“You want what?”

“The women want pictures of you, naked. Of what you have to offer. What’s the big deal about it?”

The woman took away the chastity device and began rubbing his member with businesslike eagerness.

Ferris stepped back, irritated.

“Come on, don’t be so shy.”

“But why do you want-”

“Hey, Ferris, stand still!” She went on, happy when she found him reacting to the stimulation.

“That’s truly not funny.” Ferris was squeamish about the procedure. “Why is that necessary?

The women could just come and take a look.”

“Not that easy.” The first woman grinned at him. “The pictures will be aired tonight then, your farima will take care of your schedule.”

“Who?”

“She’s the one who takes care of you and sees to your working schedule. She’s a woman of great experience, knows what a semency needs, and wants and how he can stay healthy. You can rely on her. She’ll be your friend and guardian.”

“A guardian? Do I need one?”

“The farima takes care of all your businesses, no matter how trivial they are. The semencies turn to their guardians with every problem. She also protects them against all- too-fresh women.”

“What is she then? A kind of guard? Someone I have to obey?”

“She won’t order you around, Ferris.”
The woman relieved him of the tethers. The other had a thin collar ready and closed it around his neck before Ferris had time to protest. “She’s more like a friend of yours. Without her you might get lost in our society.”

“But Dasha told me that I would live within a family.”

“Yes. And because of that and because we have no real brothels, you need someone to help you do your work.” She patted his shoulder. “We are very happy to have you here.” She lowered her chin to look at his still hard member. “Both of you.”

***

They shoved Borayn into the cage, where he fell flat on the hard ground. He lay still and covered his face with his hands. His friends were dead! The realization was so huge, he sobbed uncontrollably.

The hateful voice of Termatir rang in his ears. “Now, now, so deep in misery, Borayn? Tell me, did you expect or hope to be gone when the bombs went off? Did you hope to have escaped my hands and laugh behind my back? Did you think I would let you return to your camp and celebrate your victory?”

“I had nothing to do with the assault. It wasn’t my doing.”

“Don’t try telling me that someone else relieved you of your command and that this person planned the whole scheme behind your back. Come on, don’t take me to be a brain-dead idiot!” She slammed her hand against the bars. “I think, you came up with the brilliant idea to deliver yourself to my hands. Just to show me that I couldn’t cow you. Right?”

He took the bowl and drank water. “No. But you believe what you want anyway.”

“Oh, please! Don’t play the humble servant, who’d just jump and run to my bidding!”

“I would never risk my people.” He sighed, seeing Termatir’s disbelief. “I knew you wouldn’t just bluff. But it was too obvious that we didn’t attack your facilities anymore.”

“Oh, yes, and suddenly you had another man handy to do that job for you?” Termatir stood and took a deep breath. “You’re a bad liar, Borayn. But still a gorgeous man.” She turned to the guard. “Did you give him something to drink?” The guard nodded. “Fine. I’ll take care of my damaged business, and after that, I’ll take care of the repayment of your debt. Until then, I want you to feed him. There’s much ahead of him.”

***

Dasha introduced Ferris to the family he would live with. There were two elderly women, Gerosa and Nami, and a daughter of ten years, Hilla. “You have a room in this house and you can join the family for meals and talk whenever you want. Farima Photini will get here soon. You will like her. She’s very effective and clever.” She smiled winningly, seeing how awkward Ferris felt in spite of the new clothes given to him. He tugged at the tunic and the belt and didn’t know what to say. “She will take over your training and your daily schedule. There are some rules to be followed in our community, but you’ll learn of that soon enough.”

“Like doing what I’m told to do?”

Dasha smiled warmly. “Listen, Ferris, these people take you in because you are a valuable member of society now. We all have work to do, and it is very honorable to spend your semen for the next generation of children of the Gilanee clan. We are very grateful, but you will understand that rules have to be set, such as there’s no rape. You can’t take a woman who doesn’t want to be taken, and you cannot deny yourself completely just because you feel…bored or superior. It’s a profession, Ferris, and you’re chosen because you’re good at it.”

“On my home moon I could give up a job if I didn’t like it.”

Dasha sighed. “Yes, I know, the endless longing for something you cannot have. Ferris, we offer you much more than living in a glass box and being in the center of interest three nights a week for someone to drag you into a room and send you away after an hour. We offer you a life instead. You’ll be respected and your help is cherished. Don’t ruin that by telling me that you would prefer being a road builder.”

