2017-10-27 - spike - The New Shop 33

Author: spike
Title: The New Shop 33
Date: 27 October 2017

Chapter 33
I’d worked in room one for hours, relishing in it. The code segment presented to me had been fixed, it was a trickier one but I found the problem and worked out how to get it to do what it was supposed to and then, whiteboard.

I stepped back and looked at my handiwork. My ideas, visible for the first time. It was just in the block diagram stage at the moment but I couldn’t see any flaws in it…

The elevator routines were just a small part of this larger system. Not just the transport of slaves but total control, from leaving the cage in the morning to returning at night. Every movement. Every command controlled by a roster and automatically enforced.

It’d leave us free to train without the need to man the control room. Even on their first days here when discipline might be ignored the system could take care of it.

It was of course just a block diagram right now. A lot of work before even the framework was complete but I determined then and there to write it.

The laptop made a beep. I looked down at it and clicked on the notification.

The chat window opened.

Ssp: What are you up to, 11?

11: Being a dog for so long left my mind unhindered. It went to places I’d never considered in the background. I didn’t even notice ‘til that night when I was free.

Ssp: Yeah…but… That’s way more than just an elevator control program…

11: I know. Can you see the whole thing from the camera… Is this number two again?

Ssp: Yes, sir. Sorry, didn’t notice. Congrats. Again! Damn, it seems slaves in the field always get the promotions before us lot.

11: Never mind. It’s not that important. Just a different colour, an armband and a little more authority. Little difference between silver and gold as far as I’ve seen here.

Ssp: Depends if you get any more silvers, sir.

11: I… suppose so. Just to show how little I care about rank, I’ve got the same mod as number six.

Ssp: The blank thing? Really? God, that seems extreme. I can’t imagine what it’s like being a blank.

11: Didn’t you start out that way?

Ssp: No such thing back then. There was just a suit with a two on the head when I tried it. Same with numbers 1, 3 and 4. It was only after 4 when things got interesting. Just as well, really. It wasn’t long after that the real work began. So what is it?

I turned the laptop so it could get a better view.

Ssp: Good god. You think that’s possible?

11: Crashed into my head that night. I know it will. Think of it, the time we’d save not having to worry about ordering them about all the time. They can get to where they need to be and we can just be there waiting for them. I don’t think the routine I fixed today’ll work with this system though.

Ssp: Why not? Seems a sensible approach.

11: Elevator transit times? Sorry, I think a better approach would be a sensor to detect the elevator’s arrival and the doors opening. You need serious safeguards with this system and if the elevator got delayed or broke down all the slaves might suffer as they fell behind the programmed schedule. With mine, the next countdown would only begin after the elevator reached its destination.

Ssp: I… see your point. Yes. How long do you think before you have a working prototype? We have the simulation software to run it if need be.

11: Still early days. How many software engineers have you got there? I could write up a few specs for you to work on, if you like.

Ssp: Probably best to check with Q before we plough in. It’s your free time though…

11: True.

Just then, a voice rang in my head. God, I didn’t know he could do that. It was Master Q.

“Eleven, M, go to the rec room. Left hand TV nearest the door.”

11: Sorry, got to sign off. Just got an instruction through my ears direct from Q.

Ssp: God, really? Thought only we got them! I’ll sign off too. Speak to you later.
+ + +Session Disconnected.

“Sir, is the shop floor clear?”

“Come on down, eleven. It’s clear. Why?”

“Ah, you didn’t get it then? Q just ordered M and me to the rec room, sir.”

Joel sounded amused. “Without the laptop? I suppose that techie’s been in fiddling about again has he? Obviously wants me to man the shop. Do you want me to release the slaves in the cases?”

“It was just M and me, if he wants more I’ll be sure to let you know, sir.”

“OK then.”

I opened the door, out through the mirror making sure it was closed securely behind me, moved to the next mirror and pressed the panel. I was down standing next to M a couple of minutes later looking at the TV wondering what was to come.

