2019-06-06 - spike - The New Shop 118

Author: spike
Title: The New Shop 118
Date: 06 June 2019

Chapter 118
The elevator opened and blank stepped out. It looked back, but I didn’t follow.

“Go on, blank. I’ve got something to do upstairs.” I pointed up to the shop floor. “Another blank will be joining us soon, just in mid clean, now.”

It nodded and turned. Just as the doors slid shut, I spotted Alpha turn and step back, shock plain on his face.

Returning to the wet room at the back, I checked on its progress. The worst of the cleaning was over. It was just about to begin the pain relieving balm cycle. I nodded and activated the fob. Any pain it was experiencing now, a little addition from its ears being permanently sealed might even go unnoticed.

I wandered back to the counter. This time, Sarge and a dog. I knelt and patted him and checked his name tag.

I looked up at the Sarge. “Isn’t that name a bit… well…”

He sighed. “Sorry, Artemis. We named him before you… well, you know.”

“I thought the name sounded familiar. Which blank is it?”

He chuckled. “It’s not a blank. It’s Omega.”

I returned my attention to the dog. “You finally managed to race and now you’re a dog for a month! Bet it’s a dream come true, boy.”

He nodded.

“Why did you react like that to the news? I saw your tail sink between your legs.”

He cocked his head.

“Permission to tap, Bomber.”

2,6. “T.h.a.n.k . y.o.u . s.i.r . . I.m . l.o.v.i.n.g . t.h.i.s . b.u.t . w.h.e.n . h.e . t.o.l.d . m.e . i.t . w.a.s . s.t.i.l.l . a . s.h.o.c.k . . I.l.l . m.i.s.s . a . w.e.e.k . o.f . c.l.a.s.s.e.s . . s.i.r”

“Won’t that get you in trouble?”

He shook his head. “M.a.s.t.e.r . s.a.i.d . h.e.d . s.e.n.d . a . d.o.c.t.o.r.s . n.o.t.e . s.i.r . . T.h.a.t.s . w.h.e.n . I . s.t.a.r.t.e.d . w.a.g.g.i.n.g . a.g.a.i.n . s.i.r”

“All I can say is, good. Try to do what three of us did. Try this. When you have a few hours in your cage or doggy bed, meditate. Relax. Don’t force it but try to put all your cares away, let them just drift away into the background and let your thoughts go with them. Lose yourself, boy. Become Bomber.”

“I.d . h.e.a.r.d . s.i.r . . A.b.o.u.t . y.o.u . l.o.s.i.n.g . y.o.u.r.s.e.l.f . . I.l.l . t.r.y . s.i.r”

I nodded.

“Enjoy, boy. I’ve got something to take care of.” I deselected him and stood. “Which dogs other than me needed to be coaxed out of it?”

Sarge smirked. “N was one. The name we gave him was Bouncer, but… What was he called? His true dog name?”

“I thought he’d be one, he’s the one who taught me it was possible. As Q was called Caesar, I called him Brutus. And the other?”

“Amazingly, it was an outsider. More than that...” he chuckled. “It was Laddie. Fang’s Master.”

“Fuck me! His master managed it? Wonder if that means another couple of permanents?”

“Only one way to find out. Ask. I imagine Q will make the offer anyway. Is it true? M and Twelve?”

“They’re leaving us. M’s probably bouncing, himself. Five years in the suit and finally gets to go home.”

“And we might be getting more golds to replace them. I suppose it’s just as well.”

“More? More than one?”

“That depends on how many of those masters who raced decide to join us.”

“There was more than one this time? I knew about Fang’s but”

“There were. And if those masters give us their slaves as well as themselves…”

“I… somehow doubt we’ll tempt many. Takes a lot of effort to learn to submit after years of being a dominant. I know that from personal experience and I had no choice but to learn. They do.”

Sarge nodded. “I suppose you’re right. Bet it’ll spread more quickly now masters have raced. We’ll probably be inundated and I bet they’ll enter themselves into more.”

“The more the merrier. We’ve got a lot of hunters now.”

“So, how are you going to deal with that one?”

“Hmmm… Well, first thing I’ll do is ask it if it’s feeling any pain down there. I think it should be accustomed to the plug by now though. If it’s fine, escape protocols. Then I’ll add it into the database and send it down to the rec room to join its brothers.”

“First time it’s seen the store entrance to the elevator, y’know. How will you explain it?”

I sighed. “I suppose I should tell it. Half tempted to wait a couple of weeks before it finds out but it’s only fair.”

He nodded. “I’ll lock the front door just in case.”

“It’ll never get that far!”

“No, but a customer might come in.”

I nodded and returned to check on its progress. It was just about to begin the warm air cycle. Another wait, this time it didn’t seem nearly as long.