Ferris lowered his chin. “Am I restricted to a certain area? And why was I given that collar?”
“The farima will tell you all about that.” Dasha turned to the women. “Good-bye, my friends. Take good care of him.”

Dasha left and Ferris was shown to his room. He looked at the mirror and, again, tugged at the tunic and even more at the pants. They had long legs with no center, his length, and buttocks covered by a loincloth, which granted easy access every time someone wished to touch him. Ferris sighed. This was better than before, yet still strange. They had told him that he was not allowed to wear a beard and that his pubic hair would be kept short, but – to his surprise – he had no chastity device any more. It was another, now uncommon feeling to be able to touch himself again. Ferris grinned. Dasha seemed nice enough and the work better than before.

Upon a knock on the door, a small, slender woman with black hair tied to a bun entered. She wore a red, tight-fitting dress, short enough to show her perfect legs, fitting shoes and an inviting smile. “I’m your farima,” she said in a melodically voice. “My name’s Photini.”

***

Borayn had hardly slept. The pictures of his dead comrades had haunted him. He was given a frugal breakfast and some water and was left with too much time to think. The cage was placed in the large bedroom, which had no other locks or security systems he could see. Therefore, if he broke the cage lock, he might have a chance to reach the exit. Still, he didn’t know how many guards were on duty and his attempt might only lead to punishment, but it was the only hope he had left. Borayn sensed that Termatir would keep him as a toy for her never-ending vengefulness.

Still thinking of a way to leave the complex, Termatir entered. She looked rested and energetic and upon a curt gesture, her two personal guards stepped closer. “I want him shaved and ready for me in twenty minutes.”

Borayn’s innards cringed. “Another hour to vent your fury on me? For how long will you let me bleed for something I didn’t do?”

The guards opened the lock and pulled the chain on the collar to make Borayn leave the cage.
Termatir stared at him. “You did it, Borayn. No, certainly not you personally. I would know of that, but your friends laughed their silly asses off when my walls were shattered. And so, yes, you’re the one I hold responsible.”

The guards pulled Borayn to the rack again and pressed him down firmly. “Don’t you think I could’ve done that before if I wished? Don’t you think that I could’ve spared myself the trouble to run operations against the Ulathan clan if I had wanted to smash your headquarters?” He struggled against the hands keeping him down on the hard rack and shook his head when they tried to fasten him. “Do you never think further than your eyes see? If I had had the means and the will to destroy you I would’ve done so before!” His struggle ended with his arms and legs securely fastened. He lifted his head to face Termatir again. “I didn’t do it, you bitch! I could have, but I wanted my people safe! I would’ve paid the price to see them live! Even if it meant bowing to you!”

Termatir drew closer, slowly, deliberately, taking her time to think. “So you are trying to tell me that other men prepared the assault?”

“Yes.” Borayn found it hard to admit the truth. He had been proud of his leadership and had thought to have everything under control. How could he have been so wrong?

Termatir laced her hands behind her back while one of the guards shaved Borayn’s pubic hair. She watched the procedure, pursing her lips. Again, lust wanted to take over command over her mind. The procedure was even more arousing because she knew he didn’t like it. Next came his beard, and again, he flinched as the stubble came off.

“I don’t believe you.” Termatir shook her head, taking a deep breath. “See, Piara reported about you. She told me that you had enough followers to keep the group together. Those who came last were but simple people who would not decide for themselves, but were used to obeying. She did not count them as valuable. However, the men and women around you, in your closest circle, they looked up to you. So I don’t see any reason why this should have changed within such short weeks.”

“But it did.” Borayn closed his eyes as the razor worked on his cheek. It was but another act of humiliation. All free men in the group had worn a beard as a sign of their self-determination. “Joly turned away from me.” He paused, but Termatir kept quiet. “Tell me, how many people died in your attack?”

“Why don’t you ask how many people died in my headquarters?”

“You would have told me. All of the rebel attacks were never meant to kill people.”

“Oh, right, you’re the brotherhood of righteousness! Spare me the slogans!”

“You killed hundreds of people,” Borayn rebuked, nauseous with the enormity of the crime.
“You just sent your forces in to kill.”

