I looked out of my 'virtual window', actually a camera monitor connected outside the dungeon fortress, and noticed 'Sailing Master' just warping into dock, with our longshoreman helping with the lines. Obviously, Nick had been showing off his seamanship once again; he was just dropping his last sheet. Dammit! I told him about always being under power in the harbor; people do swim or fish out there. He made it safely again, without a scuff on the fender.

Watching my brother, my sister, and their families come ashore, I was almost tempted to go out to speak with them. Almost. However, after the incident some years ago, the last time I attempted to make peace, I had come to the realization that such was never to be in my life. Somewhat in disappointment, I turned away from my 'window', and quickly showered and dressed myself for the new day.

Moving out into the hallway, I checked the wallclock for the time. Early breakfast! OK, good. I was feeling rather peckish. Leaving my quarters, I moved down a back corridor towards the dining room. I began to see/feel something odd, as though I were walking towards myself somehow. Suddenly, I realized it was Jade, walking towards me.

"Good morning, ah, Sir," she said.

"Hello, Jade. Have you eaten yet today?" I asked.

"Not as yet, Sir. I was on my way, then asked to help someone lost by Ruby."

"By whom, Jade?"

"I said by, oops, that is, by Mistress Ruby, Sir," she quickly corrected.

I smiled at that. "How about joining me for breakfast? I would appreciate your company." She smiled and nodded, turning the corner to come with me.

Having picked a healthy selection of victuals for breakfast, I turned to Jade and asked her how her familiarization to Dungeon life was proceeding.

"Well, Sir, there are problems. I know you and Lord Mobius are in charge. Then there are others, like Mastermike and Mistress Ruby who are in charge, but not as much as you are. There are others as well, 'different' people, who give orders or talk in my head. I am very afraid of those as some sound evil. One of those others is Yuri, and he asked you to help train me, did he not Sir?"

"I'd say he's made some progress, Jade. You are much more respectful than you were last time we met."

"Yes, Sir. He's been... training my mind, I guess you could say. Part of my mind knows how to act, while another part of me seems, oh, I don't know, Sir; seems confused and angry because I don't know who I really am! Sir. Sorry, I didn't mean to shout, Sir." Many half-risen others settled back into their chairs, comfortible there was no threat to me.

"It is important to you, Jade, to find out who you are; that's understandable. That is why Yuri wants you to be with others, to learn discipline for yourself before throwing yourself into the other side of your problems. Can you see that, Jade?"

"Yes, Sir I think I do. But I have such strong desires and needs. I'm so mixed up inside!" Again, a little loud for the company; a wave of my hand calmed them.

All but one. She came over to our table, set her glass of juice on the table, and sat down next to Jade. My head came up in surprise, until I noticed who it was.

Sexslave said, "Jade? My name is sexslave. I came here the first time unwillingly and afraid. Care and training and love and personal responsibility have taken me out of this place, thinking I am ready for the world. I learned that the world was more than ready for me! After being arrested and beaten and sold and beaten more and dumped for dead in some big city's dumping grounds, I woke with wounds all over my body.... but my mind had finally cleared as to what I needed in my life. And it was here. I returned and asked the Lords for my punishment as I left without permission. I have yet to feel it, but whatever it is, it is sure to be just and fair."

Jade lifted her head from my shoulder and looked at sexslave. "You just say that because Sir Chuck is here and you hope to flatter him!"

Another person, walking by, pulled out a chair. "No, Jade, that's not fair; nor is it true. I was left here by my old master half starved and dying from old infections and wounds. Lord Mobius brought me in, had me treated for my injuries, and has shown true concern. I know if I would do something incorrectly that I would be advised first. Here there are no evil masters, those who see anything a slave does and tells them it's wrong only to delight in the punishment. And I was even allowed here to pick my own name, Mary! Evil masters don't do that." She rose to leave, and kissed me gently on the cheek as she left.

"Jade, you have a depth of soul I have never felt before," I said. "But control is your problem. I remember how angry you were when I punished you. But you have heard from sexslave, here, that she has ASKED for a punishment. Can you visualize the type of person who has her world so completely in her grasp that she is strong enough to give contol of herself to others? And to do so simply for her own education?"

"sexslave," I said, "Will you allow Jade to see your requested punishment today? So she may learn?"

"Lord Chuck, if that is what you wish, I will be honored to have her present," sex slave answered.

I turned to Jade. "Did you hear flattery in that reply? Was she fawning over me to change my intentions? Was she just agreeing to prevent more punishment?"

Jade responded, "No, Sir, but.... then it just doesn't make sense! Why ask for pain? Why come back? Why cooperate?"

sexslave spoke up. "Jade? Why don't you just do what I do today and find out? Maybe you'll get the answers to some of your questions! You might see the pleasures of submission!"

to be continued