Bara Produktions

Winning The Lottery

Robert Smith's Slaves

The original six:
• Alpha [Morgan] (18yo),
• Bravo [Craig] (17yo),
• Charley [Angus] (15yo),
• Delta [Mark] (14yo),
• Echo (later: Foxtrot) (13yo),
• Foxtrot (later: Golf) (12yo),
• Zulu [Mike] (17yo);
  Added later:
• Echo (13-14yo)
• Barry [Delta-B] (14yo)
• Spencer [Hotel] (11yo)
• Yankee and X-ray [20s]

Prologue

Robert Smith had just turned sixty, had just won the lottery and lived on a world that had slavery. He began to plan for a comfortable retirement.

Originally schemes had been introduced to get homeless youngsters off the streets and for a long time they were justified as a method of keeping them out of the clutches of pimps and drug dealers. Even today people would refer to it as YPS, short for the Youth Protection Scheme though, nowadays, most thought of it as the Youth Procurement Scheme because the ideal of protecting the young had changed into deterring them from causing trouble. The scheme had expanded to include anyone below the age of twenty five who got into trouble with the law.

As rules protecting slaves had relaxed so rules protecting citizens, at least for those over twenty five, had tightened especially those protecting jobs. It was the sweetener to reduce opposition to the YPS scheme and of course, it was pure coincidence that the voting age had also been raised to twenty five. The main exemption of restrictions to slave employment was 'personal usage'. The deterrence effect of slavery was considered to work best if the slaves were known and so they were placed in the communities where they had lived before.

Chapter 1
From Alpha to Golf

After a lifetime of working in a drab office and living modestly in a small flat, Robert was going to make the most of his fortune. He bought a house in the country with extensive grounds and initially, seven slaves who would run it for him.

He was not a particularly cruel man but he he firmly believed that if anyone was enslaved it was their own fault and that their treatment should be a warning to others. The slaves began to appreciate what that would mean to them at the market as they were purchased.

As the I.D. chips were inserted into their shoulders just under the skin Robert had all their old paperwork deleted and new files opened starting with their official I.D. number and the name he allocated. With one exception, the oldest was named Alpha, the second oldest, Bravo and so on through to Foxtrot. Robert had effectively destroyed all links with their previous lives as well eroding away their sense of identity.

The exception was named Zulu. Zulu was a tall lanky youth of about seventeen. His family was wealthy and he had been badly spoilt. They had constantly bailed him out of trouble until the last incident when he had not only involved his younger brother but also the son of his father's boss. Robert worked in the same office as Zulu's father and knew that he had nearly lost his job as a direct result of the boy's behaviour. Zulu's parents finally realised that they could not help him any more without jeopardising their position and putting their younger son at risk.

Zulu still did not believe that he had put his father into an impossible position and still expected to be rescued once 'he had learnt his lesson'.

When Robert had wanted to inspect Zulu, the boy had tried to kick him away and sounded off with a torrent of abuse. Robert had been thinking of one particular project but had almost decided against it because it was too harsh. Now it seemed that Zulu was ideal for the job. Robert bought him and ordered his vocal chords be cut. His other purchases heard the instruction and looked fearfully at their new master.

Once they had been chipped their restraints were removed. They had got the message and remained quietly lined up in position; feet apart and hands behind their heads.

Robert waited until Zulu returned. Tears streamed down his face and he constantly opened his mouth gulping in air. Robert did not care whether he was trying to speak or was in pain from the brief operation. He simply activated an electronic prod so that it sparked close to Zulu's groin and told him to stand still. Zulu remained restrained still plotting revenge on Robert when he was released.

The following day when Robert had taken delivery of his slaves, with Zulu hunched up in a small cage and taken to a shed, the rest had been lined up in Robert's hallway while he explained the rules.

"It's quite easy," he was saying, "Please me or be punished. You are here as punishment, not for pleasure and you will work. Unless a specific job requires it, you do not sit down and you certainly never lie down except for sleep. If your work is finished you will help the others until there is more of your own work to do."

He paused to allow time for his instructions to sink in, "Alpha and Bravo, you will look after the garden and do any external maintenance. You will also do any heavy work that is beyond the younger ones. If they tell you to do something for them you will obey."

He paused again, waiting expectantly.

"Yes Master," Bravo answered.

Robert brought the heavy rattan cane he was carrying down across Bravo's thigh. Bravo cried out and almost moved his arms but held himself in check, just in time.

"What did he do wrong, Alpha?" Robert asked.

Alpha might have been eighteen but he was close to tears, trembling with terror.

"You didn't ask him a question or give him permission to speak, Master."

"And you are mumbling, more concerned with your own fears than answering your Master," Robert snapped back making the youth flinch.

Robert stepped back to continue allocating work. "Charley and Delta. You are responsible for the inside of the house. "As from this moment the house will be spotless, my food will be prepared on time and everything will be where I want it. Which one of you can cook?"

Neither boy moved, terror evident in their eyes.

"You won't be punished for not knowing. I'll teach you," he thought for a moment, "But maybe that'll seem like a punishment."

Robert saw a glimmer of a smile on Charley's face. "Delta will run the kitchen. I'm putting Charley in overall command. I'll give him a cane later. If anyone fails in their jobs he'll find out before me and punish them hard. Otherwise I punish you both.

"Echo and Foxtrot are my personal attendants. I expect one of them to be near me at all times. Whichever one of you is off duty reports to Charley for other work."

Robert looked along his line of slaves and began the next part of his speech. "You've been allocated particular jobs but you will learn how to carry other slave's duties in case he is unavailable. Every Saturday evening I will decide on who has been the worst behaved boy of the week. He will become the punishment boy and until another boy is chosen, I will do my best to see that his life is a complete misery."

The slaves stared, wide eyed, at Robert. "Alpha and Bravo have already notched up a few points but I'm sure the rest of you'll be busily building up your own scores before Saturday. Today is Thursday so it's a very short week.

"There are five white balls and one black ball in this bag. You are going to put your hands behind your back and as I pass behind you you will take a ball out. Whoever picks the black ball will become punishment boy for the next two days."

It was a little bit awkward as each boy fumbled around trying to get a ball but eventually the bag was empty.

When Robert was standing in front of them again he ordered them to hold the balls out. Echo swallowed in despair when he saw the black ball in his hand. Robert handcuffed the boy's hands behind him. He then clipped a device that he had got made up around Echo's cock.

Imagine a tube with three rows of spikes pointing inwards. The tube is split, hinged and held shut by a spring. Small fin like pieces were fitted above the hinge which could be pressed together to open the clamp with holes to secure cord or a chain. The spikes were blunt and could not break the skin. However, they were angled forwards towards the cock head so if it was pulled forward they would dig in. Robert clipped a dog leash to the clamp

"There's not much else. It's too late for you to start work today so you've not earned your evening meal or breakfast. The only parts of your body that you touch are the backs of your head and the small of your back, for the two positions you may stand in. Disobey me and I'll fit a chastity device for a month – for the first offence.

"Alpha take a good look round outside and after dinner tell me what jobs you think you should start on tomorrow. Bravo you stay with me. Delta. You need to know where everything is in the kitchen. Charley and Foxtrot, have a good look around the house. Start at the top and work down. Take Echo with you. The slave quarters are in the cellar. When you get there you'll find a collar and manacles hanging from the wall. Fit the collar before you release his hands and put them in the manacles. There's a pulley system. Raise the manacles so that he's standing on tip toe facing the wall."

Leaving his slaves to digest his speech and follow his instructions he took Bravo to the shed where Zulu had been left. Zulu was cramped and uncomfortable. It was finally beginning to dawn on him that he was not going to get out of this. His speech had not returned so maybe his vocal cords really had been cut and not just anaesthetised or something as a warning. He looked at the rickshaw, the only other item in the shed apart from a hole in the floor and a couple of buckets under a tap.

Robert and Bravo entered the shed and Zulu suddenly discovered that he could still scream with pain as Robert slid a prod into the cage onto his shoulder.

"That was the low setting," Robert said, "It's now set to high."

Turning to Bravo he said, "This is my transport and you'll be responsible for its maintenance. If ever I need a car I can hire one but I reckon Zulu could get me into town in about forty minutes. Open the cage and put him between the rickshaw shafts."

A combination of cramp and terror made it difficult for Zulu to move but Bravo finally got him kneeling in position. Zulu was wearing a collar from which manacles hung from short chains securing his wrists.

There was a bar connecting the ends of the rickshaw shafts. Zulu was looking with horror at the strange looking gloves attached to it. It would be better to say that they were the metal skeletons of gloves made up of a series of rings that his fingers could be threaded through and a larger one for his wrist. Once his hands had been fitted into them he would be permanently attached to the rickshaw.

On Robert instructions Bravo took the prod and rested it gently on Zulu's cock. Robert then released Zulu's left hand and made him thread it into the glove. He repeated the procedure with Zulu's right hand. Zulu could now only grip the bar and do nothing else with his hands. Instead of locks, they were bolted closed.

Robert glanced at Bravo. "Is something troubling you, boy? Speak freely."

Bravo swallowed nervously. "Master, it looks as if Zulu is never going to released from the rickshaw. Isn't that very cruel?"

"Have you been shackled since I bought you?"

"No, Master."

"So you could be a lot worse off than you are. Remember that. You've got a good pair of legs. You could replace Zulu and I could dispose of him."

"Bravo shuddered. "Yes master. And the punishment boy. Is he a warning too?"

Robert smiled. "That's right. Remember. You haven't lost everything yet. Zulu was stupid. People say his parents spoiled him. Well I know them and it was partly true but they wanted him to have every opportunity and he just threw it all back into their faces.

"I'd made a deal with them. I would buy him and if he'd finally learnt his lesson, I would help him. You heard him at the market. Do you think he's learnt anything?"

"No Master."

"I'm surprised the trader hadn't muted him before but I suppose that it would have devalued him. Shall I trust him the way I trust you? Be careful, I'll hold you responsible for the consequences."

"No Master. He tried hitting the slave trader."

"There you are, then. He's blown every chance he's had. Do you still think it's harsh?"

Bravo thought about his answer, "Yes Master, I do think it's cruel but maybe it's all he's good for."

Robert looked at Bravo, thinking, for so long that Bravo began trembling with fear.

"I ordered you to speak freely," Robert said eventually, "I'm glad that you're obeying me. I'll just warn you not to let your doubts get in the way of obeying me completely."

Zulu had been listening to their conversation and finally understood what his life had become. He still blamed his parents for abandoning him, Bravo for not standing up for him more and Robert for not giving him another chance. Robert saw the resentment in Zulu's eyes and was determined not to give in.

He taught Bravo the commands that Zulu had to learn, and showed him how to look after the rig. Zulu was to spend his time each day exercising.

The final realisation that he was not going to be rescued destroyed his resistance and from that moment he began adapting to his new life. Like the others he was not fed that night nor the next morning. Unlike the others he did not know why. No one thought to mention it in front of him and it emphasised what he had become.

For a time his shoulders and arms ached constantly. He could never let his hands hang naturally. Holding the bar low across his groin was closest he could get but holding it hour after hour magnified the slight effort it took, placing a strain on his upper body. Sometimes he had to stand with the bar resting on his shoulders behind his head or with his arms stretched straight above him. Every time he moved his arms the rickshaw moved slightly and he was expected to take the movement into account and not move his feet which always had to be spread apart when he was standing. Gradually the rickshaw became part of him and he could easily fall over if it was ever removed.

When he was allowed to lie down to sleep he was effectively immobilised. He could allow the bar to rest across his stomach or chest taking some of the weight of the rickshaw or he could lie with his hands above his head. Changing position also meant moving the rickshaw. He could not lie on his side without twisting his arms into uncomfortable positions.

He tried lying on his stomach but when he was seen, he was fitted with a chastity device each night in case his cock, sandwiched between his body and the floor, did anything. When Zulu was lying on his stomach, he could draw his legs up under him and then lift himself into a kneeling position before standing up. When he was lying on his back he was helpless. When he bent his torso to get into a sitting position, the inertia of the rickshaw meant his body stayed put and his legs rose into the air. Robert did not intervene for a while, except for ordering the chastity device for when he chose to sleep on his belly. Later he ordered that Zulu should sleep on his back forgetting to countermand the order for the chastity device so Zulu continued to wear it and lost one of his last remaining choices.

His day would begin with Bravo's arrival and he was helped to his feet. He would kneel down so that Bravo could administer his enemas. Once the last of his waste had been collected in a bucket and tipped away he would be given breakfast. He had to continue kneeling to lick the thin gruel from a dish. The gruel was in fact highly nourishing, with a full range of food groups, vitamins and minerals. The mornings were always a rush. Everything had to be ready for Robert when he got up so Bravo did not always have time to prepare it properly and, at first, it was often just lumps swimming in water. He had plenty of water because he might not have any more until the evening meal.

While he was eating, Bravo would begin cleaning the rickshaw starting from the back and working forwards. Bravo gave Zulu gave as long as possible to have his meal but he would be in trouble if the rig was not ready when Robert wanted it. Zulu would then stand up and wait while Bravo removed the chastity device, washed him down, removed any body hair and trimmed his nails.

By now his cock would be pointing out from his body, stiff and hard, partly from Bravo's handling and partly from a need to drain his sperm. Other slaves had been restrained for long periods, kept chaste and were manhandled as if they were lumps of meat yet Zulu felt it more intensely.

The shock of realising that he was not going to be rescued left him open to suggestion and desperate to make sense of his new life. As his new daily routine developed his ego sought ways to re-establish itself. In a way he saw himself in competition with rickshaw.

He ate his meal quickly so that he was ready to present himself for cleaning, giving Bravo the most time to complete his task. He felt pangs of jealousy when Robert complimented Bravo on the rickshaw's paintwork. When Robert commented that his erection made him look eager, he spent every moment that he was left standing, exploring the muscles around his groin trying to make himself harder. He had to get more praise than the rickshaw.

For a time he would spend the rest of the day exercising. There was a gravel drive leading from the house to the road and he was made to run further along it each day. Bravo wore a pair of trainers, the only clothes he ever saw a slave wear and carried a whip. Zulu was not allowed to hesitate as he ran onto the gravel which stuck to his feet as he ran nearer and nearer to the road, turned and ran back again. Bravo used the whip freely on back, thighs and even his stomach. The blows hurt, adding to the pain from his feet and he would be made to repeat the run if Bravo was dissatisfied.

Sometimes he would stand on the hard concrete floor of the shed running on the spot, doing arm or body exercises. By the evening he ached all over and was exhausted. Bravo gave his orders quietly sometimes while others were talking or tools were being used. If he failed to hear the command then the whip would land across his cock to get his attention.

Every so often Robert would check his progress. If he was satisfied Bravo would be ordered to jerk him off before fitting the chastity device for the night. If he was not satisfied Zulu would see red welts on Bravo's back and know he would be in for a tough time from Bravo.

It was a week before Robert thought he was ready to make a trip into town. To start with, all he knew was that Bravo was taking longer to prepare the rig for the day and looked decidedly nervous.

After limbering up he was taken round to the front of the house. He waited for over two hours before Robert appeared. It was a miserable day at the end of March. A cold wind blew and it was beginning to rain. Zulu was shivering. There had been worse days during the previous week but he had been training and the exercise kept him warm.

Zulu did not know that there was a hood that could be put up and a screen fitted to protect Robert from the wind. He felt the rickshaw move as people fiddled with it and wondered what they were doing.

It was only when he was told to head down the drive and felt the extra weight that he realised he was carrying his master. He slowed as he approached the road and Robert told him to turn left and head for town.

He faltered for a moment and felt a sting on his shoulders as Robert lightly laid the whip across them as a warning. He picked up the pace again trying not to think about appearing in public in his current situation.

For a time he ran with the wind and rain in his face. Gusts made the rain lash his body and he could hardly see or breathe. Then they rounded a bend and were sheltered by a tall hedge.

"That's better," Robert said, "I was getting rain on me then. Are you going to be able to display properly while you're waiting for me?"

Zulu glanced despairingly down at his shrivelled manhood. The rain had struck it mercilessly and it had retreated from the cold wind. He shook his head almost in tears. People he knew were going to see him as little more than a beast of burden with not even his manhood to be proud of.

"Never mind," Robert said comfortingly, "I'm sure Bravo will fluff you up when you get back. You'll need a good a clean."

Robert's cheerful comments did not help. Water had flowed from the fields flooding the road. He did not need reminding that he was splattered with mud. All this had happened in the first fifteen minutes of the trip. At twenty five minutes the skies had cleared and the sun was shining. The water dripped off Zulu and as he dried off he warmed up.

Robert's first stop was the bank. As Zulu waited patiently outside he glanced down the road and stared in horror. David, his brother was strolling nonchalantly towards him. David suddenly stopped looking astonished as he recognised his brother, then a broad grin split his face.

"Hello Mikey. I don't suppose you'll beat me up if I call you that now, will you?"

Zulu shook his head.

"Aren't you supposed to say 'No sir' or something?"

Tears appeared in Zulu's eyes and he could only look at his brother. David had endured his brother's bullying and being blamed for things Mikey had done. He had been reduced to tears on many occasions but somehow got little comfort from goading him now.

He stood there uncertainly, studying his brother.

"Hello," Robert said as he returned, "Can I help you?"

"Hello sir," David replied respectfully, "I was just talking to my brother. I hope that's all right."

"He was your brother," Robert said gently, "He's just a slave now. Nobody's brother. He can't reply because I had him muted."

David looked aghast, "Did you have to?"

Robert nodded, "He just didn't learn to shut up."

David grinned, "That's Mikey"

"His name's Zulu now," Robert continued as David looked puzzled, "I've got other slaves named Alpha, Bravo through to Foxtrot so far. I'm buying another one today so I'll be renaming the younger ones to keep them in chronological order. Your ex-brother put himself in a class of his own so I named him from the other end of the alphabet. This is his first trip carrying me. He's doing well in spite of the weather."

David had been looking at Zulu's manhood. "He almost seems to be enjoying himself."

"I don't care whether he is or not but an erect cock makes him look sharp and alert and that's how I like him."

David nodded. He finally felt as if he was stepping out from the shadow of his brother's oppression. He said as much to Robert.

"I've got an appointment at the slave market. It's a bit of a coincidence but it's with another guy who needs closure. Do you want to come along? You can drive."

Driving his brother was more than a little teasing and David was hesitant at first. Zulu did not move on David's first nervous attempt at giving a command.

"He may have misunderstood," Robert said, "It sounded more like a question to me than a command but he's probably been listening to our conversation and so it's not really an excuse. Use the whip and try again."

David tapped Zulu's back but before he could give his command, Robert said, "The point of having a rickshaw is that they can understand what you want and respond to it. The traffic's still clear so don't worry. Strike him again but this time do it hard enough to draw blood. Give a clear command and strike him hard again."

Zulu gave in and started walking. David turned him round so that they headed for the slave market.

"That's better," Robert said, "You should still have whipped him though. He knew what you wanted and refused."

There was enough of Mike left in Zulu to resent being ordered around by his younger brother. He felt a moments triumphant at the thought of embarrassing David. It quickly faded as he realised that he had displeased his Master.

The slave market had a parking lot for all types of vehicles from rickshaws to cars and light vans. Some of the bays were against the boundary wall.

"How would you back him in?" Robert asked.

David thought for a moment then grinned. He jumped down and ran round in front of Zulu. Grabbing Zulu's cock he used it as a handle to guide the rickshaw back into the bay.

"I wondered why he didn't cum," Robert laughed as he examined the nail marks David had left behind. "If you're done with him perhaps you'll grab a table in the café while I go and find the guy I'm meeting. I'm ready for a drink."

David nodded, "I'm done with him all right."

Surprising Robert, he turned and kissed Zulu on the cheek, saying, "You're still my brother. When I'm working, I'll try to buy you and look after you. Stay out of trouble until then."

Zulu was thirsty and tired as well. He watched enviously as his younger brother sauntered off, only able to stand, watching and waiting. His Master had said that he had done well and looked good. He tried standing even straighter. Maybe if more people admired him more than the rickshaw his Master would be pleased and forget his defiance to David.

When Robert found David again he was accompanied by a youth, Barry, about two years younger than David's sixteen years. Robert introduced them to each other. They ordered their drinks, served by a slave, a little younger than Barry.

"If I've got him then of course you can see him," Robert was saying, "But you'll have to remember that he may have been your friend before his enslavement but now he's just a slave. Neither of you understand just what that means."

The slave had just set the drinks on the table. Robert reached out, grabbed his balls and squeezed. The boy lost his pleasant smile in a grimace of pain.

"I'm going to report him for insolence," Robert said.

"I didn't see him do anything wrong." Barry said.

"He didn't," Robert replied, "I'm still going to have him whipped raw and disposed of."

"But why?" Barry asked.

"Because I can. It's my duty to show you the consequences of doing something wrong and getting enslaved. You David, you've got your own life. If you do buy Zulu, how will you do your legal duty and make him a deterrent while looking after him like a brother? Barry, I understand you need some sort of closure on your friendship but you'll be my guest, he'll be a slave and I'll expect you both to behave accordingly. I'll not have you thinking enslavement is an easy option."

There were two types of brothels. White brothels were more like escort agencies with accommodation. Clients were bound by the laws of consent and rape and expected to stay within agreed limits. Black brothels only had slaves that could not be placed anywhere else. Clients paid a deposit and if the slave survived, in a usable state he got the deposit back. Being sent to a black brothel was the stuff of nightmares for free citizens as well as slaves.

The boys knew that 'being disposed of' was a euphemism for being sent to a black brothel and the slave was trembling uncontrollably.

David and Barry were not happy about Robert's actions but he had made his point. They understood as never before the consequences of getting into trouble. At Robert's command the head boy handcuffed the slave and fitted a choke collar and leash so that Robert could lead him to reception.

"I'm sorry you've been inconvenienced, sir," the receptionist said, "I'll see that he's beaten and if he survives, disposed of."

The boys were waiting outside.

"No!" said Robert sharply, "I want him beaten so that it hurts but don't do any permanent damage him. I want to buy him."

"Sir?" queried the receptionist.

Robert was looking at the slave more than the receptionist looking for understanding in his eyes.

"I've no complaint against this slave but I'm showing a couple of boys how they could be treated if they were enslaved. Can you stand up to being used as a deterrent, boy?"

It did not matter how the slave answered. It would happen anyway but he was being given a chance for life.

He straightened up, trying to regain his courage, "I'll do my best, sir."

Robert nodded approvingly. Robert seldom left things to chance. Ever since he had realized that he needed an extra slave he been checking the market's Internet site to see what was available and this slave had caught his eye. His years as a clerk meant that he tended to read files carefully and had looked beyond the 'V' for violent stamp at the head. The boy had been caught shoplifting. The security guard who had grabbed him, startled him and he had nearly lost his balance. As his arms had flailed around, the DVD he was still holding caught a passing customer on the cheek. It was a complete accident. The guard and the customer agreed with that but it didn't matter. The customer was hurt because of a crime therefore it was a violent crime.

No one wanted a violent criminal in their home. The only way that the market could help him was to put him on display serving tables in the café. It was not working and he would soon have to be disposed of. When Robert had expressed an interest, the market had been only too pleased to arrange for the boy to wait on his particular table. He could think about making his demonstration because he had seen that everything was in place.

To Robert's relief, Barry and David had chosen to wait in the parking lot, rather than be involved in Robert's apparently unfair treatment of the slave. When they finally entered the reception they were surprised to see the slave nestling into Robert's side with Robert's arm around his shoulder.

While some of his other slaves, Zulu in particular would take advantage of any softness on his part, others, like this boy, would soak it up and be the stronger for it. It was a lesson that Robert had learnt as he had honed his slave keeping skills.

Neither Barry or David were obliged to obey Robert though respect for their elders was a deeply ingrained part of their society. They were going to watch the whipping out of a fascination for the scene being played out for their benefit. There were families present in the complex, it wasn't only a slave market, but the slave market announced the whipping and the circumstances surrounding it so a crowd was gathering. Some parents thought that their children needed a warning as well.

The guards arrived to take the slave carrying an array of manacles.

"Can you walk to the post?" Robert asked.

The slave looked at him. His father had died when he was two and not long after his mother had remarried. His step-father had been more interested in his natural family and had ignored the boy. Robert had taken more interest in him than his step-father ever had and he felt a need to show what he was capable of.

"Should I raise my hands to the manacles when I get there, Master?" he asked softly.

"If you're too brave it won't look like deterrence."

"I've seen a whipping, Master." his voice trembled, "I won't be brave when they start."

He was right. He was impressive as he strode across to the post and lifted his arms ready for them to be manacled but he screamed as the first blow landed and then his cries died down to whimpers as lashes raining down on him knocked the wind out of his body. His back, arse and thighs turned red and in places spots of blood appeared. No one was counting the lashes. They just rained down until the senior guard approached Robert.

"We'll have to stop if you don't want him permanently scarred, sir," he said, "He's near the limit."

Robert nodded.

"I'm satisfied," he said, "See that the registration is completed and the files to my other slaves are updated."

Robert not only named his slaves alphabetically, he arranged them by age. The slave was now Echo, the original Echo would become Foxtrot and Foxtrot, Golf. It would be a reminder that they owned nothing.