“Any idea, M?”

“None. First time he’s done this. Normally waits for our nightly report to speak to us… Unless we call him.”

The TV turned itself on and sitting there in a leather armchair wearing the most exquisitely tailored leather uniform I’d ever seen was a man… I couldn’t tell his age. He was at that stage where it was incredibly difficult. Could’ve been thirty, could’ve been fifty. Either way, he made an impression. He didn’t have piercing blue eyes, black hair or any of the fantasy Master characteristics. Brown hair, grey eyes, clean shaven but he did have an air of power about him.

Standing behind him, two suited slaves. Both with armbands.

“Ah, gentlemen, good. Something in the conversations Eleven had struck home. You’re right. It is unfair for the slaves never to have the opportunity to speak to their Master. I’ve been a little… Diverted this time around. A lot of admin involved in the opening of a new central hub and all the other satellite shops, the distribution centre and everything else. Before the rest of the slaves are called however...”

“Yes, sir?”

“First, I’d like to introduce you to numbers four and ten. They’ve served me well and continue to do so and as such, they’re my favourites.”

M suddenly looked much more alert. “Four? God, long time no see! Thank you! And ten? Is that Alpha, sir?”

The one on his left nodded.

The other’s shoulders shook. “It’s me, M. Good to see you too. How did you handle it, what we did to you?”

“Oh, it was hell, but I expect you knew it would be. I’m just glad I got a second chance.”

“And god, what a chance. Everything I’ve heard of that place makes our old one look like a back street slum.”

“You could say that.”

“Anyway… Better shut up, this is Q’s time.”

“Thank you, ten.” Q smirked. “Just confirmation, eleven. We have one ex-prisoner who’s finding it difficult, one with an identity crisis you’ve allowed to wear a dog suit, a welder into wrestling, an estate agent, a willing slave from New York, another from Colorado who’s a tattooist and a photocopier repairman from Texas?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And the one who was taken there says he’s willing to identify slaves he knows?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Looks like we might have a number twelve there soon.”

“Really, sir?”

“They’ll all be summoned soon. It’s about time I introduced myself. To you as well as the rest. If it confirms this willingness, it will spend the remainder of its time in a case during opening hours, just as four and six did. It was their offers to perform that service that earned them elevation. If it does identify a slave who’s successfully taken, it’ll be elevated again. To gold. He will be the Master of any he indicates.”

M nodded. “Just like the old shop, then?”

“Exactly M. Seems only fair. The wrestling idea. Intriguing. I’ll be sure to tune in to your bout. I approve wholeheartedly. Training for all slaves, approved. What’s more, when it arrives, it will be permitted the honour to train the slaves here and if it does a good job, I may well elevate it too. I like the idea of adding more sports to our repertoire. Boxing was always a passion of mine. Unfortunately, Alpha’s the one who would’ve been doing that training so that’ll have to wait until it’s free.”

“Oh god.” I couldn’t resist, I dropped to the thanking pose.

“Very good. It will be of use to me as well. A welder. The tattooist may be of use too. The estate agent… No, not for that skill set anyway. Just grunt work for that one I’m afraid as will be the case with the repairman.”

“Thought so, sir.”

“And now for the main purpose of this call. Your wilderness adventure idea.”

“You mean, it’s possible, sir?”

“Oh, more than possible and what I propose will be even better.”

“What’s that, sir?”

“You’ll each select two more slaves from your compliment. They will take on the dog suits too. Not straight away, but they will remain there when the others are summoned. That will be on Monday. They’ll train as dogs and when the time is right, we’ll have a race. I’ve put on hold the collection of more slaves. It’s not convenient right now, so no more deliveries for a few weeks.”

“Oh god, sir. My tail’d be wagging, sir. I can almost feel it.”

“Yes. Quite. But Slasher and Tyson will not be part of the race itself, I have other plans for you.”

I sighed and looked down at my feet in disappointment.

