A Slave for Tracy
Part 3.
When Tracy woke next morning she was briefly startled when she realised
she wasn't alone in the bed. Then she remembered the previous evening and turned
to look at Sarah. Sarah was sleeping on her side facing Tracy. Her face was at
peace as she slept. Tracy reached out and slowly ran her finger over Sarah's
face, gently following the curves of her cheek. Sarah's face slowly developed a
gentle smile as she felt Tracy's finger. Tracy continued to stroke her crim and
Sarah slowly opened her eyes. She looked sleepily at Tracy and smiled.
"Hi sleepyhead," said Tracy softly.
"'morning Tracy. I've just had a odd dream. It was weird - a bit
frightening, in fact."
"Tell me."
"Well, I was with you. My hands were chained behind my back and we were in
the main mall. You were leading me by a leash and I was totally naked. Yet I
felt no shame. Even although there was people all about us I didn't feel shamed
or humiliated for being nude. How could that be? And you said you wouldn't do
that to me. You won't will you?"
"I told you I won't and I keep my promises, Sarah. But if your own attitude
changes and you ASK me to show you off like that, then I may do so. But only if
you ask. OK?"
Sarah caught Tracy's hand in hers, blinking back tears, "Thankyou Tracy. I
don't know what made me dream of such an idea. I can't see myself actually
wanting to be displayed like that." Sarah took a deep breath. "What are we
doing today?"
"This morning we will be going into the city. I have shopping for Aunt
Elizabeth and also for myself. You will be with me in your tunic (Tracy smiled
there and Sarah returned the smile). 'fraid you'll have to wear your chains and
a leash. You will have a carry bag on your back for the shopping. That will be
in the morning. We'll come home for lunch then I thought we could go look at the
local history museum. You've been there, I suppose (Sarah nodded) but I haven't.
We have that paper to do for Ms Forester, remember."
"I remember. I can probably tell you which of the displays that will help
with the paper. Then could we go to the main city library? There is a book I
want for that paper also. I can copy some info onto my disk."
"Fine. But look, would you rather not take your main disk? It has
everything on it I suppose? Your personal data and your school work?"
"Yes we can only have one disk in the prison. Some girls think it's funny
to take our disks and then we loose our schoolwork as well as our personal data.
I have a download of my trial on my disk also and now its getting full."
"You can leave your main disk here. Use this disk to collect data for your
paper. Tonight you can work on your paper. You can use a PC here. No trouble."
Sarah glanced over at Tracy's desk where her laptop lay. "But you will be
working on your own paper, won't you?"
"It's OK. I have a couple of spare PC's."
"Spare PC's!"
"Aunt had me bring all the computer equipment we had as a family. One of
Dad's clients couldn't pay in cash so he paid in kind. He was a salesman selling
second-hand PCs and as a result we all got laptops. I've removed the old data.
You can use one at the table there with me tonight."
"Thankyou Tracy. You know you could probably sell those spare laptops if
you ever need money."
"Actually, I can't. Leastways not yet. When we cleared customs we found the
rules said you can bring in only one laptop each and one extra. Aunt Elizabeth
had to sign an undertaking that that the extra laptops wouldn't be sold for five
years, otherwise we would have had to pay extra duty on them."
Tracy slipped an arm around Sarah and hugged her. "Time to get up Sarah."
Tracy slid out of bed and stretched. "I'm going to the bathroom. Pull up the bed
and then lay out my jeans and blue shirt that's hanging in the robe. Underwear
is in that drawer Lay out your tunic and underwear also but don't you dress. If
you finish before I get back, I expect you to be kneeling by the bed with your
back straight and your head down. Got that?"
"Yes Tracy."
"Good." Tracy gave Sarah's shoulder a pat and headed for the bathroom. She
was soon back after using the toilet and shower. She found Sarah kneeling as
directed. Her clothing lying on the bed. "Good work, Sarah. You go have your
wash now. But you will remain naked until after breakfast. Off you go." Tracy
watched as Sarah headed for the bathroom, admiring the way her bottom wiggled as
she walked. She found herself thinking of things she would like to do with Sarah
as she preceded to dress herself.
On Sarah's return, Tracy smiled at her. "Hungry?"
"You bet." Tracy led the way downstairs. During the meal Tracy noticed
Sarah was less conscious of her nudity before her Aunts and Fiona. Aunt
Elizabeth gave Tracy the shopping list. "You'll be home for lunch?"
"Yes Aunt. Then we would like to see the History museum. We have to do a
paper on the early settlement. Sarah's going to show me the part of the display
she thinks covers the question. She also wants to go to the main library.
They're next to each other aren't they?"
"Yes. Is Sarah going as she is?"
"No. I promised not to do that unless she agrees."
"Good. (To Sarah) You don't deserve this, dear. Off you both go then."
Tracy and Sarah headed upstairs. Sarah dressed and Tracy found her carry bag
which Sarah slipped on her back. Tracy then picked up the handcuffs. To Tracy's
surprise Sarah dropped onto her knees and held out her hands while Tracy snapped
them on. She remained kneeling while Tracy clipped the leash on the collar.
In answer to Tracy's surprised look, Sarah said, "I have to learn to be
submissive and for some reason submitting to you doesn't feel humiliating. It's
as if it's right. I don't know why." She blushed, as did Tracy.
"Thankyou for that." Tracy couldn't think of anything else to say.
Soon they were walking towards the bus stop. This was Sarah's first outing
after her sentencing. (not counting school) Tracy could see Sarah was a bit
self-conscious of the people they passed who stared at her prison tunic, black
collar and chained hands. While on the bus Tracy could hear whispered
conversation in which Sarah was clearly the subject. She took Sarah's hand and
squeezed it reassuringly and was relieved to feel an answering squeeze. On
leaving the bus they headed into the shopping centre and began their shopping.
