Not on Earth

[Perplexia]

Over the earth's existence many people have simply disappeared in one form or another. It has left tons and tons of unsolved cases over the years. So where did they all go? Or at least some of them. At the age of 5 lil Marie had wandered off the playground to get a ball, walked into the brush and poof she simply disappeared through a portal to another dimension.

The planet Xallifon had been collecting earthmen/women, and children for as long as they could trace their ancestry back. They were all medically checked, and placed into different sellable categories. As little Marie was one of the youngest, her determination of occupation was unable to be determined. Her red pigtails and button nose would require someone that was willing to put in time and keep her as a ward until she was old enough to be put to work. Her occupation could end up being anything from governess, to alien pleasure worker. Depending on her owner he could even create a channel dedicated to her ..adventures.

Luckily for her a man with kind eyes chose her, brought her home, and raised her like his very own. They had a close relationship, she was always excited for their vacations, or movie nights. To some she seemed spoiled, and enjoyed dressing up in the cute outfits he’d buy for her. She enjoyed their banter and intellectual discussions. Her 18th birthday was in a couple days.

“Daddy?” she questioned flipping to the calendar. “I know that we said we’d talk about the options of where i go when i turn 18, to what occupation they’ll put me to, but what if I don’t want to go? Is there a way that I can stay with you?

 

[susurrus]

Xallifon had been doing it for generations. The technology to pierce dimensions had been discovered long before his great-great-grand was a boy. The reasoning behind the abductions from other worlds was lost to the blurring of ages, but it continued.

Some worlds were more popular than others for aquisitions. One in particular, the natives called "Earth." To the Xallifon, it was 10-15-RC-omega. The Earthers, or "humans," as they called themselves, were most like Xallifon genetically and anatomically, with a great many of the same emotional and intellectual traits. Their life spans were only a fraction shorter than the average Xallifon, and the variation in their skin and hair tints was remarkable. They were capable of virtually every task asked of them, and if one's life failed, there was a planet populated with literally billions of them. One fewer could hardly be missed.

Pre-adult and young adult were typically the age range of the Acquired, as they had learned the majority of what their new lives would require, while younger was of little use, because their bodies were not fully developed yet, and their brains and minds still needed filling.

Nevertheless, occasionally a younger human emerged from the Acquisition Chamber, and it was up to someone to take that one in and put in the work of teaching.

That was one of the other reasons for the Acquired's general age. It was more difficult to become attached to someone you didn't need to expend your time, energy and emotion on. The older ones, once they had been oriented and initiated, could go right to work, regardless what that work was.

Xallifon tended to be quite randy, so many of the Acquired ended up in some manner of sex trade. The Xallifon were not nearly as fertile as humans, though, nor susceptible to a great many of the afflictions humans were. Fortunately for all involved, the same minds that had developed interdimensional travel had also determined the process to both eradicate the afflictions humans were prone to, as well as limiting their ability to procreate, to assure Xallifon would not be overrun like the humans' home world had been.

So, while the Acquired protested and threatened when they arrived initially, when they found that they could fuck almost anyone they wanted, practically whenever they wanted, with few limitations and rare consequences , they accepted their lot fairly readily.

As with any mixing of cultures, lines began to blur after time. Xallifon had begun adopting human names and words, and some Acquired liked the otherworldly sound - to them, at least - of Xallifon names and terms.

Nolan stood at the Acquisition Center - as many did on Acquisition Days - to see the latest as they arrived. One by one they appeared. Two young men emerged and were quickly ushered into the exam rooms.

Next came a large, hairy blue beast who rushed the standing crowd, who let out a gasp and parted to let it go wherever it intended to go. It didn't get far before there was an ear-splitting crackle and the creature tumbled in a heap. While the enormous creature was dragged off in the opposite direction the two humans had gone, an attendant with a records pad was yelling, "Why the fuck did no one let me know they were bringing over a gods-damned Kallorian today?"

Everyone watched the big beast get dragged ignominiously away to medical. Nolan saw movement in his peripheral vision and turned his head to see a little girl, confused and frightened, on the verge of tears, step out onto the arrival dais.

