1999

        Monday, September 27. It's another Banba Firstday. The weather is its usual perfect. ΔCorp has set up its headquarters in Suite 3 at the Royal Hotel. The theme of the decor is red, black, and ivory silk.

        Blonde is the naked loser in Stripjack again. The loser must obey any order, no matter what, as long as it may be carried out in the room.

        She has drawn the Ace of Hearts. It is the Slave Card. She must be Slave for a whole day. Twenty-four hours. And the Master can bend the rules.

        Ian picks up the phone. "Send Red," he says while he looks at naked Blonde in her handcuffs and heels. He hangs up. "You'd better get some sleep. You're going to need it."

        She gets into bed and Brunette pulls the sheets over her.

        "We're off to the bar downstairs," says Ian as he and Brunette head for the door.

        "Take care, Sweetness," says Brunette confidently. "We'll be back shortly."

        There is little else for her to do but lie there and think. She wonders how this whole thing has happened. She met Brunette in Banba but a few days before she met Ian. There was no desire between her and Brunette. They were just looking to meet a man--one each. Never did she take part with two others. Her fantasies were always of being dominated by men. Yet here she is with a woman and a man. And her whole life is tied up in ÆCorp. Her income derives from it. And her social life. And her love life.

        Power is what happened. Power is not just an empty saleslink word. Persons have power over us. Emotions have power over us. So does money. And last but not least, addictors have power over us. They take over our wills and drive us to do things. And when addictors combine they are overwhelming.

        The Three are driven to be in DeltraCorp. In the compulsive corporate context, all are driven. That which seems willful is an illusion. There are no real choices, or choice of the things to choose between. One simply does one thing or the other, somehow willingly.

        Blonde falls into a light sleep but is soon awakened by the return of her bosses.

        "How're you keeping?" laughs Ian, nearly on his ear from whiskey.

        "Okay."

        "Okay, WHAT?"

        "Okay, BABY," suddenly fearful. She feels the power of her handcuffs.

        "I ought to spank the hell out of you right now," he snarls as he snaps the sheet off her.

        Blonde is on her left side, her feet curled to her chest, her hands cuffed behind her back.

        "Up on your knees," he orders. She obeys fearfully. And there are none of the usual comforting words from Brunette.

        "Put your head face down on the pillow."

        Blonde is thus postured for punishment. But there is a knock at the door. Ian orders it opened. Brunette replaces the sheet over Blonde and answers the door.

        There stands Red. She is short, with long red hair and gray eyes. She is corporate in demeanor and dress. Strapped over her shoulder is a reddish briefcase. And she wears red high heels.

        "Hello Ian. Haven't heard from you in a while."

        "Yes. Meet the Two Martini Sisters."

        "Hello," says Red in a sneering corporate manner.

        "Hello," in reluctant unison.

        "Blondey here has drawn the big card."

        "Oh, I see. And?"

        "And I'm putting you in charge of her."

        "No, Baby, please..."

        "Did you bring blindfolds, Red?" asks Ian.

        "Of course."

        "Now lads, who's going to make the drinks? I guess it's you," to Brunette. "What will you have, Red?"

        "A Dry Irish Manhattan, of course."

        As she makes them, Brunette becomes concerned that Ian and Red have a history and that her job may be in jeopardy. She feels a deep anger coming on. She takes an extra swig of gin before she returns to the throneroom with the drinks.

        "Now Red, have you any ideas for Blondey here?" as they all sip. Brunette holds Blonde's drink for her.

        "Certainly." She opens her briefcase and takes out an ivory-silk blindfold. It features a small edge of white lace around the eyepeices. Red places it over Blonde's eyes and ties it in a tight bow in the back.

        Blonde is fearful. She has a degree of trust for her bosses but Red is an uncertainty. "You won't hurt me, will you?"

        "I won't harm you," Red replies.

        Brunette is more angry. Red knows Ian's distinction between hurt and harm. They definitely have a history. But she knows that she must keep up with the ÆCorp process. "Don't worry, Sweetness," she says assertively. But she's not keeping up because she's not staying ahead.

        And Red has a surprise for Brunette. "I'm here to evaluate your job performance," she says right in Brunette's face.