Tracy noticed there was some staring at Sarah's black collar from the counter
staff but no comments. Tracy saw other men and women in the street in brown
collars, some wearing prison clothes, others in ordinary clothes. She saw other
men and women wearing slave chains also. At one time while crossing a mall, they
passed a little crowd which was watching a man in a brown collar being caned on
his bare butt by another man. Standing to one side, watching impassively was a
woman with a brown-collared female crim on a leash, who stood with her head
down, a bulging carry bag on her back. Tracy noted that Sarah looked away from
the scene.
Later while leaving a shop Sarah's name was called. Turning around Tracy
saw Sarah's face light up and next minute she was heading across the room to the
caller. Tracy called sharply after her. "Sarah, come back here." But Sarah
ignored her. Tracy followed Sarah up to the group and found herself being
introduced to some of Sarah's old school friends. Tracy put on a smile and
actually found them to be quite nice people, but inside she was angry. When her
friends finally moved off Sarah turned to Tracy. But the shine in her eyes began
to fade as she saw Tracy was clearly angry. Tracy led the way over to a seat and
told Sarah to sit down with her.
"Sarah are you always so forgetful? Haven't I made it clear that you have
no longer the right to do what you just did? I'm very disappointed in you."
Sarah was clearly surprised. "What did I do wrong? Their my friends. I
thought you liked them."
"I did. That's not the point, Sarah. You can't run off like that whenever
you want to any more. You have to remember you are under the control of some-one
at all times. You disobeyed me when I called you back. And you didn't ask
permission before you ran over to them. I'm afraid its the paddle for you when
we get home, Sarah. Do you understand me?"
Sarah's face had fallen as Tracy spoke and Tracy's heart was wrenched as
the shine left Sarah's eyes and the head went down. "Yes Tracy, I see what you
mean. I forgot about all that in the excitement. I hadn't seen Alice and Wendy
since before my trial. I'm sorry. It won't happen again, I promise. And yes I
understand, I must be punished. H.... how many strokes of the paddle, Tracy?"
By now Tracy had calmed down. "Since it is your first time, I can be
lenient. One stroke for failing to obey and one for failing to ask permission.
Two strokes, Sarah. If there is a next time, it will be more, of course." Sarah
nodded and sat quietly while Tracy re-attached the leash she had earlier
removed. Sarah was quiet as they finished the shopping. They stopped at a fast
food place for a cold drink They took their drinks to a bench seat in the mall.
Tracy removed the chain from between Sarah's wrists and told Sarah she could
remove the carry bag while they sat with their drinks. Tracy slipped an arm
around the miserable Sarah who lent into the hug immediately.
"I'm sorry Tracy." Sarah was blinking back tears, "Please forgive me. I
don't care how many strokes you give me. Just tell me you forgive me please."
"I forgive you Sarah. I realise this is new and hard for you. I know it
would be for me. Just remember to think before you do anything from now on. OK?"
Sarah laid her head on Tracy's shoulder. "Yes Tracy. I'll try. Thankyou."
As they finished their drinks they were joined on their seat by an angry
faced woman with another woman on a leash. The woman on the leash wore a simple
tunic, sandals, a brown chain around her neck and had an empty carry bag on her
back.
"Off with the bag Grace. NOW!" snapped the free woman as she sat down.
"Yes mistress."
"Over my knee, girl."
The slave draped herself over her mistress's knees and lay still. The
mistress flipped the slaves tunic up, exposing a pair of well shaped buttocks,
lifted her hand and bought it down hard. A red mark appeared on the snow white
buttocks and an accompanying gasp was heard. The hand rose and fell four times,
by which time the bottom was quite red.
"I hope that will teach you to remember to do as you are told, girl. On
your knees. Move it." The slave slid off her mistresses lap and knelt
submissively with her head bowed. The woman sat back and looked around as if she
was noticing her surroundings for the first time. On seeing Tracy and Sarah, who
had both sat fascinated during the spanking, she smiled apologetically. "Sorry
if I disturbed you. I just don't like holding off when punishment is deserved, I
prefer to apply it immediately instead of waiting until we get home."
"I see," said Tracy, "Err.. Does she usually need much disciplining?"
"Rarely, actually," replied the woman, "This was a rare lapse." The woman
seemed to look closely at Sarah for the first time. "A crim I see. Is she
dangerous? How come she is in a black collar?"
"Not usually, no." replied Tracy with a smile.
"Aren't black collars usually worn by dangerous crims?"
"Dangerous or lifers. Sarah is a special case. She is a lifer, recently
sentenced but not considered dangerous."
The woman looked puzzled for a moment, then her face cleared. "You called
her Sarah. Wasn't that the name of the schoolgirl who was sentenced recently for
killing her sister's rapist? Is she...?"
"Yes," said Tracy quietly, slipping an arm around Sarah.
" My husband said your's was one time the courts got it wrong. You should
not have been charged with any crime, he said. How are you coping, Sarah?"
Sarah smiled sadly. "Alright I guess, Ma'm. I'm still learning to deal with
my changed situation."
"They treating you alright?"
"Not to bad. Tracy here has been very good to me. So have most of the other
crims too as well as the warders."
"Most of the crims and warders realise Sarah should not be in prison, you
see, Ma'm," explained Tracy.
"I see. Well, I hope things go well for you, Sarah. Now I must be off. On
your feet Grace." The woman started off across the mall almost dragging her
slave after her.
Tracy watched her go. Then her she realised Sarah was looking over her
shoulder at something else. Following her gaze Tracy was astonished to see a
woman wearing a brief leather skirt, brief leather top, and knee-high leather
boots. A half-cape completed her outfit, on which was displayed the words
'Frederica's'. She was leading six naked women chained together by the neck
through the mall. "What is that about," Tracy wondered allowed.
"Frederica's is a well known chain of brothels," replied Sarah, "This is
probably an advertising stunt for them. Brothels often do something like this to
'display there wares' you might say."
