Island IV – Meetings · Part 17 (17/21)
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“The Facility trains us for almost any foreseeable contingency. Ending up on North Island as half of a pair wasn’t one of them. No one ever mentioned the “P” word, polygamy. I don’t think anyone at the Facility gave it a thought. It was just one more weird thing about North Island. None of us ever expected to live here. We didn’t even talk about if it might ever happen.” Sheila picked up her glass.
Karen shrugged. “This is my first, and I hope last, time I’m sharing an owner. Of course, I knew it was always a possibility. Like the Facility, for those of us who live on North Island it’s a lifetime commitment, and we don’t have the option to say no thanks.”
Sheila held up her hands. “Oh, but we did get a chance to turn down our master. The Facility had no policy about being sent to North Island, so the Director, though he approved it, told us we could decline, since it was outside the scope of what we’d been promised. Penny and I talked it over, decided we could live with sharing, and so here we are. That’s sort of true, though master had already decided he wanted us. I’m not sure we could have refused. He was very persuasive.”
Karen nodded. “Yeah, well it has good and bad points, like anything else. The bad? Aside from dividing up master we have what’s called ‘shared responsibility’. That means if one of us makes a mistake, we all have to answer for it. Is it fair? Not in the least, but we have to live with what he thinks is best. It’s one of those rules we aren’t allowed to question or discuss. It does wonders to discourage jealousy and fighting. Master does make exceptions to the all-for-one though, but that’s always done in private, one on one, and we’re not permitted to talk about it, even among the three of us.
“Did you happen to notice Jeanne, during the introductions? That dress she has on is our standard uniform, when we don’t have guests. Anna and I are allowed some variety, on specific occasions, but not Jeanne. We don’t know why, not a clue. All we do know is it applies only to her. It seems to be permanent too, so whatever happened must have been serious.”
“I wanted to ask you about that,” Sheila said. “Penny and I have that same shared responsibility rule. Up to now it hasn’t really been an issue, but we both worry about it. I know master has been talking with Mr. Lassen. I suspect we will have more in common in the future.”
Karen glanced out the kitchen back door, and then turned to look at Sheila. “There is a good side. We all have those days when everything seems to be going wrong. Naturally, we want to be perfect for master, but there are times the degree of perfect may irritate more than inspire. Somehow, knowing I’m not alone helps me get through it. I always have a sympathetic ear, although I confess Anna is far more understanding that Jeanne. Like Anna, Jeanne will listen, but you can tell she doesn’t approve. In her world master is always right and infallible. There’s no room for complaints.”
“We haven’t gotten to that point yet,” Sheila responded. “I suppose the ‘new’ hasn’t worn off. Penny and I are still adjusting to life outside the Facility. We’re on our own more, which is a nice change, except it puts more pressure on both of us not to stray from master’s rules.”
Karen nodded. “Yeah, the pressure never really goes away. That’s who we are, can’t help it. It’s always our fault, regardless of what really happened.”
Sheila gave a soft laugh. “Oh yeah, and at the Facility they did nothing to discourage that guilty feeling. Mrs. Yates, our senior supervisor, never missed an opportunity to remind us we had to be the best, because we were Facility trained. The smallest error and she would be all over us, demanding we do better, reminding us how ashamed we would feel when master and not her caught the mistake.”
Karen grimaced. “Oh yeah, I know how that works. We have this procedure where every evening we line up for inspection. Master asks each of us if there’s anything he needs to know. Doesn’t sound like much but I get these overpowering feelings of guilt if I felt I didn’t measure up for the day. We all confess what must sound like trivial concerns, yet master takes each of us seriously. I admit I do feel better afterwards, even if I do earn a reprimand from it.”
“Sounds like going to Confession in a church,” Sheila mentioned.
“Same idea,” Karen agreed. “Though it is master meeting his responsibility to take care of us. I know that once I tell all I do feel relieved. After that it’s out of my hands, even if I wind up standing in a corner facing the wall for a couple of hours.”
At A Loss Anna walked up to the newcomer. “You look lost. Don’t know anyone here?”
Erin grinned sheepishly. “I’m afraid so. We live on South Island. My owner, Mr. Welk, brought me here at the last minute, so I don’t really know what’s happening. I’m supposed to wait until he finishes his meeting.”