        "I don't take orders from you," right back.

        "Do as she says," orders Ian.

        "But she's not my boss. Is she?"

They are at another turning-point.

        "I'm the boss here," snarls Ian. "Keep your mouth shut."

        Brunette remains angrily silent. Her position as second-in- command is in jeopardy, even after a long period of loyal service.

        Ian quickly changes the subject. "Show Red your little dance," he says to Blonde.

        Blonde tentatively moves her hips left and right.

        "Move them in circles," says Red.

        Blonde doesn't know which way the circles should go, horizontally or vertically. She moves awkwardly for a moment.

        "No. Like this," says Red derisively as she places her hands on Blonde's hips and moves them in vertical circles.

        "That's grand," says Ian as he sips his Dry Irish.

        "You're beautiful, Cutie," says Red as she begins to dance with her. She leads her as a man would. Blonde is at first uncomfortable but Red's cold manner somehow arouses submissiveness in her.

        Red holds her closer. She feels Blonde's submissiveness increase. "I like you, Cutie," she whispers. Brunette hears this and is angry. Blonde is her department, not Red's. But she is under orders to remain silent.

        "And now for some music," says Ian as he walks over to the stereo and dials in some easy listening. He then goes into the next room to get his video camera.

        Red and Blonde dance to the music. Red still carries her briefcase over her shoulder. Blonde is not very involved, but her submissiveness continues to grow under the influence of Red's cold manner and the alcohol.

        Ian is back on the throne ready to run tape. "Now lads, lights, camera, action."

        Red silently indicates that she does not want to be videoed facing the camera and keeps her back to it. Ian tapes for a few minutes while trying out different camera angles and zoom-ins.

        They're into another song now, a slow dance. Blonde continues to feel the submissiveness that has sprung from a strange corner of her psyche.

        Brunette's fear that she has no role in the new expanded ΔCorp still nags her. She tentatively puts her arm around Ian as he tapes. "No. Sit back," says he. Brunette glumly obeys. Anger is welling within her. She needs some TLC.

        As if psychic, Ian says, "Go make three-to-ones for us."

        Brunette heads out to the TLC bottles. She takes a swig or two before she begins to make the drinks. She takes two or three more swigs before she takes the tray of drinks back to the throneroom TV studio.

        "Turn off the music now," says Director as he zooms in for a close-up of Blonde's handcuffs.

        Brunette angrily obeys, but her anger is ebbing now as the gin takes increasing effect. Lust and power begin to compete with it. She hands Ian another drink from the tray and sits with hers at throne right. She watches the performers.

        "Get on your knees," orders Ian. Blonde knows it's her cue and obeys with a moan.

        "Get behind her," he says.

        She walks on her knees until she is behind Red.

        "Now kiss it. And you'd better make it good."

        Slave obeys with not a lot of passion. Ian zooms in for another close-up.

        "Now Red, lift your dress. Slowly."

        Red does so and gathers it at her waist. Her legs are revealed. She is not a beauty but not unattractive either. Her panties are red lace. Blonde kisses her through them.

        Brunette continues to watch and drink in silence. Her anger is floating on the lust, power, and alcohol in her bloodstream.

        "You're being a very good girl," says Ian to Blonde. "Just keep doing what your are doing. I'm going to reward you." He orders Brunette to unlock the cuffs.

        "Where are your keys?"

        "In my left pocket. Take them out." Ian wants to remain fully involved as Director and camera man.

        Brunette reaches into Ian's left-front pants pocket and takes his keys. She gets up and unlocks one of Blonde's cuffs.

        "Leave the other on," he orders.

        "I know," replies Brunette, wanting to show that she can do her job in the new ÆCorp. The cuffs dangle from Blonde's right wrist.

        Director has new cues for Red. "Put your briefcase down, and slowly take your skirt off over your head." Red does so as gracefully as she can.

        "Now slowly take off your bra."

        Red removes her red-lace bra and drops it to the floor. Red is down to her red panties and heels. She then picks up her briefcase and places the strap over her shoulder.

        "Now Red, is Blondey doing her job well?"

        "No. She needs to get more involved in her work."

        "You heard her. And you better make her happy. Do you understand?"