"I see." Tracy glanced at Sarah and noticed she was clamping her legs
tightly together and her hands were fisted tightly. as she stared at the naked
women. Tracy looked back at the women. She noted that of the six only one was
showing any sign of discomfort at displaying herself in public. She was trying
to cover herself with her hands and walked with her head down. The other five
were quite calm - even proud to be displayed in this way. They walked proudly,
thrusting their breasts out and wiggling their hips. One slave actually spotted
someone she knew in the watching crowd and waved to him happily.
Sarah looked at Tracy. "I suppose there is a possibility that I could be
displayed like that if my lease is bought by a brothel." Her face was strained.
"Quite possibly, Sarah. You are a very beautiful girl. I'm sure men would
desire you.... Hey I'm sorry, that was thoughtless of me. I wasn't trying to
hurt you." Tracy pulled Sarah close to her in a tight hug as Sarah eyes
overflowed. Sarah took a deep breath as she struggled to regain control.
"Sorry," she whispered as she clutched Tracy and rested her head on Tracy's
shoulder. "Tracy I'm scared. I've never wanted to be a slave, yet I'm getting
odd feelings as if I would LIKE to be one. I've always thought of myself as an
independent person, yet I now find myself wondering if I'd actually LIKE to be
used in that fashion. To be displayed and used like those girls are. What's
happening to me?"
"I'd say what's happened to you is bringing up to the surface emotions you
have never allowed to appear because your life until now allowed you to suppress
them," replied Tracy softly, "I'm only guessing here, but because you had a so
called 'normal' life before your arrest, you never thought of the possibility of
being in the situation you are in, so these new feelings were never considered
by you. But now you HAVE to consider them and the result is these new desires.
Perhaps a visit to a psychiatrist would help."
Sarah was silent for a moment then sighed. "I don't think a shrink can help
me, Tracy. I just have to somehow accept that I am going to be somebody's sex
toy. But I'd rather belong to one person, Tracy, than to be part of a brothels
'wares'. I think I've accepted that I prefer women. That was something I was
beginning to realise before this trouble started. Now I appear to like the idea
of being somebody's possession and I have no say as to who that person will be."
Tears silently trickled down Sarah's face and Tracy felt her heart sink at the
sight of them. Her arms tightened instinctively around Sarah.
"Have you considered the idea of being MY possession, Sarah?" she said
softly, "I've already told you I will buy your lease if you want me to." Tracy
gently pulled Sarah's hair with her right hand so that her head was tilted back
enough to allow Tracy to see her eyes. With her left hand Tracy produced her
handkerchief and wiped Sarah's tears away. Sarah managed to produce a sad smile
for her. "Sorry I'm such a cry-baby," she whispered.
"You're not. You are just having to make a lot of changes in your thinking
all at once." Tracy gave Sarah a final squeeze then she stood up and drew Sarah
to her feet. "Its time we headed back." Sarah nodded and slipped the carry bag
on her back again then held out her hands while Tracy attached the chain. Tracy
took up the leash and they headed off. But it was a subdued pair that made its
way home.
On arriving home they went straight to the kitchen where Tracy once more
unfastened the chain from Sarah's cuffs so Sarah could remove the bag from her
back. Tracy waited whilst Sarah emptied the bag for Fiona to put away, then
Tracy took her upstairs and told her to strip. Tracy fetched her mothers paddle
and came and sat on the chair. She gestured at her lap and Sarah silently draped
herself over Tracy's lap. Tracy steadied her with her left hand on Sarah's back
and gazed down at the white bottom displayed before her. She raised the paddle.
"Ready Sarah?"
"Yes."
THERWACK Sarah gasped. Tracy paused to inspect the wide red line across
the white buttocks. She raised the paddle again.
THERWACK Sarah gasped again. Tracy put the paddle down and gently helped
Sarah off her lap and onto her knees. Instinctively, Sarah
reached round to rub her bottom, but Tracy stopped her.
"No, Sarah, you must not touch yourself there." Tracy slid onto her knees
before Sarah and took both Sarah's hands and drew her into a hug, crushing her
tightly. "Please remember to think before you do anything in future, Sarah," she
said quietly, "I don't like hurting you, but I will punish you whenever you
deserve it. Understand?"
"Yes Tracy. Thankyou."
Tracy helped Sarah to her feet and led the way downstairs where lunch
awaited them as did a round eyed Fiona who had heard the paddle strokes and
stared at Sarah curiously as they seated themselves for their meal. Afterwards
the girls went back upstairs to prepare for the trip to the museum. Sarah
dressed while Tracy put the needed recording equipment into the carry bag. After
Sarah had donned the bag, Tracy again attached the chain between the cuffs on
Sarah's wrists and the leash to her collar and they set out.
At the museum, Sarah took Tracy straight to the displays she thought would
aid them in writing their paper and the two girls began taking notes. Tracy was
conscious that Sarah was very quiet and had been since the incident in the mall.
After getting the information for their essay, they were headed for the exit
when Tracy spotted a sign directing people to 'Display of Ancient Punishment
Methods' (Not Recommended for Children). "What is that about Sarah," she asked
her companion.
"I don't know," replied Sarah, I don't remember it from my visit last year.
It must be new."
"Let's have a look."
On entering the room they were confronted with sights of horror. Scenes
depicting people being burnt, stretched on racks, hung, crucified, and
decapitated. There were scenes showing people suffering the pains from hot
irons, water torture, ripping out of fingernails and cutting off of limbs.
Scenes of caning and whipping were included as were scenes of people in chains
being sold at auction. Finally Tracy checked the time and they headed for the
exit and the library.
Tracy looked up at Sarah as they left. "What did you think of that, Sarah?"
"It was awful. How could they do such terrible things to each other? Hot
irons on the hands. Branding irons. Horrible. Yet it seems it was normal at
various times in history if that display is to be believed."
"Yes," Tracy changed the subject, "Are you looking forward to the trip to
the Landing Site with the class next week, Sarah? The stuff in here was
fascinating but I want to see the rest of it to at the Landing Site."
"I've been there once when I was younger," replied Sarah, "Its interesting
but you have to walk a distance since the government has left the site alone as
much as possible. Trouble is the place is infested with Ripgrass. You know what
that is don't you?"