The only other one to see her was the single attendant who hadn't had to assist in the Kallorian's disposal. He stepped up to the girl and grabbed her arm. She was being dragged away in the direction the two men had gone.

Nolan rushed to the attendant, waving his ID card. Swiping it over the attendant's pad, he told the man: "When she passes medical, she's mine."

The attendant shrugged and looked Nolan up and down once before continuing through the exam doors.

A week later, an official from Acquisitions stood at his door with the child beside him. She still looked uncertain, but not as terrified as she had been.

Years passed. Cries for her family and world how many planes of reality away eventually subsided until they disappeared completely. Nolan beamed the day she called him "daddy." He taught her, he watched her grow. He protected her, he saw the woman she was becoming.

Days before her eighteenth birthday, she mentioned what she would be. As she was so young when acquired, her potential had not, at that time, been quantifiable. Soon, that would not be the case. Marie knew she was not Xallifon. She was just a little too short, and her body far rounder in certain places than the Xallifon girls were.

To her question, Nolan pulled her in close and told her, "In two days, you'll know what you will do."

 

[Perplexia]

Though tempted to stomp her foot like a pre teen and huff and puff, she did not. Nolan had taught her much better manners and education than that. Letting him down with negative behavior always made her feel much worse than not getting her way. Wrapping her arms around him she hugged him tightly. "alright Daddy" she murmured into his chest. The anticipation was killing her, she didn't want to leave Nolan. She had heard rumors that some were bought by companies from their 'guardians'. If they qualify high enough its not uncommon. But would he actually sell her? Though most of her believed with her heart he did love her as she did him. Money had a strange effect. After all he put much more time and resources into her than the average Xallifon.

"I'm in a baking mood, so I shall make myself a cake to celebrate my soon to be birthday. Is there any flavor you would like Daddy?"

Her memories of the time before she came here were limited. People and names faded from her memories as the season had once changed. Nolan had kept her well protected and safe. She didn't know much of the outside world she lived on, other than what she was told or read. Getting her to eat had been difficult, she had been a stubborn child that loved her spaghetti o's and chocolate milk. But with coaxing and patience, she began to widen her palette with her knowledge base. Through Nolan's introduction to things she found herself interested in many hobbies, from gardening to cooking, reading, and writing stories.

There wasn't any use in wondering what her life would have been like had she never gone through that portal, because she did and there was no going back. Though part of her did feel bad for the parents that lost her, even if she no longer remembered their names or faces. "Can I have a Koogal for my birthday?" she asked going into the kitchen. A Koogal was a domestic creature much like a dog would be on earth.

 

[susurrus]

Nolan could tell Marie was frustrated that he wasn't going to reveal his plans for her until her actual birthday. Still, he'd been giving the matter some significant consideration, and had come to a conclusion what to do with her.

"You go ahead and make the cake whatever flavor you like: it's your birthday. Besides, you know I like faral flower, but you've never found much of a taste for some traditional Xallifon flavors.

"And I know you'll be considered an adult, but don't you remember what happened to the sithran I got you a while back? You left the window open and it ran away. I'm not saying you're that girl anymore, but how about I just say: let me think about a koogal. That would be a much bigger responsibility for us both."

 

[Perplexia]

"yes Daddy" she said with a smile. "Perhaps you're right, perhaps we should table that for now. Until after my birthday and things get into whatever routine they may." Marie was actually proud of herself for that statement, as she revealed her budding maturity and forethought.

"Will you take me to the market so I may get the ingredients that are needed for our dinners and such?" Ideally she could go on her own, however as she was so close to the assignment age it was dangerous that she could be taken by a greedy Xallifon. As of right now she was unclaimed and unmarked. Simply because it wasn't legal to do so until she was 18.

"if you'd rather wait till tomorrow I can put something together" she advised fearing he may be too tired from his day. "i can make us up something light, we can watch a movie, and I can give you a massage if you'd like."

 

[susurrus]

Nolan was tired, but Marie seemed anxious to do something... probably to take her mind off the decision that would be made regarding her future in a couple days.

