Notes From The Underground

Zax of course, had been delighted with her performance, not only with raising the 5K's but also in the small role she had played in the Varinia Affair. Echo had been dismissive of any praise for the latter, but rightly proud of her work in the former. In any event, it was always nice to know that the people you worked for were pleased with your performance. The down side was that Prudence and Zax had simultaneous increased her responsibilities as well as adding new professional challenges for her to tackle. Her current conversation with Prudence concerned the latter. They have been discussing the new tempo-experiential treatments that could be used to 'make every time seem like the first time', as its promotionals claimed. Of course, the intended use of the treatments was much more benign than the applications which Zax had in mind. As originally conceived, they were considered a promising new method for alleviating boredom and depression and for instilling new interest in ordinary, mundane, or repetitive actives. Thus for example, if a woman found herself say growing bored with work or a once favorite activity such as skiing, then taking the treatment would restore all her initial interest and enthusiasm. The way this worked was quite novel. The treatment literally 'restored' or re-created the state of mind that existed prior to ever engaging in the activity. In essence it was as if the activity had never been experienced before. Moreover this was accomplished without loss of memory or coordination. Thus a woman bored with skiing could take the treatment and hit the slopes, so to speak, and experience all the first time excitement and thrills without impacting her skiing ability or loosing her memory of past adventures. As a practical matter she became a 'virgin' again with regards to the sport. It was for this reason the treatment was referred to as the Virgin Treatment.

When Echo had first learned about these treatments, they had sounded too good to be true. However, if the effects were real (and safe) the possibilities were endless with regards to how Zax might employ them. In particular, with respect to the slaves, it might be possible to magnify the Venkatesan Modification by making them re-experience the initial shame and embarrassment (and the accompanying sexual arousal) of becoming slaves as well as all the other activities they were forced to endure on a daily or routine basis. Moreover, it might even be possible to keep them in this state perpetually. Thus for example, Kathryn could 'virginized ' and kept that way forever. Each new encounter with Katina would be as embarrassing and humiliating for her as the first. She would remain perpetually 'innocent' and 'pure', and as such, able to delight her Mistress endlessly with her sexual ignorance and naiveté. When Echo had pointed out these possibilities to Katrina she had immediately recognized their potential, as Prudence had now.

"The other issue is legal. Although the rights of the diapered slaves are severely limited by law, they still retain some control over their physical and mental integrity. As such, Zax may not be able to impose these treatments upon them without their consent and even if such consent was obtained, it is not clear that they could legally grant it. It's a classic conundrum."

Prudence frowned and waved her hand. "I'll have our legal team look into that. For now, we need a test subject" said Prudence.

Echo raised her eyebrows and said "But who Mistress? The ideal subject of course, would be one of the diapered slaves. However, it seems unlikely that one of them would volunteer, assuming of course, that Zax was willing to take the risk, both physical and legal. "

"Yes" agreed Prudence. "I therefore suggest that the treatment be used on Erin, for the reasons you stated."

Echo blinked, her mind trying to discover her Mistress's reasoning. Erin was still in detention, awaiting her investigation. This was of course, a formality, albeit a necessary one, but until the investigation was over, Erin was not under Zax's control and technically retained almost all her legal rights. In particular, she could (if she wished) agree to submit to the treatment. However this seemed very unlikely, at best. On the other hand, as an ex-diapered slave she would make a near-ideal candidate. Still, securing Erin's agreement seemed impossible. "I'm not sure I understand Mistress" said Echo. "Although she would make an excellent test subject, it seems unlikely that she would agree to cooperate."

"Perhaps" said Prudence. "But we might be able to provide her with some incentive."

Echo raised her eyebrows again, but remained silent.

"Cathy Long might serve as the basis for reaching an agreement and securing her cooperation".

