Published: 11 Apr 2019

“The slave market moves around. It’s never in one place twice. We need an invitation or we’ll never find it.” Sam was saying.

We had arrived on Bindell Five two days ago and had been out asking questions ever since. I’d spent almost five thousand credits and come up with squat. Sam had gone through three and a half thousand on her own. She had certain qualities I didn’t and could charm information out when money failed. I had to sell some of my cargo to have cash. The stuff didn’t actually belong to me but here on a smuggler’s planet no one asked nor cared.

“So how do we get an invitation?” I asked.

“There’s a guy named Phy-Tong-Ki who can get it for us, or so I’m told.”

“Where do we find him?”

“They say he spends his evenings in a bar down in the dockyards district, called Gregor’s Head.”

“We’ll go tonight and see if we can find him.”

“There’s one more thing.” Sam said, almost embarrassed.

“What’s that?”

“You’re not going to like it. I know I don’t!”

“Just tell me. It can’t be any worse that what we’ve already been through. Can it?”

“You have to take me in there as a slave. You’ve got to pretend you want to sell me or they won’t even talk to you. You need to put this collar on me and treat me as property!”

“No way!” I’m not putting you at risk like that. Not after what you’ve told me about your past!”

“Like I said, I don’t like it either. If we want to have any hope of finding Ryan and the princess we have to do it though. It’s my choice and I say we’re doing it!” And that was that. I couldn’t talk her out of it.

That night we made our way to the dockyards and asked around for Gregor’s Head. It didn’t take long to be pointed in the right direction.

“What’s your business here scumbag?” the door guard asked. He was a huge Jorrashien. He stood almost nine feet tall and was at least 600 pounds, every inch muscle. He had an eight foot blade hanging from his left hip, a row of daggers on a belt across his chest, a blaster on his right hip and was wearing armor from head to toe. There’d be no arguing with nor tricking this one. As did all Jorrashiens, he had a set of eyes up front and another on the back of the lump that served as his head.

As big as he was, I knew there was nothing slow about him. The planet Jorrash has a gravity of almost twenty times that of most other habitable worlds. On a standard planet like Bindell Five, they were lightning fast and extremely lethal. Jorrashiens worked almost exclusively in one of two professions when off of their own home planet. One was in the shipyards, the other was security, like this guy.

“I’m here to see Phy-Tong-Ki please. Would you be so kind as to ask his permission for an audience.” I had to be diplomatically polite while still showing no fear. I never gave any sign of offense at having been called a scumbag. To show fear or offense, or to be rude, would have ended the same way, chopped into mince meat.

He stared at me a minute then shifted his gaze to Sam. She stood to my left and a foot or so behind me. She was wearing an outfit I didn’t approve of but she assured me was what would be expected of a slave. The outfit consisted of a pair of deep blue satin panties covered by a sheer pale blue wrap that barely reached the middle of her thighs. It was held in place by a fine gold chain around her waist, which had many small chains of silver hanging from it that tinkled like rain with every move she made. She wore a pair of sandals on her feet that were open so her freshly painted toenails showed. Her fingernails were also freshly painted. Other than that, she was bare from the waist to the neck. She wore a simple leather collar stained a deep blood red and studded with small semi-precious emeralds. Her hair, though still short had grown out some by now. She had styled it and wore a shimmering silver hair net over it.

When I had first seen her dressed like this I was not happy. I was still embarrassed by it now. Sam had assured me that if I wanted the slaver to take me seriously, she needed to appear to be not only a slave, but one of healthy high value. When I asked Sam how she knew about all these details she didn’t want to tell me at first.

“I told you how my parents died, right, and how I was taken captive?”

“Yeah, it sounded terrible for you.”

“Oh, you don’t know the half of it!”

“Then tell me. I won’t judge you or think less of you.”

“It’s not really important.”

“I understand you don’t want to talk about it but it may help us. If you know things, I could really use the information.”

“It’s just stuff! I haven’t talked about it in several years. I just wanted to forget it ever happened.”

“I know bad experiences can cause a lot of pain but I also know that talking about them can help heal that pain. I trusted you with my story and my son’s death. You can trust me.”

