Glimpses of the Island

Arrival

Cathy Sturgis watched the scenery from the porthole of her small passenger cabin as the ship entered the harbor. It was no cruise ship, just a freighter with some staterooms for a handful of passengers. The trip from Port Elizabeth in South Africa had taken five days. The journey had been slow, uneventful and somewhat boring. Passenger facilities were limited, though there were several recent releases of movies on DVD to help pass the time. It had been interesting to tour a real commercial freighter and to see the day to day activities, but she was still glad to reach her destination.

There was a knock on the cabin door. When she opened it a crewman informed her in broken English that he had come to pick up her luggage. They would be docking in a few minutes. He passed on a message from the port that someone would meet her at the Port Authority gate when she left the ship. He picked up her suitcases and left. She waited till the ship stopped moving before she walked out onto the deck and headed toward the gangway being lowered onto the dock.

She was finally here. When Cathy had first found out about the Island she didn't believe it. There was no way it could be kept secret in these days of instant news. But her investigation had proven how elusive information could be on the Island and its whereabouts. Her husband Mark had only said, "I told you so", when she confessed to him that she had tried and failed in her research attempt.

They had traveled as far as South Africa together but he had to send her on by herself while he took care of some urgent business matters for his new employer, a civil engineering firm also headquartered on the Island. She had been nervous about being on the ship alone but he had assured her it was far safer than where he was going. She had asked to stay with him but he flatly refused, telling her in that stern, insistent voice that central Africa was too unstable and dangerous for her. She knew better than to pursue it any further.

At least she wouldn't be totally on her own until Mark arrived. He had called ahead and made arrangements with his friend John Leeds, who lived on the Island. Someone was supposed to meet her as soon as she got through the arrival formalities. She assumed that meant passports, visas, and luggage inspections by the usual Customs agents. When she left the ship and headed for the processing area she was prepared for a long and tedious wait.

To her surprise the Customs gate was one lone official at a desk. The handful of other passengers from the ship were in line ahead of her. As she watched the Customs agent asked a few questions then moved to the next in line. No forms, no inspections, she didn't even see him collect a visa. When her turn came he asked her name, entered it in a computer terminal, then welcomed her to the Island and asked if she would remain a moment longer, because someone was in the port terminal waiting for her. Cathy stood to the side as the one remaining passenger behind her was processed through. She had never seen Customs work like that in any other country. He hadn't even asked for a passport.

He made a quick phone call then turned back to her. "Your party will be here in just a moment. I also have a note to let you know your baggage is being delivered to your home, so you won't have to worry about it."

"Thank you very much," Cathy answered. "Do you need to see my passport?"

"No, we don't use them. The only people who arrive here are the residents or invited guests. You would not have been on the ship unless you were expected." He pointed behind her. "Here comes your party now."

Cathy turned to see a woman approaching her. Conservatively dressed in a tailored business suit, a few years older than Cathy, she could have easily been mistaken for a business professional except for one thing. Prominently displayed around her neck was a metal collar, too large to be mistaken for a choker or some kind of necklace. Cathy recognized it and knew what it meant immediately. In front of her was a real life female slave, someone literally owned as property.

"Hello and welcome to Isla Del Sur, the Island as we call it. My name is Anna Leeds, my husband and master is John Leeds. I've been asked to give you a quick orientation about life here." She held out her hand to Cathy. "I'm sure you have many questions. If you can hold off for a moment I'll try to answer them for you. You need to know your husband arranged for this, and he also saw to it you will be taken to your home later on. I'm sort of an official greeter for new arrivals. Life here is a bit different than what you are used to so I'm going to give you some idea of what to expect."

"Hi, I'm Cathy Sturgis, my husband is Mark Sturgis. I've met your husband John, and I recognize you from the picture he carries in his wallet. He had dinner with us one evening when he was working in California." Cathy shook hands with Anna.

"Yes, he told me about it. He was working with your husband on a consulting project. That's why my master asked me to meet you today. Why don't we go sit down and talk for a few moments before our ride gets here? There is a lounge area; it's this way." Anna turned and nodded in the direction she had come from. "Did you get the message about your luggage?"

