sub sector 3, demons to the medical wing, and those who weren't so easy to place were sent to William and Trey.

“Stay in a single file. There will be no noise. Any sound you make is susceptible to punishment. Any resistance will terminate your life. Follow me.”

Julian turned and along with two soldiers took his group to the decontamination chambers. There they stripped, were cleaned, searched and given Citadel issued gray numbered jump suits. A mandatory metal Id bracelet was placed on their wrist. It let the Commanders know were each person was at all times. It also held a coded number letting the Commanders know what group and skill set the person belonged to.

“Through this door are your bunks. Keep walking to the end of the row. The bunk you stop in front of will be the bunk you sleep on. Keep it tidy and clean or you will be punished.”

Buffy strived not to rub her arms. The room she was in was set at a temperature cold enough to be uncomfortable, but not cause permanent damage. She had been put in the "unable to sort" group, though what that meant she had no idea.

The young man who lead them to this room stood with his back to their line. There was only four in total and it left Buffy wondering what exactly the soldiers had in store for them. When the doors slid open and a curly haired vampire and a thin man with long black hair walked in, her fear grew.

“My name is William.” The vampire said. With a rising lump in her throat, Buffy noticed that he was British. His accent reminded her of Giles.
“This is Trey. Stand still while he gets a look at you.” Raising near black eyes, Trey stepped forward, and sniffed the person at the far left end of the line.

“Smells wrong. Him no good.” Trey flicked his wrist at the burly man. “Like sinky Iron. Him go to Johnson.”

The next person caused a rather childish giggle to come forth. “Daisies! Julian must keep!”

The woman next to Buffy stiffened when Trey simply looked into her eyes. “Black as night and covered in soot. Always be filth. Goes to Johnson too.”

Finally his innocent, yet knowing gaze settled on Buffy. Trey simply smiled and stroked her cheek. “See nothing for too long. So many lies spinning in head. It is important to clear spider webs before becoming to big. Stay with William.”

Satisfied with his proclamations Trey slipped back to Wlliam’s side. Buffy was shocked to see the soldiers carry out Trey’s obscure orders without a word. She had no idea what he’d said but they all seemed to understand. Soon only the woman who had caused the giggles and Buffy were left. Things were about to get interesting.