Echo was taken aback. Cathy's role in the Varinia Affair had surprised Echo, although she had not found the subject important enough to reflect upon. In truth with Karolyn's 'wedding' and all she had been much too busy to devote either time or thought to so ancillary a matter. Still, Echo had to admit that she had been intrigued by Cathy's part in the affair, especially since the psychology of betrayal had been the key to determining the outcome. However after that fateful night, Cathy Long and her daughter had remained in the City to pick up the pieces of their lives. As far as Echo knew, Cathy had severed all ties with Zax as well as Varinia and Erin, as might be expected. It was therefore unclear how she might play a role in securing Erin's agreement to take the tempo-experiential treatments.

"I don't understand, Mistress" said Echo.

"It's likely that Erin might desire a favor from us with regards to her former companion. In exchange, for which, she would agree to submit to the treatment."

Echo blinked again in surprise. As usual Prudence's reasoning was flawless. Erin would potentially have little to loose from such an exchange; it was clear that after her investigation, she would in all likelihood be under Zax's complete control again, and as such, subject to the whims and desires her new Mistresses. Echo had little doubt that Zax would eventually find a legal way of imposing the tempo-experiential treatments on its diapered slaves. Erin would also realize this. As such, her refusal, at best, would only gain a postponement of the inevitable. On the other hand, by agreeing, she could secure one last concession from Zax. The only problem was, the 'favor' itself. It was unclear to Echo exactly what this might entail.

"I see, Mistress" said Echo. "But exactly what kind of favor might she ask?"

"I don't know" said Prudence. "But it seems very likely that she will take advantage of the opportunity."

"And what if she requests something that is Zax cannot grant? After all Cathy Long is under no obligation to assist us."

"Don't worry about Cathy" said Prudence. "I will take care of securing her cooperation."

Echo raised her eyebrows again and said "Yes Mistress."

"Her Judicial Investigation is coming up soon. You must therefore leave immediately."

"Yes Mistress" said Echo, standing up.

As she walked out of Prudence's office Echo sighed. It seemed Zax's intrigues never ended. Echo disliked participating in such matters, but she knew first hand that it was better to the agent rather than the subject of these unpleasant affairs.

***************************************************************************************************************

Erin sat with Kelly and Stacy in a corner of the detention center's rec-room, away from the twenty or so other women that occupied the large space. The three women were somber and their mood glum. Stacy had just returned from her Judicial Investigation, and like Kelly's (which had concluded yesterday), the outcome and been the same: guilty on all charges. The sentence: diapered servitude. Although the results had been as expected, knowing the actual outcomes eliminated whatever small shreds of hope they might have had for their futures. Evelyn had insisted on a separate investigation for each of them, reasoning that some in their small group might stand a better chance for leniency than others. "Each case is slightly different" she had insisted "and that might make a difference." Erin had agreed, hoping against hope, that perhaps Kelly or Stacy (or maybe both) might escape the worst. However with Stacy's bad news, they knew that this was not to be. Each woman sat silently, reflecting on the grim results and what it meant. In a few days, it would be Erin's turn, but there was really no doubt now as to the outcome.

"Was a date set?" asked Kelly referring to Stacy's impending public humiliation.

"Yes. Same day as yours, tomorrow" said Stacy.

Erin frowned. She had hoped they would be allowed to share this terrible ordeal, but even that was not to be. Well at least Kelly and Stacy would be together, for whatever it was worth. There was not much to say, and the small dejected group spent the remainder of the afternoon in glum silence. When the guards came for them, Erin embraced her friends and said "Well I guess this is it. I won't see you again for awhile, but I'll be along soon enough. Take care."

There were tears in all three women's eyes, as they were escorted away, back to their cells. Erin was still crying when she reached her small cell. However she was shocked to find that it was not empty. Inside, seated on the chair next to the table was a small petite woman with light brown hair and green eyes. As she entered the cell the woman stood up and said "We've never met formally. I'm Echo Pierce."

As the door closed behind her, Erin said "Yes, Erin Brooke." Erin, of course, had immediately recognized Echo but meeting her nemesis like this, out of the blue, so to speak, had left her completely surprised and at a loss for words. It seemed incredible that Zax's malevolent guardian would desire a personal meeting with her. Recovering slightly she said "And what purpose brings you here?"