"Yes, thank you." Cathy walked with Anna down the hallway. She didn't miss how Anna had used that word, master , in such a casual way. "Sorry if it's out of place, but can I ask you about the collar? Is it real?"

Anna laughed, "Oh yes, it's very real. Strong and sturdy, and locked on. I can't take it off, though I wouldn't even if it was possible. You will find they are commonplace here, and there are some obligations that go with wearing one. I'll cover all that a little later. And to answer your next question, everyone who sees it knows what it means. That's what's different about living here. Things like this," she touched her collar, "are in the open and accepted."

They reached the lounge area, a snack bar and a few tables. Anna pointed to one of the tables and they sat down. "Would you like something to eat or drink?" Anna asked Cathy.

"A cup of coffee would taste good," Cathy replied, setting her purse on the chair next to her. She noticed Anna didn't seem to be carrying a purse.

"Okay, you sit down and I'll be right back." Anna walked over to the counter. Cathy watched as she poured two cups of coffee, then took off a card on a necklace around her neck and presented it to the cashier. Cathy noticed she carried two cards. One was obviously a type of credit card, but she wasn't sure what the other one was.

Anna returned to the table and handed a coffee cup to Cathy, then sat down. "Let me warn you. This is real coffee, the original African plant. It might be a little strong if you're used to the South American variety."

Cathy took a sip and added some sugar. "Thanks for the warning. Could I ask you what those cards are that you are carrying?" Cathy asked.

Anna took the necklace off her neck and held it out. "Very observant. This one is to make purchases. I am not permitted to carry cash. My master gives me an allowance for personal needs, plus any household shopping, groceries and such. I believe he receives some kind of statement each month. I have restrictions on how and when I can use it. Naturally he knows about everything I buy. Essentially it's a debit card but it's good anywhere I'm allowed to shop.

"The other card is a very valuable one. I mentioned there are issues regarding collars? One of them is permission to travel. Without this card, a travel permit, I could not leave the house by myself. I would have to be accompanied by my master or another man, with my master's prior approval. Even with this card there are places I cannot go. The Customs desk, where you came in off the ship? I can't go past the desk or even wait there unless my master is with me. That's why I had to stay here until you were done."

Cathy studied both cards carefully. Anna's picture was on each one, along with a magnetic stripe. They looked just like a credit card and a driver's license. She glanced up at Anna with a new realization of what a collar meant here.

"It's not as bad as you might think. I have quite a few limits on what I can do, but my master likes it that way. It's good for me too. Before I came here I was, well, flaky is the word. Unreliable and not much self-control, very disorganized." Anna shrugged. "I don't do too well on my own. When John claimed me and later brought me here, I was afraid at first I couldn't manage the change. But that's what makes living here so wonderful, everyone is supportive. The first year was tough, more than once he took away these cards, but I got through it. I wouldn't have it any other way now. He regulates my life and I love the attention he gives me.

"Same with being out in public. Everyone recognizes I have rules to follow. Somehow knowing it's all public makes it easier for me to keep on the straight and narrow. I like my life here; it makes me feel proud to wear his collar."

Cathy leaned back in her chair and took another sip of coffee, momentarily lost in thought. She had come to the Island for the same reasons. Just like Anna she wanted to take that next step, give herself to her husband, and make him her master in fact as well as in her heart, without any limits on his authority. When Mark had told her about the Island she had been skeptical at first, but when they talked about it at length she could see he liked the idea, and there was a certain appeal in being open and uninhibited about her own submissive nature. Were she pressed to admit it she would have to confess she did her best to talk Mark into the move.

Anna continued, "I was told you have come to the Island with the intention of becoming collared yourself?" Cathy nodded. "Good, I always worry that someone might get it wrong. First thing then, I need to make sure you know about the ramifications of your choice and how it will proceed. The laws here are very specific in how to define and require informed consent before you make any contractual agreements regarding your status. Bear with me if this sounds dry and boring, but I'm required to explain it in a certain way.