The moment it was done, I detached its butt and head tubes, reapplied its core, turned off the immobilising light and returned to it.

“How do you feel?”

It immediately started signing. “Oh god, that was bad. And every blank goes through that?”

“It’s necessary. Rest of your life in that suit, you’ve got a lot to clear away for it to be healthy but, feel the suit, now. Feel it.”

It stroked itself and froze, then it went wild. It was a few minutes of caressing before it managed to pull itself together and sign again. “Fuck me!”

“Good isn’t it? Now, you wanted to experience everything a blank does?”

“God, yes, sir! The pleasure hour last time was amazing! What else is there?”

I chuckled. “This one isn’t pleasant. Hold out your hand, palm open.”

Another flip of the switch, another freeze, ten seconds of the fob on its palm, I completed the count, removed it and turned off the light.

It immediately collapsed to its knees, its shoulders shaking in obvious sobs. I rushed over and hugged it. I stroked its back for a few minutes before it wriggled out of my grasp.

“What the hell was that?”

“That, Blank, is what happens if you try to escape. There are protections on the exits. Get too close, the hallway to the store’s entrance for example… Believe me, that is even worse than what you experienced.”

It struggled to its feet. “Worse? Why would I want to escape this? Hell, the way the suit feels now I’d be half tempted to ask for it to be permanent.”

“Oh, no need to do that. You already did.”

“What?”

“Asked for it to be permanent, Blank. You already did. And we already did too. This time was the last time you’ll ever try on that suit. Not because you’ll never be permitted to wear it again but because it’ll never come off. It is permanent.”

“What do you mean, permanent? It can’t be! I never sai”

I gripped its fingers and tapped once I was sure it had my attention. “You wished we could force you into permanent slavery. You wished to experience everything it is to be a blank. Now, you will because now, you are a blank.”

“But”

“And I quote, I wish it could be forced on me. I wish I could be forced to live in it for the rest of my life. I want to experience everything it is to be a blank.”

Its gestures became frantic. It shook its head. “You can’t! You can’t do this to me!”

“Trust me. You love it in that suit. You’ll love the life you’ve been given even more. I know. I’ve experienced that life and it’s the best life a man who craves slavery can have.”

It dodged past me, yanked the door open and bolted for the exit.

I followed at a leisurely pace and watched as it yanked open the door to the exit hallway too and ran through to the front door. The moment the door slammed shut, an alarm sounded in the store. I wandered over to the counter.

“How long should we wait, Sarge?”

“Give it a minute. Don’t worry, I’ll drag it out.”

I nodded. “I’d really hoped after the demonstration it wouldn’t try that. It’ll never try it again.”

“Not the most pleasant introduction to the life.”

“Fuck me, it’s the worst introduction to the life imaginable. I think I’m the only one to experience it fully, remember. I know how bad it is.”

He sighed. “I’ll go get it.”

“Won’t you…” I pointed at his crotch.

“How many times did I take the dogs out for a drive?”

“True, but I thought you might’ve just arranged for Q to exempt you temporarily.”

”The dogs were exempted, true, but I’m here to help, not a permanent resident like Alpha.” We walked over to the door. He dragged the statue out.

The moment the door slammed shut, it collapsed into a ball, again, sobbing uncontrollably.

This time when I tried to hug it, it shrank away from me. I stood and waited for it to pull itself together.

I’m not sure how long it took before it uncurled and lay on its back panting. It glared at me.

“I demonstrated the escape protocol for a reason, Blank. I’m sorry, but that was your doing, not mine. I told you it was worse, didn’t I?”

It sagged. It nodded. Finally it signed. “I don’t want this! I have a life!”

“Deep down, you do want it, Blank. You said yourself, you just didn’t have the courage to commit. How many times have you been here now? How many times have you been sealed into the suit? You couldn’t get enough of it.”

“But I wasn’t” again a sigh. “But I’ve got commitments!”

“What kind?”

“Work! I’ve got to pay my rent next week! I’ve got bills”

I held my up hand. “And you enjoyed all that? Working just to pay rent? Bills? What other commitments?”

“Nothing, but I’ll lose my home!”

“You have a home, Blank. You’ll always have a place to live, you’ll never go hungry and you’ll never see another bill. You have to adjust and see the good in this because fucking hell it is.”

“How would you know? You’ve even got a voice like M and Twelve.”

“I began as a blank too, y’know and I was taken against my will. I didn’t even want it, at all. No I want to be taken, no I never want out. I wasn’t a slave but by god I learned to love it. I’m more slave now than I was ever a master and if my master found a way to remove this suit and did so, if he gave me back my freedom, what do you think I’d do?”

It sat up. “You… You would, wouldn’t you? You’d give yourself to him! You’d ask for a new suit?”