"Can we sit down?" asked Echo, pointing at the chair and small bed.

"Sure, why not" said Erin, sitting down on the bed.

Sitting down in the chair, Echo said "I have a proposition for you."

"A proposition?" asked Erin, surprised.

"Yes."

Erin thought for a moment. What could Zax possibly want from her at this late date? She had no doubt it was Zax that was behind Echo's visit. In a few days, a week at most, she would in all likelihood be sitting in Zax's dungeon, diapered and under their complete control. What was it, that couldn't wait a few days? "I don't understand" she said.

"Have you ever heard of tempo-experiential treatments?" asked Echo.

"No…" said Erin, more confused than ever.

"Perhaps you've heard the term "Virgin Treatment"?

"Is this some kind of joke?" said Erin becoming angry. "I know what you did to Kathryn and what you have planned for…"

"No" said Echo cutting her off "it has nothing to do with that. It's a new form of physiological conditioning used for depression and boredom. It restores the patient's state of mind so that past experiences are perceived as if they are new and not previously experienced."

"I don't understand" said Erin becoming more confused.

"Zax wants to try these treatments on its slaves. However since they are relatively new, the possible side effects are not fully known. As such, we are looking for a test subject, a volunteer, if you will."

"You have a dungeon full of 'volunteers'" said Erin. "What could you possibly need me for?"

"Well, like I said, the treatments are new and the side effects not fully understood. In addition there are some unresolved legal issues."

"What legal issues?"

"Even diapered slaves retain some legal rights. In particular, they cannot be subjected to treatment that would result in severe physical or mental injury or death."

"I see" said Erin. Zax was apparently looking for a volunteer, someone with nothing to loose. "And what makes you think that I would agree to volunteer for these treatments?"

"If it's the side effects you are worried about, I can assure you that there is little, if any danger" said Echo.

"Hmm" said Echo. The whole thing was odd. Worse yet Zax was behind it, which meant the situation was multifaceted, with most of the facets hidden. That in turn meant Prudence was scheming again. Erin knew however there was no point in trying to discover what was going on. She had learned her lesson once and for all. Still…"It's not the physical or mental danger I'm concerned about. What exactly are you proposing, and why?"

"We would like to give you the treatments before your Judicial Investigation. They only take an hour or so to administer. This will allow us to evaluate their effectiveness and any side effects" said Echo.

"And exactly what are those?"

"None; at least that are known" said Echo.

Erin looked at her skeptically and said "And what might the 'unknown' ones be?"

"There is possible minor loss of memory, perhaps permanent, as well as loss of some physical coordination, also minor."

Erin frowned. Prudence clearly wanted something, and badly; but what? "And exactly what would happen (assuming there were no side effects) if I agreed to these treatments?"

"The treatment itself is painless, of course, and quick. I've even taken it myself, though not, for same experiences you would. After you receive it, nothing would be noticeably different to you, except your feelings and perceptions with regards to the targeted experiences."

"And what experiences might those be?" said Erin.

"All your sexual experiences; including your public humiliations, as well as your time in Zax's dungeon. I should hasten to add, that your memory would not be effected, just your perceptions. It would be as if you were experiencing everything for the first time. In essence you would become a virgin again, at least mentally."

Erin was aghast and completely taken aback. It was now clear why Zax was so interested in this new treatment. If it worked, their slaves would be forced to re-experience the first time horrors of their servitude. In particular, the diapered slaves would … "And why would I ever agree to volunteer for such a monstrous thing?"

"Two reasons" said Echo. "First, it is inevitable. Although the legalities are currently unclear, I think you will agree that Zax is resourceful and will eventually find a lawful way of using these treatments on its slaves. In a short time, you will again be the property of Zax. I can assure you that once you are in the dungeon, you will be subjected to this treatment."

Erin frowned; she was forced to agree with Echo. Zax undoubtedly would find a legal way of using these new treatments on it slaves. "And?"

"Second, if you agree to it now, Zax is willing to grant you a favor."

"What kind of favor" said Erin surprised.

"Whatever you might reasonably want."

