[Story excerpt: All the girls were told to lose their white smock uniforms and every other stitch of clothing. Most of them expected that was going to happen.]
Male galley slaves had a very harsh life -- they're naked and chained to their bench all the time with scant shelter from the elements. That's where they have to eat and try to sleep, and do all other bodily functions. They pump sea water on deck once a day and give it a good scrubbing. But even so it was a messy place. The men were from the bottom of society -- surplus slaves, criminals, serious debtors, and prisoners from prior wars.
Service on the queen's yacht was very different. It was a beautiful, slim vessel. Young women from well-to-do families competed hard for each 2-year slot on the crew. Only the most energetic, smart and beautiful were selected. The duties were mostly ceremonial -- they'd row occasionally, typically for a short cruise in the harbor on a warm, calm afternoon or evening. The rest of their time was spent ashore, filled with classes, meals, study, and a busy social schedule. The lucky girls could make social contacts at court that could pay off for the rest of their lives.
War came in 431 BC and the queen donated her yacht to the navy. The queen assembled the crew on the boat and told them they could depart. But she said they could also stay and serve and asked them to consider it. Most decided to stay.
That afternoon professional navy officers came on board and life changed instantly. All the girls were told to lose their white smock uniforms and every other stitch of clothing. Most of them expected that was going to happen. Some did it in a matter-of-fact way, as if it was no big deal. Others had a big smile, from being nervous or excited. A few were shocked. They had no idea they'd have to serve naked. But at that point there was no choice. They had to reluctantly do what all the others were doing and try to make the best of it.
Then chains were installed on both sides of the boat under the benches. All the women were told to lock one ankle into a cuff that was attached to the chain. Some looked scared and did it only reluctantly. Others giggled and cheerfully locked themselves in place.
Metal collars and wrist cuffs came next. When slaves were rowing their wrists would be free. The ship would also be in port from time to time -- sometimes for hours, days or weeks. While in port it was common lock the wrists of the rowers behind their back for extra security as often as possible. The cook and her assistants would help them take their food and water.
Finally the overseer came on board. With a big, hearty bellow he told them how much he loved his job. He'd use the bare young women as target practice for his whip -- especially whichever girls seemed to thinking about being less motivated that day. With even more gusto he told them how much he enjoyed having his dick sucked, and he expected enthusiastic compliance.
Some found this amusing. Others looked concerned. Many of the girls had a sheltered upbringing and it was possible some of them had never been with a man. The girls knew he wasn't bluffing when he selected one of them right away, put her on her knees, and obviously had a great time while she sucked and licked him to orgasm and took it all in like she was told.
After he was satisfied he said to all of them, loud and clear, "Don't worry -- you'll all get lots of chances! And when it's your turn you better do fantastic. If you don't I'll take out my anger on every one of you. So think about how you want to do a great job. If you don't then everyone on this ship will know. I'll make every person suffer and they'll all hate you thoroughly."
The latest rumors seemed to say the war was a big one and might go on a long time. They all knew they'd be released only when there was peace, or at their death. It was very possible, and maybe even likely, they would never be released for the rest of their lives. The girls had to stay silent most of the time. During the rare times when they were allowed to talk they tried to help each other stay upbeat. The shared hardships made them closer.
* * * *
The outgoing commander, Captain Kleio, had a good transition with the new commander, Captain Agis.
They'd crossed paths over the years and had many mutual friends.
He was a newly promoted captain. He had hoped to take command of one of the city's big war galleys.
But he accepted his unusual new command with good cheer. He had a quick, military mind. He realized at once that the slim, graceful yacht was well-suited for unconventional missions like carrying messages, scouting, and moving diplomats. By doing these jobs well he could help the big warships get into the fight at the best time and place and manner. The yacht would do no more quiet harbor cruises on warm afternoons -- stormy, cold dark nights would be the best time to slip in and out of a harbor and get to the open sea without being spotted by an enemy.
On their last evening together Captain Klieo had strong feelings. She had built up a strong connection during her years in command. She was sad to leave. She thought about all the excitement in store for the vessel and the crew. Everyone on board was in for enormous dangers and hardships and thrilling adventures.
"This boat means a lot to me. I'm sorry to leave," she told Agis. "Have you ever considered having a woman for an overseer?" she asked.
Slave management was critical on every Navy vessel. Agis considered the idea seriously. "I'm not sure a woman could be harsh enough to do a good job," he said.
Kleio smiled to herself when she heard that. "Good gods -- men can be so naïve about women," she thought, shaking her head. She could imagine herself as the overseer. She could see herself strolling up and down the ship between the rowers while they were tugging at their oars. She'd swing her whip with cruel precision onto their bare skin to make them yelp with pain and keep them working hard --- and to remind each girl how exposed and vulnerable she is all the time. She could taunt the slaves too, mocking them for being naked and low status, with no way to get any relief. With the right jeering words and the right tone of voice she could sting the girls worse than with the whip. It was a fun little fantasy. She knew she could do it well.
"Oh... I think a woman could be tough enough," she told Agis with a sweet smile.
He nodded soberly. "Well maybe it's something I'll try in the future," he said. "Lars and I have worked together for many years. I think I'll stick with him as my overseer for now."
He paused for a moment. He pointed out to her that there was one rowing seat that was still empty. "I'd like to have all the seats filled by the time we're operational at midnight," he told her.
