Your Master Requires Your Company · Part 3 (3/3)
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isha stated to him, unsure of how to interpret his answer.
Alisha soon learned the indignities were just starting. The guard holding her grabbed her hair and pulled back, forcing her head back and chin up. Before she could react a metal collar went around her neck and snapped shut. It was cold and heavy. Cathy received the same treatment.
“This is your identification. It will not be removed as long as you are here at the Center. You are required to wear it at all times.” There was a click and flash when their pictures were taken, with the collars prominently displayed.
Alisha wanted to grab the ring around her neck and pull it off. In vain she struggled with the handcuffs, which refused to open. The Center, that’s the name for this place? There was something familiar about that name, from what she’d uncovered.
Alisha felt like she’d been punched in the stomach. The Center, it had come up as the kidnap gang’s hideout. The worst had happened; she’d been neatly and efficiently kidnapped before even reaching her supposed destination. So much for the Inspector’s carefully laid out plan. Surveillance by her team members wasn’t going to start until she became an inmate. All the careful planning was moot now. No one had any idea of where she was.
“We’re almost done here. There’s just one more thing…” The guard behind the counter placed two cardboard boxes on the counter top. “This is required, no exceptions.”
Alisha’s worst fears were confirmed when he pulled out two of the chastity belts, virtually identical to the one Paula had on. Stunned by the seriousness of her predicament Alisha didn’t react immediately when she felt the band close around her waist. It wasn’t until she heard the click of the lock when the centerpiece between her legs was fastened in place did she fully comprehend what they had done to her.
“This has gone far enough!” Alisha screamed. “Take these things off me, right now! I know who you are. The police are onto you too.” There wasn’t much point in keeping to her undercover role now. What mattered was persuading them to see the futility in continuing on. “They were tracking me, so they’ll know where I am. Look, let us go,” she nodded towards Cathy, “and I’ll ask that your cooperation be taken into account when you’re arrested. Can’t you see? I’m sure the SWAT teams are already on the way. It’s over, can’t you understand?”
The large man behind her spun her around. There was a grim smile on his face. “You’re bluffing. You know nothing about us, or where you are. There’s no police involvement, and there certainly won’t be any rescue in the near or far future.”
His smirk drove Alisha to an angry response. “Yes there is! And you can go to…”
Something soft and filling was forced into her mouth. A large panel held it in place against her face. She felt the straps tightening behind her head. Another went over her head, holding the gag in position. The guard behind her, at the counter, tightened the straps.
“You must learn to temper your speech, and to speak only when given permission. In here actions have consequences.” This came from the man holding onto her. “If you wish to continue grandstanding, bear in mind you don’t have an audience. We don’t care to listen to your rants.”
He turned her to face Paula, standing quietly at the end of the counter. “You should learn from Paula here. She won’t say one word until I allow it. You might want to consider doing the same. Until then you can yell into the gag to your heart’s content.”
Orientation
Alisha was terrified, and for good reason. The plan had fallen apart, she had been easily kidnapped, and no one had any idea of where she was. Stripped of her clothes, along with the medieval chastity belt locked around her body, she had no doubts as to what was coming. She’d read stories about women kept as sexual slaves; now she was about to become one of those statistics.
She looked over at Cathy, sitting next to her on the bench. On the other side of Cathy there was a newcomer, a woman the guards had just brought in. Like Alisha and Cathy she was dressed, or rather undressed, in the same way, including the chains. And like Cathy she wasn’t wearing a gag. Apparently Alisha was alone in her added misery on that count.
The three of them were in a long narrow room, divided into two parts by the bars enclosing her side of the room. The hallway entrance was on the other side. Not that she could get to it, even if the bars weren’t there to stop her. Alisha leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes, trying to take stock of her options.
Her hands were bound behind her back with sturdy metal handcuffs, which in turn were fastened to a ring in the wall. She couldn’t even stand up. The collar pressed into the back of her neck where she rested her head against the wall. They’re using that collar to mark us as someone’s property, a thought which angered Alisha.