“Oh, don’t look like that, eleven. As they’re racing across the landscape towards the finish line, you and Slasher will be hunters. Your job will be to delay, hinder and prevent them from getting there. They’ll have a modification to their core programs that freezes them for thirty minutes when their tails are pulled.”

I perked up at that considerably.

“The entire event will be filmed by drones. The winner, second and third place holders will each win a prize and Sleazy will take part. And M… You will take part in the race yourself. You expressed a desire to try out the dog. This is it.”

“Oh god, thank you, sir. This sounds amazing! When is it?”

“We’re still in the planning stages. Shelters will be provided throughout the area as will feeding stations. Water can be drunk from streams, lakes or rivers. The dogs will be fitted with a modified mouthpiece that acts as a water filter and their nostrils will be fitted inside the hood with valves that seal off when submerged to prevent drowning, this will allow you to drink from said streams. The dogs will be outside for several days.”

I couldn’t resist. “Oh god, sir, this sounds better and better! Days outside. As an animal!”

“I thought you’d like it, eleven. All you need to do now, select which slaves will take part. Storm, Dash, Sleazy… Already chosen. Slasher will be fitted with one of the sealable suits when one’s available and you will wear one of the front zipped ones. M, I’m afraid it’s a back zip for you. All race dogs are to be unidentifiable to prevent any preferential treatment.”

I nodded and turned to M. “So, which dogs? Are you going to choose the shoplifter?”

“Well, it did volunteer. Only fair. And you?”

“Seems a shame to break up the brothers. Sleepy and the potential number twelve. It did get excited by the idea of running across the city and wilderness as a dog.”

M nodded.

“Very well then. The slaves have been summoned. Joel’s released the ones on display. They should all begin to congregate in a minute. I’ll be watching but the screen will be dark until all are present and you’ve selected your participants.”

“Yes, sir.”

The TV turned itself off.

It wasn’t long before the slaves lined up. All of them, Dash, Sleazy, Slasher and Storm included.

“Dogs, heal.”

All four trotted over and stood beside me.

“Stay.”

I walked down the line, tapping the slaves. Then, Sleepy’s ident flashed up.

“Now, I’m going to make you an offer. An offer I want you to seriously consider.”

“What’s that, sir?”

“Early next week, the slaves we don’t select today are moving on. To Master’s compound. Slasher is not one of the ones going.”

“I’m leaving, sir? Without him?”

“Depends what you say now. Trust me, I think you’ll like it. If you say no then you’re going. If you say yes, I think you’ll have a whale of a time.”

“What is it, sir?”

“How would you like to be a dog? Like your brother? It won’t be straight away but when you do become one it’s for something much better than a walk around central park.”

“I could… I’d be just like him?”

“Do you think confinement in that suit would set off your claustrophobia?”

“I don’t think so, sir. It’s not confining in that kind of way, sir. I’ll do it, sir.”

“Good, I was hoping you’d say that. I like you, blank.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“How are you handling it without the name tags by the way?”

“Fine, sir. It’s certainly interesting. Gets you talking to other people too. Being shoved in the other cells with everyone else is good as well, sir.”

“I’m impressed. Almost a different person to the one I helped get over being in that cell.”

He stepped back. “That… But…”

“I said I liked you, blank. I wasn’t kidding. Q ordered me in there, disguised with normal rubber covering my markings because he knew you needed help. The story I told of the Master and his slave girl… Me. One month ago. And I didn’t say oh god I never want out. Alpha fucked up.”

He threw himself at me and gave me an enormous hug.

“Good. Now stand by your brother.”

“Thank you, sir. God, thanks.”

Another pat down the line, then NY-driver and willing slave popped up on my band.

“I think you’re going to love this blank. Master Q reviewed our conversation earlier. The wilderness adventure’s being organised and I’m selecting you to be one of the dogs. It’s not just going to be a challenge to get across from one place to another either. It’s going to be a race.”

“Oh fucking hell, that sounds so hot! And I’m in? I’ll be one of them?”

