Chemical element with atomic number 18
POPULARITY
28 episodes with Argon
16 episodes with Argon
23 episodes with Argon
11 episodes with Argon
17 episodes with Argon
4 episodes with Argon
5 episodes with Argon
3 episodes with Argon
2 episodes with Argon
ab 1:38 Min. - Steffen Schroeder: Der ewige Tanz | Autorenlesung | 9 Std. 48 Min. | Argon || ab 11:24 Min. - Giacomo Casanova: Geschichte meines Lebens | gelesen von Alexis Krüger | 137 Std.| Verlag Buchfunk || ab 20:57 Min. - George R.R. Martin: Das Lied von Eis und Feuer | Aus dem Amerikanischen von Jörn Ingwersen, Andreas Helweg | Gelesen von Stefan Kaminski | 212 Std.| Random House Audio || ab 28:38 Min. - Nico Sternbaum: Such den Osterhasen | Mit Michael-Che Koch, Liam Koch, Daniela Bette-Koch, Daniel Kirchberger | 24 Min. | Ab 2 Jahren | cbj Audio || ab 32:27 Min. - Michael Bond: Paddington feiert Ostern und zwei weitere Hörbuchabenteuer | Gelesen von Dietmar Bär | 38 Min.| Ab 3 Jahren | Der Audio Verlag
ab 1:24 Min. - Hannes Köhler: Zehn Bilder einer Liebe | Gelesen von Hannes Köhler, Inka Löwendorf | 5 Std. 39 Min.| Argon || ab 11:26 Min. - Ocean Vuong: Auf Erden sind wir kurz grandios | Gelesen von Julian Horeyseck | 7 Std. 39 Min. | Hörbuch Hamburg || ab 19:35 Min. - Joseph Kreil: "Venezianische Reise" - Ein Reisetagebuch aus dem Freundeskreis Franz Schuberts | Gelesen von Udo Samel | 2 Std. 36 Min. | TYXart || ab 26:40 Min. - James Krüss: Der wohltemperierte Leierkasten. Gedichte für Kinder, Erwachsene und andere Leute | Gelesen von Wolfgang Völz und Ilse Werner | 1 Std. 2 Min. | Ab 5 Jahren | Der Audio Verlag
Episode 132.1: Winter Weather, Stealth Camping, Family Guy, Athlete Durability, Gaseous Sperm, Argon, and Oak & Eden Wheat
Die neue Folge von MAUA ist draußen und beschäftigt sich natürlich noch immer mit Spotify's „Move into Video“. Luisa hat den neuen Podcast-Leitfaden vom BVDW dabei, Tina bewegt das Thema „Growth and Reach“ und natürlich gibt es eine frische Studie mit dem „Podcast Performance Benchmark Report“. Neben den neuesten Branchen-News dürfen die Podcast-Tipps der beiden Hosts nicht fehlen. Wer wissen möchte, ob Luisa dem Ende von Tina's Zahn-Soap mit einem neuen spannenden Sequel begegnen kann, sollte unbedingt bis zum Ende hören… Shownotes https://rainnews.com/topics-formats-budgets-podcast-growth-decisions-podcast-marketing-academy/https://podcastmarketingacademy.com/podcast-marketing-trends-2024/https://podscribe.com/ppb-q3-2024?utm_source=podnews.net&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=podnews.net:2024-11-21https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/adapt-get-left-behind-future-podcasting-max-cutler-rvdge/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hidden-risks-youtube-spotify-suck-up-podcast-bros-linkedin-veglio-2wqve/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/how-podcasting-became-the-new-tv.html?utm_source=podnews.net&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=podnews.net:2024-11-26 Podcast-TippsMAMMUT - Ein Mord in meiner Familie und meine Suche nach Antworten (ARDMediathek, Argon, BR), Wo bist du? (ARD), The good whale (NY TIMES), It's been a minute (NPR): Make America Male again? Fifteen Years of aggrieved men Nobody should believe me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tagsüber kümmert sich Juno um ihren schwerkranken Mann und versucht gleichzeitig, als Performancekünstlerin Fuß zu fassen. Nachts kann sie nicht schlafen und chattet mit fremden Männern. Dass die wahrscheinlich sogenannte Lovescammer sind und sich damit Geld erschleichen wollen, ist ihr klar. Einen enttarnt sie: Benu. Doch statt den Chat zu blockieren, schreiben beide immer weiter. Wohin soll das führen? Inka Löwendorf macht die Vielschichtigkeit von Martina Hefters mit dem Deutschen Buchpreis ausgezeichneten Roman hörbar: Ironie, Enttäuschung, vage Hoffnungen klingen ebenso mit wie die Sehnsucht nach Freundschaft – eine fabelhafte Umsetzung.
Moon people, published in 2008, is, in many ways, the sci-fi equivalent of The Eye of Argon. Bizarre plotting, even more bizarre characters, and, most importantly, it's oddly charming. Buy Moon Peoplehttps://www.amazon.com/Moon-People-Dale-M-Courtney/dp/1436372135VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATIONJack has published a novel called Tower!Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tower-Jack-BC-ebook/dp/B0CM5P9N9M/ref=monarch_sidesheetThe first nine chapters of Tower are available for free here: jackbc.substack.comOur Patreon: www.patreon.com/TheBookClubfromHellJack's Substack: jackbc.substack.comLevi's website: www.levioutloud.comwww.thebookclubfromhell.comJoin our Discord (the best place to interact with us): discord.gg/ZMtDJ9HscrWatch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0n7r1ZTpsUw5exoYxb4aKA/featuredX: @bookclubhell666Jack on X: @supersquat1Levi on X: @optimismlevi
Join host Tom Butler as he continues his journey to full recovery and getting back on the saddle. In this episode, Tom shares his latest progress, his hopes for a pain-free ride this weekend, and something new he's trying to help him handle the miles he needs to meet his 2024 goals.Special guest Donna Meier, a seasoned personal trainer and cyclist, joins the podcast to offer her unique perspective. With over 25 years of experience training clients, Donna shares her passion for cycling and the insights she's gained from helping countless individuals achieve their fitness goals. Listen in as she discusses common challenges and strategies for staying motivated and making progress.LinksDonna's Instagram: instagram.com/fitnessbydonna/Argon 18 Website: argon18.comThanks for Joining Me! Follow and comment on Cycling Over Sixty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyclingoversixty/Consider becoming a member of the Cycling Over Sixty Strava Club! www.strava.com/clubs/CyclingOverSixtyPlease send comments, questions and especially content suggestions to me at tom.butler@teleiomedia.comShow music is "Come On Out" by Dan Lebowitz. Find him here : lebomusic.com
ab 1:21 Min.: Jörg Maurer: Leergut - Von den Abenteuern eines vergesslichen Mannes | Gelesen v Autor | 7 Std. 59 Min. | Argon || ab 9:05 Min.: Steve Ayan: Seelenzauber - Aus Wien in die Welt - Das Jahrhundert der Psychologie | Gelesen von Gert Heidenreich | 13 Std. 20 Min. | DAV || ab 17:43 Min.: Arno Geiger: Reise nach Laredo | Gelesen von Matthias Brandt | 7 Std. 41 Min. | Hörbuch Hamburg || ab 23:36 Min.: Katya Balen: Wünsche an die Wellen | Gelesen von Lena Conrad, Lennart Hillmann | 5 Std. 43 Min. | Ab 11 Jahren | Der Diwan
Benedek helyzetjelentést kér, Peti utazást tervez, Gábor pedig nem keres új hobbit. Benedek elmeséli mivel tölti az idejét, amíg pihenteti a fotózást. Az adás linkje: https://tripodcast.hu/134 Támogass minket Patreonon: https://tripodcast.hu/patreon Csatlakozz a Tripodcast Community Facebook csoporthoz! http://tripodcast.hu/community Az adást a Tripont, a Fujifilm és a Nans Studio támogatta! Kövess minket Instán: https://www.instagram.com/tripodcast_ Az adásban elhangzott témák, linkek: - Peak Design outdoor line: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/peak-design/the-outdoor-line-by-peak-design - Argon18: https://www.argon18.com/en/ Jason Momoa és Todd Hido epizód: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30984097/ - Gregory Halpern - King, Queen, Knave könyv: https://mackbooks.eu/collections/mack/products/king-queen-knave-gregory-halpern - Max Zerrahn - Musican Chairs könyv https://bildbandberlin.com/products/max-zerrahn-musical-chairs
Stefanie Sargnagel: Iowa - Ein Ausflug nach Amerika | Gelesen von der Autorin und Christiane Rösinger | 9 Std. 7 Min. | Argon || Elif Shafak: Am Himmel die Flüsse | Gelesen von Pegah Ferydoni | 14 Std. 47 Min. | Argon || Svenja Flaßpöhler: Streit - Essay | Gelesen von der Autorin | 2 Std. 53 Min. | Roofmusic/Tacheles || Elisabeth Zöller: Das Monophon | Gelesen von Laura Preiss | 3 Std. 17 Min. | von 9 - 99 Jahren || cc-live
The Black CatIn 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Chapter 16: An evening with PauloOf course I should have realized that there is an ulterior motive to his request. But I'm a willing participant to his brilliant scheme, even if technically I'm the victim. The lively dance music is sensuous and our bodies are almost constantly in contact. I'm not sure if it the desire building inside me or the strenuous activity that is making my clothes stick to me. Our bodies are glistening with sweat and the effect is driving me wild.As the dance progresses our bodies seem to come into contact more and more until we are moving like a single being. When the music ends I don't want to part. But the dancing is only the first stage of Paulo's seduction."We need a shower," he says, taking my hand and escorting me from the room. I don't make any effort to resist, even though I know he means for us to share a shower. In fact, far from resist I feel a tremor of desire at the prospect.I'm neither mistaken nor disappointed in Paulo's plan. I've never showered with another person before, let alone a virile young man whose motives are as plain as day. I follow his lead and we undress each other. That act alone arouses me even more. Then we enter the cubicle and Paulo sets the buttons to start the water. I don't know if these showers are programmed to cater for a shower for two, but everything about it is wonderful.When Paulo starts soaping me I practically explode with desire as his hands work their dastardly deed. He kisses me and knows he has me where he wants me. Or so he thinks. I'm still in control of some of my emotions and manage to achieve the same sort of response from him as my hands work on his body. It's a challenge both of us do our best to win. His hands work wonders between my legs, while I soon have his cock eager for more of my attentions. Who can be first to push the other into an orgasm? I've the advantage of my gender and can hide an orgasm. But for Paulo, the evidence of my claimed victory is obvious, whereas I secretly know Paulo won in reality.The shower program ends after about fifteen minutes. We are definitely clean and no trace remains of the effects from our dancing or from our water games. For the moment our lust is sated. But not for long. Neither of us bother to dress and I know full well what awaits me beyond the door opposite the one we entered."Ready?" asks Paulo."Yes, I'm ready," I reply, taking the opportunity to kiss him.Paulo lifts me up and carries me into the suite's bedroom. We have nearly four hours before the sensible part of my mind is needed again. Chloe is due to return at 2am and I need to be back in my dormitory by then if I want to avoid a confrontation. Given her actions last night, I'm not going to give her another opportunity to sabotage my chances in the Argonaut. However, between now and then I intend to explore all the opportunities this night presents. I was a shy and inexperienced maiden when I arrived yesterday. I shall not be leaving in the same state.To describe the next four hours as sensational or wonderful barely does justice to the emotions Paulo drew from me. Or to the emotions I clearly drew from him. I lost count of the number of times we fucked, each time in a different position. Had circumstances been different I'm sure we would have a longer term relationship. Perhaps one involving genuine love for each other. But we both know that isn't likely to be.Sensible Jasmine rejoins me with twenty minutes to spare before my imposed deadline. I'm glad Paulo doesn't resist my move to leave. If he held me back I'm certain I would risk Chloe's wrath for another half hour with Paulo. I've no idea what she has been up to with Sarah tonight, and to be honest, I don't care. But Chloe left me in no doubt she that intends to eliminate me from the Argonaut given the slightest opportunity. An impression neither Paulo nor Cassius have done anything to dispel.With a final kiss and a sorrowful farewell, I enter the elevator with the most wonderful memories of tonight.Despite it being after 2 o'clock in the morning, I find Harper standing in the corridor outside our dormitory when I arrive. He's remarkably sober for this time of night, but he practically falls over in surprise when he sees me."What are you doing here?" says Harper, as he recovers from his shock."This is my quarters," I reply, slightly annoyed he is questioning me like this."That's not what I mean. If you are out here, then who is the girl with Patrick in our dormitory?"I'd forgotten about Sheba. She and Patrick must have hit it off alright if she is still here."Um; It's probably Sheba," I reply to Harper's question. "I met her earlier tonight and introduced her to Patrick. They must have discovered they have a lot in common.""And who is Sheba?”"She's the daughter of some Argon bigwig. She was heading for the party on the top floor when I realized Patrick might be the sort of company she was really wanting.""Hmmm; I suspect there's more to this than you are telling me," adds Harper. "But well done on finding Patrick a potential benefactor. I don't suppose you rustled up a benefactor for yourself in the process?""Ah! Yes, I do believe I have," I reply, remembering I put Sarah's business card in my pocket. "Her name is Sarah. She said she wanted to me to contact her if I'm a winner of the Argonaut."Harper looks at Sarah's card; the one which contains nothing but a picture of a black cat. He suddenly goes very serious."And just how did you meet this Sarah of yours, sweetheart? You weren't supposed to leave the building tonight. The employees of Le Chat Noir don't do house calls."
In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko introduce our new Presenting Partner and chat with Coravin's Founder, Greg Lambrecht. Greg has revolutionized the wine world with his hugely poplar wine preservation devices. With a background in medical devices and technology, Greg brought his expertise in precision engineering and testing to the wine industry, creating groundbreaking products that both members of the trade and at home enthusiasts can use easily. We'll explore Greg's journey from wine enthusiast to inventor, the challenges he faced, and the impact of Coravin on the wine industry worldwide. This is also a special episode as it kicks off our partnership with Coravin, who is the new Presenting Partner of the Vint Podcast.You can get a 15% OFF on your next Coravin purchase using the code: VINT15 at checkout. You'll be hearing much more about what this means for you, our listeners, in the weeks to come! Chapters:01:13 Announcement: Coravin is now our Presenting Partner!04:11 Interview with Greg Lambrecht Begins05:05 Greg's Early Wine Experiences09:29 The Birth of Coravin13:28 Developing the Coravin Prototype17:06 Commercializing Coravin23:46 Global Expansion of Coravin28:22 Current Product Line and Innovations29:02 The Role of Argon in Wine Preservation30:45 Introducing the Pivot System33:06 Optimizing Wine Preservation Techniques38:01 The Challenge of Sparkling Wine41:35 Future Innovations and Industry Impact54:23 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Vint Podcast is presented by Coravin, the world's leader in wine preservation systems. Listeners of the Vint Podcast can take 15% off their purchase on Coravin.com by using promo code VINT15 at checkout*. Members of the trade can access exclusive discounts at trade.Coravin.com.The Vint Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at https://vint.co or Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at brady@vint.co, or Billy Galanko at Billy@vintmarketplace.com.*Terms and Conditions Apply. Offer valid only on Coravin.com while supplies last. Pricing and discount are subject to change at any time. Coravin reserves the right to limit order quantities. No adjustments to prior purchases. Not valid for cash. Cheers!Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown,...
Man stelle sich vor, es wird eine Pille entwickelt, mit der man ewig jung sein kann – oder mit der man sogar in seine körperlich beste Verfassung zurückreisen kann: keine Rückenschmerzen mehr, kein Hängebusen, keine Konditionsprobleme. Von Heike Knispel.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of chemicals known as PFAS, are often called “forever chemicals” because of how long they persist in the environment. They are prevalent in drinking water and have been linked to negative health outcomes. A slew of cleantech start-ups are cropping up with the aim of breaking down and destroying PFAS molecules. In this episode of C&EN Uncovered, reporter Britt Erickson explores the technologies behind these companies and the competition among them. C&EN Uncovered, a project from C&EN's podcast, Stereo Chemistry, offers a deeper look at subjects from recent stories. Check out Britt's cover story on the destruction techniques for these “forever chemicals” at cenm.ag/foreverchemicals. Cover photo: Argon gas plasma, which can break down PFAS, on the surface of liquid water Subscribe to Stereo Chemistry now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. A transcript of this episode will be available soon at cen.acs.org. Credits Executive producer: Gina Vitale C&EN Uncovered host: Craig Bettenhausen Reporter: Britt Erickson Audio editor: Ted Woods Copyeditor: Bran Vickers Story editor: Michael McCoy Episode artwork: Courtesy of Selma Mededovic Thagard/Clarkson University Music: “Hot Chocolate,” by Aves Contact Stereo Chemistry: Contact us on social media at @cenmag or email cenfeedback@acs.org.
This week, Cam has gone into the vaults to resurrect his read-through of the infamous 1970 fantasy novella The Eye of Argon. Now, at last, the entire story is here, with remixed audio, a blisteringly heroic soundtrack, and the...interesting conclusion of the epic tale, newly recorded for your listening pleasure! We hope you enjoy this raucous sword-and-sorcery romp as much as we have. Follow us here: @leftunreadpod @poorfidalgo @gluten_yung Email enquiries here: leftunreadpod@gmail.com Please consider donating to our Patreon to help us bring you more tasty content :) www.patreon.com/leftunread Theme courtesy of Interesting Times Gang. Peruse their catalogue here: www.itgang.bandcamp.com
Time for an episode of those ideas that I've had for a while, but never quite fit into one categoty...so a nice miscellany of nonsense in this episode. From Hill Valley to Yorkshire, A Bugs Life to Beetroot, and from Michael Jackson to a man with a huge erection and a club…roller skating tortoises and everything in between! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/podcast-42/message
Dr. David just added a Biocharger NG to the Vitality Lab at Wardy Wellness and is super pumped to share with Dr. Nick and our audience what this amazing technology is capable of for our well-being. 93% OF OUR TIME IS SPENT INDOORS That's 22.5 hours a day inside, blocked from vital energies, and surrounded by harmful man-made energies. Our modern-day lifestyle is a prescription for poor health! What are vital natural energies? Vital natural energies have been seen and felt by healers and energy-sensitive people for thousands of years. They have been described as electromagnetic wavelengths, rates of vibration, patterns of pulsation, and the dynamic infrastructure of the body. Vital natural energies regulate optimized cellular function. Consequently, a lack of this energy correlates to an energy and healing crisis for the body. If a lack or imbalance of this energy is experienced, cell dysfunction occurs, resulting in sub-optimal health, physical performance, or recovery from injury. VITAL ENERGIES LIGHT Not the light of a lightbulb or the Sun, but naturally occurring elemental gases vibrating at the speed of light, including Argon, Xenon, Krypton, Neon, Helium, and Iodine, produce the Light component of the BioCharger NG. FREQUENCIES & HARMONICS Frequencies & Harmonics found in nature are produced by electric discharge from natural phenomena like lightning strikes within our solar system and beyond. Each lightning discharge generates random frequencies & harmonics, making it nearly impossible to target specific frequencies for particular outcomes directly from nature. The BioCharger NG harnesses electric discharge to deliver customized frequencies & harmonics with unlimited benefits. PEMF The BioCharger NG facilitates an amplified and optimized transfer of electrons in and around your body without needing to leave the house, generating an effect familiar to individuals who practice 'Earthing' or 'Grounding.' Unlike most PEMF devices, the BioCharger NG software fine-tunes PEMF therapies to different frequencies throughout each session without needing to be attached to any devices. VOLTAGE The voltage supplied by the BioCharger NG is similar to the lightning discharges on Earth and other naturally occurring cosmic events, such as solar flares. These cosmic phenomena create a voltage field of hundreds of millions of volts within our atmosphere.
Episode 66 - In this second part of our conversation, Jeremy Sherr shares his knowledge on the periodic table, and specifically the noble gases, namely, Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton and Radon. Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only. The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees. We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.
Part-2 of a 2-part special with the insightful Jeremy Sherr. In this second part of our conversation, Jeremy shares his knowledge on the periodic table, and specifically the noble gases, namely, Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton and Radon. Jeremy has personally undertaken the provings of the noble gases and talks in detail about the elements and noble gases and their relationship to the elements themselves, a truly fascinating insight indeed. We also talk about Jeremy's QRep software on mental qualities and its applicability in case taking and the remedies included. And at the end we talk about the new book that Jeremy has authored called 'The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol'. A book that sublimely promotes Homeopathy alongside the fact that it is a fun adventure book for children and adults alike. Be inspired and join the conversation. The ‘VOICE OF HOMEOPATHY' on radio and podcast. Support Homeopathy on Radio & Podcast by subscribing to the Homeopathy Health Podcast.