David looked at Robert, "You saved him from being disposed of. You weren't arranging it. Why did you trick us?"

"Deterrence," Robert replied, "Imagine being a slave. You could be whipped, tortured or even disposed of because it suited your Master. You have no control over your lives and you might not even know why things are happening to you. Your whole life would be like that."

"It's a pity dad didn't explain all this to Mikey," David said thoughtfully, "It might have made a difference. I know someone who may need your help. Would you talk to him sometime?"

"Certainly. I'll help if I can."

While Echo got some of his strength back, Robert did some shopping before setting off for home. Echo looked puzzled more than anything when his hands were handcuffed behind his back and a painful clamp was attached to his cock before he was led out to the rickshaw and the cord tied to the back.

"You're a slave before anything else," Robert told him, " I might be very proud of you but this is the start of your training."

Before Echo could speak Robert continued, "And you don't speak without permission or unless I ask a question."

Echo smiled. There was something about his new master that he trusted so for now he was content. Robert was equally satisfied. He had chosen his slaves well and the complement was complete.

Chapter 2
Charley

While his master was taking Zulu on his first trip into town, Charley had a few moments to reflect on his situation. Surprisingly he was happy and starting to enjoy his new life.

His parents had made it clear that he was nothing more than a split condom that was interfering with their important lives. One day he had been kicking a ball around and it had sailed into the next garden smashing windows in a greenhouse. Naturally the neighbour had been furious, threatening to call the police. It's not clear whether Charley's father was just plain obnoxious or whether he saw a chance to get rid of Charley but he let the row escalate. The neighbour finally stomped off feeling he had no choice but to carry out his threat.

Still Charley's father refused to accept any responsibility for the damage. Once he had calmed down, the neighbour would have settled for Charley doing some work for him as payment but his father refused to cooperate, saying that he would ground Charley, making the neighbours suggestion impossible. The neighbour deeply regretted calling the police, wishing that he had tried to come sort of arrangement with Charley but it had been normal procedure to approach the boy's father. Once they had been called the police had no choice and had to do things by the book and Charley had been arrested.

Without the cooperation of Charley's father, events just followed their course and he was tried and convicted of vandalism. The court could not accept the neighbour's offer to take him in. At fifty, he was deemed to be too old to look after a free, exuberant teenager and since there was no alternative, Charley was enslaved only to be bought by Robert who was sixty. It did not make much sense to anyone involved in the case, either.

Charley's memories following his arrest were of people fussing over him. They knew it was all down to his father's unreasonable behaviour and felt sorry for him. Charley did not feel hurt or betrayed because he knew what his father was like but the kindness he received was a new experience.

What Charley never discovered until much later was that the incident had nearly sent his father bankrupt. People simply did not want to do business with him any more because of the notoriety the incident received.

His first days with Robert were more like being back home, cold and bleak. He had explored the house as he had been ordered, looking with despair at the slaves quarters which consisted of two rooms. One was featureless except for a row of hooks down opposite walls and folded hammocks hanging from the hooks. There were a couple more fixtures attached to the ceiling but he would learn about them later.

The other room contained the restraints that Robert had mentioned. At the far end were two toilet bowls, bare with no seat, A shower head hung from the ceiling beside them, with a hole in the floor below it. The floor sloped very gently to the hole from all directions. Apart from a small cage and a punishment bench the room was bare, though there were hooks and fixing points all over the ceiling, floors and walls. Some of the items hanging from the hooks made Charley shudder as he secured Echo as he had been instructed.

Their first day was chaotic as the boys tried to settle into the routine and the jobs they had been assigned. Their day started just before six o'clock in the morning except for Echo and Foxtrot. That first night, Foxtrot slept on the floor in Robert's bedroom while Echo stayed chained up.

On the first day, Charley nearly broke. He was desperately hungry and was caned six times, twice on his backside, once across shoulders, on the back of his thighs, on the front of them and across his hands. In his desperation to avoid further beatings he lashed out against the other boys leaving them as red and raw as himself.

The pace finally eased in the evening when they were allowed to eat for the first time in nearly two days. Afterwards, Charley crept reluctantly to Robert's office wondering what new trouble he would be in.

"How do you think it went today?" Robert asked, "Speak freely."

Having a full stomach had taken the edge off his caution and his guard dropped.

"Fucking awful," he replied, "I can't do this job the way you want."

Charley burst into tears, trembling with fright.

"I'll ignore your language for now. Explain the problem."

"What's the point. I'm still going to end up punished like Echo."

"You're in a hole," Robert said gently, "Stop digging and start climbing."

Charley thought for a moment and came up with his own metaphor.

"If you say jump, Master, all Zulu has to worry about is how high. Delta has to think whether you'd like the long jump for a change."

"I'm listening but I'm not sure if I understand."

"Delta saw some meat in the freezer. He'd helped his mother once or twice and he was sure he could cook it with a jacket potato and some salad. He didn't dare risk getting into trouble for being late or not cooking it right so he stuck to the TV dinner."

"And you've had other problems like this?"

"Yes Master. Alpha couldn't start the lawnmower. He got into a right panic. You punished me because he hadn't started work so I pushed him to go faster. When something got caught in the blades he didn't dare turn it off in case he couldn't start it again. It jumped forward and he nearly lost his fingers."

"So you're saying my discipline methods are completely wrong?" Robert said, "That's certainly talking freely."

Charley grinned, forgetting the threat hanging over him for a moment.

"Not completely wrong, Master," he said, "I know you believe in deterrence and that we're slaves to be punished."

Robert sat thoughtfully for a while. Charley just stood, feet apart and his hands behind his head as he waited nervously for his fate.

"Go and fetch Delta," Robert ordered, watching the turmoil showing on Charley's face as he realised that he had probably got Delta a punishment.

Delta thought the same when he arrived and Robert asked him about the steaks. He shot a look of anger and resentment at Charley as he confirmed the story.

"I promised you that I would never punish you for ignorance," Robert said. "My problem is, if I cut you some slack, how will I know that you're not taking advantage of me?"

No one spoke.

"Very well, Charley. Until tomorrow night you are in charge of discipline and I will not interfere unless you send a slave to me. I will speak to you after dinner tomorrow night and I will decide whether you have done your job. How does that sound?"

Charley swallowed and nodded nervously forgetting his manners.

"Delta. Tomorrow you will cook a meal for Charley and me. It's to be ready at half past seven. Plan accordingly. If it's not ready at that time I'll have an account of the problems you encountered. I don't expect Charley to have to tell me it was because of your misbehaviour. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master," Delta replied, still scared, "I'll do my best, I promise."

"Tomorrow, you can arrange to have the lawn mower taken away and serviced. I'll show you how. See that Alpha has plenty of other work to do. Now get out."

***

Slavery could be described as about loss; freedom, sense of self and a host of other things. Charley had just gained some things that he never had before; respect for his opinions, responsibility and someone who listened to him. As Delta and Foxtrot told the others what had happened he gained something else. Awe. He had stood up to their Master trying to protect them.

He was determined to keep what he had earned and got busy. It was dark outside and the rickshaw had been put away so he sent Alpha and Bravo for showers then set them to doing housework. He sent Delta to the kitchen to begin planning the meal before starting work cleaning the hall. Greatly daring he knocked on the library door where Robert was relaxing and when summoned and given permission to speak asked whether the vacuum cleaner being used in the hall would disturb Robert. Robert smiled and shook his head, hearing other sounds of activity around the house. He only called an end to the work when he was ready for bed.

Mornings began with a desperate rush to be up by six o'clock. A chime sounded at five minutes to and it was Charley's responsibility to see that the the hammocks had been packed and that all the boys were lined up in the shower room ready to begin the day. It was only when the boys were lined up that he could deactivate the alarm which was in the form of ear piercing sound bombs that were designed to disorientate intruders in burglar alarm systems. The first day the slaves had been slow and unresponsive, the alarm had been triggered and Charley had earned his first beating.

That second day, they had got the message and at the first chime there was a panicked scramble to get ready. Only Alpha was too slow and resentfully bent over the punishment horse while Charley administered six strokes of the cane. Bravo and Delta had little sympathy for him and would have held him down if necessary. They knew that if Robert was going to back off in some ways then they would have to fully accept alternatives. Charley sent Bravo and Delta off to prepare their breakfasts while Alpha attended to Echo. Maybe Delta and Bravo should have showered first for hygiene's sake but Charley needed to sort the crush and they slept in such close quarters he doubted that it made much difference. They would have to come back down and clean up before preparing Master's breakfast though.

Echo was still chained to the wall and was in a bad way. He hurt all over and slightly delirious through lack of sleep. Robert had ordered that everyone passing him should spank him and Charley could do little to help him.

When Charley got to the kitchen everything was in hand and he was able to talk to Bravo about an idea he had. It was unlikely that Delta, Echo or Foxtrot would ever get out of doors because of their duties so he planned that Bravo would give the slaves an hours physical training each day. As usual Alpha complained about being treated like a kid and all the work he had.

"If I can do it, then so can you," Charley had snapped, "Maybe you don't like being bossed around by a kid years younger than you but you'd like it even less if you were treated like Zulu. You saw the trouble he had with the driveway. We've all got to get used to being slaves. Bravo won't be allowed to wear trainers for ever."

"I don't see why he can wear trainers now and not the rest of us."

"He's got to drive Zulu on. He can't do it if his own feet are cut to shreds."

Alpha grumbled some more but he knew he had no choice other than to go along with the others. Charley decided that the training session be at eleven o'clock. It gave everyone a chance to get a morning's work done. Even Robert would be settled into his routine and Delta would be able to have his lunch ready by one o'clock.

When Alpha, Charley, Delta and Echo were lined up in front of Bravo, he was struck by the similarities between the boys. They ranged in age from eighteen to twelve. They were slim, well proportioned and their muscle development was good for their ages. Two cocks were cut and two uncut. Three were just a little bigger than average and one a little smaller. Nothing extreme, just a variety.

As the four boys began their exercises, Robert looked on distracted by the noise. Bravo had been a star athlete at school and took them through exercises his coach had taught him. It was a novel experience for them to be doing something by themselves and they had started off with some noisy chatter. At first Robert intended putting a stop to it but as they got into the swing of things, Robert could see it was a sensible idea.

Foxtrot had been in attendance ever since Robert had allocated jobs to his slaves. A bit of fresh air and exercise would be good for him, Robert decided so, much to the other slave's surprise, Foxtrot turned up to join them.

From the moment of enslavement the boys had been naked. It was a legal requirement intended to reinforce their status but they were used to being indoors where floors might be hard but relatively smooth. Charley intended that they be just as comfortable outside. They all tried the gravel drive but it was too much for them that first day but like Zulu they ran further along it each day.

Instead of constantly supervising his slaves as he had expected Robert found he had nothing to do so he turned to his computer and spent the day checking the stocks and shares in his portfolio with his broker.

Delta's efforts at cooking a meal proved disastrous. He had got over ambitious in his attempt to impress Robert and had tried a full cooked dinner. The steaks took far longer than he expected to cook and the vegetables either burned or were reduced to a soggy mess. In his panic he tried cooking the the steaks faster and had succeeded in charring the outside while leaving the centre almost raw.

He had managed to lay the table for the two diners and at half past seven Robert was seated at his place while Charley stood at his. Robert sent Foxtrot through to the kitchen to see what was happening. When he returned, he looked worried and could only say that there was something wrong.

Telling Charley to follow him, Robert stormed angrily off to investigate. They found the kitchen in a mess with the two plates of inedible food on the table with Delta sitting hunched up in a corner in tears.

Robert stood, uncertain how to deal with it.

"Get up! Stand in the proper position for your Master," Charley snapped and when Delta did not move he bent down, grabbed his ear and pulled.

"Master's waiting for his food, why aren't you cooking anything?

"I did," Delta wailed, "Look at it."

"Then why aren't you cooking something else?"

"Easy Charley," Robert said, "He's in no state to do anything."

"Master, please. You said I was in charge so this is my fault. Let me put it right."

Robert shrugged. "I'll wait in the dining room. I'd still like us to eat together. Are you sure you don't want me to order a take-away?"

"Quite sure, Master," Charley replied. His words were respectful but his tone implied utter contempt for the suggestion.

Once they were alone Charley said sharply, "Master trusted us and we're letting him down. Now cook something even if it's only a pizza then start clearing up. You should be ashamed for letting the Master see the kitchen in this state. Oh, and mince this lot up or something and add it to the slave's gruel. We shouldn't waste Master's food."

"What's the point…" Delta began before Charley slapped him hard across the face.

"Move it or I'll beat your arse raw. How long before dinner is ready?"

Delta seemed to be getting control of his body and the trembling had eased.

"I think it's forty minutes in the oven. No, it's less in the microwave I'll have to read the instructions.

"I'll tell Master he'll eat in less than hour. You can sort this out Delta, just concentrate."

Delta nodded as Charley left to report to Robert. He was sitting in an easy chair rather than waiting at the table. Charley stood respectfully in front of him explaining what he had done. Robert was quiet for a time then reached out and stroked Charley's leg. Charley jumped slightly at the touch but somehow was a little closer to Robert.

"Are you gay or straight?" Robert asked.

"Whatever my Master tells me to be, Master."

"OK! Before you were enslaved, did you prefer boys or girls?"

"Girls, Master."

"So you don't like me doing this?"

Charley stepped even closer, his cock stirring and beginning to straighten. "It feels wonderful, Master."

He was close enough for Robert to get his hand behind Charley and pull him even nearer. Charley responded by sitting on Robert's lap trying to cuddle up as close as possible.

Robert should have pushed him off, ready to punish him severely for his impudence. Instead he felt the boy's trembling body and wrapped his arms round him. The boys in his care were becoming individuals and human not criminals who deserved whatever they got.

"If you like girls why do you like me touching you so much?"

"Because I'm your slave and you can do what you like with me," Charley replied.

"That's a slave's reply," Robert said, "Tell me what you really meant."

"I did mean it," Charley paused, "I hate being a slave. Is that wrong?"

"I suppose that's the punishment. Wanting to be what you were."

"I don't want that. I hated that as well. You see me, Master."

"Pardon?"

"You see me, Master," Charley repeated, "You know I exist and can do things. I'm not a useless little kid to you."

"I'm still not sure what you're saying," Robert said.

"Like I said, I hate being a slave but if I have to be one then I'd rather be your slave than anyone else's and I want you to do anything you like with me because that's what being your slave means."

"So I can fuck you, beat you or torture you and in return I let you use your initiative to serve me better."

"I think so but it sounds weird when you put it like that. I don't want to get raped and tortured but I know that you think slavery is about deterrence and punishment. I'll take whatever you give me because I want to serve you."

Foxtrot was standing at his usual spot against the wall by the door enthralled by the scene being played out in front of him. He was disturbed by a timid knock and opened the door for Delta, who stood there, carrying a large tray with the pizzas on hot plates. He was still terrified and trembling so that the tray and plates rattled as he entered.

Charley made to stand up but Robert held him down. Instead he made Delta kneel and hold the the tray so that they could both reach it and told Foxtrot to slice the pizzas up then feed a slice to Delta.

"Does it taste all right? Robert asked. He sounded stern but there was a twinkle in his eyes.

"Yes sir," Delta replied, "I think I've done it right."

"Think? That's no good. Try a slice, Foxtrot and tell me what you think."

"It tastes fine to me, Master." Foxtrot said licking his fingers clean.

"Good! Then fetch that card table over so that Delta can put the tray on it then the pair of you get out. There's a lot of work to be done in the kitchen.

Gingerly obeying Robert's instruction to help himself the two ate in a companionable silence.

As they digested their food Robert thought it time to get back to business.

"Who do you think should be the punishment boy next week?" he asked.

"Do we have to have one, Master?" Charley asked, "It's either Alpha for being lazy or me for persuading you to trust Delta."

"Why not Alpha then?"

"Because Beta is more involved in training Zulu so who would tend the garden?"

"So, we let him get away with being lazy."

"No Master. I'd like to gag him straight after breakfast so that he can't come up with his excuses and have Echo and Foxtrot share in monitoring him and maybe even let them use a prod on him. That way he couldn't slack off if he thought he was out of sight and he'd hate being ordered around by a couple of kids."

Robert nodded. "That leaves you. You swore yesterday, countermanded your master's instructions in the kitchen and I didn't appreciate your tone when I offered to get a take-away."

"Yes Master. I suppose the punishment boy has to be me."

"No arguments?"

"I told you Master, I can deal with anything you do with me."

"Did you know that I had to sign an agreement which said I had to apply the principles of punishment, deterrence and training. You could all be taken away if I don't."

"Yes, Master. I understand."

"Go and find Bravo. Tell him to release Echo and get his circulation going again or whatever. I'll give him an hour. Then I want all six of you lined up in the cellar ready for me."

Charley reluctantly got off of Robert's lap and trotted off to obey. When Robert got to the cellar they were all dutifully lined up waiting for him. Echo's face was pinched and drawn and he looked close to tears.

Robert called Charley to him. For once he was reluctant to approach Robert and he was as surprised as the others when he turned the boy round pulling him close as he wrapped his arms across his chest.

"Charley is my favourite and I'm going to treat him better than the rest of you," Robert announced, "If you don't like it then remember that he has talked me out of having another punishment boy. I also approved of his exercise period so I'll also allow all of you a two hour fresh air period each day instead of the one you had today. Bravo will arrange activities for you. Any objections?"

No one spoke though the atmosphere lightened considerably and the younger boys grinned at Charley before they remembered that Robert was watching them.

Robert then made Charley repeat what he had said about punishing Alpha. Alpha's face clearly showed his resentment but Bravo nodded approvingly as did Foxtrot.

Finally Robert said, "Charley understands that if he fouls up then he has to be punished the same as the rest of you. As I said to him earlier, if I don't maintain standards of punishment and deterrence then you could all be taken away. He needs to be much more careful how he speaks to me and I'm going to give him his first reminder."

"Charley," Robert said moving his arms away, "Go and bend over the punishment horse and let Alpha strap you in."

Robert selected a heavy wooden paddle.

"Each one of you is going to give him six swats and he won't expect you to hold back, will you, Charley?"

"No Master, but I'd be grateful."

As the chuckles died down, Robert asked, "Grateful or not, will you ever hold back if you're giving a punishment?"

"No Master."

Robert looked the boys over seeing the eager look on Alpha's face. He had handled Charley far more roughly than necessary when tying him and was looking forward to his turn.

"We'll start with Foxtrot and work backwards to Alpha," he said, "His punishment starts tomorrow and he's already started to show us how he expects to treated."

Alpha looked less pleased at the prospect of beating Charley. He was naturally lazy and his parents tended to believe his excuses but now his efforts at just coasting along were landing him in real trouble and turning the boys against him.

Foxtrot was the youngest and weakest. He looked forward to beating Charley. He understood that he was a slave at Robert's mercy and it was clear that Charley was going to enforce discipline. Even if Foxtrot was grateful for the privileges Charley got for them all it was a chance to do it to Charley before Charley did it to him. He applied his strokes as hard as he could, making Charley gasp and cry out and leaving his arse red.

Echo was in no state to do anything much. After two days chained to a wall he his joints and muscles protested at the extra exercise. He did not really understand why he had to beat Charley and just went through the motions. Charley winced a few times but compared to the rest of the punishment, it was an easy ride.

So far Delta's day had been a complete disaster. He had convinced himself that he would be the next punishment boy and had been amazed to learn that Alpha had been the chief candidate. He remembered how Charley had pulled him off the floor by his ear and threatened to beat him. Charley was right though, he thought, I'm getting another chance. Unlike Foxtrot he did not want to hurt Charley but it had been made clear that he should not hold back. His strokes were hard making Charley really scream out loud and just able to hold back his tears.

After a successful football game, Bravo had gone with some team mates to a black brothel. They had only been able to afford the fees and deposits on a couple of girls between the six of them. The girls had been terrified before they had even started and six young studs, ramped up with adrenaline and testosterone had left them in crumpled heaps on the floor by the time the session was over. Bravo had calmed down by then and watched with some embarrassment as the girls were examined by a medic. He understood what it meant when writers described slaves as having dead, soulless eyes as he watched the girls enduring this final humiliation. He understood far more than the others what it would mean to be branded wild and undisciplined. Like the others he did not want to hurt Charley but if it was necessary for the sake of discipline then so be it. Charley screamed uncontrollably at his first blow struggling to escape his bonds He continued to scream as he lost control of his bladder. His arse was raw and bruised and he would be in pain for several days by the time Bravo had finished.

Alpha was the only one to visibly hold back. Charley screamed as his blows landed but they were not hard considering he was the oldest. Instead of gaining sympathy he felt contempt from the others as he released Charley. They assumed he was hoping that Charley would go easier on him in return.

Charley staggered and cried out in pain as the movement tortured his body still further. When he had recovered enough Robert made Charley stand in the proper position with his hands behind his head and made him explain the various jobs that would need doing tomorrow before calling Charley over to him.

He hugged the boy kissing him on the forehead as he slumped into Robert wrapping his arms round his master.

"Bravo! Charley is coming to bed with me tonight and you're in charge until I'm finished with him," Robert said, "Come on, Foxtrot."

With Charley still clinging to him Robert headed for his bedroom, telling Foxtrot he could sleep in the hallway until he was needed.

Once the door was safely shut behind him and Foxtrot, Robert asked, "Are you still willing to do anything to serve me?"

Charley burst into tears.

"Am I really your favourite, Master?"

"Definitely."

"Then I want to be the best slave ever."

Robert lay down on the bed and indicated that Charley should join him. He should not have been surprised when Charley snuggled into him wrapping arm and legs around him.

"I assume that you've never been fucked, "Robert asked.

"No, Master," Charley replied.

"Pity. I'll have to stretch you for a few days first."

"Why, Master? If you want to fuck me you just do it."

"It'll hurt, badly."

Contrary to popular fiction, slaves fetch more if they are 'sold as new'. Even experiences when they were free citizens could devalue a new slave. In the case of a girl a 'good hymen' could triple her value, in the case of a boy, his anus. Charley was a virgin.

Robert saw the offended look that appeared on Charley's face. He was a little overwhelmed by the boy's desire to soak up every scrap of affection he offered and his determination to earn more.

Maybe that was why Robert was so drawn to him, his ability to give and take. It was strange but he could hurt the boy by being too soft.

"Maybe I should tie you to the bed and gag you," Robert said, "Then I'll just use you."

"Yes Master," Charley replied offering his arms with his wrists crossed.

With slaves being naked all the time, Robert was used to seeing boys with erections. He even preferred Zulu to sport one all the time he was hauling the rickshaw. Except for Echo who was still weak from his ordeal and Delta who was still stressed from the disasters of the day the other boys had got very erect while punishing Charley. Now Charley, himself was fully erect, his pole rigid and unyielding.

Robert gave up. His own cock was straining against his underwear but he had been holding back, fearful of overwhelming the boy beside him. He knew that he was confusing Charley with a free boy but he could not help it. Looking back, it was the start of the deep love he would come to feel for the boy.

He handcuffed Charley then attached the cuffs to the head of the bed. Furniture was often designed with slaves in mind so there were often suitable fixings discretely added. Charley was lying on his back, arching his legs slightly to take the weight off his backside with his hands secured above his head and his body fully available to Robert. Robert emphasised this point by slapping down hard across Charley's navel.

Charley let out a loud 'oomph' around the gag that Robert had fitted and he collapsed down onto the bed. Even the soft duvet cover rubbed against his raw backside like sandpaper. As Robert knelt across him pushing him down further into the bed he winced at the increased pressure on his buttocks.

Robert was still dressed. At his age he had to pace himself and he intended on a long night so he lay back down for a time, on his side, head propped up by his hand gently playing with Charley's cock. It had been impressed upon Charley since his enslavement that he did not cum without permission and Robert was taking him closer to the edge, almost without meaning to. It was partly true but he was also thinking about the best way to handle the boy. By rights he should crush his slave so that he never challenged his master again. He could not do that but he had to teach him a lesson. As he lay there watching Charley's increasingly desperate efforts to keep control an idea formed and he just kept on stroking. It did not take long for Charley to lose his battle and his body convulsed and bucked and streams of white cream shot over his chest and face. Robert acted as if he had not noticed and continued stroking the over sensitive cock. Charley's muscles contracted trying to curl him up into a ball to escape the torment. Robert flipped a leg over Charley's legs holding them down and continued stroking.

Charley was in turmoil. In spite of his desire to be a good slave he had failed to control his body and deserved to be punished yet Robert was ignoring him. Apart from the incessant stroking of his cock, that is. If he was not careful he was going to cum again and soon. Robert was twisting him into knots and not even thinking about it.

It took longer but he came again convulsing and writhing trying to escape the remorseless stimulation of his cock. It was torture through pleasure and Robert could see the effect it was having on Charley. Robert called Foxtrot in and made him straddle Charley's leg before taking over the gentle pumping.

Robert left them to it, getting ready for bed then laying down again, picking up a book to read. He managed a couple of chapters before he was distracted by the bed bouncing.

"Keep still," he snapped stretching across to slap Charley's stomach. He was too late of course and his hand was covered in cum. Finally his cock was at rest as Robert had Foxtrot lick his hand clean and fetch a towel.