"I've read of it but not seen it. Its toxin can be fatal if not treated,
right?"
"That's right. Its sensible to wear long trousers and long sleeves where
its found. Since we crims are stuck with these tunics, we will have to be
careful." Sarah's voice was flat.
"Is there an antidote for the toxin?"
"Yes. It's in the form of a spray you just spray over the scratched area.
If you do it immediately its OK. If not and enough of the stuff gets into your
blood, you can end up with a form of blood poisoning which can be fatal. "
"Ms Forester didn't mention the grass. I wonder if she knew it is there. It
could have been removed since you were there, I suppose. This antidote - is it
sold over the counter?"
"Yes."
"Then we'll go see how much it is. Maybe I'm being paranoid but I just have
a feeling we may need it. There will be 30 girls plus teachers there and
accidents can happen. Some smart-aleck may push someone into a bush or
something."
As they approached the library Tracy spotted some familiar faces. "Sarah
look..."
"I see them. Eve Henderson and Julie Kendall with Linda and Belinda."
As they approached the door to the library, Eve Henderson call to them.
"Getting stuff for Forester's paper, Wilson?"
"That's right. You got yours I take it."
"Sure thing. How's the famous killer going? She being a good girl? have you
caned her yet, Wilson? You are always so protective of her at school."
"She doesn't deserve to be a crim, Eve. What would you do if you came
across your brother or sister being raped? Would you just watch because you
would be afraid to protect her since you may end up in the collar yourself?"
"She's a crim and that's what counts," retorted Eve sulkily.
Tracy looked at Julie Kendall who was digging into her carry bag. As Tracy
watched Julie drew a paddle out of her bag and set the bag down. She turned to
face Belinda who was standing with her head down.
"Bend over and grab your ankles Belinda, hurry up now," she said sharply.
Belinda looked around at the curious passers-by, "Please Mistress not here,
please..." she begged.
"You've just earned yourself two more strokes girl. It will be six now. Any
more arguments and it'll be eight."
Silently Belinda bent over and clasped her ankles as Julie moved round
behind her and proceeded to flip up Belinda's tunic exposing her prison issue
black panties which she pulled down to her knees. Then, positioning herself ,
she raised the paddle and brought it down on the waiting snow-white buttocks.
THERWACK Tracy heard Belinda gasp and glanced at Sarah. She was
staring fixedly ahead of her obviously trying to
ignore what was happening.
THERWACK Tracy looked around. Some passers-by had stopped to
watch with mild curiosity on their faces.
THERWACK One passing woman had stopped and was standing with her
legs tight together and a hand over her mouth.
THERWACK Tracy heard Belinda gasp then sob for the first time.
THERWACK Tracy saw that the woman with her legs together was
bighting her fingers as she watched the punishment
being administered..
THERWACK Sobbing softly, Belinda drew up her panties and
straightened up while Julie put the paddle away.
Belinda then shouldered the bag.
"What was the reason for that punishment, Julie?" enquired Tracy.
"She was slow at finishing her work in the library and held us up."
answered Julie Kendall. Julie and Eve now moved off down the street followed by
the two crims. Tracy noticed that the woman with her legs together was now
walking slowly off, still with her hand in her mouth. Tracy looked at Sarah.
Sarah was staring down at the pavement and did not move until Tracy touched her
shoulder. She then jerked at the touch and looked round at Tracy. "You OK,"
asked Tracy softly.
Sarah took a deep breath and sighed. "I will be I guess."
Tracy put her arm round Sarah and steered her up the stairs into the
library entrance. Sarah was soon immersed in the book-disk she wanted. She
slipped the disk Tracy had given her earlier in the slot on the reader pc she
was using and began to copy down the paragraphs she wanted for her paper. Tracy
was soon doing the same. After they had both got what they wanted for their
essays, they headed home, stopping off at a chemist for two spray-cans of the
antidote for the Ripgrass toxin.
On arriving home, Tracy steered Sarah over to the bed and they both sat
down. "Want to talk about it?", she asked quietly.
"About what,? Sarah replied.
"About whatever is troubling you," answered Tracy, You've had something on
your mind since that business outside the library."
Sarah hesitated looking down and wringing her hands. "I ... I don't know
what's wrong with me," she replied softly, "As I watched Belinda being paddled I
began to get this wish that I was the one being punished. I wanted it to be you
punishing me. This picture appeared in my mind of you paddling me in the middle
of the street and it made me start to tingle. What's happening to me, Tracy? Am
I turning into a true slave.? I never had any of these feelings before all this
happened. Now I'm getting these ideas of wanting to serve you as a total slave.
I want to be totally yours. I want to kiss your feet and do anything you say. I
know I'm in love with you Tracy, but all these odd ideas are appearing in my
head of being your slave. Just yours, nobody else's. If you think I'm stupid,
I'll understand," she sniffed, her tear filled eyes fixed on the floor.
Tracy was stunned for a moment, her mind a confused jumble of ideas. Sarah
loved her! She knew she had feelings for the other girl but she had not known
how Sarah felt towards her and so had tried to suppress them. But now she knew
Sarah returned the feelings. Tracy took a deep breath. "Sarah, you are not
stupid. I think these ideas you are getting are from your own mind reacting to
your new situation as I said before. And anyway, I love you too. And I want you
to be with me forever. I wish we could change that collar for a chain, because
then it would be truly you belonging to me instead of you belonging to the state
and leased to me. But we have to work with what we have, my love, and I
certainly want you to be mine forever. I want you to be kneeling naked beside my
bed every morning ready to greet me by kissing my feet. I want you to be ready
at all times to obey my every command and if I have no orders for you then I
want you to be kneeling beside my chair waiting for my call. I never had these
ideas before I came to Camelot and met you, Sarah. Believe me, you are not the
only one who is going through a change!"
Sarah was now looking at Tracy's face with tears slowly trickling down her
cheeks. "You mean that? You do love me? You don't think I'm silly?"