I nodded. “In a heartbeat. I’d never want another life than this. Now, as you experienced escape protocol and a hell of a lot more, my master grants two days freedom from duties. No work, just play, get to know your brothers, play in the dungeon. I’ll be nice to you now and offer you the choice. Rec room, dungeon or gym? Or if you like you can go to your cage to sleep off the ordeal. I know how hard it is. I’m the only other slave ever to experience that.” I pointed at the door.

“But how can I get to those places? I… I can’t leave the store. That… thing…” it nodded towards the door… “Are you going to put me into a dog again? Is that how it’s done?”

I chuckled. “Let’s go to the rec room first. We can sit and talk there. There are things to show you. Things that should prove to you just how amazing this life can be. Follow me.”

I lead it to the mirror and opened it. I pointed at the panel. “Touch that.”

“But… That looks just like… Shit, it’s upstairs? It’s been here all along?”

“Down, not up, but yes.”

It slapped the panel and the elevator opened. We stepped inside. It slapped that one too, as did I. Then I hit B1.

The moment the doors opened I led it to a table and sat opposite it.

“Now, we can talk. Properly.”

“Why Artemis, sir?”

“Ah, that. My master elevated me again recently. I was Eleven, you know that but…” I shrugged. “Seems he liked the name Artemis over all the others that appeared on my chest. He went through quite a few before he settled on it. Perfect name for me, being a hunter. How are you feeling now? Recovered?”

“No more pain, sir, but I’m terrified. You’ve stolen me! Taken my life!”

“Please, don’t think of it like that. Think of it as being given what you always wanted but were too scared to take.”

“But I’ll never see the outsi”

I held my hand up. “Of course you will. I was on display the first time you came in, I petted you and spoke to you a few times during the second when you were here for your first week. I remember you, wandering around the store without a tail because you wanted to try the dog. I remember you booked a few days off work so you could experience the dog for a week over Thanksgiving. I also remember you saying you’d love to race but you couldn’t afford it and being informed that there were only two ways for you to do it. Pay a lot of money you couldn’t afford or pay the ultimate price. Become my master’s property, permanently. You’ll get to race, Blank! You won’t just see the outside, you’ll be out in the wilderness for four days!”

It sat bolt upright. “I… I’ll get to race?”

“Of course. We only just had one this week though, so it’ll be a few more until the next batch of slaves has been trained. You will train alongside them. After all, you’re one of them now.”

It nodded.

“Feeling better?”

“A little, sir. Still scared shitless though.”

“Don’t be. I know it’s a big change but there’s nothing to fear here. Do as you’re told, work and work hard at whatever we put you to and you’ll earn more of those pleasure hours. You’ll never have to worry about money again, Blank. You’ll never own anything either.”

“Never own”

“Never. No. How can property own other property? Everything in this facility, apart from a few outsiders awaiting the final race results before being returned to their owners belongs to my master. I do. You do. Even the Sarge upstairs does.”

“But why work for nothing?”

“You’re not working for nothing, Blank. You’re working for my master. A slave’s only duty is to do its best for its owner and I did say there were rewards for good work. Just nothing tangible. Nothing you can hold. He pays his slaves in pleasure and free time. Full access to all facilities. I imagine you’ve had quite a bit of fun down in the dungeon haven’t you?”

It nodded.

“Well, you’ll have a lot more access to it. It’ll be a standard part of your life now and if you think the dungeon downstairs is good, just wait until you see the one in the compound on the island!”

“Island? The dog event? The one where Tyson…”

I nodded. “I still haven’t seen that video. Hope it’s back on the screen soon, he said it would be. I want to see how I did. I discovered something when I was there. I discovered I could be Tyson and fuck me it’s an amazing experience.”

“Tyson? You’re… You’re Tyson?”

I nodded. “Now, you’ve seen the island in that event video, true?”

“Yes, sir.”

“After the dog races, as long as you don’t come in first place or get chosen as a hunter, there’s one thing you would never have experienced as a blank without it being permanent. That island will be your home, probably for the rest of your life. Many of the slaves here.” I looked around. There were quite a few. I imagine the rest were down in the gym or in the dungeon. “will be leaving for the island in a couple of days. M and Twelve will be leaving us this time too.”

“M? He’s leaving?”

“He’s been here long enough. We have enough high ranking slaves here. It’s time he joined the rest. We’ll still have myself, Seventeen and Eighteen, possibly another gold or two, newly promoted and in need of training, along with all the silvers. Those will not be leaving because most of them are hunters.”

It was just about to sign again when Q’s voice rang in my ears.

“All slaves to the rec room, usual screen.”

I glanced across to see Thirteen and Fourteen rush over to it, pick up the sofa and move it to one side.

“What… What was that?”

“That, Blank, was your owner. Your master. I think it’s time for the final race results. Come on, you’re going to like this.”