“Yes. Have you grown attached to any of these other slaves? If you have, I suggest you start preparing because those not selected today… Off to Q’s next week. You… Here, to train and prepare. It’s going to be a long trek too. Q expects the dogs to be out in the wilderness for days. I’ll be there too. So will M, Slasher, Dash, Sleazy and Storm.”

“Oh god, I’m in, sir! I’m in!”

“I think you may be in for another surprise soon too. Go and stand by the dogs.”

“Yes, sir.”

I returned to M just as he typed on his wristband. I wondered which other blank he’d selected.

“Everyone. Turn towards the screen and pay attention. You’re being given a unique honour.”

The TV turned itself on again.

“Ah good. All there. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the owner of the complex and everything in it. Yes. I’m Master Q. The one ultimately responsible for the enslavement of each and every one of you.”

Several of the blanks sank down to do the thanking, followed closely by the rest when they saw what they were doing.

“Very good. Now stand.”

They all stood.

“Now obviously I don’t have time to speak to each of you individually today but I thought it was time you see who actually owns you. I will have a few things to say to some though.”

He tapped something on a keyboard and one of the blanks stepped forward.

“To you, I offer you my apologies first of all. Yes, ex-cons find it harder to adjust than most and are generally avoided. Yes, the suit is utterly impossible to remove and yes, you will spend the rest of your life as a slave. I assure you though, we do have professionals here capable of easing your suffering. You may speak.”

I couldn’t see what it was saying but I noticed ten tapping away on his armband.

“Please, sir. I really can’t handle this. I”

He held up his hand. “I know blank. I know. You’re not the first. That’s why I have a psychiatrist here. Trust me on this, a small amount of medication, a lot of talk and you will adjust. What eleven told you was true. We do not force the dungeon on anyone after their initial assessment. It’s there for your enjoyment and M’s assessment did indicate sexual excitement for quite a few of the activities in there. Correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You will be joining me next week. Most of you will in fact. Only those selected by M and eleven will remain and I’m sure most of you know, the place you’ll find yourself is a good one. One even the most opposed to slavery will find hard not to like. Your treatment will begin the moment you arrive. Work details for you will be suspended until your psychiatrist deems you capable.”

Its shoulders sagged a little and it nodded.

“Good. Step back. And” again, another tap on the keyboard. Another blank stood forward.

“I understand that you are a proficient welder?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you’d like to continue with that work?”

“Oh god, yes, sir.”

“Good. I have use of one. Also, in case you haven’t yet been informed, wrestling? Granted. You begin training the slaves along with eleven tomorrow and when you arrive here, you’ll do the same. Furthermore, if you do well, I’ll give you a name.”

The slave dropped to the thanking pose.

“Very good. Step back.” another tap on the keyboard and the one I’d last spoken to stepped forward.

“Now you, a willing slave from the start. Always welcome. Eleven also indicated that you’d not only willingly, but eagerly indicate any slaves you knew who entered the shop above?”

“Yes, sir! In a heartbeat sir. I love this, they will too, sir.”

“That’s just what I wanted to hear. I’m elevating you to number twelve. During your next wash your mark of ownership and name will be applied. I do have one caveat though. For each slave you indicate that results in a capture, you will announce yourself to them at the height of their discomfort, you’ll tell them you selected them and you’ll inform them who you were.”

“Gladly sir. If they hate me during that, it won’t last long, sir.”

“Good. You will also be their Master for training purposes. Once the first has been taken, I’ll elevate you again so you have a voice, just as eleven has been.”

At that news, it immediately dropped back down into a thanking pose.

“Very good. And welcome number twelve. From now on, shop display duty. Let this be understood by each and every one of you. If you impress me, there is a chance of advancement. Some blanks will remain blanks for life, true, some may even beg to remain blanks when offered advancement but if you exceed my expectations, if you impress me, you will receive a similar honour. Step back please.”