“No problem,” Anna reassured her guest. “My name’s Anna. I belong to Mr. Lassen, who’s hosting the meeting. This is our home, so I’m acting as an informal hostess. Let’s grab something to drink and find a place to sit down. Maybe I can clear up your confusion.”
They went into the living room where a drinks bar was set up. “There’s wine, beer and cocktails,” Anna began. “What sounds good? Do you have permission to drink alcohol?”
Erin blinked in surprise. “Um…. I don’t know,” she whispered to Anna. “I never thought to ask.”
Anna shrugged. “Better safe than sorry then. There’re soft drinks, water and iced tea in the fridge in the kitchen. I hope the coffeemaker isn’t empty.”
“How about a Diet Coke?” Ralph did allow her to order wine with dinner when they ate out, so it must be okay. Except, those were times when he was right there with her. On her own, it might still be acceptable but Anna was right to err on the safe side.
Anna looked around for a quiet place to sit. The front room, living room and dining room were all occupied, plus Karen was on meeting watch in the kitchen. “C’mon,” she said. “Let’s go to my room. No one will bother us there. I’ll let Karen know if your master needs to find you.”
Erin followed Anna down the corridor to her room. “Come on in and have a seat,” she said, gesturing to the small desk and the chair next to it. “I know, it’s one step up from a walk-in closet, but it’s all mine. Jeanne and Karen aren’t allowed in here, unless I invite them. Master, of course, can come in anytime he wishes.”
Erin placed her can on the desk and looked around. It was small but very neat and tidy. “All this is just for you?” she asked.
“Let me give you the five second tour.” Anna went to the bathroom door. “My private half a bathroom, no fighting for it in the morning. Master was very wise to see to it we all have our own.”
She walked over to the closet door. “My extensive wardrobe.” She pulled out the house uniform. “Most of the time we all have to wear this. You noticed Jeanne? That’s what she has on. Certain days Karen and I can pick out our own clothes, so I have a few extras to choose from. Today is one of those days, special dispensation for a party.”
Erin frowned. “You didn’t mention Jeanne. Isn’t she allowed to choose too?”
Anna shook her head. “No. For some reason, and we’re not allowed to ask, Jeanne can only wear the house dress, even if we go out. I have no idea why, and I’m not going to speculate.”
Some kind of hard rule, maybe discipline related, Erin realized. I better change the subject.
She went back to the desk to sit down. “Mr. Welk and I live on South Island. We just started a one-year agreement, so all this is very new to me. Obviously, I’ve never been on this side of the Channel before today.”
Anna nodded. “I got the impression you were starting out.” She grinned. “So, your master takes you to North Island first thing. Like learning to swim by throwing you into the deep end of the pool, with a few sharks circling around to make it interesting.”
Erin laughed. “Too true. I’ve landed on another planet. Everyone, and I mean every single woman, wears a collar! Not only that, it’s permanent, no agreements, no time limits, no restrictions at all. I can’t imagine what it must be like.”
It was Anna’s turn to laugh. “Oh yes, you can imagine. Unless Mr. Welk puts you on the ferry back to South Island, as long as you’re here then you’re one of us lifers too.”
“Master did point that out. Truth is, a lifetime commitment is what I’m after. It wouldn’t bother me if we moved here, except for my job. Unless there’s some dark secret I don’t know about?”
Anna thought for a moment. “Well, there are the public beatings every Saturday, at the park. After the first couple you get used to it…”
“Beatings?” Erin all but shouted in alarm.
“Wasn’t that a scene from one of the TV movies last week? Relax, it doesn’t happen. I suspect the outrage would be so fierce any man who tried it would be hounded off the Island. The men here don’t tolerate cruelty. It is true your owner can do as he pleases; we don’t have any legal protection. What we do have is a society that values us, which, as far as I see it, is much better. I know from personal experience. I was rescued from a psychopath, not once but twice.”
Erin knew all about Anna’s story. “I read about what happened, and heard about it on the Moon Maid’s podcast. You and I seem to get along well. Would it be okay if I asked Master about staying in touch?”
Anna took a notepad from the desk and wrote down her email address and phone number. “Master must approve all my friends, so your Mr. Welk will have to contact my owner first. I don’t know how it’s done on South Island, but here it’s an unwritten law that master must review any recurring contacts for us. I don’t foresee any problems; he’s never turned me down. The phone number is for my mobile. Don’t be surprised if you get voicemail. I have some strict limits on when I can use it.”
