Island IV – Meetings · Part 4

Island IV – Meetings · Part 4 (4/21)
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On the Couch “Before we go any further, I’ve prepared a little speech, sort of an orientation, for you.” Virgil sat in his chair opposite the two women on the couch, Penny on the left, and Sheila on the right, still attached at the wrist. Both of them, in the proper Facility way, sat with both feet on the floor, legs together, back straight and head held high. After seeing their training on display Virgil decided not to make any changes.

He’d been briefed on the general principles of the goals set by the Facility. Whatever the controversy, the results spoke volumes as to the effectiveness of the attitude instilled in the woman who graduated. For the first time he realized what a challenging task it would be to ensure the pair in front of him did not lose their edge.

Virgil took the time to savor the moment. There was no rush; they would wait for him, as long as it took. He certainly had their undivided attention. Considering how much they had to depend on him they had all the motivation in the world to please him in any way possible. So I’m selfish, Virgil told himself. I don’t care. They belong to me, my property; I have the power to deliver their dreams, or nightmares.

Clancy Yates, the Facility Director, had been the first to bring up the unique situation with Penny and Sheila. Separately they did well, but did not stand out among the other trainees at the Facility. But when they were put together, there was a synergy where the whole far exceeded the sum of the parts. Clancy had been the first to spot the pattern. When placed next to each other, working in unison, the pair came as close as humanly possible to the perfect Facility woman. They never made mistakes, their adherence to rules was infallible, and their attitude remained positive and upbeat day after day.

The challenge to Virgil was in how he might keep together the mysterious bond between the two women, and in the process take advantage of it for his own benefit. A few words from him could radically alter their lives, now and into the future. They knew it too; a fact he could see in the anxious expressions while they waited for him to speak. Never had Virgil imagined he would have such tremendous power over not one but two living, breathing human beings. The surge of power, and lust, was overpowering; yet it was held in check but another new emotion, the compulsion to see to their happiness, to keep them safe, to ensure they had everything they needed to flourish.

“I’m sure you want to know what kind of a man I am, and what to expect from me. I’ll start with the obvious. You’ll form your own opinions of me soon enough, so to begin I’ll describe myself as easy going, for the most part. I’m not looking to trap you into making mistakes so I can punish you. I don’t demand the impossible, either.

“However, bear in mind we have a unique relationship, one that is unequal in many ways. I will accept nothing less than total and immediate obedience to my wishes. There will be rules, some quite inflexible, with a few that can depend on circumstances. I am confident you will quickly adapt to the restrictions I will impose on you. You’ll find, and I’m sure this startling news to you, I will often exercise my power over you for no other reason than it pleases me to do so.

“This isn’t new to you two. When you applied to enter the Facility, you did so with the knowledge one day you’d be sitting here. I’ve also heard the claims about how the Facility brainwashes you into some kind of mental state where you are little more than zombies. If I believed that I’d never have shown up at the Facility’s door. The training you received is no different than going to college or a vocational school, except the subject matter isn’t quite so academic.

“You are both accomplished, educated and ready to put the new tools you have into practice. So you know, you have already impressed me with the way you pay attention to tiny details, many of which I’m sure I’m missing. Have no doubt I want to see what you’ve learned.”

Penny knew all about dominant men and their guilty pleasures, often sexual, but always involving their ability to control women like her. Her own guilty pleasure came from the knowledge she could fulfill all his desires. She looked forward to the times she might demonstrate how she positively responded to the many ways he would control her.

“I’ll start with my background. I believe you’ll gain some insight into my personality if you know about how I grew up. As I mentioned, I’m originally from Mesquite, in southeastern Nevada. It’s a small town on the Utah border. The freeway runs through the town, on its way from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas. It’s the first place past the border coming from Utah, so there are a number of casinos and resorts. One block off the tourist district though, it’s all small-town USA. Like many rural areas my values are very conservative.