"At the moment your status is free and independent. You may leave at any time. There are no restrictions on what you may do, and that includes the provision that you need not obey your husband, even if you do consider him to be your master as well. At the end of our conversation today, you can get back on the ship and return home. I've been assigned to explain the Island to you, and answer questions, but I am not allowed to offer you any advice on your decision to stay or leave. If you wish to have someone else conduct this orientation you can tell me to stop at any time and I will contact the Immigration office and arrange for a replacement."

Cathy held up her hand to stop Anna. "One question, you said I can leave at any time? How would I get back home?"

"Your husband has to post a bond for you. If you choose not to stay all your expenses will be covered to any place you wish to go. You can leave at any time, up to when you agree to transfer that privilege to your master. I was just about to explain that.

"Your husband has enrolled you in the ownership program. It's also called the TPE; that stands for total power exchange, a nice euphemism for enslavement. Under the program, you will start with a thirty day period which includes this introduction, followed by some orientation classes on how the program works. We try to cover everything you need to know. You get to see how we live on the Island, especially the differences from the outside world. It gives you some time to think about staying here, to interact with the locals, and an opportunity to talk it over with your husband. He has some requirements to meet too. It might be that one or both of you decide it's not to your liking. That's not unexpected, we do take domination and submission to an extreme here, and it's ingrained in society as a whole so you can't ignore it. The intensity can be intimidating.

"After the thirty day period you are eligible to enter into a Basic contract. Like any civilized society we live within a body of laws. Contracts, legally binding and enforceable agreements between two people, are the foundation of relationships on the Island, just as marriages are in the outside world. You will find that what can be put in a contract is very different here. You can agree to give yourself to someone for a period of time, and specify how you should be treated.

"In the TPE program you must start with the Basic. It is one year in duration. There are some standard provisions, and the two of you can add others by mutual agreement. For that one year, you literally become his property. Unless he breaks the contract you must remain with him and are legally obligated to obey his commands and follow his rules. He can't injure you, and he has to provide food and shelter, plus keep you in good health. You are required to wear a collar to identify your status. Your legal rights are derived from what is called the Shariah , Islamic law as interpreted in Saudi Arabia. If you are of the Muslim faith there are some additional restrictions. Remember, this island is Saudi territory."

Cathy was puzzled by that last statement. "Islamic laws? You mean there are more than one set of laws? Will I have to learn to speak Arabic?"

"No Arabic, but otherwise you have it right," Anna answered. "At the moment you fall under the Western system, pretty much what you are used to. Rights, trials, judges and juries, all the usual. But once you have one of these," Anna put a hand on her collar, "all those disappear. The only right you have is to be supported by your master. Everything else becomes a privilege, to be granted or withdrawn as he sees fit. You cannot travel, or even leave the house, unless you have his permission. You can own assets, such as property or investments, but you cannot use them without his approval. He can dictate what you wear, who you talk to, where you can go, if you can work, and in general what you are allowed to do. The only personal time or privacy you have is what he sees fit to grant you.

"At any time during that first year you can opt out of the contract, providing you both agree on it. If you do, the program ends there and you are not eligible to proceed further, though you can start over later. If you make it through the first year, then you can move to the next phase, or you can extend the existing agreement a year at a time. Many couples choose to stop with the Basic if they find it meets their needs.

"After the basic is complete, you can move to the next phase, the Unlimited agreement. It also has a fixed duration, three years, but there are some differences. For one, you cannot specify any contract provisions as to what he may or may not require from you. He alone can decide what the provisions of your agreement will be. All you can do is accept or reject the agreement, you cannot change it. You have no rights, no recourse; you become his property, a possession to do with as he pleases. As with the Basic, you must wear a collar. Also, you can't revoke the contract; that becomes his privilege alone.

"As you can imagine an unlimited contract is a big step. Less than half try it, and only a few renew it. The last phase of the program is the same contract, but no time limit or revocation by either party. You can end the contract only with the equivalent of a divorce trial, and whoever wants to end it must show cause. You belong to him for a lifetime." Anna stopped for a moment then added, "I'm currently in the last year of our three year Unlimited. I hope my master will choose to renew it without the time limit.