No, honey." Tracy pulled Sarah into a tight hug, and kissed her. "In fact
I'm glad you told me all this. It makes me more sure you are the one I want with
me for life. But for now I guess we should be getting ready for dinner." Tracy
unclipped Sarah's leash. "You can expect to spend more time on the leash or
chained up now I know you want to be with me," she whispered, "I won't have you
wandering off - or more importantly, someone else snatching you away from me."
Sarah rubbed her forehead on Tracy's arm happily, then began to help Tracy out
of her jacket. Fiona would soon be calling them for the evening meal.
During the meal, Tracy told her aunts what Sarah had said about Ripgrass
and of buying the antidote. "Aunt Freda, isn't it possible to allow the
prisoners to wear other clothes on this outing? Clothes that protect them from
this grass? Sarah says all you need is long sleeves and long trousers, and
gloves. have you seen this Ripgrass yourself, either of you?"
"Yes we have, Tracy," replied Aunt Elizabeth, "The reason you have not seen
it is that for obvious reasons it is not allowed to grow in the city. However it
is quite common in the country. I'm glad you remembered it Sarah. (Sarah flushed
at the praise) As to clothing.." Aunt Elizabeth looked at her sister
enquiringly.
"There is no rules preventing prisoners wearing protective clothing when
necessary," replied Aunt Freda, "The prison department simply insists that
prisoners be identifiable at all times, hence the uniform. Trouble is we don't
have trousers and shirts in stock It may be safer if they didn't go. Has your
teacher said anything about Ripgrass in class? Has she warned you about it?"
"No Aunt, it was Sarah who told me of the Ripgrass. Ms Forester said we
needn't wear school uniforms and trousers and shirts were recommended. That's
all she said."
"And you say the site is infested with it, Sarah."
"Yes M'am. As of last year, that is. And since the government announced
that it will leave the site in a 'natural state', well..."
"Yes. Well, the thing to do is find out. On Monday I will contact Tourism
and ask about the condition of the site. As for clothes, I'm afraid the prison
can't help there. How many of the students going on this outing are prisoners?"
Tracy and Sarah looked at each other. "Errr... four I think Aunt, including
Sarah."
"Give me their names. I can give them a letter to give to their handlers
saying that it's OK to get them protective clothing. But they will have to get
their own. Trouble is this trip is next Thursday, correct?" Tracy and Sarah both
nodded. "Then there's not much time to prepare."
"Perhaps we can com them tonight, said Tracy thoughtfully. It's only three
people we have to speak to and you have their names and address on file at
Robinvale, don't you Aunt?"
"Yes. Good idea. I'll find you the com addresses and you two can make the
calls. Tell them I will give them a letter authorising the crims to wear other
clothing for this trip. If you can speak to them tonight they have Sunday to
organise."
"Fine," said Tracy. She looked at Sarah. We must get something for you
since nothing of mine will fit you. Tomorrow we go to the clothes store for a
shirt and jeans."
"Don't waste money on me Tracy," protested Sarah, "Perhaps I could com
Mother, ask her to send my clothes here. If that's all right with you, M'am."
Sarah looked at Aunt Freda.
"Certainly." Aunt Freda headed for the nearby terminal. "I'll get you those
addresses."
-----
"Well, that's done. But I 'm not sure whether Julie Kendall or Eve
Henderson or Patricia Harris will do the right thing for Belinda or Linda or
Sharon. I guess we will find out next Thursday." Tracy sat back from the com
unit. She looked at Sarah who was working at her homework. " Now, Do you still
want to com your Mother?"
"Yes, Tracy. I don't want you spending money on me. If you let me com
Mother maybe she will send me a pair of my jeans and a long-sleeved shirt."
Tracy got up from the com-unit. "OK go ahead. It would make things easier
certainly."
Sarah took Tracy's place at the unit and punched in her mothers number. The
face that appeared on the screen was a younger version of herself.
"Sarah! Great of you to call. Are you all right? HEY MUM! SARAH'S ON THE
COM."
"I'm fine, Sue. Everything is fine. How's yourself and Mum?"
The face on the screen fell. "Mum's fine but I don't like the way David
looks at me when we are alone. I'm scared of him Sarah."
"You stop saying things like that Sue, or I'll give you a hiding. Now move
aside, please, I want to talk to your sister." A new face appeared on the
screen. It was an older version of Sara's with worry lines etched in it and with
short hair. The blue eyes peered out at the world with uncertainty. "Hello
Sarah, this is not the usual time you call. Is anything wrong?"
"No nothing wrong Mum. I just wanted to ask if you could send me my jeans
and that long sleeved blue shirt to Robinvale, please. I'm going with my history
class to the Landing Site and we think it may have Ripgrass there. Could you do
that please?"
"What you think you can expect me to drop everything and send you things at
the drop of a hat? No girl I will not. I have enough trouble with the neighbours
thanks to you and your stories as well as the ideas you have planted in Sues
head that David will hurt her. You are where you are because of your lies and
your own action, girl and I want nothing more to do with you. Good bye." The
com-screen went dark as the connection was cut.
Sarah sat still in shock at her mother's tirade. Then she felt a hand on
her shoulder and let herself be guided from the chair and over to the bed where
she was enfolded in a big hug and held tightly, her body shaking as she sobbed
onto Tracy's shoulder. After a moment the door opened and Aunt Freda stood
there. "Something wrong here?," she asked. While still holding Sarah Tracy
explained what had happened. Aunt Freda was shocked. She came and sat down
beside them.
"Perhaps she was upset over something, Sarah. I'm sure she wouldn't mean
what she said."
"Oh. Yes she does, Ma'm." sobbed Sarah. "She has never believed Sue was
raped because it sounded 'to terrible' to her. That is what she said. She
ignored the evidence as it came to light and was angary when Father spent our
holiday money on getting the use of a Truth Light to prove the case the first
time. All she thought of was our lost holiday. I don't know why she had
children. She doesn't really care for us. Father did more than she did. I'm
sorry, Ma'm. I shouldn't worry you with my problems. She won't send over my
clothes. so I guess I will have to go as is and hope for the grass to be cut
back. Or something."