They had been ordered not to talk to each other. It was a minor point for Alisha, since the gag was still in place. Cathy and the other woman were more compliant; neither whispered a single word. That gag was ratcheting up her misery index by the minute. Whatever it was made of had turned into a soggy mass with a taste of rubber.
The door to the room opened. In came Paula with another guard she hadn’t seen before. How many men were in on this? He stopped in front of them, his eyes sweeping back and forth.
“Sit up straight,” he snapped an order. Cathy and the other woman reacted immediately. To her surprise Alisha also did her best to obey him, despite her determination to fight back.
“That’s better. Paula? You may begin.” He took a step back.
“My name is Paula. I’ve been selected to present your orientation lecture. You will remain silent while I explain the regulations here. It’s in your best interest to learn these rules quickly, and follow them without question or hesitation.” She paused.
“Alisha, if you promise to cooperate, stay quiet, speak only when permitted, the Warden will remove your gag. I must warn you, break that promise at your peril. Deliberate disobedience is dealt with on the harshest terms. Nod if you agree.”
Much as she wanted to shout out her defiance, Alisha had to be realistic. Her protests fell on deaf ears. Along with that fact the increasingly unpleasant gag was getting to her. Reluctantly she nodded in agreement. This was one fight that would have to await another day.
The guard, or rather Warden now she knew what they were called, used a key to open a gate in the bars. Alisha’s relief was immediate once he loosened the straps and removed her gag. She wanted to scream at him but held back. The threat of the gag’s return was too strong for her to ignore.
Paula continued once the gate was shut again. “This place is called the Center. I’m sure you figured out it’s somewhere in the desert southwest. I’m not going to be more specific; don’t ask. All you need to know is this place is isolated and well hidden. I’ve lived here for years, so I can assure you no one has ever escaped. No one has even tried. You’ll learn for yourselves soon enough that any attempt is doomed to fail.”
Paula paced back and forth. “Let’s start with the obvious questions. Why are you here? I have no idea. Chances are you won’t get an answer. Get used to being kept in the dark; that’s how it works in here. You will be told what you need to know, when you need to know it. Asking questions won’t get you any explanations. Learn to live with it.”
Do they know I’m supposed to be undercover? For the moment Alisha had no indication they were aware of her secret, even though she had blurted out her role under duress. The police would be looking for her; that was a slim thread of hope in an otherwise bleak situation.
Paula continued, “The first rule you need to follow is obedience. Do as you are told! Maybe you think you can be defiant, hold out until you’re rescued. It isn’t going to work out that way. All it earns you is an unpleasant punishment until you correct your attitude. Time is not on your side.”
Alisha had to admit to herself Paula was right. The gag had been enough to persuade her to keep quiet, though she had plenty to say about how they were being treated.
“You will show proper respect to the men you encounter. The Wardens, that’s their designation, are not cruel or brutal, but as far as you are concerned they are the ultimate authority in this place. You will address them as ‘sir’; that’s mandatory. Don’t forget, because they aren’t lenient or compassionate when it comes to enforcing the regulations. I can’t stress enough how important this is. Follow their instructions, to the letter, without delay.”
Wardens, what a nice, euphemistic term for a bunch of petty dictators. Alisha had a good idea of what to expect from them. Considering this place obviously operated outside the law, there would be no limit to their base instincts. Barely literate thugs, cavemen dragging their knuckles on the ground, the dregs of society, out to take their vengeance on defenseless women for all of their self-inflicted problems.
That gave her pause. Is that the reason we have to wear these chastity belts, to keep them out? That would be ironic, but it raised the question of who did have the key to these belts, if it wasn’t the Wardens?
“Okay, I’ll take questions. Before we start, I’ve been instructed to inform Alisha the authorities here are well aware of her supposed undercover secret, playing the role of an investigative reporter. You can drop the pretense; we know you aren’t a criminal.”