“What makes the town unique is its location. I doubt you’re aware the surrounding area is settled in part by what are known as Fundamentalist Mormons. I’m sure you heard of the LDS church, the Mormons, in Utah? The LDS church had to renounce polygamy in order for Utah to become a state. Well, these Fundamentalists are splinter groups who remain faithful to what they believe are the founding principles of their religion. I think you can see where I’m heading. They are organized into communes with polygamous men, multiple wives per husband, not legally but recognized spiritually. Today it isn’t legal of course, that was outlawed well over a hundred years ago in Utah, and polygamy never was legal in Nevada. But in their closed society it’s still practiced.”

Sheila raised her hand. “Sir? May we ask questions, or should we wait?”

“How about…” Virgil started to answer before abruptly halting. The polite response would be to ask them to be patient until he finished. That wasn’t the right way. From now on he had to be aware of the subtle nuances of how he treated them, especially his duty to be the leader in all respects.

“You will wait until I open the conversation for your comments. This is how it will be from now on. Be patient while I’m talking. If I’m not making any sense, then raise your hand to interrupt me. Otherwise hold your questions. You might hear the answer while I continue.”

The nods confirmed he’d managed the moment successfully. They were in familiar territory, covered by what they’d been taught. I have to remember, do not ever negotiate or suggest. I can always ask for opinions, but they expect me to take charge in all situations, to dictate my terms with confidence, and most of all avoid being indecisive. Why that was so important to his precious treasures might remain forever a mystery, one his personality barred him from truly comprehending. What did matter is the manner in which he met their needs.

“As I was saying, they live in a tight-knit farming communities, not unlike our Island society. They buy up all the land around their town, so there are no neighbors to complain. Being out in the desert, and off the busy roads, they don’t get visitors. They do need plumbers though, so I was called in on several occasions.”

Sheila figured it out first. The startled expression on her face said it all. A moment later, Penny worked through the connection. They looked to each other before turning back to Virgil.

Virgil nodded his head. “Does it make sense now? To answer the unasked question, I was impressed by what I saw. I’m sure you’ve seen the lurid shows on TV about child abuse, the manhunt for the fugitive leader accused of molesting children, all the salacious details that make for sensationalism. There are a few places like that, especially the infamous one down the road in Arizona, but none of that occurred where I lived.”

Everything suddenly fell into place for Penny. Her master wasn’t exactly monogamous. No wonder he asked for both of them. But why had the Director not refused out of hand? Instead, he’d left it for her and Sheila to accept a single owner, and on North Island of all places.

“I can anticipate your next question. Why are both of you sitting there? It was the Director who contacted me. He was of the firm opinion you should stay together, yet that was clearly impossible if you remained on South Island. Maybe you don’t know about what Clancy Yates, the Director, noticed in you two. Once he pointed it out, I saw it too.”

Penny turned to Sheila. Neither of them had a clue as to what Virgil meant. At the Facility she had never thought of herself as exceptional. It was true that, after the two had been assigned as roommates, they had avoided the morning inspection reprimands that were all too common, judging by the yelling from Mrs. Yates in other rooms. She had always attributed good fortune to hard work and more than a little luck on their part.

“Perhaps you are too close to have an objective view. When both of you are paired together there’s what I call a serendipity, a fortunate discovery of something unexpected. You two perfectly complement each other. Penny the extrovert, outspoken, lively, adept at social skills; and Sheila the introvert, who carefully weighs each word before she speaks, content to remain in the background yet always aware.”

Virgil studied the two, looking for a reaction. “You don’t get it, do you? It’s that old cliché, can’t see the forest for the trees. I do see the forest, and I’m going to insist you keep at whatever it is that makes the pairing of you become a magical combination. You both have unique talents that fit together so well. If I see you trying to become more like each other then I will take whatever steps are necessary to put a stop to it. Keep that in mind.”

House Rules “I’m going to keep this simple. Our relationship, the three of us, isn’t what you might call typical. In order to keep us together, these are the rules we will live by. And I do mean we, including me. The first one, the most important and bears repeating, is that I will treat you both on equal terms. If either of you ever feels neglected, or slighted, you come to me immediately. I’m not perfect; I’m well aware I might develop some unconscious bias. I depend on you to let me know if I’m not holding to this promise in any shape or form.”