"Not necessarily," said Aunt Freda thoughtfully, "The reason I came up
here was to tell you that there is a second hand charity clothing shop only two
blocks from here. We could try there tomorrow and see what they have. OK?"
"What do you think, Sarah?" Tracy squeezed her companion.
"That would be better than wasting money on new stuff," replied Sarah. She
looked at Aunt Freda. "Thankyou, M'am." Aunt Freda patted her on the knee and
stood up. "How 'bout you two get onto your homework?" she smiled as she left the
room. But out in the hall she frowned. *How could a mother treat her child like
that*. she wondered. *What sort of a woman , a mother, could do that?*
-------------
Tracy peered out the skybus window as the vehicle lowered itself to the
ground. The area looked clear enough to her, but then she had not yet seen this
Ripgrass. She glanced round at the other students as they prepared to disembark.
Most of the free students were in long slacks or jeans, but not all. Some and
only some had long sleeved shirts on with the sleeves rolled up. And all the
other crims were in their usual prison tunics which left arms and much leg bare.
Sarah was wearing the long sleeved shirt (with sleeves rolled up) and jeans they
had found at the second-hand shop. Her hands were chained as usual. Some of the
girls had sneered at the subject of the grass as had the teacher. *Looks like
they would be proved right although the report Aunt Freda had got from the
authorities had said their was some around. Still...*
"Line up girls ," called Ms Forester briskly, "Right, off we go." she led
the way up the track. The undergrowth became denser as they went and began to
hang over the track. They were well on their way when there was a scream from
one of the lead girls. "OWWW... Ripgrass, damm it."
Tracy looked sharply at Ms Forester. the teacher moved quickly to the girl
who had screamed and was now holding her arm and moaning in agony. "Let me see
that, Sharon. Perhaps I can wipe it off. Did it break the skin.?" So it was
Sharon Granger who had been ripped. "Damm. And I didn't put the antidote in my
bag."
Tracy pushed forward through the line of students. "Here M'am. Let me in
there. I have the antidote spray." She pulled the can from her back-pack and
shook it. Ms Forester looked up and saw the can in Tracy's hand. "Good for you,
Wilson. I'll hold her arm steady. I know it stings Sharon now keep still, girl."
"I'm trying, M'am. But it hurts." The teacher tightened her grip and
Patricia Harris came up and gripped Sharon firmly. "Be still girl or its the
switch for you." she said. Surprisingly, Sharon seemed to calm down somewhat at
Patricia's voice.
Tracy held the spray close to the red line on the arm and pushed the
button. A pale yellow narrow spray came out and Tracy directed it over the long
shallow cut covered with the green slime from the grass. Sharon sighed audibly.
"Oh. Thankyou. That's easing of already. Thanks Tracy. Guess you were right
after all."
Ms Forester released Sharon and looked around. "Alright girls, calm down.
Everybody into the centre of the track in single file. That should keep us away
from the Ripgrass. Right. Forward march." The line of school-girls moved off.
It took about 15 minutes to reach the site. What remained of the old ship
was visible but there was much overgrowth over the wreck. Tracy recalled why
there was so little interest in preserving the sight. The settlers had in fact
been convicts. This wreck had been the ship carrying several hundred convicts to
another planet for imprisonment but had struck trouble and had made a crash
landing on what was now Camelot. However this beginning was not remembered with
any pride by the citizens and many wanted to forget the real beginning of
settlement here. Hence the allowing of the planet to reclaim the site. Tracy was
quickly bought out of her musings by another scream. she swung round.
Belinda Hodges was sprawled on her belly in a bunch of Ripgrass, scratches
on arms and legs beginning to bleed, mixed with green slime from the grass.
"That will teach you to obey orders, girl," snarled Julie Kendall.
Tracy ran to the fallen girl followed closely by Sarah. The two girls
helped the sobbing Belinda away from the Ripgrass. They both reached for their
spray cans, Sarah awkwardly fumbling because of her chains. Tracy paused and
pulled her keys out of her pocket. "Sarah, hold out your hands a moment". Sarah
held out her hands and Tracy unlocked her cuffs. She pushed them into her bag
and returned her attention to Belinda's right leg while Sarah did the left.
Belinda was covered on both legs and her left arm and on her face also by
shallow red scratches that had green slime all over them. Sarah had to be very
careful as she sprayed the ones on her face. Tracy had to push Belinda's tunic
up to get at the scratches that went high on her thigh. Ms Forester strode up.
"How did this happen, Belinda?" asked Ms Forester.
"She pushed her, that's how. It was deliberate, M'm," came from another
student.
"Shut your mouth, Edwards," snapped Julie Kendall.
"Is that true, Belinda?"
"Yes M'am." said Belinda through gritted teeth.
":Then you will have to pay for your folly, Julie Kendall. As a handler you
are responsible for your crim. For her actions and her safety. Since it is clear
you do not care for your crim's safety you are not suitable to be a handler. I
will be recommending that you be dropped from that position," Ms. Forester spoke
firmly.
Julie Kendall stared at her. "You can't do that. Damm it. She's only a
crim. Who cares what happens to crims?"
"I can and I will. And from what you are saying it is clear you are not
suitable to be a handler. It is your own fault, Kendall. How is it Belinda?"
Tracy and Sarah silently moved away after helping Belinda to her feet.
"I'll be alright, M'am. Thanks to Tracy and Sarah." Belinda was covered
with scratches on both legs and arms as well as two on her face. The red
scratches now covered in yellow spray.
"Right," said Ms Forester, "Now then Kendall come here. The teacher was
rummaging in her capricious bag. She drew out a paddle. Julie Kendall's mouth
opened and she stared at the teacher.
"You're not serious, surely", spluttered Julie Kendall in astonishment.
"I most certainly am. This is both for your actions with Belinda and your
rudeness to me, girl. Bend over."