Charley was in despair. He had failed to prove that he could serve his master and please him but what was worse, Robert was acting as if Charley was not there. Robert could see the misery in Charley's eyes and was satisfied. Charley would have seen physical pain as a dare, refusing to give in until there was the risk of real injury. Insulting his master by getting his hand covered in his slave's cum hurt him far more.

Robert's own member was rigid and he was close to cumming as he imagined picking up his belt and laying into Charley's stomach, thighs and and cock, watching Charley scream into his gag as the welts appeared across his body. Instead he got up, twisted Charley over onto his stomach then round so that he he was kneeling on the floor, his hands pulled over the bed to the fixing point.

He lay down again calling Foxtrot over to him so that he could play with the slave's balls and finger his hole.

"Have you been doing those exercises?" Robert asked.

"Oh yes, Master." Foxtrot replied, "I can get four fingers and my thumb in now, but it still hurts."

"You'll have to live with that," Robert said, "but you've done well over the last couple of days. As a reward, you can fuck Charley. Quickly now because I'm ready for you."

It was the ultimate humiliation for Charley. Foxtrot did not have time for finesse. He was already hard from playing with Charley's cock. He pulled Charley's hips into position and thrust. Charley's yelp of pain gurgled around the gag but Foxtrot was already pumping in spasms as he came almost immediately. Foxtrot collapsed onto Charley's back briefly as he regained his breath then hurried round to attend to Robert.

As Foxtrot knelt across Robert lowering himself onto his master's manhood, Charley looked on, in tears. Foxtrot was obviously Robert's favourite, not him.

Foxtrot felt Roberts pubes brush his arse cheeks. It was hurting but not as badly as that first night and guided by Robert's hands rocked up and down until Robert began bucking. His finger nails dug into the boy's hips, drawing blood, as the emotion built up in him and the bucking turned into spasms as he shot his load deep into his slave.

Robert lay back exhausted, feeling his cock whither and slide out of Foxtrot. When he was recovered enough he headed for the bathroom to shower, telling Foxtrot to change the duvet cover. When he returned he sent Foxtrot to sleep in the hall again, got under the covers and went to sleep, leaving Charley miserable and too uncomfortable to rest.

He vaguely heard the six am. alarm go off and smiled to himself. Bravo had failed to get them up in time. Charley would be dealing with that though. He sat up, found the key and released Charley. As Robert stared at him Charley slowly straightened and put his hands behind his head. He looked as if he had been crying all night.

"The best slaves wait and obey their Master's commands without the slightest hesitation or thought for themselves," Robert said, "I need a steward who can help in running the house and I need a companion who I can talk to. Of course, he must remember the punishment and deterrence aspects of his situation but he needs to be more than a just a mere slave. Do you understand?"

With the gag still in his mouth Charley could only nod.

"If you want to be the best slave ever go and stand against that wall until I'm ready to continue your training. If you'd rather be the other get rid of that gag and come and lay down."

Charley needed no second bidding and was soon spooned up against his master.

"Did Foxtrot's prick hurt you?" Robert asked.

"Yes, it did, Master," Charley replied vehemently.

"So, are you ready for mine?"

"No, Master. I'm sorry if I'm letting you down."

"You were being cheeky and challenging me to break you, if I could. Do you think that I can now?"

Charley shuddered. "Oh yes, Master. I won't do it again."

"Then go to sleep. We'll have a lazy morning and let the others work."

Chapter 3
Bravo

Bravo was the younger son of wealthy, loving parents. He was an excellent scholar and a star athlete with football in the winter and track events in the summer. He was content with his prospects, expecting to go on to university to become a top lawyer like his father.

He had one weakness which caused his downfall, alcohol. He was not a drunk in that he needed a drink every day. He could go weeks without even wanting a drink especially when he was in training but when he won an event he would celebrate as hard as he worked. If drink was involved, once he started, he could not stop. His team mates and friends understood this and looked for other ways of celebrating, like the trip to the brothel but sometimes they slipped up.

The first time he had been arrested after he had slipped away from a party and had staggered as far as the High Street before collapsing in the middle of the road. The police had picked him up and he earned his first warning notice.

It was five months before anything happened again. This time he had felt like celebrating alone and bought a couple of bottles of whisky and had hidden himself in some trees in the local park. The police were called when someone heard his drunken singing. When they arrived he insisted that he was sober and tried to prove it by throwing an empty bottle at a lamp post. Even if his aim had been accurate the police would not have been very impressed with his demonstration. He spent another night in the cells and got his second warning.

He managed to stay sober for six months this time and if he had managed another month the first warning would have expired but someone had joined the team who did not know about his problem and he was caught demonstrating how to jump hurdles using waste bins. Again his demonstration had failed miserably and he had left a trail of rubbish from upturned bins. It was his third night in the cells and there were no more warnings.

The following morning he was in court and the trial was over almost before his parents knew that he had been arrested again. Not that it would have made much difference. The independent doctor's report confirmed that he was drunk in a public place, a witness statement confirmed his behaviour and it was his third similar offence in a year. The only sentence was enslavement.

Bravo did not know that his father had employed the full resources of his law firm to find grounds for appeal and there were none. The CCTV footage of the incident and the trial were irrefutable.

Like many new slaves he spent his time at the slave market in shock. He only slowly came to understand that he was not a child and the adults were not going to sort it out.

He was dimly aware that he was in the 'bargain basement' category of slaves. Boys sold for sex are usually too old at fifteen let alone his seventeen years. His intelligence and athletic body also counted against him. Householders did not want a slave who were cleverer than them or who physically intimidated them. Slaves who were not shifted quickly ended up in the black brothels.

It was a relief when he was shipped off to Robert's home. The first full day was terrible. He was hungry and scared of being the punishment boy like Echo. Robert seemed to be everywhere, finding fault and as a result punishing Charley who in his turn, became more and more ready to use his own cane.

He was lucky in that he was out of mainstream, training Zulu but he still managed a couple stripes across his back.

That evening when he had crawled into his hammock he heard how Charley had spoken up for them all.

Charley had accepted all their thanks before saying, "Yes, but it means we've got to get it right. If you do anything wrong, I've got to punish you."

"No squirt like you is ordering me around," Alpha had snapped, "and you'd better watch it if you think you're going to cane me again."

"Oh, he'll order you around," Bravo had hissed, "He'll tie you to a post and flog you if he has to. He'll do it to me as well. You saw what it was like today. Only Charley can make our lives better so we'd better work with him."

They were all exhausted. The discussion tailed off and they were soon fell asleep. The following day was better. He enjoyed running the physical training hour and Zulu was doing well. There was not much time to build up his stamina but there was a little improvement during the first week and his coordination improved. He made Zulu work with the rickshaw so that he wasted less energy fighting it. If he was ordered to stop, Zulu would try to stop at once so that the rickshaw's momentum pushed him forward. Bravo exercised him so that he slowed down steadily and under control.

He tried to organise a program for the two hour P.T. period but in the end approached Charley to see if he could split it into morning and afternoon sessions. He noticed that Charley agreed without even consulting Robert.

A couple of days before Zulu's first trip into town Charley had called him over to speak with him. He stood respectfully in front of Charley with his hands behind his head. He had started to do it after the argument in the hammocks whenever they were working and he called Charley, sir. At mealtimes, in the hammocks or when they had a rare chance to relax he did not bother. This time it was business.

"Master Robert is going to start some projects to keep himself occupied," Charley said, "I think he may need a courier and a messenger. Step up your own training so that you can do it. You can also go into town with him when there's shopping to be carried. He can't take the rickshaw into shops or the mall."

"I'll have to be registered. Are you sure it's a good idea, sir?"

"He has to put us on display somehow. It's part of the punishment and deterrence thing. You'll be the best one to do it. How did you know about the registration thing?"

"My father's lawyer and I was going to be one too, sir."

"Maybe you can help Master Robert. I'll tell him."

"And about the courier thing as well, sir?"

"OK! What's the problem?" Charley asked and seeing Bravo's reluctance, continued, "Don't do an Alpha on me and say I'm just a stupid kid."

Bravo still hesitated, looking embarrassed before replying, "I'm scared of bumping into my parents, sir. I was enslaved so quickly, I never had a chance to say goodbye or sorry for letting them down."

"Master Robert would say that it is part of the punishment but it would be just as bad for your parents so I'll mention it to him. Anything else?"

"No sir."

As gently as he could Charley finished the conversation with, "He'll look at it from your parents side of it but if it's easy on them it'll probably be easier for you."

Robert had been delighted with how Charley had taken over the running of the house. He had been involved in an amateur operatic society before his lottery win and now he had time to do even more. He was less confident that the slavery laws were fair and wanted to start looking into it.

When Robert had the files deleted at slave market, only the public records had been wiped. Bravo's father could not go on-line for example and find out who owned his son. The most the slave market would tell him was the day his records were deleted and which buyers were recorded at the time. Bravo's father had not made any attempt to find his son's new owner because he was scared of what he may find. He knew of the difficulty in selling Bravo and dreaded the discovery that he had been sold to a black brothel.

Bravo did not hear anything more about Charley's plans until the day after Zulu's trip into town when he was summoned to Robert's office. He stood in front of Robert's desk beside Charley. They stood at present with their arms behind their head, feet apart.

"I met Zulu's brother in town, yesterday," Robert said, "At least he used to be Zulu's brother. He found it useful to be with Zulu. I also met a friend of Delta. He wants a chance to say goodbye. I'll probably let him visit so I can see some benefits in letting you see your parents if they wish. I like Charley's ideas about you and I think you'll be a credit to me. I agree it could upset them if they met you by accident so I think I'll phone your father's office and see how he wants to do this. What do you say? Speak frankly."

"Please, Master. I don't think I can face them," Bravo replied almost in tears, "I'd rather be locked away somewhere."

"If they want to see to see you, I don't think it would be to tell you off," Robert said, "They'll want to see you because they still love you but they're entitled to try to come to terms with what's happened in their own way."

Bravo stayed silent and Robert dismissed him. Bravo's old family name was Hamilton-Reilly. Robert phoned his office phoned the office and was blocked by the receptionist until he explained why he was calling and was then put through immediately. Mr. Hamilton-Reilly was in tears by the time Robert had explained the purpose of his call.

"Thank you so much for your concern." Mr Hamilton-Reilly said, "Of course I'd love to see him. Thank you for looking after him so well. If you email his ID Number my office will organise his Mobility Registration, it's the least I can do. Could I see him first at my office. Maybe after that you could come to dinner and meet my wife. You could bring Craig as your attendant. Please consider it. Would you excuse me now. I must ring my wife.

He paused. "I'm sorry This is so rude but I must tell her. Please tell Craig I love him. Thank you so much."

Robert happened to glance at Golf and saw him in tears.

"Come here Foxtrot," he paused, "I mean Golf."

It was one of his ideas that had failed. Renaming slaves was not a good idea. He had to remember now that it was Golf who acted as his attendant, it was Foxtrot who had spent a couple of days chained to the wall and that Echo was the new boy. The idea of showing the boys that they did not even own their names had seemed like a good one but now that the boys had become individuals and not just his slaves even he found it confusing.

While Golf stood sobbing beside him Robert put his hand round his waist and gently asked him what was wrong. He had been arrested at school and had never seen his parents again. Robert glanced at Charley who silently mouthed, Cuddle him.

When Mr Hamilton-Reilly phoned back half an hour later Golf was still on Robert's lap and Charley was standing beside them with his arm protectively round Robert's shoulders. On Robert's order both boys scurried back to their proper positions.

When Mr Hamilton-Reilly mentioned the dinner party again Robert said, "I'd love to come but there's something I'd like to discuss with you first. If I sent Bravo, I mean Craig to your office and we scheduled an appointment for an hour later, would that be convenient.

"Yes, of course. Anything I can do, please let me know. I see you rename your slaves, but why Bravo?"

As Robert explained Mr Hamilton-Reilly replied, "It's a good idea, a lot better than zero zero one, zero zero two like some people do. I'll have to remember not to call him Craig from now on."

***

After his experiences the first night he slept with Robert, Charley had insisted that all the boys be ready to be fucked. He also insisted that they jerk off before their morning shower. Bravo was always in charge in Charley's absence and he been embarrassed about enforcing the command. Free boys might think it fun to circle jerk, but jacking off to order was another loss of what little dignity they had left.

Charley talked to Bravo about his impending trip. It would be the first time he would be seen naked in public, the first time he would be alone without someone telling him what to do since his enslavement and on top of that he had to face his father.

"You're going to have to do it," Charley had said, "Some of it is part of your punishment like I said before. You wouldn't be doing this if Master Robert didn't trust you."

Seeing that he was not helping he continued, "Master Robert worries about all the mistakes he makes handling us. He thinks we could be taken from him and disposed of."

"I've seen other slave owners. He's a good owner, you're a good overseer and we're lucky to be here. It's not easy for any of us and…"

Bravo trailed off.

"You win. It's not meant to be easy, is it?" he said with a grin, "You must have felt bad being caned again."

Charley shrugged. "It was my fault. The law doesn't allow him to have favourites. That's strictly for the bedroom. I was going to tell you later but you're sleeping with him tonight. I'll be in the slave quarters for a day."

"Ouch! That must be difficult for you," Bravo said.

"I don't like it but we've talked it over," Charley replied, "It's part of my punishment to be reminded that I'm just a slave. How does the law go? We can be inspected and if the discipline is deemed inadequate we can be sold on. It'll look better"

Charley slept with Robert every night. Golf or Foxtrot slept just outside their door in case he was needed. Sometimes when he was summoned, Charley would be tied to the bed and Robert would watch as the boy straddled Charley and bore down on his manhood. Sometimes he knelt between Robert and Charley jerking them off and at other times he would wakened by the happy noises of two people happily making out together.

Robert never fucked Charley. That was for Golf and Foxtrot. Sometimes Charley fucked them as well and sometimes when Charley was tied to the bed and enduring a beating or some gentle torture, Robert would kneel across him and guide Charley's manhood up into him.

The fact that Robert never fucked Charley is what convinced him that he was special. Charley gave his body, freely, in every other way. If Robert tortured him so that he screamed in agony, then afterwards, Charley would curl up contentedly next to Robert and go to sleep. He would take Robert's cock into his mouth until his throat was raw and then kiss Robert and demand Robert wrap his arms round him and hold him. He'd watch, stroking his cock, as Robert penetrated Golf or Foxtrot before they were dismissed to go back to sleep on the hall floor while Robert and Charley went to sleep in each other's arms.

They woke in the morning when their attendant brought Robert his coffee. Delta put a glass of water on the tray for Charley. When no one protested he added orange juice. He was in charge of the kitchen. Most afternoons Robert would join him there and show him how to prepare new dishes. Delta got his own cuddles from Robert when things were going well. He earned a few canings when Charley thought he was slacking and sometimes it would be him and Robert giggling foolishly when something went wrong.

Charley ate dinner with Robert standing at the table while Robert sat.

Bravo did not mind Charley's treatment. It was difficult taking orders from a boy two years his junior but so far he had escaped any major punishment since the first day.

What Bravo noticed more than anything was the laughter. He had visited slave owners and their houses smelt of fear. Even if the free citizens were enjoying a huge joke, Bravo, or Craig as he was then would glance at a slave and see the frightened look because he had been noticed. If it had not been for Charley, this house would have been like it so Charley was entitled to his treats.

Bravo was aware of all this as he contemplated his night. He would probably be sleeping on the floor once Robert had finished with him and if he was not released before Delta started preparing Robert's breakfast, he would go hungry and thirsty until Delta had time to sort something out.

Bravo was wrong about his treatment. He was used, certainly, as he knelt on all fours and felt Robert enter him. It hurt a little and Robert did not care as he drove in with long, relentless strokes, gradually gaining pace until his seed pumped deep into Bravo. It was Bravo's first experience with another man and ever since his enslavement he had been psyching himself up ready to be left ripped, bleeding, in agony and feeling worthless.

Instead he was just a little sore, flattered by Robert's compliments and definitely turned on by all the strange sensations. He had always assumed that he was straight. Now he was not so sure unless he was just adapting to being a slave.

They chatted as Robert wound down. When Robert seemed to be ready for sleep he turned over and turned the table lamp off saying that Bravo could jerk off if he wanted to before he went to sleep.

It left Bravo thoroughly deflated. Robert had been kinder to him than he expected but Robert's behaviour had also made it clear that he was a slave, only in there to serve his Master. It did not stop him being a horny teenager and he began working on his cock. As his jerking became more intense, Robert suddenly turned over and knocked his hand away. He slapped Bravo's rigid manhood a couple of times just hard enough to bring him back from the edge.

"Get under the covers," Robert snapped, "You're not cumming tonight."

Bravo was almost trembling as he calmed his frazzled emotions and obeyed.

"Disappointed?" Robert asked.

"Yes, Master," replied Bravo.

"If you were freed would you be able to handle alcohol?"

"I don't know, Master. Bravo replied, trying to grapple with the change of subject. "I don't really know why it happened before. It just did."

"If I gave you your freedom you could end up drunk again. It would mean you would automatically be disposed of and my competency as a slave owner would be reviewed. Is that right?"

"Yes Master."

"I can't consider your freedom until your problem with drinking is sorted. Do you agree."

"Yes Master."

"I think that one or two of the other boys have been unfairly enslaved and should be freed and I want to look into it. The problem is I don't want the other slaves to know that I'm even thinking about it. It would get their hopes up and it might not happen. You just found out how that feels just now, didn't you?"

"Yes Master and I'll get a chance to cum sooner or later. They would lose all hope," Bravo thought for a moment, "Slave owners don't like the idea of slaves having any rights or hopes. They say it makes them restless so it would make you unpopular if you looked into it."

"They would probably want my competency examined but I'm more worried about Charley finding out. He was stitched up by his father and the authorities and he's one of the boys I'm thinking about."

"Yes Master. I know Charley's story and I agree with you. How can I help?"

"I'm ordering you to forget this conversation. You are not to pick up that piece of paper on the table and memorise the user name and password on it and you will certainly not sneak around at night doing research into how to free slaves. You won't do it at other times if you think you have the chance."

"Yes Master, and I won't be punished if I'm caught."

"Yes you will," Robert replied, "You'll be punished severely. The ironic thing is, you'll be punished by the boy you're trying to help. I'll see you right when we're done but the worst that can happen is that Charley wonders why you're behaving so badly."

"I still don't want to see my father but if you make me and it's OK, can I ask him for help?"

"I'm thinking mainly of Charley and Echo. Foxtrot is too much of a slut, Alpha, Delta and Golf stand no chance at the moment. . Do your research and we'll take it from there. Remember though, no promises."

Bravo leant across and kissed Robert.

"Thank you, Master. I'll do my best. You're right about Foxtrot. It was lucky he drew the black ball. I think he may have enjoyed being punishment boy."

"It wasn't luck," Robert chuckled, "I'd read your files before you arrived."

They fell asleep not long after. Bravo was awake just before six. He memorised the paper then headed for the cellar, arriving just in time. It was the first time that all seven slaves were together as they helped each other wank themselves dry. They showered ready to start the day.

Charley was working for Alpha that day. Not even Alpha would molest the Master's favourite but even so Charley did ninety per cent of the work and still earned a few blows for being 'lazy'. Bravo wanted to intervene but could not. Charley either worked for Alpha in the garden or Echo who was responsible for the house along with Foxtrot or Golf depending on who was attending Robert.

Mr Hamilton-Reilly was in court for the next few days. He planned on having a free day when his son arrived but it was a complicated case and he could not hand it over. There was also a slight delay over Bravo's Mobility Registration because he had only been enslaved for a short time. The authorities wanted to know how he had proved himself reliable so quickly but Mr. Hamilton-Reilly's office quickly sorted it out.

The delay gave Bravo a chance to begin his undercover work. Each evening when everyone else was in bed Bravo would sneak into Robert's office and begin his research. There was a file where they passed information to each other and there was another file where they compiled the information. The rest of the files were saved web pages.

Bravo placed all the documents in a folder and began to fill the browser bookmarks with gay sites. Downloading pictures and video clips almost at random. He concentrated on the work at hand but he had a cover story for sneaking onto the computer. Robert approved the idea and the whole scheme worked well. In a family of lawyers the youngest son had to have picked up some knowledge which now proved invaluable.

On the the day of the meeting, Bravo was so nervous he was scarcely able to jerk off let alone eat breakfast, both unusual events for a teenager. Charley went with him as far as the gate and taking a deep breath Bravo set off.

It helped that the lane was deserted and the sense of freedom began to revive his spirits and his cock. He was a good looking young man, fitter and healthier than he had ever been. The sun was shining and casting shadows which highlighted his muscles. His cock grew from his hairless groin, pointing the way ahead. It embarrassed him at first then chuckled to himself when he thought what Charley would say.

"It's part of the punishment," he told the cows in the field he was passing.

His embarrassment returned as the roads got busier. A slave acting as a messenger was rare but not remarkable so he was aware of people looking at him. He was also aware that he was recognised. They did not live in a large city and it was rare to go out without seeing someone you knew.

He was stopped by a policeman near the town centre. He had to stand in the usual position, with his hands behind his head while the officer read the chip implant then examined his travel order. Bravo wore an armband with the permit tucked into it. The officer had recognised him but had not seen him acting as a messenger before so he had to check.

The worst part for Bravo was that, apart from a couple of terse commands, the policeman ignored him though he seemed willing to chat to his colleague and other passers by. Bravo had seen a slave searched after being insolent to a policemen. He did not want the indignity of having his ears, nose, mouth and anus checked for contraband in public so he kept still, looking ahead and not speaking unless asked a question.

"What are doing here, boy?" the officer asked.

"Reporting to the office of Mr Hamilton-Reilly, sir," Bravo replied.

"You call your betters, Master. What are you doing here, boy? the Officer asked again.

"My master's orders are that only he should be called Master. I know that other free citizens are my betters, sir but they should be called sir. Are you ordering me to disobey my Master, sir?"

Bravo had kept his tone respectful but the Officer was standing to one side and Bravo could not see his reaction. Bravo yelped as the policeman struck him across the back of his thighs.

"I ask the questions and you answer. Get going."

As Bravo jogged off, the policeman said to his colleague, "The boy's been well trained and in a short time. He was right not to call me Master and he didn't protest when I struck him."

"Won't his owner complain. He may not have wanted him marked."

"Don't they teach you anything in the training school. I have a duty to check discipline and he passed. That's more important. I won't need to stop him again."

While the policeman was explaining basic procedures to his rookie colleague Bravo had reached his father's office. Bravo had been a frequent visitor before his enslavement so the receptionist knew him. It was an uncomfortable moment for them both as he stood respectfully in front of her waiting for permission to speak while she was unsure how to address him. She was also more than a little affected by his beautiful body.

In the end, neither one spoke. She handed him a visitors badge and waved him past, before ringing through to say he was on his way. Bravo hesitated, unsure what to do with the badge until he clipped it to the armband.

He knew the way to his father's office but it was not an easy walk as he passed other members of staff that he knew. Each time there was an awkward silence. Bravo waited for permission to speak and the other person was uncomfortable seeing the bosses son as a slave.

When Bravo entered his father's office he found him already crossing the floor to greet him. They fell into each other's arms crying and laughing at the same time. For a time they just stood there holding each other.

"There's a dressing gown in the bathroom, Craig. Grab it and we'll sit over there." Mr Hamilton-Reilly said indicating a couple of large armchairs, "What would you like to drink?"

Bravo's father waited as the boy hesitated.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm not supposed to forget I'm a slave, sir," Bravo replied, "Master Robert is trusting me to behave properly."

"Yes. I see." Mr Hamilton-Reilly said, "I was always proud of you, you know. You're still making me proud. Does Mr. Smith ever let his slaves talk freely?"

"Oh yes sir. You should hear him and Delta when they're cooking."

"But you can't relax with him. Can you at least put your hands down and stand by the fireplace or something? At least I can sit down."

Once he was settled he began asking Bravo about his new life before filling him in with the family news. They relaxed enough for Bravo to drop his guard and lean against the wall. When his father wanted a coffee, he insisted on serving it. He finally gave in to his father's requests and poured himself an orange juice.

They only stopped chatting when an office junior showed Robert in and made the introductions.

"Call me Ray," Mr Hamilton-Reilly said, It's short for Raymond but only my wife calls me that when she's annoyed about something. Thank you so much allowing me to talk to Craig. It's such a relief to now that he's so well."

Bravo/Craig had straightened himself and was standing in the proper position. Robert glanced at him and glared at the nearly empty glass of juice. Ray saw Robert's look.

"I'm terribly sorry but I tried to fuss over him," Ray said, "He really did behave like a slave should."

Robert smiled, "I'm not worried about that. Turn round, boy."

As Bravo turned revealing the welt across his thighs Robert asked, "How did you earn that?"

Bravo described the incident with policeman and finished by handing Robert a card that the policeman had tucked into his armband. While Robert phoned the policeman, Ray hovered angrily over him ready to begin every kind of legal proceedings he could think of.

"It was just a discipline test," Robert said, "It seems Bravo passed with flying colours and it's recorded that I can let him into town whenever I like."