“Okay, thanks.” Erin hesitated. “If you don’t mind my asking, how long have you been with your master?”
“I don’t mind. Let’s see, a little over six years now. I was number two, after Jeanne. My previous master…you mentioned you heard the story? I was in bad shape when I was bought by Mr. Lassen. He and Jeanne brought me back from the brink of a complete breakdown.”
Erin did know all about Anna’s story. Being owned by a psychopath, that had to be any woman’s worst nightmare. “Do you have nightmares about the past? Sorry if I’m getting too personal.”
“It’s all history now; I don’t mind talking about it. I have a very good life these days, despite having to share master. We are a closeknit family. No, no nightmares, though it did change me. I love my man; I’d do literally anything possible to hold onto him. The slightest criticism if I disappoint him, I go to pieces. He goes easy on me for just that reason. We never mention it, but I secretly know I’m getting preferential treatment. Jeanne and Karen don’t appear to resent it.”
Erin nodded. “I have this secret dread of being a total failure. I think you understand,” she touched her collar. “I have doubts about keeping up my side of our relationship. I worry that I’ve dumped all my problems, my hangups, in his lap. I can’t imagine how anyone could bear up under the strain.”
Anna smiled and shook her head. “Let me put your mind at ease. If there’s one sure thing I’ve learned about dominant men, it’s that they relish the challenge you hand them. Far from being a strain, they see it as a way to control us. And that they’ll never turn down. You’ll soon see they are at their best when telling us what to do. Whatever else, never think of yourself as a burden. If you aren’t contributing, he’ll let you know in no uncertain terms.”
Erin showed a rueful smile. “I’m starting to appreciate how important that is to master. He’s a recent arrival to the Island. We’re both new at this kind of a relationship. There are days I look at myself in the mirror, seeing my collar, and it hits me that I really am his property. What shocks me is I’m fine with it. This is who I am, and I don’t care if the whole outside world, or at least the Island, knows it.”
“Welcome to the club,” Anna replied. “We are a minority. Out in the real world we’d be ridiculed, at least in the West. I find it does help to be among your peers. No need for apologies and excuses, that sort of thing. If I were given a choice, and that’s something I’d never wish for, I’d still be right where I am now.
“You mentioned you have a job? Your master lets you work?”
Erin perked up. “I’m a shift manager at a popular restaurant downtown. I’ve been there more than three years. When master and I got together he decided I could continue. It’s my passion. I like to think I bring an oasis of relaxation and good food to a desert of everyday stresses. I suppose I’m one of those service-oriented women you read about. I like being the hostess, showing people to tables, mentioning menu specials, maybe a little casual conversation, but not enough to intrude. Then there are the details to manage. I have a good feel for how much traffic we’ll get, and what groceries need to be ordered so we don’t run out, but don’t throw out either.”
“Sounds like you know your stuff. North Island, women can still work but it’s not as common. Our master won’t allow it, period, no discussion, no explanation. We can still go out on our own during the day, but it’s a bit more complicated on this side of the Channel.”
“I learned about that before signing the Agreement. I need permission whenever I leave the apartment, plus the curfew, and I have to carry a travel permit. It was a bit difficult at first, but I’m getting used to it.”
Anna shook her head. “You have it easy. We have the same restriction, except we’re not allowed to drive a car, or even travel on our own. We have to be escorted from place to place, day or night. Master uses a car service. The driver picks us up, takes us where we’re going, and picks us up when we finish. There’s also a mini-bus service. It takes longer but it’s cheaper. Plus, there are places, like the ferry terminal, that are off limits unless we are with master.”
“Do all those restrictions ever get to you? Are there days you just want to scream in frustration?”
Anna shrugged. “When I first started, definitely. I suppose you get used to anything after a while. These days when he says no, I just accept it as the way it will be. Sounds fatalistic, though I don’t see it that way. It’s up to him to decide what’s best for me, even if I don’t particularly care for the outcome.”
Erin looked at the floor, as if she were embarrassed. “There’s a question that’s been bothering me. It’s awkward, not the sort of subject that comes up in normal conversation, especially with friends. In a way, since we just met, and given where you live, you might not be offended, or repulsed, if I ask.”
Anna wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She wanted to help out a newcomer, but she was also aware of the hazards of interfering with someone else’s relationship. “Okay, let’s do this. You ask your question. If I can’t answer, or I’m in a prohibited area, I’ll stop you and we’ll move on. Does that sound fair?”