"I see" said Erin, noting the word 'reasonably'. Zax was willing to grant her a small favor, as long as it did not interfere with their plans. "And what if I don't want anything?"

Echo looked at her for a few moments and then said "Prudence said to remind you of Cathy Long."

Erin looked at her, shock on her face. Prudence was willing to use Cathy again to get what she wanted. Zax must still have control or at least influence over her. Erin, of course had not seen Cathy since the night of their raid on the storage facility. She had no animosity or even anger towards her former lover. She understood why Cathy had acted as she did. In fact Erin blamed herself more than Cathy for what had happened. Still, Cathy's betrayal had affected not just Erin, but Kelly and Stacy. By tomorrow evening they would be in Zax's dungeon, messing and wetting themselves going through the awful ordeal all over again, and for the rest of their lives. Cathy would, at least in part, be responsible for that. As such, it would be only fitting that she should bear the full memory of what she had done. On the other hand, it would be unfair to Kelly and Stacy to have Cathy witness their shame….

"If you want to think about it, I can come back tomorrow morning" said Echo.

"No" said Erin. "I agree."

Echo raised her eyebrows in surprise. She had not really expected Erin to acquiesce so readily. In fact, she had not even thought that Erin would agree at all. "What do you wish in return?"

"I want Cathy Long and her daughter to witness my humiliation."

It was Echo's turn to be taken aback. But as she thought about it, it made sense. "I think that can be arranged" she said at last.

"Good" said Erin "and one more thing."

"Yes?" said Echo.

"I want you there as well."

***************************************************************************************************************

The next day turned out to be an eventful one. When Erin returned to her cell after breakfast, Echo was waiting for her again. After the guard shut them in, Echo said "Prudence has agreed to your request. However, she has arranged for you to attend the first part of Kelly's and Stacy's humiliation. She said you would understand."

Erin nodded. Prudence was taking tit for tat. Erin had mixed feelings however about the matter. She had hoped that the three of them would have been humiliated together. Unfortunately because of Evelyn's strategy things had not worked out that way. As such, Erin had been spared having to witness her friend's awful ordeal, for which she was largely responsible. On the other hand, she would not be there with them, for what it might be worth. It seemed now, fate had decided differently. "Yes, I do" she said.

Echo nodded. "You agree then?"

"Yes" said Erin again.

"Then let's go" said Echo, motioning towards the door.

Erin sighed, but said nothing, as she followed Echo out of the small cell and into the drab corridor of the detention center. The guard escorted them in silence though several twists and turns and then up a flight of stairs. When they reached their destination, she opened a door and motioned them inside. The room was empty, narrow, and dimly lit. Smoky glass lined the wall opposite from the door where they had entered and beyond the glass Erin could see the all too familiar preparation room. A small shiver ran down her spine as unpleasant memories over two-decades old came unbidden into her mind. This is where the humiliation process began, where the prisoner was prepared for her public ordeal. The preparation room beyond the glass wall was brightly lit and occupied. Erin immediately recognized Susan, dressed in her antiseptically white uniform, arranging instruments near the two 'exam' tables. Off to one side, near a long table containing several plastic bins stood Kelly and Stacy. They were slowly removing their clothes, placing each item into one the bins on the table.

"Hurry it up sluts" said Susan. "It's not like you haven't done this before. I don't have all day to waste on the likes of you."

Erin involuntarily cringed at Susan's harsh tone and even harsher words. Although Erin knew that Kelly and Stacy could neither hear or see her (yet), and that the glass wall separated her from Susan as well as her friends, she was still, at least in spirit if not in fact, very much in the room with them.

What followed was all too familiar. Strangely Erin found that watching her friend's ordeal was harder than actually experiencing it herself. Why this was so, she was not sure; perhaps it was because she considered herself responsible for their predicament or perhaps it was because, in a few days, she knew she would be on the other side of the glass herself. Mercifully events proceeded at a rapid pace. This was in all likelihood due to the fact that both Stacy and Kelly had been through the ordeal before. Both women not only knew what to expect, but that any resistance on their part was futile.