Even with the best of intentions, I can easily slip into favoring one over the other. Virgil battled with that sword dangling over his head, and how he could avoid it. It wasn’t enough to ensure he spent equal time with each of them. Quality matters just as much as quantity, he thought.

“The second rule, and this one you must never violate, is that you do not, ever, compete against each other. If I see the slightest indication one of you is attempting to profit at the expense of the other, no matter how slight the advantage, then you will experience me at my worst, full of anger. Understand, you will bear joint responsibility, regardless of the instigator. This extends to every activity, even something trivial like a round of cards. You will never play a game where you are on opposite sides.”

Virgil brought up a bit of Facility training based on what he’d learned from the Director. “This is a hard rule, no exceptions, no hiding behind the letter of the law. Consider it to be a ‘zero tolerance’ decree that will never be violated. To the point, breaking this rule will be treated as willful, deliberate disobedience, for both of you.”

From the expression on their faces, they must have seen he wasn’t bluffing. In truth he’d never send them off to the Disciplinary Center, the worst possible punishment for extremely poor behavior. His threat was real enough; he would use any tool at hand to prevent jealous infighting. But he would never part with either of them, regardless of the fact he had a right to essentially send them to a prison if they failed to adhere to his orders. The “willful disobedience” big stick had to be used sparingly or it would lose impact.

“I’m realistic about the stresses that will arise from our being in close quarters. That’s why each of you has her own room. That’s your private space. Do not, ever, enter the other’s room unless invited. You will not share passwords, phones or laptops either. Whenever you get that crowded feeling you can ask me for permission to retreat to your room for a break. I won’t require an explanation, so don’t feel pressured to find an excuse.”

Penny and Sheila exchanged a quick glance before turning their full attention back to Virgil. There was some kind of non-verbal communication between them which puzzled him. He was about to ask them about it when he abruptly stopped. Was this cryptic means of backchannel discussion really any of his business? If it helped to smooth the way for them to live together then it was better to look but not see.

“And now the third rule. Being Facility graduates you will no doubt be shocked to discover I am a classic control freak. I doubt I’ll ever tire of seeing those collars fixed around your throats. Mine, all mine, owning you is as addictive as a daily dose of heroin. To help feed my habit, you will make every effort to ensure that dazzling bit of jewelry is visible, from the front, every minute of the day. I want the entire world to see you are my prized possessions, marked as my property by the collars around your lovely necks. Never doubt, not for one second, you will belong to me for a lifetime.”

Slow down, Virgil, you’re getting carried away. He leaned back in his chair, to take a moment to calm down.

“About that third rule? In a way it’s also a request for your help. I have this compelling urge to dominate you, to shape your lives, how you behave, how you speak, even the way you think. Expressed that way it makes me sound like some kind of insecure megalomaniac. Who knows, maybe it’s an accurate description. If so, I make no apologies for who I am.

“I’m also pragmatic. I have to be realistic about what will work between the three of us. So, I’m asking you to assist me, to find ways I can enjoy the benefits of my power over you, but not in ways where it becomes an unbearable burden that leaves you dreading the prospect of getting out of bed in the morning.”

Once again there was that flash of unvoiced words exchanged between Sheila and Penny. Much as he wanted to know what they were saying his better judgment warned him away from demanding they reveal all.

“And to satisfy what I know must be a worrisome question about bedtime, you will alternate spending nights with me. Sheila will be first; Penny will join me tomorrow night.” One more way in which he had to make tough choices, picking one over the other. I hope they see it in the same light.

“If either of you want a break, feel tired, whatever reason, you can arrange to switch, but you must ask me first. If I happen to be in a bad mood then you’ll both get a night off.” His starting choice had been entirely random, but he would not offer an explanation. Virgil had no intention of setting any kind of precedent where he felt he had to justify his actions as their master.