The Black CatIn 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Chapter 16: An evening with PauloOf course I should have realized that there is an ulterior motive to his request. But I’m a willing participant to his brilliant scheme, even if technically I’m the victim. The lively dance music is sensuous and our bodies are almost constantly in contact. I’m not sure if it the desire building inside me or the strenuous activity that is making my clothes stick to me. Our bodies are glistening with sweat and the effect is driving me wild.As the dance progresses our bodies seem to come into contact more and more until we are moving like a single being. When the music ends I don’t want to part. But the dancing is only the first stage of Paulo’s seduction.“We need a shower,” he says, taking my hand and escorting me from the room. I don’t make any effort to resist, even though I know he means for us to share a shower. In fact, far from resist I feel a tremor of desire at the prospect.I’m neither mistaken nor disappointed in Paulo’s plan. I’ve never showered with another person before, let alone a virile young man whose motives are as plain as day. I follow his lead and we undress each other. That act alone arouses me even more. Then we enter the cubicle and Paulo sets the buttons to start the water. I don’t know if these showers are programmed to cater for a shower for two, but everything about it is wonderful.When Paulo starts soaping me I practically explode with desire as his hands work their dastardly deed. He kisses me and knows he has me where he wants me. Or so he thinks. I’m still in control of some of my emotions and manage to achieve the same sort of response from him as my hands work on his body. It’s a challenge both of us do our best to win. His hands work wonders between my legs, while I soon have his cock eager for more of my attentions. Who can be first to push the other into an orgasm? I’ve the advantage of my gender and can hide an orgasm. But for Paulo, the evidence of my claimed victory is obvious, whereas I secretly know Paulo won in reality.The shower program ends after about fifteen minutes. We are definitely clean and no trace remains of the effects from our dancing or from our water games. For the moment our lust is sated. But not for long. Neither of us bother to dress and I know full well what awaits me beyond the door opposite the one we entered.“Ready?” asks Paulo.“Yes, I’m ready,” I reply, taking the opportunity to kiss him.Paulo lifts me up and carries me into the suite’s bedroom. We have nearly four hours before the sensible part of my mind is needed again. Chloe is due to return at 2am and I need to be back in my dormitory by then if I want to avoid a confrontation. Given her actions last night, I’m not going to give her another opportunity to sabotage my chances in the Argonaut. However, between now and then I intend to explore all the opportunities this night presents. I was a shy and inexperienced maiden when I arrived yesterday. I shall not be leaving in the same state.To describe the next four hours as sensational or wonderful barely does justice to the emotions Paulo drew from me. Or to the emotions I clearly drew from him. I lost count of the number of times we fucked, each time in a different position. Had circumstances been different I’m sure we would have a longer term relationship. Perhaps one involving genuine love for each other. But we both know that isn’t likely to be.Sensible Jasmine rejoins me with twenty minutes to spare before my imposed deadline. I’m glad Paulo doesn’t resist my move to leave. If he held me back I’m certain I would risk Chloe’s wrath for another half hour with Paulo. I’ve no idea what she has been up to with Sarah tonight, and to be honest, I don’t care. But Chloe left me in no doubt she that intends to eliminate me from the Argonaut given the slightest opportunity. An impression neither Paulo nor Cassius have done anything to dispel.With a final kiss and a sorrowful farewell, I enter the elevator with the most wonderful memories of tonight.Despite it being after 2 o'clock in the morning, I find Harper standing in the corridor outside our dormitory when I arrive. He’s remarkably sober for this time of night, but he practically falls over in surprise when he sees me.“What are you doing here?” says Harper, as he recovers from his shock.“This is my quarters,” I reply, slightly annoyed he is questioning me like this.“That’s not what I mean. If you are out here, then who is the girl with Patrick in our dormitory?”I’d forgotten about Sheba. She and Patrick must have hit it off alright if she is still here.“Um; It’s probably Sheba,” I reply to Harper’s question. “I met her earlier tonight and introduced her to Patrick. They must have discovered they have a lot in common.”“And who is Sheba?”"She’s the daughter of some Argon bigwig. She was heading for the party on the top floor when I realized Patrick might be the sort of company she was really wanting.”“Hmmm; I suspect there’s more to this than you are telling me,” adds Harper. “But well done on finding Patrick a potential benefactor. I don’t suppose you rustled up a benefactor for yourself in the process?”“Ah! Yes, I do believe I have,” I reply, remembering I put Sarah’s business card in my pocket. “Her name is Sarah. She said she wanted to me to contact her if I’m a winner of the Argonaut.”Harper looks at Sarah’s card; the one which contains nothing but a picture of a black cat. He suddenly goes very serious.“And just how did you meet this Sarah of yours, sweetheart? You weren’t supposed to leave the building tonight. The employees of Le Chat Noir don’t do house calls.”“I didn’t leave this building. Sarah isn’t an employee, she’s one of the owners of Le Chat Noir. She was here on business earlier this evening. We got talking and she said she wanted to talk to me afterwards. Is that going to be a problem? What is Le Chat Noir anyway? And how do you know about it?”“Never mind how I know about Le Chat Noir, and you’re too young to understand what sort of business it conducts.”“OK, keep your secrets. Anyway, I had a good time tonight, and now I feel ready for bed. Where are the others if Patrick and Sheba are alone in the dormitory?”They’ve having a slumber party of their own downstairs. I suggest you go and join them if you plan on sleeping tonight.I take a quick shower in the communal bathroom, mainly to soothe some of the many tender spots around my body. Several parts of me received more exercise and attention tonight; than they’ve ever received before. What started out as a gentle tumble in bed progressively increased in tempo until Paulo and I were being quite rough with each other in our lovemaking. I probably discovered as much about myself as I did about Paulo. My only regret is it has left me wanting to repeat the whole encounter again and again, and I know that is likely to be impossible. The warm glow I was feeling when I left Paulo returns by the time I find my room-mates in the downstairs lounge, and my head hits my makeshift pillow. Sleep quickly follows.Chapter 17: The ArgonautI join an equally sleepy Patrick for breakfast at eight o'clock. He’s in a much happier mood than yesterday. I try to think of the right way to apologize for practically throwing Sheba into his bed last night, but Patrick speaks before I can say anything.“Thank you for what you did last night,” he says. “I don’t know how you managed it but Sheba was just the person I needed. And if Sheba was being truthful, I was the person she needed.”“Um; That’s OK,” I reply. “Sorry if I practically threw her at you, but I was late for the; er; party upstairs.”“Hmm! Sheba mentioned she was going to a party before she met you. But it didn’t sound like the sort of party I thought you would be interested in. Sheba made it sound like it was all scantily clad girls competing for Paulo’s favor. Perhaps the rumor about Paulo and some dark-haired beauty dancing naked in a roof garden are true after all?” he laughs.“Where did you hear that rumor?” I ask. “I’m sure it’s greatly exaggerated.”“Some of the contestants were talking while we were waiting in the studio yesterday. You must have heard them; Oh. No; Of course; You arrived a bit later. Wait a minute. Harper let slip there are rumors circulating about Paulo and a girl who fits your description. Are you the girl referred to in that rumor? Is the rumor true?”“Of course the rumor is wrong; We weren’t dancing,” I reply keeping my tone light. “That came much later. But I admit I’m the girl in the rumor. Are there are other rumors about me? It’s very difficult to get some privacy here with all the security cameras everywhere.”“You don’t need to apologize to me. I only wish I had half your courage to defy convention and take what you need.”Patrick and I are back to being pleasant to each other and able to talk without any awkwardness. I just hope he and I don’t have to compete against each other today. While there can be multiple winners of the Argonaut, some challenges involve head-to-head tests in which one of two contestants is eliminated from the Argonaut.At nine-thirty, forty-six of the fifty original contestants are standing in the huge hall that will be the main testing center for today’s Argonaut challenges. Apparently four contestants have already been eliminated. Despite plenty of rumors, nobody seems to know the reason, and the Argonaut officials are saying nothing on the subject. I can’t help wondering whether sabotage had a part to play in the contestants’ elimination.The Argonaut officials are easily recognized by their bright purple gowns. The woman in charge has lots of gold trim on her gown, as if to reinforce her status here. Even the other officials seem nervous about being near her.“By the end of the day, at least twenty more of you will have been eliminated,” she announces to us all. “For the first challenge, you will be divided into seven groups. When your name is called, go and stand under the colored banner of your group over there.”Another official reads out everyone’s names in group order. I’m in Green group, along with Patrick, Chloe, Mansel, and two other contestants I don’t know. Paulo is placed in Yellow group, and Vincent in Blue. Once we are all assembled in our allocated group, an official marches each group off to a different room.“Last night you have each been approached by citizen of Argon city, and received a card from them. The card indicates that the citizen is willing to provide you with employment in the city, should the Argonaut assessment panel be willing to loan you the money that you need to buy your freedom. Now, place the card on the table in front of you.”Fortunately I’ve kept Sarah’s card in my pocket, heeding her advice that it may prove useful. Is this what she meant when she said that? I notice Chloe has a similar card, although the black cat on her card is lying on its back, while mine looks as though it is stalking a mouse. I presume Sheba was the source of Patrick’s card. The official studies each card and checks it against something written on his notepad. A grunt is the only indication that everything seems to be in order. He tells us to retrieve our cards.“Your next decision will be critical to your success or otherwise in the Argonaut,” says the official. “You must now decide whether to accept your sponsor’s offer of employment. If you haven’t discussed the employment terms and wish to discuss them with your sponsor before accepting, then you should decline the current offer. I will now ask you in turn whether you accept or decline the offer.”Patrick, Chloe and I are the only three of us who accept the employment offer. In my case, it is a rash decision based on a few minutes of conversation with Sarah last night. I could be agreeing to something I will soon regret, but I’m more terrified of being eliminated from the Argonaut than accepting an unknown job. The three of us are escorted to yet another room and told to wait.We wait. And we wait some more. Finally Ellen and Cassius turn up.“Good. That’s all sorted,” says Ellen, handing each of us an envelope. “Read those later. You must go to your dormitories and pack your things. Meet by the front door in forty five minutes.”“What’s going on?” asks Patrick. “Have we been eliminated from the Argonaut?”“No. No. On the contrary. You have all been granted a loan and a work permit for the city. You will be transported to your new employer’s place of business. He or she will sort out everything else. It’s all explained in the letter I’ve just given you.”It takes me a few moments to remember to breathe. In my wildest dreams I never imagined winning the Argonaut would be so quick and easy. I had mentally prepared myself for a day of tests and challenges, and an anxious wait tomorrow for the final result.Packing my few belongings takes all of five minutes. I had already returned the Jewels of Desire to Ellen first thing this morning. With over half-an-hour to spare, I sit down to read my letter. Ellen has covered all the salient details in her answer to Patrick’s question. My indenture to the Buchanan overlord has been purchased by the Bureau of Ancillary Services for just under eight thousand credits, which I must repay from my earnings over the next five years. Failure to repay the loan by the deadline means my indenture will be sold to any Argon citizen willing to buy it, and I will once again be a serf. I’m to be employed as a hostess at The Black Cat Club, working five days a week. The letter doesn’t contain any further details about the job or what in entails. With the letter is a laminated work permit confirming I am authorized to work in the city center and travel to and from Buchanan settlement.Patrick and I join Chloe by the front door as instructed. There’s no sign of Ellen or Cassius, and I realize that we might be taken from here without the opportunity to say goodbye to anyone. A small bus arrives a short while later and the driver tells us to get on board. Ellen and Cassius appear at the last moment and wave us off as we drive away.The bus has only a short journey before we arrive outside an odd-shaped office building surrounded by a jumble of similar sized buildings. Patrick disembarks after sharing a brief farewell and good wishes. He suggests that we keep in touch. I say ‘yes’, although I’m not sure how achievable that will be.We have a slightly longer drive into the heart of the city center before the bus stops outside a building in what is clearly part of an entertainment district. The bus departs as soon as Chloe and I step onto the wide footpath. From the street, The Black Cat Club looks very unimpressive. The ground-floor doorway consists of a wide metal frame housing twin white doors, each with a black cat motif on the upper panel. There are no door handles nor any doorbell to attract attention.“Did you come here last night?” I ask Chloe, risking a hostile reply.“I don’t know,” replies Chloe. “I was made to wear a hood for most of the journey. If it’s the same place then I’ll recognize it once we are inside.”Which, of course, is the problem. How do we get inside?Chapter 18: Arrival at The Black CatThe area is quiet at this hour of the morning and there is no sign of activity at the club. Gaining access to the club is going to be a problem we need to solve on our own. I study the door and the surrounding frame. On door frame, either side of the doors, are two dark square pads with a motif of a cat on them. The one on the right has a stalking cat, like on the card Sarah gave me. The left hand pad has a cat lying on its back, similar to the one on the card in Chloe’s possession.Chloe tries pushing the pad in case it is a doorbell of sorts. The pad is solid so there is no audible or visible response. We wait a few moments in case what Chloe has done has summoned someone inside. However, nobody comes to the door, so I consider trying something else. I bring out my card and place it over the pad with the matching cat symbol. Success! The door on the right makes an audible sound as though a lock is being released. I push on the door and it swings open. Inside is short but wide hallway with a row of turnstiles left and right of a central column. The turnstiles are controlled by the same sort of pad we saw on the outside door. Those to the right of the column ahead of us have a symbol that matches my card, while those on the left match Chloe’s card.We each pass through one of the turnstiles matching our respective card. Once through to the other side, we find ourselves separated by a wall. I’m now in a different corridor to the one Chloe entered, and I’m unsure how we can meet up again without reversing our route. There’s still nobody about and I’m beginning to worry about my rash choice to accept Sarah’s offer without further details.“Are you still there, Chloe?” I call.“Yeah. There’s a staircase going down to a lower level. I’m fairly sure this is where I was brought last night.”“There’s no staircase on my side,” I reply. The corridor here seems to go past a cloakroom into a large room at the end.“"Well, let’s explore our own area and see if we can find someone,” replies Chloe.I quickly check that the cloakroom is empty before entering the large room at the end. It’s a night club, with a huge dance floor bordered by several rows of tables and chairs on two sides; a stage on the third side; and a bar next to where I have entered on the fourth side. On the other side of the bar to the entrance door is an archway, hopefully leading to an office, or somewhere that someone will be working.I eventually find an office where a woman about my age is working. She doesn’t seem surprised to see me and introduces herself as Honeydew.“The Bureau sent me your details but I haven’t had time to record them in our system,” says Honeydew. “If you take a seat in the lounge over there, I’ll do that now.”“Okay,” I reply. “I arrived with another woman; Chloe. The card she was given sent her through the left hand turnstiles when we arrived.”“She will be looked after downstairs,” replies Honeydew. “Don’t concern yourself about her.”Honeydew’s attitude towards Chloe strikes me as odd, but I accept her assurance that Chloe will be looked after. Since Chloe isn’t a friend, I put her out of my mind for now. After about fifteen minutes, Honeydew joins me in the lounge. She hands me some documents and a card similar to the one Sarah gave me last night. This card, however, is laminated like my work permit, and has a copy of the photograph I supplied for the Argonaut on the reverse. At her request, I hand over the card Sarah gave me.“The identity card allows you access to the club,” says Honeydew. “You’ve already discovered how it works. The documents are your terms of employment and your scheduled work hours for the next two weeks. A fifth of your earnings will be paid directly to the Bureau of Ancillary Services to repay your loan. Let me know if you ever want to make an additional payment. If you have any questions then come and talk to me.”“What should I do now?” I ask.“The club opens in just over an hour. Sarah will arrive just before then. I suggest you take a walk around the club and get an idea where everything is located.”I do as Honeydew suggests although there isn’t much more on this level than I’ve already found. The gender neutral toilets, and a set changing rooms are the only rooms I haven’t explored when I entered the club. There’s a locked door next to the bar, near to the one I entered. As seems typical of the club, the lock is controlled by the proximity of my identity card. Rather than wander around aimlessly, I try opening the door.The door opens onto a short corridor in front of two sets of stairs leading to the floors above and below. I take a quick look upstairs first. The landing at the top leads to what turns out to be a set of bedrooms, fitted out for some adventurous sex games. I then go basement level to see if I can locate Chloe. After my experiences over the last twenty four hours I’m not surprised to see the basement is fitted out like some medieval dungeon. There’s a dance floor and bar looking incongruous with the cages and restraints liberally scattered around the place. Every square pillar supporting the building above has four sets of shackles dangling down from above. That’s where I find Chloe, chained by her wrists to one of the pillars.“Are you okay?” I ask Chloe when I see her chained with her arms raised high above her head. She can only stand on her tiptoes.“Yes, Miss Jasmine,” replies Chloe, indicating with her eyes that one of the many security cameras is watching us. “Mistress is fetching my uniform. I’ll be fine.”I quickly overcome my shock at Chloe addressing me in the way she did, but I suppose she knew from last night how she would be treated here. Even with that knowledge, Chloe accepted the offer to work here without further inquiry. I’m not sure what more I can say to her, so I simply nod in acknowledgement of her signal, and continue my exploration of the dungeon. My experience with kinky sex is negligible, and I can’t pretend to understand the purpose of some of the equipment around the room. I find it fascinating, but also a little scary.“You must be Jasmine,” says a woman dressed in a black studded leather outfit. “I’m Caitlin.”I turn to look at the woman who has just entered from the door on the other side of the bar. Her blond hair his fastened in a plait which is pinned around her head. If I had to guess at her age, I would say that she was in her mid-thirties, but it difficult to be sure in the subdued lighting of the dungeon.“Yes, hello,” I reply. “Honeydew suggested that I explore the club while I’m waiting for Sarah to arrive.”“That’s no problem. But if you are waiting for Sarah, then I suggest you return upstairs. Sarah arrived a few minutes ago.”I promptly do as Caitlin suggests. I find Sarah in the office talking to Honeydew.“Ah! Jasmine! Excellent! I wasn’t sure if you would understand my offer, and I had half expected you to be standing out on the street wondering how to get into the club. I’m pleased you understood on both counts. Welcome to Le Chat Noir. We can discuss your duties while I find you an appropriate uniform to wear.”Sarah concludes her business with Honeydew and then she escorts me to one of the changing rooms I had noticed earlier.“These are the changing rooms. Rooms one to four are for visiting artists, five and six are for staff use. It can get crowded in here at busy times, so I recommend that you change into and out of your uniform at home. Honeydew will allocate one of these lockers for your belongings.”Sarah proceeds to describe my duties. Although my job title is given as 'hostess’ my duties include almost every task that could be expected of someone working in a night club, particularly one catering for clients with exotic sexual perversions. My base salary is no more than I was earning at the recycling factory in Buchanan, but with the added costs of my loan repayment, and travel to and from work. However, Sarah indicates some of the many ways I can voluntarily supplement my earnings at the club.Although I don’t start work until tomorrow, I spend the next couple of hours observing the club in action and meeting some of the other staff.Chapter 19: A session with IrisBy the start of my third week working at Le Chat Noir, I’ve reorganized by life to suit my variable hours of work. I’ve also decided; at least for now; which extra services I am willing to provide at the club in order to supplement my earnings. Tips from serving drinks at tables provide a small but steady boost to my income. But until I pay off the loan the Bureau of Ancillary Services provided to buy my freedom, I need to earn more. Prostitution is tolerated by the club, but that’s something I’m uncomfortable with doing. However, more subtle or specialized sexual services are something I could manage, particularly when it comes to helping out in the dungeon downstairs. Even Caitlin and Sarah seem impressed with the ease that I’ve adapted to being a part-time dominatrix. I confess that I like the leather gear I’m given to go with the role.When I’m not needed as a dominatrix in the dungeon, I put on a much skimpier outfit and work the floor in the main club. My outfit is inspired by the Jewels of Desire, with small semi-precious gemstones sewn into the glorified bra and panties that I normally to wear. The effect from wearing either of my regular costumes gives me a warm and pleasant feeling I associate with sexual arousal. However, I refuse all offers of sex despite my traitorous body wanting to comply.“Hello, princess,” comes a familiar voice as I pass one of the tables on a busy night.“Paulo! I didn’t know if I would see you again.”“Hmm. Like everyone else, I was shocked when you disappeared from the Argonaut. We all assumed you had been eliminated. It’s only when I met Chloe last week that I discovered what happened.”“I was lucky to find a sponsor and job that suits me,” I reply. “How about you?”“I was one of the nine Argonaut winners in addition to Patrick, Chloe and you. That’s a fairly typical success rate for the Argonaut these days. I’ve got a job with a building maintenance company; nice regular hours although the pay isn’t that great. I presume your job means you must work nights?”“Yes. The club doesn’t open until mid-afternoon, and stays open until the early hours of the morning. I’m normally working from six o'clock in the evening until the club closes around three or four the next morning.”“That must make it difficult for you to get home after work,” observes Paulo.“There are several of us in the same situation. We’re allowed to sleep on one of the beds upstairs until the first train services start in the morning. As long as my travel card shows me travelling to and from Buchanan every day then I satisfy the city’s rules about residency.”“I had hoped we could resume where we left off during the Argonaut,” says Paulo. “But our different work hours are going to make that difficult.”“I’m sure we can work something out,” I reply, although I’ve no idea how we might achieve it. “Anyway, how did you get in here tonight? Are you a member of Le Chat Noir?”“Chloe managed to get me a guest pass for tonight. The pass doesn’t seem to allow me access to downstairs.”“Only members of Le Chat Noir can enter the dungeon,” I reply.“Is that where Chloe works?” asks Paulo. “She was very evasive when I asked her. What does she do down there?”“Chloe works downstairs, but you’ll need to ask her about her duties. That’s not the sort of detail I can provide.”I’m being equally evasive as Chloe about her duties. Paulo might not understand Chloe’s submissiveness and react in a way that could cause problems.“I need to resume my work, Paulo. It’s been great catching up. If you can find a way for us to meet up outside of work, then I’m okay with resuming where we left off before.”My departure from Paulo’s company is a bit abrupt, but Sarah is trying to attract my attention from across the room. I promptly go over to where she is standing.“Caitlin needs your services as a dominatrix downstairs,” says Sarah. “Go and change into your leathers and report to Caitlin. And Jasmine; play your cards right tonight and Caitlin’s client could prove to be a very profitable source of extra income for you. But remember what I told you the first time we met about knowing when to keep your mouth shut about what you see.”“Yes, thank you, Sarah. I’ll go and change at once.”I quickly change and take the back stairs down to the dungeon level. Caitlin is helping out at the bar. The dungeon crowd is smaller than upstairs, but it is still fairly busy. Caitlin comes over to me and takes me into one of the side rooms.Although I am still new to playing the role of a dominatrix, Caitlin seems pleased with my efforts so far. I’ll admit that the role eases my pent up anger at the inequality in Argon society. And the extra money it earns me is welcome, and encourages me to develop my skills further.What I told Paulo wasn’t entirely true. Access to the Black Cat’s dungeon is restricted to the club’s premium members, and even staff access is limited to a select few. Quite how I was designated as one of the few was a mystery to me at first. Eventually Sarah admitted to her involvement in that decision after she saw how I handled wearing the Jewels of Desire during the Argonaut. This will be the tenth session I’ve run as a dominatrix. Two of my clients have returned for a second session, although it’s too early in my career to call them regulars.Caitlin takes me to one side and hands me some extra items to complement my outfit. A leather paddle and handcuffs are placed in a black leather bag along with a few lengths of rope. My rope tying skills are still work-in-progress, but I can handle a few basic restraints. My outfit is finished off with a black leather mask covering much of my face.“I don’t anticipate any problems, but we had best keep your identity secret until we are sure there aren’t going to be any repercussions,” says Caitlin.Before I can baulk at the implied danger, Caitlin ushers me into an area of the dungeon I normally avoid. This is the zone contains small private dungeons, and is reserved for the seriously perverted bondage freaks. Or at least, that’s how Chloe described clients who hire the facilities in this area. When I see it up close, I suspect Chloe’s description is slightly biased, but then, she and I are literally on opposite ends of the whip.The scantily clad female is waiting for me in one of the private dungeons. I am already mentally prepared to meet one of Argon’s rich elite wanting to play at being a helpless submissive for an hour or two. I don’t suppose it occurs to them that they could live and work in one of the settlements and achieve the same result at no cost.“This is Slave Iris,” says Caitlin by way of introduction. “She is yours to command, Domina.”Some clients prefer to call me by a name, whether my own or a made-up one. Others, like now, prefer to call me by a title such as Madame, Mistress, or an older style title like Domina. Caitlin leaves us alone, which is my cue to begin.“Kneel before me Slave,” I command, beginning a standard routine to establish the boundaries of this game. Iris obeys at once.By the time I have completed the initial routine I am satisfied that I understand what turns Iris on, and what commands I should avoid. If I want to maximize my earnings with repeat sessions, I must endeavor to provide the experience Iris desires. My preliminary assessment suggests that she is naturally submissive, and she is clearly wanting a session in which she is bound helpless and punished for whatever misdemeanor she wishes to confess. Even the prospect of being spanked with the paddle seems to turn her on.Despite Iris’s willingness to be subjected to harsh treatment, I’m careful not to inflict any tell-tale marks on Iris’s body. I recognize Iris from the numerous news-feeds featuring the higher echelons of Argon society. Caitlin’s warning was justified. No matter how willing Iris may be to the discipline I’m imposing, I’m well aware that her father is one of the generals of Argon’s ruling junta. How amenable he will be to me satisfying his daughter’s fetish is a big unknown.I’m starting to attune myself to Iris’s likes and dislikes. I don’t know what motivates her fetish for bondage, which makes it harder for me to deliver the right intensity of control. I have handcuffed her to a ring high in the wall so that she must stand with her arms raised. I complete her bonds with ankle cuffs anchored to rings in the floor which hold her legs slightly apart. On impulse I run my hand between Iris’s legs and stroke her lacy panties. It’s a tentative touch to test her reaction, which is everything I hoped it might be. She starts humping my hand, which I allow her to do for a few moments until I sense she is working up to a climax. I withdraw my hand before she can peak.I repeat the exercise numerous times and eventually I allow her to climax. She practically weeps with joy once her orgasm subsides. I tease her with the paddle and before long she is whimpering for my touch. The sense of empowerment it gives me is arousing me as much as the visible effect our games are having on Iris. I even have Iris satisfy my own needs by tonguing my cunt until I achieve an orgasm.It is customary for the client to indicate when the session is to end by saying the standard club safe-word 'Kitty-cat’. Iris doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to end the session, which runs for a mammoth three hours. Eventually she is too exhausted to continue and she brings our session to an end. By now it is well past midnight and both of us are tired.“Thank you, Domina,” says Iris, once I have freed her from her latest bondage. “Are you free for another session tomorrow night?”“My availability is managed by the club’s owners,” I respond with the answer Caitlin requires me to give to such a request.“Then we shall speak with Caitlin,” replies Iris, no longer the submissive slave she was ten minutes ago.We return to the main part of the dungeon, which still has a reasonable number of patrons despite the late hour. Caitlin is still working at the bar and has no hesitation in agreeing to Iris’s request for my services tomorrow night.When I finally finish work at three o'clock in the morning I get the chance to open the envelope containing my bonus for tonight. It’s more than I thought possible, and it reinforces my desire to train further in the art of being a dominatrix. However, I know I mustn’t get over-confident since the sessions with Iris could end at any time, and secrecy about her identity is essential.I consider the next step in my strange and unexpected career. Navigating the Argonaut was easier than I expected, but that owed a lot to chance and making risky choices. I made it, though. Now all I need to do is survive in the murky world of Argon’s powerful elite. But that’s another story.By Rachael Jane for Literotica.