So much for the last hope, but how did they know? Had she been set up all along? Was the Inspector in on it, or even worse, her editor? Alisha saw any chance of rescue vanishing with Paula’s announcement.
“Keep in mind anything off the topic of getting along in here, I probably can’t offer any help. You first,” she pointed at Darla.
Questions “Who decides how long we have to remain here, at the Center, isn’t that what you called it?”
Paula faced Darla, separated only by the bars. “Yes, you can refer to it as the Center, that’s permitted. Who decides your fate? Someone you may or may not know. Chances are you won’t be told, so don’t ask that question again. From now on your life is in that person’s hands; you don’t make the decisions anymore. Will you meet this person? Maybe, I have no idea. How long will you be here? That’s easy, until that person decides you can leave. How long is that? Again, I can’t answer you. Best I can offer is some advice. Get with the program, adjust your attitude. You’re starting a new life from today.”
Paula moved on to Cathy. “What’s your question?”
Cathy didn’t reply at first. Alisha turned to look at her. She seemed to be thinking about what to ask.
“What happens next, after we finish here?”
Paula laughed. “A practical question, but I regret I don’t have the answer to that either. The Warden who brought me in here didn’t inform me of their future plans towards any of us, so now you know as much as I do.”
The question struck Alisha as odd. It was as if she had already accepted their circumstances and had chosen to be obedient. Thinking back to earlier in the day, Cathy had been remarkably unperturbed by the trip in the van, or the treatment they received when they arrived at the Center. She didn’t fit the picture of a petty criminal being sent to a low security prison.
Paula stood in front of Alisha. “How about you, what’s your question?”
Alisha leaned forward. “Why the collars? What purpose does it serve to lock this thing around my neck?”
Paula actually smiled, as if she was pleased someone had brought up the subject. She lifted up her chin, to better display the band encircling her throat. “This is how my master chooses to mark me as his property. Yes, his property, he owns me body and soul. Those aren’t empty words. I obey him, without question, without any doubt, to the best of my ability. I trust him to decide what’s best for me.”
She continued, “All of you have a collar too. Like me you are a man’s property, even if you don’t know who he is yet. Your first reaction will be denial. In time that will give way to acceptance, and finally, I hope, you’ll come to understand what it means for you personally.”
That wasn’t the explanation Alisha wanted. I am not a man’s property. That’ll never happen, she promised herself. Paula had drunk the Kool-Aid, buying into whatever propaganda came out of the people in charge; she was clearly brainwashed into adopting the Center’s doctrine.
Alisha decided to say what she thought. “Look, I don’t ‘belong’, as you put it, to anyone. For one thing, slavery went out of style in the nineteenth century, not to mention it’s illegal just about anywhere in the world. I don’t know what’s going on here, but this isn’t a state run correctional center. That much is self-evident. I choose not to play the game, so get me out of here.”
Paula didn’t respond right away. Instead she just stared at Alisha. The silence became an awkward pause, broken only when the outer door opened to admit one of the Wardens.
“Wall,” he snapped. Paula immediately turned around to face the wall, away from the bars. The Warden took up a position directly in front of Alisha, towering over her. “You aren’t very bright, are you?”
Alisha bristled at the insult. “I have a Masters in journalism. My job is researching background for news stories at a TV station. I think that qualifies me as something more than an idiot.”
The guard shook his head. “Despite your dubious credentials you show a remarkable inability to grasp the realities of your situation, which explains where you worked. The collar stays on; you are not leaving. We define what is ‘legal’; there are no laws to protect you. In here your opinion doesn’t matter. We don’t care if you don’t like what we impose on you. You are property; you have an owner, and we don’t require your consent. Nor will you be allowed to quit the ‘game’. And from now on, you will address all men as ‘sir’. Failure to comply will be punished. Do you think I’m bluffing?”