Sam stared at the floor for almost a full minute and said nothing. Just as I was about to give up and let her be, she took a deep breath and started talking. “After they took me hostage, I was brought here to Bendell Five. They sold me to slavers. Remember, I was only 10 at the time. I was passed around and resold like thirty times over the next two years. I was… used…”

She went on to tell me how she had been repeatedly raped, beaten, sold, passed from man to man, forced to cook and clean, made to dance nude for groups and dinner parties, etc. It made me a bit sick to listen to. By the time she finished she was sobbing. All I could do was put my arms around her and hold her until she had cried it all out. I promised her I would never allow that to happen to her again.

She also told me how she had escaped by stowing away on a freighter and paying the crew to hide her by letting them use her as they pleased. She had spent the next three years educating herself and becoming the emancipated minor I had met back on Tau-Seti Prime. She had opened her shop to pay for school and housing. She said she had sworn to herself that she would never allow anyone to do that to her again.

Now, here we were putting her back into a very dangerous position. I was extremely nervous and worried. It took every ounce of self-control I had. If something went wrong I would blame myself forever.

The big Jorrashien guard examined Sam for several long seconds then grunted and turned to a com unit on the wall. He spoke in his own language so I didn’t understand anything he said. After about a minute’s conversation, he turned off the com, reached over and opened the door and motioned us inside. On the other side of the door stood another guard just like the first. For all I could tell they may as well have been twins. The only difference was that this one had a pair of two foot long, curved swords, sheathed across his back in an X and carried a sonic rifle in his arms.

That’s as far as we were allowed to go though. We were told to wait there until summoned. I figured this Phy-Tong-Ki had a camera trained on the door so he could get a preview of who wanted to see him without actually having to meet face to face.

As we stood there, we took in the place and it’s patrons. There was a bar with stools directly across from the door, maybe 20 feet away. Around the left side of the room ran a row of private booths. The other side of the room had open tables and a small stage where a music group was playing. Above the bar was a pane of black glass about ten feet long. I felt certain that that was the boss’ offices, so I may have been wrong about the camera. There was a set of double doors at each end of the bar that most likely led to the kitchens. To the right of the bar and left of the stage, a hallway disappeared around a bend.

The patrons were a mix of many races. There were male and female slaves of almost as many different races as the patrons. I noticed many dressed in what looked like simple dresses and togas. A few were dressed as Sam was. There were several dressed in nothing more than scrounged rags and sack cloth. The later were scurrying about serving, busing tables, filling orders, cleaning, etc. Occasionally one would be belted and go tumbling across the floor.

I noticed quickly that females were in dresses like Sam but boys wore togas like in ancient Rome on earth. They had one shoulder and arm bare and the skirt portion came down to the thigh. I also noticed that the more valued boys wore a belt of either jewels or pearls set in gold and an elaborate earring on one ear that attached at the top and through the lobe. It dangled small chains from it with small gems set into them. The male’s togas also ranged from sack cloth and rags to fine silks and satins.

Sam carefully edged right up against my side and wrapped her arms around my waist. I instinctively draped one arm over her bare shoulders. I could feel her trembling and when I looked at her she was a bit pale and looked like she was about to throw up.

Standing there like that I became acutely aware of just how small Sam was. Even though she was 15 years old, she looked more like a boy than a girl. She stood not quite five feet tall, maybe 4′ 8″ or 4′ 9″ and couldn’t weigh more than about 70 lbs. She was slender, with a slight build but looked strong and well toned. If she had any less for breasts they wouldn’t show at all. I also noticed she had removed her belly button stud from it’s piercing. I couldn’t exactly ask her now why she had. I’m sure she had a reason.

Sam raised her eyes to mine just enough that I could see that they had turned an odd green gray, like a cloud bank just before a tornado. I had learned that her eyes would change color with her mood. What I saw there now screamed terror.

Suddenly my mind began to rebel. How could I be doing this? I must be crazy! I can’t put her in danger like this! What in the hell was I doing, asking her to come back to this place? Sam must have seen it in my eyes because when I made a move to turn for the door, she held onto me firmly and wouldn’t let me. I gently squeezed her shoulder to give her my reassurance, then stood still and continued to wait. After a minute I felt her stop trembling and loosen her grip around my waist.