"Certainly, we can go to the market. It would be nice to get some fresh air. You go get ready and I'll finish what I was doing. I'll meet you back here in ten minutes, okay?"

 

[Perplexia]

"Alright Daddy" She replied with enthusiasm. Ten minutes later she was dressed in a more conventional fashion, long skirt with a long sleeve blouse. Her hair wrapped up neatly in a bun instead of the ponytail, or pigtails she normally wore. At home she would wear the cute short dresses Nolan bought her. Frilly, pretty and cute, showing off her little curves and shapely legs. Marie loved the look in his eyes when she wore them for him.

The market was only moderately busy. Her wrist tethered with a nylon type strap which connected her to Nolan's hand. It was for safety as well as a silent declaration she belong to him. A basket in her other hand as they walked around and she picked the items she would need for the next couple of days dinner. She also picked him up some Faral flowers so she could make him some mini cakes that he could take with him when he ventured out without him.

For Marie, these little outings allowed her to observe the habitants of this planet and what she might expect if she were to be taken away from Nolan. On occasion she would see girls tugged harshly by their straps. Some mocked and made to fall. From what she had been taught, it was their right to do with their property as they wished. Even as though to her Nolan was her Daddy, and never treated her as some were abused. It was made very clear that at the end of the day she was property.

Unlike earth where education and societies allowances for humanity and the rights and wrongs of such livelihood. There were none of the sort here. For this was simply the way things were. There was on occasion a problem that would occur with the older arrivals, for they had grown and had been educated in a world quite opposite of this one. Those that would try to revolt, or create a rebellion were dealt with swiftly and harshly in public. All of the arrivals were brought out to watch the punishments, as a warning of what would occur if they ever attempted such actions.

The thought hadn't even been considered in Marie's mind. She loved her life with Nolan, and was terrified that it would end and she'd be taken away. With the shopping done, and back at home. She placed their groceries away and went back to change into a home outfit. Now in her short pink mini skirt and v neck tank top. Marie made dinner and served Nolan his on her knees as she'd been taught.

 

[susurrus]

Nolan hated taking Marie out, to see how other Acquired were treated. He hoped it made Marie realize what a different relationship they had. It was fully within his right, by Xallifon law, to treat Marie however he saw fit, regardless of her age. He had done that, teaching her how he wished her to behave, how he wished her to dress, particularly when they were alone. That she was quite young when acquired made her training much easier. She hadn't had the morals and ethics of her home world quite as deeply ingrained as she would have were she older.

On rare occasion, he was confronted with the way he treated Marie in public. The possessor strap that linked them in public told all of her status and made the possibility of her abduction much less likely. If confronted with the lax, almost indulgent way Marie was treated in public, Nolan merely had to have her display her subservience, one of the benefits to having taken the years to train her himself. As with so much else, her youth had meant she hadn't possessed so many deep-seated attitudes, and while it had been necessary on occasion to get harsh with her, it wasn't nearly so necessary now.

It pained Nolan when Marie stopped to watch one of her fellow Acquired be punished in public. He wondered what she felt at those times, but hadn't asked.

Marie shopped happily, the smile only leaving her face when she stopped to see the abuse of one of her fellow homeworlders.

Nolan saw that the girl even picked up some faral for him, and it was his turn to smile. He hoped she would make her cake to suit her tastes, and was only getting the faral to please him in possibly an additoonal confection for him.

Back home, Marie changed back to her home mode of dress, one far more revealing than those he preferred she wear in public. Some Xallifon demanded their Acquired servants be naked at all times, so it was a common thing to see nude bodies while out on the streets. It depended on the task the Acquired did. There were jobs that just wouldn't do for a nude person, but it was not uncommon, or near-nudity, for many.

Nolan went back to work while Marie busied herself in the kitchen. When dinner was ready, she called him in. He found her in her usual spot, on her knees by his chair.

Caressing her hair, he smiled down and murmured, "Good girl." Before seating himself and nodding that she could rise and get her own meal.