"But.. but she's only a crim." spluttered the girl.
"A crim she may be. That doesn't mean you endanger her life, Kendall. And
Ripgrass venom can kill. You know that, don't you... DON'T YOU?"
???"Yes M'am." whispered Julie.
Sarah had been standing quietly beside Tracy, but now she walked over and
stood in front of Julie. She pulled open her shirt and tapped her black collar.
She stared at the girl a moment then turned and walked back to her place beside
Tracy. Julie Kendall went pale.
"H... how many M'am?" she whispered.
"Ten. Six for what you did to Belinda and four for your rudeness to me.
Prepare yourself."
Julie silently removed her pack then unbuckled her belt and pushed her
jeans down followed by her panties. Then she bent over and grasped her ankles.
Her buttocks were now presented for what was to follow.
"You will count each one Kendall.
"Yes, M'am".
Ms Forester raised her paddle.
THERWACK "One."
THERWACK "Two."
THERWACK AWW... "Three."
THERWACK AWWWW... "F.. four."
THERWACK OH.. AWWWWW.... "Fiv... ve." Julie's knees almost buckled. Ms
Forester paused a moment to let the girl steady herself.
THERWACK AWWWW... "Six."
THERWACK AWWWW.. "S.. seven," Julie's legs bent slightly then
straightened.
THERWACK AWWWW.. "Eight... " It was a sob now.
THERWACK AWWWWWW.... "N... nine"
THERWACK AWWWWWWW... "Ten" Julie Kendall sobbed and fell to her knees,
crying. Ms Forester turned to put the paddle back
in her bag.
There was an awkward silence amongst the students which Tracy finally
broke. "Ms Forester is it OK to look inside the ship?"
"Yes. I believe it is safe."
Tracy and the rest headed for the open hatch of the old ship. Inside they
made a discovery. There were old chains and manacles hanging from the walls.
Tracy stared, fascinated. "Then it is true. This ship was carrying convicts. The
first settlers here were convicts."
"Don't say that out loud in public, though," said Sarah, quietly, "Or you
may be attacked. Some families don't like to be reminded of this."
"That's true, Tracy. It's probably why there is no interest in preserving
this site." came the voice of another girl.
"I see," replied Tracy. The girls explored the old ship from bow to stern,
some including Tracy, produced cameras and took photos. Exploring the ship took
more than three hours after which they sat down outside and ate the lunches they
had bought with them. Tracy noted Julie Kendall was sitting apart from the rest,
she was talking to Eve Henderson. Belinda Hodges was sitting with Linda Watts,
Eve's crim, near to where Sara and herself sat. After the meal they explored
the remains of the first buildings put up on the planet. There were several
other calls for the spray as the students explored. Finally it was time to head
back to the place where they were to be met by the skybus and head for home.
Tracy noticed that Belinda Hodges sat away from Julie Kendall on the trip back
to the city.
That night Tracy told her aunts of the days happenings. Aunt Freda was very
angry about the way Belinda Hodges had been treated. "I'm glad your teacher is
going to recommend a change of handler there. If there isn't a change I'll
insist on it. I don't know how people can treat each other the way they do at
times," she sighed, "Let me know what happens there, Tracy."
"OK Aunt."
Next morning at the school bus-stop when Tracy collected Sarah she noticed
Belinda was taken up to the office by Ms Forester. Tracy assumed this was the
first move in appointing a new handler for Belinda. However, at morning break,
she was surprised to see Belinda following Julie Kendall and carrying her books.
Tracy could see the fear in her eyes. Julie spotted Tracy and Sarah and came
over to gloat, "Forester thought she would have it her way, didn't she, Wilson?
Well it pays to have friends in high places. My Father is on the city council,
so there. Forester has no right to tell me what to do with my crim," Julie
turned to Belinda, "And just you wait until I get you home tonight for the
weekend, girl, then you'll get what's coming." Belinda paled and lowered her
head. Julie Kendall strode off followed by a subdued Belinda.
Tracy stared after them then headed into a quiet corner. "Shield me while I
make a call." she told Sarah. She produced her com-unit and dialled a number
while Sarah moved to block anyone from seeing Tracy with her body . "Morning,
Auntie. NO I'm fine and so is Sarah, but you said to keep you posted on Belinda
Hodges. It appears Julie Kendall's father is on the city council and has the
pull to persuade Ms Jefferys to leave Belinda with Julie. Julie was with Sarah
and I just now, gloating over her father's powers and threatening Belinda with
harsh treatment over the weekend. She will be along to collect Belinda tonight
as usual. .. OK... See you tonight. Bye." Tracy looked at Sarah as she pocketed
her com-unit. "Aunt Freda will block them tonight when people come for the
girls." Sarah nodded.
"Hey Tracy, Sarah, look at these."
"Coming Pat."
That night, as she had been doing each Friday evening lately, Tracy crossed
the road to the prison and was passed in to the room in the admin section where
those crims going to their handler's home for the weekend were bought for
collection. As required, she had just snapped her cuffs on Sarah when they heard
angry voices.
"What is the meaning of this? My daughter has been handling this crim for
some months now. Why do you suddenly say she is unfit to be a handler?"
Tracy glanced at Sarah and both moved quietly to where they could hear
better.
"Mr Kendall it has come to my notice that your daughter treated the girl in
her charge brutally while on a class outing. She deliberately pushed her into a
patch of Ripgrass where she was badly scratched. When she was checked by our
doctor on her return she said if Belinda hadn't immediately had her scratches
treated with antidote she would probably have died. That was how badly she was
scratched. And since it is clear pushing her into the Ripgrass was a deliberate
and malicious act by your daughter, I have no hesitation in cancelling her
handler status." Aunt Freda's voice was polite but firm.
"Nonsense, it was an accident, she told me so and my daughter doesn't lie."
"Doesn't she? Look at these pictures and tell me it was an accident, Mr
Kendall."
Tracy was conscious that all other sound in the room had stopped as other
crims and warders listened.