I stood and beckoned it over to the screen as the rest of the slaves in the rec room began to gather there too. The elevator opened and eight more joined us.

“That was Q?”

“I thought you would’ve recognised the voice by now.”

“How can you not know, sir? That I haven’t spoken to him?”

“Ah, well, after your second visit something happened. I was sent away, mistaken for another slave when I was a blank and almost died from the experience. I spent the last few months on the island recovering from my injuries. Last month I was a blank again and I took part in the race as a blank. I raced rather than hunted.”

“Mistaken? What the hell?”

I pointed at Fourteen. “It made a serious mistake and got our cores mixed up during cleaning. The core in your butt plug is the thing we use to identify everyone. You may have heard of the school bombings in Atlanta?”

It nodded.

“That bomber thought it could use the suit to escape. It’s here. Solitary confinement. Has been for the past few months and tomorrow, we send it back there. This time it’ll be protected from the thing that nearly killed me. From being shot. We’ll make sure of that, but it’s not going to enjoy the rest of its life one bit.”

“What nearly killed you? I saw that race. You’ve been shot before!”

“That time I was frozen solid as a dog. I didn’t have that protection out there as a human. The suit might be impregnable to slashing blades but a stab or bullet will still penetrate your flesh through the suit even if the suit itself is unharmed.”

It stared at me. Prodded my chest. “Is that why…”

“One of the reasons. Making my way back here from Atlanta with a shattered leg, broken arm and that gunshot wound was hell. I won’t deny that, but fuck me, I’m glad it happened.”

“You’re glad? You nearly died and you’re glad?”

“I experienced the island, Blank. I learned to love my master in a way I would never have otherwise. It likely would’ve been years before I was sent there if it hadn’t happened. A few days of hell led to months recuperating there and another month as a blank so I could experience the life just as you will. Trust me, it’s heaven there for bondage freaks like us.”

More slaves arrived. Pretty soon it was crowded around that TV.

I noticed Blank looking around in shock.

“They’re not all ours, Blank. Some of them are even masters. Outsiders for the races.”

It nodded.

The screen turned on. Master Q smiled down on us with Four and Ten in their usual positions. Ten again vocalising the sign language everyone else spoke.

“Before we begin… Artemis.”

“Yes, sir?”

“Why did the escape protocols activate twice in the space of five minutes? The second time was a hell of a lot longer than the usual ten second demonstration.”

I ensured all blanks were deselected before I continued. “Sorry, sir. I demonstrated the escape protocol and then informed it that its suit was now a permanent one. It panicked, sir. It dodged around me and bolted for the door.”

“I see, and you needed to suit up?”

“Fortunately not, sir.”

“But Alpha’s in no fit state to take a punishment like that right now.”

“Alpha was in the rec room, sir. It was the Sarge in the store. He pulled it out.”

“Very well. As it experienced much more than the usual demonstration… Blank, step forward.”

The blank beside me did.

“Yes, your new suit is permanent. It is just as you wished, not that you expected it. Only my slaves of rank and you can hear this, we wouldn’t want to alarm any of our guests. You of course will not inform any of them of this, understood?”

Its shoulders sagged. “Yes, sir.”

“How are you handling the news now? You have had a much more unpleasant introduction to the life than most.”

“I’m scared, sir. I’ve effectively been kidnapped!”

“Yes. Well, you did wish to be forced into it. Those were your words and quite frankly, the number of times you’ve taken us up on the offer to try on the suit for days or even weeks at a time over the past few months, I believe it was time you made that commitment. You do love the suit, do you not?”

It sighed and nodded.

“And what you’ve been told since then? About the life you can expect?”

“I admit, a lot of it is appealing, sir.”

“Good. Embrace that. Take it as a core truth because I am a fair and just master. You’ll never suffer such a punishment again unless you commit a serious crime against me.” He looked at his screen. “We know what turns you on and we can make it very appealing indeed for you. For example, something that began when Artemis was still a blank here, I suspect you’ll truly love, judging by the evaluation you took in the dungeon last time.”

“Sir?”

“You received a huge positive response to several activities down there including chains, shackles and whips, Blank.”

It nodded.

“I’ll ensure after you’ve completed your induction and orientation on arrival here, the golds select you for chain gang duty. Yes, that does include overseers with whips. Many find it enjoyable. Artemis loved it.”

It was my turn to nod.

“Chain gang, sir?”

“Don’t worry if you think you’re not physically fit enough to handle some hard work, Blank. We’ll get you in shape before we put you to that. Our gym, as you know, is very well equipped and you will be spending a considerable amount of time in there from now on.”

It stood a little taller. “Yes, sir!”

“Good. I will be kind. Is there any other fetish fantasy you’ve wanted to experience?”

Its fingers froze. It stared at the screen and shifted from foot to foot. “I’ve always wanted to try bondage outside, sir. Tied between trees, sir. Maybe…” It paused.

