67: Saturday October 10, 2043 1900 hours CST: Return to the Bouncy House
That Saturday evening, everybody arrived at the warehouse for Becky's pregnancy party promptly at 7 PM. From the NASA side, every member of the crews was there, including the mining crew led by Mateo. Becky had invited four of her friends from work.
The most striking of these four women was Ella. She was a winsome Latina who looked young enough to be in high school. She was a college freshman who had interned with Becky over the summer. She enthusiastically met the crew and knew their names. She had on the requisite slinky black dress, high heels, and a black clutch. It was appropriate attire for a formal party, but not really for this one. Zach wondered how much Becky had told her friends about what they were likely getting into tonight. Physically, Ella was Becky's body double, were it not for that added blush of youth. Ella's face had its own unique striking beauty.
Becky's tall slender lawyer friend Amelia had their same thin curvy C-cup body and a regal face. She stretched up a few more inches in height. She was a Latina beauty Becky's age with short lighter brown hair and piercing brown eyes. She was wearing a flowery summer dress. Even at the beginning of October, it was still hot in Houston. Her eyes took in the warehouse with interest.
Becky's police detective friend Lucia looked a bit goth. She was in her late twenties, vigorous, wearing a short black dress and boots. She had dark highlights in her hair and a few piercings and tattoos. She looked friendly and accessible to Zach, but also a badass. She was almost as tall as Amelia but much more muscular. Her D-cup breasts and ample hips fit her powerful frame well.
Most distinguished was Ximena, an older Latina woman in her mid-forties. She worked as a judge in the family court. She had been a mentor to Becky. Since Becky practiced corporate law exclusively, it was acceptable for them to hang out together. She was quite short, a smidge shorter than Colleen, and was dressed inconspicuously in a cream-colored blouse and slacks. Her hair, black with a hint of gray, was elaborately put up. She wore big earrings. She had a soft, intelligent gaze.
The Master spoke up. "We have a much bigger crowd here tonight. That's great. We love repeat business. And, yes, Becky is our guest of honor tonight. You can call me 'Master'." There were introductions and re-introductions all around.
Master said, "Since the company is much more mixed this time, I want to ask. Is anybody not comfortable getting naked in front of anybody else? There will be mostly nudity this evening." Nobody raised their hand to object. Zach was relieved. It appeared Becky had told her friends something about the evening.
"Second question," said the Master. "Does everyone know what a safe word is?"
"I have heard of them," said Lucia the detective, "But I've never had occasion to use one. I'd appreciate an explanation." Ella the college student looked relieved that she didn't have to ask.
"Good," said Master. "We have what's called a 'house safe word'. It is the word 'red'. If you say 'red' or shake your head vigorously side-to-side like this at any time, the action will stop immediately. We never want to have anything get more uncomfortable than you want it to be. You should never be embarrassed to say 'red'. It helps us do a better job." He added, "I know that some of you have your own safe words, but the safe word we'll all use tonight is 'red', agreed? Raise your hand if you agree to this." Everyone raised their hand.
"All right, who wants special treatment?" asked Master.
"Colette does," Alexis said quickly. Looking hard into Colette's eyes, she said, "I want you to make her wish she had a safe word." Colette was quiet, looked excited, and was trying to stay cool in front of their new guests.
"Uh... what is special treatment?" asked Ella.
"Good question, which people surprisingly hardly ever ask," said the Master. "It means that later in the evening, those receiving special treatment will each be taken to their own private room by some of our staff. There, they will be restrained and brutalized in hopefully not unpleasurable ways. Sound interesting?"
"Yikes," said Ella. Master chuckled.
Becky blurted, "I'm going to do it this time." Ella regarded her, eyes wide.
"Do most people do this?" asked the judge, Ximena.
"Another good question," said Master. "It depends on the group. Sometimes, people are here for the general ambience, and nobody does it. Sometimes we get a group of aficionados and they all do it. Last time, this group was somewhere in between." Master added, "But don't do it out of peer pressure. Do it if you're generally curious or interested."
"Maybe next time," said Ximena, smiling at Becky.
Lucia the detective addressed Becky, "Are you sure, Becks? Most of these astronauts didn't do it last time."
"I'm sure," Becky resolved. "It's prudent to get your feet wet and then come back for more."
"That's a good attitude," said Master. "Don't worry. There will be many challenging aspects to this party even if you opt out. Anybody else?"
Looking at Zach, Aanya said, "It was interesting once. I would prefer to opt out this time."
"No problem," said Zach.
Anming began, "My, husband-"
"You'll do it," said Zach to Anming.
"My husband," said Anming, looking genuinely distraught, "Please don't. Last time they did so many dirty, wrong things to me-"
"Were you inspired?" asked Zach.