Alisha was taken aback by the ferocity of his little speech. He did confirm all her worst fears, especially the use of past tense in “worked”. She was trapped in here, for who knew how long. For the first time the realization she was in real trouble began to sink in. “No…sir,” she answered.
The Evaluation “You did well. I’m quite pleased at how you helped me handle the situation. Your plan worked to perfection. You did me proud, Rosalie.” Perry Kaiser, Alisha’s former editor, sat in his chair carefully scrutinizing the woman in front of him.
Rosalie LaRonde, Inspector for Internal Affairs at the metropolitan police force, straightened her back and pulled her elbows back just a bit more. She knelt on the floor rug, wearing nothing more than her master’s collar, knees wide apart and hands behind her head, displaying herself for her owner’s pleasure.
“Thank you, sir. I’m glad it all worked out. If I may ask, the Center, the issue has been resolved to a satisfactory conclusion?”
“Yes it has, literally and figuratively. The Director asked me to pass on his personal appreciation for all your efforts. We won’t be hearing from Alisha for some time to come. I deleted her findings about the Center’s backers. And thanks to you no one’s going to come looking for her for, what was it, the next three years?”
“I thought that would be about right, sir. Not excessive, but long enough for everyone to forget about her. I have ways to make her records gradually disappear.”
“It’s unfortunate this had to occur, but it was self-preservation. We had no choice other than to contain the threat as quickly as possible, without drawing any attention.” Perry leaned back in his chair. “Keep those elbows even! Don’t go lazy on me, Rosalie.” In fact there was nothing to criticize in her pose. He was simply enjoying the moment, exercising his power over her. He suspected Rosalie could see through him, yet she still made a slight adjustment though it wasn’t necessary. She looked forward to these moments as much as he did, though he’d never understand what went on behind her green eyes.
Reunited
At almost the same time Cathy stood in front of the locker in the Secure Area transfer room. Her assignment was over, as was her time being subject to the severity of Secure Area regulations. Her master, Robert was behind her, sitting at a table filling out her paperwork. What trumps even total domination, when it comes to power? Bureaucracy, the grinding tyranny of forms and more forms. At least she was spared the necessity of handling them; that was solely Robert’s responsibility as her owner.
Robert had not opened the locker containing her clothes, nor had he removed the restraints mandated for all females in the Secure Area. The significance wasn’t lost on her. She could almost feel his eyes on her, even with her back to him. The slightest deviation from protocol and she’d be spending the night, maybe several, in a cell next to Alisha and the other newcomer, Darla.
“Just a wild guess, but I bet you’d like to get out of here, go home and have a nice, long, hot bath.” That came from Robert, sitting behind her.
Normally she’d jump at his implied offer, except for where she was standing. Cathy had to be very careful in how she responded. Secure Area rules were inflexible and rigidly enforced. One wrong word and Robert would be left with no choice but to keep her on this side of the door.
“If I had your permission, sir, then yes I’d love to go home.” That should work. There was no hint, direct or implied, that she was asking to be released. Unless he was in a bad mood her reply should be acceptable. Cathy had been through this routine many times; she knew where the line was drawn.
Robert stood up and put his hands on her arms. Leaning around her head he kissed her on the cheek. “You always know the precise words to use in any situation. Okay, let’s get you out of those cuffs. I’ve seen enough of the Secure Area for today.”
Together Again
Paula buried her head in Big Mike’s chest. His large, powerful arms gently wrapped around her, holding her close. She would have thrown her arms around his neck, except he’d left the cuffs on, behind her back. Paula didn’t even notice. If that’s what he wanted she was happy to please him.
“I missed you, master. I wish you could have come with us.”
Big Mike laughed, but he still held her close. “It would have been crowded with me in the van too.” He let go of her, took hold of her arms and pushed her back.