It moved back to my side.

Again a tapping on the keyboard.

Another blank.

“Now, I have some news for you. I suggest you watch this closely.”

The screen cleared to be replaced by a news report. At first, just a building on fire, then the scene changed, apartments on fire, the flames somehow contained to just those apartments. The fire appearing to pose no threat to surrounding properties.

“The spate of arson attacks reported last month has ended. Eye witness reports state that this man is the one responsible.”

A picture sprang up. An overweight sweaty figure with a neck too thick for his body. I glanced over to Sleazy and he was suddenly very alert. His tail erect.

“Further eye witness reports indicate that the reason for the fires was a botched robbery instigated by that same man against a fetish store in Queens. Each of the deceased men was linked to that crime.”

The six photos appeared, one blurred out.

“We’re protecting the identity of one because he had a family. We do not wish to cause them undue distress by associating them with these crimes. However, an unknown benefactor began a Kickstarter campaign to help rehouse that family. It’s nearing its end but if you wish to donate, the link will appear at the end of this story. The family are innocent in this and it has been a devastating blow for each of them. Mary Winkman, New York report, Brooklyn.”

The screen switched back to Master Q.

“Now, I do not like innocents suffering because I’ve taken one of their own. In this case it was a punishment for you, not for them. The initial Kickstarter was set at ten thousand dollars. I set the ball rolling with a two thousand dollar donation. Do you want to know what the end result was?”

It nodded.

A screen appeared. The final total, over one million dollars.

The blank collapsed to its knees in thanks and started gesturing.

Again, ten translated so everyone could hear.

“Oh god! Oh fuck! Thank you, sir! I was worried sick, I’m sorry. I’m yours, I never expected you to be… I… Oh holy Mary mother of God. Thank you.”

“I’m impressed with how you’ve all adjusted, slaves. I truly expected you six to be a lot more trouble. I’m showing you this because I do care about my property. Of course all six of you are dead. Sleazy a fugitive from justice for the rest of his life. Now, Sleazy in particular… I expect you to pay attention to the next bit.”

His tail was still pointing straight up.

“You may be wondering why M and eleven selected four from your ranks before I made my appearance. Each slave chosen along with eleven, Slasher, M, Sleazy, Dash and Storm will be participating in a dog race. A race everyone here will be able to witness and you will all be here by then.”

Sleazy cocked his head.

“Yes, Sleazy, you will be taking part in this race too. The race in question will take place in a national park. The course is expected to take several days to complete and for you, the prize will be a release from the dog suit along with full privileges and one week free of duties for first place. If you get second place you’ll just be released, third place, I’ll think of something. I expect you to actually try from now on. You have something to work for.”

His tail started to wag.

“Oh, it’s not going to be easy, Slea…” he chuckled. “Sleazy. We’ve not decided on the actual location yet, but all racing dogs will be released fifty miles from the finish line. Slasher and Tyson will already be in the field, released the day before to allow them to gain a familiarity with the area. They will then seek out the racers. Hunt them down. You’re going to need both physical fitness and cunning in this game.”

He began to wag some more. It really looked like he was up for it.

All the dogs were.

“Oh… And Sleazy…”

He cocked his head at the screen.

“Don’t think this is an opportunity to escape. Each dog will have a drone following it. After all, the slaves here will be spectators, as will I.”

He shook his head, his tail still wagging.

“Very good. Now for every other racer, the prizes are a little different. First place, I award you with a name. I just hope you’re not superstitious. Also one week’s free access and freedom from duties. For second just the one week no duties, third prize, three days. If you have a name already and win, I’ll just have to come up with some other reward. I’ve decided there will be a last place penalty too. For that slave, no release from the dog for one month apart from Sundays for health reasons. If you’re anything like eleven by the time of the race, you may even see that as a reward. I may speak to more of you at a later date. If not, you can be sure you’ll see me in person soon after arrival. Q out.”

Storm’s tail shot up at that news.

The TV turned off.