Erin nodded. “Here goes. I have this, oh, let’s call it a quirk, about how I sleep at night. Before you stop me, I really do mean sleep, not other activities. I like sleeping while strapped down to the bed so tight I can’t move. I could never do it on my own, but after pleading with master, he’s agreed to give it a try.
“I won’t go into details, but master is very considerate in that respect. He found some special medical restraints, used in hospitals to control the extremely violent. Lots and lots of those nice, soft medical restraints, padded leather, I love it. Arms, legs, torso, even a sort of harness to hold my head down. I’m in heaven. I fall asleep quickly, and don’t wake up during the night.
“Am I some kind of freak for sleeping that way? I have no idea, and I’m sure master worries about it, even while he’s locking the buckles. It’s just that I feel so relaxed, lying there in the dark, listening to master’s breathing beside me. I know he’ll be there in when I wake up, because he has to let me go. It’s a magical feeling, lulling me off to sleep.
It wasn’t Anna’s idea of heaven, but she did understand what was going on in Erin’s mind. If master wanted something like that, I’d never refuse. “What you describe would be a nasty form of punishment for particularly bad behavior in others. No thanks, not for me. Fun and games, sure, but all night, every night? I’ll pass. Disclaimer aside, don’t worry about being some kind of freak, as you put it. We all have our secrets, our fantasies, and rarely do we get the chance to live them out. Purely out of curiosity, do you have to wear a gag?”
Erin laughed. “That’s such a relief. Yes, the full kit comes with a gag, but not all night. Master says I might choke on it. He likes to use it to keep down the noise…”
Anna held up a hand. “That’s okay, too much detail. We’ll call a halt. It’s customary to keep intimate details private.”
“Oh, ok, I get that. It’s so nice to hear someone else agrees with me,” Erin said. “I’m more positive than ever I’ve made the right choice giving myself away.”
There was a knock at the open door. Karen leaned in to announce, “The meeting is ending. I’m rounding up everyone to gather in the living room.”
Old Friends “We finally meet in person,” Róisín began. ‘How long has it been, five years?”
Penny took a sip from her iced tea. “At least that long, though the break was, what, three years now? A lot has happened since then.”
Five years ago, Róisín and Penny had met on the Internet, in an all-Island chat room. Back then Penny was still on her own, on South Island, and Róisín was with her first owner on North Island. Their online friendship had come to an abrupt halt when Róisín’s master had summarily halted any further contact, without an explanation.
“There wasn’t much I could do about the cut off. Master’s orders, no Internet, period.” Róisín shrugged. “Anyway, I have a new owner now. No more ban; I can contact all my old friends after master checks to see if I’m still welcome. Somehow master managed to track you down through your owner, Mr. Sorenson; don’t ask me how. Imagine my amazement when I found out not only did you attend the Facility but you are here on North Island too. And what a coincidence, both our owners are involved in the same business deal.”
Penny laughed. “Yeah, I finally threw caution to the wind. I never thought I’d actually be admitted to the Facility when I applied. It’s been an experience, over a year at the Facility and now Sheila and I are sharing the same owner, and on North Island of all places. I have no idea what this meeting is about. Master says it involves financial details, so we’re excluded.”
“Things went from bad to worse with my previous owner.” Róisín looked away for a moment. “He got mad one day and isolated me, as you know. After that it all went off a cliff. At the end there was a knock at the door, two men came for me, and the next I know I’m delivered to a brokerage. Madsen Brokerage, fortunate for me as it turned out. That’s when I met Mr. Madsen, who’s sitting out in the patio right now. The day I was to be auctioned off, he came by to talk to me. He’s a very nice man, by the way. He told me not to worry, one door closes and another opens, that sort of thing. As it turns out, he was right.”
Penny nodded. “Wow, you actually went through an auction? I can’t imagine what it must be like.”
“I had this image of standing on a platform, stripped and hands tied over my head, while men crowded around, poking me while shouting bids. Reality was anticlimactic. I was given a nice gown to wear, told where to stand, and waited in silence while I was being sold. Everything was on camera; I never saw any bidders. Anyway, after it was over, I met my current owner. Turns out he recently moved from the States to the Island, no he’s new to our little slice of the world.”
