Anita, I don't know where this came from...dark thoughts at the moment. I think it started with Sassy's new word challenge..lol! Dale, you're a genius with titles. Can you think up one for this?

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Crimion was a rogue planet, a satellite star in the Mars sector. The dead volcanic chambers within its depths housed what was considered human refuge--the univers' criminally insane. No bars of iron were needed in this prison. Anyone able to reach the surface was almost instantaneously dehydrated from heat reaching upwards of 1000 degrees. Turning to dust, souls would be blown by the never-ending winds. This was Behelzabub's realm.

The comparisons to hell didn't stop at the surface. The ventilation system in this huge natural cell were adequate at best. When air was particulary lean the inmates would kill each other in the attempt to have more oxygen for themselves. There was no one to stop them. Crimion was a self-contained system. Food was distributed three times a day by conveyence, controlled by a centrally located computer. There were no guards. There was no need.

Great huge carriers escorted the damned to the planet at 3 month intervals, after they had been sentenced by the League of Justice-a group of 12 representatives from the two known solar systems. By the time a criminal was brought before this court, it was only for public declaration. Micah Sorenson stood on a platform in the center of the court, spotlighted by a paralyzing beam of light that centered on the lower cerebral cortex near his brain stem. There were no cuffs on his wrists, no chains on his ankles.

For a split second after sentencing and the light beam had been shut off, a huge wave of rage shook Micah's massive frame. It was quickly contained in a soundproof and inpenetrable shield that was nearly invisible. Three feet squared violence control. His screams were not heard but bounced off the energy beam's parimeter and echoed back into his ears. Blood trickled from his broken right ear drum. Crouching in pain, Micah's rage turned into great, rasping sobs...

(To be continued)

                                             (c) Linda Gayton 2005