"Robert, I know he's your slave but I'm proud of my son and the way he's coped with enslavement. Now can you explain this extraordinary subterfuge you've got him involved with. Why are you trying to get him punished?"

"Could he wait outside for a moment, please? I'd like to speak to you in private," Robert replied.

Once Bravo was in the corridor Ray said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't interfere. That was very rude of me."

"Let's stop trying to be polite. I don't want to get any of the boys hopes up and I'd prefer it if they think he was sneaking around looking at porn. He knows how to dig around the law sites far better than me so it's really useful."

Robert continued, "What he doesn't know is that I'm thinking about his freedom. I've got eight slaves including the rickshaw. For half of them I think a lifetime of slavery is over the top and your son is in that group. One of them should never have been enslaved in the first place.

Robert waited as Ray handed him a drink. "Your son, Bravo not Craig please, focuses for a time then drops his guard. I can't free him until he can stay focused enough not to go begin drinking again. Until I can figure a better training program I'm going to put him in situations where he's in real trouble if he makes a mistake. It'll be as unpleasant as I can make it for him when he does foul up. When he is with you, you can put him in clothes and sit him down to dinner if you wish but I don't think it would help him."

"Will this plan of yours work?" Ray asked.

"I don't know," Robert replied, "If you've got a better idea then I'm listening."

"No, I haven't and even if you can't free… er… Bravo then I'm grateful that you tried. I'll give you my full support to free any of your slaves."

Bravo warily entered the room when he was called. Something had changed. Robert and his father were more comfortable with each other and he was now definitely the servant. The two men were sitting comfortably in the armchairs while he stood respectfully until he was spoken to.

"Do you mind if I give my standard speech before we start," Ray said, "I think you have a fairly wide knowledge but it would help if we started with the basics."

With Robert's approval he began.

"Not many people realise that there is only one law covering enslavement. It enables a panel of judges to produce a set of rules and regulations covering the treatment of young offenders, vagrants and the like. Each Judge is responsible for a different aspect of the regulations. At the time everyone knew that the trend was towards slavery and harsher penalties. There was terrific resistance to the concept and the government introduced the Judges Rules and Regulations as a way of bringing a degree of flexibility to youth care that would prevent excesses. It sounded good especially since the Judges Panel could intervene in individual cases.

"As an exercise in fairness, it was a disastrous mistake. The first thing they did was to enable themselves to appoint experts onto the panel. It was a good idea except that it was an extremely right wing, 'hang 'em and flog 'em' type of government which put tremendous pressure on the panel to appoint like-minded experts. The sort of slavery we have now did not start overnight but developed as more and more draconian rules were introduced.

"The experts on the panel tended to be wannabe politicians who used the panel to promote their own interests or profession rather than provide a sensible program. Now you've said half your slaves don't deserve life sentences. That will be be taken as a criticism of their work and they'll be out to discredit you.

"A psychologist on the panel added his opinion that after five years a slave would be too institutionalised to cope as a free citizen while an expert on crime says that you need a minimum of ten years enslavement to have an adequate deterrence effect. We'll have to come to that when we get down to business but did you know that slaves are naked to prevent unwanted pregnancies?"

"Say that again," Robert said.

"No, you heard. Young females slaves could be a target for the red blooded sons of the family. It makes them less attractive if they're degraded and made to look as if they're available to anyone.

"That was one expert's opinion and the moral element made the idea more acceptable. The panel was also concerned that a free citizen could talk to a slave and not realise it so they also considered a collar or a uniform. Branding and permanent marks were ruled out because the disfigurement could devalue them. So keeping them naked is not only to improve morality, it provides a cheap uniform. Removing body hair was for hygiene and I would think that it's only a matter of time before the hair on their heads or the length of their nails are regulated in some way.

"Every so often the government tries to deal with the squabbling and so they unite and claim that they have reformed. However they agree on something that is trivial and preferably ridiculous. The nudity issue is a prime example. They justify it on the grounds that they have to try everything to reduce problems with youthful behaviour but the government backs off before the real controversy starts. It can make a fool of itself without the panel's help.

"It's been going on for sixty years now, experts name their own successor and if a new boy tries to change the system the rest just marginalise him. If a serious campaign for reform starts, the papers fill up with reports about teenage yobs and hooligans and youth related crime. Then the government is on the panel's side as it helps to fight crime.

"Whatever the rights and wrongs of your slave's case. That's what you'll be fighting."

Robert was quiet for a minute.

"Bravo tried saying something similar," he said, "but I thought he was exaggerating."

"He can't exaggerate. It's always worse than you expect," Ray said, "Let's break for lunch then look at the rules in more detail. I'm afraid it's raining but there's a nice little bistro a few doors down so it won't be too bad or we could order something in. They'll be busy because of the weather so it could take some time."

"We could send Bravo. It's what he's got his permit for. Robert said.

"Yes of course," Ray paused. He had to get used to his son being a slave and use him like one. "If you've no objections, I'll get reception to ring round for any other orders and he can get the lot. There's a shed at the back of these offices. He could put the rickshaw in there and while we're eating, dry the seat for you."

"That sounds good to me," Robert replied.

After Bravo had left, Ray asked, "I'm trying to think of him as a slave but was that a good idea? He knows a lot of my staff. It's not going to be easy for him, is it?"

"Let him deal with it," Robert said, "I'd like him to be part of the discussions this afternoon. I'll order him to speak freely if you've no objections."

While the two men planned the afternoon Bravo reported back to reception. He had to wait while the receptionist made her calls. She was more relaxed about him now and openly ogled him. Many members of staff chose to bring their orders to reception so that they had a chance to look him over as well. The attention caused his cock to swell causing a few giggles and a couple of the girls and one young man managed to walk past him close enough to accidentally brush against his manhood.

He was thoroughly aroused when it was time to go, red in the face with embarrassment and humiliation as his father's staff saw him in his new circumstances. Now he had to face the passers by in the street. He need not have worried because as the cold rain struck his body, his cock collapsed and he sprinted to the bistro just to keep warm.

When he returned he was not allowed past reception because of the water dripping off of him. The receptionist had got over her discomfort and knew how to handle slaves. Zulu was shivering and grateful for the chance to move as Bravo led him round the back and into the shed.

It was another humiliation as he stood at the back door while a staff member handed him some rags and paper towels. Once he was satisfied with the seat he made Zulu do some exercises, joining in with him to keep warm. It helped shake the excess water off and when he was called back into the office he dried himself further with a rag he had held back.

Chapter 4
Punishing Charley

A young clerk was present for the afternoon session. His job was to take notes for Ray and to fetch any reference books they might need.

While Ray and Robert sat in the easy chairs, the clerk, John, sat on an office chair while Bravo knelt on the floor.

"Normally John would be expected to sit back and listen to his betters," Ray grinned, "but since Bravo has done some work on this and he is allowed to talk freely, perhaps I can extend the same courtesy to John. His brother was enslaved and disposed of, so he does have an interest."

Robert nodded.

"Have you studied the notes, John?" Ray asked.

"Yes sir," he replied, "It would seem that Charley has grounds for appeal. The neighbour felt pressured by the boy's father into pursuing a criminal case. He agreed that the incident was an accident and a civil matter. One problem is that slaves have no rights and it would be for his Master to appeal which is why they are so rare. The other problem is, what would happen to him if he was freed. Without any way of supporting himself it would be impossible. You need to find a guardian and for a teenage boy the guardian would have to be a man under forty five.

"The other three cases, unnamed at this stage, were properly convicted and sentenced so come up against the age conflict. Unfit to be released after five years and kept enslaved for a minimum of ten years."

I think you need to look up the requirements for a guardian but otherwise a fair summary," Ray said.

"Thank you, sir," John replied, "I've seen mention of licences but I can't find any precedents or any real mention of them except in the JR&Rs from about twenty years ago. I've added the details to the notes."

"What are JR&Rs, sir?" Bravo asked.

"Legal shorthand for Rules and Regulation Issued by the Judiciary Panel Responsible for Youth Training, Control and Protection," John replied showing off his knowledge. "You referred to them as Judges Rules and Regs."

"What was that about the Guardian?" Robert asked.

"I'd have to check the exact wording but I think it says that a Guardian has to be physically capable of looking after the child. You may be able to show that ability by the way you handles your slaves. The neighbour had a daughter but she married ten years ago so he would be seen more like an indulgent grandfather than a strict parent."

"And licences, sir?" Bravo asked.

"I've never heard of them," Ray replied, "John?"

"Like I say, I came across a reference to them and I got the impression that slaves could be licensed to live as free men. Presumably the owner or the authorities could revoke the license at any moment and without any sort of hearing. That's all I know, sir. I haven't found any instances where a license has ever been applied for."

"Like I say, I've never heard of it," Ray said, "Not everyone agrees but there's nothing like an eager youngster for digging out rare and obscure facts. Apart from crusty old professors who've spent their lives in University Libraries, that is, and I think I know one of them who could help."

"It could be a way round the age conflict and it might mean that the younger ones could go to school," Robert said, "It's a start."

"Are you still willing to defy the Panel?" Ray asked.

"I don't want to but according to them I have a duty to manage my slaves. They can tell me directly that I'm wrong to try and rehabilitate them."

"I like rehabilitation," Ray said, "That may be an angle we could work on. It might even make the Panel look good. You seem deep in thought Bravo."

"I was just thinking that you could look after Charley, dad. He could have my room. I'm going to phone Mum and see what she thinks."

"The only thing you're going to do is stand in that corner with your hands behind your head," Robert said quietly. "How dare you speak to a free citizen like that."

A look of shock and horror crossed his face as he realised just how badly he had fouled up.

"I'm sorry Master. I didn't think," he managed to stammer out.

"You're still not thinking. You don't imagine you still have permission to speak do you?"

"No sir," Bravo replied looking dejectedly at his father.

"I can't help you," Ray said, "And I don't want to. Your stupidity is preventing you from being considered for this program. Now I suggest you do as you're told. You're only making things worse for yourself by just standing there."

John was sent to fetch some items kept under the seat of the rickshaw. Bravo could only stand as the two men chatted to each other while they waited for John's return. Like the times he had got drunk, he could not believe how stupid he had been. He had impressed his father and his master with how he was coping and now he had thrown it all away.

"Thank you, John," Robert said when the clerk returned. "You look as if you're in shape perhaps you'd like to administer the punishment. I get tired more quickly than I used to and Bravo needs a good lesson."

"Certainly, Mr Smith," John replied, glancing at Ray for confirmation, "He can bend over my lap while I use the strap. Should I cuff him and gag him first?"

"Whatever you think best."

For Bravo, bent over an office junior's lap in front of his father was humiliating. Knowing he had let his master down was shaming. He kept his eyes on the floor averting everyone's eyes as he positioned himself over John's lap.

Idly John stroked Bravo's arse cheeks allowing his fingers to slide down into the chasm between them, before dropping down to feel Bravo's cock and balls. John glanced across at Ray and hurriedly withdrew his hand.

"Sorry sir, I forgot who he was," John said.

"He's just a slave," Ray said, "It's taken me most of the day to get used to the idea but you do what you like to remind him of his position."

John grinned, "I don't do that sort of thing in public. My girlfriend would dump me straight away but she knows I like a male slave every so often."

"Pop round sometime," Robert said, "There's a couple I'd keep off limits but there's also one or two who need a reminder of what he is now and you could help. We'd better get on now but call me sometime."

John began to lay into Bravo in a steady methodical manner. It was clear that he was enjoying himself and Bravo's cries of pain degenerated into tears and he cried like a baby. At first John was thrilled to see the individual red lines appear but they gradually merged into a single purple mass. John only stopped when the battered skin could take no more and spots of blood appeared. On Robert's instructions John handcuffed and gagged Bravo before clamping the lead onto his cock and leading him down to the shed.

Bravo was oblivious to the startled staff who saw them. All he wanted was to find a way of relieving the fire in his backside. There was none. All the limited movement in his hand could do was irritate the inflamed skin further. He was left, hooked to the back of the rickshaw, to deal with his pain, humiliation and misery.

"I thought he was one of the candidates for release, sir," John said when he returned.

"He is," Ray replied, "But if he slips up like he did before then no one will be able to save him and it will reflect badly on Mr. Smith's judgement as well. He's not trying to change the system, just make it a little fairer."

"I take it your rickshaw's not a candidate."

"No! He was convicted of handling drugs," Robert said, "He might have got away with his second warning but he tried planting them on his brother and his friend. Luckily, they only found his fingerprints on the bag. He shot his mouth off at everyone including the traders and even attacked one of them.

"His father was a colleague of mine, knew I was planning on buying some slaves and asked me to help but I was too late. The traders were completing the paperwork for his disposal when I got there. They only agreed to a private sale when I assured them that I had a suitable deterrence program in mind. He shot his mouth off at me in front of the other boys I was buying while I was looking him over so I had no choice. I had to have him muted.

If he had been disposed of he'd probably be dead by now so I don't know if I've done him any favours but his parents were grateful for anything to help him."

John nodded. "We could use that to show your support for the system. Muted and restrained when appropriate, trusted and freed when earned. Apart from your rickshaw do you make any contribution to the deterrence policy?"

"Bravo is going to be a messenger so he'll be seen out and about a lot. Now, I know that Mrs Hamilton-Reilly wishes to see Bravo and a number of other parents would like to a chance to say good bye to their children. Arrests are very sudden and I think the idea is that a clean break causes the least pain."

"That's right," Ray said, "Another pearl of wisdom from our wonderful panel."

"I was thinking of holding an open day. Anyone wanting to be sure that my slaves are being punished could come along. Of course if any parents happened to visit, well why not?"

***

Meanwhile down in the shed Bravo was almost suicidal in his despair. He had tried so hard act as a slave but hearing his Father's voice, calm and reassuring and listening as he discussed one of his cases, he had been carried back to the days when he was free. Now it seemed as if he had let everyone down by forgetting his position. He could see why his Master would never consider releasing him. Maybe he would end up as a rickshaw like Zulu. It was what he deserved. He was sheltered from the rain and the wind in the shed but it did not stop the cold and the damp from penetrating his bones. He was shivering uncontrollably by the time Robert was ready to leave. Zulu could hear him sob quietly to himself and he was so attuned to the rickshaw that he could almost feel Bravo's tremors. Zulu was more used to the conditions and although he was cold as well he stood still, proud that he was enduring the wait better than the other slave.

The different attitudes of his two slaves was only too obvious to Robert. For once Zulu could have a bit of recognition. He untied Bravo from the back of the rickshaw and removed the cuffs.

"Let's see if you can do this job without fouling up," Robert said, "Run on ahead and tell Foxtrot that he is to find warm blankets and towels. He is to rub Zulu down as soon as we get back. Foxtrot is to use some of the blankets to make some sort of mattress. We'll find something permanent tomorrow. He is then to take Zulu in his arse until Zulu is completely drained. I'm putting Foxtrot in charge of the rickshaw and you'll follow his orders."

Bravo knew better than to say anything and ran off. Zulu had been straight and was not keen on being handled by some kid but it was a reward and, for once, was being favoured over one of the other slaves.

"I cannot have your vocal chords repaired," Robert said after Bravo had gone, "The slave traders, you assaulted and verbally abused, would be insulted. But if you continue behaving as well as you do now I can consider changing your manacles so that you can have some hand movement."

Zulu understood by now that he had been lucky not to have been disposed of. He could just about cope with his new life knowing that he was lucky to be alive and relatively free of pain. The idea that he had pleased his master enough to earn some rewards was as stimulating as it was wonderful. In spite of the cold, he stood a little straighter and his cock swelled, pointing eagerly forwards. Robert saw the change in attitude and the new alertness, satisfied that he had timed his little speech well.

On their way back home Robert had to exert hardly any control over the rickshaw. Zulu pulled away smartly and ran without slacking off, just slowing as he should at junctions before picking up speed again.

***

Foxtrot had been enslaved for procurement. At thirteen his hormones had taken complete control and all he could think of was finding man sized cock. Sex with free boys is illegal and the only defence is entrapment. One of his tricks was a high ranking police officer who claimed that he was pretending to be a slave. It was partly true. Foxtrot was naked and stood demurely inside a toilet as if waiting for his Master. Although the police officer's behaviour was questionable; Why was a slave so willing to serve anyone without his master's knowledge, it was obviously entrapment and his career was saved at Foxtrot's expense.

Robert also knew from the file he had kept of the boy that he was into BDSM in a big way. Robert had made sure that Foxtrot, Echo as he was then, had got the black ball that had made him punishment boy. Robert had seen the light in Foxtrot's eyes as he had endured his time chained in to the wall and had looked almost envious when he had seen Charley tied to Robert's bed.

Foxtrot was not a good candidate for a punishment and deterrence programme. He enjoyed it too much. Being in charge was going to be difficult for him but Zulu would find a little of the companionship that the others enjoyed. Robert had no doubt that Zulu would be exhausted in the morning. Foxtrot would obey Robert's orders enthusiastically and he had tremendous stamina. Both slaves should have a night to remember.

By contrast, Bravo's ran desperately, doggedly determined to make up for his stupidity. At the first junction he ran on into the path of an incoming car. The shaken driver beat him soundly threatening to call his master. He had fouled up again. He ran on, more carefully, but pushing himself as hard as he could.

By the the time he reached the house he could hardly speak between gasps for breath. He finally managed to pass on Robert's instructions before collapsing on the ground. With Alpha's help Charley carried him down to their sleeping quarters and laid him gently on the floor. Even Alpha looked concerned.

"He needs to keep warm," Alpha said, "He could be dehydrated as well."

"Fetch some blankets," Charley snapped, "On your way past the kitchen tell Delta to make some soup."

"Are you sure?" Alpha asked, "If Master disapproves you'll be punished."

"And I'll tell him that you objected," Charley snapped, "You'll be in the clear."

Alpha walked dejectedly off. He had only been worried about Charley but he still tended to moan and complain so none of the other slaves really trusted him or liked him.

Robert had already returned by the time Alpha had carried out his instructions. Leaving him to watch over Bravo, Charley reported to Robert, apologising for not being there on his arrival and telling him about Bravo.

"So I'm punishing him and you're spoiling him," Robert snapped angrily.

"Master, I don't know much about First Aid but I thought that Bravo needed it," Charley said, "Only you can order your property to be smashed or damaged."

"Do not forget that you are just a slave, yourself," Robert said slowly and deliberately, the menace evident in his voice.

Charley remained silent. He could see that Robert was seething. There was a lot of anger but he saw something else, frustration, worry, even some disappointment.

Golf was becoming more and more frightened as he watched the scene unfolding before him. He knew that when masters became as angry as Robert everyone could suffer.

"Get out, Golf," Robert said sharply making the boy cower back, "Go and tell Alpha to go about his proper duties. Bravo can look after himself. Stay away until I send for you.""

Normally Charley would relax but he remained standing in position as a dutiful slave should.

"Don't ask me how but Bravo is throwing away his last chance," Robert said, "I know it and he knows it. If it was disobedience I could deal with it but I can't deal with stupidity."

Charley remained silent, waiting for permission to speak or to be asked a question.

"Oh for God's sake speak," Robert exclaimed, "We both know you don't do obedient slave very well."

"Master, sometimes you're like other slave owners. You forget we have ears."

"Go on," Robert said quietly.

"Golf, Foxtrot and I hear you talking sometimes and you forget that we're here. We think that you're trying to free us. You can't free Bravo if he makes a mess of things in the outside world."

"You discuss my affairs with the others," Robert yelled.

"No, Master," Charley said trying to control his mounting terror, "At least not the stuff you trust me with but you don't trust me with this and none of us could ignore the idea of being free again."

Robert could see his point. No slave could avoid being excited by the prospect of being freed. It was why he had tried to keep the project from them in the first place. He had not bargained on just how sharp his slaves were.

"I'm considering the cases of three boys. Two others don't stand a chance of being released. The others will have to wait and see what happens but I'd say it was doubtful."

He paused, "You're amongst those I'm looking into. Don't get your hopes up because I probably won't succeed. I was considering Bravo but on his present form he'd be re-enslaved and disposed of and that would destroy the chances of anyone after him being freed."

"Master, I don't want to be freed," Charley whispered almost sobbing, "Please take me out of that first group."

Robert stared in astonishment for a moment.

"Because I see you?"

Charley nodded. "And because I feel useful. I don't want to be a useless kid again."

"I beat you twice yesterday," Robert said, "Once because Echo left a cleaning cloth in the Lounge and once because Golf and Foxtrot were skylarking on the stairs. Do you really want that to be your life?"

"You made me beat them as well, Master," Charley replied, "You said you wanted a steward and I'm trying to do that for you. It's more than being an overseer because you ask my opinions and you're teaching me all that stuff on the computers. Could I get a better job if I was free?"

Charley had made a good point. He had missed a lot of schooling and together with a police record it was unlikely that he would ever get a good job.

"One of these days I'm going to fuck you," Robert said, "You didn't like taking Foxtrot's cock and I'm a lot bigger than a twelve year old boy so I've held back as a sign that you really are special. I take the other boys without a moments thought. Now think very carefully what you really want."

"I want to be your steward, Master," Charley replied without hesitation, "To do that I have to be your slave and that means you can do what you like to me."

"I'm falling in love with you," Robert said. He was uncertain, confused about his feelings for a mere slave and worried about the consequences for them all.

"I already love you, Robert," Charley said, "Punish me for calling you by name but it seemed right then. I understand this Punishment and Deterrence thing. You can't afford to let the authorities think you're soft. I haven't got anything that you can't take so I haven't even got a sign so just believe me that I want to be with you."

"Fetch the cane."

Charley looked nervous but did as he was bid without question, bringing it from the table on which it rested.

Robert stood up and swished it a few times as Charley followed its movement wide eyed.

"I'm happy to forget you calling me by name if it was a one off, never to be repeated event. If you want to be a little more relaxed with me in private then OK. However, if you slip up in front of someone or at a time when it's the least bit inappropriate then I'll have to punish you severely and without fail. That includes just now when you did not have permission. Do you understand the choices?"

"Yes, Master," Charley said.

Telling Charley to put his arms down to his sides, Robert continued, "If it was a one off event resume the position. If you understand the consequences of messing up and want to see where things lead hold out your hand.

Robert could almost see the wheels churning in Charley's mind. In fact, it was not much of a decision but he needed psyche himself to voluntarily accept the pain he was about to ask for. Taking a deep a breath, he held out his hand, palm up.

The cane swished again and it was all Charley could do to stop himself clasping his hand to his chest trying to ease the pain. He looked at Robert who was waiting. Reluctantly he let his injured hand drop while holding out his other. He took six blows, the agony showing more and more as tears streamed down his cheeks and his face contorted in agony. Finally it was over.

"Relax, Angus," Robert said, "Come and sit with me while you recover."

"I'm Charley, not Angus any more," Charley said firmly as he settled into Robert's lap, "It's the name you gave me, Master."

"I think this is an appropriate time, don't you?"

"Charley is the name that my Master gave me, Robert," Charley said just as firmly, "That's the name I want."

After a pause Charley said, "If I tell you something will you promise not to punish anyone?"

"Go on."

"I didn't tell anyone about things I'd heard so it must have been Golf or Foxtrot who blabbed. I didn't discuss anything that wasn't common knowledge."

"You and Bravo are probably in line for another punishment," Robert said, "No one else will get one. I'll talk about it later. What's Bravo said about his secret research?"

"What secret research?" Charley looked genuinely surprised.

"He's been doing legal research for me," Robert said, "You didn't know?"

Charley shook his head, "No, Master."

He thought for a moment. "It's back to business. Isn't it, Master?"

"I'm afraid so," Robert said, "Go get them all lined up in the cellar. I want to talk to you all."

Robert waited comfortably in his chair while Charley hurried off to obey. When he reached the cellar his slaves except Zulu were there, lined up, as ordered. He told Charley and Bravo to step forward.

"Bravo," Robert began, "There are rumours that I'm trying to free my slaves. Have you heard them?"

"Yes Master," Bravo replied, despair that he might be in trouble again.

"Why didn't you tell me? You've been working on this project for me and know why it had to be secret."

"I've never been alone with you, Master when I could talk freely," Bravo replied, "I only heard them a few days ago but it would have blown my cover if I'd come and blurted out some slave gossip."

"I'll accept that," Robert replied, "You were in a difficult position. Charley. Why did you take part in the gossip rather than tell me about it?"

"I don't know, Master. It didn't seem important, just exciting."

"Alpha knocked someone over and just drove off. Police inquiries show that he was probably drunk. The victim would have died if someone hadn't seen the incident.

"Golf was expelled from one school for bullying and then was arrested for beating up another boy. No school would accept him after that. I've taken him on because he's one sexy looking boy. First sign of trouble and I'll dispose of him.

"Delta got mixed up in a gang of older boys and was used to transport drugs to their buyers.

"You three don't stand a snowball's chance in hell of being freed. It's more likely that I'm ordered to dispose of you."

Golf looked shocked at Robert's evaluation and a bit scared. Delta had just had his worst fears confirmed and looked as if he was about to burst into tears while Alpha just nodded in agreement.

Robert continued, "Foxtrot doesn't stand much chance either. He was desperate to offer himself to men and didn't see much beyond their cocks. If he was released he'd be out on the streets again and the YPS won't risk that."