Back and Forth “That’s enough from me. It’s your turn to share what’s on your minds. We’ll go one at a time.” Which one to start? This was a question that would show up over and over. He’d have to remember who went first the previous time in order to keep it balanced. “Penny, you have permission to speak. Feel free to say whatever you like, though I will expect you to keep within the usual bounds of polite conversation.” That was a roundabout way of reminding her to remain within the limits of respecting his authority.

“Yes, sir.” And again, there was that lightning-fast glance across the sofa to Sheila. “About your third rule, I believe we all share a common goal. At the Facility we’re taught to be prepared to offer suggestions along the lines you suggested. Those little hints can be subtle or overt. Since you ask for our help, we can offer our opinions freely. Sheila can go into more detail about our ideas, from our free time conversations after classes.”

Virgil nodded. This was good news. He was self-conscious about leaving them with the impression he was overbearing and narcissistic. Encouraging them to become involved would smooth over any resentments. “Sheila, when it’s your turn you can elaborate on what she mentioned.” He gestured for Penny to continue.

“The first rule, sir, I’m sure we both agree with your sentiment. You also mentioned being pragmatic. We came to a common agreement in accepting there will be times you can’t be as balanced as you wish. The real world has a way of intruding on good intentions. What I’m trying to say is we do get it when one of us needs you more than the other. We have to come together as a family. I urge you not to hesitate out of a sense of fairness when you must deal with a situation that might strain your desire for balance. Do what you think is right for the moment. We aren’t so fragile that a little short-term, one-sided compassion will forever destroy our family.”

Virgil had to admit she was right. There would be times the needs of the one would outweigh the needs of the many. He liked the way Penny referred to his little group as a “family”. “You’re right,” he told her. “As you can see, I have no monopoly on wisdom. Rule one will have the occasional exception.”

“About rule two, all I can say, sir, is that Sheila and I are joined at the hip, so to speak.” She paused for one of those back and forth looks, while at the same time they both raised their cuffed wrists. “I don’t envy your job in keeping us in line. Even though we’re the best of friends it isn’t easy to set aside petty jealousies.”

He had to laugh at her honest admission. Virgil was fortunate in that he’d found someone who could mentor him on what to expect. One of his business ventures was occasional trading in foreign exchange with the help of Jim Lassen, North Island’s well-known expert in the black art of currency arbitrage. Jim owned three women and had managed to hold a potentially explosive combination in check for several years. His success story had inspired Virgil to overcome his reservations and approach the Facility.

“When you feel that surge of anger, try to remember what I told you. I don’t care who started it, or even what it’s about. Both of you will share the blame, so find a way to work it out before I have to become involved. If you can’t then I’ll solve it, the same way as Solomon.” That was a Biblical reference to a story of how Solomon offered to resolve a custody case involving a baby, by the simple expedient of cutting the baby in half. Both sides quickly reached an amicable agreement.

“Your turn, Sheila. Penny will listen. You have permission to speak freely. Tell me what you think of all this.”

“Yes, sir.” She paused, carefully choosing her words. Virgil was patient. Unlike Penny it would take some time to draw Sheila out. “I agree with everything you and Penny have said about the first two rules. Even the suggestion I might be willfully disobedient terrifies me, sir. Do what you think best even if it seems punitive. I may resent it, but I trust your intentions and your judgment.”

Virgil was taken aback by the depth of her sincerity. He was still the unknown, a stranger who had swept into her life, yet she had placed her faith in him as her owner. It confirmed his initial impression of the pair. Sheila was the deep thinker, the philosopher, the one who looked beyond the obvious of the present moment.

“Our third rule, sir, is one where I would like to contribute. As Penny mentioned, at the Facility we ran through many scenarios about the ways our future master might run our lives. If you like, I can write them down when our laptops arrive.” She didn’t deviate from her Facility training on how to sit, but Virgil could tell from the way she held her hands tight she was nervous.

“Yes, I look forward to it. You and Penny will collaborate. I am curious though, so describe one of your ideas.”