The Black CatIn 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Chapter 16: An evening with PauloOf course I should have realized that there is an ulterior motive to his request. But I’m a willing participant to his brilliant scheme, even if technically I’m the victim. The lively dance music is sensuous and our bodies are almost constantly in contact. I’m not sure if it the desire building inside me or the strenuous activity that is making my clothes stick to me. Our bodies are glistening with sweat and the effect is driving me wild.As the dance progresses our bodies seem to come into contact more and more until we are moving like a single being. When the music ends I don’t want to part. But the dancing is only the first stage of Paulo’s seduction.“We need a shower,” he says, taking my hand and escorting me from the room. I don’t make any effort to resist, even though I know he means for us to share a shower. In fact, far from resist I feel a tremor of desire at the prospect.I’m neither mistaken nor disappointed in Paulo’s plan. I’ve never showered with another person before, let alone a virile young man whose motives are as plain as day. I follow his lead and we undress each other. That act alone arouses me even more. Then we enter the cubicle and Paulo sets the buttons to start the water. I don’t know if these showers are programmed to cater for a shower for two, but everything about it is wonderful.When Paulo starts soaping me I practically explode with desire as his hands work their dastardly deed. He kisses me and knows he has me where he wants me. Or so he thinks. I’m still in control of some of my emotions and manage to achieve the same sort of response from him as my hands work on his body. It’s a challenge both of us do our best to win. His hands work wonders between my legs, while I soon have his cock eager for more of my attentions. Who can be first to push the other into an orgasm? I’ve the advantage of my gender and can hide an orgasm. But for Paulo, the evidence of my claimed victory is obvious, whereas I secretly know Paulo won in reality.The shower program ends after about fifteen minutes. We are definitely clean and no trace remains of the effects from our dancing or from our water games. For the moment our lust is sated. But not for long. Neither of us bother to dress and I know full well what awaits me beyond the door opposite the one we entered.“Ready?” asks Paulo.“Yes, I’m ready,” I reply, taking the opportunity to kiss him.Paulo lifts me up and carries me into the suite’s bedroom. We have nearly four hours before the sensible part of my mind is needed again. Chloe is due to return at 2am and I need to be back in my dormitory by then if I want to avoid a confrontation. Given her actions last night, I’m not going to give her another opportunity to sabotage my chances in the Argonaut. However, between now and then I intend to explore all the opportunities this night presents. I was a shy and inexperienced maiden when I arrived yesterday. I shall not be leaving in the same state.To describe the next four hours as sensational or wonderful barely does justice to the emotions Paulo drew from me. Or to the emotions I clearly drew from him. I lost count of the number of times we fucked, each time in a different position. Had circumstances been different I’m sure we would have a longer term relationship. Perhaps one involving genuine love for each other. But we both know that isn’t likely to be.Sensible Jasmine rejoins me with twenty minutes to spare before my imposed deadline. I’m glad Paulo doesn’t resist my move to leave. If he held me back I’m certain I would risk Chloe’s wrath for another half hour with Paulo. I’ve no idea what she has been up to with Sarah tonight, and to be honest, I don’t care. But Chloe left me in no doubt she that intends to eliminate me from the Argonaut given the slightest opportunity. An impression neither Paulo nor Cassius have done anything to dispel.With a final kiss and a sorrowful farewell, I enter the elevator with the most wonderful memories of tonight.Despite it being after 2 o'clock in the morning, I find Harper standing in the corridor outside our dormitory when I arrive. He’s remarkably sober for this time of night, but he practically falls over in surprise when he sees me.“What are you doing here?” says Harper, as he recovers from his shock.“This is my quarters,” I reply, slightly annoyed he is questioning me like this.“That’s not what I mean. If you are out here, then who is the girl with Patrick in our dormitory?”I’d forgotten about Sheba. She and Patrick must have hit it off alright if she is still here.“Um; It’s probably Sheba,” I reply to Harper’s question. “I met her earlier tonight and introduced her to Patrick. They must have discovered they have a lot in common.”“And who is Sheba?”"She’s the daughter of some Argon bigwig. She was heading for the party on the top floor when I realized Patrick might be the sort of company she was really wanting.”“Hmmm; I suspect there’s more to this than you are telling me,” adds Harper. “But well done on finding Patrick a potential benefactor. I don’t suppose you rustled up a benefactor for yourself in the process?”“Ah! Yes, I do believe I have,” I reply, remembering I put Sarah’s business card in my pocket. “Her name is Sarah. She said she wanted to me to contact her if I’m a winner of the Argonaut.”Harper looks at Sarah’s card; the one which contains nothing but a picture of a black cat. He suddenly goes very serious.“And just how did you meet this Sarah of yours, sweetheart? You weren’t supposed to leave the building tonight. The employees of Le Chat Noir don’t do house calls.”“I didn’t leave this building. Sarah isn’t an employee, she’s one of the owners of Le Chat Noir. She was here on business earlier this evening. We got talking and she said she wanted to talk to me afterwards. Is that going to be a problem? What is Le Chat Noir anyway? And how do you know about it?”“Never mind how I know about Le Chat Noir, and you’re too young to understand what sort of business it conducts.”“OK, keep your secrets. Anyway, I had a good time tonight, and now I feel ready for bed. Where are the others if Patrick and Sheba are alone in the dormitory?”They’ve having a slumber party of their own downstairs. I suggest you go and join them if you plan on sleeping tonight.I take a quick shower in the communal bathroom, mainly to soothe some of the many tender spots around my body. Several parts of me received more exercise and attention tonight; than they’ve ever received before. What started out as a gentle tumble in bed progressively increased in tempo until Paulo and I were being quite rough with each other in our lovemaking. I probably discovered as much about myself as I did about Paulo. My only regret is it has left me wanting to repeat the whole encounter again and again, and I know that is likely to be impossible. The warm glow I was feeling when I left Paulo returns by the time I find my room-mates in the downstairs lounge, and my head hits my makeshift pillow. Sleep quickly follows.Chapter 17: The ArgonautI join an equally sleepy Patrick for breakfast at eight o'clock. He’s in a much happier mood than yesterday. I try to think of the right way to apologize for practically throwing Sheba into his bed last night, but Patrick speaks before I can say anything.“Thank you for what you did last night,” he says. “I don’t know how you managed it but Sheba was just the person I needed. And if Sheba was being truthful, I was the person she needed.”“Um; That’s OK,” I reply. “Sorry if I practically threw her at you, but I was late for the; er; party upstairs.”“Hmm! Sheba mentioned she was going to a party before she met you. But it didn’t sound like the sort of party I thought you would be interested in. Sheba made it sound like it was all scantily clad girls competing for Paulo’s favor. Perhaps the rumor about Paulo and some dark-haired beauty dancing naked in a roof garden are true after all?” he laughs.“Where did you hear that rumor?” I ask. “I’m sure it’s greatly exaggerated.”“Some of the contestants were talking while we were waiting in the studio yesterday. You must have heard them; Oh. No; Of course; You arrived a bit later. Wait a minute. Harper let slip there are rumors circulating about Paulo and a girl who fits your description. Are you the girl referred to in that rumor? Is the rumor true?”“Of course the rumor is wrong; We weren’t dancing,” I reply keeping my tone light. “That came much later. But I admit I’m the girl in the rumor. Are there are other rumors about me? It’s very difficult to get some privacy here with all the security cameras everywhere.”“You don’t need to apologize to me. I only wish I had half your courage to defy convention and take what you need.”Patrick and I are back to being pleasant to each other and able to talk without any awkwardness. I just hope he and I don’t have to compete against each other today. While there can be multiple winners of the Argonaut, some challenges involve head-to-head tests in which one of two contestants is eliminated from the Argonaut.At nine-thirty, forty-six of the fifty original contestants are standing in the huge hall that will be the main testing center for today’s Argonaut challenges. Apparently four contestants have already been eliminated. Despite plenty of rumors, nobody seems to know the reason, and the Argonaut officials are saying nothing on the subject. I can’t help wondering whether sabotage had a part to play in the contestants’ elimination.The Argonaut officials are easily recognized by their bright purple gowns. The woman in charge has lots of gold trim on her gown, as if to reinforce her status here. Even the other officials seem nervous about being near her.“By the end of the day, at least twenty more of you will have been eliminated,” she announces to us all. “For the first challenge, you will be divided into seven groups. When your name is called, go and stand under the colored banner of your group over there.”Another official reads out everyone’s names in group order. I’m in Green group, along with Patrick, Chloe, Mansel, and two other contestants I don’t know. Paulo is placed in Yellow group, and Vincent in Blue. Once we are all assembled in our allocated group, an official marches each group off to a different room.“Last night you have each been approached by citizen of Argon city, and received a card from them. The card indicates that the citizen is willing to provide you with employment in the city, should the Argonaut assessment panel be willing to loan you the money that you need to buy your freedom. Now, place the card on the table in front of you.”Fortunately I’ve kept Sarah’s card in my pocket, heeding her advice that it may prove useful. Is this what she meant when she said that? I notice Chloe has a similar card, although the black cat on her card is lying on its back, while mine looks as though it is stalking a mouse. I presume Sheba was the source of Patrick’s card. The official studies each card and checks it against something written on his notepad. A grunt is the only indication that everything seems to be in order. He tells us to retrieve our cards.“Your next decision will be critical to your success or otherwise in the Argonaut,” says the official. “You must now decide whether to accept your sponsor’s offer of employment. If you haven’t discussed the employment terms and wish to discuss them with your sponsor before accepting, then you should decline the current offer. I will now ask you in turn whether you accept or decline the offer.”Patrick, Chloe and I are the only three of us who accept the employment offer. In my case, it is a rash decision based on a few minutes of conversation with Sarah last night. I could be agreeing to something I will soon regret, but I’m more terrified of being eliminated from the Argonaut than accepting an unknown job. The three of us are escorted to yet another room and told to wait.We wait. And we wait some more. Finally Ellen and Cassius turn up.“Good. That’s all sorted,” says Ellen, handing each of us an envelope. “Read those later. You must go to your dormitories and pack your things. Meet by the front door in forty five minutes.”“What’s going on?” asks Patrick. “Have we been eliminated from the Argonaut?”“No. No. On the contrary. You have all been granted a loan and a work permit for the city. You will be transported to your new employer’s place of business. He or she will sort out everything else. It’s all explained in the letter I’ve just given you.”It takes me a few moments to remember to breathe. In my wildest dreams I never imagined winning the Argonaut would be so quick and easy. I had mentally prepared myself for a day of tests and challenges, and an anxious wait tomorrow for the final result.Packing my few belongings takes all of five minutes. I had already returned the Jewels of Desire to Ellen first thing this morning. With over half-an-hour to spare, I sit down to read my letter. Ellen has covered all the salient details in her answer to Patrick’s question. My indenture to the Buchanan overlord has been purchased by the Bureau of Ancillary Services for just under eight thousand credits, which I must repay from my earnings over the next five years. Failure to repay the loan by the deadline means my indenture will be sold to any Argon citizen willing to buy it, and I will once again be a serf. I’m to be employed as a hostess at The Black Cat Club, working five days a week. The letter doesn’t contain any further details about the job or what in entails. With the letter is a laminated work permit confirming I am authorized to work in the city center and travel to and from Buchanan settlement.Patrick and I join Chloe by the front door as instructed. There’s no sign of Ellen or Cassius, and I realize that we might be taken from here without the opportunity to say goodbye to anyone. A small bus arrives a short while later and the driver tells us to get on board. Ellen and Cassius appear at the last moment and wave us off as we drive away.The bus has only a short journey before we arrive outside an odd-shaped office building surrounded by a jumble of similar sized buildings. Patrick disembarks after sharing a brief farewell and good wishes. He suggests that we keep in touch. I say ‘yes’, although I’m not sure how achievable that will be.We have a slightly longer drive into the heart of the city center before the bus stops outside a building in what is clearly part of an entertainment district. The bus departs as soon as Chloe and I step onto the wide footpath. From the street, The Black Cat Club looks very unimpressive. The ground-floor doorway consists of a wide metal frame housing twin white doors, each with a black cat motif on the upper panel. There are no door handles nor any doorbell to attract attention.“Did you come here last night?” I ask Chloe, risking a hostile reply.“I don’t know,” replies Chloe. “I was made to wear a hood for most of the journey. If it’s the same place then I’ll recognize it once we are inside.”Which, of course, is the problem. How do we get inside?Chapter 18: Arrival at The Black CatThe area is quiet at this hour of the morning and there is no sign of activity at the club. Gaining access to the club is going to be a problem we need to solve on our own. I study the door and the surrounding frame. On door frame, either side of the doors, are two dark square pads with a motif of a cat on them. The one on the right has a stalking cat, like on the card Sarah gave me. The left hand pad has a cat lying on its back, similar to the one on the card in Chloe’s possession.Chloe tries pushing the pad in case it is a doorbell of sorts. The pad is solid so there is no audible or visible response. We wait a few moments in case what Chloe has done has summoned someone inside. However, nobody comes to the door, so I consider trying something else. I bring out my card and place it over the pad with the matching cat symbol. Success! The door on the right makes an audible sound as though a lock is being released. I push on the door and it swings open. Inside is short but wide hallway with a row of turnstiles left and right of a central column. The turnstiles are controlled by the same sort of pad we saw on the outside door. Those to the right of the column ahead of us have a symbol that matches my card, while those on the left match Chloe’s card.We each pass through one of the turnstiles matching our respective card. Once through to the other side, we find ourselves separated by a wall. I’m now in a different corridor to the one Chloe entered, and I’m unsure how we can meet up again without reversing our route. There’s still nobody about and I’m beginning to worry about my rash choice to accept Sarah’s offer without further details.“Are you still there, Chloe?” I call.“Yeah. There’s a staircase going down to a lower level. I’m fairly sure this is where I was brought last night.”“There’s no staircase on my side,” I reply. The corridor here seems to go past a cloakroom into a large room at the end.“"Well, let’s explore our own area and see if we can find someone,” replies Chloe.I quickly check that the cloakroom is empty before entering the large room at the end. It’s a night club, with a huge dance floor bordered by several rows of tables and chairs on two sides; a stage on the third side; and a bar next to where I have entered on the fourth side. On the other side of the bar to the entrance door is an archway, hopefully leading to an office, or somewhere that someone will be working.I eventually find an office where a woman about my age is working. She doesn’t seem surprised to see me and introduces herself as Honeydew.“The Bureau sent me your details but I haven’t had time to record them in our system,” says Honeydew. “If you take a seat in the lounge over there, I’ll do that now.”“Okay,” I reply. “I arrived with another woman; Chloe. The card she was given sent her through the left hand turnstiles when we arrived.”“She will be looked after downstairs,” replies Honeydew. “Don’t concern yourself about her.”Honeydew’s attitude towards Chloe strikes me as odd, but I accept her assurance that Chloe will be looked after. Since Chloe isn’t a friend, I put her out of my mind for now. After about fifteen minutes, Honeydew joins me in the lounge. She hands me some documents and a card similar to the one Sarah gave me last night. This card, however, is laminated like my work permit, and has a copy of the photograph I supplied for the Argonaut on the reverse. At her request, I hand over the card Sarah gave me.“The identity card allows you access to the club,” says Honeydew. “You’ve already discovered how it works. The documents are your terms of employment and your scheduled work hours for the next two weeks. A fifth of your earnings will be paid directly to the Bureau of Ancillary Services to repay your loan. Let me know if you ever want to make an additional payment. If you have any questions then come and talk to me.”“What should I do now?” I ask.“The club opens in just over an hour. Sarah will arrive just before then. I suggest you take a walk around the club and get an idea where everything is located.”I do as Honeydew suggests although there isn’t much more on this level than I’ve already found. The gender neutral toilets, and a set changing rooms are the only rooms I haven’t explored when I entered the club. There’s a locked door next to the bar, near to the one I entered. As seems typical of the club, the lock is controlled by the proximity of my identity card. Rather than wander around aimlessly, I try opening the door.The door opens onto a short corridor in front of two sets of stairs leading to the floors above and below. I take a quick look upstairs first. The landing at the top leads to what turns out to be a set of bedrooms, fitted out for some adventurous sex games. I then go basement level to see if I can locate Chloe. After my experiences over the last twenty four hours I’m not surprised to see the basement is fitted out like some medieval dungeon. There’s a dance floor and bar looking incongruous with the cages and restraints liberally scattered around the place. Every square pillar supporting the building above has four sets of shackles dangling down from above. That’s where I find Chloe, chained by her wrists to one of the pillars.“Are you okay?” I ask Chloe when I see her chained with her arms raised high above her head. She can only stand on her tiptoes.“Yes, Miss Jasmine,” replies Chloe, indicating with her eyes that one of the many security cameras is watching us. “Mistress is fetching my uniform. I’ll be fine.”I quickly overcome my shock at Chloe addressing me in the way she did, but I suppose she knew from last night how she would be treated here. Even with that knowledge, Chloe accepted the offer to work here without further inquiry. I’m not sure what more I can say to her, so I simply nod in acknowledgement of her signal, and continue my exploration of the dungeon. My experience with kinky sex is negligible, and I can’t pretend to understand the purpose of some of the equipment around the room. I find it fascinating, but also a little scary.“You must be Jasmine,” says a woman dressed in a black studded leather outfit. “I’m Caitlin.”I turn to look at the woman who has just entered from the door on the other side of the bar. Her blond hair his fastened in a plait which is pinned around her head. If I had to guess at her age, I would say that she was in her mid-thirties, but it difficult to be sure in the subdued lighting of the dungeon.“Yes, hello,” I reply. “Honeydew suggested that I explore the club while I’m waiting for Sarah to arrive.”“That’s no problem. But if you are waiting for Sarah, then I suggest you return upstairs. Sarah arrived a few minutes ago.”I promptly do as Caitlin suggests. I find Sarah in the office talking to Honeydew.“Ah! Jasmine! Excellent! I wasn’t sure if you would understand my offer, and I had half expected you to be standing out on the street wondering how to get into the club. I’m pleased you understood on both counts. Welcome to Le Chat Noir. We can discuss your duties while I find you an appropriate uniform to wear.”Sarah concludes her business with Honeydew and then she escorts me to one of the changing rooms I had noticed earlier.“These are the changing rooms. Rooms one to four are for visiting artists, five and six are for staff use. It can get crowded in here at busy times, so I recommend that you change into and out of your uniform at home. Honeydew will allocate one of these lockers for your belongings.”Sarah proceeds to describe my duties. Although my job title is given as 'hostess’ my duties include almost every task that could be expected of someone working in a night club, particularly one catering for clients with exotic sexual perversions. My base salary is no more than I was earning at the recycling factory in Buchanan, but with the added costs of my loan repayment, and travel to and from work. However, Sarah indicates some of the many ways I can voluntarily supplement my earnings at the club.Although I don’t start work until tomorrow, I spend the next couple of hours observing the club in action and meeting some of the other staff.Chapter 19: A session with IrisBy the start of my third week working at Le Chat Noir, I’ve reorganized by life to suit my variable hours of work. I’ve also decided; at least for now; which extra services I am willing to provide at the club in order to supplement my earnings. Tips from serving drinks at tables provide a small but steady boost to my income. But until I pay off the loan the Bureau of Ancillary Services provided to buy my freedom, I need to earn more. Prostitution is tolerated by the club, but that’s something I’m uncomfortable with doing. However, more subtle or specialized sexual services are something I could manage, particularly when it comes to helping out in the dungeon downstairs. Even Caitlin and Sarah seem impressed with the ease that I’ve adapted to being a part-time dominatrix. I confess that I like the leather gear I’m given to go with the role.When I’m not needed as a dominatrix in the dungeon, I put on a much skimpier outfit and work the floor in the main club. My outfit is inspired by the Jewels of Desire, with small semi-precious gemstones sewn into the glorified bra and panties that I normally to wear. The effect from wearing either of my regular costumes gives me a warm and pleasant feeling I associate with sexual arousal. However, I refuse all offers of sex despite my traitorous body wanting to comply.“Hello, princess,” comes a familiar voice as I pass one of the tables on a busy night.“Paulo! I didn’t know if I would see you again.”“Hmm. Like everyone else, I was shocked when you disappeared from the Argonaut. We all assumed you had been eliminated. It’s only when I met Chloe last week that I discovered what happened.”“I was lucky to find a sponsor and job that suits me,” I reply. “How about you?”“I was one of the nine Argonaut winners in addition to Patrick, Chloe and you. That’s a fairly typical success rate for the Argonaut these days. I’ve got a job with a building maintenance company; nice regular hours although the pay isn’t that great. I presume your job means you must work nights?”“Yes. The club doesn’t open until mid-afternoon, and stays open until the early hours of the morning. I’m normally working from six o'clock in the evening until the club closes around three or four the next morning.”“That must make it difficult for you to get home after work,” observes Paulo.“There are several of us in the same situation. We’re allowed to sleep on one of the beds upstairs until the first train services start in the morning. As long as my travel card shows me travelling to and from Buchanan every day then I satisfy the city’s rules about residency.”“I had hoped we could resume where we left off during the Argonaut,” says Paulo. “But our different work hours are going to make that difficult.”“I’m sure we can work something out,” I reply, although I’ve no idea how we might achieve it. “Anyway, how did you get in here tonight? Are you a member of Le Chat Noir?”“Chloe managed to get me a guest pass for tonight. The pass doesn’t seem to allow me access to downstairs.”“Only members of Le Chat Noir can enter the dungeon,” I reply.“Is that where Chloe works?” asks Paulo. “She was very evasive when I asked her. What does she do down there?”“Chloe works downstairs, but you’ll need to ask her about her duties. That’s not the sort of detail I can provide.”I’m being equally evasive as Chloe about her duties. Paulo might not understand Chloe’s submissiveness and react in a way that could cause problems.“I need to resume my work, Paulo. It’s been great catching up. If you can find a way for us to meet up outside of work, then I’m okay with resuming where we left off before.”My departure from Paulo’s company is a bit abrupt, but Sarah is trying to attract my attention from across the room. I promptly go over to where she is standing.“Caitlin needs your services as a dominatrix downstairs,” says Sarah. “Go and change into your leathers and report to Caitlin. And Jasmine; play your cards right tonight and Caitlin’s client could prove to be a very profitable source of extra income for you. But remember what I told you the first time we met about knowing when to keep your mouth shut about what you see.”“Yes, thank you, Sarah. I’ll go and change at once.”I quickly change and take the back stairs down to the dungeon level. Caitlin is helping out at the bar. The dungeon crowd is smaller than upstairs, but it is still fairly busy. Caitlin comes over to me and takes me into one of the side rooms.Although I am still new to playing the role of a dominatrix, Caitlin seems pleased with my efforts so far. I’ll admit that the role eases my pent up anger at the inequality in Argon society. And the extra money it earns me is welcome, and encourages me to develop my skills further.What I told Paulo wasn’t entirely true. Access to the Black Cat’s dungeon is restricted to the club’s premium members, and even staff access is limited to a select few. Quite how I was designated as one of the few was a mystery to me at first. Eventually Sarah admitted to her involvement in that decision after she saw how I handled wearing the Jewels of Desire during the Argonaut. This will be the tenth session I’ve run as a dominatrix. Two of my clients have returned for a second session, although it’s too early in my career to call them regulars.Caitlin takes me to one side and hands me some extra items to complement my outfit. A leather paddle and handcuffs are placed in a black leather bag along with a few lengths of rope. My rope tying skills are still work-in-progress, but I can handle a few basic restraints. My outfit is finished off with a black leather mask covering much of my face.“I don’t anticipate any problems, but we had best keep your identity secret until we are sure there aren’t going to be any repercussions,” says Caitlin.Before I can baulk at the implied danger, Caitlin ushers me into an area of the dungeon I normally avoid. This is the zone contains small private dungeons, and is reserved for the seriously perverted bondage freaks. Or at least, that’s how Chloe described clients who hire the facilities in this area. When I see it up close, I suspect Chloe’s description is slightly biased, but then, she and I are literally on opposite ends of the whip.The scantily clad female is waiting for me in one of the private dungeons. I am already mentally prepared to meet one of Argon’s rich elite wanting to play at being a helpless submissive for an hour or two. I don’t suppose it occurs to them that they could live and work in one of the settlements and achieve the same result at no cost.“This is Slave Iris,” says Caitlin by way of introduction. “She is yours to command, Domina.”Some clients prefer to call me by a name, whether my own or a made-up one. Others, like now, prefer to call me by a title such as Madame, Mistress, or an older style title like Domina. Caitlin leaves us alone, which is my cue to begin.“Kneel before me Slave,” I command, beginning a standard routine to establish the boundaries of this game. Iris obeys at once.By the time I have completed the initial routine I am satisfied that I understand what turns Iris on, and what commands I should avoid. If I want to maximize my earnings with repeat sessions, I must endeavor to provide the experience Iris desires. My preliminary assessment suggests that she is naturally submissive, and she is clearly wanting a session in which she is bound helpless and punished for whatever misdemeanor she wishes to confess. Even the prospect of being spanked with the paddle seems to turn her on.Despite Iris’s willingness to be subjected to harsh treatment, I’m careful not to inflict any tell-tale marks on Iris’s body. I recognize Iris from the numerous news-feeds featuring the higher echelons of Argon society. Caitlin’s warning was justified. No matter how willing Iris may be to the discipline I’m imposing, I’m well aware that her father is one of the generals of Argon’s ruling junta. How amenable he will be to me satisfying his daughter’s fetish is a big unknown.I’m starting to attune myself to Iris’s likes and dislikes. I don’t know what motivates her fetish for bondage, which makes it harder for me to deliver the right intensity of control. I have handcuffed her to a ring high in the wall so that she must stand with her arms raised. I complete her bonds with ankle cuffs anchored to rings in the floor which hold her legs slightly apart. On impulse I run my hand between Iris’s legs and stroke her lacy panties. It’s a tentative touch to test her reaction, which is everything I hoped it might be. She starts humping my hand, which I allow her to do for a few moments until I sense she is working up to a climax. I withdraw my hand before she can peak.I repeat the exercise numerous times and eventually I allow her to climax. She practically weeps with joy once her orgasm subsides. I tease her with the paddle and before long she is whimpering for my touch. The sense of empowerment it gives me is arousing me as much as the visible effect our games are having on Iris. I even have Iris satisfy my own needs by tonguing my cunt until I achieve an orgasm.It is customary for the client to indicate when the session is to end by saying the standard club safe-word 'Kitty-cat’. Iris doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to end the session, which runs for a mammoth three hours. Eventually she is too exhausted to continue and she brings our session to an end. By now it is well past midnight and both of us are tired.“Thank you, Domina,” says Iris, once I have freed her from her latest bondage. “Are you free for another session tomorrow night?”“My availability is managed by the club’s owners,” I respond with the answer Caitlin requires me to give to such a request.“Then we shall speak with Caitlin,” replies Iris, no longer the submissive slave she was ten minutes ago.We return to the main part of the dungeon, which still has a reasonable number of patrons despite the late hour. Caitlin is still working at the bar and has no hesitation in agreeing to Iris’s request for my services tomorrow night.When I finally finish work at three o'clock in the morning I get the chance to open the envelope containing my bonus for tonight. It’s more than I thought possible, and it reinforces my desire to train further in the art of being a dominatrix. However, I know I mustn’t get over-confident since the sessions with Iris could end at any time, and secrecy about her identity is essential.I consider the next step in my strange and unexpected career. Navigating the Argonaut was easier than I expected, but that owed a lot to chance and making risky choices. I made it, though. Now all I need to do is survive in the murky world of Argon’s powerful elite. But that’s another story.By Rachael Jane for Literotica.