Foxtrot just stood looking disappointed.

"Bravo is a candidate for release but he still forgets himself and does stupid things like nearly getting himself run over."

Bravo still looked ill but seemed to be recovering. Robert had decided to ignore his plight. Lack of interest can be a good punishment in the right situation. He looked surprised and even a little more cheerful.

"Echo's big problem was that he hit someone trying to escape," Robert continued, "Even his victim agreed that it was an accident and that he wasn't injured, so there is something to work on."

Echo just stared in amazement. He hadn't thought that Robert ever noticed him and never expected him to work on his behalf.

"The best candidate is Charley," Robert continued, "He'll be sixteen by the time this is all settled which means, if he was free, I could hire him as my steward. Officially he's my slave overseer at the moment but the two jobs are similar."

Charley just stared as he took in the implications of Robert's announcement.

"Nothing is certain and I didn't want to give any of you false hopes if it turned out to be impossible. Even with Charley, it's going to take time," Robert continued, "Charley step forward."

As Charley obeyed, Robert said, "You should not have discussed anything you had overheard. You should have severely punished Golf and Foxtrot for revealing anything and you should have stopped any sort of gossip immediately. Alpha, manacle him to the wall then fetch me the whip."

Alpha remained standing, sweat beginning to cover his body as he trembled violently. Before Robert spoke again he stepped forward himself to stand beside Charley.

"Please, Master," Alpha began, so scared that he could hardly speak, "I can't help you punish Charley unless I tell you some things first."

"Go on," Robert said quietly.

"I said some things. I thought that Delta might be freed so I may have given him some of that false hope." Now that he was committed, he spoke more calmly, "I don't think Charley or Foxtrot gave anything away. It was Golf who came charging down the stairs saying that we were all going to be released. And Charley did cane Golf for it. He did say that we shouldn't talk about it but it was too late. We already had."

"So why did Charley take most of blame?"

"Because he feels responsible for us and doesn't get us into trouble. He had stopped most of the talk, Master, I promise you."

"Well, Charley?" Robert asked, "What do you say to that?"

"Golf's young and excitable, Master," Charley replied,

"You didn't tell me that you'd tried to stop the gossip," Robert added.

"I didn't do a good job, Master. I should have told you but it didn't seem important at the time. I'm sorry, Master."

"When you first arrived I warned you that you either pleased me or you face the consequences," Robert said, "I'm very displeased with this whole sorry business. If I punished you all as I should I wouldn't have any slave fit for work. There's going to be some changes. Charley get in the cage."

Charley looked a bit shocked but complied, looking even more alarmed when Robert told Golf to get in with him. The cage was small and even on his own Charley would have found it difficult to find a comfortable position. With Golf in there as well it was impossible to move without prodding or poking the other. They sat facing each other with their legs bent and splayed to rest beside the other boy. Charley could not even hold his head up the cage was so low.

It came as something of a shock to both of them when Robert ordered the others about their duties and just left them. They had both been expecting an agonising punishment from whips, cattle prods or some other form of torture. Extreme discomfort and not understanding what was happening played devilish tricks on their imagination. Every sound made them tense up, wondering what was about to happen. They both knew that their master was extremely upset and that there would be consequences. Robert was settled quietly in his favourite chair. Alpha was standing beside him and Robert was idly running his hand along the inside of his thighs and up into his crack. Bravo was standing front of him.

"You did well with that research, Bravo," Robert said, "So from now on you're officially Charley's second in command and my secretary. Being second in command won't mean much when Charley's available so make the most of it now. Train Foxtrot to look after the rickshaw and he can become Alpha's assistant in the garden as well. Golf can be shared between Delta and Echo. Charley sleeps with me so I don't need an attendant at night but I need Alpha tonight. Understood?"

"Yes Master," Bravo replied.

"Golf betrayed my trust more than anyone by repeating what he had overheard but Charley asked me not to punish him otherwise I would be disposing of him. Charley lied to me. I didn't know the true situation until Alpha spoke out. He has to be punished for that. What do you think?"

"He tries to make sure that you're not disturbed, Master," Bravo replied, "He'll feel that he's taken you from your business and so he's failed miserably."

Alpha jumped as Robert squeezed his balls and Robert grinned. "If anyone thought that I was letting Alpha's display of disobedience go unpunished, I'd be in trouble. When I let him back to his normal duties he'll give blow jobs to any slave who asks for it. Having to kneel in front of Golf or Foxtrot like that should be quite a punishment."

Bravo could see Alpha's look of horror and grinned. He had not complained of being ordered around by Charley recently but it had been hard for Alpha to accept. He came from a proud family who were used to giving orders, not taking them. His new duty would be a real strain. Robert wasn't finished with Alpha yet but for now contented himself with reminding his slave that he owned every part of his body.

"Master, May I say something," Bravo asked.

"Go ahead," Robert replied, "Charley wouldn't have even asked."

"Other slave owners expect simple obedience and slaves too scared to think," Bravo said, "You expect us to use our initiative. Please forgive us if we make mistakes."

"I've said I'll never punish genuine mistakes. Charley's got to learn that he can't protect you at his own expense and I can't let Alpha's disobedience to go unpunished even if I do think he was brave and loyal."

Bravo nodded in agreement.

"Yes, Master. I think so too," he said.

Alpha was amazed. No one had ever praised him like that before. He had felt terrified, not brave, and still expected to face some terrible punishment but even more incredibly, Bravo agreed with Robert.

It was time for Robert's evening meal. Alpha watched as Delta brought in the tray and set the table then returned with the food. On Robert's instructions he disappeared only to return with a bowl of food and another one of water for Alpha which he set on the floor. He handcuffed Alpha's hands behind him before ordering him to give Delta a blow job. Delta pulled back before he came only to quickly wank and send streams of jizm shooting over Alpha's food.

"You must be hungry," Robert said after Delta had left, "Eat up and enjoy."

Alpha hesitated only briefly realising that Robert had given him an order.

"You're intelligent enough to realise that I could have disposed of you for for refusing an order so don't complain that I'm just reminding you what a slave is."

It made Alpha feel better to understand what was happening to him. Foxtrot would probably have enjoyed it but it went against everything that Alpha had been brought up to be. Robert did not release Alpha for the rest of the evening, Bravo had to arrange for Foxtrot to clean him, make sure he relieved himself and get him ready for service in Robert's bedroom.

***

Meanwhile Charley and Golf were finding themselves sitting in a pool of urine as they struggled to cope with their spell in the cage. Apart from the increasing muscle pain as they struggled to cope with their cramped conditions their bladders had continued to function filling steadily. Golf might have held on for longer but they were just one set of muscles among many that clamoured for attention. Once Golf had let go, Charley gave up his fight and let go too. Somehow his cock was resting on top of Golf's and pointing upwards slightly. Golf's stomach and chest had been covered in it. The adrenalin rush in expectation of severe pain had been replaced by nervous worry about how long they would be kept in the cage and it was a different sort of fear that gnawed at them, thoroughly demoralising them.

By contrast, Alpha found the other boys wishing him well and telling him how well he was doing. They ribbed him about all the blow jobs they were going to get but there was no real malice in it. Bravo pointed out that Foxtrot would enjoy showing him how to do it properly and he found himself part of the team for the first time.

He was not so cheerful when he found himself waiting on Robert in the bedroom. Robert left no doubt what he could expect when he landed a hard punch on Alpha's abdomen. Alpha's legs buckled but Robert pulled him up by the ear.

"I've had a difficult day," Robert said, "I'm going to take it out on you. Are you a good enough slave not to need handcuffs?"

"I'll try, Master," Alpha managed to gasp.

"Yes I think you will," Robert acknowledged gripping Alpha's cock. "but I think I'll work you out a bit with them on."

Alpha was grimacing with the pain and had no choice but to bob up and down as Robert raised and lowered his cock. Still gripping Alpha's cock Robert sat down resting his arm on the chair leaving his slave standing in a half crouching position unable to move.

"Ever been fucked before?" Robert asked.

"No, Master."

"Were you gay or straight?"

"Straight, Master."

"And now your master is going to fuck you," Robert said menacingly, "Have you been stretching yourself as Charley told you to."

"A little, Master," Alpha replied, "I wish I'd done it more, though."

Robert squeezed even harder making Alpha groan.

"Don't worry. It'll be more fun for me when you scream."

Alpha swallowed nervously as Robert told him to lie face down on the bed. He released the handcuffs before securing them to the fixing point on the bed. Robert began to undress. He stopped when he removed his belt to begin laying into Alpha. Alpha's arse cheeks rapidly reddened changing from a light red to a deep purple as Alpha screamed and yelled with the pain. When spots of blood appeared, Robert turned his attention to the slave's thighs. Finally he began to tire and stopped, looking down at the bruised and battered boy sobbing into the bed sheet.

He finished undressing and pulled Alpha round so that his feet were on the floor but his manacled wrists and forearms rested on the the bed before thrusting in suddenly and without mercy. The punishment he had just administered had made him rock hard and the knowledge that he had complete control of a powerful and muscular young man added to the intensity of the moment.

Alpha yelled out in agony again. Robert felt his body take control and his hips pumped convulsively to push streams of his cream deep into Alpha. He collapsed briefly onto the boy before heading for the bathroom to clean up. When he returned he brusquely told the boy to get on the bed to lay on his stomach before clambering into bed to rest against Alpha, arm across his back and a leg across his legs.

"I've got one last little torture for you," Robert said quietly, "I'm looking for precedents for creating rehabilitation programmes. I'm impressed with your attitudes today and I think you're learning something about accepting responsibility for your actions. Now you've got the same sort of hope you gave Delta and you may end up just as disappointed."

"Yes, Master," Alpha replied, "I'm sorry I defied you this afternoon."

"Don't be," Robert said, startling Alpha yet again, "Like I've said, I'm very pleased with you. You were right to tell me the truth. If I punished Charley every time he spoke out, he wouldn't have any skin left on his body, just scars but I do remind him every so often and tonight I thought that I should remind you.

Robert had felt Alpha shudder at his mention of Charley being punished so he finished off, "Go to sleep now."

Robert had completely drained himself and quickly followed his own instructions, sleeping soundly until Delta woke him the next day.

Chapter 5

Alpha was already awake. His body had told him that he should have been up hours ago and that he was in big trouble. He was relieved when Robert released him and allowed him to go off with Delta.

It was still early enough in the year for there to be frosts and it could remain cold in the mornings. Normally he would try to skulk away into the tool shed while his assistant did the work but this morning he jogged around the grounds, clearing rubbish that had blown in, breaking up patches of ice that his master might slip on. He was still cold but the air had warmed considerably so he was not at risk of frostbite but nevertheless Bravo still became concerned and asked Robert's advice.

"You're right that he's doing less hard exercise than you or Zulu," Robert said, "Monitor him. If you see signs of clumsiness or confusion bring him into the kitchen. Maybe he could work out with Zulu. It looks as if life was easier when he was just a lazy tyke."

Bravo grinned and went off about his duties wondering what was going to happen to Charley and Golf. Robert had not mentioned them and they had not been fed or watered.

It was late afternoon before Robert sent Bravo to get Charley cleaned up and taken to Robert's office. He looked pale and strained. He still ached from the awkward position he had been trapped in. Robert had ordered that he be chained and manacled so he wore a thick chain hanging from a heavy collar. His wrists were cuffed to the chain at about nipple height with a strap across his back pulling his arms tight. The chain continued down to secure yet another chain secured to his legs. He was hungry, thirsty and tired, struggling to stand before his master without collapsing.

"I know you messed up through inexperience and trying too hard and I still love you for it," Robert said, "But if you ever lie to me again you could end up being disposed of. Supposing I'd been discussing all this with someone from the YPS. Just understand why you're being punished."

Charley seemed to crumple even further. He was frightened and dare not speak.

"Many overseers would let others take the blame for their mistakes," Robert continued, "You seem to shoulder their blame and it's got to stop. One is just as much lying as the other. You're using our relationship to get them out of trouble. Not deliberately or out of greed and you may not realise that you're doing it. It's not going to happen again.

Robert pushed a sheet of paper across his desk so that Charley and Bravo could see it.

"Do you know what this is?" he asked.

"It's an electronic mute, Master," Charley replied softly, looking even more scared. "It gives electric shocks if a slave talks.

"I've ordered one for Golf," Robert said, "I don't like him. I think he could be vicious and two faced if he was given a chance. What do you think?"

"Yes, Master," Charley replied, "I was afraid that you might put him in charge of Zulu. He'd have made Zulu's life, hell."

"You just worry about your own situation for now," Robert said sharply, "I'm glad you've still got your wits about you though."

"Until that mute arrives you will be kept restrained and chained up," Robert said, "You may be released enough for you to work but no more. If I think that any of the slaves are giving you an easy time they'll have the same for a month. You're in charge Bravo so make sure you don't forget what I've just said.

"When the mute arrives you will be released and back in charge. You will tighten up on discipline and you'll be in trouble if you if you go easy.

"Golf can be left in the cage until it arrives. You will use it to ensure that he never speaks out of turn again. Make him scared of swallowing noisily. Fail and I'll dispose of him then I'll make your present punishments seem like a holiday.

"Get him out of here, Bravo."

When the slaves had left, Robert was able to adjust his cock which had become rock hard. He might have done something about it then but decided to save it all for Alpha later on. He also felt sorry for Charley and a little guilty about treating him so harshly but Charley had to be a slave first and his boyfriend second even if it meant destroying the boy's love for him.

***

The YPS hung like a threat over all of them. When Zulu took him into town or Bravo ran into town to pick up packages or something he was demonstrating that he was punishing his slaves and their public appearances, naked and sometimes with welts across their backs was considered to have a deterrence value. However he had to show that the other boys were being properly handled. Legally, rehabilitation was a part of the enslavement process. Firm discipline and practical training were supposed to try and turn young delinquents around. In practice, it had been forgotten. 'Punishment and deterrence' was a far better sound bite as well as being cheaper and easier to implement and monitor.

Robert had already ordered the mute and it should arrive in a couple of days. It was a miserable time for both Robert and Charley. It was for Golf as well but no one seemed to care.

Charley found himself chained to the cellar wall for most of time. Bravo had him standing with his arms stretched above him facing the wall. He could just touch the floor with his heels but he would be stretched painfully tight. If he stood on tiptoe he could ease the strain at the expense of his leg muscles.

Delta insisted that he should eat the leftovers in the kitchen and then do the washing up. Robert was certain that the other slaves left some of the tastiest pieces as leftovers but it would be difficult to prove. The real leftover were pulped into a purée so that Charley could spoon feed Golf through the bars of his cage. Charley also cleaned up after Golf who was never allowed out of his cramped confinement.

The mute arrived on the third day. Robert ordered Charley's restraints be removed and that he be put into a hammock. He was left to sleep for nearly four hours when Bravo took the mute down to him.

Charley was still stiff and his body ached. He was tired and still a little disorientated but he remembered what the mute was for and took it through to Golf. While Bravo released Golf and helped him to restore the circulation through his own stiff muscles, Charley tried to focus and understand the instructions.

The mute had sensors which could detect the slightest sounds and vibrations from the wearer's vocal chords. If triggered it gave intensely painful electric shocks. It had controls which could filter types of sounds, and the sensitivity could be adjusted as well as the strength of the shocks.

He had not had nearly enough sleep and was still in a bad way so he had trouble understanding the instructions. Robert wanted to see him as soon as he was done so he was in a hurry and he was terrified of earning another punishment.

All he could do was turn up all the controls to maximum and try to concentrate enough to explain to Golf what the collar was for before fixing it around the boy's neck.

Golf swallowed nervously, screamed with pain, collapsing onto the floor. Even that gentle action had created enough noise.

Charley began to understand Robert's punishment. He was being made to choose between Golf and himself and Robert was expecting him to choose himself. He stared despairingly between the instruction sheet, Golf and Bravo.

"Master is waiting," Bravo said.

As Charley turned for the door, Golf, without thinking called out to him. His call turned into another scream and his bladder emptied leaving him lying in a pool of his own piss. Charley headed for the door followed by Bravo. As they reached the top of the stairs, they heard Golf scream again.

Robert was comfortably seated in an armchair when they found him. He heard Bravo's account of events in the cellar before dismissing Bravo and sending him back to other duties while Charley stood, feet apart, hands behind his head, staring at some point above Robert's head.

"Would you like to come and sit down?" Robert asked patting his lap.

"No thank you, Master," Charley replied.

"Are you sulking because of what I've done to you or because of what you're doing to Golf? Tell me how other Masters would have handled this business."

Charley seemed to crumple, his eyes becoming moist with tears. Robert waited.

"I said, tell me how other masters would have handled this," he snapped.

"I'm sorry, Master," Charley sobbed, "I didn't want to let you down. Other masters would have disposed of Golf and me. We're too much trouble to be any good to you."

"Are you sure you don't want to sit down?" Robert asked gently.

Charley collapsed onto his master's lap feeling strong arms wrap tightly around him. The fear of seeing Robert had sharpened his senses but now he settled into an exhausted doze only to be painfully woken up as Robert squeezed his balls.

"Are you going to use your position to make Golf's life as unpleasant as possible or are you going to help him through the punishment I've ordered?" Robert asked.

Charley thought for a moment.

"I have to complete my punishment and tighten up on discipline as you ordered," he said carefully, "But you'll help me through it."

"Go on," Robert ordered.

"Golf will have to complete his punishment but I can help him get through it."

"Which means?" Robert prompted.

Charley was struggling to concentrate. Robert was making no allowances for his condition.

"He'll have to deal with the mute until I can get down there to adjust it. May I go now?"

"No," Robert replied, "You're going up to my bed and you're going to get in it and wait for me. You can doze while you're waiting."

When Charley had gone, Robert sent for Golf. He shuffled in, haunted and terrified, with an exhausted air about him.

"Don't worry. I won't want you to speak," Robert said grimly, "I'm still tempted to dispose of you and I don't think anyone will miss you. The other slaves will help you through your punishment if you give them the chance. That means changing your attitudes towards them. Decide that you want to continue using them and any situation you encounter and it won't be worth keeping you. Now get out of my sight."

Golf turned and fled. The only thing that stopped him bursting into tears was the fear of the electronic mute around his neck. Not knowing what to do he went and stood beside the cage and waited for the next part of his ordeal which was where Bravo found him.

"Take this pencil and pad," Bravo said, "Write it down if you need anything."

"Spit," Golf wrote, "Mouth's full."

"You could stand over the toilet area and open your mouth," Bravo suggested, "It might dribble out."

Bravo held the boy and suddenly found arms wrapped around his waist as Golf pulled him into a hug.

"OK, don't take the reformed kid thing, too far," Bravo said, "Get a hammock out and get some sleep. If you want, you can come sleep with me when I turn in."

Bravo felt the hug tighten and guessed that Golf liked the idea.

Golf's father was not a bully in that he took delight in tormenting others but he firmly believed that he should get on top of people before they got on top with him. Golf had grown up with this notion which led to the trouble he had at school. He had announced that Robert was looking into ways of freeing them, partly out of boyish excitement and partly to prove that he was 'in the know' and worth listening to.

He was beginning to realise that he could not get on top of his present situation and that Robert, Charley and Bravo were more than a match for him. Everything he tried seemed to make things worse for him and the electronic mute was demoralising finally destroying any sense of who he was. Bravo's little act of kindness was perfectly timed. He seemed to be doing well in Robert's household and Golf needed someone to teach him how to cope.

Bravo suddenly found himself with a doting little slave of his own. Whenever he could, Golf would be standing close enough to touch Bravo. If Bravo wanted something Golf would hurry off and fetch it. After that first night he would stand by the hammocks hoping that Bravo would invite him to share his.

He had been sneering and insulting towards Foxtrot for his eagerness to serve any cock that was available but Bravo was beginning to wonder how far Golf's crush on him would go.

In a quiet moment he asked Robert who shrugged and said, "I don't know if Foxtrot could end up in Alpha's hammock but Alpha could have problems sharing the boy with Zulu and just about anyone else. It's safer to have a no sex policy except for a morning jerk off. Make sure you offer him to anyone who needs relief. Make it clear that he cannot be exclusive. It might help Alpha and Foxtrot if you take the lead like that."

The scheme turned out well. The older slaves chose their companions, sometimes swapping to compare notes and sometimes rewarding Delta and Echo with a nights entertainment though they took to sharing a hammock and seemed to develop a close relationship of their own.

From trying to be at the top of the pecking order, Golf found himself happily situated at the bottom trying to take things in his stride, calmly and gently, like his new found hero.

***

The household settled into it's new routine. Charley ran things smoothly and efficiently. He adjusted Golf's mute so that Golf could swallow and cough without enduring excruciating agony though he was not allowed to speak for a month. For the following month he was allowed to speak in a whisper before having the collar removed.

Echo used him to help with maintaining the house while the kitchen was increasingly seen as Delta's domain and even Robert was reluctant to meddle except to teach the boy new recipes.

Foxtrot and Zulu turned into an impressive team when Robert went into town. Robert had kept his promise so that Zulu could move his hands from around the bar. Foxtrot made him do painful exercises to restore their full movement but it was a major event in his confined life. Foxtrot would proudly follow his master carrying any goods or trot off on some little errand.

Bravo was Robert's secretary, helping him with various projects. He shared a desk with Charley who watched over everything and everyone to make sure things went smoothly. Between them they catered for Robert's every wish and he found himself becoming involved in several charities as well as taking over as secretary of the Operatic Society and becoming a popular member of the Golf Club.

Sometimes people asked him how he found the time to do so much or how come he devote so much time to the various committees he belonged to. His stock answer was, 'Properly trained slaves'.

Anyone who attended a meeting that he hosted had no doubt that it was true but it made seem him like an amiable eccentric. Even other slave owners were slightly intimidated by Bravo and Charley's efficiency. Whatever problem cropped up it seemed that all he had to to do was say to Charley, 'See to it' or say to Bravo 'Look into it' and the problem would be solved.

Of all the slaves, Alpha had changed the most. He had started out sullen and resentful, alienating himself from the other slaves by his superior attitudes and his attempts to dump his duties on the others.

He had realised that he either had to accept responsibility for his life or it would end soon and unpleasantly. As his work had improved he had received the occasional compliment from Robert instead of strokes of the cane from Charley and it was the compliments that meant more.

His father was planning to run for political office and his mother had ambitions of mixing with all the right people. Alpha had been a useful accessory for their image: A well behaved son made them an ideal family especially as he was a leading light in of the 'Parents in Charge' campaign.

They had wanted him to succeed at school and then go on to University to show what 'responsible' parents could do. Alpha had always known that they had no interest him as a person and did not care what his hopes or fears were and of course he could not be trusted with friends. If he chose them they would be useless wasters that would do nothing for his fathers career or else, if his parents chose them then he might show them up.

Life in Robert's household offered him friendship and a degree of self respect that he had never experienced before. No slave is ever happy but if Robert could free him then he would value his time as a slave as the period when he grew up.

The garden had been an overgrown wilderness when Robert had bought the house and he had not thought much beyond tidying up and expanding the lawns until, one day, Alpha nervously approached him.

"What is it?" Robert asked.

"Master, you know those doors leading from the lounge to the garden?"

Robert nodded.

"I was wondering whether we could build a patio surrounded by some flower beds or other features. It would be somewhere for you to sit in the Summer."

"And you think you could do all that, do you?" Robert asked.

"No, Master," Alpha replied, "It would have to be done professionally but I would happily maintain it. I think that there used to be vegetable garden. Perhaps I could try to grow fresh vegetables for you. Delta would help."

"What do you know about gardening?"

"Nothing, Master but I could learn."

They discussed ideas and possibilities for a time. Robert liked the idea in principle and on Alpha's suggestion called in a landscape gardener. Mr. Hartman did not like slaves. He saw them as a threat of impossibly cheap labour hovering in the background and did not see much beyond their convictions and so he was not happy when Robert said that he would have to consult with Alpha on the project.

"Freemen do not consult with slaves," he said angrily, "Slaves are to be punished and should be seen and not heard."

"Alpha told me that, just before he was enslaved, his parents hired you and were very pleased with the results," Robert said, "So I'm afraid that you have been recommended by a slave. In view of your opinions would you rather that I found another firm?"

Mr. Hartman had heard of Robert and knew that he was on a committee seeking to tidy up the town. There could be some useful contracts for him. He also knew that Robert was an exceptional host thanks to his slaves.

"I'm willing to listen to his ideas but I would insist on punishing him if he showed the slightest disrespect," Mr. Hartman finally said.

Robert smiled, "That would be a problem. Charley here would be onto it first and there wouldn't be much left to punish. You'd be welcome to it if you still felt it necessary."

"Who is Charley?" Mr. Hartman asked.

"He's my overseer. He'll take care of you while you're here."

Before Mr. Hartman could ask more, Charley piped up, "May I ask sir, How many will there be for lunch while you're here?"

"Oh you don't feed us. We make do with sandwiches in the van. What's wrong?"

Mr. Hartman had noticed a frown on Charley's face and had briefly forgotten that he was talking to a slave.

"Nothing if that is your instruction, sir," Charley replied, "But Master expects us to treat all visitors with proper respect. Sitting in a van while we could serve you properly seemed disrespectful."