Termatir kept her face hard and non-telling. She already knew that the body count was by far less than expected and that the rebels on the loose had chosen their hideout carefully. There were still no reports of their whereabouts. “I did what is my right as a leader. You should have stayed away from my property!”

“You’re a murderer.”

Termatir ordered the guard, “Give him more to drink.” She then turned her attention back to Borayn. “I have the right to defend my people against any invader daring to assault us!”

Borayn wet his lips, knowing too well that no word would ever change Termatir’s mind. Again, the guard forced him to drink the sweet liquid. “What are you going to do with me?”
“You’ll be the most obedient follower I ever had. Not to mention that your service as a semency raises your value.” Termatir took a deep breath. “You truly hurt me, Borayn. I was on the way to believing you. You had given me the impression of a man of reason. But I was wrong.”

***

“So you’re the one to–” Ferris closed with a helpless gesture. He had not yet understood what they were going to grant him or not.

“I’m here to help you deal with your tasks.” Photini put her notepad on the table.

The room was nice and cozy, the furniture not new, but adequate, and Ferris saw many devices he didn’t know, but didn’t dare ask. He only knew he would sleep in something close to heaven – a large, fluffy mass of cushions and covers.

“Since you’ll be working in houses as well as institutions, I’m the one to arrange dates and clothes and take you around. I’m your constant assistant and available whenever you need me.”

“But I can do what I want?”

“Not quite.” Photini smiled apologetically and sat down. Ferris took a seat opposite to her, running a hand over his short hair. “Your profession is to make women happy, and I take care of that as an assistant. I also take care of your nutrition, your health in general, and your spare time sports.”

“Sports? Wait a moment – don’t I have any time for myself?”

“If it’s possible, you have time to spend with leisure, of course. But in the beginning…” She looked at the notepad. “…your data and pictures were aired already, so I expect incoming bookings from tomorrow on.” She looked up to him. “Or do you feel sick? I could contact a physician to run some checks on you. I heard that your travel wasn’t the most comfortable.”
“I was kidnapped,” Ferris stated flat-voiced.

“Oh.” Photini composed herself quickly. “Well, even so – you’re with us now, and your fertility rate is outstanding enough to make the women stand in line.”

“Why do I wear the collar?” Ferris lifted it from his throat.

Photini stood, gazing at the collar and its yellow center stone with an almost loving expression. “It’s a sign of your profession, Ferris, and as such, everyone will accept it. I wish you a good night sleep and will be here in the morning.”

“Not so fast, Photini!” Even though she stood, he hardly needed to look up to her. “What if I don’t want your schedule and dates you arrange? Don’t I have a word in this?”

“In a limited way, yes, but we’ll talk about that when you know of the schedule. I won’t discuss matters that you don’t know anything about.” She turned to leave. “Again, good night. And welcome to our clan.”

Ferris leaned back on the chair. He had been taken from a prison, but to where, he did not know. When he heard the steps of Photini echo and fade away, he stood and left the room.

***

He left the house. He wasn’t hindered. Outdoors he halted and looked at the town spreading before him. The houses looked comfortable and well maintained. They were two stories high, built to form a square, which enclosed a large yard, playgrounds and areas to meet and play. Electricity hummed in the air and he saw a forest of antennas raised to catch satellite news and information. Some children played outside the yard on the sidewalk. Ferris took off for a walk in the sunset. After just a few yards, he fell into a trot and then ran. He couldn’t remember a run so satisfying and wonderful. He ran at topmost speed, not caring where he ran. The street was straight, so he would find his way back easily. Ferris felt freedom flow back to his mind. Memories of his years on Ryk returned, about his running with the gronties and the competitions with his friends. He remembered his good and rewarding life as a herder and for the time of his exercise, everything was shining happiness.

He turned left at a corner and sped through another part of the settlement. Some inhabitants watched him run by and shook their heads, but no one intercepted him, no vehicle of any kind chased and overtook him. Ferris ran like the free man he had been on his moon. He grinned like a village idiot as his strength slowly ebbed away and he slackened his speed to a trot. His heart pounded like a drum, he sweated profusely, and when he looked around, he was still alone. A feeling of true happiness took possession of him. After long weeks as a prisoner of the Ulathan clan, he breathed the air of a free society.