Paulo's SeductionIn 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.By the time Ellen and I join them, nearly all the contestants are in the dining area and are already eating at the table. Ellen and I go over to the side table where the buffet is laid out, and we select some food. Patrick looks at me as I sit down opposite him, but he doesn’t say anything. After Vincent’s revelation earlier about Patrick’s feelings towards me, I’m not certain what to say to Patrick.“Were there many contestants in the practice rooms this morning?” I ask Patrick, more to make him to talk to me than any real interest in the movements of the other contestants.“Um; No. I was alone for most of the time. Paulo joined me for a while, but a woman called him away. When he returned he looked like a cat who had fallen into a bowl of cream.”I immediately realize the importance of what Patrick is saying about Paulo, but it is Ellen who quizzes Patrick for more details. By the time he’s done, I have no doubt that Sylvie was the woman Patrick saw, and Paulo was summoned to gather information from me while I was in Effie’s room. A very slick operation, but one which may still end in my favor.When we arrived in the Argonaut complex yesterday, Patrick and I gobbled our food down in case it disappeared before our hunger was satisfied. Both of us come from poor families where meals can be irregular. Today we eat at a more leisurely pace. We would have time for a pleasant conversation if Patrick showed any inclination to talk. He simply eats in silence, although his eyes rarely leave me. After a while his gawking starts to annoy me. I’m about to say something rude when Ellen puts her hand on my arm.“Perhaps if you stopped rubbing your breasts, Patrick wouldn’t stare at them so, Jasmine,” whispers Ellen in my ear.I drop my hands in a flash and suddenly feel awkward. The tenderness hasn’t quite worn off, and I must have been trying to sooth my breasts without thinking about what I was doing. From Patrick’s reaction he must have heard Ellen’s words and I don’t know which of us is the more embarrassed.“Er; Sorry, Patrick,” I say. “Ellen and I were trying on some jewelry and one of the pieces is quite heavy. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”“Um; that’s OK. I didn’t mean to stare. That’s a nice ring, by the way.”I suddenly realize I’ve left the emerald ring on my finger. In my haste to get changed I forgot to take it off and return it to Ellen. Fortunately Ellen doesn’t seem to mind.“Yes, it’s an emerald,” I reply. “Ellen has been kind enough to let me borrow it for the television show this afternoon.”“Well you will look a very fine lady when you walk up onto the stage,” says Patrick.“Actually, I’m not going for the fine lady look. I think the warrior princess style is more appropriate for me. What do you think?”“I don’t know,” replies Patrick. “Harper said that sponsors might be put off from helping us if they think that you are.”“That will do, Patrick,” says Harper, who is sat further down the table, but listening to our conversation. “Once we have finished lunch, Jasmine and I will have our discussion about how she should handle herself during the show.”Harper’s interruption stifles any further conversation, and we finish lunch in silence. After lunch, Patrick and Ellen leave on different missions. I’m left alone with Harper.“So,” I begin. “Are you going to tell me what you told Patrick?”“No,” replies Harper. “I told Patrick what he needs to know and believe. Which isn’t necessarily the same thing that you need to know and believe. You and Patrick are very different people when it comes to handling interviews. Patrick has a natural gift that makes people instantly like him. You, on the other hand, have a knack of annoying and confusing people. I know you confuse me. You scowl at people you should please, and flash your eyelids at people you should avoid. Tell me how you think you should portray yourself this afternoon.”“I thought your role is to tell me,” I reply. “I’ve no idea. I know I hate trying to read from a script.”“Which is why I don’t think anything we rehearse here is going to help you. You are at your best when you are being spontaneous. My only advice to you is to remember that you need to attract potential employers; and you must.”Harper lists a dozen or so pieces of advice, most which I forget as soon as he has said them.“Now what?” I ask when Harper has finished his speech.“You have an hour before you need to get changed for this afternoon’s charade,” says Harper. “Why don’t you go for a walk.”Chapter 12: SabotageI return from my walk a few minutes late to find Harper, Ellen, Patrick, Vincent, and two other of my room-mates in the middle of what I can only describe as a crisis meeting. At first I think the crisis is somehow my fault.“I told you where I was going,” I say before anyone can accuse me of doing a disappearing act.“Yes, we know,” says Harper. “Ellen wanted to fetch you, but we thought we had better come up with a solution before we told you. But you’re here now anyway.”“So what’s the problem?” I ask, relieved that for once that I’m not the cause of the crisis.“It appears a maintenance man called while we were having lunch to fix a problem with your wardrobe door,” says Vincent.“But there’s nothing wrong with my wardrobe door,” I say, assuming they mean the well-worn, but still functional, cupboard I’ve been assigned to store my things.“So what happened?” I ask.“Sabotage!” says Ellen. “The maintenance man tampered with your dress for tonight.”I look at Harper for an explanation.“A chemical has been sprayed onto your dress,” says Harper. “We’re having it analyzed. It is likely an irritant or mild poison. Nothing that would be noticeable to anyone picking up your dress, but powerful enough to cause the wearer a few problems after a short while. It was lucky I was suspicious when the security staff told me about the visitor.”“Can the chemical be removed?” asks Ellen.“Probably, once we identify it. But that would take too long. We have less than an hour before Jasmine must go across to the studio.”“I’ll fetch some of my dresses,” says Ellen. “Perhaps one might fit Jasmine with only minimal alterations.”While I appreciate Ellen’s offer of help, her taste in clothes is very different from mine. I’d rather wear my own dress; the one I was wearing when I arrived here. But that would be only as a last resort. I decide to take matters into my own hands.“Ellen, thank you for your offer of help,” I say. “This is what I would like you to bring.”I give Ellen a short list of things I know she has in her room. If she thinks my request strange, she has the decency to refrain from voicing her opinion aloud. She doesn’t hesitate and goes off to her room to fetch what I requested. I turn to the other contestants in my dormitory.“Thank you all for your help, but I can manage with Harper and Ellen’s assistance from here,” I say. “You had best go and get ready yourself. Most of you are in the batches of contestants before mine, so you probably need to go soon.”The others seem relieved and nod in agreement. They have wasted precious time dealing with a problem that shouldn’t have involved them in the first place. By the time Ellen returns, my room-mates have changed their clothes and left for the studio. My dress is still on the hanger where I left it. A slight stain on the wardrobe wall around it could be residue from the chemical spray.“That stain is what alerted me to the problem,” says Harper. “We’ve checked around for other unwelcome additions. The maintenance man was only here for a few minutes, so he won’t have had time to do much. I think it is likely he was sent specifically to sabotage your dress for tonight. Once we’ve identified the chemical I’ll have the rest of your clothes and bedding checked.”“So I can’t even wear my own dress?” I say.“Not until it is checked, no. I’m sorry, we’ve let you down. I should have known to have a backup set of clothes for you. I’m new to these dirty games too.”I explain my plan to Harper, who listens carefully. He goes thoughtful for a while before going into the corridor to make a telephone call. Ellen returns laden with the items I requested just as Harper completes his call.The next half-hour is a whirlwind of activity inside the dormitory. To my surprise neither Harper nor Ellen oppose my decision to take personal responsibility for my costume tonight. Their comments are helpful and supportive as my costume takes shape. A few additions thanks to Harper’s telephone call help to perfect my outfit. By the time my make-up is applied I really feel on fire. I complete my preparations by sliding the emerald ring onto my finger. A new wave of confidence sweeps through me. I had previously complained of being a marionette in tonight’s show, dancing to other people’s tunes. No more; now I really feel in control.Ellen places a large cape over my shoulders which completely hides my costume. A deliberate ruse devised by Harper to foil the paymasters of the saboteur. If they believe I’m wearing the studio dress, then it’s unlikely they will attempt any other act against me. It also allows me the element of surprise when I finally reveal my costume.“Are you wearing those shoes?” asks Ellen, pointing to the training shoes I’ve been wearing all afternoon. Apart from the cape, it is the only part of my clothing that is visible.“Only for now,” I reply. The shoes that matched the outfit are quarantined with the dress.Harper escorts me to the studio. Ellen left a few minutes before us. They aren’t allowed backstage, so they’ll will be watching from their seats in the audience. The show has already begun. Each batch of five contestants spends about five minutes being paraded around the stage, at which point the audience vote for one of them to be interviewed. The chosen contestant is then interviewed for about five minutes, before rejoining the others on a platform at the rear of the stage.While I was changing, Ellen told me about the nature and scale of the underhand tricks that are tolerated by the Argonaut’s officials. The guiding rule is that unless a contestant shows unexplained signs of physical injury, or is unable to stand unaided, the officials won’t undertake any serious investigation into any skullduggery. Providing that unwritten rule is observed, any amount of doping and intimidation is tolerated, and no investigation will be conducted into claims of sabotage. Had the saboteur of my dress succeeded in his mission, then his paymaster would have been secretly congratulated for a masterful stroke. The poor victim is such cases is left to rue their misfortune.I join the other four contestants in the eighth batch at the studio, and we are soon escorted into a large room where the ten contestants from the preceding two batches are waiting to be called onto the stage. Most are simply standing about nervously. A few are making last minute alterations to their costume. Everything is done under the watchful eye of two of the television studio crew.On one side of the room is a large screen displaying the show being broadcast from this building. The overbearing hosts, led by Darrian, are amusing the audience with anecdotes and recollections from previous Argonauts. In between segments, a batch of five contestants are brought out and paraded around the large stage, before standing on a raised platform at the rear of the stage.I’m busy watching the screen, so I don’t notice Patrick approaching me until he is virtually on top of me.“I just wanted to wish you good luck tonight, Jasmine,” says Patrick.“You too, Patrick,” I reply.It’s the only opportunity that I get to say anything to Patrick before his group is called onto the stage. I study each contestant’s costume as they make their final preparations, focusing mainly on the women. Most of their outfits are colorful evening dresses. That means they will be hoping to impress the same employers; the ones who like to hire young women who look sweet and pretty. A couple women in their mid-twenties are a bit more daring in showing their cleavage. They may impress a different segment of the audience, although I’m sure that segment will have more than its fair share of perverts.As for me, I’ve no idea which employers I might attract. Will the audience admire my hastily designed costume, or will I be laughed at and mocked? To be honest, I don’t care. My real goal tonight is to wrong-foot my powerful rivals. My imaginary warrior princess who is guiding me tells me I’m doing the right thing.Chapter 13: A special treatI have nearly twenty minutes to wait before it is my group’s turn on stage. Since none of the contestants in the room are being very talkative, I focus on watching the show on the huge screen. It also enables me to avoid talking to Chloe, who is in the last batch of contestants. I adjust my opinion of some of the contestants as they take their turn in the spotlight.Finally my group is called onto the stage. I wait until the last minute before removing my cape, and make the final adjustments to my costume. I may not be wearing Ellen’s great-aunt Sophie’s costume exactly as she once wore it, but it is close enough for my younger and inexperienced body. Ellen said this would be the first time in thirty years that the Jewels of Desire have been worn, and I’m determined to do the costume justice. Thanks to Harper’s tasteful additions, the costume is now suitable to be worn in public. I’m not showing as much bare flesh as the original costume left displayed. While near-nudity isn’t frowned on by the upper echelons of the city, it most certainly is at home. My modified costume is decent by my home settlement’s standards, but only just.Chloe’s exclamation as I reveal my costume confirms that I will certainly attract plenty of attention tonight. What the audience won’t get to see is the hidden secret of the Jewels of Desire. The design of the costume has one obvious purpose; sexual desire. The wearer uses her costume to titillate and excite the observer. What isn’t immediately apparent to an observer is that the costume is also designed to arouse the wearer. The strangely shaped piece that fits over my cunt, rubs against my clit in a very sensual way. Of course I could adjust the piece to prevent it from arousing me, but having decided to wear the Jewels of Desire, I fully intend to do so properly, within acceptable bounds. Besides, it will help me quell my nerves during the interview, should I be selected.I remove my shoes and take a few practice walks about the room. The initial discomfort is soon replaced by a more pleasant feeling. Within moments I feel every bit the part that I look; an extremely desirable young woman. I don’t care if some of the audience think me worse than a whore. This costume transforms me and I like the rebel it makes me.“; thank you Patrick and to group seven,” says Darrian as he concludes his interview with Patrick, who has rejoined the group preceding mine on the raised platforms. “And now ladies and gentlemen I’ve just received word that we are all in for a special treat. I’m informed that the next group contains a contestant wearing a most unusual costume. Let’s show our appreciation as group eight take to the stage.”As I step out from the wings and onto the stage, the polite applause given to every contestant suddenly erupts into gasps, cheers and thunderous applause. The audience is going wild by the time I reach half way across the stage. For once the hosts are torn between savoring the sight of me and calming the audience. The effect on me is almost as powerful as the emotional trip Paulo took me on last night. If it is possible to have an orgasm while walking about on a stage, then I think I just had one.The audience loves my demonstration, unaware my movements are stimulating me as well. By the time the audience is called on to vote, I’m in a highly charged sexual state. I stand still so as not to tip my already sensitive body into another orgasm. I don’t know how many of the audience are watching me, but I feel as though hundreds of eyes are watching my every move. The idea of being watched only excites me even more. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised that my costume has earned me an on-screen interview. The other four contestants in my batch look relieved that they have avoided being picked. They will still be interviewed, but in the peace and quiet of a private room, later this evening.“Well, what a sight for sore eyes you are, Jasmine my dear,” says Darrian once the audience has calmed enough to make conversation possible. “What an exquisite costume. You have certainly excelled yourself.”“I’m glad you like it,” I reply to the compliments each of the show’s hosts have heaped on my costume. “The costume isn’t entirely original, and most pieces have a history. The larger two pieces once belonged to a famous dancer, and are known as the Jewels of Desire. The emerald ring is said to have once been the property of a warrior princess.”“Fascinating,” says Darrian, as his eyes roam every part of my body.In fairness to Darrian, he is very professional and manages to ask his questions despite the delectable eye candy within touching distance of his chair. Of course, being a good showman, he has me conclude my interview by asking me to parade my costume once more for the audience to admire. I do so with a daring I didn’t think I had in me. The rubies on my costume catch the spotlights and sparkle. At the moment I feel like I’m on fire.Half an hour later the tenth and final on-screen interview with Chloe concludes, and after a brief wrap-up by the hosts, the show ends. A thoughtful member of the studio crew has my cape and shoes waiting for me as the contestants file off the stage. All the contestants’ helpers are waiting to bustle us away before any more foul-play can occur in the confusion. Paulo makes a point of coming over to me before he is whisked away.“Well done, princess,” he says as he slips a note into my hand. “And I like the costume.”“Thanks. You didn’t do so bad yourself, professor,” I reply, keeping up our private game.Vincent keeps watch over me while the rest of our dormitory are gathered together. There are crowds everywhere and it would be easy to get waylaid. After my performance on stage, I’m just as much at risk from over-enthusiastic admirers as potential saboteurs. We make it back to the dormitory without incident. While we were at the studio, Harper has had my bed and belongings checked for any other traces of the chemical that was on my dress. It turns out the chemical was a skin irritant that would have left me scratching my way through the show. After a quick debriefing and congratulations all round, Patrick and I are left in peace. The others are given ten minutes to freshen up before being escorted downstairs for their interviews. Those of us who were interviewed on-screen have the rest of the night free. I read Paulo’s note, which is an invitation to a party starting in just over an hour.I take one last look in the mirror at myself wearing the Jewels of Desire. They are mine for tonight, and despite my exhaustion I’m reluctant to take them off. Ellen will collect them in the morning before all the contestants begin the first of a series of tests and challenges that make up the Argonaut event. I put on some light music and I gently dance to the rhythm. On impulse I adjust the pieces of my costume so the pieces play their diabolical, but wonderful, tricks to my senses. After a while I am contemplating joining Paulo’s party. My common sense battles with my slutty urges.Chapter 14: Invitation to a partyI’ve only ten minutes to change for the party if I want to make an impression on the city-born guests who will be attending. Fortunately I showered and washed my hair straight after the television show. Changing clothes isn’t going to take long. I’m tempted to wear the Jewels of Desire, but I owe it to Ellen to keep the jewels safe until I can return them in the morning. That’s not something I can guarantee at a party, particularly one organized by Paulo. I’m not sure how he has managed to organize the invitations to include several of those in tonight’s studio audience. The Argonaut event is surrounded by festivities and celebrations among Argon’s elite. I can only assume Paulo has somehow persuaded a group to attend his party. Half a dozen or more, all female, from what Harper tells me, although Harper isn’t the most reliable source of gossip.I ask Patrick if he wishes to come, but he declines. I’ve already established that he and Paulo don’t get on. I think Patrick was hoping that he and I would keep each other company tonight. If he were to come out and ask me to stay I might consider doing so, but I’m not putting up with his ‘secret admirer’ routine. Nevertheless, I feel a twinge of guilt for leaving a fellow Buchanan contestant alone tonight.Paulo’s invitation gives me enough information to plan my attire from the limited wardrobe available to me. As Paulo said at the outset, clothing is almost optional. I begin to wonder if this is going to be a party or an orgy. To be honest, I’m more than a little nervous about how I am going to cope. I want to be with Paulo, but the prospect of sharing his attentions with other women doesn’t sit comfortably with me.I present myself at the room set aside for the party guests to assemble. The guests arrive singly. The first is a young woman a year or so older than me with long blond hair. She has the superior look of someone from the Argon’s ruling elite, although her clothes are relatively plain. She makes no effort to greet me and she sits on the opposite side of the room. The second, third and fourth women are equally aloof.The people of Argon’s city center place great importance on their looks. Despite their arrogant attitude, these young women are hardly the pick of the crop. Perhaps that’s why they are here rather than at some swanky party elsewhere. I have no idea what drives these people to do what they do.A fifth woman arrives. Unlike the others she clearly doesn’t want to be here. I walk over to her.“Hi, I’m Jasmine,” I say. “Is everything alright? You don’t look happy to be here.”“Um; Hi; I’m Sheba; Bathsheba actually, but only my parents ever use my real name. And no; I don’t want to be here. But my parents said I must prostitute myself with a contestant tonight or they would marry me off to my slime ball of a third cousin.”“They told you to prostitute yourself?” I say in genuine shock.“Um; not in so many words, but that was their meaning. They know how I loathe my third cousin. He’s been trying to get his paws on me since I was twelve.”“Did your parents specify any particular contestant?” I ask.“No. Male or female. They don’t care. If I can seduce a contestant into working for my parents, I get another six months grace to find a husband. But with six of us here tonight I don’t stand much of a chance. I hear the contestant hosting this party is an arrogant peacock.”“Yes, that sounds like Paulo. Perhaps I can help you. I know one of the other contestants. He would probably appreciate some feminine company tonight.”I almost laugh out loud when she leaps at my offer. I quickly bustle her out of the room and up to the dormitory. I just hope Patrick accepts the opportunity on offer. Patrick is alone in the dormitory so I practically throw Sheba at him. What happens next is up to the two of them. That’s all the pandering I intend to do tonight.I bolt downstairs before I miss the arrival of the final guest. The other women don’t seem the slightest bit interested in Sheba’s disappearance. We don’t have long to wait before the final guest arrives. Unlike her rivals, this young woman is pretty. A natural beauty with long black hair. I wonder why she wants to take part in this tacky party tonight. She puts on the all-too-familiar superior look and sits near the other women without greeting anyone.Cassius, one of the volunteer helpers, enters a few moments later. He reads off the names of the women on his list. When he calls out Sheba’s name I tell him that Sheba withdrew. Another woman enters the room while Cassius is making the alteration to his list. She’s in her mid-twenties and dressed in a smart black leather outfit. She hands Cassius a small bag and murmurs something only he can hear.He nods and the new arrival moves over to where the other women are sitting. Although there are empty seats on my side of the room, she stands over one of the women and tells her to move. To my surprise, she and the woman next to her meekly stand up and move across the room.“The arrangements for tonight have been changed,” says Cassius. “Mansel from Bourbon commune will be hosting the party. Paulo and Chloe have each made alternative arrangements for tonight.What?!Mansel enters a few moments later and Cassius disappears with the bag the black clad woman gave him."Well, this appears to be my lucky night,” smirks Mansel.Mansel calls out the names of the five city-born women and escorts them out of the room. They seem puzzled by the change of plan, but Mansel’s pleasant banter seems to remove their immediate concerns. While Mansel acknowledges my presence, it appears I’m not invited to his party.That leaves me and the woman in black. The others have barely left the room when she stands up and moves across the room and sits next to me. I feel slightly intimidated by her domineering presence.“Hi. I’m Sarah,” she says in a pleasant voice. Not at all like the tone she used with the other women only moments before.“Hi, I’m.”“I know who you are, Jasmine. Your face has been plastered on the entertainment feed for most of the evening. Which leaves the question of what are you doing trying to gatecrash this party? Were you hoping to sabotage some of your rivals tonight? That would be very risky and not very sporting.”“There’s nothing sporting about the Argonaut,” I reply. “But sabotage isn’t my style. Paulo invited me to the party and I agreed to come. Now it looks as though he’s stood me up.”“Nonsense. Why change the host of the party? It would be far simpler to cancel your invitation. Anyway, it explains the reason for the change of plan. I admire your courage. I’m betting on you being one of the winners of the Argonaut. Take this; it may prove useful. If you emerge victorious, then contact me after the Argonaut is over. I might be able to arrange something that is mutually beneficial to both of us.”I look at the card Sarah has given me. It simply contains a picture of a black cat.“Um; Thank you. But there’s no address on the card,” I say.“Ha ha! What an innocent you are! So delightful. Any of the Argonaut officials will know how to find 'Le Chat Noir’. Just remember to ask for me by name.”I tuck Sarah’s card into my pocket and nervously look about the room. Has Paulo changed his mind about seeing me?“When you see Paulo, you must stamp your authority on him,” says Sarah. “He will feel uncertain about you after your success tonight. Don’t lose your advantage by turning into a blushing maiden.”“You have experience at handling this sort of situation then?” I ask.“Ha ha ha! Yes. You could say that. I was once an innocent young nineteen-year-old like you, but these days I’m co-owner of Le Chat Noir club. It caters for clients with rather special tastes. I’m here to meet a client now. Just watch and learn. But a word of advice; know when to keep your mouth shut about what you see.”Cassius returns with Chloe. She is wearing a thin coat over whatever she is wearing underneath. She sees me talking to Sarah and freezes. The look she gives me leaves me in no doubt that I’ll be her first target for elimination tomorrow, possibly sooner. Sarah stands and walks over to Chloe and stands a meter in front of her. Without any verbal exchange Chloe removes her coat and hands it to Cassius. I thought the clothes I am wearing are skimpy and revealing, but Chloe’s clothes border on indecent. She wearing a leather skirt that could be more accurately described as a wide belt, and a top so flimsy that one good cough would send it flying across the room. A small black cat motif is visible on both items of clothing. The clothes must have been what was inside the bag Sarah gave to Cassius.“Good evening, Chloe. I’m Sarah. You have requested my services for this evening. Do you understand and agree to tonight’s arrangements?”“Yes,” says Chloe in a subdued tone. She suddenly flinches at the steely gaze Sarah gives her. “Yes, Miss Sarah,” Chloe corrects herself in a louder voice.Sarah nods and signals Chloe to put on her coat. Sarah then escorts Chloe from the room. “I’ll return her here at two o'clock,” says Sarah to Cassius. As she leaves Sarah quickly turns to me and winks.I stand bemused at what just occurred before my eyes. I’ve no idea what sort of arrangement Sarah and Chloe have but my fertile imagination can come up with several possibilities.Chapter 15: Seduced by Paulo“Chloe will kill you if you mutter one word about what you’ve just seen to Paulo or anybody else,” says Cassius, clearly not happy about Chloe’s arrangements for tonight.“I think she wants to kill me anyway, but I’m not a blabber mouth,” I reply, heeding Sarah’s advice about knowing when to stay silent. “Whatever games she wants to play tonight are her own business as far as I’m concerned.”“Hmm. OK. That’s a good attitude.; Now I shall escort you to where Paulo is waiting.”I follow Cassius to the elevator, and we go up to one of the rooms on the top floor of the building. I can hear Mansel’s party further down the corridor.“Be gone by 2 am,” says Cassius as we enter what must have once been a teacher’s living quarters. “If Chloe discovers you here when she returns I can’t answer for your safety.”I nod in acknowledgement of his sound advice. I walk into the living room and see Paulo sat by the window. I turn to say 'thank you’ to Cassius, but he is already on his way out.“We have the place to ourselves,” says Paulo. “Chloe decided to go out again and Mansel agreed to take over hosting the party. I hope you aren’t too disappointed about missing the party.”“I’m most upset,” I lie. “I was so looking forward to a decent party and you change the arrangements without even informing me.”“I’ll do my best to make it up to you. Would you like something to drink?”I let Paulo make a close examination of my outfit. He reaches out to touch me but I grab his hand.“Not so fast, Paulo. We have a few things to sort out before we go any further.”He steps back and looks at me with a puzzled frown. This isn’t going the way he expected and I’ve got him off balance. I shall follow Sarah’s advice and show him who is in control of whom tonight.“Firstly; What is my name?” I ask, recalling that he had admitted to previously fucking young women without bothering to learn their name.“Jasmine,” he laughs. “After this evening’s broadcast I could hardly not know it.”“Good,” I reply. “Now, there is the not-so-small matter of you abandoning me at two o'clock this morning with a chain locked around my ankle. I think I deserve some serious groveling from you for that shabby trick.”“I said I’m sorry and explained it was Chloe’s doing. What more do you want me to do?”“Don’t hide behind Chloe’s skirt,” I say, mentally recalling that very little could hide behind the skirt Chloe was wearing when she left here. “You can kiss my feet. Then I might forgive you.”“Kiss your feet?! You’re joking, of course!; You’re not, are you?”I let the silence between us continue. Paulo doesn’t know what to do. He resolves the impasse by pacing about the room. I’ve won a victory of sorts. At least he isn’t throwing me out. While he is pacing about I move over to a chair and sit down. Paulo returns with a plate of nibbles and silently offers it to me.“Thank you, Paulo,” I say as though our previous conversation hadn’t occurred.I can tell that his grand seduction scene has collapsed around his ears. I just hope he doesn’t take too long making his mind up about my demand. Yesterday I would have pretended it was a joke so we could move onto what we both want to do. Tonight I feel the need to ensure Paulo sees me as an equal and not just some wench who is good for a roll in bed.Paulo sits on the couch a couple of meters away from me. He tries making small talk, but his efforts are half-hearted and our stilted conversation peters out. Then he leaps up without warning. I tense in case I need to defend myself. But he sits down on the floor near me and lifts my left foot. Off goes my shoe and he gives the top of my foot a short kiss. Then he removes my right shoe. Instead of kissing the top of my foot he nibbles my toes. The pleasant sensation makes me giggle.“So, am I forgiven for leaving you alone in the café last night?” he says.“Umm; possibly. Why don’t we move over to the couch and you can apologize some more?”Before I can stand up Paulo lifts me in his arms. He carries me to the couch and lays me length ways with my head resting on the arm of the couch. He kneels on the floor by my head and before I know what is happening we are locked in a deep kiss. This is the seduction scene he had planned before my arrival and unless I exert some control over what is happening I will become a willing slave to passion. My traitorous body yields to his skillful hands as they roam freely over the exposed parts of my body. Any minute now those hands will be exploring more intimate territory and I’m not certain I will be able to stop him. Worse still, I’m not certain I actually want to stop him.Finally he releases my mouth and begins work on my neck. The sensations I felt last night are returning in force. My body arches as his hands start working towards zones that should be out-of- bounds. At least out-of-bounds unless and until I give my permission. The sensible part of my mind makes a valiant effort to exert some control. Not control over Paulo, but control over me.“Wait, Paulo!” I gasp.Last night he would have completely ignored my request and continued with his great seduction. Last night I wouldn’t have made any effort to repeat my plea. Tonight Paulo is a little more wary of me and to my surprise he complies. Which is fortunate as I’m not certain I would have the willpower to repeat my request tonight any more than I had last night. I use the pause to reposition myself into a more comfortable position. In doing so I free my left arm which had been trapped under my body since Paulo lay me on the couch.“You are going too fast for me,” I say. “We have plenty of time tonight, or have you other plans for later on?”“My only plans for tonight involve you and only you,” he replies showing a remarkable amount of sensitivity to my needs.It’s not that I’m unwilling or uncertain about tonight. I came here knowing full well our relationship would go much further than last night. My insides quivered with desire when I realized I will have Paulo’s exclusive attention. Not once have I been in any doubt that this is where I want to be tonight. I know tomorrow Paulo and I will be enemies; No! Not enemies. Rivals. The junta and their supporters are the enemy for perpetuating the evils of serfdom.“You are going all thoughtful on me,” says Paulo when he notices my distraction.“Sorry,” I reply.This time I really am sorry for letting my mind wander. Tonight belongs to Paulo and me. My hand reaches out for his chest. Without any conscious command, my hand unfastens two buttons on his shirt and slips inside the opening. He simply allows my hand to explore. My other hand takes one of his hands and guides it towards my shoulder. Secretly I’m hoping he will take my hint and unfasten the single strap holding my top in place. But his hand moves in another direction and starts playing with my hair. His touch is divine and I respond willingly to his caress. He is far more skilled than me at this sort of play. I feel slightly embarrassed that I’m unable to give him the same degree of pleasure that he is giving me.“I’m not experienced at this sort of thing. Tell me what you would like me to do,” I whisper as he leans forward and kisses my neck again.“Anything? You would do anything?” he whispers.“Yes. Within reason,” I reply. The sensible part of my mind is still with me, even if the rest of me wishes it wasn’t.“Can you dance?” he asks.Of all the things I thought he would ask of me, dancing never entered into my head. I haven’t danced in years. My mother taught me to dance when I was little. But twelve hour working days leave very little room for dancing.“I haven’t danced in years, but I think I can remember how. Is that what you want me to do? Dance with you?”“Yes. I’ll put on some music and we shall dance.”To be continued in part 4, by Rachael Jane for Literotica.