"And no, you don't have to learn Arabic. English is the predominant language here, though there is a Muslim section where Arabic and Farsi are spoken. Mosque services and Friday prayers are in Arabic, and there are Islamic schools which teach in Arabic, Farsi and English. You should learn about the local customs and some of the Bedouin or Persian traditions before visiting those areas."

Mark had told Cathy about the ownership program, so it wasn't a surprise. But seeing Anna sitting across the table, the steel ring secured around her throat, turned an abstract into reality. Cathy was sure of what she wanted, and that included being where Anna was now. The question now was if she had the determination and ability to get there, and if it was what Mark wanted too.

She had been married to Mark long enough to build up her trust and feel assured in her submission to him. Now she was ready for the next step, giving herself to him without reservation, obedient to his every order, serving him in any way he wished, devoted to his needs and desires. When she had confessed her secret to him, what she wanted, he had surprised her by explaining that it was possible, and he knew how to do it. They had spent many hours planning this move. Time and again he had made sure she sincerely wanted to proceed, and more important she understood the changes in her life that would come from it. He had tried to scare her, making up worst-case scenarios where he turned into some kind of monster, but she knew better. Mark was one of the kindest and most decent men she had ever met. He had never given her any reason to doubt him or her determination to be the best wife and companion to him that she could be.

"That's the end of my little lecture. John will be coming to pick us up in a few minutes. He'll take you to your house, and we'll give you a short tour on the way there. Do you have any questions in the meantime?"

Cathy thought about it. There was so much to learn, but she had time. Her first task was to get their new home ready for Mark's arrival. "I don't think so, but I really don't know enough to ask. I'll need to get the house in shape first, plus groceries and household things. I don't know my way around yet."

"Oh, don't worry about the housekeeping, I'm here to help. John has given me permission to show you around town tomorrow. I hope you will have dinner with us this evening? He was looking forward to welcoming our new neighbor."

"Neighbor? You live close by? I haven't seen the place yet." Mark hadn't mentioned they lived so near.

"We are right behind you. There is a small stand of trees between your backyard and ours. It is an island you know; afraid the lots for houses are not all that big. We try to keep development to a minimum. No big mansions here, just the usual suburban houses."

At that moment a man entered the lounge. From Anna's reaction he was obviously her master. She turned to face him and kept her eyes on him as he approached, all but ignoring Cathy. Cathy turned in her chair to get a better look. John Leeds would not stand out in a crowd, average height and looks, but she could sense in the confident way he carried himself that he was indeed a dominant man.

"Hello Cathy, nice to see you again. I see you've met Anna already." He turned to Anna. "Did you have enough time to cover the preliminary information? Do you need a moment more?"

"No sir, we are done for today. I was just passing on your invitation for Cathy to have dinner with us." Cathy watched Anna closely. This was her first opportunity to see the interaction of Anna and her master. For the moment Anna would be her role model, at least until Cathy had a better idea of life on the Island.

"Very good. Cathy? Mark asked me to make sure you got settled in. I received a text message via satellite link from him a few hours ago, he asked to pass on that he will be in the Congo for a few more days and then will be on his way here to join you. I'm sorry he wasn't able to be with you on your arrival but he was urgently needed in the field.

"Until he gets back we'll make sure everything goes smoothly for you. I hope you will join Anna and me for dinner tonight?"

"I'd love to sir, thank you for the invitation and for passing on Mark's message. I appreciate all you and Anna are doing for me. I admit as a newcomer I'm a bit overwhelmed." It was only after she finished that Cathy realized the sir had crept in. It had not been intentional, but somehow it felt right. She would have to ask Anna about it the next time they got to talk alone. Neither of them commented on it, so she felt safe in assuming it was not out of place.

"My pleasure. If you're ready to go? The car is in the lot outside the front door, this way." As Cathy stood she noticed how he took hold of Anna's arm before she got out of the chair. He kept a hand on her back as they went out the building entrance into the parking lot.