“Go on. There’s very little that’s impossible here, Blank.”

“Submerged, sir. Chained to the bottom of a tank and utterly dependent on an air hose, sir. And maybe buried alive, sir, with a similar”

Q chuckled. “Those things aren’t only possible, Blank. They’re easy. We have several burial pits dotted around our habitable zone. We have several cylinders filled with oil, some even black oil through which it’s impossible to see. The slave, chained to the bottom and utterly incapable of reaching the surface until we say so. They can and often do spend days down there.”

Blank’s cock sprang to attention.

“Good. I see that excites you. However, I don’t intend to see such cues for much longer. Once this audience is done, Artemis. Chastity.”

I nodded. “Yes, sir. I decided to take it one step at a time, sir. It was quite a shock for it.”

“Understood. Now, as you suffered much more than the usual demonstration, four days free and full access to all facilities. Get to know the place, enjoy yourself before we begin your training.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He rattled on his keyboard before speaking again. “I gathered you all for the final race results. As there are so many of you again, we will only divulge the slaves who’ve won prizes, this time. For your positions, the tables will appear on this screen after I’ve signed off.

First on the agenda… Best evasions for days one to four.” another rattle on the keyboard. “Step forward.”

I looked back to see three blanks worm their way through the throng to get to the front.

“I included you in that instruction, Artemis.”

“Yes, sir.” I stepped forward. “Sorry, sir.”

“Good, now… Day one.”

This dog was wary to the point of paranoia. The husky crawled through the woods from tree to tree, attempting to remain hidden. Whether that was a general tactic or because he’d sensed a predator I don’t know but he was getting closer to the edge of the woods. Beyond, a wide, open clearing.

The moment the last tree was passed, he bolted but in the centre, froze. He turned back, took a few steps and froze again. He turned and his tail sank between his legs as wolves appeared in front and behind. Then a third appeared at the top edge of the clearing. Oh god, if this was an evasion it was going to be truly epic.

The dog began to back away in the only direction he safely could, the only exit left available but again, he froze. The wolves began to close in for the kill.

The dog bolted, but judging from their reactions, not in the direction they expected. He bolted towards the wolf blocking the way he’d intended to go originally. One wolf to the right, one wolf behind. He didn’t just bolt however. As he got closer, he lowered his legs in a pounce and the wolf he was running at bolted at him and pounced too, obviously in the hope of catching him in mid-air, but the dog was clever. He didn’t pounce, it’d just been a bluff.

As the wolf sailed over his head, he ducked underneath and sprinted into the woods. The other two wolves took chase and they were gaining, but the dog, sensing his danger, zig-zagged in an attempt to lose them. Then, he must’ve seen something.

A swift change of direction, down a steep slope and once out of sight, another rapid change of tack, the dog leapt and landed in a reed bed at the bottom. He sank to his haunches and using a similar tactic I had on my first race, submerged his tag, submerged himself as much as possible so only his nose poked above the surface.

There was a switch of camera point of view as a drone following one of the wolves took over. They reached the top of the bank and scrambled down. They stalked the edge of the lake, seeking, trying to find any sense of him, but with the distorting effects of the water, they failed. For over an hour, they circled, joined by the other wolf before they went their separate ways in search of easier prey. We didn’t see the entire hour of course, but a caption indicated how much time had been cut from the video.

Beth had said she’d get a husky pelt for him the last time I’d seen her. It had to be Moonbeam.

God, Q’s smile when he reappeared. “That was the most exciting evasion yet, Blank. Very well done. Very, very well done. Not only fifteen points for the best evasion but a bonus twenty for escaping three wolves. A grand total of thirty-five points to Moonbeam. I’ll also throw in two more hours of pleasure as a reward to you and another gift certificate to your mistress. Not only the best evasion of the race, but the best of any race so far.”

The blank to my right sank to its knees and placed its forehead on the floor.

When it got up again, I grabbed its hand and shook it. “Congratulations, Blank. Masterful!”

Its shoulders shook. “Thank you, sir.” It looked at my chest, obviously confused.

“Oh, don’t worry, Blank. You know me. I just received another promotion, that’s all. Tyson?”

“But, you weren’t in the race, sir.”

“I was. But I was a blank and they didn’t know, so I ran in the race under the name Dodger rather than as a hunter. You’ll see.”

It nodded and returned its attention to Q, as did I.

“Very good…” Q chuckled. “Now, for day two.”

An open plain, woods about a mile away in one direction, this dog seemed totally unaware of the danger he was in. The drone however saw the wolf stalking just outside his perceptive range. The wolf bolted forward, then sank to his belly.

The dog froze and span on the spot, looking for something that’d caused the change in his tail sensations, but, seeing nothing, continued, much more cautiously on his way. The wolf waited, then ran around and nudged those senses from a different direction, away from the woods.