Paulo's SeductionIn 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.By the time Ellen and I join them, nearly all the contestants are in the dining area and are already eating at the table. Ellen and I go over to the side table where the buffet is laid out, and we select some food. Patrick looks at me as I sit down opposite him, but he doesn’t say anything. After Vincent’s revelation earlier about Patrick’s feelings towards me, I’m not certain what to say to Patrick.“Were there many contestants in the practice rooms this morning?” I ask Patrick, more to make him to talk to me than any real interest in the movements of the other contestants.“Um; No. I was alone for most of the time. Paulo joined me for a while, but a woman called him away. When he returned he looked like a cat who had fallen into a bowl of cream.”I immediately realize the importance of what Patrick is saying about Paulo, but it is Ellen who quizzes Patrick for more details. By the time he’s done, I have no doubt that Sylvie was the woman Patrick saw, and Paulo was summoned to gather information from me while I was in Effie’s room. A very slick operation, but one which may still end in my favor.When we arrived in the Argonaut complex yesterday, Patrick and I gobbled our food down in case it disappeared before our hunger was satisfied. Both of us come from poor families where meals can be irregular. Today we eat at a more leisurely pace. We would have time for a pleasant conversation if Patrick showed any inclination to talk. He simply eats in silence, although his eyes rarely leave me. After a while his gawking starts to annoy me. I’m about to say something rude when Ellen puts her hand on my arm.“Perhaps if you stopped rubbing your breasts, Patrick wouldn’t stare at them so, Jasmine,” whispers Ellen in my ear.I drop my hands in a flash and suddenly feel awkward. The tenderness hasn’t quite worn off, and I must have been trying to sooth my breasts without thinking about what I was doing. From Patrick’s reaction he must have heard Ellen’s words and I don’t know which of us is the more embarrassed.“Er; Sorry, Patrick,” I say. “Ellen and I were trying on some jewelry and one of the pieces is quite heavy. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”“Um; that’s OK. I didn’t mean to stare. That’s a nice ring, by the way.”I suddenly realize I’ve left the emerald ring on my finger. In my haste to get changed I forgot to take it off and return it to Ellen. Fortunately Ellen doesn’t seem to mind.“Yes, it’s an emerald,” I reply. “Ellen has been kind enough to let me borrow it for the television show this afternoon.”“Well you will look a very fine lady when you walk up onto the stage,” says Patrick.“Actually, I’m not going for the fine lady look. I think the warrior princess style is more appropriate for me. What do you think?”“I don’t know,” replies Patrick. “Harper said that sponsors might be put off from helping us if they think that you are.”“That will do, Patrick,” says Harper, who is sat further down the table, but listening to our conversation. “Once we have finished lunch, Jasmine and I will have our discussion about how she should handle herself during the show.”Harper’s interruption stifles any further conversation, and we finish lunch in silence. After lunch, Patrick and Ellen leave on different missions. I’m left alone with Harper.“So,” I begin. “Are you going to tell me what you told Patrick?”“No,” replies Harper. “I told Patrick what he needs to know and believe. Which isn’t necessarily the same thing that you need to know and believe. You and Patrick are very different people when it comes to handling interviews. Patrick has a natural gift that makes people instantly like him. You, on the other hand, have a knack of annoying and confusing people. I know you confuse me. You scowl at people you should please, and flash your eyelids at people you should avoid. Tell me how you think you should portray yourself this afternoon.”“I thought your role is to tell me,” I reply. “I’ve no idea. I know I hate trying to read from a script.”“Which is why I don’t think anything we rehearse here is going to help you. You are at your best when you are being spontaneous. My only advice to you is to remember that you need to attract potential employers; and you must.”Harper lists a dozen or so pieces of advice, most which I forget as soon as he has said them.“Now what?” I ask when Harper has finished his speech.“You have an hour before you need to get changed for this afternoon’s charade,” says Harper. “Why don’t you go for a walk.”Chapter 12: SabotageI return from my walk a few minutes late to find Harper, Ellen, Patrick, Vincent, and two other of my room-mates in the middle of what I can only describe as a crisis meeting. At first I think the crisis is somehow my fault.“I told you where I was going,” I say before anyone can accuse me of doing a disappearing act.“Yes, we know,” says Harper. “Ellen wanted to fetch you, but we thought we had better come up with a solution before we told you. But you’re here now anyway.”“So what’s the problem?” I ask, relieved that for once that I’m not the cause of the crisis.“It appears a maintenance man called while we were having lunch to fix a problem with your wardrobe door,” says Vincent.“But there’s nothing wrong with my wardrobe door,” I say, assuming they mean the well-worn, but still functional, cupboard I’ve been assigned to store my things.“So what happened?” I ask.“Sabotage!” says Ellen. “The maintenance man tampered with your dress for tonight.”I look at Harper for an explanation.“A chemical has been sprayed onto your dress,” says Harper. “We’re having it analyzed. It is likely an irritant or mild poison. Nothing that would be noticeable to anyone picking up your dress, but powerful enough to cause the wearer a few problems after a short while. It was lucky I was suspicious when the security staff told me about the visitor.”“Can the chemical be removed?” asks Ellen.“Probably, once we identify it. But that would take too long. We have less than an hour before Jasmine must go across to the studio.”“I’ll fetch some of my dresses,” says Ellen. “Perhaps one might fit Jasmine with only minimal alterations.”While I appreciate Ellen’s offer of help, her taste in clothes is very different from mine. I’d rather wear my own dress; the one I was wearing when I arrived here. But that would be only as a last resort. I decide to take matters into my own hands.“Ellen, thank you for your offer of help,” I say. “This is what I would like you to bring.”I give Ellen a short list of things I know she has in her room. If she thinks my request strange, she has the decency to refrain from voicing her opinion aloud. She doesn’t hesitate and goes off to her room to fetch what I requested. I turn to the other contestants in my dormitory.“Thank you all for your help, but I can manage with Harper and Ellen’s assistance from here,” I say. “You had best go and get ready yourself. Most of you are in the batches of contestants before mine, so you probably need to go soon.”The others seem relieved and nod in agreement. They have wasted precious time dealing with a problem that shouldn’t have involved them in the first place. By the time Ellen returns, my room-mates have changed their clothes and left for the studio. My dress is still on the hanger where I left it. A slight stain on the wardrobe wall around it could be residue from the chemical spray.“That stain is what alerted me to the problem,” says Harper. “We’ve checked around for other unwelcome additions. The maintenance man was only here for a few minutes, so he won’t have had time to do much. I think it is likely he was sent specifically to sabotage your dress for tonight. Once we’ve identified the chemical I’ll have the rest of your clothes and bedding checked.”“So I can’t even wear my own dress?” I say.“Not until it is checked, no. I’m sorry, we’ve let you down. I should have known to have a backup set of clothes for you. I’m new to these dirty games too.”I explain my plan to Harper, who listens carefully. He goes thoughtful for a while before going into the corridor to make a telephone call. Ellen returns laden with the items I requested just as Harper completes his call.The next half-hour is a whirlwind of activity inside the dormitory. To my surprise neither Harper nor Ellen oppose my decision to take personal responsibility for my costume tonight. Their comments are helpful and supportive as my costume takes shape. A few additions thanks to Harper’s telephone call help to perfect my outfit. By the time my make-up is applied I really feel on fire. I complete my preparations by sliding the emerald ring onto my finger. A new wave of confidence sweeps through me. I had previously complained of being a marionette in tonight’s show, dancing to other people’s tunes. No more; now I really feel in control.Ellen places a large cape over my shoulders which completely hides my costume. A deliberate ruse devised by Harper to foil the paymasters of the saboteur. If they believe I’m wearing the studio dress, then it’s unlikely they will attempt any other act against me. It also allows me the element of surprise when I finally reveal my costume.“Are you wearing those shoes?” asks Ellen, pointing to the training shoes I’ve been wearing all afternoon. Apart from the cape, it is the only part of my clothing that is visible.“Only for now,” I reply. The shoes that matched the outfit are quarantined with the dress.Harper escorts me to the studio. Ellen left a few minutes before us. They aren’t allowed backstage, so they’ll will be watching from their seats in the audience. The show has already begun. Each batch of five contestants spends about five minutes being paraded around the stage, at which point the audience vote for one of them to be interviewed. The chosen contestant is then interviewed for about five minutes, before rejoining the others on a platform at the rear of the stage.While I was changing, Ellen told me about the nature and scale of the underhand tricks that are tolerated by the Argonaut’s officials. The guiding rule is that unless a contestant shows unexplained signs of physical injury, or is unable to stand unaided, the officials won’t undertake any serious investigation into any skullduggery. Providing that unwritten rule is observed, any amount of doping and intimidation is tolerated, and no investigation will be conducted into claims of sabotage. Had the saboteur of my dress succeeded in his mission, then his paymaster would have been secretly congratulated for a masterful stroke. The poor victim is such cases is left to rue their misfortune.I join the other four contestants in the eighth batch at the studio, and we are soon escorted into a large room where the ten contestants from the preceding two batches are waiting to be called onto the stage. Most are simply standing about nervously. A few are making last minute alterations to their costume. Everything is done under the watchful eye of two of the television studio crew.On one side of the room is a large screen displaying the show being broadcast from this building. The overbearing hosts, led by Darrian, are amusing the audience with anecdotes and recollections from previous Argonauts. In between segments, a batch of five contestants are brought out and paraded around the large stage, before standing on a raised platform at the rear of the stage.I’m busy watching the screen, so I don’t notice Patrick approaching me until he is virtually on top of me.“I just wanted to wish you good luck tonight, Jasmine,” says Patrick.“You too, Patrick,” I reply.It’s the only opportunity that I get to say anything to Patrick before his group is called onto the stage. I study each contestant’s costume as they make their final preparations, focusing mainly on the women. Most of their outfits are colorful evening dresses. That means they will be hoping to impress the same employers; the ones who like to hire young women who look sweet and pretty. A couple women in their mid-twenties are a bit more daring in showing their cleavage. They may impress a different segment of the audience, although I’m sure that segment will have more than its fair share of perverts.As for me, I’ve no idea which employers I might attract. Will the audience admire my hastily designed costume, or will I be laughed at and mocked? To be honest, I don’t care. My real goal tonight is to wrong-foot my powerful rivals. My imaginary warrior princess who is guiding me tells me I’m doing the right thing.Chapter 13: A special treatI have nearly twenty minutes to wait before it is my group’s turn on stage. Since none of the contestants in the room are being very talkative, I focus on watching the show on the huge screen. It also enables me to avoid talking to Chloe, who is in the last batch of contestants. I adjust my opinion of some of the contestants as they take their turn in the spotlight.Finally my group is called onto the stage. I wait until the last minute before removing my cape, and make the final adjustments to my costume. I may not be wearing Ellen’s great-aunt Sophie’s costume exactly as she once wore it, but it is close enough for my younger and inexperienced body. Ellen said this would be the first time in thirty years that the Jewels of Desire have been worn, and I’m determined to do the costume justice. Thanks to Harper’s tasteful additions, the costume is now suitable to be worn in public. I’m not showing as much bare flesh as the original costume left displayed. While near-nudity isn’t frowned on by the upper echelons of the city, it most certainly is at home. My modified costume is decent by my home settlement’s standards, but only just.Chloe’s exclamation as I reveal my costume confirms that I will certainly attract plenty of attention tonight. What the audience won’t get to see is the hidden secret of the Jewels of Desire. The design of the costume has one obvious purpose; sexual desire. The wearer uses her costume to titillate and excite the observer. What isn’t immediately apparent to an observer is that the costume is also designed to arouse the wearer. The strangely shaped piece that fits over my cunt, rubs against my clit in a very sensual way. Of course I could adjust the piece to prevent it from arousing me, but having decided to wear the Jewels of Desire, I fully intend to do so properly, within acceptable bounds. Besides, it will help me quell my nerves during the interview, should I be selected.I remove my shoes and take a few practice walks about the room. The initial discomfort is soon replaced by a more pleasant feeling. Within moments I feel every bit the part that I look; an extremely desirable young woman. I don’t care if some of the audience think me worse than a whore. This costume transforms me and I like the rebel it makes me.“; thank you Patrick and to group seven,” says Darrian as he concludes his interview with Patrick, who has rejoined the group preceding mine on the raised platforms. “And now ladies and gentlemen I’ve just received word that we are all in for a special treat. I’m informed that the next group contains a contestant wearing a most unusual costume. Let’s show our appreciation as group eight take to the stage.”As I step out from the wings and onto the stage, the polite applause given to every contestant suddenly erupts into gasps, cheers and thunderous applause. The audience is going wild by the time I reach half way across the stage. For once the hosts are torn between savoring the sight of me and calming the audience. The effect on me is almost as powerful as the emotional trip Paulo took me on last night. If it is possible to have an orgasm while walking about on a stage, then I think I just had one.The audience loves my demonstration, unaware my movements are stimulating me as well. By the time the audience is called on to vote, I’m in a highly charged sexual state. I stand still so as not to tip my already sensitive body into another orgasm. I don’t know how many of the audience are watching me, but I feel as though hundreds of eyes are watching my every move. The idea of being watched only excites me even more. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised that my costume has earned me an on-screen interview. The other four contestants in my batch look relieved that they have avoided being picked. They will still be interviewed, but in the peace and quiet of a private room, later this evening.“Well, what a sight for sore eyes you are, Jasmine my dear,” says Darrian once the audience has calmed enough to make conversation possible. “What an exquisite costume. You have certainly excelled yourself.”“I’m glad you like it,” I reply to the compliments each of the show’s hosts have heaped on my costume. “The costume isn’t entirely original, and most pieces have a history. The larger two pieces once belonged to a famous dancer, and are known as the Jewels of Desire. The emerald ring is said to have once been the property of a warrior princess.”“Fascinating,” says Darrian, as his eyes roam every part of my body.In fairness to Darrian, he is very professional and manages to ask his questions despite the delectable eye candy within touching distance of his chair. Of course, being a good showman, he has me conclude my interview by asking me to parade my costume once more for the audience to admire. I do so with a daring I didn’t think I had in me. The rubies on my costume catch the spotlights and sparkle. At the moment I feel like I’m on fire.Half an hour later the tenth and final on-screen interview with Chloe concludes, and after a brief wrap-up by the hosts, the show ends. A thoughtful member of the studio crew has my cape and shoes waiting for me as the contestants file off the stage. All the contestants’ helpers are waiting to bustle us away before any more foul-play can occur in the confusion. Paulo makes a point of coming over to me before he is whisked away.“Well done, princess,” he says as he slips a note into my hand. “And I like the costume.”“Thanks. You didn’t do so bad yourself, professor,” I reply, keeping up our private game.Vincent keeps watch over me while the rest of our dormitory are gathered together. There are crowds everywhere and it would be easy to get waylaid. After my performance on stage, I’m just as much at risk from over-enthusiastic admirers as potential saboteurs. We make it back to the dormitory without incident. While we were at the studio, Harper has had my bed and belongings checked for any other traces of the chemical that was on my dress. It turns out the chemical was a skin irritant that would have left me scratching my way through the show. After a quick debriefing and congratulations all round, Patrick and I are left in peace. The others are given ten minutes to freshen up before being escorted downstairs for their interviews. Those of us who were interviewed on-screen have the rest of the night free. I read Paulo’s note, which is an invitation to a party starting in just over an hour.I take one last look in the mirror at myself wearing the Jewels of Desire. They are mine for tonight, and despite my exhaustion I’m reluctant to take them off. Ellen will collect them in the morning before all the contestants begin the first of a series of tests and challenges that make up the Argonaut event. I put on some light music and I gently dance to the rhythm. On impulse I adjust the pieces of my costume so the pieces play their diabolical, but wonderful, tricks to my senses. After a while I am contemplating joining Paulo’s party. My common sense battles with my slutty urges.Chapter 14: Invitation to a partyI’ve only ten minutes to change for the party if I want to make an impression on the city-born guests who will be attending. Fortunately I showered and washed my hair straight after the television show. Changing clothes isn’t going to take long. I’m tempted to wear the Jewels of Desire, but I owe it to Ellen to keep the jewels safe until I can return them in the morning. That’s not something I can guarantee at a party, particularly one organized by Paulo. I’m not sure how he has managed to organize the invitations to include several of those in tonight’s studio audience. The Argonaut event is surrounded by festivities and celebrations among Argon’s elite. I can only assume Paulo has somehow persuaded a group to attend his party. Half a dozen or more, all female, from what Harper tells me, although Harper isn’t the most reliable source of gossip.I ask Patrick if he wishes to come, but he declines. I’ve already established that he and Paulo don’t get on. I think Patrick was hoping that he and I would keep each other company tonight. If he were to come out and ask me to stay I might consider doing so, but I’m not putting up with his ‘secret admirer’ routine. Nevertheless, I feel a twinge of guilt for leaving a fellow Buchanan contestant alone tonight.Paulo’s invitation gives me enough information to plan my attire from the limited wardrobe available to me. As Paulo said at the outset, clothing is almost optional. I begin to wonder if this is going to be a party or an orgy. To be honest, I’m more than a little nervous about how I am going to cope. I want to be with Paulo, but the prospect of sharing his attentions with other women doesn’t sit comfortably with me.I present myself at the room set aside for the party guests to assemble. The guests arrive singly. The first is a young woman a year or so older than me with long blond hair. She has the superior look of someone from the Argon’s ruling elite, although her clothes are relatively plain. She makes no effort to greet me and she sits on the opposite side of the room. The second, third and fourth women are equally aloof.The people of Argon’s city center place great importance on their looks. Despite their arrogant attitude, these young women are hardly the pick of the crop. Perhaps that’s why they are here rather than at some swanky party elsewhere. I have no idea what drives these people to do what they do.A fifth woman arrives. Unlike the others she clearly doesn’t want to be here. I walk over to her.“Hi, I’m Jasmine,” I say. “Is everything alright? You don’t look happy to be here.”“Um; Hi; I’m Sheba; Bathsheba actually, but only my parents ever use my real name. And no; I don’t want to be here. But my parents said I must prostitute myself with a contestant tonight or they would marry me off to my slime ball of a third cousin.”“They told you to prostitute yourself?” I say in genuine shock.“Um; not in so many words, but that was their meaning. They know how I loathe my third cousin. He’s been trying to get his paws on me since I was twelve.”“Did your parents specify any particular contestant?” I ask.“No. Male or female. They don’t care. If I can seduce a contestant into working for my parents, I get another six months grace to find a husband. But with six of us here tonight I don’t stand much of a chance. I hear the contestant hosting this party is an arrogant peacock.”“Yes, that sounds like Paulo. Perhaps I can help you. I know one of the other contestants. He would probably appreciate some feminine company tonight.”I almost laugh out loud when she leaps at my offer. I quickly bustle her out of the room and up to the dormitory. I just hope Patrick accepts the opportunity on offer. Patrick is alone in the dormitory so I practically throw Sheba at him. What happens next is up to the two of them. That’s all the pandering I intend to do tonight.I bolt downstairs before I miss the arrival of the final guest. The other women don’t seem the slightest bit interested in Sheba’s disappearance. We don’t have long to wait before the final guest arrives. Unlike her rivals, this young woman is pretty. A natural beauty with long black hair. I wonder why she wants to take part in this tacky party tonight. She puts on the all-too-familiar superior look and sits near the other women without greeting anyone.Cassius, one of the volunteer helpers, enters a few moments later. He reads off the names of the women on his list. When he calls out Sheba’s name I tell him that Sheba withdrew. Another woman enters the room while Cassius is making the alteration to his list. She’s in her mid-twenties and dressed in a smart black leather outfit. She hands Cassius a small bag and murmurs something only he can hear.He nods and the new arrival moves over to where the other women are sitting. Although there are empty seats on my side of the room, she stands over one of the women and tells her to move. To my surprise, she and the woman next to her meekly stand up and move across the room.“The arrangements for tonight have been changed,” says Cassius. “Mansel from Bourbon commune will be hosting the party. Paulo and Chloe have each made alternative arrangements for tonight.What?!Mansel enters a few moments later and Cassius disappears with the bag the black clad woman gave him."Well, this appears to be my lucky night,” smirks Mansel.Mansel calls out the names of the five city-born women and escorts them out of the room. They seem puzzled by the change of plan, but Mansel’s pleasant banter seems to remove their immediate concerns. While Mansel acknowledges my presence, it appears I’m not invited to his party.That leaves me and the woman in black. The others have barely left the room when she stands up and moves across the room and sits next to me. I feel slightly intimidated by her domineering presence.“Hi. I’m Sarah,” she says in a pleasant voice. Not at all like the tone she used with the other women only moments before.“Hi, I’m.”“I know who you are, Jasmine. Your face has been plastered on the entertainment feed for most of the evening. Which leaves the question of what are you doing trying to gatecrash this party? Were you hoping to sabotage some of your rivals tonight? That would be very risky and not very sporting.”“There’s nothing sporting about the Argonaut,” I reply. “But sabotage isn’t my style. Paulo invited me to the party and I agreed to come. Now it looks as though he’s stood me up.”“Nonsense. Why change the host of the party? It would be far simpler to cancel your invitation. Anyway, it explains the reason for the change of plan. I admire your courage. I’m betting on you being one of the winners of the Argonaut. Take this; it may prove useful. If you emerge victorious, then contact me after the Argonaut is over. I might be able to arrange something that is mutually beneficial to both of us.”I look at the card Sarah has given me. It simply contains a picture of a black cat.“Um; Thank you. But there’s no address on the card,” I say.“Ha ha! What an innocent you are! So delightful. Any of the Argonaut officials will know how to find 'Le Chat Noir’. Just remember to ask for me by name.”I tuck Sarah’s card into my pocket and nervously look about the room. Has Paulo changed his mind about seeing me?“When you see Paulo, you must stamp your authority on him,” says Sarah. “He will feel uncertain about you after your success tonight. Don’t lose your advantage by turning into a blushing maiden.”“You have experience at handling this sort of situation then?” I ask.“Ha ha ha! Yes. You could say that. I was once an innocent young nineteen-year-old like you, but these days I’m co-owner of Le Chat Noir club. It caters for clients with rather special tastes. I’m here to meet a client now. Just watch and learn. But a word of advice; know when to keep your mouth shut about what you see.”Cassius returns with Chloe. She is wearing a thin coat over whatever she is wearing underneath. She sees me talking to Sarah and freezes. The look she gives me leaves me in no doubt that I’ll be her first target for elimination tomorrow, possibly sooner. Sarah stands and walks over to Chloe and stands a meter in front of her. Without any verbal exchange Chloe removes her coat and hands it to Cassius. I thought the clothes I am wearing are skimpy and revealing, but Chloe’s clothes border on indecent. She wearing a leather skirt that could be more accurately described as a wide belt, and a top so flimsy that one good cough would send it flying across the room. A small black cat motif is visible on both items of clothing. The clothes must have been what was inside the bag Sarah gave to Cassius.“Good evening, Chloe. I’m Sarah. You have requested my services for this evening. Do you understand and agree to tonight’s arrangements?”“Yes,” says Chloe in a subdued tone. She suddenly flinches at the steely gaze Sarah gives her. “Yes, Miss Sarah,” Chloe corrects herself in a louder voice.Sarah nods and signals Chloe to put on her coat. Sarah then escorts Chloe from the room. “I’ll return her here at two o'clock,” says Sarah to Cassius. As she leaves Sarah quickly turns to me and winks.I stand bemused at what just occurred before my eyes. I’ve no idea what sort of arrangement Sarah and Chloe have but my fertile imagination can come up with several possibilities.Chapter 15: Seduced by Paulo“Chloe will kill you if you mutter one word about what you’ve just seen to Paulo or anybody else,” says Cassius, clearly not happy about Chloe’s arrangements for tonight.“I think she wants to kill me anyway, but I’m not a blabber mouth,” I reply, heeding Sarah’s advice about knowing when to stay silent. “Whatever games she wants to play tonight are her own business as far as I’m concerned.”“Hmm. OK. That’s a good attitude.; Now I shall escort you to where Paulo is waiting.”I follow Cassius to the elevator, and we go up to one of the rooms on the top floor of the building. I can hear Mansel’s party further down the corridor.“Be gone by 2 am,” says Cassius as we enter what must have once been a teacher’s living quarters. “If Chloe discovers you here when she returns I can’t answer for your safety.”I nod in acknowledgement of his sound advice. I walk into the living room and see Paulo sat by the window. I turn to say 'thank you’ to Cassius, but he is already on his way out.“We have the place to ourselves,” says Paulo. “Chloe decided to go out again and Mansel agreed to take over hosting the party. I hope you aren’t too disappointed about missing the party.”“I’m most upset,” I lie. “I was so looking forward to a decent party and you change the arrangements without even informing me.”“I’ll do my best to make it up to you. Would you like something to drink?”I let Paulo make a close examination of my outfit. He reaches out to touch me but I grab his hand.“Not so fast, Paulo. We have a few things to sort out before we go any further.”He steps back and looks at me with a puzzled frown. This isn’t going the way he expected and I’ve got him off balance. I shall follow Sarah’s advice and show him who is in control of whom tonight.“Firstly; What is my name?” I ask, recalling that he had admitted to previously fucking young women without bothering to learn their name.“Jasmine,” he laughs. “After this evening’s broadcast I could hardly not know it.”“Good,” I reply. “Now, there is the not-so-small matter of you abandoning me at two o'clock this morning with a chain locked around my ankle. I think I deserve some serious groveling from you for that shabby trick.”“I said I’m sorry and explained it was Chloe’s doing. What more do you want me to do?”“Don’t hide behind Chloe’s skirt,” I say, mentally recalling that very little could hide behind the skirt Chloe was wearing when she left here. “You can kiss my feet. Then I might forgive you.”“Kiss your feet?! You’re joking, of course!; You’re not, are you?”I let the silence between us continue. Paulo doesn’t know what to do. He resolves the impasse by pacing about the room. I’ve won a victory of sorts. At least he isn’t throwing me out. While he is pacing about I move over to a chair and sit down. Paulo returns with a plate of nibbles and silently offers it to me.“Thank you, Paulo,” I say as though our previous conversation hadn’t occurred.I can tell that his grand seduction scene has collapsed around his ears. I just hope he doesn’t take too long making his mind up about my demand. Yesterday I would have pretended it was a joke so we could move onto what we both want to do. Tonight I feel the need to ensure Paulo sees me as an equal and not just some wench who is good for a roll in bed.Paulo sits on the couch a couple of meters away from me. He tries making small talk, but his efforts are half-hearted and our stilted conversation peters out. Then he leaps up without warning. I tense in case I need to defend myself. But he sits down on the floor near me and lifts my left foot. Off goes my shoe and he gives the top of my foot a short kiss. Then he removes my right shoe. Instead of kissing the top of my foot he nibbles my toes. The pleasant sensation makes me giggle.“So, am I forgiven for leaving you alone in the café last night?” he says.“Umm; possibly. Why don’t we move over to the couch and you can apologize some more?”Before I can stand up Paulo lifts me in his arms. He carries me to the couch and lays me length ways with my head resting on the arm of the couch. He kneels on the floor by my head and before I know what is happening we are locked in a deep kiss. This is the seduction scene he had planned before my arrival and unless I exert some control over what is happening I will become a willing slave to passion. My traitorous body yields to his skillful hands as they roam freely over the exposed parts of my body. Any minute now those hands will be exploring more intimate territory and I’m not certain I will be able to stop him. Worse still, I’m not certain I actually want to stop him.Finally he releases my mouth and begins work on my neck. The sensations I felt last night are returning in force. My body arches as his hands start working towards zones that should be out-of- bounds. At least out-of-bounds unless and until I give my permission. The sensible part of my mind makes a valiant effort to exert some control. Not control over Paulo, but control over me.“Wait, Paulo!” I gasp.Last night he would have completely ignored my request and continued with his great seduction. Last night I wouldn’t have made any effort to repeat my plea. Tonight Paulo is a little more wary of me and to my surprise he complies. Which is fortunate as I’m not certain I would have the willpower to repeat my request tonight any more than I had last night. I use the pause to reposition myself into a more comfortable position. In doing so I free my left arm which had been trapped under my body since Paulo lay me on the couch.“You are going too fast for me,” I say. “We have plenty of time tonight, or have you other plans for later on?”“My only plans for tonight involve you and only you,” he replies showing a remarkable amount of sensitivity to my needs.It’s not that I’m unwilling or uncertain about tonight. I came here knowing full well our relationship would go much further than last night. My insides quivered with desire when I realized I will have Paulo’s exclusive attention. Not once have I been in any doubt that this is where I want to be tonight. I know tomorrow Paulo and I will be enemies; No! Not enemies. Rivals. The junta and their supporters are the enemy for perpetuating the evils of serfdom.“You are going all thoughtful on me,” says Paulo when he notices my distraction.“Sorry,” I reply.This time I really am sorry for letting my mind wander. Tonight belongs to Paulo and me. My hand reaches out for his chest. Without any conscious command, my hand unfastens two buttons on his shirt and slips inside the opening. He simply allows my hand to explore. My other hand takes one of his hands and guides it towards my shoulder. Secretly I’m hoping he will take my hint and unfasten the single strap holding my top in place. But his hand moves in another direction and starts playing with my hair. His touch is divine and I respond willingly to his caress. He is far more skilled than me at this sort of play. I feel slightly embarrassed that I’m unable to give him the same degree of pleasure that he is giving me.“I’m not experienced at this sort of thing. Tell me what you would like me to do,” I whisper as he leans forward and kisses my neck again.“Anything? You would do anything?” he whispers.“Yes. Within reason,” I reply. The sensible part of my mind is still with me, even if the rest of me wishes it wasn’t.“Can you dance?” he asks.Of all the things I thought he would ask of me, dancing never entered into my head. I haven’t danced in years. My mother taught me to dance when I was little. But twelve hour working days leave very little room for dancing.“I haven’t danced in years, but I think I can remember how. Is that what you want me to do? Dance with you?”“Yes. I’ll put on some music and we shall dance.”To be continued in part 4, by Rachael Jane for Literotica.