"And it would be disrespectful to keep you from serving your Master," Mr. Hartman said.

"If that happened, sir," Charley said, "There wouldn't be much of me left to punish."

Mr. Hartman left feeling confused. Robert's slaves were none like he had encountered before. They were not cowed and frightened yet they remained polite and respectful. They were intelligent and used their initiative yet they were certainly not running wild as he had seen in some households. It was not going to be easy working around them since Robert would get to know every little detail of their progress. In spite of himself, Mr. Hartman was impressed which was a testament to the care with which Robert had chosen his slaves in the first place.

Landscaping Robert's garden proved to be an interesting experience. Robert stayed aloof from the day to day details as any employer should. Mr. Hartman had had employers who would be constantly questioning his methods, even trying to countermand his orders and making the job almost impossible.

Here, Alpha showed him his ideas, listened attentively while Mr. Hartman explained the problems and waited until he came up with an alternative. Alpha was content if he had something to show his master and would not dare to interfere. There always seemed to be a slave standing with a jug of juice. Coffee and tea appeared when it was requested.

Lunches were delicious served around the kitchen table. At precisely one o'clock when they were due to start work again, Charley would be apologetically asking if Delta could have room to begin Master's lunch. It was discretely done but Mr. Hartman sometimes had the feeling that Charley was making sure they did not slack off.

Charley had politely asked Mr. Hartman if he could ask questions, explaining that he wished to learn as much as possible about maintaining the house. Mr. Hartman came to regret agreeing. Between them, Charley and Alpha seemed to scrutinise everything. When they spoke they stood politely, hands behind their head, feet apart until Mr. Hartman told them to relax.

At one point, Mr. Hartman, exasperated by a number of questions explained that he tended to over estimate quantities required as it looked good to produce a final bill slightly lower than the estimate and it allowed him some slack if things went wrong.

"I see, sir," Charley had said, "I hate telling Master that I've got something wrong. I wish I dared do something similar."

The worst moment was when one of Mr. Hartman's workers slapped Charley across the cheek. He was wearing a ring so that Charley's face was cut.

"The cheeky bastard was telling me how to do my job," the worker said, "I'll not stand for that from a fucking slave."

With any other slave Mr. Hartman would have taken his workman's word and seen to it that the slave was severely punished but with Charley he felt that there had to be more to the story.

"Well, boy," he snapped, "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I meant no offence, sir," Charley answered, "I thought that this foundation had to be two feet [60 cm] deep yet the trench looks half that. I was wondering why. That's all, sir."

Mr. Hartman checked the plans then inspected the trench.

"I'm wondering why as well, Joe," Mr. Hartman said.

"I'm not explaining myself in front of that brat," Joe snarled.

"You don't have to," Mr. Hartman said, "You've had two warnings. Collect your stuff and clear off. You're fired."

He turned to Charley, "You've just lost me a worker. You'd better pick up that shovel and do his job."

"Yes sir, " Charley replied and jumped into the trench.

"I was only joking. You need to get cleaned up while I speak with Mr. Smith."

The incident was over and so far as Robert's household was concerned, and to Mr. Hartman's relief, Robert was satisfied with the way he had dealt with the incident.

***

The landscaping was well done and Alpha's original idea of Robert sitting outside enjoying a beautiful garden was a great success. Robert also enjoyed watching his slaves work out on the lawn as he sat enjoying a glass of wine.

Robert rarely needed to punish the slaves any more. Charley dealt with most problems and the boys preferred it that way. Charley still tended to go easy provided mistakes were put right before he had to tell Robert.

Golf still doted on Bravo. Out of curiosity Robert ordered Bravo to fuck the boy. It hurt Golf a lot so he ordered Bravo to do it at least once a day for a week. Bravo was reluctant but had no choice but to obey. At the end of the week, Golf was loving it.

On another occasion he had Alpha and Bravo to sixty nine while Delta and Echo fucked Golf and Foxtrot.

Apart from enjoying the shows, Robert was reminding them that their bodies belonged to him and they could not give themselves to each other. It was enough to remind them of their status and it was fun.

Robert still had not fucked Charley. Some mornings Charley would appear with welts or bruises covering his body, looking exhausted. Sometimes he would have to sleep outside the bedroom door while Robert took another slave and fucked him without mercy. Charley often fucked Robert.

Charley loved Robert and surrendered himself completely while Robert showed his love by holding back from that one act. Charley's one big regret was that he had nothing he could give in return or so he believed. Robert already owned him. He put every effort into ensuring Robert's household ran smoothly and he was good at it. The other slaves were scared of Robert and relied on Charley to protect them. In return, not even the older slaves questioned his authority or his right to administer lesser punishments. It worked because everyone knew that Charley was doing his best and never abused his position.

The result was that Charley was making Robert very happy with his new life.

On Robert's first trip out in his rickshaw, he had encountered a couple of teenagers who needed help.

David had been Zulu's brother before he had been enslaved. Robert had laid on a demonstration to show what it meant to be a slave and David had appreciated the time that Robert had taken. He had hoped that Robert might talk to one of his friends who was having trouble handling his parents slaves so he called Robert who invited them both to visit.

"My parents talk about you, sir," Gerry, David's friend said after the usual pleasantries, "They can't work out how you get so much from your slaves. I hate the way they have ours whipped for every little thing and they've disposed of three in the last month. I love my parents but they seem so cruel."

"I've got a good steward," Robert replied, "Strictly speaking he's just an overseer because he's a slave but I trust him completely."

"You trust a slave?" Gerry asked genuinely amazed, "My parents say that they are slaves because they can never be trusted."

"That's the popular view," Robert said, "Some are probably like that. Some do need a sharp lesson and to learn to accept their new situation. Others are just trying to make the best of things."

"I saw the boy you had whipped as a demonstration," David said, "He seems happy. He's not terrified like Gerry's parent's slaves are. I don't like visiting him that often. I'm glad that Dad won't have any."

"So how can I help?" Robert asked.

"When I try to talk to Dad about it, he gets all worked up and starts yelling that if I can do a better job then get on with it. I was wondering if you give me some tips so I could at least try."

"Spare the rod and spoil the slave. Is that the sort of quick tip you mean?" Robert asked, "I'm not trying to be rude but I don't know of any easy answer. I made mistakes and I'm lucky that I was able to put them right."

"Excuse me, Master," Charley said, "You promised that you would never punish us for not knowing. It gave us a chance to learn what you wanted."

"I also promised to punish you for speaking without permission," Robert said grinning.

"Yes, Master. Shall I fetch the whip?"

Gerry stared in amazement at the exchange. Like Mr. Hartman, the landscape gardener and others before him, he could not believe how relaxed Robert was with his slaves.

Turning to Gerry, Robert said, "I've never managed to shut him up. The problem is, he's usually worth listening to."

"That's what I mean," Gerry said, "He standing there, as a slave should. He's polite and respectful but he's…"

Gerry paused wondering how to explain, "He's still with us. No, he's still alive. It hasn't been crushed out of him."

"I think I know what you mean," Robert agreed, "I've been in houses where you can smell the fear. I couldn't live like that."

"Maybe you should shadow Charley for a few days," David grinned, teasing his friend.

"I'd like to," Gerry replied seriously, "You've no idea how much I hate it at home. It's not even as if my parents are nasty. They just don't know what to do."

"Hey, I was only joking," David exclaimed.

"I'm not," Gerry said, "I half expected Mr. Smith to say something along those lines. We've a school break and I really do want to try something. I'd be very grateful to you and Charley, Mr. Smith."

"What do you think, Charley?" Robert asked.

"Would the young sir be willing to live as a slave under my authority?" Charley asked. "It would give him the chance to learn more and it would be less likely to disturb you, Master."

"That's fair," Gerry said, "I don't want to be nuisance."

"If you're serious then talk it over with your parents," Robert said, "If they agree then have them call me."

"How come you're so willing to live like a slave?" David asked, "You're weird."

"They want to send me off to one of those basic training camps for the summer," Gerry replied, "You know, all discipline and drill and they aren't much better than slave training. If I came here instead I'd get the same but it'd only be for a week and I'd have something useful at the end. Besides a class mate of mine was sent to his uncle as a slave for a month. It was a punishment but it is done."

"You can talk your parents around most things," David said, "You should be able to talk your way out of BTC."

"I'm not so sure," Gerry replied, "Besides, like I said, things are a bit strained and I want to help. Would you excuse me, sir?"

Gerry headed outside pulling his mobile from his pocket. He returned few minutes later, handing it to Robert.

"Dad, would like to speak to you," he said.

"I'm sorry that Gerry has been bothering you," Gerry's father said, "I'm sure you've got better things to do with your time than to look after him."

"He won't be bothering me," Robert said, "And my slave will do as he's told."

"The school recommended the BTC to settle him down before his exam year. We've been thinking of getting rid of our slaves. They're more trouble than they're worth. If Gerry could learn about stewardship then the responsibility might be good for him and we might keep the help around the house."

"Gerry was thinking much the same thing," Robert said.

"And he was also thinking that one week instead of a whole Summer would be an easy option. I don't suppose you could keep him for a full six weeks but see that he gets to school."

Robert grinned, looking at Gerry who suddenly wondered what scheme was being hatched.

"I don't see why not," he said, "If you could email me authorisation to enforce a discipline and deterrence regime, then I'll implement it."

They exchanged a few pleasantries before Robert hung up and put the phone on the table beside him."

"Your father guessed that you saw this as an easy option," Robert said, "So you'll be here for longer than just a week. Stand up and strip."

Both of Robert's visitors looked shocked. The blood drained from Gerry's face as he realised what he had talked himself into.

"Excuse me again, please Master," Charley said before turning to Gerry. "You have been given your first order. Obey it now or you will receive your first punishment."

Gerry might have argued with Robert, begging time to consider his position but Charley's intervention raised the stakes. Reluctantly he stood up and began removing his clothes. As slowly as he could he removed his trainers and his socks before pulling his shirt over his head.

"There's a cane on that table," Charley said quietly, "Fetch it."

Shock was turning into horror and fear as Gerry obeyed and then was instructed to hold out his hand. The cane swished down and Gerry felt the pain burn across the palm.

Even as he tried to rub it to ease the fire Charley said, "Master is still waiting."

He swished the cane through the air.

Gerry's hands flew to the belt holding up his trousers and in seconds he was naked. After a moments hesitation he put his hands on his head and spread his feet.

"That is your first lesson, boy," Charley said, "Only Master's wishes count."

"OK," Robert said, "You look like a healthy young man so you'll cope with a bit of hardship. Every evening you will report to me and tell me what you have learned about handling slaves but beyond that you will receive no special treatment. Boy is as good a name for you while you're here.

"Have you noticed any differences yet in how my slaves are treated?"

Gerry thought for a moment. "Yes… er… Master. I tried stalling and was punished for it. Dad would have done the same but I wouldn't be able to stand by now."

Gerry grimaced with pain, "He made his point though and I won't keep you waiting again."

"Do your slaves always know why they're being punished?"

Gerry thought again. "No Master. Not until it didn't matter. I mean I knew what I had to do to avoid more strokes and I did it. Like I said, they wouldn't be in fit state to do anything."

"Good," Robert said, "Go with Charley. He'll get you cleaned up and looking like a slave. Then you can try your hand at serving us drinks."

"Your deterrence programme works with me, sir," David exclaimed when they were alone. "I wouldn't want to be your slave."

"Call me Robert. Especially when your friend returns."

"OK Robert," David said.

They chatted for a time about nothing in particular until the door opened and Gerry nervously entered holding a tray. To add to his embarrassment Golf was beside him and the younger boy was giving him whispered instructions.

As Robert watched Gerry he felt his cock hardening. Gerry was a muscled seventeen year old with a well proportioned and attractive body. His cock and balls looked larger now that he was shaved but fitted nicely into the overall picture of his body. A deterrence programme meant no holds barred and so it wouldn't be long before Robert was impaling him, at both ends.

Gerry was bitterly regretting his hasty scheme as Charley made Golf and Foxtrot remove all his body hair and gave him his enemas. He was alarmed when Charley advised him to start fingering himself ready to be fucked by Robert yet, through the humiliation of being shaved, the horrible bloated feeling of being filled with water and the deeper shame as the smell from his insides filled the cellar/dungeon when he was able to expel the water, he heard Charley quietly encouraging him and he knew that he would get through the ordeal.

It was the start of an amazing few weeks. Once the slaves knew that he was there to make life better for his parents slaves, they all looked after him as best they could. For the week that he was on holiday Charley made it clear that he should have no special treatment and he worked beside the other slaves sharing their jobs in turn. He earned a couple of beatings until he got used to leaping out of his hammock the moment the first alarm sounded but there was always someone to help him stow it neatly and he got used to the routine.

The only other time he got a beating was one night when he was telling Robert what he had learnt that day. Echo had tried playing up or just wanted to show off in front of Gerry. Either way, Charley had taken a belt to his back and the welts would be visible for a few days.

Gerry had not mentioned the incident for fear of getting Echo into more trouble. Robert already knew of the incident, called Echo in and pointed to his back.

"Do you think I'm blind?" Robert had quietly asked, "When they're punished it means that Charley has done his job. You're supposed to be telling me what you have learnt. Have you done that tonight?"

Gerry could only agree that he hadn't. Echo was given a paddle and told to sit in an upright chair. To Gerry's acute embarrassment he had to bend over Echo's lap and endure a beating in front of Charley and Robert. Echo knew better than to hold back and soon Gerry was in tears begging Echo to stop.

"Remember that slaves do not have secrets," Robert said when Gerry was stood in front of him again.

The slaves were really able to fuss over Gerry when he went back to school. They got up to the alarms as usual but Bravo sent Gerry to the shower first and while he was gone Echo laid out the clothes that he would wear, helping him to dress when he returned. All schools had uniforms and students were expected to be smart at all times. Gerry would start out his day, immaculate. He would actually sit at the table and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

As a joke, Bravo had kissed Gerry on the forehead and told him to have a good day. It had happened on the first day but somehow it became a little ritual. If he was up Charley would do it, otherwise it would be Bravo. Foxtrot had the rickshaw ready and Gerry would go off in style.

Other rituals started. Delta could remember getting home from school when he was young. He always made sure that there was a glass of milk and a snack waiting for him the way his mother had done it for him. Gerry felt about eight years old, the way the others fussed over him but it was pleasant and he appreciated the kindness they were showing him.

The large kitchen table was bare and spotless ready for him to do his homework and assignments when he returned. He could be sure of help from Alpha and Bravo if he got stuck.

Once done he would strip and he would be back to being a slave. He always had to present his work to Robert who checked to ensure that he had done everything properly and then explain what he learned about handling slaves. It was always an ordeal but he had learned his lesson and would never dare skip on any of his work.

He was almost sorry when his time was up and he returned home.

As he entered his house, he greeted the slave who opened the door, saying, "Hello, Bill. How are you?"

The slave nearly wet himself with terror at being noticed and stammered incoherently as Gerry's father approached.

"Speak up, you useless bugger," he shouted, raising his arm."

Gerry stepped between them.

"That's my responsibility now, Father," he said quietly but firmly.

"Don't interfere, Gerald," said his mother who had followed her husband into the hall to greet Gerry.

"Father said that I would act as overseer if I learnt how to do it properly," Gerry said, "I've done that and I've accepted the course of basic discipline that you arranged. Am I going to be your overseer or are you backing out of the deal?"

Donald, Gerry's father, stood staring at his son.

"Of course you can be the overseer," he said, "But I'm the head of this house and I'm going to keep order."

Gerry knew the head of the house line and had been trying to figure out how to deal with it. He had learnt to strip quickly and did so in front of his astonished parents, neatly folding his clothes over a chair before adopting the standard position.

"I agree, Father," Gerry said, "But you do so through your overseer. If you're going to punish anyone you punish me."

"Don't be ridiculous, Gerald," his mother snapped, "Get dressed at once and let your father deal with the slave."

Gerry did not move and his father continued to stare at his son. Gerry had changed. He was confident and determined without any of the sullenness that had dogged their previous talks.

"Explain this Father thing," Donald said, "You've never called me that before."

"I can't call you Master because I'm not a slave. I call just about everyone else, sir. Father sounded right when I'm acting as overseer."

"And you act as a slave as well when you're being the overseer?" Donald asked.

Gerry grinned ruefully.

"It's the bit I don't like," he replied, "You've got to think of me as an overseer and responsible for things going wrong. It might be easier if I look like a slave."

"Do you think you could arrange for a cup of tea while I talk this over with your mother."

"Tea in fifteen minutes in the Lounge, Father," Gerry replied, "Will that be convenient?"

"By the time he's made it, served it and dealt with those idiot boys, he'll soon get fed up," Gerry heard his mother mutter as she strode into the Lounge.

Fifteen minutes later, Gerry was sitting at the kitchen table enjoying a cola while two slaves served his parents tea. The other two slaves that Donald owned stood nervously wondering what was happening. He hadn't had much time but while he had made the two servers practice their tasks the others prepared the tea.

The boys may have only about twelve years old but they weren't stupid and had responded to a bit of coaching and the notion that Gerry was protecting them.

Gerry was as nervous as the slaves and the silence was more unnerving than the shouts and crashes they were all expecting.

Finally the two servers returned looking relieved and looking at Gerry with something approaching awe.

"The Master would like to see you, sir," one of them said.

"OK! I'm impressed," Donald said when Gerry was standing in front of him. "I want you to get dressed so I can take my son out to dinner."

"Are you still eating out all the time, Father?" Gerry asked, "Mother used to like cooking."

"I still do." his mother replied, "But I can't stand the pandemonium in the kitchen."

"Would dinner at nine be agreeable?" Gerry asked politely, "I know it's late but there's a lot to do and it won't be anything fancy."

Donald shrugged, "If you think you can do it, go ahead."

Donald and Lucy, his wife, spent the day in the lounge wondering what was going on. It was a large house and they had originally bought some slaves because Lucy was becoming busy with a gift shop that she had opened with a friend. The shop had been a success and Lucy could not give the house the attention that it needed.

They heard the vacuum cleaner, the occasional clatter of stuff being carried around, often followed by a sharp command from their son which resulted in silence again.

It was almost a relief when a slave entered the Lounge.

"Please, Master. Gerry…" he began then stopped, looking even more terrified, if that were possible, as he realised what he had said, "I mean the Young Master wonders whether you would take me to the shops to buy the stuff on this list. He says, would you show me where it all is and how to pay for it because I don't know, Master."

"You should know," Lucy snapped, "I should take the whip to you for your stupidity."

Donald touched her arm.

"Does Gerry want you whipped for your stupidity?" he asked the slave.

"Oh no, Master. Not as long as I learn how to do it properly and not have to bother you again."

"And does he expect me to treat you kindly and explain everything carefully?"

The slave's face screwed up as he tried to work out the answer to his master's question.

"I have to please you, Master," he said at last, "Would it please you to do that?"

Donald laughed.

"You know, I think it might," he said, "Let's go."

Gerry's mother tried to settle to some work on her laptop. For once the house was peaceful and for the first time in a long time, she succeeded. In some circles, taking on slaves had become a fashion. It was supposed to be a duty. Letting them mix with free people while they had no freedom was part of the punishment. Letting free children see what could happen to them was a deterrent. Lucy, and many of her friends, had not understood the consequences of having slaves and very often they caused more work than they saved.

Gerry's parents had only kept their slaves because Lucy did not want to be the first of her friends to admit defeat. She did not believe that her son could make a difference and was only stopping herself from storming around the house dealing with things because Donald insisted that Gerry had kept his side of the bargain.

It did not stop her expecting trouble when a slave slipped into the room to stand quietly by the wall.

"Well?" she snapped, "What have you done? Why have you been sent to me."

"Please, Mistress," the terrified boy sobbed, "I haven't done anything. I was told to wait here in case you wanted something."

Lucy was so determined that disaster was about to strike that she was almost disappointed that the suspense was not over so it really was a relief when another slave timidly entered the room and asked if she could come through to the kitchen when it was convenient. She leapt from her chair and almost ran through the house to sort the chaos and disaster.

She stopped confused at the scene before her. The kitchen was spotless. Saucepans of water stood on the cooker ready for the piles of vegetables on the table. The smell of a roasting joint wafted from the oven.

"You needn't have rushed, Mother," Gerry said, "We're still waiting on the shopping. It's this recipe. It says things like a little honey. We're not sure what a little is."

Her first instinct was to glare at the slave who was supposed help her in the kitchen or even clip his ear. She glanced down at the recipe for the sauce and realised that they were trying to follow one of her own.

She finally accepted that Gerry knew what he was doing and tried his quiet, patient approach and found herself enjoying herself teaching them how to make the sauce and one or two other dishes.

The dinner was a success and by the time Gerry had to go school on the following Monday, the house had been transformed.

Once the weekend was over, Gerry started wearing clothes again, stripping off and going into overseer/slave mode less and less often. His father adopted Gerry's methods and gradually took control again. Lucy became the envy of her friends in having such a well run house.

One or two of them even asked Gerry to sort out their own slaves though in private he always claimed he was sorting out the owners but it amazed and saddened him that most stuck to the official line and never got the benefits of slave owning.

Chapter 6

While Gerry had been staying with Robert, the other boy he had met on that first trip had finally decided to see if Delta was his old friend. Barry had delayed meeting with Delta for fear of what he might find but he desperately needed to talk to someone.

Delta had been enslaved for transporting drugs. He had been befriended by a dealer and saw it as a bit of an adventure. Now the dealer was targeting Barry. They lived on the same estate and Barry could not avoid him. The dealer seemed friendly and saw Barry's caution and wariness as a safer bet than his more impulsive friend.

Barry had been unable to refuse some innocent favours. He had taken sweets to the dealer's Grandmother, dropped off some spanners to his friends working on a car. Then the package had been closed and he only had the dealer's word that that they contained cigarettes, gifts for loyal friends.

Barry was becoming convinced that the police were watching him and tried to stop the deliveries which was when the dealer threatened him and his family. He was given another package and told to deliver it. Not knowing what else to do he set off but suddenly saw a police car heading for him. He panicked, dived down an alley dodged through a couple more and dumped the package behind a bin. He then pedalled as furiously as he could to Robert's house hoping that he would be allowed in.

Barry had been right and the police were watching him. His sudden change of course when he saw them suggested he was up to something and they were looking out for him around the estate. It was lucky that he had cycled away in a completely unexpected direction.

When Robert greeted his young guest he could see that something was badly wrong but had no idea what. He summoned Delta and noticed the look on the Barry's face. There was some pleasure but there was mainly relief that he found his friend and that he was fit and well but there was something else. Robert did not know it but he had made a deep impression on Barry at their first meeting. He believed that Robert would be able to help him.

While Delta could only stand in position, slightly embarrassed at his friend seeing him like this, Barry had no such inhibitions. Whatever emotions he was feeling they were strong and aimed at Delta. He rushed over and hugged his friend holding him so tight Delta had trouble breathing.

Delta looked uncertainly at Robert who nodded. Delta returned the hug and they stood until Barry was ready to let go. When Robert suggested that they go to kitchen and talk, Barry almost dragged Delta to the door.

Robert sensed that more trouble was brewing and settled back to wait. Sure enough some time later the boys returned to stand nervously in front of him.

He invited Barry to sit down but the boy was reluctant to do so until he told Delta to kneel beside the chair. Barry told Robert his story.

"OK, Barry," Robert said, "I won't lie to you. You are in real trouble. You already knew that and I'm sorry that I have to confirm it.

"What I would like to do is call a lawyer friend of mine. He'll be able to advise us."

Barry noticed that Robert had said 'us' and breathed a sigh of relief as he nodded his consent.

Luckily Ray was available and came straight away.

"One defence is giving evidence on a more serious crime," Ray said, "It didn't work with your boy because he didn't know enough to get a conviction and he was an easy addition to their success rates."

Ray paused, "We're going to have to call the police and tell them where the drugs are. There'll be questions about why you did earlier runs and why you carried them today until a police car spooked you. The courts have to consider coercion but aren't very sympathetic. In this instance we may have a case but I can't see you not getting some conviction."

"Obviously you can't go back to that estate which means finding someone to look after you. If Robert agrees then I would recommend voluntary enslavement."

A look of absolute terror crossed Barry's face.

"Don't panic," Ray said, "I would suggest voluntary enslavement for a year and you apply before the police find you. Once you are enslaved, all charges against you are dropped. At the end of the year, you'll have a clean slate. It works because you're accepting a course of punishment, deterrence and training. If no one knows you're here then the druggies won't find you and that may be something that the police can turn to their advantage. If they get an arrest out of it then we've got helping with a more serious crime and the voluntary enslavement could be annulled."

"So you're saying a year's enslavement to me is the worst case and with a bit of luck things could go a lot easier."Robert said.

"Exactly," Ray agreed, "You don't have long to decide Barry. I don't suppose the police can track you here but you have to be enslaved before they arrive or before someone finds those drugs."

"What happens if they do get me?" Barry asked in a frightened voice.

"Probable full enslavement if not a public whipping. Certainly, a criminal record. If you're not enslaved then you'll have to deal with the druggies."

"What do think, Mark?" Barry asked.

"I'm called Delta now. It's hard work here but Master will look after you. So will the rest of us."