"I.. I there must be some mistake."
"I think not. Those photos clearly show your daughter pushing Belinda
Hodges into the Ripgrass. Look, she went into that grass head first. Fortunately
there were girls there who had bought the antidote and they used it. Also if her
eyes had been cut she would have been blinded. Dr Jenkins says there would have
been enough venom in those cuts to kill if it hadn't been for the fast
application of the antidote. These pictures would have put your daughter in
here for life Mr Kendall."
"Well girl what have you got to say for yourself? You told me it was an
accident. Those photos show you deliberately pushing her into the 'grass."
"So what, Father? You said yourself that she is only a crim. Why care about
her now?"
"I said she is only a crim NOW. If you were listening to me girl you would
recall I also said then that she was a good cook and could probably hold down a
job in a hotel kitchen. Anyway girl, you will come with me. It is my belt for
you when we get home."
"No, Father, No" Julies wails faded away father and daughter left the room.
Aunt Freda came into the room Tracy and Sarah and the other crims and
warders were. "I suppose you all heard that, did you?" There were an embarrassed
murmurs of assent.
Tracy went up to her aunt. "Thankyou Aunt. I know many people don't care
about prisoners. They forget they're also human beings."
Aunt Freda gave her a quick smile. "Yes. People do forget that at times."
She looked around. "You and Sarah ready to go?"
That night as they finished the evening meal, Aunt Elizabeth, who had been
rather quiet, spoke up. "Err.. Sarah I 'm afraid I have two pieces of bad news
for you."
"For me M'am." Sarah who was sitting naked as usual next to Tracy, looked
at Aunt Elizabeth.
"Yes. I know you have been looking forward to leaving Robinvale at years
end, well I'm afraid you won't be able to."
Tracy gasped, "Why not Aunt? What's happened?"
"Then it's true, Liz?," said Aunt Freda.
" Yes. It appears, Sarah, that you come under an old ministerial regulation
introduced more than fifty years ago, that says all black-collar crims have to
spend twelve months inside before they can be leased out. Since Sarah has only
been in for about a month, well." She shrugged.
"Oh, No," said Tracy. Sarah just bowed her head in silence, tears trickled
down her cheeks.
"Hey it's mot that bad," said Aunt Freda gently, "You will still have your
weekends. Also you can be leased for the holidays you know. You will be out of
Robinvale for nearly three months."
"True," said Tracy, "It won't be so bad." She slipped an arm round the
disappointed Sarah. "We will cope with it somehow love."
"I'm sorry I've but you all to such trouble.. " began Sarah.
Tracy stoped her with a finger on her lips. "You are not trouble. You are
my girl and you are not trouble." Tracy pulled Sarah close, then paused and
looked at Aunty Elizabeth. "You said two pits of news, didn't you Aunt?"
"Yes. It's concerning another old court ruling you should know about Sarah.
Because your a black-collar the usual limits as to punishment don't apply.
Usually the leased crim has some limits on what can be done to them. For example
their bones cant be broken nor can they be killed by their leaseholder. That
sort of thing. Well those rules don't apply to you Sarah. Whoever owns your
lease owns your life. I'm sorry." Sarah's face had gone white.
"Aunt that's awful. How can it be? Surely you're mistaken."
"'fraid not, Tracy." Tracy sat in shock her arms around Sarah.
"Aunt," she said slowly, "Is this always told to the leaseholder when they
lease out a black-collar?"
"I don't know," replied Aunt Elizabeth, "Freda?"
"No it is not. Nor is it on the lease papers, come to think of it."
"But it does mean that if a leaseholder killed a black-collar, say in a fit
of rage, they would not be punished."
"Yes".
Abruptly Tracy stood up and went to the window. She stood there in silence
for a minute then turned and faced Sarah. "Honey, if the idea of being bound to
someone with this sort of power over you scares you - and it sure would scare me
- and you would rather try for a leaseholder who doesn't know of this, well,
I'll understand. I won't object. Do you understand what I'm saying, Sarah?"
Sarah was sitting in her chair staring at Tracy. Her mind was spinning,
trying to sort out all that had been said in the last five minutes. she was
stuck in Robinvale for the next 12 (no, 11) months. "Whoever holds my lease
legally has the power of life or death over me. It means I will belong totally
to my leaseholder. Just as the slaves of ancient times had. Their owners had
that right too. But if my leaseholder gets angry over something, never mind
what, she could kill me with impunity. What if the person got drunk and lost
control?" Sarah looked up at Tracy. "I can trust Tracy." She was sure of that.
Her gut told her so. "I love Tracy and Tracy loves me." She was sure of that
too. "No Tracy, I want to stay with you. If I have to be a slave let me be yours
if.. if you want me, I mean."
Tracy was across the room in an instant and grabbed the naked girl into her
arms and crushed her to her chest. "Of course I want you. But You deserved a
choice." Tracy eased back and tilted Sarah head up so she could look into her
eyes. "I hope you never regret your decision, honey. Because I'll never give you
another chance. You are my girl and that's final." Tracy looked 'round at her
aunts who were watching them, both faces showing approval. "If you don't mind
ladies, Sarah and I have homework and study to do. Exams in a few weeks, you
know."
"Well there is just one more thing. This is a family matter really. Tracy,
did you know you had a cousin Frederica?"
"No".
"It's true. Actually she is probably really a second or third cousin. Any
way she wants to meet you, both of you. She is aware of you to Sarah. She wants
to meet you too. She is something of a celebrity, is Federica. She is the
managing director and main shareholder in the chain of brothels named
'Frederica's'. You may have heard of it."
Tracy and Sarah looked at each other. "We saw a woman leading a string of
girls from Frederica's in the mall last Saturday." replied Tracy, "I would like
to meet her. When can we meet?"
"I thought you would be," said Aunt Elizabeth, "I told her after the exams.
You will see her and her brothels when school ends. Now off you go."
Tracy and Sarah left the room arm-in-arm.
--------------------------------------------------------
End Part 3.
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