Love in Dangerous Waters.In 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Serf Jasmine seeks her freedom by entering the Argonaut.Chapter 1: The next stepThe domed city of Argon is a marvel of engineering created in the dying days of the old regimes. Uninterrupted wars; the plundering of rapidly diminishing resources; and extreme weather events, had reduced most of the planet’s population to little more than scavengers and refugees, dependent on the largesse of the privileged few who controlled most of the Earth’s remaining wealth and resources. The ideas of democracy and freedom had been swept away by the unstoppable return of the medieval concept of feudalism. The wealthy elite became the new aristocracy, while the bulk of the population was reduced to modern day serfs; indentured to their local overlord from cradle to grave.History doesn’t record exactly when the planet’s ruling elites decided to create huge domed cities like Argon. Possibly the domed cities simply evolved as the ravages of war, and the uncontrollable elements, destroyed wide swathes of land. Floods and wild fires herded those with the wealth and ability to move into defensible towns and cities. Those who lacked the means were abandoned to their fate. Hundreds of millions died. Taxes were directed solely towards protecting the new centers of population. Many old and famous towns and cities were left to the elements, or to the marauding armies who lived off the misery of others. Within a few decades, there was little trace of the old world. Even the rogue armies finally disbanded when it became too difficult to find food and supplies to service their rapacious needs.We’re told that Argon is typical of the domed cities scattered around what is left of the inhabited world. Argon’s large central city houses about eighty thousand people. Access to the domed part of the city is strictly controlled, and no serf is allowed into the central city without a special permit. To live inside the domed center requires wealth far beyond most people’s imagination. No city citizen ever dirties their hands doing menial tasks. Consequently, in order to service the needs of the new elite, nearly two hundred thousand people commute daily into the city from one of sixteen outer settlements. Most of the commuters are serfs who have purchased short term freedom from their settlement overlord. The commuting workforce provide all the essential services that keep the city operating from day to day. Laborers and house servants are in great demand, along with those who provide personal services ranging from hairdressing to sexual services.Despite the strict rules that control our lives, we are generally a happy population, or so I am lead to believe. Our rulers constantly remind us that these days we have a steady supply of food, and that most settlements now boast their own medical center, albeit with unqualified medics and very few drugs or medicines. New laws limiting a serf’s work hours to only sixty hours a week mean that we have more leisure time. None of this existed until as recently as eight years ago. I can remember the days when my family went without meals, and my parents’ reliance on dubious folklore remedies for dealing with ailments.The strictures of modern day serfdom prohibit those living in the settlements from obtaining jobs in the central city without compensation for ‘loss of future labor’ being paid to their local overlord. For young people, where 'future labor’ may represent forty or more years of service, the cost of compensation for a lifetime of freedom is well beyond the means of a young serf. Many must opt for purchasing their freedom for a limited time in the rarely-achieved hope of earning enough in the city to purchase an extension of time.Those seeking permanent freedom usually take an indirect route towards achieving their goal. One such route is to undergo one of the quarterly assessments and authentication conducted by the Bureau of Ancillary Services. The Bureau’s authentication process ensures that the never-ending demands for young workers in the city are satisfied. Success in the Argonaut, as the assessment and authentication process is commonly called, means freedom from serfdom; although that freedom invariably comes at the price of a large debt to be repaid. The Bureau will lend the successful serf the amount of compensation due to the serf’s overlord, enabling a city work permit to be issued. However, even attending one of the quarterly assessments can be a costly affair. Firstly the serf must compensate his or her overlord for the three days absence from work, and secondly the serf is required to cover the cost of accommodation for the duration of assessment.Argon’s settlements are named after American presidents and European royal houses, reflecting the origins of most of the city’s population. Governance of Argon, and hence its settlements, is by a military junta who appoint all the administration and military officers, including each settlement’s leader. The junta also creates and enforces the laws which control our daily life. Anybody who voices dissent against the junta’s reign is rapidly and severely punished without any right to a trial. Even those living in the city are careful about what they say. Rumors says that the worst offenders are executed, but none of our heavily censored news-feeds make reference to anyone suffering that fate. Minor offences usually result in longer work hours, or the loss of access to the few recreational facilities.But enough about my world, it is time to tell you of my place in it. My name is Jasmine, and Buchanan settlement has been my home for all of my nineteen years. I’ve worked in one of the local recycling plants ever since I left school at eight years old. For a decade I have had a dream of buying my freedom so that I can work inside Argon’s central city. Now I have a chance. I am one of those who will be assessed at the next Argonaut, thanks to an anonymous benefactor who has sponsored my application.For better or worse, I have chosen my next step. My arrival at the old boarding school that houses the Bureau of Ancillary Services assessment center is the gateway to my future.Chapter 2: The lacy nightie.It’s nearly midnight and I can’t get to sleep. The first session of the Argonaut starts in nine hours. I still can’t get over my sponsor’s generous offer that has allowed me to attend. I realize that the very late arrival of the sponsor’s offer confirms that I’m a last minute substitute. Given my father’s blemished political record, I suspect my anonymous sponsor is scraping the bottom of the barrel in choosing me. But he or she did, and that has enabled me to be here at the old boarding school which serves as the headquarters of the Bureau of Ancillary Services. The original school closed decades ago when Argon’s junta decided to close the last remaining links with the decaying towns and cities beyond the borders of Argon’s self-proclaimed territory, effectively isolating us from the world. There was no need for schools with boarding facilities after that.Every three months, Argon’s Bureau of Ancillary Services accepts the applications of exactly fifty settlement adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty-seven. Successful applicants become contestants in the Argonaut, which consists of a series of interviews and tests supervised by an assessment panel. Some of the interviews are broadcast on the news-feeds throughout Argon and its settlements, with the intention of attracting future employers for the hopeful contestants should they secure a city work permit. The number of permits available each quarter is a closely guarded secret. Consequently, passing all the tests doesn’t automatically result in a contestant being granted a permit. And obtaining a permit doesn’t guarantee a good job. Not all city jobs are better than those in the settlements, but that doesn’t stop the competitiveness for the permits. That competitiveness often includes a range of sabotage and underhand tricks targeting the weaker contestants.These days the Argonaut doesn’t automatically favor the handful of contestants who have served a ten-year term in the military, and who are now into their twenties. The leaders of some settlements still prefer the old tradition of favoring the applications of those who have served in the military. Former soldiers are often trained to do well in the Argonaut’s tests. A contestant’s success can give a boost to their own settlement’s ranking in the eyes of the junta; a ranking that determines the priority given to the funding of a settlement’s civic improvements.It’s no secret which contestants were formerly in the military. Knowledge of their status is intended to intimidate the other contestants. Their names and reputations are etched in every other contestant’s mind; Paulo and Chloe from Eisenhower, Heidi from Grant, and Mansel from Bourbon. All contestants have the support of volunteer helpers who do everything from offering advice to helping solve minor problems. These helpers are an eclectic selection of oddballs and do-gooders from among the city’s bored residents. Not all of them are model Argon citizens, and three of the female contestants have already complained about being groped by one of the helpers.I give up trying to sleep, and I decide to take a walk around the old school building housing the fifty contestants for the current Argonaut. I slip my short dressing gown over my even shorter nightie. Normally I sleep naked, but I had the sense to borrow a nightie and gown from my twelve-year-old sister. I’m not a blushing maiden, but sleeping naked in a mixed gender dormitory is asking for trouble.The eight dormitories are designed to accommodate six people in each. Seven are single-sex dormitories. However, the late applicants, like me, must put up with eight of us crammed into the room, which now houses three male and five female contestants. Everywhere is quiet as I head towards the communal dining area. Everyone else must have had no trouble in falling asleep. In Harper’s case that probably has more to do with the quantity of alcohol he consumed during the evening meal, since he’s asleep on the dining room floor. Suddenly a movement catches my eye. I duck behind a door in case it is Patrick. He also comes from Buchanan, and he’s the closest person I have to a friend in this place. I’m not certain I want him seeing me dressed like this. I watch the figure at the other end of the dormitory for a few moments before realizing it is one of the robots that clean up after us. They try to be invisible, hovering just out of sight unless one is needed to clean up after us. The robot is using our absence to finish clearing away the empty glasses and plates from our evening meal.The robot leaves the room through a side door. It dawns on me that there must be a service corridor somewhere in this rambling jumble of rooms to enable the robots to come and go. The main door to this wing of the old school is locked and monitored at this time of night. The sophisticated sensors provide security against intruders, and ensure the contestants don’t do anything underhand before the assessment begins. I feel the urge to explore.I go through the door the robot used and find myself in a corridor with a relatively new door at the far end. Undoubtedly the robot is going to the kitchen and I follow it at a discreet distance. I follow the robot through the end door and I see that it opens onto a corridor crossing at right angles to the one I’ve just travelled. More doors are visible along the corridor, but I notice that each has one of the security pads used to unlock the door. My adventure is going to be short lived if all of the doors need a security code to operate them. I head in the opposite direction to the kitchens and try one of the doors at the end of the corridor. It’s unlocked. A set of rickety wooden stairs are on the other side of the door and I descend to the level where the recreation and practice rooms are located. The door at the bottom of the stairs opens and I tentatively peek out in case anyone is around. Everything seems quiet.I’m now in the main corridor on this level, not far from where the main stairs are located. I know my way to the recreation rooms, but not what lies behind the many other doors branching off the main corridor.The lack of security guards concerns me for a moment before I recall that everywhere is monitored by cameras. My little adventure is probably already being observed by the security guards in a control room somewhere. Any minute now I can expect to hear the sound of stomping feet and being faced with a squad of burly guards wanting to know what I’m doing. My best plan is to ignore the cameras and just walk as though I’ve every right to be here. Sneaking about will just raise suspicion that I’m up to no good. Fortunately my dressing gown is a similar color to the robots, so an inattentive guard may mistake me for a robot.I walk along the corridor not daring to breathe in case I trigger an alarm, or my actions make the security guards decide to investigate. I haven’t thought about where I’m going other than I don’t really want to go into the games rooms. A door off the main corridor is ajar and on impulse I go through it into another short corridor with a door at the end. This part of the building is much newer than the area behind me. There’s plenty of light streaming through the window in the door. The lighting has been dimmed everywhere else, but the room on the other side of this door is fully lit.The window in the door is misted, and the smell of chemicals makes me think that it’s a laundry. I open the door and peek inside. Not a laundry. It’s a large swimming pool. Much larger than anything Buchanan settlement can boast. The room is warm and the water looks inviting. At least to someone like me who can swim. I walk around the pool to check that nobody is about. I come across some racks with towels but there are no swimming suits. Nobody said to bring a swimming suit, so I must either forgo a swim, or swim naked.The water looks enticing, but I’m also aware that the pool, like everywhere else, will be monitored by cameras. I can see at least three cameras around the walls. What I can’t understand is why I’ve not been accosted by security guards. Even the dopiest guard must surely have realized by now that I’m not a robot. But I push my concerns about that to one side and prepare to enter the water. I slip off my dressing gown and dive into the water wearing my short nightie. I’m not brash enough to strip myself naked in front of whoever is monitoring the cameras. That’s something I quickly regret. The way my wet nightie is clinging to me I can see that I’m leaving very little to the imagination.I swim a couple of lengths of the pool before I realize that I have company. Someone else has entered the water. I make a sudden cry of alarm. Who is it? I’m in two minds whether to leave the water and make a hasty exit, or to stand my ground. The daunting prospect of running around the corridors wearing nothing but a wet translucent nightie settles my dilemma. I turn to face whoever is here with me.The swimmer heads in my direction. As the distance between us shortens I realize the swimmer is male and that he has no clothes on. Suddenly running around the complex in a wet nightie doesn’t seem such a silly idea any more. My indecision causes me to waste my only chance of leaving the pool without confronting him.The swimmer comes directly for me. He stops a few meters from me and treads water.“I didn’t think any of the other contestants knew about this place, nor be brave enough to take a midnight swim,” he says.Chapter 3: Swimming with a naked girl.“We don’t need to fight,” replies Paulo. “There’s time for that soon enough. I intend to enjoy my swim and then go to bed. I suggest you do the same. Or can’t you sleep? You wouldn’t be the first contestant to be nervous and suffer sleepless nights before the Argonaut.”“I’m not nervous,” I say defiantly, mostly for my own benefit. “I just can’t get used to sleeping on a soft bed.”“Yeah, whatever,” he replies dismissively. “Well, in that case, you can race me to the other end of the pool and back.”“Why?” I ask.“Because it’s fun and I don’t often get the chance to swim with a naked girl. Are you normally so argumentative?”“I’m not naked. And I’m not arguing. I’m being; um; curious.”“Ha! You may as well be naked for all that is hidden by that flimsy thing you are wearing. You have a nice body. You shouldn’t be afraid to let people see it.”Paulo’s comments immediately cause me to feel awkward. He’s a rival and ex-military, so he’s a serious threat to my chances during the Argonaut. But my traitorous body would be happy to yield to his desires. I mustn’t let him see how much his comment has disturbed me, so I move into position for the race that he wants.“Are you ready? Go!” I call as I launch myself off in the direction of the far end.“Hey! Cheat!” he calls before taking off after me.I’ve never tried swimming in a race, but I soon see Paulo’s point. It is fun. I’m almost reach the far end before Paulo manages to draw close to me. He’s a strong swimmer but doesn’t have the elegant style that my father drummed into me. We turn only seconds apart and I try to increase my speed on the return leg. Half way down the pool I realize that Paulo’s strength is starting to tell, and that I’m struggling to keep my lead. Moments later we are level and I draw on my last reserves to regain the lead. We reach the end of the pool neck and neck. I don’t think either of us can tell who touched the end first.We are both breathing heavily as we climb out of the pool and collapse on the floor. It is only then that I realize that we are virtually touching. I’m lying next to naked young man. That’s something I’ve only ever done in my wildest fantasies. My limited sexual experiences to date have involved remarkably little nudity. Fortunately Paulo seems too preoccupied in regaining his breath to notice my discomfort. I should move away before he recovers, but something inside me makes me stay where I am.“Is that the best your settlement’s wonderful training regime can teach you?” I say.“Swimming isn’t an essential skill, even in the military. The Argonaut tests rarely require the need to swim beyond having sufficient skill to avoid drowning. Where did you learn to swim like that? I didn’t think there would be much call for swimming in the industrial settlements.”“There isn’t, but my parents always hoped I would gain a permit to work in the city. It’s impossible to know what skills might be required if I land a job in the city. I suppose my father thought it useful for me to learn to swim well.”Paulo turns towards me. As hard as I try not to look below his waist, my eyes are drawn like a magnet. I notice he is looking at me in a way that makes me both excited and uncomfortable. I look into his eyes and immediately sink into their depths. I don’t even notice when he moves closer so our bodies are actually touching. The kiss that follows seems so natural my body responds by itself.“We shouldn’t be doing this,” I say with half-hearted sincerity when we break for air.“Why not?” is his reply.“Because we are rivals. We will be expected to try and outsmart each other tomorrow.”“And does doing this make any difference? This is now. The assessments are later.”“I don’t know if I can separate the two.”“Not all contestants are selfish machines. Chloe may fit the classic win-at-all-costs profile, but unlike her I don’t enjoy sabotaging another contestant’s chances.”“But your training will still make you sabotage that person’s chances regardless of how you feel now. And that person could be me.”“I know. I won’t like doing that to a fellow contestant, but I’ll do it if necessary. It would be unfortunate if you and I come face to face in one of the tests. But you are right, my training will help me make the right choice.”“I’m sure I shall be a lot happier knowing how cut up you are as you sabotage my efforts,” I say with as much sarcasm as I can manage.“Yes, I may even shed a tear,” he replies with equal sarcasm as he leans towards me and shares a second kiss with me.My mind and body are confused. Even fully clothed I’ve never been this intimate with anyone before. My near nakedness is sending all the wrong signals to both of us. I should stop and walk out of here, but as crazy as it sounds there is no way I want to do that.Our third kiss is accompanied by roaming hands. His on my yielding torso and mine onto the rock hard shaft pushing against my thighs, and seeking entrance to the throbbing slit between my legs.“Do you think the security cameras in this room are switched off?” I ask before Paulo can claim the prize his cock seeks.“No. I’m fairly sure we are being watched.”“Then why haven’t the security guards frog marched us back to our dormitories?”“We aren’t trying to kill each other so there’s no need for them to intervene. Anyway, if they do then they’ll miss all the fun? Can you imagine how boring it must be to watch banks of screens for hours, with absolutely nothing happening to break the monotony. We are livening up their night for them. For all we know they could be selling tickets to watch the main event.”“That’s disgusting. Anyway, what main event? I hope you aren’t implying that we are going any further with this liaison.”“I’m not implying anything.”Chapter 4: The hunter’s proposition.“And what makes you think I want there to be a main event?” I say.“Because you do,” says Paulo. “Otherwise you would have dressed more modestly before you left your dormitory. And you wouldn’t have stayed in here when you saw me in the water with you. Nor would you have let me lie close to you like this.”“I don’t have to explain myself to you. If I choose to say 'no’, then that is my right. Or did you have something more forceful in mind? Something more in keeping with your special training.”“Nonsense! Have I in any way hurt you while we have been here? As far as I can tell you’ve so far enjoyed my company.”I suddenly feel awkward and uncomfortable. My own feelings are strange to me and causing some confusion. Paulo is right. I have enjoyed his company, and I have no complaints about his behavior so far; other than his suggestion that this has all been the appetizer, and that the main course is about to follow.His remarks have hit home more than I’m willing to admit. He’s right. I chose not to put on more clothes, because I felt an urge to free my sexuality from its everyday constraints. And the more daring I’ve been tonight, the more alive my body has felt. Even now the prospect of allowing Paulo to perform the most intimate acts with me is sending a thrill through my body. But common sense is telling me to stop. And I’m the sort of person who pays a lot of attention to common sense; well, most of the time.“I’m sorry,” I say. “Your behavior so far doesn’t deserve my last remark. But I still have the right to say 'no’.”“And I’ll respect your decision. But can I remind you that is well past midnight and we might not have the opportunity another time.”“Where I come from, it is customary to seduce a girl before leaping on her,” I say, not really knowing if that statement is true.“Really? You would surrender yourself to someone who told you your eyes are beautiful, that your body is just perfect, and your choice of clothes is divine? Surely you are far too level headed to fall for that sort of line.”“Hmmm; Well you aren’t persuading me at the moment.”“Hah! You’re perfect! I love a woman who plays hard to get. The chase is just as much fun as the end result.”“You’re talking from experience, I presume?” I retort.“You are an interesting challenge! I notice that despite your reluctance, you haven’t ruled out accepting my suggestion.”“You’re stalling. As you said, it is getting late and as much as I’ve enjoyed our time together, we both have a busy schedule tomorrow.”“I agree. If I can’t make you say 'yes’ within five minutes then I shall concede defeat and we shall go back to our dormitories.”He looks at me and I nod in agreement.“So, what really excites a girl from Buchanan?” he muses to himself. “We can’t be that different. Your settlement has industrial factories and my last ten years have been in the military. Both require heavy manual labor. Sweating bodies and dirt everywhere. Which explains why you aren’t swooning at the sight of my bare chest. There are girls who almost faint at the sight; but not you. Despite what you said, I don’t think sweet-talking you is going to make you want to say 'yes’. So, that leaves a more physical approach. I think you are the type who likes to be hunted. Not the fake chases and mock play about being captured and becoming a helpless victim of a man’s wicked desires. No, I think you really want a man to prove to you he is able to outsmart you and is therefore worthy of your body.”“What a bizarre idea,” I say, trying hard to sound casual. My already heightened senses are being pushed into overdrive. I’ve never thought about what attracts me sexually, but Paulo’s comments are setting me alight with desire. “How are you going to prove your theory?”“I shall give you a thirty second start. If I can’t find you within four minutes then I shall return to my bed a sorry man. But if I corner you, then you are mine.”“I thought I had the right to say 'no’,” I say.“And you do. It will only take you ten seconds to reach the door to the main corridor, and from there you are free to return to your dormitory. I shall not attempt to stop you. You have twenty five seconds left.”I leap up and bolt for the side rooms holding the towels. There are other rooms on the far side. Saunas and hot pools. All ready for use, but currently devoid of people.There is a lack of good hiding places, but I only need to stay free for four minutes. It will take Paulo most of that time to check all these rooms. I settle for a room with several sunken hot tubs in the middle and clothes lockers around the walls. Some lockers are just large enough for me to hide inside. It isn’t until I’m hidden that I realize that by staying in these rooms I have made a major decision. If Paulo finds me then I’ve promised him that he can fuck me.One minute passes; then another. I can’t hear anything. My hiding place offers only a limited view of the hot tubs. I begin to wonder if Paulo is actually looking for me. How embarrassing it would be if he simply left for his dormitory, leaving the security guards monitoring us to laugh at my folly. But I saw the look in Paulo’s eyes. He definitely had the look of a wolf eager to devour a lamb. A lamb called Jasmine.The three minute mark must have passed before I hear something in the adjacent room. The sound of doors being opened and closed. He must be searching the lockers in that room. The speed at which he is doing it suggests he knows he is running out of time. He won’t have time to search the lockers in this room. I’ve won!Or have I?Chapter 5: Are we done talking?Although I don’t have a watch, I know that Paulo’s time is definitely running out. Paulo must know that too. I do something I would never have thought myself capable of doing in these circumstances; I leave my hiding place.Paulo bursts into the room with the hot tubs with what can only be seconds of his four minute deadline remaining. He stands by the door in shock.“What kept you?” I say. “Your four minutes are nearly up. You almost missed enjoying a treat. This water is divine. Not too hot and not too cold.”Paulo recovers from his shock and joins me in the tub. The tub is only two meters in diameter so we are fairly close together as soon as he enters the water. But he doesn’t immediately touch me as I had expected. He waits on the opposite side of the tub as though waiting for permission to approach me.“You allowed me to find you when you could have easily hidden in one of these lockers,” says Paulo. “What does that mean?”“What would you like it to mean?” I say.“I would like it to mean that you have proved your cleverness and that you are now ready to continue where we left off before.”“Are you sure you aren’t too tired and wish to go to bed?” I tease.“I think I could manage to stay awake all night given the right incentive. How about you?”“The same. Are we done talking?”“I thought women like to talk,” he says as he wraps me in his arms.“There’s a time and a place for everything. And talking isn’t what I need right now.”He kisses me and I melt into his arms. My hands reach down to massage his already solid cock.Just at that moment the lights go out and we are plunged into pitch darkness. But I don’t care. Paulo’s arms are wrapped around me and I simply don’t care.Less than a minute later the emergency lighting activates and the room changes from pitch black to something akin to a moonlit night.“Stay where you are and don’t move,” comes a man’s voice over a hidden speaker.The warm glow flowing through my entire body makes me wonder why the man would think I would wish to move from this position.“I think we are about to be arrested or something,” whispers Paulo into my ear.I don’t care. I just want to hold Paulo like this and feel him pressed against me. The normal lighting comes back on and we break our hold on each other to look around us. I take the opportunity to retrieve my nightie which is floating in the water. I don’t recall whether it was Paulo or me who removed it during our brief interlude. I put it back on with some difficulty. The wet fabric clinging to me in a way it didn’t seem to do just moments before.Three security guards enter our room accompanied by a man with enough gold braid on his uniform to indicate that he’s somebody important.“This is most irregular. Most irregular,” grumbles the man. “These facilities are closed for the duration of the Argonaut. I don’t know how you gained entry to this building, but you must leave. It is fortunate you didn’t enter the old school. We would have had to arrest you if you went up there. Now, make yourselves decent and I’ll escort you to the door.”I look at Paulo and realize that he is as baffled as I am at what is going on. As Paulo and I fetch some towels to dry ourselves it dawns on me that these security guards think we are central city residents who have found a way into this recreation center. They don’t know we are Argonaut contestants, and have sneaked down here from our respective dormitory.Neither Paulo nor I have clothes, unless you count my flimsy wet nightie. I can’t remember where I left my dressing gown. Paulo presumably arrived wearing something, but he doesn’t seem inclined to go and fetch it. We both wrap towels around us and knot them to preserve a modicum of decency. The security officer signals for us to follow him. We meekly follow him like two naughty children.“I know the festivities during the Argonaut are a time for high spirits, but you mustn’t enter a secure area like this,” lectures the man. “Now go home before you get into more trouble.”With that brief lecture over, we are escorted out of a side door to the large plaza outside. The door is closed firmly behind us. The plaza is just outside the domed city, between the dome support wall and the huge drainage channels that funnel storm water away from the inhabited areas. Consequently this area is accessible to both city residents and the serfs of the settlements. However, the distance to the nearest settlement means that few serfs will bother travelling here for pleasure.“You heard the man. We must go home,” says Paulo.“In case you haven’t noticed, we have no clothes, no money, and it’s a long walk home,” I say. “Besides, if we go missing we are automatically disqualified from the Argonaut.”“That’s true,” replies Paulo. “But we won’t be missed until morning. We have at least seven hours to ourselves. We can do a lot in seven hours.”“Yes. We could look at the statues over there, and; ”I almost break into laughter at Paulo’s reaction to my suggestion. He clearly has something quite different in mind and, in truth, so do I. I take his hand and walk along the wide boulevard that runs next to the recreation center and the old boarding school next door. I soon realize that this area is what passes for an entertainment zone, but the various places are closing for the night.The boulevard is busy. Mainly with young couples like us enjoying each other’s company. In their case, they are returning towards their homes under the domed part of the city. Having worked myself up into deciding tonight is going to be my big night, I feel slightly disappointed that we can’t find somewhere to go.“Can you climb?” asks Paulo, pointing to a wide balcony above a café which has already closed for the night. Climbing the wall to reach the balcony shouldn’t be too difficult.“Yes. Can you?” I reply already heading towards a promising looking place on the side wall.Paulo follows me as I make light work of climbing the fixtures adorning the café wall. Despite his military training, Paulo doesn’t find it quite so easy. Something I must remember when the Argonaut starts. We scramble onto the balcony and see it is laid out like a terrace with tables and chairs for the café customers. This place will be perfect.Chapter 6: Games in the night.I find a large sofa with a low table in front of it. I clear away the glasses and plates the last occupants of this area left behind. The owners of the café clearly intends to clear up in the morning.“Hey, look what I found,” says Paulo. “A half-finished bottle of wine. I’ll fetch some glasses.”It won’t be real wine, but I’m sure the technicians of the central city can produce something akin to the real thing. I make myself comfortable. Even outside the dome, the ambient temperature is several degrees warmer than in Buchanan; a product of the hot exhaust air pumped out of the city. The huge domes act like greenhouses, and the air inside must be continually vented to regulate the temperature.I lie back and look at the starlit sky. It’s all very romantic, which helps put me back in the mood for what I know is about to happen. When we were in the hot pool we thought we were pressed for time and needed to rush things. Here we are alone and unlikely to be disturbed before morning.Paulo returns with two glasses and a bottle of what I presume is pseudo-wine. I’ve never drunk wine before, real or fake. It isn’t the sort of luxury anybody in Buchanan can afford. Paulo pours some of the wine into the two glasses. He samples some wine before passing my glass to me.“Need to check the wine hasn’t gone off,” he says when he sees my puzzled look. I shrug in response. Either he is showing off, or drinking Argon wine is a far more common event in the military than I thought.“Ah! A Chardonnay, if I’m not mistaken,” he says has he sniffs the wine and takes another sip.“Are you an expert on wine?” I ask incredulously. “Or are you just making that up?”“Neither. That’s what is written on the label,” he laughs.I join in his laughter. His playfulness is helping me relax and I’m no longer nervous about what is going to happen. By the time we’ve finished the wine we are sat side by side on the sofa. He puts his hands on me. Mine echo his movements. The real world seems a million miles away. I can’t tell whether it is the effects of the wine or Paulo’s attentions which are causing me to think only of this moment and the intense pleasure I’m feeling as our limbs entwine.Then he starts kissing me. At this point I lose control of myself and crave for more of what he is doing. I’ve no experience at this level of intimacy, and only the vaguest idea of what I’m supposed to do. Knowledge gained from teenage gossip in the factory, which is probably completely wrong. But I needn’t have worried. Somehow my body seems to know what to do by instinct. When I’m not doing something quite right, Paulo quietly guides me towards the right action. Our bodies respond as though we are one.Then, before I realize it, he is on top of me. I feel that I’m at his complete mercy. That should alarm me and make me struggle, but all I want to do is to surrender myself to his desires. I’m rewarded with the most sensational feeling I can imagine. Heavy petting is as far as I’ve gone before. Paulo’s actions make it clear that we are going well beyond that tonight. I had been told there would be some pain involved, but I’m too far gone into the stratosphere of my arousal to notice. Paulo senses my submission and rewards me with a gentle and unhurried treat. His cock pushes its way into my moist cunt and I wrap my legs around his thighs to hold him in position.“Careful. I don’t want to get pregnant,” I say in a brief moment of lucidity.If he hears me he doesn’t alter his actions in any way. I’m too light-headed to force the issue. It’s a problem for another day.Finally Paulo and I are spent. Our emotions can only remain at fever pitch for so long. We eventually return to the real world. I’ve no idea how long I’ve been away. We lie in each other's arms for a while regaining our breath.“That wasn’t bad for a first timer,” says Paulo.“More of your experience talking, I suppose?” I reply, not certain whether to feel complemented or insulted.“You’re not my first, if that’s what you mean. There are benefits to being chosen as a contestant long before the Argonaut starts. Good performance in training is rewarded by a bevy of young women eager to be fucked by a contestant. But I meant what I said. I could tell that you were inexperienced, but you let go of your inhibitions. Few young women can do that the first time.”“Well I’m not sure we will be in a position for there to be a second time. Things get very competitive once the Argonaut starts.”“Who knows. Perhaps we will come face to face in one of the tests and you can throw yourself at my mercy and beg me to let you win in exchange for a repeat of just now.”“In your dreams! I was thinking more of the other way round. Would you like to be my plaything, Paulo?” I tease.“Now who is dreaming? You are bold, and you control your fears well. I can see you are someone I must regard as a serious rival. My chances of achieving a permit would be much better had you not been accepted as a contestant.”The afterglow of our coupling is still flowing through me, making me feel mellow. The ambient temperature is dropping now that the local businesses are closed for tonight. I snuggle closer to Paulo, both for warmth and to try and renew the strange and wonderful feelings I’ve experienced tonight. He gently caresses me and I start feeling aroused again. Surely he doesn’t have the energy for another round of sex. Tiredness is starting to overtake me, and I can’t believe it isn’t affecting Paulo as well. But his caresses are divine. I don’t want them to stop. He gently runs his fingers up and down my spine and sends more waves of pleasure coursing through me. I respond in kind and despite my obvious inexperience my efforts are having a visible effect on him.“I wish we could stay here like this forever,” I say. “But we both know we must return to our dormitories before dawn. If we don’t turn up for roll-call, our absence will be noticed by the officials and we’ll be disqualified from the Argonaut. Despite the security officer’s error in throwing us out of the center, I doubt we will be shown any mercy if we miss roll-call.”“Yes, I know,” replies Paulo, deep in thought. “If only there was another way. Thanks for tonight. I can honestly say I really enjoyed it, and in other circumstances I would hope for many more. I’m going to be selfish and keep your nightie as a trophy to remind me of tonight.”I was planning on doing the same thing, but I don’t refuse his request. “As long as I can have a trophy in return,” I reply.“Agreed. I seem to be out of suitable offerings at the moment. Let me know tomorrow what you would like.”I feel so comfortable that I easily forget that Paulo and I are soon to face each other as rivals during the Argonaut. Either Paulo is a superb actor or his feelings mirror mine. Eventually tiredness overcomes me. The warmth of Paulo’s embrace, and the after effects of the wine and our coupling, causes me to doze off despite my nakedness.It must be an hour or so later when I wake. I’m disoriented at first, and wonder what has woken me. However, I soon realize it is the absence of Paulo’s warmth that has caused me to wake. I sit up to see where he has gone, but there’s no sign of him.However, Paulo’s absence isn’t my main problem. As I move I realize there is a length of chain locked around my ankle, the other end of which tethers me to a heavy table.To be continued in part 2, by Rachael Jane for Literotica.