“I…yes, sir.” He heard the pause. This was very private, perhaps something she’d never shared with Penny. It was the perfect opportunity to encourage her to be more open within their intimate family time. “Physical control, sir, it’s about a way you impose your will on us to obey your orders.” In her element, Sheila became more animated. “Sir, please see this as only a suggestion. I would never attempt to interfere with your absolute, unquestioned authority.”

Virgil nodded. “Don’t worry. You’re fine, keep going. I’ll stop you if it becomes a problem.”

“Yes, sir. At a specific time in the evening, after supper, Penny and I would be required to kneel before you, legs together and hands behind our backs. You must use handcuffs to lock our hands in place, to serve as a reminder we are entirely under your control. I am on the right; Penny on the left.”

Virgil had a definite picture in his mind, to match her description. “You’re doing well, continue,” he ordered.

“You must inspect us, sir. This is a formal position, one we must deliver to you without any mistakes, every day, without fail. It is an affirmation of our place, and even more importantly how we all fit in this puzzle of life together. We are ordered to silence. We must hold this position, motionless, with the certainty of swift and painful punishment if you are not pleased. You sit in a chair, facing us, your property. At some point you gesture with your hand. That is the signal for us to slowly spread our legs until our knees are wide apart.”

The sexual connotation was all too obvious. She had a talent for figuring out what a man like Virgil would find appealing. Helpless, vulnerable, open and inviting, it was the magic combination for seducing the unwary male. Or the well-informed wary man too, Virgil reminded himself. I am not immune to the ways in which a female can trigger certain instinctive responses from the male.

“You keep us in that position for as long as you wish. We must serve you to perfection, doing our best to remain in a precise position, held there by your command. Only you can release us, sir. It is an affirmation of our relationship. We are on one side of an invisible line; you are on the other. Neither of us will ever cross that line.” Sheila’s eyes were wide open, caught up in her fantasy.

Virgil was positive the scenario originally included only Sheila, though she had skillfully modified the narrative to add Penny. He would come up with his own version in making the transition from fantasy to reality. In the meantime, she had planted a picture in his head that wouldn’t go away.

“I admit it’s very appealing. The kneeling part I have some doubts. That’s hard on the knees, and as we get older there’s a risk of real injury. I will consider your idea, Sheila, though it will be in a somewhat different form.”

“Of course, sir. It was only a suggestion.” Virgil sensed Sheila took his comment as a mild rebuke. That had to be set right immediately.

“You did well to bring this to my attention. Keep in mind I have to factor in what I think is best for you both, so there will be changes. Don’t let that discourage you. It’s my sole responsibility to account for your welfare.”

Sheila seemed to relax. Satisfied he’d bridged another minor crisis Virgil turned to what would be on the agenda for tomorrow.

“I have a meeting for lunch, so you will be on your own. There should be enough in the way of groceries to fix yourselves something. If it’s nice out you have permission to eat on the patio in the back yard.” He had stocked the kitchen, although he was sure it was inadequate.

“Your assignment for tomorrow will be to go through the house, except the areas I mentioned as out of bounds, and think about what you’d like to change. I’m putting the two of you in charge of the house, everything from decorating to cleaning. Sheila will be head housekeeper on even days; Penny on odd ones. Make a grocery list; my bachelor days didn't include much shopping. You’ll need new clothes too; what the Facility returned to you isn’t much. We can visit the local mall to start. As long as I’m with you there’s no need for travel permits, which haven’t arrived yet. Give it some thought; I’ll go over my requirements on your appearance tomorrow.”

At Lunch When Virgil walked into the restaurant Jim Lassen already had a table. He waved Virgil over to join him.

“Hi, Jim. Thanks for the lunch invite. So, I’m guessing you have an opportunity I might find interesting?” Virgil was a member of the small group of local backers who occasionally helped to capitalize Jim’s currency trades.

“I think you’ll be interested. But let’s order first. The hamburgers here are one of my favorites. The beef is imported from Kenya, an uncommon African breed called Sanga. They’re grass fed, no feed lots, and the frozen carcasses are b

Island IV – Meetings · Part 4 (4/21)
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