We were left standing there for almost ten minutes before being summoned. We were guided across the bar and down the hall. Beyond the bend were about a dozen doors, set about eight feet apart, one on each side of the hall. At the end of the hall was a set of double doors. Yet another copy of the big guards stood in front of them but stepped aside and opened the doors as we approached. Inside we found a very elaborately appointed private apartment with sitting area, desk area, small kitchen and bar and a sleeping area. Our guide told us to be seated and that his master would arrive momentarily.

After the guide left, Sam indicated the sofa and had me sit down. Then she folded herself onto a cushion on the floor at my feet. The room was fitted out in pillows, poufs, silk curtains, plush carpets, tapestry, paintings, silver and gold gilding, statuary, vases, etc. There was incense in the air as well.

When Phy-Tong-Ki entered the room he fit into the decor perfectly. He was a smallish oriental man no taller than Sam. He was dressed in flowing robes of silk and chiffon in pinks and purples, accented with earrings, bracelets and rings of silver and gold, set with gems. His hair was long enough to reach his waist and braided. The braid was accented with several combs of bone and jade.

As he minced his way from a back door to the large overstuffed chair opposite me, he jingled and tinkled with every shift of his hips. I could smell perfume as soon as he entered the room. When he was close enough, I saw that his fingernails were manicured and painted emerald green. I could see that his toenails were identical, as he was barefoot and walked with small light steps.

I was unsurprised by the high lilting voice that met my ears as he began to speak.”A very fine evening to you my good sir. I have been informed that you wish an audience, so here I am, in all my splendor. What is it I … or should I say we, can do for each other?” he said with a light girlish giggle.

“I am new to this end of the galaxy and was told I needed to see you. I am interested in selling my slave girl and acquiring a new one. It is my understanding that you can point me in the correct direction to do so.”

“Um, yes, I may be able to do so, but why would you wish to sell such a young beauty as this here?”

“Oh, well, you know, I’m sure, that one tires of the same thing after a while. I have a desire for something new and different.

“Yes, yes. This is so true. Things do become monotonous if one fails to update and upgrade, from time to time. So what kind of upgrade are you interested in obtaining?”

“I was thinking of maybe a boy this time. You know, try something new and different, as I said.”

I tried my best to describe Ryan without giving away the fact that I was talking about a specific person. Phy-Tong-Ki asked several questions and we talked for about fifteen minutes.

“I am certain I can obtain a boy that will satisfy you and please you for some time to come. However, there is a new arrival I have heard of… Ah, no… you want a boy not a girl, never mind.”

“A girl?” I thought. “Could it be the princess?” I couldn’t believe it was going to be this easy. I had to keep my emotions in check. I couldn’t afford to give away the game.

“Well… I don’t know. I was thinking of a boy and kinda wanted to try it. But… um… if you have something in mind, I wouldn’t be adverse to hearing about it. You know… just out of curiosity.”

“Oh, very good. Very good indeed. She’s young, maybe twelve. And this one is a special commodity. A one of a kind you might say. She will not go cheap, this one, Oh no! But definitely worth every credit.”

“You intrigue me. Can I see this girl before I decide?”

“Oh my my no! You will have to go to the auction to see her.”

“I usually like to see what I’m buying before I spend the money though.”

“I am so sorry but you will need to bid for her just like everyone else and take your chances.”

“Well… okay. I guess if that’s the way it’s done out here I’ll just have to follow your rules. So where and when is this auction?”

“In time, my good man. In time. Before I give you that information though, let’s see what your little lady has to offer. I will see her dance for me and then tell you what I will give for her.”

“Very well.”

We had anticipated this would probably happen and Sam didn’t hesitate. She rose from the cushion she was sitting on and walked smoothy to the center of the room and began to dance. She moved in ways I had rarely seen and seemed to flow like water. Her outfit tinkled and chimed in rhythm with her swaying body.