***

The guards brought Borayn to the adjacent room. Termatir sat at a large table and chatted with someone on the intercom. She approved of his presence only briefly. The guards let go of him at a post, where the collar’s chain was hooked so Borayn had to sit down and couldn’t move away.

Termatir sat comfortably in a broad armchair made of a thick, warm material that enclosed her body like a second skin. Since the building was cool, this was the way to stay warm. She smiled as she talked with a woman she faced on screen. “Of course, there will be money for every project on the list, but you have to understand that the repairs have top priority. I assure you that no one will be forgotten. A good day to you.” The screen went blank. Termatir glanced at her prisoner before she turned to the meal a servant had brought. Her behavior was that of a leader in control of every situation, no matter how difficult it was.

Borayn realized that Termatir did no longer consider him a threat. She wouldn’t release him anymore. It was a devastating thought to become a puppet after being in control of his life for so long. He shifted his position to rest his bound hands on his belly, fearing to lose his chance to get away. Termatir could leave him in this position, feed him from time to time, give him something to drink and take him around if it pleased her. Closing his eyes, he felt his body heat seep into the stones.

Termatir knelt to watch him with pitiless eyes. She had no news of the escapees and it nagged her to think of rebels laughing about the clan leader’s ineptitude to find and destroy them. “Listen up!” She slapped Borayn’s face and made him jump. “You’re not here to sleep! I learned that some of your rebel scum survived. Where are they and what’s planned next?”

Borayn felt a surge of happiness and relief flow through him. So…Valeno had saved some of his people! That was good news, but his situation didn’t alter if she kept him tethered. “I don’t know of any plans. I never did.”

“You better give me what you know, Borayn, for I don’t think that you want me to be angry with you.” She stooped to him, her voice a powerful whisper. “You know that I never make empty promises.”

“But I don’t know–”

“Lies! But there are ways to make you come around.” Termatir took off the chastity device, waiting and watching Borayn’s member become hard with the barest touch of her fingers and thumb. “Well, my little drink works good on you, I see.”

“What’s in that drink?” Borayn felt the tension rise and his loins react to the subtle stimulation.

Termatir laughed. “Oh, come on, Borayn, you know that every semency gets something with his food or drink to improve his performance. It would be impossible to have sex four times a week without certain measures, right? Even the most virile men have phases of less interest. That little drink just helps to speed up your desire.” She grabbed his rock-hard member. “Now…tell me about your friends’ hideout.”

“Damn you, bitch, no!” She held him fast. “I can’t tell! I thought you’d have killed them all! Stop it!”

She let go of him. He rested his head on the stones again. Termatir ran a finger along his shaft, amused by the twitching. “I thought so, too, but then I realized that there were by far less people than expected.” She continued teasing him.

Borayn swallowed. He was stimulated enough to fuck everything in reach, everything that would offer itself and involuntarily, he lifted his butt toward Termatir’s warm hand. She smiled, and he despised himself for his ineptitude to hold back.

“Think about your words, Borayn, my little prisoner. Your life can be better from now on or…not. What do you choose?”

“You already made me submit myself. What more do you want of me?”

“You bested me, you fucking bastard.” She grabbed him harder, causing him to inhale sharply. Stars danced before his eyes and he groaned. “And I will make you pay for every chip I have to replace and for every day the system’s not fully operational.”

Borayn bit his lips. He tried to cling to the fact that Termatir had not been able to kill all his friends and followers and that fact made him feel better. There was no more hope for him as long as Trematir tethered him like a hardcore criminal. Termatir stroked him again, pushing him from pain to lust. His mind shut off, saving what sanity he had left. He gave in to the feelings she caused him, but with his arousing desire, she stopped, watching him pant. Watching his need like a dealer watched a junkie beg for drugs. While the stimulation went on, Borayn craved for Trematir to rub his cock to fulfill his desire. But Termatir made him wait. She played with the ring, stroked his inner thighs and down along his calves. She watched his face twitch overcome with need and how his hands turned in the manacles. He couldn’t reach his cock alone and a whimper escaped his throat.

“Now you know what your life will be like.” Termatir resumed the soft fondling with his crotch.

“Please, let me come.”

“Begging me, hmm? That sounds good to me. Say it again.”

“Please.” Borayn swallowed. “Let me come. I can’t stand it.”