“How’s that worked out for you?” Penny asked. “Are you still one of those micro-manage junkies? Pile the rules on, the more the better? I remember how you went on and on about it.”
“Guilty as charged,” Róisín laughed. “It was a rough start. We had a discussion, and now there’s no problem.” She reached down to the floor and took a tablet out of her purse. “This is my Book of Reminders. It’s a long list of what’s mandatory, what’s prohibited, and when I’m allowed to use my discretion. That last one is the shortest.” She held up the wine glass. “This is on the allowed list. I write down everything in case I forget.”
Penny shook her head. “Not my style, but more power to you if it’s what works. What about a job, are you working?”
“Oh no, that’s at the top of the prohibited list. Even bringing up the subject is strictly forbidden. I am so heartbroken, but hey, we must obey our masters.”
Penny grinned at the sarcasm. “Yeah, it’s tough all over. Master told Sheila and me to talk over whether we wanted to stay home, maybe do some volunteer work, or find a job. She’s in favor of staying home, but doesn’t have a strong opinion either way. Me, I never gave it much thought, so I don’t know either. I always assumed I’d be told what to do, rather than choose for myself.”
“Then that’s your answer! Just say he’s supposed to figure that out, not you.” Róisín reached up to her collar. “Remember, you have the perfect excuse to pass the buck, so to speak. I bet Sheila will agree with you.”
“She’s the deep thinker. I miss all those little nuances she spots so easily. I’ll pass on your idea. I planned to go along with her anyway.
“But tell me more about you. You have a new owner too, so what’s he like? Is he strict?”
Róisín made a face. “You would be hard pressed to find any man on North Island who isn’t strict. We did have a bumpy start, because he is new to the whole idea of treating women as property. His outside world inhibitions are rapidly disappearing. I admit I do try to help that part along.”
Penny nodded. “Yeah, the Facility has classes about that. That situation is more common on South Island, so we had to ready to adjust to it. It’s a fine line, encouraging him but not going too far by telling him what he should do.”
Róisín shook her head. “I’m not the patient type. I asked permission to speak frankly, and then I let loose on what I needed. I was afraid he’d get mad, but it didn’t happen. He listened, and started making changes immediately afterward.”
Meeting Over “I’d like to thank everyone for your support. Ralph will contact you with more details, including a formal statement concerning profit distribution. If this works out, or should I say when, I hope we might consider extending the syndicate to future endeavors. I’ll see to it everyone is kept up to date by courier.” Jim concluded with a warning, “I do want to stress secrecy is paramount in order to preserve the advantageous position we’re in. To be on the safe side, no phone calls or email. I know, paranoid, but you never know who’s listening.”
While everyone filed back into the house Virgil stopped Jim. “Jim, I’d like to invite you, Jeanne, Anna and Karen over for dinner Saturday night. I’m hoping Penny and Sheila will make some new friends, being recent arrivals to North Island.”
“That’s a great idea. I appreciate the invite. What should I bring?”
Virgil frowned. “I have no idea. Dinner parties are not my area of expertise. How about this: I’ll send you Penny and Sheila’s email addresses; you can set up coordination on your end. That way we don’t have to be involved.”
The Memorable Dinner Party
New Friends This was Erin’s first opportunity to see how normal, or unusual, life could be in a quieter manner when socializing on North Island. Ralph had warned her in advance to bring along something nice to wear, so she was prepared for a dinner party.
The environment could not be more different than the near chaos of the party surrounding the business meeting yesterday. Without being surrounded by the crowd she began to notice little things about Penny and Sheila.
The most glaring quirk was the way the constantly exchanged those quick, almost furtive glances between themselves. There was some kind of communication going on, but how it worked left her stumped. The second idiosyncrasy she didn’t catch until they sat down to eat. Penny was always on the left, and Sheila on the right, whether they were sitting, standing, or walking toward the kitchen.
It was too odd to be something they’d been taught at the Facility. Erin was sure of that, which left one conclusion. While trying her best not to be obvious she paid special attention to Mr. Sorenson. Sure enough, she recognized that stare from her own experience with Ralph. The left-right move was some kind of order he had imposed on them.
They were gathered in the living room for a drink before dinner. After getting a nod from Ralph she had chosen a glass of red wine. Penny had the same, but Sheila went to the bar and fixed herself a cocktail, a vodka martini complete with olive. She mixed it like a pro. I wonder i