After about ten minutes, Phy-Tong-Ki made some type of gesture with his hand. Sam took one quick glance at me, then began to remove her outfit, piece by piece. I had not expected this and was embarrassed for her. I wanted to tell her to stop but knew if I did it would jeopardize our mission. I had to just sit there and watch while biting the inside of my cheek.

The first things to go were her sandals. I was stunned at how flexible she was. While standing on her head with her arms outstretched for balance, she brought first one foot and then the other down in an arc to her mouth. She untied each sandal with her teeth and then gently tossed it in the air, catching each one in a hand.

It was amazing how she made every move a smooth, fluid motion to match the tempo of the music. I could hardly believe my eyes when she used her toes to untie the silver and gold belt, which she sent slithering up, down and around her legs.

Suddenly, she swung both legs down and around, rolling her head, shoulders and torso to an upright position and lifted herself to a standing pose. Dropping the belt she untied the chiffon wrap and twirled with it across the floor and back, ending up next to Phy-Tong-Ki. She wrapped the cloth around his neck and gently pulled it off again, letting it caress his cheek and lips.Using her wrap as a veil, Sam continued to twirl, spin, dip, leap and flip as the music sped up. I never actually saw it and couldn’t figure out how or when she did it but she was suddenly dancing totally nude. After several more twists and spins the music ended. Sam matched the music’s end, posed on the floor directly in front of Phy-Tong-Ki sitting on one leg, the other leg stretched out flat. She was bent at the waist, her forehead resting on the floor and her arms arched out to the sides.

She was panting from the exertion and glistened with sweat. Otherwise, she didn’t move at all.Phy-Tong-Ki began to clap and giggle exuberantly. As he did, Sam rose from the floor, gathered her outfit and came back to her pillow at my feet, where she proceeded to get dressed. As soon as she was dressed she sat quietly on the pillow. I could feel her leaning against my leg. I could feel her trembling a bit but it stopped within just a minute, as if she had just needed reassurance.

“Oh wonderful! Very well done. What an extremely talented little one you have here. I am rather surprised you would want to part with talent like hers. If she is even half as talented in… ah… other ways, as she is on the dance floor… well!”

“Yes, yes but I’ve seen it all before, a hundred times over. What I want to know is if you believe she will bring a good price at the auction.”

“Certainly. In fact, most assuredly. However, you won’t need to take her to the auction. I have decided to make you an offer here and now.”

“Really? What happened to having to bid at the auction and take your chances?”

“Um… well… you see, it’s my place here so I have certain… ah… privileges, as it were.”

Just then the back door opened and a servant entered carrying a tray with a bottle and two glasses on it.

“Perfect timing.” he said. “Let us share a drink and we will discuss my offer.”

All I could do was accept the drink and keep him talking. Maybe I could find a way to refuse his deal without causing offense. I had to keep Sam safe and get the invitation to the auction as well.

We started drinking and bantering offers back and forth. I thought maybe if I out priced him he would lose interest. By my second drink I began to feel odd. Suddenly I realized my vision was beginning to blur and my speech was slurred a bit. I looked down at the drink in my hand then up at Phy-Tong-Ki. It was then that I also found that my arms and legs felt like lead and I couldn’t move.

“Yes indeed my old nemesis. You will have noticed by now, I am certain, that your drink was drugged. Oh, not to worry though. It will not kill you, only make you… um… easier to deal with, shall we say.”

I could do nothing as he grabbed Sam and dragged her to her feet. He put his arm around her and ran his fingers down her chest, across her left nipple and down to her belly. “It is very convenient that you removed the ownership tag from this little beauty’s belly button. It makes it so much easier to sell her. Oh, you don’t need to be concerned, I’ll take very good care of her.”

I watched in terror as he shoved Sam out the back door. Then, there was the big guard standing in front of me. He grabbed me by one arm, yanked me up and tossed me over his shoulder as if I were an old rag doll. He carried me down into a basement and unceremoniously threw me into a small dark cell. I slammed into the back wall, bounced off the bunk and ended up on the floor. The last thing I heard before I passed out was the sickly sweet laugh of PhyTong-Ki.

Are you enjoying this story? If you are, please, let Jared know by emailing him at: Jared at CastleRoland dot Net