Again, the dog froze and span on the spot, but this time, he didn’t wait. He bolted and the wolf took chase.

This dog? A black Labrador.

He was tireless in his flight from the wolf, timing his dodges perfectly as the wolf consistently failed to snap his jaws on that tail. Another dodge, another change of direction. They must’ve been running for miles. More woodland had appeared and when the dog leapt a dead fall, he ducked into the other side of it and as the wolf soared over, he leapt again, knocking the wolf out of the air.

The wolf landed roughly and the dog bolted away into the trees as the wolf struggled back to his paws and shook his head in shock.

Again, Q replaced the video footage. “Archie, that was a bloody good one for a first timer. Now, how did you enjoy it?”

“It was the best thing I think I’ve ever done, sir. Tom, any doubts I had… Good god, I agree with your choice now.”

Q chuckled. “You know it’s called Nineteen now. If you must use a different name, use Diablo.”

Blank nodded. “Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. Force of habit, sir.”

“You’re welcome to join us.”

The blank froze. It looked about and took a small step back.

“I’m serious, Blank. That could be a major part of your life if you wish. I can arrange for you to remain there to run in a few more races too if you like. I know from previous conversations you won’t be able to afford to enter many yourself.”

“I couldn’t.”

“I could make the same arrangement I made for Muttley and his handler. They’re together now, permanently. They’re even going to sleep in the same cage and they’ll never be apart. Where one goes, the other follows?”

“I… Really?”

“Of course.”

“Can I think about it, sir?”

“Of course. No time limit. The moment you feel you’re ready, you can join us. You know Diablo’s there for the long haul. He is a hunter. That would mean you’ll be there and in every single race too. That might be ten, maybe even twenty races before you’re both summoned here. No promises in that respect of course but we do have dog events on the island now too. You must’ve seen the videos.”

“I… Ten more? Oh fuckin’ hell!” It sank to its knees. “I’m yours, sir. Oh fuck, I never thought I’d ever say this but, for more of that, I’m fucking yours, sir.”

Q beamed. “Excellent. You’ll be refitted with a permanent suit at wash time tomorrow. To add a little spice to your escape… Will the wolf in pursuit of that dog please step forward?”

Another slave wormed its way to the front. This one with a mark of ownership

“That, Diablo, was a bloody good try and as you helped in the taking of a slave, just as I have with Muttley, an extra promotion too. That makes you a gold.”

Another slave planting his forehead to the floor. He leapt back to his feet and gave Blank a hug. “Fuck, thanks, Blank! I knew I’d be a hunter but I never expected gold!”

“That was you, chasing me?”

He nodded. “Jesus, you were quick. I never suspected it was you.” Nineteen returned his attention to the screen. “Sir. Will I have the same thing Eleven had, sir?”

“Blanked at the push of a button, Nineteen?”

“Yes, sir.”

“All newly named slaves have that functionality built in, so yes. You even have it now. It will mean you spend some time apart though. Well, not in the same cage, but you’ll still be there. It might not find you though.”

It… He nodded. “How is Eleven, sir?”

“Why don’t you ask him? He’s right behind you.”

Nineteen span on the spot and stared at me. At my chest. “Artemis, sir?”

“I was Eleven, now, that name is free and I think I know who’s going to get it.”

“Who, sir?”

“Wait and see.”

He nodded.

Q returned his attention to the screen in front of him. “Now back to business. The best evasion for day three.”

An overhead view of a shelter appeared. There was a wolf laying in wait by the side of it as the sun rose. As that deep red sunrise hinted at impending danger. There was a swish as the door swung open and a minute later, I emerged at full sprint.

I’d obviously caught the wolf unawares because it took a few seconds to pull himself together and take chase. He matched my every move, careful to keep out of my sensing zone for the most part. He changed the direction he was running several times in an attempt to guide me towards something. It wasn’t long before I realised where he was trying to guide.

The chase sprang back into my memory as I watched. The fog of being Tyson evaporated. I’d run a hell of a lot further than I thought I had.

Then, the leap into the bushes, the wait until the sensation alerted me to the wolf’s presence and my change of direction before he could see me. Another bolt away and it wasn’t long before he took chase again.

Another three miles passed under my paws before the wolf skidded to a halt with his tail between his legs and backed away as I continued into the pain zone and turned back towards the direction I’d been heading. I continued on my way, the wolf bolted in the opposite direction.

“Tyson, ten bonus points for enduring the pain close to the boundary for so long, fifteen for the best evasion on day three. The usual one hour of pleasure and day free of duties. You’re amassing quite a balance.”

“Thank you, sir. I know, sir.”

“And Thor… Bloody good chase.”

