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Chapter 23
Two of Duufrig's slaves, Lemon and Peach, were standing on a platform at the front of the mess hall. They had little choice in the matter, each secured as they were to a pillar; wrists chained behind them and ankles bound.
Behind them, on a large screen, a series of images cycled; one every few seconds. Lemon serving at table; Peach cleaning the cabin; Peach kneeling at Duufrig's side awaiting her orders; Lemon sprawled suggestively on Duufrig's bed.
Both girls had been carefully inspected by prospective buyers. Lemon's wrap-around top had been opened, leaving her breasts bared; Peach's skirt had been pulled up showing her shaved belly. Neither had protested, the bright red balls strapped into their mouths saw to that.
Garan Duufrig stepped on to the platform between the two girls. He tapped the microphone; a crackle indicated that it was working and the hubbub from the assembled crowd of Gnarriott crew subsided. "The first lot, Peach," he gestured towards Marni to his right, "is #0014395. This is a 100% genetically validated, Sol3a, female from the Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. I think you can see the physical attributes that make this lot an attractive proposition – well defined secondary sexual characteristics," The audience gave a collective snort of approval as Marni wriggled in protest and her top fell completely open. "However, she also has the full set of domestic skills as well – so you can expect to get back to a well cleaned cabin before you get to explore her other delights."
He turned to Marni and then to the audience. "I have a previous bid of 4000 credits. Who will start me at 5000?"
A response came almost immediately and bids soon ran up to 10,000. Marni meanwhile was struggling against her pillar but was achieving little other than to further excite the audience. Duufrig just smiled, he could see she was just helping the price.
From the back of the mess hall, Professor Margaret Mead looked on with distaste. The braying of the crew as the bids climbed higher and the whoops of approval as Marni struggled disgusted her. There was only one way that she could see to ease the lot of the Sol3 women and that was through the Federation and Ambassador Taylor.
As the bidding for Marni closed at 12350 credits, the mess hall PA system gave the warning chime that preceded a general stations announcement. "Stand by for docking with Federation Cruiser Thallaxapod in 60 minutes," the announcer called, "Air lock party in dress uniforms to pipe Ambassador Taylor aboard."
Duufrig waved to a group of four as they shuffled out from the back of the hall. "Sorry you guys will miss this," he called to them as they headed off to change in readiness for Taylor's arrival. "But never mind," he turned back to the remainder of the audience. "We still have time to put the second of our lots on sale." Lemon squealed into her gag and the audience gave a cheer. "I think we have to start at 10,000 for this one."
Margaret Mead watched from the observation bay as the Federation cruiser Thallaxapod drew alongside. The ship's docking tube eased out to connect with the Gnarriot freighter's main airlock. She checked herself in a mirror. She had chosen the same dress that she had worn when she and Taylor had first met. It had made an impact on him then and she needed to attract his attention now. She turned away from the viewing port and made her way towards the main airlock.
The guard of honour was already in place. Mead arrived just as Taylor and his party stepped through onto the freighter. Side stepping the guard, Mead walked directly up to Ambassador Taylor.
"Welcome again Ambassador," she said warmly.
"Why, thank you. Professor Mead, isn't it?" He smiled in response.
"Yes, it is good of you to remember."
"Well normally remembering those we have met is one of the tasks that the diplomat must put great effort into. In your case, however, Professor, I must confess I manage it with no difficulty."
"Goodness, Ambassador. I take that as a compliment."
"Well thank you, it was how it was intended."
Mead returned his smile. "Ambassador, I know that you will have a tight schedule but I would welcome the opportunity to tell you a little more of our work here. Perhaps you could join me for a drink later?"
"I'd like to be able to find the time, but.."
"Oh, come now Ambassador a few minutes surely? I am sure that your schedule must allow you some time for relaxation." She leant in closely to Taylor and whispered into his ear. "And I do think there are some things that the Federation should understand about the Sol3a programme. Things that I could not discuss before if you understand what I say."
"I see. Well, in that case, I am sure I can make time after my discussions with the Lord Protector. Until later, then."
"Excellent, Ambassador. Well I must not keep you from your real business." Taylor's party reached the corridor that led to Gnarff's state room. Mead left under watchful eye of the honour guard as Taylor was ushered on towards Gnarff's presence.
At the control desk in his stateroom, Farrin Gnarff, reached forward with a claw and snapped at the switch for the video screen. The image of Mead leaning forward conspiratorially to Taylor faded from the screen. Gnarff sighed with disappointment. Then a short buzz announced the arrival of the ambassador.
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