        "Yes, Baby," as she tries to be more passionate.

        The action continues. Red is somewhat aroused now that Blonde's motivation is improving.

        "Take your panties off," directs Director. Red obliges while Blonde continues.

        Some time passes before Director can think of a new direction. "And now lads, change partners and dance. Music."

        Brunette is at another crossroads. She asks whom she will have to dance with.

        "Holly-wood, where you can make it if you're just good...," sings Director to Red's delight. "MUSIC."

        Brunette walks over and turns on the stereo and then returns and helps Blonde to her feet.

        "You don't want to dance with Red?" laughs Ian.

        "No," flatly.

        "Grand. Red, come over here and sit by me. ACTION."

        Red, in her briefcase and heels, takes Brunette's position at the headboard. Brunette's anger surges. She has been demoted. And she doesn't want to be videoed. She's never done that before--or so she thinks. But if she refuses, her job will be in jeopardy, especially while a replacement is at hand.

        She and Blonde dance for a while as the music moves from verse to chorus and back. Blonde is loose in her arms, tired from all her work so far.

        "The Two Martini Sisters," laughs Ian. "Now lads, a nice slow dance."

        Brunette holds her closely and tenderly. Blonde responds to the tenderness that is in stark contrast to Red's cold touch. They kiss deeply and dance with Ian's audible approval. Red evaluates their job performance.

        "Remember our secret," Brunette whispers in Blonde's ear. "Say your sentences."

        "I'm secretly yours. I'm secretly yours," in whispers.

        "What are you saying?" snarls Red.

        "She's saying 'Ian, Ian'," says Brunette.

        Red is suspicious and confers with Ian, but he declares that Blonde is supposed to pretend she's with him. Red is skeptical.

        As the Two dance, Brunette continues whispering under cover of the music. "Remember our secret, Sweetness." She holds her tenderly, giving her partner the TLC she needs. Brunette needs it more but, as usual, there is little to be had.

        Yet, all the while, Blonde is deceived. She does not know that she is being videotaped, and Brunette does not tell her. The song ends. The Martini Sisters wait for their next cue.

        "WHAT were you saying?" demands Red from the Number-Two seat.

        "I said 'I want her'," lies Brunette, her anger ready to erupt.

        Conference at the headboard. "I don't believe her." Conference over.

        "You'd better be telling the truth," says Ian.

        The alcohol is now causing Brunette's anger to become a raging torrent. The situation is becoming volatile. Blonde tries to be pivotal, for once. "Please, may I take off my blindfold?"

        "Why?" asks Red.

        "I need to go to the bathroom."

        "No. You didn't kiss my ass well enough," scorns Red.

        Brunette explodes. "Leave her alone, you ugly bitch," she screams.

        Ian zooms in for a close-up on the action. He'll not intervene. This is too good a scene to lose. He tries a new camera angle.

        "Kiss my ass," says Red.

        "Fuck you."

        "Take your clothes off and put your blindfold on. It's your turn."

        "I only take orders from Ian." She waits for his intervention. There is none forthcoming.

        Red gets right in Brunette's face. "On your knees, bitch."

        "Fuck you."

        Red slaps Brunette in the face. Hard. Brunette is stunned.

        "Grand," says Ian. "This is great footage. Take your clothes off," he orders.

        "You heard what he said," sneers Red.

        Blonde's fear is more intense in the dark. "Please," she pleads. "don't fight."

        Brunette somehow says nothing. She does nothing either. The sting in her face pulses.

        "We're waiting," says Red.

        This enrages Brunette even more. "What do you mean 'we'?" asks Brunette. "Who the fuck are you?"

        "As I've already said, I've been retained by your boss to evaluate your job performance."

        Brunette waits for something, anything at all, in support from Ian.

        "Please," pleads Slave. Don't fight. Please, Baby, make them stop."

        "You'll speak to me only when spoken to. You've been a good girl so far. Stay that way."

        "Yes Baby," meekly.

        But the pleadings have diverted the situation for a moment.

"I'm not Slave," argues Brunette.

        "I want you to do whatever Red wants you to do. But first I want you to calm down and have another drink. I'd rather see you two fucking than fighting." Ian laughs at his clever soundbyte. Red laughs too.