So, it was Fourteen who’d chased me. I sighed. I didn’t feel like beating the shit out of it anymore but a promise had been made and I suspect it wouldn’t want to avoid that beating. I hardened myself to it. It had to be done.

“And now for day four. This one was tricky. We debated for some time on how to handle this but decided the only fair way to go about… Well… See for yourselves.”

It was the final straight. The twenty dogs bolting to the finish. The five who split off to pin their predators allowing the others to escape.

“As each of you was part of that evasion, each one who passed the finish line in that group, fifteen points and the pleasure and time off. Those dogs are… Muttley, Bullet, Sam, Shep, Goldie, Cal, Proton, Nipper, Pluto, Buster, Sherman, Brutus, Prince, Vlad and Rocky. Of course, those of you who are outsiders also win your masters a one hundred and fifty dollar gift certificate to spend in the store we’re affiliated with.

For the ones who sacrificed their place on the finish line, we’ve decided a reward should go to you too. We’ve witnessed such things several times, now and decided it deserved a category all its own. Self-sacrifice. Ten points each and the usual day off and hour of pleasure. Another certificate to those who were entered from outside. Those dogs were Comet, Cerberus, Titan, Laddie and Fang. Now for a little more fun… Laddie, Fang, step forward.”

Two more at the front, Q continued.

“Laddie, how on earth did you know?”

“Know what, sir?”

“You and Fang were never far apart. There must have been something.”

“I… I don’t know, sir. I don’t remember much of it, but that was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. I remember… I suppose you could call it a state of bliss, sir. I was running on nothing but instinct. Seeing that footage is helping me recall, sir, but it’s still foggy.”

“Well, I’ll now reveal our little secret. Fang. Laddie is your Master.”

Fang stepped back. It twiddled. “Sir?”

“It’s me, boy. Oh god, that was fun and as I said when I first came up with the idea, when I came to collect you the first time, why should slaves have all the fun?”

Fang chuckled. “You’re not wrong there, sir.”

Q grinned. “How would you like to make this a more… permanent arrangement?”

Laddie’s shoulders shook. “Having experienced that, sir. Having been so totally consumed by my dog I couldn’t even understand English… I’d like to remain, sir. Here. I’d like to give myself and Fang to you, sir. Always available to race, sir.”

“You will be called to the island eventually. The store will close if the heat of so many disappearances begins to catch up with us but… I agree. You’ll remain just as Diablo’s handler will remain. As long as there are hunters in that store, it will be your permanent home and the only time you’ll see the outside of it is as a canine.”

Fang looked at its master, then at Q, then back at its master again. “Thank you, sirs. I’m sorry, I… I don’t know how to do a thank you to both of you at the same time, sirs.”

Q chuckled. “Saying it is enough, Blank.”

Laddie nodded. “I admit, I probably will take some time to adjust to being a permanent slave, sir.”

“Understood. Speak to Artemis. He began this life as a master. He may be able to advise.”

“Then I definitely agree. I never wanted to be out of Laddie at the end.”

“Artemis has expressed a similar desire concerning Tyson. I understand, but you must understand the health concerns with being a permanent dog. It isn’t practical in cases where the lower limbs still exist. For Eighteen, it’s a different matter. In his case, it’s a blessing. He can run. He isn’t confined to a wheelchair but all kinds of life threatening ailments could result in being permanently sealed into a dog with your limbs in such unnatural positions.”

Laddie nodded again.

“There is always that little rule I’ve lived by for years. As you’ve given me a slave, I elevate you to gold and name you twenty-one.”

“Thank you, sir.” He looked around. “I… Don’t think I’ve ever seen a twenty, here, sir. Is it there?”

“Suit number twenty is a special one, already manufactured and awaiting its occupant. Now, as a gold, that does allow you to retain your dominant characteristics. Silvers and blanks will follow your commands, just as you will follow the commands given by myself, Artemis, Alpha and the Sarge.”

He stood a little taller after that announcement. “Thank you, sir. That will make it easier to adjust.”

“You will however spend some time as a blank. That is one rule I’ve chosen to impose on all slaves now. After what happened to Eight, it’s important to know what it is to be a blank before gaining authority over them.”

“Yes, sir. It’s often been bandied about that the best master is one who’s experienced slavery.”

“Indeed. Rejoin your brothers, Twenty-one. We do still have a few prizes to hand out.”

He nodded and stepped back as did Fang.

“Now for the next category. Four batons were left out in the wilderness to be found and three, to be collected. Two were. Twenty points to Brutus for collecting the home baton, ten points go to Nipper for collecting the shelter one. I’ve seen the footage. A few dogs got near enough to the predator baton but all shied away from it. If you’d shown a little more courage and investigated at the risk of a tail pull, that would have been worth fifty. The deduction in time however does not place either of you in the top three.