Love in Dangerous Waters.In 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Serf Jasmine seeks her freedom by entering the Argonaut.Chapter 1: The next stepThe domed city of Argon is a marvel of engineering created in the dying days of the old regimes. Uninterrupted wars; the plundering of rapidly diminishing resources; and extreme weather events, had reduced most of the planet’s population to little more than scavengers and refugees, dependent on the largesse of the privileged few who controlled most of the Earth’s remaining wealth and resources. The ideas of democracy and freedom had been swept away by the unstoppable return of the medieval concept of feudalism. The wealthy elite became the new aristocracy, while the bulk of the population was reduced to modern day serfs; indentured to their local overlord from cradle to grave.History doesn’t record exactly when the planet’s ruling elites decided to create huge domed cities like Argon. Possibly the domed cities simply evolved as the ravages of war, and the uncontrollable elements, destroyed wide swathes of land. Floods and wild fires herded those with the wealth and ability to move into defensible towns and cities. Those who lacked the means were abandoned to their fate. Hundreds of millions died. Taxes were directed solely towards protecting the new centers of population. Many old and famous towns and cities were left to the elements, or to the marauding armies who lived off the misery of others. Within a few decades, there was little trace of the old world. Even the rogue armies finally disbanded when it became too difficult to find food and supplies to service their rapacious needs.We’re told that Argon is typical of the domed cities scattered around what is left of the inhabited world. Argon’s large central city houses about eighty thousand people. Access to the domed part of the city is strictly controlled, and no serf is allowed into the central city without a special permit. To live inside the domed center requires wealth far beyond most people’s imagination. No city citizen ever dirties their hands doing menial tasks. Consequently, in order to service the needs of the new elite, nearly two hundred thousand people commute daily into the city from one of sixteen outer settlements. Most of the commuters are serfs who have purchased short term freedom from their settlement overlord. The commuting workforce provide all the essential services that keep the city operating from day to day. Laborers and house servants are in great demand, along with those who provide personal services ranging from hairdressing to sexual services.Despite the strict rules that control our lives, we are generally a happy population, or so I am lead to believe. Our rulers constantly remind us that these days we have a steady supply of food, and that most settlements now boast their own medical center, albeit with unqualified medics and very few drugs or medicines. New laws limiting a serf’s work hours to only sixty hours a week mean that we have more leisure time. None of this existed until as recently as eight years ago. I can remember the days when my family went without meals, and my parents’ reliance on dubious folklore remedies for dealing with ailments.The strictures of modern day serfdom prohibit those living in the settlements from obtaining jobs in the central city without compensation for ‘loss of future labor’ being paid to their local overlord. For young people, where 'future labor’ may represent forty or more years of service, the cost of compensation for a lifetime of freedom is well beyond the means of a young serf. Many must opt for purchasing their freedom for a limited time in the rarely-achieved hope of earning enough in the city to purchase an extension of time.Those seeking permanent freedom usually take an indirect route towards achieving their goal. One such route is to undergo one of the quarterly assessments and authentication conducted by the Bureau of Ancillary Services. The Bureau’s authentication process ensures that the never-ending demands for young workers in the city are satisfied. Success in the Argonaut, as the assessment and authentication process is commonly called, means freedom from serfdom; although that freedom invariably comes at the price of a large debt to be repaid. The Bureau will lend the successful serf the amount of compensation due to the serf’s overlord, enabling a city work permit to be issued. However, even attending one of the quarterly assessments can be a costly affair. Firstly the serf must compensate his or her overlord for the three days absence from work, and secondly the serf is required to cover the cost of accommodation for the duration of assessment.Argon’s settlements are named after American presidents and European royal houses, reflecting the origins of most of the city’s population. Governance of Argon, and hence its settlements, is by a military junta who appoint all the administration and military officers, including each settlement’s leader. The junta also creates and enforces the laws which control our daily life. Anybody who voices dissent against the junta’s reign is rapidly and severely punished without any right to a trial. Even those living in the city are careful about what they say. Rumors says that the worst offenders are executed, but none of our heavily censored news-feeds make reference to anyone suffering that fate. Minor offences usually result in longer work hours, or the loss of access to the few recreational facilities.But enough about my world, it is time to tell you of my place in it. My name is Jasmine, and Buchanan settlement has been my home for all of my nineteen years. I’ve worked in one of the local recycling plants ever since I left school at eight years old. For a decade I have had a dream of buying my freedom so that I can work inside Argon’s central city. Now I have a chance. I am one of those who will be assessed at the next Argonaut, thanks to an anonymous benefactor who has sponsored my application.For better or worse, I have chosen my next step. My arrival at the old boarding school that houses the Bureau of Ancillary Services assessment center is the gateway to my future.Chapter 2: The lacy nightie.It’s nearly midnight and I can’t get to sleep. The first session of the Argonaut starts in nine hours. I still can’t get over my sponsor’s generous offer that has allowed me to attend. I realize that the very late arrival of the sponsor’s offer confirms that I’m a last minute substitute. Given my father’s blemished political record, I suspect my anonymous sponsor is scraping the bottom of the barrel in choosing me. But he or she did, and that has enabled me to be here at the old boarding school which serves as the headquarters of the Bureau of Ancillary Services. The original school closed decades ago when Argon’s junta decided to close the last remaining links with the decaying towns and cities beyond the borders of Argon’s self-proclaimed territory, effectively isolating us from the world. There was no need for schools with boarding facilities after that.Every three months, Argon’s Bureau of Ancillary Services accepts the applications of exactly fifty settlement adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty-seven. Successful applicants become contestants in the Argonaut, which consists of a series of interviews and tests supervised by an assessment panel. Some of the interviews are broadcast on the news-feeds throughout Argon and its settlements, with the intention of attracting future employers for the hopeful contestants should they secure a city work permit. The number of permits available each quarter is a closely guarded secret. Consequently, passing all the tests doesn’t automatically result in a contestant being granted a permit. And obtaining a permit doesn’t guarantee a good job. Not all city jobs are better than those in the settlements, but that doesn’t stop the competitiveness for the permits. That competitiveness often includes a range of sabotage and underhand tricks targeting the weaker contestants.These days the Argonaut doesn’t automatically favor the handful of contestants who have served a ten-year term in the military, and who are now into their twenties. The leaders of some settlements still prefer the old tradition of favoring the applications of those who have served in the military. Former soldiers are often trained to do well in the Argonaut’s tests. A contestant’s success can give a boost to their own settlement’s ranking in the eyes of the junta; a ranking that determines the priority given to the funding of a settlement’s civic improvements.It’s no secret which contestants were formerly in the military. Knowledge of their status is intended to intimidate the other contestants. Their names and reputations are etched in every other contestant’s mind; Paulo and Chloe from Eisenhower, Heidi from Grant, and Mansel from Bourbon. All contestants have the support of volunteer helpers who do everything from offering advice to helping solve minor problems. These helpers are an eclectic selection of oddballs and do-gooders from among the city’s bored residents. Not all of them are model Argon citizens, and three of the female contestants have already complained about being groped by one of the helpers.I give up trying to sleep, and I decide to take a walk around the old school building housing the fifty contestants for the current Argonaut. I slip my short dressing gown over my even shorter nightie. Normally I sleep naked, but I had the sense to borrow a nightie and gown from my twelve-year-old sister. I’m not a blushing maiden, but sleeping naked in a mixed gender dormitory is asking for trouble.The eight dormitories are designed to accommodate six people in each. Seven are single-sex dormitories. However, the late applicants, like me, must put up with eight of us crammed into the room, which now houses three male and five female contestants. Everywhere is quiet as I head towards the communal dining area. Everyone else must have had no trouble in falling asleep. In Harper’s case that probably has more to do with the quantity of alcohol he consumed during the evening meal, since he’s asleep on the dining room floor. Suddenly a movement catches my eye. I duck behind a door in case it is Patrick. He also comes from Buchanan, and he’s the closest person I have to a friend in this place. I’m not certain I want him seeing me dressed like this. I watch the figure at the other end of the dormitory for a few moments before realizing it is one of the robots that clean up after us. They try to be invisible, hovering just out of sight unless one is needed to clean up after us. The robot is using our absence to finish clearing away the empty glasses and plates from our evening meal.The robot leaves the room through a side door. It dawns on me that there must be a service corridor somewhere in this rambling jumble of rooms to enable the robots to come and go. The main door to this wing of the old school is locked and monitored at this time of night. The sophisticated sensors provide security against intruders, and ensure the contestants don’t do anything underhand before the assessment begins. I feel the urge to explore.I go through the door the robot used and find myself in a corridor with a relatively new door at the far end. Undoubtedly the robot is going to the kitchen and I follow it at a discreet distance. I follow the robot through the end door and I see that it opens onto a corridor crossing at right angles to the one I’ve just travelled. More doors are visible along the corridor, but I notice that each has one of the security pads used to unlock the door. My adventure is going to be short lived if all of the doors need a security code to operate them. I head in the opposite direction to the kitchens and try one of the doors at the end of the corridor. It’s unlocked. A set of rickety wooden stairs are on the other side of the door and I descend to the level where the recreation and practice rooms are located. The door at the bottom of the stairs opens and I tentatively peek out in case anyone is around. Everything seems quiet.I’m now in the main corridor on this level, not far from where the main stairs are located. I know my way to the recreation rooms, but not what lies behind the many other doors branching off the main corridor.The lack of security guards concerns me for a moment before I recall that everywhere is monitored by cameras. My little adventure is probably already being observed by the security guards in a control room somewhere. Any minute now I can expect to hear the sound of stomping feet and being faced with a squad of burly guards wanting to know what I’m doing. My best plan is to ignore the cameras and just walk as though I’ve every right to be here. Sneaking about will just raise suspicion that I’m up to no good. Fortunately my dressing gown is a similar color to the robots, so an inattentive guard may mistake me for a robot.I walk along the corridor not daring to breathe in case I trigger an alarm, or my actions make the security guards decide to investigate. I haven’t thought about where I’m going other than I don’t really want to go into the games rooms. A door off the main corridor is ajar and on impulse I go through it into another short corridor with a door at the end. This part of the building is much newer than the area behind me. There’s plenty of light streaming through the window in the door. The lighting has been dimmed everywhere else, but the room on the other side of this door is fully lit.The window in the door is misted, and the smell of chemicals makes me think that it’s a laundry. I open the door and peek inside. Not a laundry. It’s a large swimming pool. Much larger than anything Buchanan settlement can boast. The room is warm and the water looks inviting. At least to someone like me who can swim. I walk around the pool to check that nobody is about. I come across some racks with towels but there are no swimming suits. Nobody said to bring a swimming suit, so I must either forgo a swim, or swim naked.The water looks enticing, but I’m also aware that the pool, like everywhere else, will be monitored by cameras. I can see at least three cameras around the walls. What I can’t understand is why I’ve not been accosted by security guards. Even the dopiest guard must surely have realized by now that I’m not a robot. But I push my concerns about that to one side and prepare to enter the water. I slip off my dressing gown and dive into the water wearing my short nightie. I’m not brash enough to strip myself naked in front of whoever is monitoring the cameras. That’s something I quickly regret. The way my wet nightie is clinging to me I can see that I’m leaving very little to the imagination.I swim a couple of lengths of the pool before I realize that I have company. Someone else has entered the water. I make a sudden cry of alarm. Who is it? I’m in two minds whether to leave the water and make a hasty exit, or to stand my ground. The daunting prospect of running around the corridors wearing nothing but a wet translucent nightie settles my dilemma. I turn to face whoever is here with me.The swimmer heads in my direction. As the distance between us shortens I realize the swimmer is male and that he has no clothes on. Suddenly running around the complex in a wet nightie doesn’t seem such a silly idea any more. My indecision causes me to waste my only chance of leaving the pool without confronting him.The swimmer comes directly for me. He stops a few meters from me and treads water.“I didn’t think any of the other contestants knew about this place, nor be brave enough to take a midnight swim,” he says.Chapter 3: Swimming with a naked girl.“We don’t need to fight,” replies Paulo. “There’s time for that soon enough. I intend to enjoy my swim and then go to bed. I suggest you do the same. Or can’t you sleep? You wouldn’t be the first contestant to be nervous and suffer sleepless nights before the Argonaut.”“I’m not nervous,” I say defiantly, mostly for my own benefit. “I just can’t get used to sleeping on a soft bed.”“Yeah, whatever,” he replies dismissively. “Well, in that case, you can race me to the other end of the pool and back.”“Why?” I ask.“Because it’s fun and I don’t often get the chance to swim with a naked girl. Are you normally so argumentative?”“I’m not naked. And I’m not arguing. I’m being; um; curious.”“Ha! You may as well be naked for all that is hidden by that flimsy thing you are wearing. You have a nice body. You shouldn’t be afraid to let people see it.”Paulo’s comments immediately cause me to feel awkward. He’s a rival and ex-military, so he’s a serious threat to my chances during the Argonaut. But my traitorous body would be happy to yield to his desires. I mustn’t let him see how much his comment has disturbed me, so I move into position for the race that he wants.“Are you ready? Go!” I call as I launch myself off in the direction of the far end.“Hey! Cheat!” he calls before taking off after me.I’ve never tried swimming in a race, but I soon see Paulo’s point. It is fun. I’m almost reach the far end before Paulo manages to draw close to me. He’s a strong swimmer but doesn’t have the elegant style that my father drummed into me. We turn only seconds apart and I try to increase my speed on the return leg. Half way down the pool I realize that Paulo’s strength is starting to tell, and that I’m struggling to keep my lead. Moments later we are level and I draw on my last reserves to regain the lead. We reach the end of the pool neck and neck. I don’t think either of us can tell who touched the end first.We are both breathing heavily as we climb out of the pool and collapse on the floor. It is only then that I realize that we are virtually touching. I’m lying next to naked young man. That’s something I’ve only ever done in my wildest fantasies. My limited sexual experiences to date have involved remarkably little nudity. Fortunately Paulo seems too preoccupied in regaining his breath to notice my discomfort. I should move away before he recovers, but something inside me makes me stay where I am.“Is that the best your settlement’s wonderful training regime can teach you?” I say.“Swimming isn’t an essential skill, even in the military. The Argonaut tests rarely require the need to swim beyond having sufficient skill to avoid drowning. Where did you learn to swim like that? I didn’t think there would be much call for swimming in the industrial settlements.”“There isn’t, but my parents always hoped I would gain a permit to work in the city. It’s impossible to know what skills might be required if I land a job in the city. I suppose my father thought it useful for me to learn to swim well.”Paulo turns towards me. As hard as I try not to look below his waist, my eyes are drawn like a magnet. I notice he is looking at me in a way that makes me both excited and uncomfortable. I look into his eyes and immediately sink into their depths. I don’t even notice when he moves closer so our bodies are actually touching. The kiss that follows seems so natural my body responds by itself.“We shouldn’t be doing this,” I say with half-hearted sincerity when we break for air.“Why not?” is his reply.“Because we are rivals. We will be expected to try and outsmart each other tomorrow.”“And does doing this make any difference? This is now. The assessments are later.”“I don’t know if I can separate the two.”“Not all contestants are selfish machines. Chloe may fit the classic win-at-all-costs profile, but unlike her I don’t enjoy sabotaging another contestant’s chances.”“But your training will still make you sabotage that person’s chances regardless of how you feel now. And that person could be me.”“I know. I won’t like doing that to a fellow contestant, but I’ll do it if necessary. It would be unfortunate if you and I come face to face in one of the tests. But you are right, my training will help me make the right choice.”“I’m sure I shall be a lot happier knowing how cut up you are as you sabotage my efforts,” I say with as much sarcasm as I can manage.“Yes, I may even shed a tear,” he replies with equal sarcasm as he leans towards me and shares a second kiss with me.My mind and body are confused. Even fully clothed I’ve never been this intimate with anyone before. My near nakedness is sending all the wrong signals to both of us. I should stop and walk out of here, but as crazy as it sounds there is no way I want to do that.Our third kiss is accompanied by roaming hands. His on my yielding torso and mine onto the rock hard shaft pushing against my thighs, and seeking entrance to the throbbing slit between my legs.“Do you think the security cameras in this room are switched off?” I ask before Paulo can claim the prize his cock seeks.“No. I’m fairly sure we are being watched.”“Then why haven’t the security guards frog marched us back to our dormitories?”“We aren’t trying to kill each other so there’s no need for them to intervene. Anyway, if they do then they’ll miss all the fun? Can you imagine how boring it must be to watch banks of screens for hours, with absolutely nothing happening to break the monotony. We are livening up their night for them. For all we know they could be selling tickets to watch the main event.”“That’s disgusting. Anyway, what main event? I hope you aren’t implying that we are going any further with this liaison.”“I’m not implying anything.”Chapter 4: The hunter’s proposition.“And what makes you think I want there to be a main event?” I say.“Because you do,” says Paulo. “Otherwise you would have dressed more modestly before you left your dormitory. And you wouldn’t have stayed in here when you saw me in the water with you. Nor would you have let me lie close to you like this.”“I don’t have to explain myself to you. If I choose to say 'no’, then that is my right. Or did you have something more forceful in mind? Something more in keeping with your special training.”“Nonsense! Have I in any way hurt you while we have been here? As far as I can tell you’ve so far enjoyed my company.”I suddenly feel awkward and uncomfortable. My own feelings are strange to me and causing some confusion. Paulo is right. I have enjoyed his company, and I have no complaints about his behavior so far; other than his suggestion that this has all been the appetizer, and that the main course is about to follow.His remarks have hit home more than I’m willing to admit. He’s right. I chose not to put on more clothes, because I felt an urge to free my sexuality from its everyday constraints. And the more daring I’ve been tonight, the more alive my body has felt. Even now the prospect of allowing Paulo to perform the most intimate acts with me is sending a thrill through my body. But common sense is telling me to stop. And I’m the sort of person who pays a lot of attention to common sense; well, most of the time.“I’m sorry,” I say. “Your behavior so far doesn’t deserve my last remark. But I still have the right to say 'no’.”“And I’ll respect your decision. But can I remind you that is well past midnight and we might not have the opportunity another time.”“Where I come from, it is customary to seduce a girl before leaping on her,” I say, not really knowing if that statement is true.“Really? You would surrender yourself to someone who told you your eyes are beautiful, that your body is just perfect, and your choice of clothes is divine? Surely you are far too level headed to fall for that sort of line.”“Hmmm; Well you aren’t persuading me at the moment.”“Hah! You’re perfect! I love a woman who plays hard to get. The chase is just as much fun as the end result.”“You’re talking from experience, I presume?” I retort.“You are an interesting challenge! I notice that despite your reluctance, you haven’t ruled out accepting my suggestion.”“You’re stalling. As you said, it is getting late and as much as I’ve enjoyed our time together, we both have a busy schedule tomorrow.”“I agree. If I can’t make you say 'yes’ within five minutes then I shall concede defeat and we shall go back to our dormitories.”He looks at me and I nod in agreement.“So, what really excites a girl from Buchanan?” he muses to himself. “We can’t be that different. Your settlement has industrial factories and my last ten years have been in the military. Both require heavy manual labor. Sweating bodies and dirt everywhere. Which explains why you aren’t swooning at the sight of my bare chest. There are girls who almost faint at the sight; but not you. Despite what you said, I don’t think sweet-talking you is going to make you want to say 'yes’. So, that leaves a more physical approach. I think you are the type who likes to be hunted. Not the fake chases and mock play about being captured and becoming a helpless victim of a man’s wicked desires. No, I think you really want a man to prove to you he is able to outsmart you and is therefore worthy of your body.”“What a bizarre idea,” I say, trying hard to sound casual. My already heightened senses are being pushed into overdrive. I’ve never thought about what attracts me sexually, but Paulo’s comments are setting me alight with desire. “How are you going to prove your theory?”“I shall give you a thirty second start. If I can’t find you within four minutes then I shall return to my bed a sorry man. But if I corner you, then you are mine.”“I thought I had the right to say 'no’,” I say.“And you do. It will only take you ten seconds to reach the door to the main corridor, and from there you are free to return to your dormitory. I shall not attempt to stop you. You have twenty five seconds left.”I leap up and bolt for the side rooms holding the towels. There are other rooms on the far side. Saunas and hot pools. All ready for use, but currently devoid of people.There is a lack of good hiding places, but I only need to stay free for four minutes. It will take Paulo most of that time to check all these rooms. I settle for a room with several sunken hot tubs in the middle and clothes lockers around the walls. Some lockers are just large enough for me to hide inside. It isn’t until I’m hidden that I realize that by staying in these rooms I have made a major decision. If Paulo finds me then I’ve promised him that he can fuck me.One minute passes; then another. I can’t hear anything. My hiding place offers only a limited view of the hot tubs. I begin to wonder if Paulo is actually looking for me. How embarrassing it would be if he simply left for his dormitory, leaving the security guards monitoring us to laugh at my folly. But I saw the look in Paulo’s eyes. He definitely had the look of a wolf eager to devour a lamb. A lamb called Jasmine.The three minute mark must have passed before I hear something in the adjacent room. The sound of doors being opened and closed. He must be searching the lockers in that room. The speed at which he is doing it suggests he knows he is running out of time. He won’t have time to search the lockers in this room. I’ve won!Or have I?Chapter 5: Are we done talking?Although I don’t have a watch, I know that Paulo’s time is definitely running out. Paulo must know that too. I do something I would never have thought myself capable of doing in these circumstances; I leave my hiding place.Paulo bursts into the room with the hot tubs with what can only be seconds of his four minute deadline remaining. He stands by the door in shock.“What kept you?” I say. “Your four minutes are nearly up. You almost missed enjoying a treat. This water is divine. Not too hot and not too cold.”Paulo recovers from his shock and joins me in the tub. The tub is only two meters in diameter so we are fairly close together as soon as he enters the water. But he doesn’t immediately touch me as I had expected. He waits on the opposite side of the tub as though waiting for permission to approach me.“You allowed me to find you when you could have easily hidden in one of these lockers,” says Paulo. “What does that mean?”“What would you like it to mean?” I say.“I would like it to mean that you have proved your cleverness and that you are now ready to continue where we left off before.”“Are you sure you aren’t too tired and wish to go to bed?” I tease.“I think I could manage to stay awake all night given the right incentive. How about you?”“The same. Are we done talking?”“I thought women like to talk,” he says as he wraps me in his arms.“There’s a time and a place for everything. And talking isn’t what I need right now.”He kisses me and I melt into his arms. My hands reach down to massage his already solid cock.Just at that moment the lights go out and we are plunged into pitch darkness. But I don’t care. Paulo’s arms are wrapped around me and I simply don’t care.Less than a minute later the emergency lighting activates and the room changes from pitch black to something akin to a moonlit night.“Stay where you are and don’t move,” comes a man’s voice over a hidden speaker.The warm glow flowing through my entire body makes me wonder why the man would think I would wish to move from this position.“I think we are about to be arrested or something,” whispers Paulo into my ear.I don’t care. I just want to hold Paulo like this and feel him pressed against me. The normal lighting comes back on and we break our hold on each other to look around us. I take the opportunity to retrieve my nightie which is floating in the water. I don’t recall whether it was Paulo or me who removed it during our brief interlude. I put it back on with some difficulty. The wet fabric clinging to me in a way it didn’t seem to do just moments before.Three security guards enter our room accompanied by a man with enough gold braid on his uniform to indicate that he’s somebody important.“This is most irregular. Most irregular,” grumbles the man. “These facilities are closed for the duration of the Argonaut. I don’t know how you gained entry to this building, but you must leave. It is fortunate you didn’t enter the old school. We would have had to arrest you if you went up there. Now, make yourselves decent and I’ll escort you to the door.”I look at Paulo and realize that he is as baffled as I am at what is going on. As Paulo and I fetch some towels to dry ourselves it dawns on me that these security guards think we are central city residents who have found a way into this recreation center. They don’t know we are Argonaut contestants, and have sneaked down here from our respective dormitory.Neither Paulo nor I have clothes, unless you count my flimsy wet nightie. I can’t remember where I left my dressing gown. Paulo presumably arrived wearing something, but he doesn’t seem inclined to go and fetch it. We both wrap towels around us and knot them to preserve a modicum of decency. The security officer signals for us to follow him. We meekly follow him like two naughty children.“I know the festivities during the Argonaut are a time for high spirits, but you mustn’t enter a secure area like this,” lectures the man. “Now go home before you get into more trouble.”With that brief lecture over, we are escorted out of a side door to the large plaza outside. The door is closed firmly behind us. The plaza is just outside the domed city, between the dome support wall and the huge drainage channels that funnel storm water away from the inhabited areas. Consequently this area is accessible to both city residents and the serfs of the settlements. However, the distance to the nearest settlement means that few serfs will bother travelling here for pleasure.“You heard the man. We must go home,” says Paulo.“In case you haven’t noticed, we have no clothes, no money, and it’s a long walk home,” I say. “Besides, if we go missing we are automatically disqualified from the Argonaut.”“That’s true,” replies Paulo. “But we won’t be missed until morning. We have at least seven hours to ourselves. We can do a lot in seven hours.”“Yes. We could look at the statues over there, and; ”I almost break into laughter at Paulo’s reaction to my suggestion. He clearly has something quite different in mind and, in truth, so do I. I take his hand and walk along the wide boulevard that runs next to the recreation center and the old boarding school next door. I soon realize that this area is what passes for an entertainment zone, but the various places are closing for the night.The boulevard is busy. Mainly with young couples like us enjoying each other’s company. In their case, they are returning towards their homes under the domed part of the city. Having worked myself up into deciding tonight is going to be my big night, I feel slightly disappointed that we can’t find somewhere to go.“Can you climb?” asks Paulo, pointing to a wide balcony above a café which has already closed for the night. Climbing the wall to reach the balcony shouldn’t be too difficult.“Yes. Can you?” I reply already heading towards a promising looking place on the side wall.Paulo follows me as I make light work of climbing the fixtures adorning the café wall. Despite his military training, Paulo doesn’t find it quite so easy. Something I must remember when the Argonaut starts. We scramble onto the balcony and see it is laid out like a terrace with tables and chairs for the café customers. This place will be perfect.Chapter 6: Games in the night.I find a large sofa with a low table in front of it. I clear away the glasses and plates the last occupants of this area left behind. The owners of the café clearly intends to clear up in the morning.“Hey, look what I found,” says Paulo. “A half-finished bottle of wine. I’ll fetch some glasses.”It won’t be real wine, but I’m sure the technicians of the central city can produce something akin to the real thing. I make myself comfortable. Even outside the dome, the ambient temperature is several degrees warmer than in Buchanan; a product of the hot exhaust air pumped out of the city. The huge domes act like greenhouses, and the air inside must be continually vented to regulate the temperature.I lie back and look at the starlit sky. It’s all very romantic, which helps put me back in the mood for what I know is about to happen. When we were in the hot pool we thought we were pressed for time and needed to rush things. Here we are alone and unlikely to be disturbed before morning.Paulo returns with two glasses and a bottle of what I presume is pseudo-wine. I’ve never drunk wine before, real or fake. It isn’t the sort of luxury anybody in Buchanan can afford. Paulo pours some of the wine into the two glasses. He samples some wine before passing my glass to me.“Need to check the wine hasn’t gone off,” he says when he sees my puzzled look. I shrug in response. Either he is showing off, or drinking Argon wine is a far more common event in the military than I thought.“Ah! A Chardonnay, if I’m not mistaken,” he says has he sniffs the wine and takes another sip.“Are you an expert on wine?” I ask incredulously. “Or are you just making that up?”“Neither. That’s what is written on the label,” he laughs.I join in his laughter. His playfulness is helping me relax and I’m no longer nervous about what is going to happen. By the time we’ve finished the wine we are sat side by side on the sofa. He puts his hands on me. Mine echo his movements. The real world seems a million miles away. I can’t tell whether it is the effects of the wine or Paulo’s attentions which are causing me to think only of this moment and the intense pleasure I’m feeling as our limbs entwine.Then he starts kissing me. At this point I lose control of myself and crave for more of what he is doing. I’ve no experience at this level of intimacy, and only the vaguest idea of what I’m supposed to do. Knowledge gained from teenage gossip in the factory, which is probably completely wrong. But I needn’t have worried. Somehow my body seems to know what to do by instinct. When I’m not doing something quite right, Paulo quietly guides me towards the right action. Our bodies respond as though we are one.Then, before I realize it, he is on top of me. I feel that I’m at his complete mercy. That should alarm me and make me struggle, but all I want to do is to surrender myself to his desires. I’m rewarded with the most sensational feeling I can imagine. Heavy petting is as far as I’ve gone before. Paulo’s actions make it clear that we are going well beyond that tonight. I had been told there would be some pain involved, but I’m too far gone into the stratosphere of my arousal to notice. Paulo senses my submission and rewards me with a gentle and unhurried treat. His cock pushes its way into my moist cunt and I wrap my legs around his thighs to hold him in position.“Careful. I don’t want to get pregnant,” I say in a brief moment of lucidity.If he hears me he doesn’t alter his actions in any way. I’m too light-headed to force the issue. It’s a problem for another day.Finally Paulo and I are spent. Our emotions can only remain at fever pitch for so long. We eventually return to the real world. I’ve no idea how long I’ve been away. We lie in each other's arms for a while regaining our breath.“That wasn’t bad for a first timer,” says Paulo.“More of your experience talking, I suppose?” I reply, not certain whether to feel complemented or insulted.“You’re not my first, if that’s what you mean. There are benefits to being chosen as a contestant long before the Argonaut starts. Good performance in training is rewarded by a bevy of young women eager to be fucked by a contestant. But I meant what I said. I could tell that you were inexperienced, but you let go of your inhibitions. Few young women can do that the first time.”“Well I’m not sure we will be in a position for there to be a second time. Things get very competitive once the Argonaut starts.”“Who knows. Perhaps we will come face to face in one of the tests and you can throw yourself at my mercy and beg me to let you win in exchange for a repeat of just now.”“In your dreams! I was thinking more of the other way round. Would you like to be my plaything, Paulo?” I tease.“Now who is dreaming? You are bold, and you control your fears well. I can see you are someone I must regard as a serious rival. My chances of achieving a permit would be much better had you not been accepted as a contestant.”The afterglow of our coupling is still flowing through me, making me feel mellow. The ambient temperature is dropping now that the local businesses are closed for tonight. I snuggle closer to Paulo, both for warmth and to try and renew the strange and wonderful feelings I’ve experienced tonight. He gently caresses me and I start feeling aroused again. Surely he doesn’t have the energy for another round of sex. Tiredness is starting to overtake me, and I can’t believe it isn’t affecting Paulo as well. But his caresses are divine. I don’t want them to stop. He gently runs his fingers up and down my spine and sends more waves of pleasure coursing through me. I respond in kind and despite my obvious inexperience my efforts are having a visible effect on him.“I wish we could stay here like this forever,” I say. “But we both know we must return to our dormitories before dawn. If we don’t turn up for roll-call, our absence will be noticed by the officials and we’ll be disqualified from the Argonaut. Despite the security officer’s error in throwing us out of the center, I doubt we will be shown any mercy if we miss roll-call.”“Yes, I know,” replies Paulo, deep in thought. “If only there was another way. Thanks for tonight. I can honestly say I really enjoyed it, and in other circumstances I would hope for many more. I’m going to be selfish and keep your nightie as a trophy to remind me of tonight.”I was planning on doing the same thing, but I don’t refuse his request. “As long as I can have a trophy in return,” I reply.“Agreed. I seem to be out of suitable offerings at the moment. Let me know tomorrow what you would like.”I feel so comfortable that I easily forget that Paulo and I are soon to face each other as rivals during the Argonaut. Either Paulo is a superb actor or his feelings mirror mine. Eventually tiredness overcomes me. The warmth of Paulo’s embrace, and the after effects of the wine and our coupling, causes me to doze off despite my nakedness.It must be an hour or so later when I wake. I’m disoriented at first, and wonder what has woken me. However, I soon realize it is the absence of Paulo’s warmth that has caused me to wake. I sit up to see where he has gone, but there’s no sign of him.However, Paulo’s absence isn’t my main problem. As I move I realize there is a length of chain locked around my ankle, the other end of which tethers me to a heavy table.To be continued in part 2, by Rachael Jane for Literotica.
Hurin, Starkast, Cesky and Stormrunner discuss their best books of 2023. Hurin: Infinite Jest - David Foster Wallace Fifth Head of Cerberus - Gene Wolfe Spear Cuts Through Water - Simon Jiminez Return to Edan - Philip Chase The Dispossesed - Ursula K. Le Guin The Man Who Was Thursday - G.K. Chesterton Forge of the High Mage - Ian C. Esselmont A Psalm for The Wild Built - Becky Chambers The Hexologists - Josiah Bancroft The Eye of Argon - Jim Theiss Stormrunner: The Farthest Shore by Ursula K. LeGuin The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson The First Sister by Linden Lewis Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson The Fifth Head of Cerberus by Gene Wolfe Artificial Condition by Martha Wells Ashes of the Sun by Django Wexler Startide Rising by David Brin Starkast: 1) The Summer Hikaru Died 2) The Bone Key - Sarah Monette 3) Frieren: Beyond Journeys End 4) All These Sunken Souls - Circe Moskowitz 5) The Book of Witches - Johnathan Strahan 6)Boys, Beast & Men - Sam J. Miller 7) Even Though I knew the End - C.L.Polk 8) The Terraformers - Annalee Newitz 9) The Day of Fallen Night - Samantha Shannon 10) The Crane Husband - Kelly Barnhill Cesky: 1. Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano 2. Jhereg by Steven Brust 3. Before we Go Live by Steven Flavell 4. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 5. Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel 6. The Necromancer's House by Christopher Buhlman 7. The Last Echo of the Lord of Bells by John Bierce 8. The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft 9. The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean 10. The Eye of Argon by Jim Theis
This conversation was a great example of what we're trying to do with this podcast, the perfect balance between Science and Science Fiction. Marty sits down with Dr. Tim Swindle to discuss The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton and The Andromeda Evolution by Daniel H. Wilson, in relation to NASA's OSIRIS REx mission which has returned a sample of Asteroid Bennu to Earth, as well as the upcoming Mars Sample Return mission. Dr. Swindle is a professor emeritus from the University of Arizona who specializes is radiometric chronology, which makes it possible measure the ages of very old things in space and on earth by characterizing the relative balance of various radio-isotopes, much like Carbon dating but with different atoms like Potassium and Argon. We discuss the natural exchange of material between all the bodies in our solar system and maybe even other solar systems, and reflect on the possibility that the genesis of life may be a collective effort of molecules created in various places across the solar system. We learn about meteors and cosmic dust and how they can penetrate our atmosphere to land on Earth without burning up. We also speculate about the likely carbon-based composition of extraterrestrial life if ever we find it, and the likelihood that life which evolved in a radically different extra-terrestrial environment could not harm the life that has evolved on Earth.Timothy Swindle | Lunar and Planetary Laboratory & Department of Planetary Sciences | The University of Arizona:https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/faculty/swindleOSIRIS-REx - NASA Science:https://science.nasa.gov/mission/osiris-rex/The Andromeda Strain - Wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Andromeda_StrainThe Andromeda Evolution - Wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Andromeda_EvolutionThe Andromeda Evolution (Andromeda, #2) by Daniel H. Wilson | Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44148860-the-andromeda-evolutionBuzzsprout (podcast host):https://thescienceinthefiction.buzzsprout.comEmail: thescienceinthefiction@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743522660965257/Twitter:https://twitter.com/MartyK5463
Thank you to Mathias and Doris Berner from the Network to Heal Summit, for allowing us to use their content for the Homeopathy Hangout Podcast. You can learn more about their work at www.mathiasberner.com Jeremy talks about the traumatization of people on both sides in Gaza. He explains the treatment of acute trauma caused by violence and was as well as a way out of the permanent re-traumatization of the Jewish population in the world. We learn how we as humans can get out of the duality of good and evil and how hate and emotions make us susceptible to manipulation. Jeremy explains the most important acute remedies and the most important means for the "chronic" reappraisal that is sorely needed to break the cycle of violence and finally create peace and harmony. Jeremy has taught at most UK homeopathic schools and founded the Dynamis School for Advanced Homeopathic Studies in 1986, which is now the longest running postgraduate homeopathic course in the world. He has taught the three-year Dynamis curriculum in England, Ireland, Holland, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Israel, Canada, Japan and the United States. Jeremy has also given seminars in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary, Morocco, China, Russia, India, South Africa, Mexico, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia. He maintains numerous practices in London, Tel Aviv, New York and Africa. He received a scholarship from the Society of Homeopaths in 1991 and received his doctorate from Medicina Alternativea and Pioneer University. He is a member of the North American Society of Homoeopaths and the Israeli Society for Classical Homoeopathy. Jeremy is Honorary Professor at Yunan Medical College, Kunming, China, and Associate Professor at Candegabe University of Homeopathy, Argentina. Jeremy is the author of ten homeopathic books and many published articles and research papers and has proven (a process of shamanic and academic research) and published 38 new homeopathic remedies. His books The Dynamics and Methodology of Homoeopathic Provings and Dynamic Materia Medica: Syphilis are homeopathic bestsellers and are used as textbooks in many schools. He is currently working on a series of books on the noble gases, of which "Helium", "Neon" and "Argon" have already been published, followed by "Krypton". He is the author of the Repertory of Mental Qualities and "Homeopathy for Africa", a free teaching course for African homeopaths. He has published three extensive (40+ hours) self-published online video courses, including "The Homeopathic Treatment of Epidemics and AIDS in Africa." He has worked as a consultant for several homeopathic software companies. For the past 11 years, Jeremy has lived in Tanzania with his wife Camilla, also a homeopath, working on their volunteer project "Homeopathy for Health in Africa", where they treated AIDS patients and researched remedies for AIDS free of charge. They have set up 19 clinics and a homeopathic center and work, among other things, in two hospitals and with Maasai tribes in the countryside. They have trained many local homeopaths and together have treated over 20,000 patients.