        Brunette, trembling, backs off and goes to front room. Red assumes a victorious smile.

        Ian shuts off the camera for a moment and instructs Red to guide Blonde to the bathroom. Red drapes a robe over her and leads her hand in hand to the bathroom."

        Red is a true corporateer. She speaks as if nothing at all unpleasant has happened. As they arrive Brunette is coming out. Red snickers they pass.

        While in the bathroom, Red compliments Blonde on her job performance. "You're good, Cutie. I'm going to put in a good word for you."

        Blonde is actually grateful. "Thank you," she says meekly from the seat.

        At the front-room bar, Brunette feels humiliated. The sting in her face, however, is a powerful incentive to give in to Red. And Ian. This is her job and she must do it or she'll be let go. She's lost battles before in her corporate career. It's no different now just because the game is sex. Power is power. Power is domination. There are times when you just have to swallow your pride with your alcohol. She swigs some more gin.

        She is determined to get good and drunk, and is well on her way. She takes a swig or two more as she makes another round of drinks. After yet another swig, she returns to the boardroom TV studio.

        Red, in Brunette's former headboard seat, is still in her briefcase and heels. Blonde is curled up in an armchair, robed and blindfolded, and back in the cuffs.

        "Now Red, what would you like her to do?" as he turns on the camera.

        "First, I want you to take your fucking clothes off," she says right in Brunette's eye.

        "I'd like to finish my drink first."

        "Go ahead," victorious. Power and lust surge through her.

        Brunette stands there and sips her drink. Red opens her briefcase and takes out a black-lace blindfold and throws it at Brunette's feet. "Put it on."

        Brunette puts her drink at her feet and picks up the blindfold and ties it on. Then she bends down and finds her drink. Red, power, the alcohol, and the blindfold conspire to arouse surrender in her. At least now she is the center of attention.

        She finishes her drink and puts the empty glass back near her feet. She slowly takes off her blouse in a way that she hopes will please Ian. Then her skirt. Then her black-lace bra. She tries to be graceful as she steps out of her black-lace panties leaving her black heels on. She is naked and blind in front of them. And the camera.

        "Off with the heels," orders Red. She obeys.

        "Touch yourself," orders Red. She does so. Willingly.

        After a long while she is aroused to Red's satisfaction. "Now come over here."

        Brunette sits on the bed in front of Red.

        "On your hands and knees." Then Red turns over on her stomach in front of her, briefcase still at her side. "Now you kiss it real good, do you understand?"

        She obeys. Ian zooms in for a close-up.

        "You didn't answer me. Do you understand?"

        "Yes," quietly.

        "I didn't hear you, bitch."

        "YES."

        "When you answer me you're to say 'yes m'am'. Do you understand?"

        Yes, m'am."

        "Louder."

        "Yes M'AM." Brunette feels the passion of domination from the submission end now. It surges through her with the alcohol. She begins to kiss Red's bottom with passion.

        The swell of victory surges through Red. She begins to breathe heavier because of it.

        Ian asks for a job evaluation.

        "She needs to work harder."

        "You heard her."

        Brunette caresses Red with her hands while kissing more intensely. She is engaged in the multi-national symbol of submission. She willingly gives into it. And is aroused ever more by it.

        The action continues, but Director is running out of ideas and is getting tired. The alcohol has led to its inevitable fatigue on all of them.

        "The End," he declares, and shuts off the camera.

        Red gets up and dresses. She takes the cassette out of the video camera and puts it in her briefcase. "For analysis," winking at Ian. She then retrieves the blindfolds from their respective heads, snaps the briefcase shut, and places the strap over her shoulder.

        As she leaves she issues one more victory sneer at Brunette. "I'll be writing up a report on your job performance." She then says goodbye to Ian in an office-like manner.

        Ian falls asleep. Brunette unlocks Blonde's cuffs and takes her by the hand into the front bedroom. As they get into bed, Brunette seeks some of the TLC she needs but Blonde is too tired. The breezes and waves of Banba Bay, and the alcohol, lull the Martini Sisters to sleep in each other's arms. It's the end of another ΔCorp day.

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