Paula immediately recognized the expression on his face. She froze, as still as a statue. Her owner was inspecting his property; she felt the familiar, overpowering compulsion to be perfect for him. Slowly he ran his hands down her arms, stopping at the cuffs encircling her wrists. “So, Officer Paula, what was it like, getting a chance to hold the keys instead of wearing the cuffs for a change? Think you might come to enjoy it?’
Paula shook her head. “I hated every minute of it, sir. It felt so wrong. Please, master, if at all possible don’t make me do it again.”
Big Mike smiled, which had the usual effect of melting away any hint of defiance or anger in Paula’s head. “Not to worry. It was an emergency. Bob tells me you did quite well under difficult circumstances. I wasn’t concerned; I knew you’d do your best.”
An Uncertain Future
Alisha sat on her bunk, leaning against the wall. Across from her Darla, her cellmate, perched on the edge of her bunk, hands in her lap, both feet on the floor, legs together and back ramrod straight. Alisha didn’t know quite what to make of this stranger.
“I got three years for tax evasion. What are you in for?” She decided some conversation might ease the tension.
“In for?” Darla looked perplexed. “I don’t know what you mean. What was Paula talking about, you being undercover?”
Alisha sighed; this was going to be like pulling teeth. She decided to ignore the glaring question about her own background story. “You know, why were you sent to prison? What did you do? How many years did the judge set for your sentence?”
Darla shook her head. “None, I’m not a criminal. Why, do you think this is a prison? Didn’t you listen to the orientation?”
A cold shiver went down Alisha’s back. The woman across from her wasn’t a convict. “Okay, then how did you get here? I arrived in the back of a Corrections department van.”
Darla shrugged. “I made some bad choices, and I think I pissed off someone very important, someone who had the means to put me in here. I was supposed to be in Los Angeles by now, driving home from the airport.” She grimaced, shaking her head again. “I expected to be sleeping in my own bed. Tomorrow I’m supposed to go back to work. Except, I don’t see it working out that way.”
She’s telling me she was kidnapped. Is she a victim of the same thing that happened to me? Alisha couldn’t ignore her new reality any longer. “Why are you sitting like that? Isn’t it uncomfortable?”
Darla didn’t answer right away. Alisha got the impression she’d asked some question so absurd she couldn’t figure out how to answer.
“Look,” Darla finally began, “you do whatever you think best. I don’t want to be here anymore than you. Maybe I have a better understanding of what’s going on, so I’ll explain.” She lifted her chin, clearly exposing the collar around her neck. “While I have this on I have a duty to be obedient and pleasing to those in authority over us. Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous, but I have some experience with the type of men we will encounter here. They won’t be patient with you. You can do the defiance thing, but me, I’m not going to look for trouble. The way I sit is how I was taught to show respect. For your own good you might want to adjust your attitude and do the same.”
Alisha was taken aback by the forceful response. However, she did sit up, balancing on the edge of the bunk like her companion. Rescue, even if it was a miniscule chance, might be months away; meanwhile she had to find a way to survive until then.
Epilogue
The Director sat at the conference table along with the advisory board, watching Alisha on the large screen display. “So, the immediate threat is eliminated. Now comes the hard part. What do we do with her?”
“No need to be hasty. Let’s see how well she fares in the Secure Area.” That came from the psychologist. He was known for his cautious approach to any issue, though in this case he might be right. “She does show some promise.”
“What’s your take on this, Robert? You were able to observe her for several hours on your trip,” the Director asked.
“She’s smart, very observant, and ambitious. I believe we can work with that. I do recommend we keep her access to information severely restricted, on a strictly need to know basis. If we’re careful we can use her innate curiosity to steer her in the right direction.”
The psychologist nodded in agreement. “We can certainly control what she learns in here.” Everyone around the table laughed. “Is she a repressed submissive? There are some positive indications, especially the ‘overachiever’ drive. Look at the way she wanted to please her editor.”
The Director nodded. “So then, we’re agreed. She goes into the program. We’ll meet again in six months for a review.”
Your Master Requires Your Company · Part 3 (3/3)
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