Now, it’s time for the longest distance. In third place with eighty-three miles… Bomber. You ran back and forth a lot, avoiding predators, boy. You’ve earned yourself some time and pleasure even if, again, same as Prince last time, you came last. Ten points. In second place, Baron. You were incredible, boy. It seems your slave was correct when he said you’d be able to run rings around everyone else because you didn’t have the extra weight of your useless lower limbs to carry about. Second place in the race and a hundred and seven miles earning you twenty points, two hours and two days but that’s nothing compared to my pride and joy. In first place, skirting the outer perimeter meaning only one encounter with dog or wolf in the entire event, one hundred and twenty-seven miles… Tyson! And first place overall, too! Three more of each and thirty points.”

I jumped. “That far, sir? I ran over thirty miles a day?”

Q chuckled. “Yes. And your encounter with Thor added another ten miles to your total.

Now, the number of captures has always played an important part in the races. There is after all a reward for not being captured at all and a penalty of five points for each time you had your tail pulled by a hunter. With so many dogs on the field this time it’s hardly a surprise many of you didn’t receive a single tail pull. There are too many to list here but those scores have been factored into the final tally. Of course, it also means another hour and another day free. Look at the results table at the end of the day, but you know if you were captured or not anyway. As a result, these are the final scores.

In third place with the home baton collected, one capture and a best evasion with forty points, Brutus. Well done, N. Next time you race, it will be back on the island, but I’ll make you the hunter.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Second place, with the second longest run, the second place overall and zero captures… Baron. And in first place with an astounding one hundred and fifteen points, first place, longest distance, zero captures and a best evasion. Tyson. How are you going to handle your days off, Artemis? You’ve amassed quite a few.”

“I’ll wait, sir. We have a lot of work to do to get Baron talking in a more natural way, sir. How many days now?”

“I’ll have to total it all up, but I believe you’ve earned well over two weeks.”

“Something to think about. I have an idea but I’ll let it stew for a while before saying, sir. I’ll save the pleasure for later, too. I… Don’t think I’ll be able to handle much more for a while after tomorrow, sir.”

Q chuckled. “Quite. Muttley. Step forward.”

Another slave to worm its way to the front.

“You asked what name you’d be given. I think you’re going to like it. With Eleven renamed, that leaves that name free. The only time a name is removed from circulation is if a slave dies. Therefore, I’m naming you Eleven. You will be a silver however, not a gold.”

“I… Oh god, thank you, sir! I hope I’m not a disappointment, sir. I have a lot to live up to with that name.”

“Indeed you do. I won’t hold you to too high a standard. The same standards I hold all my silvers to, but try to do as well as Artemis and you will achieve gold.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Now, there was one final bit of business.” He rattled on the keyboard again, spoke and ten slaves wormed their way to the front.

“You all entered the races as free agents. None of you are claimed or owned. In fact, a couple of you are masters. Are any of you tempted?” He typed and the end blank stepped forward.

“Opinions?”

“That was the most fun I’ve had in years, sir.”

“Tempted?”

“I’ll enter myself and my boy into more, sir, but I am a master. Even if you did elevate me to gold, I would still be a slave and the life I currently have is one I enjoy too much to give up, sir. Thank you for the offer though.”

“Understandable.”

It stepped back and the next stepped forward.

“I’ll parrot him, sir. I don’t have a master and I’m not a master myself but I have a comfortable life and a job I enjoy. That was fun, but it was much harder work than I’m used to. I’m content to spend most of my time reading a book or laying on the sofa watching TV, sir. When I’m not strung up, upside down hanging from the rafters of a friendly Dom nearby anyway.”

“You know you’ll be kept fit and healthy. A lot fitter and healthier than the life you just described.”

“Yes, sir. Understood, but, it’s still a no. I will enter more, but it won’t be every one. Maybe in a few months, once I’ve recovered, sir.”

It too stepped back and the next one to step forward immediately collapsed to its knees and took up a perfect submissive pose.

“You wish to give yourself to me?”

It nodded.

“You may speak.”

“I knew the moment the suit went on, sir. I knew it was how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. I give myself to you willingly and without reservation, sir. No limits. I’m yours, sir. Fully.”

“I accept your gift, Blank. Thank you. Step back.”

The rest all repeated variations on what the first two had said.

Another rattle on the keyboard and this time, Q didn’t speak. Instead, his computer spoke for him. “All slaves destined for a new suit will be directed to cell block three. The rest, cell block one. Only named slaves can hear this. This will help to ensure no mix-ups. See to them in the morning, sedate them. Do not allow them to even voice any second thoughts or wishes to back out until their permanent suits are cured and sealed.”

I nodded.

“That’s all for now, for most of you. Everyone but the hunters, dismissed. Go to the gym or dungeon and have some fun. I still have a few more prizes to hand out.”