When they reached the car he opened one of the rear doors. "Why don't you and Anna ride in the back? Anna can be the tour guide while I concentrate on driving. We'll take the long way home so you can see some of the town." Cathy got in and he closed her door. He led Anna around to the other rear door, opened it for her, and closed it as she sat down. He got in and started the car. "We'll go through the shopping district first. It's the closest to the port."

Cathy didn't recognize the make or model of the car. She didn't hear any engine noise as he started. John noticed her puzzled look. "It's electric, all the cars and most trucks and buses are electric. It's very difficult to ship in gasoline, expensive and dangerous, but we have plenty of electric power, so this works out best." He added, "The island has a nuclear reactor for the power plant. Don't worry, it's very safe. Notice how clean the air is? No oil, no coal. No long distances either. Drive too far and you wind up in the ocean." They all laughed at the joke.

He pulled out of the parking lot and drove along the road toward the town center. The ubiquitous palm trees lined the road. To Cathy the scenery was reminiscent of southern California, except for the occasional odd looking native tree or bush. Within a few minutes they were in the town. "Anna, you may begin." His voice was low and the tone soft, but Cathy sensed it was an order.

"Yes sir. We have a good selection of the staples, Cathy, but you will have to remember we are isolated. You can order just about anything, but it takes time to get here. The only items you have to be concerned about are alcohol and some food products. You can get them, but they require special handling. Most everything has to be shipped to one of our outside contacts, either in South Africa, the Maldives or the Seychelle Islands, before it's loaded on one of the ships and brought here. I'm sure you already know there is no air service. You should plan ahead about three weeks for anything you might need. One plus, we have first rate communications to the rest of the world. Phone, satellite TV, even internet connections. And if anyone asks, you are somewhere in a remote section of Saudi Arabia. Our standard line is that for security purposes we aren't allowed to divulge the precise location."

Anna went on to point out the stores she liked and what could be found in them. There were several restaurants, a park, a library, and a performing arts building in the center of town. Cathy observed several women wearing collars among the pedestrians on the sidewalks. In one case it seemed as if the collared woman had her hands bound behind her back and was being led by the man next to her.

Anna stopped her travelogue as she noticed where Cathy's attention had shifted. "You saw that? It's one more consideration when, or if, you decide to accept a collar. The loss of freedom is not an abstract idea. If he decides she is not allowed the use of her hands, then she learns to do without. There's nothing she can do about it either, as you saw. If she called out for help, her pleas would be ignored. In fact, passers by would expect her to be reprimanded for causing a commotion." Cathy nodded to show she understood. Despite the outward appearance this really was a fundamentally different place.

They left downtown and headed into some low hills outside town, the residential district. Homes dotted the semi-tropical landscape. He turned the car onto a side street and pulled into the driveway of a modest house. As Cathy opened her door to get out she noticed Anna sitting with her hands in her lap, waiting. John opened her door and held out a hand to help Anna out of the car. Nothing was said, but Cathy recognized what had happened. She had waited for permission to get out of the car. Once again he kept a hand on her as they walked toward the front door of the house.

"You can go right over to your house, Cathy, there's a path through our back yard. I'm sure you'd like to look around and rest for a few minutes. Anna will give you a call later and when you are ready we'll go out to eat." He opened the front door and waited for the two women to precede him.

"Yes sir, I would like a short rest. Would an hour be okay?" Cathy did feel tired and wanted some time alone.

"That's fine. Anna, why don't you show Cathy to her back door? Here are your house keys. You will find your luggage in the front room. Come on over when you're ready, no rush." He handed a key chain to Cathy. Anna started toward the rear door at the back of their house.

Once in the back yard Cathy could see the trees that separated their homes. Anna led her through them on a cobblestone path to the back door of the Cathy's new place. "Here we are. The weather is nice so we leave our back door open, just come on over and yell when you are ready. And Cathy? Don't worry. It really is a lovely place here and you will never regret coming." Anna waved and headed back to her house. Cathy went into her new home with the hope that Anna was right.