This is the second part of the story of Sofia and Miguel. I intend to have 3 or 4 more parts that will deal with the mutual discovery of Sofia and Miguel and their relationship, Sofia's integration into school and society but with the status of a slave, the execution of the sentence of 500 lashes, and its implementation. -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- "Click, clack."
The sound of the collar closing around my neck echoed the words I had spoken seconds before, and all the people staring at me in the courtroom, were a weight I couldn't bear. I let the tears stream down my face.
"I declare this trial closed! I thank everyone who has been present for their time", he banged the gavel, and after a few seconds, he descended from his podium, spoke with the bailiff, who then spoke to my 'owner' and my lawyer.
I've known Dr. Meireles for over 20 years; he was my college colleague and later dated one of my cousins. Now, he was here, watching me naked and on my knees with a slave collar. I think of all the persons who saw naked me today, he was the one who embarrassed me the most.
"Sofia, Mr. Miguel, we now have to go through the bureaucratic and technical part. The bailiff said we should accompany him to the technical department", Dr. Meireles said in his deep voice.
The bailiff said something to my master, and he then looked at me and said, "Stand up, So...slave, come with us.' His voice wasn't like Dr. Meireles's; it was nasal, and he didn't sound sure of what he was saying or doing.
The four of us walked through the courthouse corridors until we reached a room in the basement.
"Ministry of Justice, Department of Sentence Execution. 1st section."
"We entered a brightly lit room with fluorescent lights and white walls. Seated at a desk was a woman in a white coat. The bailiff handed her a dossier, and after a quick examination, she looked me up and down. She typed something into the computer, then aimed an electronic scanner at my slave collar, which emitted a beep. Afterward, she handed a document to my owner.
"Mr. Miguel Mourato, this pen contains all the information regarding your slave's collar, and an electronic version of the Judicial Slave Guide, 4th edition, revised and annotated. I advise you to take the time to read it."
My owner read the document for a few minutes and then inquired, "What data will be collected, and what are the incentives and benefits mentioned here?"
"The Judicial Slave program is relatively new, and the Ministry of Justice has a protocol with the University of Lisbon and a multinational corporation to enhance the functionality and security of the program. It collects sensory and motor information from your slave and her interactions with the environment. This information is then utilized to calibrate the slave collars." she explained
"Understood, but does the document also mention various benefits and incentives?"
"Of course, data collection must be rewarded. Therefore, in addition to a monthly payment of β¬500, you will receive health insurance for your slave, and you are also entitled to all new software updates for the Collar completely free of charge."
He reread the document and then signed it, handing it over to the technician. It's strange how they talked about collecting my data without seeking my opinion, and even stranger is my lack of reaction.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Miguel. Your slave will be ready for you no later than tomorrow at 1 pm. If there are any changes to the schedule, we will get in touch with you."
"The bailiff bid farewell to Dr. Meireles and my owner."Until tomorrow, gentlemen. Have a good rest of the day." Afterward, they led me to another adjoining room."
"This new room was more spacious than the first. In addition to two women and a man in white coats, it had a counter with computers and various medical and electronic instruments, some of which I didn't recognize. My gaze was drawn to something resembling a mix between a gynecological examination table and a gyroscope, with multiple Velcro straps clearly intended to restrain me. The terror on my face must have been evident.
"Allow me to introduce myself; I am Professor Nuno, and these are my assistants, Cecila and Elizabete," he said, pointing to the two women. "I'm sure you're anxious and frightened, but I assure you that nothing harmful will happen to you, Mrs...?"
"I am Sofia..., sorry... but may I ask what you're going to do to me?" I looked fearfully at the bailiff and the Professor.
He read my file and resumed: "I see that you are a person with higher education; it's rare but makes the explanation easier. As you may have noticed, you are not handcuffed, and neither I nor my assistants have weapons."
"The bailiff has a baton," I said.
"Yes, he has a baton, but not all convicts are middle-aged history teachers who have enough intelligence to know that fighting or fleeing would be futile acts. And even you are in a high-stress state. Tell me, was not your first instinct to escape from this room?"
I responded fearfully, "Yes... I wanted to escape... I'm sorry... will I be punished?"
"Of course not," he said with a smile. "Bzzzzzzzm, Bzzzz," I felt a tingling sensation on my neck and head.
"But if you had tried to escape or harm any of us, or even yourself, you would have felt a much stronger shock than the one you just experienced," he said.
And he continued, "Your collar has various functions. At the moment, they are only the most basic ones. Besides providing electric shocks, it records your position and vital functions. However, after we prepare you, it will have more advanced functionalities that not only protect you but also others. Additionally, it will contribute to the continuous improvement of the program."
"And in addition, you will also receive a medical and gynecological examination. That's the only purpose of the observation harness that caused you so much dread. Its sole function is to allow us to work on your body while you remain immobilized, but apart from a few pricks, no harm or pain will come to you."