"Can I call my parents?"

"Absolutely not," Ray exclaimed, "I'll see to it that they know what's happening when it's safe but you must not do anything that could trace you here."

Barry looked crushed. He could see that he had very few options.

"I'll stay here," he said weakly.

Ray had been fiddling with his laptop and had the documents ready. All Barry had to do was sign. He immediately called a police inspector that he knew and trusted, giving a brief outline of events.

So far as any observers were concerned, a few minutes later, a couple of policemen strolled past the bin and 'noticed' the package. Rather than make it obvious that they knew the contents, they closed the area off and called the bomb squad. No one doubted that the package had been discovered by accident and that Barry had not gone to the police. It seemed as if Barry had disappeared completely.

Inspector Harris changed into civilian clothes and drove off in an unmarked car. Once he was satisfied that no one was taking any interest in him he drove to Robert's house.

Once there he questioned Barry closely, then with Robert's permission, interrogated Delta. Finally he asked to speak with Robert.

"We're close to finding the gang's supplier." Inspector Harris said, "We didn't realise it when your slave Delta was arrested but he had met him. It was this supplier who had seen Barry hanging around and thought he would make a more careful courier. They were right too, only they hadn't bargained on him having this bolt hole."

Inspector Harris continued, "The package contained money, not drugs. The gang probably has a backer who'll expect to be paid back. While they're in this mess we're going to pick up some of the weaker links and push them. We have information we can use as a lever. With luck we'll get a result or two and go for the leaders.

"The supplier is stuck with a quantity of unsold drugs. He's going to be looking for a new customer and we've got an undercover operation under way. He'll be a lot more willing to go with our agent.

"They all have plenty to worry about. They won't have time to think about getting even with Barry so I doubt if they'll come looking for him. We'll close Barry's file and won't take any further action against him but I suggest he sticks with his voluntary enslavement for a short time. They might not look for him but it'll be better if he didn't reappear for a time."

The Inspector's phone rang and he excused himself while he answered it. When he returned he looked thoughtful.

"We have a number of undercover operations at any one time as you probably know," he said, "Sometimes we even recruit cadets if they fit the right profile but we like to provide them with an escape route and my superiors are asking if you could help."

"I'm not putting my boys or myself at risk," Robert said, "I don't fancy armed gangs descending on us to kill some spy living under our roof."

"Oh, it would be nothing like that." Inspector Harris replied, "The heavy mobs are handled at regional or national level. I know the teenage gangs we're after can be vicious but they're not particularly bright. They'll assume that Barry ran to ground on the estate and they'll spend the next couple of days ferreting around there.

"We'll keep an eye on his parent's home so it'll seem as if we're looking for him as well and his parents don't know where he is. We're the only ones who know that and we'll keep it that way."

Robert nodded.

"Go on," he said.

"If one of our undercover agents finds himself in danger and runs they'll assume he's heading for the nearest police station. Now if you've got a station of twenty or so officers you can be sure nineteen of them are as honest as the day is long. The twentieth one probably is just as straight but my point is, corruption does happen.

"Now a safe house that an undercover officer could reach and stay in while he is debriefed or until he can be moved somewhere else would be invaluable."

"I can see that but I can also see problems," Robert said, "I know this is a remote spot but I do have other visitors and they'd notice a string of young house guests. My slaves would guess what's happening. My neighbours would notice a string of police coming up the lane

"Only I would know about you and I would be your only police contact. We'd have to come up with some sort of cover story for your guests but I agree that your slaves would be a problem."

"I'm going to call Charley in," Robert said, "He's my overseer and he'd have to know what to do if I was out."

Inspector Harris could see the sense in that and reluctantly agreed.

Charley listened carefully then asked, "Master, where would you hide an elephant?"

Robert knew Charley and just groaned while Inspector Harris looked annoyed.

"Go on, tell me," Robert said, "Where would you hide an elephant?"

"In a herd of other elephants," Charley answered, "Barry will be invisible because he'll be just another slave helping Delta and Echo. If you had someone sitting on the patio being served drinks people would notice. If he was a few feet away, naked and weeding the garden no one would."

"It's a good idea but I can't see them agreeing to it," Robert said.

"I can." Inspector Harris said, "Some are slipped in as slaves. All that's different is that they can dial a special code to disable their chip. If any of them got here they could re-enable it and it would have a different and valid I.D. The operatives would understand the security aspect."

"I'd enjoy whipping a policeman," Charley said with a grin."Only for the sake of the cover story, of course."

"Of course," Robert said grinning as well, "Be careful what you say, though. Inspector Harris doesn't know you well enough to take much of your cheek."

"I'd assume most would only be here for a few hours, Master," Charley said, "You said something about debriefing. There's a table in the cloak room across from the kitchen. We can find a couple of chairs that you could use as well. It's small but it may suit your needs and you'll be able come and go as you like, sir."

"Don't get carried away, boy." Inspector Harris said, "We may never need you and even if we do I'd not intrude without Robert's knowledge."

"Master will be informed, sir," Charley said, "He will not be disturbed though. He has his own work to worry about. We'll be ready in case anything happens. Master would be displeased if we weren't. It occurs to me we shouldn't tell the other slaves until after Gerry has left. I don't think he'd say anything but it wouldn't hurt to be careful."

"And you'll be able to trust the other slaves?" Inspector Harris asked.

"It depends, sir," Charley answered solemnly. "It depends on whether they want to be muted for the rest of their lives or not."

After Charley had left them Inspector Harris said, "Remind me, Robert. I'm running this operation, aren't I?"

Robert laughed.

"He has that effect on people. The safest thing to do is to tell him what you want and stand back. How extensive is this intelligence work?"

"If you include informants, surveillance and undercover operatives I'd say ninety five per cent of investigations. Sherlock Holmes used to investigate crimes after the fact and the police worked to his ideas. Nowadays we're lost if we don't know the time and date of a crime before it happens."

Eventually his visitors left and Robert was able to send for Barry, Delta and Charley.

"I assume that the others know why Barry is here," Robert said, "I do not want any further discussion on the subject. Get him stripped off and cleaned up and then he can stay with Delta in the kitchen. He's had a difficult day so we'll let him rest as much as possible. Tomorrow he can start work as Delta's assistant."

The slaves left and again Robert was able to relax until Charley returned.

"Problems?" Robert asked.

"We've got too many slaves for the the work, Robert," Charley replied, "We're on top of everything and now that they know what they're doing they do it quicker."

By calling him by name instead of calling him Master, Robert knew that Charley was asking for advice from his lover, not asking him to intervene.

"Gerry will be gone in a couple of weeks. I don't know how long Barry will be here. Give Alpha more help. He's really working well and doing far more with the gardens than I expected. Have everyone else complete their tasks by midday then hand them over to Alpha. You and Bravo as well. I'd like some quiet time in the afternoons."

Robert had another idea. His property was surrounded by a high wall. Over the years it had become covered by a thick tangle of brambles which had spread out over garden. Alpha had worked hard cutting them back in spite of being constantly scratched by the thorns. The other slaves had helped him between their other duties. The garden looked better and now he also had the patio area to maintain.

Robert had ordered that the brambles not be completely removed. They were to be left and overhanging the wall. The property was isolated and surrounded by fields on three sides where the brambles grew unchecked. The result was an impenetrable barrier protecting his property.

Robert's idea was to build a track around the inside of his property at a short but constant distance from the wall. It would serve two purposes. First it would provide a clear edge to the brambles. Alpha was never sure how far to cut them back and the second to provide a running track for his slaves to exercise on.

There was something really sexy about the boys when they were working out. He particularly liked it when it was raining and he could see them shining in the wet with the rain dripping off them. Bravo's sessions tended to be shorter when the weather was bad or else they headed for the shed where the rickshaw was housed. Richard did not mind them relaxing in the afternoon but he had decided that they should have a tougher session in the morning.

Charley was less keen on the idea especially when Robert said that he would take part too.

"Won't it make Delta late starting breakfast," he asked, "What happens if I don't get down there in time? What about after the summer when it's frosty?"

"OK!" Robert replied, "We won't make it compulsory. Anyone who doesn't want to do two laps in the morning, can do ten in the afternoon instead. I saw some nipple clamps connected by a chain. I think the afternoon runners would look good in them, especially you."

"Yes Master," Charley said sulkily.

He and Robert were close but every so often Robert reminded him of his true status. He understood why and accepted it. Robert had received a letter from the YPS reminding him that slaves should never forget they were being punished. He checked with Ray and was relieved to discover that it was a standard letter issued to every slave owner. He also received a form asking him to confirm that he understood his responsibilities for punishment and deterrence. This was not standard and was probably a result of his enquiries about freeing slaves. He discussed it with Charley who got permission to explain to the other slaves why he was introducing a tougher regime.

Robert had also been thinking about inviting the Operatic Society to put on a concert in aid of charity. He was supposed to put his slaves on display to demonstrate that they were properly disciplined and having them serving his guests seemed like a good way of doing it.

Slave owners did not always find it easy to comply with this requirement. Some just sent their slaves for a public whipping while others waited until the YPS enquired about their plans which could take years. It was easier to dispose of their slaves, wait a few months then get some more. Robert had the facilities and now felt comfortable enough to put on some sort of display of his training and discipline methods.

Charley was more enthusiastic about this plan even if it meant a lot of work. He might even be able to distract Robert and get him to forget his morning run idea.

Charley's scheme failed because Robert introduced the morning run immediately. It had been raining a lot, the ground was soft so that, after just a couple of days the lawn began to look damaged. In places, the track they were using turned into a sticky quagmire making the run more of an ordeal.

Once again Alpha felt unable to do the ground work as it had to be done properly to be sure that it lasted so Robert called Mr. Hartman again. This time he did not bother Robert but dealt directly with Charley and Alpha. He brought his son along, a youth about eighteen years old.

"Now that the good weather is here, I'm fully booked," he said, "You're right about getting good foundations and drainage but once I've worked out the specifications you could do it yourselves. Now that would break the Labour Protection Laws unless I can say it's for training purposes so I propose putting Todd here in charge. He can deal with the suppliers and work out the estimates and so on as a bit of job experience before he goes to college. You slaves will provide the labour. Is that agreeable?"

"How come you're asking the slave, dad?" the boy asked, irritated.

"Things work a bit differently here, Todd." his father replied, "Charley's job is to see that his Master isn't bothered by anything and is free to do his own work. His Master wants that track built so he will work with you to see that it's done as efficiently and as quietly as possible. Is that right Charley?"

"Yes sir," Charley answered, "I'll assign Alpha to you permanently and sort out a rota with the rest if you tell me how many you need."

Todd grinned suddenly, "So I can sit in the sun pretending to do the paperwork while you do the hard graft."

"You don't have to pretend, sir," Charley replied, "As long as you ensure that we're doing the work right, you can sunbathe a much as you like."

"Humph," Mr. Hartman grunted, "He's supposed to be working not lazing around on your Master's time."

"I thought this was an educational experience, sir," Charley said.

"Yes, it is. So?"

"Well sir, maybe he should learn the benefits of having a good overseer."

Mr. Hartman glared at Charley for a moment before he burst out laughing, with Todd following suit.

Charley had read Todd right. He had been resentful that a slave might undermine his first piece of authority. Instead, he found himself warming to Charley, intrigued by his confidence and his respectful behaviour.

Todd did a good job and spent less time than he could have done, lounging around. Robert still thought Todd was a bit lazy but Charley seemed happy enough.

There was no point in the slaves resenting the morning run but knowing the reason behind it did help. Gerry had been gone for a week by the time the track was ready to use and Charley stopped everyone from running that morning. It meant they all had to complete the ten laps wearing nipple clamps in front of Robert and Todd.

It was Charley's way of saying that they understood Robert's concerns and supported him. Todd left impressed.

Preparations were well under way for the open day and they all settled into a routine which was interrupted when Gerry visited needing help.

Some family friends, an elderly couple, the Cromartys, had bought three slaves to help them as nowadays they were finding it harder to keep house. They had chosen youths in their early twenties thinking that they would be more mature.

It had been a disastrous mistake.

The oldest one was a natural bully and the Cromartys were terrified of him. The slaves were rude and insulting to the neighbours and the house was a mess. Having seen how Gerry had sorted his own family's slaves, they turned to him for help. In his turn he turned to Robert and Charley for advice.

"The problem is, if they're too infirm to control them, then they'll be taken away and the Cromartys won't be allowed any more," Robert said, "You've got to convince the neighbours that they can cope as well. What do think, Charley?"

"We'll need a show of deterrence then as well seeing that the slaves behave themselves," Charley answered, "May I fetch some of our slaves to help, Master?"

Robert nodded. Charley was not thinking, he was acting and Robert need not concern himself any further. He had Alpha, Bravo and Foxtrot line up and explained the problem and then described his plan.

He had decided that they would need at least four slaves. Gerry would supply the fourth. Gerry would arrive in the rickshaw with the slaves running obediently behind. He would be equipped with a stun gun and prod as would Alpha and Bravo. They would enter the house and overpower the two oldest slaves without giving them the chance to react.

The youngest slave was uncomfortable with the situation and had tried to serve the Cromartys but had got beaten up for his trouble so he would be given a last chance. Gerry would then supervise the slaves while they cleared up the house.

"Everything has to be smartly done outside," Charley said, "Don't be scared of punishing our slaves, Master Gerry. If the Cromarty slaves put up a fight then don't be afraid of Alpha or Bravo getting in the way and stunned. Master Robert will see them right afterwards. You must gain control and be ruthless."

"I endorse what Charley has just said," Robert said, "You may have to endure some unfair treatment but help the Cromartys and I'll see that you're rewarded."

For safety's sake the Cromartys went out the next day and as they turned out of the road Gerry arrived in Robert's rickshaw followed by four slaves trotting behind. Foxtrot and Gerry's slave adopted the position, hands behind their head and feet apart while Zulu rested the bar across his shoulders standing upright and alert. A little crowd began to gather as Gerry issued the stun guns and prods. He had the spare key which the Cromartys had given him.

They let themselves in quietly checking the rooms in the house until they found the slaves. It was easy. The oldest one had commandeered a spare bedroom and was still asleep. The bed clothes had been pulled back, he had been stunned and manacled before he had woken up. The second oldest slave who was the other trouble maker had also taken over a spare room though this was just a box room with a mattress on the floor. As he came out to investigate the noise, he was stunned and handcuffed just as easily. Gerry inserted gags, led them downstairs and out the front. He made them kneel down before manacling their ankles, spreading them with a rigid spacer bar.

With Alpha and Bravo threatening them with the prods, Gerry released their wrists before attaching them to their ankles. As Gerry gathered the guns and prods, Alpha smiled at him in relief. Gerry had his back to the crowd and silently mouthed, sorry, as he slapped Alpha hard across the cheek and told him to stand in position.

Charley had suggested that a little disobedience and punishment in public might look good so Alpha did not resent the slap but he was not going to help further in that direction.

Gerry had Bravo as he led the way to the kitchen where he found the third slave cowering in a corner. He looked around at the filth and mess, before yelling for his slave.

"You two get this cleaned up," he snapped before turning to his slave, "You're in charge. When you're done organise the groceries. Anything out of date or going off, feed it to the slaves, then make up a shopping list."

He sent Bravo to organise the Cromarty's bedroom and Foxtrot, the living room. Alpha was sent to tackle the garden.

Gerry headed out to look at his prisoners. They were already showing signs of distress. The road was grit embedded in tarmac which was digging into their knees which were bent at an awkward angle as they leant back on their arms. With their bodies sloping back so that their shoulders were over their ankles, their arms were pulled back from their sides putting a strain on them as well.

Fetching a strap from the rickshaw, he called a boy who had been standing in the crowd and handed him the strap.

"If they make a noise or fidget give them a slap," he said, "Aim for the navel but leave their cock and balls alone. I've got plans for them."

The boy grinned and nodded.

Gerry looked at Zulu.

"If you need to piss, aim it at them. You can grunt a warning if anyone's standing too close."

Some of the crowd giggled. Even Zulu smiled. It made a change for someone to be worse off than him.

Gerry prowled around the house looking for problems but everything was going smoothly except for Alpha.

It was only a small garden so it did not take long to tidy up but there was a long flower bed beside a broken down fence which separated the garden from next door. The flower bed was overgrown as was the matching bed in the neighbours garden.

As he stood looking at the mess a man came out of the house. Alpha immediately assumed the position waiting for the man to speak.

"What's on your mind, son?" the man asked.

"I'm supposed to be clearing up for Mr. and Mrs Cromarty, sir," Alpha replied, "Should I clear both flower beds before I fix the fence, sir? If I don't then the weeds will spread quicker."

The man looked surprised.

"That's thoughtful for a slave," he said, "Most I've met just do the minimum necessary. Or are you just insulting my gardening skills."

"Oh no, sir," Alpha replied, "I assumed you were having the same problem."

"Relax boy. I was teasing," the man said. "What say we pull the fence down and clear the bed, then see what we can do about replacing the fence."

"Yes sir," Alpha said, "but I can do it all if you don't wish to work beside a slave."

"You do the weeding and I'll see what I can salvage from the fence before I go and get the materials. How does that sound?"

"Yes sir," said Alpha and got on with his work.

Charley's plan was working. The neighbour had suffered the most from the Cromarty's slaves. It had got to the point where he no longer felt comfortable sitting in his garden. He did not want to complain but it was getting to the point where he felt that he did not have any choice.

Alpha was like a breath of fresh air, behaving like a perfect slave. He had seen the rickshaw and the obedient boys following and was aware of the activity in the house. He was relieved that he would not now have to go to the authorities and looked with considerable satisfaction at the two kneeling prisoners.

When he returned he could see that Alpha had been working hard. He took him a drink of cold lemonade.

Alpha looked at it and assumed the position.

"Thank you for your kindness, sir," he said, "We're supposed to be showing how we're being punished and how slaves should behave. It wouldn't do if anyone saw me being treated so well. At least not while I'm helping Mr. and Mrs Cromarty, sir."

"Are you thirsty, boy?"

"Yes sir."

"I've complained about those slaves running wild louder than everyone," the man said almost sounding angry, "If I think you deserve a drink then you bloody well do deserve it so drink it."

"Yes sir," said Alpha and took the glass.

Inside the house, they worked just as hard. The kitchen was transformed and Gerry had to admit that even Delta would approve. He grinned as he thought about his time at Robert's. He still thought he should adopt the position in front of Robert or Charley. Delta and the others took a fierce pride in their work and he still flinched at the thought of them scrutinising his efforts.

It was time to deal with the prisoners. Gerry called all the slaves outside to watch how he dealt with them. He fetched a heavy cane and looked at the terrified slaves as he raised his arm over the younger of the two captives and brought it down hard across the slave's abdomen. The slave screamed as more blows reigned down onto his chest, stomach and thighs. Onlookers swore that they heard ribs crack under the onslaught. The final blow was across the slaves nose. Gerry was careful not to do serious damage but it was hard enough to break it. Only his genitals had escaped the onslaught.

Then Gerry turned his attention to the older of the two slaves and repeated the beating leaving his two prisoners sobbing in agony. He turned his attention to Alpha.

"You were standing around drinking when you should have been working," Gerry snapped, "Grab the gateposts."

As Alpha offered his backside for punishment the neighbour stepped forward.

"I'm afraid I insisted that he take the drink," he said, "He tried to refuse but I left him him with little choice. He did work really hard."

"What were your instructions for today, Alpha?" Gerry asked.

"To show how slaves should behave, sir."

"And is accepting drinks from strangers, correct behaviour?" Gerry asked.

"No sir," Alpha replied unhappily, "I could have been rude to the gentleman and refused, sir and I would still have been misbehaving. This way at least, I enjoyed the drink, sir."

The onlookers chuckled at his reply and were obviously a little sympathetic to his predicament. Gerry sensed this.

"Any other time your Master would be very pleased with you for impressing someone," he said, "Unluckily for you, I'm more interested in Discipline and Deterrence today and however you look at it you forgot that you're a slave for punishment, not reward."

With that he landed six heavy blows on Alpha's backside. Alpha was was in tears as the purple welts developed. No one doubted that it was a genuine punishment and that Gerry had not been putting on some sort of show. He moved onto the third of the Cromartys slaves who was shaking violently with fear and Gerry was worried that he might piss over his shoes in his terror.

"I've got your papers so I own you," Gerry said quietly and menacingly.

He pointed to the two prisoners.

"They're going to a brothel that specialises in medical games. Their customers love to operate on cocks and balls as well their stomachs. They don't go in for anaesthetics so I imagine it's a bit painful."

He paused again.

"Your only thoughts should be to serve Mr. and Mrs Cromarty. Get any other ideas and you will follow them. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master," the slave sobbed, "I'll make up for all the trouble I've caused and I'll please the neighbours as well, like Alpha did."

Gerry brought the cane down across the slaves thigh, making him yelp.

"You serve the Cromartys. They'll probably expect you to be polite and courteous to the neighbours but you don't think or anticipate. You obey. Look at Alpha's backside."

The slave obeyed and Gerry finished up.

"You've heard what I've said about that. I'm not going to be fair with you, either. I'm not going to accept excuses. Either the Cromartys are happy or I'm coming for you."

The boys who had been hanging around all day watching events looked a little scared of Gerry. Even some of the adults looked uncomfortable if he looked their way. His calm, confident demeanour seemed to make him more menacing. The mood was broken when a black van pulled up.

"We've got a couple of slaves to collect," the driver said.

"That's right," Gerry replied.

"You're the owner?" the driver said, surprised at how young Gerry was. "You know where you're sending them?"

"Oh yes, I know," Gerry replied, "Don't I have to sign a form consenting for them to be used for the most extreme services.

The driver looked at the battered prisoners, the rest of the terrified slaves and shuddered. He only delivered the victims and had seen enough to pity the wretches he took there. Even so, he wondered what was going on. Crowds often felt sorry for the slaves he collected but this one almost seemed glad to see them go. They showed little sympathy for the pain their injuries and their stiff joints caused as they were manhandled into the cages in the van. The driver looked at their legs, bleeding from the grit embedded in the road surface and their torsos, bruised and battered from Gerry's beating and finally their broken noses and shuddered again.

As the van drove off Gerry assembled his slaves behind the rickshaw then spoke one last time to the Cromarty's slave.

"You may think of Mr. Cromarty as your Master, not me," he said, "What do you do next?"

The slave thought for a moment.

"Put the kettle on," he said uncertainly, "They always say they'd like a nice cup of tea after they get home."

"Knowing the Cromartys I think you should always keep the kettle boiling."

The slave risked a grin. "I think you're right, Master and I think I should learn how to bake muffins."

"That's a better attitude," Gerry said, "Keep it up."

He climbed into the rickshaw and they headed for Robert's place where they all lined up in front of Robert who listened to Gerry's account of the day.

"I've had a phone call from this neighbour," Robert said, "He's genuinely concerned that Alpha's in trouble. What do you say Alpha?"

Alpha thought for a moment.

"There's a part of me that wants to beat the shit out of Gerry, Master," he said, "Brats like him shouldn't be able to do things like that to me but he was my Master and I have to accept the punishment and deterrence thing even when it is unfair. If it helped save a slave from being disposed of then I suppose it was worth it."

"I picked my slaves carefully," Robert said, "I thought I saw potential in all of you and I think you've improved most of all, Alpha."

Alpha stared at him in amazement still unused to praise.

"Training and rehabilitation were considered as important as punishment and deterrence when slavery began, Robert continued, "And you're convincing me that they should still be important. Mr. Cornwallis, that's the neighbour suffers from angina. Sometimes he has bad days and can do very little. Would you be willing to look after his garden once a week?"

"Would I be willing, Master?" Alpha asked, "It sounds as if I have choice."

Robert laughed, "You do. Mr. Cornwallis was very insistent that you help him willingly. I've told him that he should work you hard and I think you'll be doing a lot of house maintenance as well."

"Won't it make things difficult for you if he forgets that I'm just a slave and treats me too softly," Alpha asked.

"Perhaps," Robert agreed, "It would be your responsibility to act properly at all times and not shirk off."

"Master," Alpha began, "This may sound very rude and maybe I'm overstepping the mark but would there be anything in it for me?"

Robert noticed the shocked looks on the other boys.

"Since Alpha is being asked to agree then it's a fair question," Robert replied, "I would have have thought a day away from Charley's supervision would have made it worthwhile."

He waited for the chuckles to die down.

"You were enslaved for a serious offence and I can't see you serving less than five years. If you can demonstrate a degree of initiative as well as discipline you might get round the idea that you couldn't function as a free citizen after that time."

"I would like to work for him, Master," Alpha said, "I noticed that he got breathless very quickly. Could someone visit more often to keep an eye on him? If I'm not speaking out of line again, perhaps Master Gerry could send one of his slaves round each day."

"You are speaking out of turn," Robert said sharply. "As punishment you will see that your day's work is completed in the morning and you will visit Mr. Cornwallis in the afternoons. Charley was complaining about too many boys for the work here. He can arrange the rotas to accommodate you. Bravo, organise the travel permit."

Like Charley before him, Alpha was discovering what it what like to be trusted. On the whole Robert was a kind master but he left no doubt that slaves were there to be used. He had inflicted pain and humiliation on Alpha but there had always been a reason. Alpha had learned that it was pointless to resent it. It was part of the punishment that Robert was duty bound to administer.