Ring in the new year with the Terrible Antique Book Freaks! The Antiques Freaks join us today to do a live read of The Getting Even of Tommy Dodd by William Hope Hodgson, a cross-dressing revenge fantasy on the high seas. We know it's not a Carnacki, and we know it's not even scary, but it's the best we can do having read all the 'nacks already. As usual, we're using Eye of Argon rules to read this and we encourage you to get out your Carnacki bingo cards and help us re-tool them for more generalized Hodgson tomfoolery. In addition to our usual barnyard language, this episode includes or makes reference to: sexual humor (including foot stuff) and some bad Victorian ideas and opinions, including pedophilia.
Escrito y narrado por: Humberto Ortiz La leyenda de Orfeo se remonta a la arcaica saga argonáutica, cuando los primeros héroes navegaron hasta los confines del mundo en pos del Vellocino de oro, a bordo de la rápida Argo. La nave tenía el don del habla gracias a un madero del oráculo de Dodona, el más antiguo de Grecia, que la diosa Atenea insertó en la proa. La aventura gira en torno al encuentro entre el gallardo Jasón, al mando de la expedición, y Medea, la hermosa hechicera de mirada oscura. Las hazañas argonáuticas de Orfeo parece que fueron conocidas entre los siglos VIII y VII a. C., de ellas habló -dicen- Eumelo de Corinto. A mediados del siglo VI a. C., los matemáticos y místicos pitagóricos ya conocían los misterios relacionados con Orfeo; se cree que algunos hasta usaban el nombre del legendario vate para darle credibilidad a sus escritos: eso ratificaría la popularidad que tenía el cantor y pone en duda su verdad histórica. En realidad, la visión órfica de la vida no tiene una fecha precisa de inicio. Cierto sí parece que en la Grecia arcaica se arraigó la convicción de que el poeta viajero era el fundador de una religión que preparaba a las almas para alcanzar el Más Allá. Las narraciones argonáuticas contribuyeron a difundir la leyenda de sus virtudes religiosas. La referencia escrita de Orfeo argonauta más antigua que se conoce es la Pítica IV de Píndaro, del 462 a. C. En esos tiempos se multiplicaban las críticas de quienes, al dudar de la existencia de Orfeo, pretendían también desvirtuar el valor místico que embriagaba a sus seguidores, tomados por charlatanes. Lo cierto es que las cosas de Orfeo comenzaron a estar presentes en las reflexiones filosóficas al discutir si el alma humana era tan divina como la de los dioses, noción que generaba entonces muchas reflexiones. No queda claro si la religiosidad órfica fue la causante de las ideas de eternidad que planteaban los intelectuales, o si los seguidores del poeta revisaban los mitos tradicionales desde la visión que los filósofos comenzaban a dibujar. La presencia de Orfeo en las distintas Argonáuticas depende del poeta y de la época en que hayan sido escritas. En todas se trata de un mágico cantor convocado por Jasón, con el fin de vencer a las sirenas, tal como le había sugerido el centauro Quirón. Otro papel generalizado de Orfeo en el viaje heroico, fue la de dirigir y aliviar con su canto, el ritmo y la cadencia de los remeros de la nave. Es difícil relatar con precisión los viajes de Orfeo con los argonautas, pues se trata de una leyenda muy antigua sobre la que se hicieron muchas versiones. Entre las conocidas se articulan diferentes motivaciones. La fundamental sería la que hace del cantor el sostén de la tradición musical y poética de la cultura helénica. Otra sería la que hizo del rapsoda el sacerdote fundacional de las creencias sobre la finalidad de la existencia que, al margen de la tradición mitológica oficial, perfilaron la idea de la eternidad del alma humana, noción de importantes consecuencias en las posteriores convicciones occidentales. La conjunción de estas motivaciones dispuso a Orfeo como portador de una sabiduría especial, de un conocimiento mágico, con el que era capaz de manejar los secretos de la naturaleza.
We all lust after the pro-spec bikes seen on the WorldTour circuit, but do you actually get a better bike by paying top dollar? In an era of carbon fibre, electronic shifting, and hydraulic disc brakes, it might be possible to get all the performance you'll ever need from a mid-range bike. In this episode, BikeRadar's senior technical writer, Simon von Bromley, and senior technical editor, Ashley Quinlan, discuss a recent group test of three mid-range road racing bikes – the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8, the Scott Addict RC 40 and the Argon 18 Sum Pro Force AXS. They also ponder the definition of a ‘superbike' and whether it's ever truly worth shelling out for high-end bikes and parts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We returned to Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal as Big Media™ this year, doing live interviews with brands and pros at the event. Plus, we catch up on cycling news that's happened since our last episode. 0:54 - CX is here3:28 - Skyler racing in the crit before GP Montreal6:44 - The end of Warren's carbon adventure11:07 - Shimano Recall16:17 - Pas Normal Studios is releasing running gear21:15 - Rueing the missed opportunity for American capitalism in the pro peloton24:45 - Live interviews from the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal25:05 - Bruno Langlois / Velo Cartel30:12 - Argon 18 36:35 - Specialized44:15 - Max Davis / Rubber N' Road49:45 - Retired pro Antoine Duchesne52:08 - Live in the race car54:31 - Into The CanalFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/cyclingfashionweekGet in touch: cyclingfashionweek@gmail.comHit subscribe, leave a comment and a review wherever you listen to podcasts, it helps us share the best in cycling fashion with the world.
Ep. 148 - Cameron Argon (Pt. 2 - Disfiguring The Goddess) by Cali Death Podcast
Cesky, Hurinfan, Ashaman and Little Red discuss the "worst" Fantasy book of all time, The Eye of Argon by Jim Theis. Music: Galactic Damages by Jingle Punks Considering supporting The Legendarium on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/thelegendarium/ Discord: https://discord.gg/FNcpuuA Twitter: @GreenteamPod
There is a bit of a debate amongst believers regarding how to reconcile scripture with scientific claims about the age of the earth. Many assume that the evidence that the earth is millions of years old is water-tight, and therefore we only have three options: find a way to fit millions of years into the Bible somewhere, reject clear scientific evidence, or reject the Bible entirely. Those who do try to cram millions of years into scripture have to do it somewhere in Genesis 1. I've heard this done in two ways. One is the gap theory, which places millions of years in between Genesis 1:1, when God created the heavens and the earth, and Genesis 1:2, when the earth was without form and void. The idea is that earth was created once, destroyed, and then remade in between the verses. There's a fascinating book called "The Invisible War" by Donald Barnhouse that makes this claim fairly compellingly -- but so far as I can tell, even if one were to subscribe to this idea, the earth was still remade in Genesis 1:2--at which point the clock should start over. This won't "solve" the biblical young earth problem. The other possibility uses 2 Peter 3:8, which says that "a day to the Lord is as a thousand years," to extrapolate that a day is also to the Lord as millions of years. Therefore, the six days of creation were actually millions of years apiece. There are a number of philosophical problems with this. In certain places, scripture is poetic and should be interpreted as such. Psalm 91, for instance, says that "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge" (91:4). This is obvious poetry, meant to evoke the image and feeling that God protects us the way a mother hen protects her chicks. It would be absurd to think this means that God has literal feathers. Many of the psalms employ similar poetic imagery, as do many of the prophetic books, Song of Songs, etc. These should be interpreted as poetry, and not as literal historical books. But Genesis is written like an historical book. Genesis 1 is about as clear as it could possibly be that we're talking about six literal days. After each day the scripture says, "so the evening and the morning were the (blank) day," to illustrate that we are talking about 24 hours. Also, Genesis says after each day, "And God saw that it was good." Death is not good; death is the result of sin (Romans 6:23). Sin didn't happen until Genesis 3. If each of the six days of creation was actually millions of years, do we suppose that no creatures died during that entire time? And if death did enter before Adam and Eve ever sinned, then how was creation pronounced "good"? Romans 8:19-22 tells us that even creation groans under the weight of corruption--it too must ultimately be redeemed. When did it become corrupted, if not by sin in Genesis 3? Finally, if Genesis 1 is really a metaphorical abstraction representing millions of years of evolutionary change, what other apparently historical scriptures can be allegorized? Was there really a flood? How about a real resurrection? In short, what can you trust? The Bible is either true or it's not. If the Bible is literally trustworthy, what do we do with all the evidence that "proves" the earth is millions of years old? Does "science" actually prove this? Carbon-14 dating is the best known dating method that most people think of in conjunction with this question. The most common isotope of carbon is C-12, but all carbon-based life forms start out with a certain, albeit very small, amount of the C-14 isotope in life. C-14 is radioactive, which means over time (after death) it decays via beta decay, in which one of its neutrons becomes a proton, turning it into nitrogen. The half life of C-14 decay is only 5700 years, give or take 30 years in either direction. That means it takes roughly 5700 years for half the amount of C-14 that started out in organic material to decay into nitrogen--so you can't use C-14 dating for anything older than 100,000 years. Past that point, there shouldn't be any C-14 left. And yet, some dinosaur bones have been found to still contain C-14 (https://www.icr.org/article/radiocarbon-dinosaur-other-fossils). How is this possible, if they are supposed to be millions of years old? Those who defend the evolutionary time scale will claim that the C-14 must have crept in via contamination. Yet there are even more remarkable findings in dinosaur bones than C-14. Many still contain intact biomolecules (here's a comprehensive list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eXtKzjWP2B1FMDVrsJ_992ITFK8H3LXfPFNM1ll-Yiw/edit#gid=0). These include hemoglobin and blood residue (https://www.icr.org/article/a-80-million-year-old-mosasaur-fossil), retinal tissue, and skin (https://www.icr.org/article/original-tissue-fossils-creations-silent). Ages at a greater timescale than 50-100K years are determined via radiometric dating of igneous rocks (those formed by volcanic eruption), often using potassium-40, which decays to argon-40. Once the lava cools, the rocks are "born"--and the assumption is that any elements that are in a gaseous state at the time will escape before the lava cools into a solid. Argon-40 is a gas, so once hardened, the igneous rock should start out with no argon. Whatever potassium there is should, over a very long time time, decay into argon-40 (the half-life of this process is 1.25 billion years). Thus, the ratio of potassium to argon can serve as a proxy for the age of the rock. Unfortunately, this isn't always accurate. The igneous rocks formed in the Mt. St. Helens eruption of 1980 were tested using the potassium-argon method, and were dated to be hundreds of thousands of years old. Apparently, all the argon gas did not escape prior to the lava solidifying into rock, making the rocks appear many orders of magnitude older than they really were. Additionally, igneous rock are porous, so gas can diffuse into or out of the rocks, further confounding the process. If this method is so wildly inaccurate for dating a known eruption, how can we trust it for anything unknown? Another common dating method is the ratio of uranium-238 to lead-238. This decay is a 14-step process (not a one-step like potassium to argon), with a half life of 4.5 billion years. Eight of these steps produces a helium atom, so for every one atom of uranium, eight helium atoms should be produced. Because helium escapes from rocks fairly quickly (they are porous, remember), there should be little to no helium left if the rocks were billions of years old. But the RATE project (Radioisotopes and the Age of the Earth) at the Institute for Creation Research determined that some of these rocks had high amounts of helium still trapped in them. This finding is consistent with radioactive decay--it was occurring--but it was inconsistent with the expected 4.5 billion year half life. One possible explanation for this is that half lives might not be as fixed as previously believed. This has been demonstrated for other elements in laboratory experiments: radioactive Rhenium-187 decays to osmium-187 with a 41.6 billion year half life, but if all of Rhenium-187's electrons are experimentally removed, the half life can be sped up to a mere 33 years (https://answersingenesis.org/geology/radiometric-dating/acceleration-of-radioactivity-shown-in-laboratory/). Granted, that was under laboratory conditions--but it does cast further doubt on the absolute nature of half-life decay in general. Other common dating methods are relative, using the date of something "known" to infer the date of something unknown. These involve index fossils--i.e. if the fossil of one creature is found next to a dinosaur fossil from the Cambrian period, scientists will then assume that the previously unknown fossil must be 400-500 million years old. (But then of course the question becomes, were they correct in dating the index fossil?) Paleomagnetism is another possible relative method. The earth's polarity has changed at various times in its history, and the polarity of magnetic rocks reflects earth's polarity at the time they were buried. Scientists believe they know when earth's polarity reversed in the last 10,000 years, so ferromagnetic materials bearing a certain polarity can serve as a proxy for the date of anything found nearby (provided it was estimated to be 10,000 years old or younger). But again, this depends on a lot of assumptions--and there is evidence (https://answersingenesis.org/age-of-the-earth/more-evidence-rapid-geomagnetic-reversals-confirm-young-earth/) that earth's polarity reversed many times, rapidly, over a very short period of time. Creation scientists believed that this was a consequence of the worldwide flood, in which some of the waters came from the "fountains of the deep" breaking up (Genesis 7:11). This sounds very much like shifting tectonic plates, which would have set off volcanic eruptions. Since earth's magnetic field is generated from its churning molten core, it stands to reason that earth's polarity might have been affected by the same process. The Bottom Line We're bombarded with the narrative that evolution and the "deep time" of earth is established fact, rather than a theory, but it's not true. Majority opinion does not establish a truth--what matters isn't what the majority believes, but whether or not they are right. (The idea that majority opinion equals truth is called the logical fallacy of faulty appeal, or 'the appeal to the many.') Nevertheless, it can be daunting, and perhaps even feel arrogant, for the lay public to challenge the unanimous narrative of the experts. There is, in fact, a large number of experts who do not subscribe to the dominant narrative of evolution as established fact. In April 2020, over 1100 scientists in a vast range of scientific disciplines including chemistry, biology, medicine, geology, and paleontology signed a statement claiming, “We are skeptical that ‘random variation' and ‘natural selection' can explain the complexity of life. A serious review of the evidence for Darwinism should be encouraged.” (https://www.discovery.org/m/2020/04/Scientific-Dissent-from-Darwinism-List-04072020.pdf) These voices might be suppressed, but they are out there. Science and religion are not in conflict. God made the universe and everything in it, and science is simply the study of what He made. Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork." All truth is God's truth. True science always points to Him. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
尽管中国的言论审查和舆论管控日趋严峻，国家对公民的监控也无处不在，但我们依然可以看那些不服从的个体，顶着被删号、被约谈、甚至被监禁的风险，对不公义勇敢发出自己的声音。 中国数字时代在“404文库”栏目中长期收录这些被当局审查机制删除的声音。 本期节目，我们选读过去一周中引起舆论关注的三篇404文章： 时间轴： 00:40 一、Argon科技｜鼠头鸭玩具全网被禁，商家可能损失数百万 03:40 二、七叔东山再起｜上海大概是穷疯了 06:29 三、城市的地得｜普京的叙事难题 在中国数字时代YouTube频道https://www.youtube.com/@CDTChinese/videos观看视频播讲。 在中国数字时代网站阅读全文： https://chinadigitaltimes.net/chinese/697824.html 在电报（Telegram）平台向我们投稿：https://t.me/cdtmedia_bot 支持CDT: https://chinadigitaltimes.net/chinese/paypal
Welcome to our Audio Article series (dubbed "Audicles" for short). Our newest team member, David Vaucher's words are read aloud by Rob so you can consume even more watch content on the go.Audicles will become a regular part of The Real Time Show rotation, so please get in touch with your suggestions for topics, or submissions of your own if you'd like to become an active part of the show!You can find the text of this Audicle on www.therealtime.show.Follow the hosts on Instagram @robnudds and @alonbenjosephThanks to @skillymusic for the theme tune.
Welcome to our Audio Article series (dubbed "Audicles" for short). Our newest team member, David Vaucher's words are read aloud by Rob so you can consume even more watch content on the go.Audicles will become a regular part of The Real Time Show rotation, so please get in touch with your suggestions for topics, or submissions of your own if you'd like to become an active part of the show!You can find the text of this Audicle on www.therealtime.show.Follow the hosts on Instagram @robnudds and @alonbenjosephThanks to @skillymusic for the theme tune.
Follow the hosts on Instagram @robnudds and @alonbenjoseph.Can't get enough of the TRTS team? Follow its Resident Provocateur @davaucher and Chief Editor Chris Horrocks @thatguyonbass.Thanks to @skillymusic for the theme tune.
I stumbled upon Stanton wines a few years back and I was very impressed with their quality for the price. Their winemaker was none other than Dave Phinney who crafted amazing Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah from Doug's finest vineyards in the Napa Valley. I tracked down Doug Stanton who joins us from the vineyard on this weeks Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks to Silvadore Brands for partnering with the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast and being the official wine preserver or gas (Argon) provider.Go the link below to get your Silvadore Argon Gas Wine Preserver. Make sure you click FOR YOUR HOME and enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.silvadorebrands.com/Also, Welcome Fly With Wine as a new partner of the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast.Solve the single biggest problem faced by wine country travelers as they follow their dreams of visiting their favorite wineries around the world. How to bring their favorite wines back home with them safely and securely on an airplane so they can be enjoyed while reliving memories with every sip. And so was borne the idea for FlyWithWine. Enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.flywithwine.com/Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Lukewww.patreon.com/corkandtaylor#wine #winetime #winepodcast
You put two Canadians together in Napa and it is called a party as we talk/sip wine with Sheldon Richards of Paloma Vineyards. Great history, great wines and great people! Thanks to Silvadore Brands for partnering with the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast and being the official wine preserver or gas (Argon) provider.Go the link below to get your Silvadore Argon Gas Wine Preserver. Make sure you click FOR YOUR HOME and enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.silvadorebrands.com/Also, Welcome Fly With Wine as a new partner of the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast.Solve the single biggest problem faced by wine country travelers as they follow their dreams of visiting their favorite wineries around the world. How to bring their favorite wines back home with them safely and securely on an airplane so they can be enjoyed while reliving memories with every sip. And so was borne the idea for FlyWithWine. Enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.flywithwine.com/Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Lukewww.patreon.com/corkandtaylor#wine #winetime #winepodcast
One of my first memories of visiting Napa Wine Country was Rutherford Hill Winery. Known for Merlot, we have their winemaker, Michael Coode, who brings his fancy accent and interesting wine background to the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast.Thanks to Silvadore Brands for partnering with the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast and being the official wine preserver or gas (Argon) provider.Go the link below to get your Silvadore Argon Gas Wine Preserver. Make sure you click FOR YOUR HOME and enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.silvadorebrands.com/Also, Welcome Fly With Wine as a new partner of the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast.Solve the single biggest problem faced by wine country travelers as they follow their dreams of visiting their favorite wineries around the world. How to bring their favorite wines back home with them safely and securely on an airplane so they can be enjoyed while reliving memories with every sip. And so was borne the idea for FlyWithWine. Enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.flywithwine.com/Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Lukewww.patreon.com/corkandtaylor#wine #winetime #winepodcast
We learn the history of the Napa Valley Wine Country as we get some educational lessons from Paradigm Winery Owner, Ren Harris, on this weeks Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast . What a delightful chat with this winery legend and gentlemen. Great conversations and great wine too!Thanks to Silvadore Brands for partnering with the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast and being the official wine preserver or gas (Argon) provider.Go the link below to get your Silvadore Argon Gas Wine Preserver. Make sure you click FOR YOUR HOME and enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.silvadorebrands.com/Also, Welcome Fly With Wine as a new partner of the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast.Solve the single biggest problem faced by wine country travelers as they follow their dreams of visiting their favorite wineries around the world. How to bring their favorite wines back home with them safely and securely on an airplane so they can be enjoyed while reliving memories with every sip. And so was borne the idea for FlyWithWine. Enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.flywithwine.com/Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Lukewww.patreon.com/corkandtaylor#wine #winetime #winepodcast
Our guest this episode of the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast was born with a wineglass in his hand, and that is the truth you could say as Hugh was born in 1965, the same year that his parents, Jack and Jamie Davies, purchased the abandoned Schramsberg Estate in Calistoga. Hugh grew up among the vines, caves, tanks and barrels that make Schramsberg Vineyards what it is today: the premier producer of American sparkling wines. We had a great time sitting down talking wine with Hugh Davies and tasting the some Schramberg sparkling wines too.Thanks to Silvadore Brands for partnering with the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast and being the official wine preserver or gas (Argon) provider.Go the link below to get your Silvadore Argon Gas Wine Preserver. Make sure you click FOR YOUR HOME and enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.silvadorebrands.com/Also, Welcome Fly With Wine as a new partner of the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast.Solve the single biggest problem faced by wine country travelers as they follow their dreams of visiting their favorite wineries around the world. How to bring their favorite wines back home with them safely and securely on an airplane so they can be enjoyed while reliving memories with every sip. And so was borne the idea for FlyWithWine. Enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.flywithwine.com/Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Lukewww.patreon.com/corkandtaylor
This week, we venture to one of my favorite wineries ever. I love Larkmead and have been a huge fan since the first time I tried it 15 years ago. We are very fortunate to welcome Larkmead's winemaker, Avery Heeland. She joined the Larkmead Vineyards team in July 2019 after positions as Cellar Master at Screaming Eagle Vineyards in Napa, Vintage Assistant Winemaker Domaine Yves Boyer Martenot in Meursault, France, and as a Vintage Enologist at Capel Vale Winery in Western Australia. Heelan holds an M.S. in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, with a specialization in Viticulture & Enology from the University of California, Davis.Thanks to Silvadore Brands for partnering with the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast and being the official wine preserver or gas (Argon) provider.Go the link below to get your Silvadore Argon Gas Wine Preserver. Make sure you click FOR YOUR HOME and enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.silvadorebrands.com/Also, Welcome Fly With Wine as a new partner of the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast.Solve the single biggest problem faced by wine country travelers as they follow their dreams of visiting their favorite wineries around the world. How to bring their favorite wines back home with them safely and securely on an airplane so they can be enjoyed while reliving memories with every sip. And so was borne the idea for FlyWithWine. Enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.flywithwine.com/Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast. Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Lukewww.patreon.com/corkandtaylor
The Winner is revealed for the Cork & Taylor Wine Madness and who is it? Maybe an upset alert in the 1st ever Cork & Taylor Wine Madness as Keenan and Eberle battle it out. Thanks to all our partners including @SilvadoreBrands @flywithwine3933 @RiedelTheWineGlassCompany that are providing some awesome prizes! Follow all the action here, your favorite podcast provider and at challonge.com/corkandtaylorwinemadnessThanks to Silvadore Brands for partnering with the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast and being the official wine preserver or gas (Argon) provider.Go the link below to get your Silvadore Argon Gas Wine Preserver. Make sure you click FOR YOUR HOME and enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.silvadorebrands.com/Also, Welcome Fly With Wine as a new partner of the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast.Solve the single biggest problem faced by wine country travelers as they follow their dreams of visiting their favorite wineries around the world. How to bring their favorite wines back home with them safely and securely on an airplane so they can be enjoyed while reliving memories with every sip. And so was borne the idea for FlyWithWine. Enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.flywithwine.com/Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast. Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Lukewww.patreon.com/corkandtaylor
The Final Four results are here for the Cork & Taylor Wine Madness and who is moving onto the Finals. Maybe an upset alert in the 1st ever Cork & Taylor Wine Madness and thanks to all our partners including @SilvadoreBrands @flywithwine3933 @RiedelTheWineGlassCompany that are providing some awesome prizes! Follow all the action here, your favorite podcast provider and at challonge.com/corkandtaylorwinemadnessTONIGHT!!! Northeastern Ohio Wine Lovers join us for the 1st ever Cork & Taylor Wine Madness Tasting were you can taste all 22 of the wines participating along with a number of others. Limited to 60 people and this will sell out. Click the link below to get your tickets nowhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-festival-tickets-570635785997Thanks to Silvadore Brands for partnering with the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast and being the official wine preserver or gas (Argon) provider.Go the link below to get your Silvadore Argon Gas Wine Preserver. Make sure you click FOR YOUR HOME and enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.silvadorebrands.com/Also, Welcome Fly With Wine as a new partner of the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Solve the single biggest problem faced by wine country travelers as they follow their dreams of visiting their favorite wineries around the world. How to bring their favorite wines back home with them safely and securely on an airplane so they can be enjoyed while reliving memories with every sip. And so was borne the idea for FlyWithWine. Enter CODE corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your orderhttps://www.flywithwine.com/Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Lukewww.patreon.com/corkandtaylor
The Great 8 results are here for the Cork & Taylor Wine Madness and who is moving onto the Final Four. Another upset and a few surprises in the 1st ever Cork & Taylor Wine Madness and thanks to all our partners including @SilvadoreBrands @flywithwine3933 @RiedelTheWineGlassCompany that are providing some awesome prizes! Follow all the action here, your favorite podcast provider and at challonge.com/corkandtaylorwinemadness Northeastern Ohio Wine Lovers join us for the 1st ever Cork & Taylor Wine Madness Tasting were you can taste all 22 of the wines participating along with a number of others. Limited to 50 people and this will sell out. Click the link below to get your tickets nowhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-festival-tickets-570635785997Thanks to Silvadore Brands for partnering with the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast and being the official wine preserver or gas (Argon) provider.Go the link below to get your Silvadore Argon Gas Wine Preserver. Make sure you click FOR YOUR HOME and enter code corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your next orderhttps://www.silvadorebrands.com/Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Lukewww.patreon.com/corkandtaylor
The SWEET 16 is now complete of the Cork & Taylor Wine Madness and who is moving onto GREAT 8. Some upsets and a few surprises in the 1st ever Cork & Taylor Wine Madness and thanks to all our partners including Silvadore Brands, Fly With Wine, Riedel, Bromiolo Rocco and Coravin that are providing some awesome prizes! Follow all the action here, your favorite podcast provider and at challonge.com/corkandtaylorwinemadnessNortheastern Ohio Wine Lovers join us for the 1st ever Cork & Taylor Wine Madness Tasting were you can taste all 22 of the wines participating along with a number of others. Limited to 50 people and this will sell out. Click the link below to get your tickets nowhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-festival-tickets-570635785997Thanks to Silvadore Brands for partnering with the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast and being the official wine preserver or gas (Argon) provider.Go the link below to get your Silvadore Argon Gas Wine Preserver. Make sure you click FOR YOUR HOME and enter code corkandtaylor to receive 10% off your next orderhttps://www.silvadorebrands.com/Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Lukewww.patreon.com/corkandtaylor
GoneDaddy, Section 230, NPM malware, Hyundai Kia mess, Meta Verified Picture of the Week. GoneDaddy. Section 230. No Blue, No SMS-based 2FA. Bitwarden gets Argon. "Meta Verified". Emsisoft Fake Code Signing. Attacks breaking records. More Mirai. NPM malware. Patch Tuesday. Samsung announces "Message Guard". The Hyundai & Kia mess. A Clever Regurgitator. Show Notes https://www.grc.com/sn/sn-911-notes.pdf Hosts: Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/security-now. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit You can submit a question to Security Now! at the GRC Feedback Page. For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6. Sponsors: drata.com/twit GO.ACILEARNING.COM/TWIT
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