What Alpha had also learned was that Robert respected him for accepting his situation and trying to make the best of it.

Once upon a time having to run to Mr. Cornwallis' house each day would have been a punishment by making him work instead of skulking in the garden shed. Now it was a privilege, showing how much he was trusted by his Master.

For the next few months he became a regular fixture at Mr. Cornwallis' house. He became known in the local shops. Often slaves were not allowed into such places. However as as people found out that he was looking after a local pensioner he only had to assume the position outside for an assistant to come out to him and escort him around the shop.

At first Mr. Cornwallis would sometimes go with him, leaving Alpha to carry the bags but Mr. Cornwallis got steadily weaker and Alpha spent more and more time nursing him. Robert and Charley knew what was happening and did not say anything as Alpha got home later and later sometimes even after the curfew. After the first incident a note was made on his tracker file and some of the police were even apologetic when they put him in the cage in the boot of the car.

Visitors saw how much cleaner the house was and were impressed with the way that Alpha was looking after him. Sometimes Alpha lay on the bed beside Mr. Cornwallis reading to him. And before everybody, including Mr. Cornwallis, Alpha behaved like the perfect slave.

Chapter 7

Spring had gone and it was in early Summer, a couple of weeks before the open day, that a policeman called on Robert. Alpha was summoned and stood nervously wondering what was wrong.

"I'm afraid Mr. Cornwallis died during the night," Robert said, "Mrs Cromarty's slave found him this morning when he was sent in with his breakfast. I'm sorry. I know how close you became."

Alpha began weeping and Robert handed him a tissue.

"Relax for a moment," he continued, "This officer needs to question you. He might need to take you to the police station but just stick to the truth. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master."

"Bloody slaves don't know the meaning of truth. How did you force him to change his will?"

"What will, sir?" Alpha asked.

"The will you forced him to sign, you piece of shit," the policeman snarled, "You may have fooled some of my colleagues but to me you're still a filthy conniving piece of slave scum."

"I didn't force him to sign anything, sir," Alpha cried desperately, "I was only trying to help him."

"Slaves don't try to help anyone unless they're being kicked up the arse. You know where he kept his valuables, don't you?"

"Yes sir. He had a locked box on his dressing table. I don't know what was in it."

"If you hadn't touched it, how come we found your fingerprints on it?"

"I did hold it sometimes, sir," Alpha sobbed desperately, "I had to, to clean properly."

"And you didn't know where the key was."

"Yes I did, sir," Alpha replied, "It was in an envelope mixed up in some old letters."

He realised that he was talking himself into trouble. If Robert had not been there he may have been tempted to lie but he could not do it in front of the only man to trust him.

"And when did you last handle it?" the policeman asked.

"I don't remember, sir," Alpha answered, "I handed him the envelope once or twice. That's all."

"So what about all the old garbage that you're really sorry for what you'd done and you want to become a doctor? How come you you tried to make him feel sorry for you?"

"He told me to tell him about myself, sir. I did want to become a doctor. My parents were making me study political science. That way I could work for my dad and he could claim expenses for me."

"And you've got a soft touch of a slave lover for a master who believes in freeing every bit of rubbish so that they can mix with decent people again."

"Don't you dare speak about Master Robert like that," Alpha yelled, "I'm a slave so you can do what you like with me but you're in Master Robert's house and you'll show him some respect."

There was a shocked silence.

"Fetch the cane, Alpha," Robert said quietly.

"Yes Master," Alpha replied, "I will not apologise for what I just said. You're a good master and you do believe in discipline and deterrence. I liked Mr. Cornwallis and I did not do anything against him. "

With that he bent over the back of a chair with his hands firmly gripping the seat.

"From what I've heard, you were unfairly beaten because you helped Mr. Cornwallis." The policeman said with a surprisingly kind voice, "Can I suggest that honours are now even, sir. You understand that I had to be sure and was just trying to get him off balance. It seems I succeeded but not in the way I was expecting."

"Come here Alpha," Robert said, "Mr. Cornwallis changed his will not long after you started visiting. He's left everything to you in a trust. If you're ever freed then you inherit. The policeman gave you a hard time because it's very unusual and well, you know how some slaves can behave with elderly owners."

"Yes sir," Alpha replied, "I didn't know anything about it. Honestly, I didn't."

"We had to be sure," the policeman said, "Only Mr. Cromarty and his lawyer were supposed to know. All of his neighbours speak highly of you and the house was spotless. His bed was fresh and clean. He couldn't speak highly enough of you to Mrs Cromarty. The investigation is now closed."

"Please Master," Alpha began after the policeman had left, "Did he know he was dying?"

"I think so," Robert replied, "It turns out that he had cancer as well. He made me his executor so I have to handle your trust. He had substantial insurance, shares, some money in the bank and he owned his house. It seems he collected silverware and had an eye for a good piece. It's too soon to say how much his collection is worth but Mr. Cromarty thinks it could double your inheritance. Do you see why the police needed to check up on you?"

"Yes sir. What about the funeral?"

"It's paid for and it's my job to make the arrangements," Robert replied, "Do you wish to attend?"

"Yes please, sir, and may I see him?"

"I'll see if I can arrange it but I don't recommend it. The man you knew is gone. It's just a shell left."

Because slaves were kept in the communities that they grew up in, the question of them attending funerals arose more often might be expected. The JR&Rs allowed the owner to consider the feelings of the deceased's friends and relatives. Sometimes the slave might not even be informed and other times he could attend dressed as a mourner.

Robert would have allowed Alpha to dress but Alpha refused saying that Mr. Cornwallis knew him as a slave so he should go as a slave. In church and beside the grave he stood at the present, hands behind his head feet apart. Robert had gone with him and made him relax at the small gathering at the Cromarty's. Even then he stood against a wall only accepting a drink from his host's slave as he remembered how he had first met Mr. Cornwallis.

"You can relax here," Mrs Cromarty said to him. "It's thanks for looking after him so well."

"Thank you, ma'am," Alpha had replied, "I tried to be on my best behaviour for Mr. Cornwallis and I still want to, for him."

The circumstances of Mr. Cornwallis' funeral were unusual enough to attract the attention of the local paper. In spite of being seen as the the chief mourner, Alpha's determination to act as the perfect slave created a lot of sympathetic attention and his picture appeared beside the article.

Not long after, Robert sent for Alpha.

"I've just had a Mr. McCracken on the phone," Robert said, "His clients wish to buy you and are offering five times your market value. What's wrong."

The colour had drained from Alpha's face and he looked terrified. Charley looked ready to grab him in case he fell.

"He works for my Uncle, Master," Alpha answered, "They'll ship me off to his farm so I won't be an embarrassment to my parents. I probably messed up their 'Parents in Charge' campaign and they won't like the idea of me reminding people again."

"You'd be with your family," Robert said, "That wouldn't be so bad, would it?"

"When I was small, my parents never threatened me with slavery if I was bad," Alpha said, "They talked about sending me to Uncle Zak to be trained. When I got older I heard stories about the favours he did for Dad's political friends. Please don't send me there, Master."

"I didn't like the sound of Mr. McCracken much," Robert said, "He spoke as if it was a done deal and we just sorting out the details. He's a bully."

"He's not so bad but it's his job. I don't think he likes Uncle Zak very much," Alpha replied, "Dad says that Uncle Zak doesn't like leaving the farm because in the outside world, people stand up to him."

"You're confined to the grounds from now on," Robert said, "All passes are rescinded and I'm setting your tracker to high risk. Do you know why?"

Alpha thought for a moment. At first it seemed like a punishment for something then a thought crossed his mind.

"You don't think they'd try and kidnap me? Do you, Master?"

"You don't kidnap slaves, you steal them," Robert corrected, "It can make a difference when it comes to sentencing. In answer to your question. I've never had a house fire but I still pay for insurance cover. Would you like me to be less careful with you?"

Alpha grinned, "No, Master. Do you want to put me in chains as well?"

"Sometimes I wish you boys would misbehave more," Robert said, grinning in his turn, "It would be fun finding new ways of punishing you."

Alpha was thoughtful again and Robert waited patiently.

"I don't like being hurt, Master," Alpha said eventually, "Every time you expect something from me and I succeed then I feel a little better about myself. Gerry caned me and it was unfair but I got to know Mr. Cornwallis because of it. When everyone says about how well I looked after him I feel proud of myself. Is that wrong, Master?"

"No! You impressed everyone with what you did. Where's this leading?"

"Well Master. It was a constant worry and so difficult watching him get worse. That's what was hard. I couldn't do anything and it just built up inside me."

Alpha faltered, struggling to explain what he meant.

"I don't like being hurt," he repeated before suddenly blurting out, "You can react to physical stuff. When you punched me in the stomach I could try to fight the pain. I'd like to know how much I can cope with."

"Are you saying that you'd like to be tortured to find out what you can take?" Robert asked.

"It makes me weird, doesn't it, Master?"

"Charley won't approve. He worked hard to persuade me to hold back on punishments and he was right. I've got a smooth running house and time to get on with all my interests. I get plenty of sex as well so I've been willing to hold back those sorts of fun and games. Now you're volunteering, am I right?"

Alpha swallowed nervously.

"I think so, Master," he replied softly, "However tough I am, I don't think I'd last a week on Uncle Zak's farm but I can't help wondering what I can take."

Robert was surprised that Alpha of all people should feel that way but when he asked Charley's opinion Charley said that he and Foxtrot felt the same way.

"I don't think the others do," Charley said, "You're the first person to think Alpha and I are worth anything so it's nice when we can impress you. There's a word, masochist, I think. That's Foxtrot. He'd be into it anyway. Bravo takes the physical training sessions very seriously and pushes himself as hard as he pushes us. He'd go along with it just because he'd see it as some sort of competition. Golf, Echo and Delta prefer to stay in the background."

Robert had found the conversation a big turn on. He loved watching the boys when they were being punished, there was the fear of the power that he had, the way they squirmed to avoid the pain. The welts and bruises contrasted with their youthful smooth skin and the fact that he could reduce these strong young men to tears, sobbing for relief or mercy sent the blood coursing to his groin.

He could reach out and handle the most intimate parts of their body and all they could do was stand and accept it or wait patiently while he stared at them admiring their physiques.

Even the morning runs which everyone had hated were all right now, even on cold mornings when there was still a touch of frost or in the pouring rain. It was all part of being Robert's slave.

What Robert did not know, was the impact some of his other rules had made on them. He had stuck to his promise and never punished them for an honest mistake or not knowing. Some had been to homes with slaves and known the the fear that pervaded them. Gerry's tales of homes he had tried to help had helped make them appreciate Robert's methods.

Delta was the best example. His eyes still grew large and round like a frightened rabbit when Robert wanted to fuck him but he was not frightened to experiment with a new dish to please Robert, knowing that sometimes he would fail. His last beating had been because he had got into a temper and thrown a plate at Golf. The marks had not completely faded even after all this time and he trembled as he remembered the pain. He knew that he had deserved a punishment yet he remained confident enough to practice his cooking skills.

Instead, Robert was thinking of the new possibilities, seeing Alpha strung up spread-eagled in the dungeon, panting slightly with nervousness, his body glistening with sweat and his muscles pumped as they prepared for the pain to come.

How about Charley, stretched out on his bed? A Viagra tablet, a vibrating dildo massaging his prostate and a chastity device. How long would it be before he begged for release?

As for Foxtrot, how could he be tortured? Knowing what a horny little tyke he was, Robert was sure that it would involve chastity, maybe for up to a month. Maybe put him in heavy restrictive chains and make him spend his time running alone around the track. His heaving chest showing off his rib cage would look good especially when the sun was high enough to cast sharp shadows highlighting his developing muscles. Limiting physical contact with the others and any sort of sexual pleasure would be the ideal torture for Foxtrot.

His mind jumped back to Alpha. Making him a sex slave would be torture for him. For a time he had been ordered to give blow jobs on demand to any of the boys. He had hated it. Supposing he had to bend over to be fucked by any of younger slaves?

He was pulled out of his daydreaming by a gentle cough from Bravo. It was time to visit the lawyers for an update on their efforts to free Charley.

As he sat in the rickshaw watching Zulu's rippling body as he trotted into town his thoughts strayed to more more games with his slaves. Zulu could stand for hours waiting for his master. Robert could not help wondering how long he could stand while the front of his body including his cock and balls was being prodded by powerful electric jolts.

He came back down to Earth only as he entered Ray's office and took the proffered hand.

"Our problem seems to be 'Parents in charge'," Ray said once they were settled, "His parents knew him for fifteen years and knew what he was like. You've only known him for six months and think you know better."

"You're saying that his conviction must have been safe because his parents approved?" Robert asked.

"More or less," Ray answered, "Legally, the fact that much of the neighbour's statement wasn't read out in court is more significant. It's also on record that he was willing to treat it as an accident and have Charley work off the debt. That was never mentioned in court either. All Charley's father would pay for was a freshly qualified lawyer on his first appearance and who was terrified of the Magistrate and the YPS."

"So it doesn't matter what the YPS thinks. We can go for the bad defence."

"Having a bad lawyer is not a defence," Ray explained, "The YPS will argue that the Defence had a good reason for not introducing the evidence and it supports the case that the parents were right in their assessment of the situation. They will fight it and bring in all their big guns. Oh! Charley's defence lawyer now works for the YPS."

"Coincidence?" Robert asked.

"Probably not," Ray relied, "From what I've heard, he's still pretty useless but he was hired before we filed formal papers so he can't be blamed for taking an opportunity when it came along. We'd already started our inquiries and they knew that we were going to file so it does seem a little odd."

"It's rare to have any sort of appeal. They don't like it as it challenges their authority and the idea that that they're infallible so they'll fight it as hard as they can and it's going to be expensive."

"I have no family so I want Charley to be my heir," Robert said, "That's not going to happen unless he's freed. If I have to spend his inheritance freeing him, then so be it."

"OK! What about the others. Do you still want me to consider the possibilities?"

"Yes! Alpha has done really well. He's a different person and now accepts responsibilities for his actions."

Robert paused, looking apologetic.

"There's no real change with Bravo, I'm afraid. He still earns the odd caning for some act of stupidity. I'd like to consider him for your benefit but I I'm not sure that it would be wise."

"I understand," Ray acknowledged, "He's safe with you so he's probably better off where he is. He's lost all hope of becoming a lawyer and acting as your secretary is the best job opportunity he'll have for now."

"Delta and Echo have also grown up," Robert said, "There's still time for them to catch up with their schooling. Delta would still be under pressure if he went back to the estate but maybe we could do something about that.

Foxtrot is probably happier as a slave than as a free boy and Golf wouldn't be accepted by any school now so I doubt that he could be freed."

"What about Zulu?" Ray asked.

Robert shook his head.

"He was malicious and tried to frame others," he said, "There's no way you could interpret drug dealing and attempting to pervert the course of justice as a youthful mistake. After his behaviour at the centre he's lucky to be alive."

"That's a pretty good assessment of your slaves," Ray said, "It'll count in your favour.

"We've had some luck with licenses. They were thought up about ten years ago but never implemented. The YPS might like to be congratulated on having a good idea. We could take the line that it's a pity that no one took up one their more imaginative schemes and it could help Delta and Echo with their education."

Robert nodded approvingly.

"I just want to show that rehabilitation is possible and could work," he said, "I don't believe that slavery should be for life any more."

"Neither do I and not only for Craig's sake," Ray agreed, "I'm bringing my wife to your concert. I hope Craig… I mean Bravo can get through the day without fouling up."

Of all his slaves, Bravo's crimes were the least serious and strictly speaking he had not been enslaved because of them. He had been enslaved for ignoring legally administered warnings which showed a contempt for the law. He had not planned to get drunk, it just happened and if it happened again he would find himself in a black brothel before the ink was dry on the charge sheet.

Ray thought that his son had a better chance of survival and making something of himself with Robert than if he was free. It surprised Ray that Robert could be so fond of his slaves and they were fond of him. At least Bravo was. He saw fear and wariness as well but Bravo dealt with his Master's affairs confidently and capably.

After his meeting with Ray, Robert took a leisurely lunch then intended to do some shopping. His plans were changed when he came out of the restaurant and saw a policeman standing alongside his rickshaw talking to a stranger who the policeman introduced as a Mr McCracken.

"It seems that your rickshaw isn't properly restrained," the policeman continued, "His hands are not secured properly according to your terms of purchase."

"I can assure you that he is," Robert retorted. "His manacles are bolted and not just locked to a steel bar and they're adjusted to be an optimum fit. He hasn't been released from the rickshaw since he was first attached."

"Yes but he can move his fingers and thumb," Mr. McCracken snapped, "In theory he could manipulate his hands to slide free. It has been known."

"He's been part of my rickshaw for months," Robert replied, trying to sound calm and reasonable, "His hands were in danger of suffering irreparable damage through lack of movement. If you care to examine them you'll find that they still haven't recovered fully. If they had shrivelled further he might have been able to wriggle out of the restraints anyway."

The policeman examined Zulu's hands.

"If anything, I'd say that the manacles could be loosened a little, sir," he said, "He's quite secure. I'm sorry to troubled you."

The policeman walked off leaving Mr. McCracken with Robert.

"It's always possible to find fault," Mr. McCracken said, "If there are enough complaints something will stick and the YPS will start getting interested. How about passing on your more difficult slaves and playing safe?"

"Like Alpha, you mean?" Robert exclaimed angrily, "How about I stand against your bosses family on a Rehabilitation and Training ticket. I'll even call my ideas the McCracken reforms in recognition of the encouragement you gave me."

Mr. McCracken paled slightly but otherwise there was no reaction.

"You'd never win," he muttered uncertainly."

"No but I've just come from my lawyer. He advised me to record all my conversations so I've got you threatening me. Alpha is not for sale. Basically he's a fine young man. It's surprising when you consider his parents treatment of him."

Robert fumbled inside his jacket before continuing.

"Off the record. Tell your boss that you succeeded in frightening me enough that I'm not going to flaunt my slaves in the media again and that I'm not going to set out to sabotage their campaign any more but if I'm pushed, I might get a bit unpredictable."

"You're offering nothing but I think I can live with that," Mr. McCracken retorted, "There's something about your two slaves here. If I said that the lights are still on and someone's still at home would you understand what I meant?"

Robert nodded and Mr. McCracken continued, "It makes me think that you're not just one of the usual self seekers going after my boss' family for your own ends. I'll crush that sort before they crush us and lose me my job. I'll do what I can to call the Forresters off."

"Thanks," Robert said, "If you need help, come and see me. I'll do what I can."

Mr. McCracken seemed to crumple. "I've been working for those people for far too long," he said, "The people I usually handle are as rotten as them and mostly, their kids are no better. I've had nightmares about one or two of them though. What can I do? I've got my own family to consider. I'd never get another job if I crossed them."

"You're a farm manager, aren't you?" Robert asked.

Mr. McCracken nodded, "Yes. That's what I was trained to do. I didn't know about taking care of problem kids until after I was hired and the strong arm part only happened because I'm a big guy and don't believe in being soft with properly convicted slaves."

"Fair enough," Robert said, "Would you object to working for a slave even if it was through a trust fund?"

"Are you serious?" Mr. McCracken almost yelled angrily, "What sort of wind up is that?"

"Alpha is the sole beneficiary of a will," Robert explained, "Part of the estate is shares in a group of farms. They've been badly run and the shares are well below what they should be. Now, even if Alpha is ever freed it'll be a good few years before it happens. If I was to buy enough shares to get a controlling interest, put in a good manager then it may make a good long term investment. The only problem is, they're on the other side of the country."

"So the Forresters send me to put pressure on you and instead, I disappear," Mr. McCracken laughed, "It's a nice idea."

"It's more than an idea," Robert said, "There's one other condition. You apply Training and Rehabilitation to your slaves as well as Discipline and Deterrence."

"I won't have any slaves," Mr. McCracken said, "The labour laws prevent it and you mean a different sort of training to Alpha's family. How do you mean it's more than an idea?"

"My secretary has already looked into the general plan and it's viable," Robert replied, "He was going to start advertising for a manager. However if you'd like to submit an application together with the usual references then I could send you to look the farms over. All expenses paid of course and you can take the family."

"Do you usually work this fast?" Mr. McCracken asked.

Robert laughed.

"My secretary is a slave and if he doesn't anticipate my needs he gets whipped," he said, "After your phone call the other day, he got the low down on you from Alpha and checked your details on the Internet. He saw you as a threat and made sure I knew who I was dealing with. He didn't link it to this other project though. I did as I was talking to you.

"The funny thing is, I thought he was overdoing it a bit until I saw you with that policeman."

"Bloody hell," Mr. McCracken exclaimed, "Maybe you should take the Forresters on. You'd probably win. I'll talk it over with my wife and be in touch. Do I speak to you or your slave?"

"It'll help me if you talk to Bravo but I understand if you'd rather not discuss your affairs with a slave."

The two men bid each other Good Bye and parted. Robert looked at his slaves. Zulu seemed scared. He had been at the centre of some unwelcome attention and expected trouble. Being allowed to flex his hands had been a major step forward for him and he was delighted that his Master seemed to be sticking up for him. He wanted to raise his arms and rest the rickshaw's push bar across his shoulders so that he could display his body, showing the pride he felt.

Foxtrot was staring at his master with undisguised admiration. After Golf's punishment with the electronic mute, the boys were very cautious about discussing their master's business but they knew what was going on. Foxtrot had witnessed an attack on them and his master had not only repulsed it but had gained a new ally. He was wondering how much he could tell the others without incurring Robert's wrath.

As if reading his thoughts Robert beckoned him from behind the rickshaw to stand close by him and asked, "What would happen if you gossiped about this conversation with Alpha?"

"I'd get whipped and maybe have to wear that mute, Master."

"It would please me if Alpha was told about it and had time to think about it before I sent for him. What would happen if you don't please me?"

"I'd get punished, Master." Foxtrot said looking a little nervous. Robert was waiting and Foxtrot knew that he had to say more. "But if I pleased you, maybe you would fuck me and let me sleep in your bed as well. Just not the mute please, Master."

."We'll see," Robert said, "I just want Alpha to to be prepared for our conversation."

"Yes Master."

Once he was back home, Robert filled Bravo in on what had happened before enjoying his afternoon tea on the patio then sending Charley off to find Alpha.

"Did Foxtrot fill you in on what happened?" Robert asked.

Alpha knew better than to lie so he nodded reluctantly.

"Charley. Go put and put the mute on Foxtrot," Robert continued, "Set it so that he has to swallow carefully. Don't tell him when you put it on but you can take it off again in fifteen minutes. He'll be sleeping with me tonight so you can have fun with Delta and Echo. Alpha can service Zulu."

He paused looking at Alpha, pleased that the slave did not seem resentful or sullen.

"What do you think of my plans for those farms?" he asked.

"You're going to stir my family up, Master," he replied, "It's probably a mistake."

"I'm already stirring them up," Robert snapped, "I'm just showing them that I can hit back as well."

Alpha flinched at the tone of Robert's voice.

"I'm sorry Master," he said, "I meant no offence. I'm just worried about you. I think it's an excellent plan and thank you for consulting me. May I ask, how much commission do you charge for managing my trust."

"Nothing," Robert replied thinking that Alpha may be overstepping the mark.

Alpha grinned.

"I didn't think you would, Master," he said, "My parents would say that it's good business practice and only fair."

He suddenly became serious and looked sad.

"My parents friends are wealthy. Sometimes their children are left money in trust for when they grow up. If their folks have them declared wild and out of control they can be enslaved and sent to Uncle Zak. Their parents administer the trusts, pay Uncle Zak a fee for training them and take a commission for handling the account. They also invest the trust in businesses where they can salt it away. Do you get the idea, Master?"

"And once the trust is gone, the kids can be released," Robert said, "I take it that it's only temporary enslavement."

"Yes Master," Alpha replied, "But who cares? Uncle Zak's slaves seem to have all sorts of accidents and their owners/parents don't have kids asking awkward questions about their inheritance."

Robert was silent for a moment thinking about what he had just been told before a thought struck him.

"And you thought I might be doing something similar?" he asked.

"Oh no, Master," Alpha replied sounding a little shocked, "I was thinking just how different you are to them. That's all. If you wanted to use my trust to help with all the legal expenses, I wouldn't mind though."

"That's very generous of you, Alpha," Robert replied, "I know it was kindly meant but legally it doesn't matter whether you mind or not. You're a slave and have no say."

"Master," Bravo added, "I think you would be unwise to touch Alpha's trust fund anyway. If it were suggested that you were misusing funds then control could be taken away from you and probably handed to his parents. I'm not saying you would do that but if someone wanted to suggest it and hired shyster lawyers to go over every little detail then you could waste a lot of resources defending yourself."

"And that's your expert opinion, is it?" Robert asked testily.

"Yes Master," Bravo replied. He spoke confidently but there was fear in his eyes.

"You're probably right," Robert acknowledged, "Alpha's Uncle Zak gets away with it because no one cares. The YPS could get very interested in our affairs and they would care if it suited them. Is that what you're saying?"

"Yes Master," Bravo replied, "I know you wouldn't do anything wrong."

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