 

[Perplexia]

Marie smiled as he caressed her hair and called her good girl. She always craved those words. Rising she joined him for dinner. Tonight she was less chatty. Her mind preoccupied and worried of what her future held. Her life here had been a good one. She had a loving Daddy, she was never beaten out of context or treated as a nuisance. He gave her no indication of what was to come, and she knew better than to try to push him to tell her.

There was probably a law of some sort that prevented him from doing so. She wasn't sure of all of the specifics. But she held on to the hope she would remain with him. After dinner she cleared the table and cleaned the kitchen. Marie preceded to make his faral mini cakes, so he would have them for his snacks. Placing one on a tray with his favorite night time beverage she brought it to him in the common room, kneeling once again and presenting the tray to him.

After he ate it, she again cleared the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. Returning to him to curl up by his side as he read. There was great comfort in their quiet evenings. Resting her head against his shoulder, and cuddling up close. Her short dress always revealing a bit more flesh as she curled up next to him. It was her intention to hold these memories tightly, if she were forced to leave. If things got bad, she could always go to her happy place. Her time with Nolan.

 

[susurrus]

Marie was unusually quiet during this meal. Typically she was inquisitive, always interested in what he was working on, and of late, interested to find out what her fate might be come her birthday. Nolan didn't enlighten her on that latter part. Those plans weren't really a secret, but het felt it wasn't something to mention too early.

That evening, he was reading, a common occurrence most nights. Marie arrived holding a tray with his agnut tea and a bluish little cake. This was his faral flower cake. The tea aided in his sleep, the cake was a treat. He smiled as he took each and placed them on the table beside him.

Marie then disappeared, emerging a little later. She snuggled up close, loving the contact with his body. Nolan reached over and rested a hand on her hip and felt her wriggle a bit closer yet. He continued reading, her warmth pleasant, comforting.

After a while, he put his reader down and kissed Marie's hair.

"I wish I could tell you what will happen day after tomorrow. I want it to be a surprise. I hope it will be. There will be many people at your Assignment," he told her. "It's been quite a while since someone as young as you was brought over. I've had many offers for you. You're quite a prize."

 

[Perplexia]

Marie looked up at him as he spoke to her. She smiled when he told her he wanted it to be a surprise. In her experience with him surprises had always been good things. "I know that I have been blessed in being chosen by you. I've seen the way the others are treated. I know that you had to put a lot of time and resources into me. As much as i don't want to leave you, I realize that i was an investment and you may choose to sell me to recoup or make a profit. But know that I will never forget you, and you will always be my prize." a couple of tears released and fell down her smooth cheeks.

She truly felt lucky to have been allowed a life with him. There was no telling what her fate may have been without him. Marie had heard rumors of what happened to those that hadn't been chosen, and even some that were simply sold and resold after alterations had been made to them. But she would be brave and remain true to the values and training Nolan had installed in her. Tomorrow she would go for her exam, and they would hold her over night to maintain she was still pure on her birthday. Apparently there had been issues in the past where the owners had taken liberties after they'd been approved, and sold tainted goods.

"I will make you up some meals in the morning before we leave, so that you'll have food." she declared. It was important to her that he was taken care of. "Daddy, can i sleep with you tonight?"

 

[susurrus]

Marie had become very close in Nolan's heart and mind. She'd gone from a duty to a daughter. It was the joy and the danger of taking in an Acquired so young. The money he could get from her would be tremendous, as she was pretty, smart and eager to please.

"You'll always be my prize, also," he murmured into her hair.

"Do as you like. You know I managed to survive before you came along, but I thank you."

As far as the last, he was torn. At first, she'd slept on a flat cushion in a corner of his bedroom. Eventually she graduated to a room of her own. Now, she wanted to share his bed.

"Being as tomorrow night you will be in Assignment housing, I will allow it. We can celebrate your birthday early, before you're escorted to the Assignment center."

 

[Perplexia]

Marie smiled at his allowance of letting her sleep in his bed with him. Sweetly thank him with a kiss on his cheek. When the time came she changed into her little pink pajama shorts and tank top. Crawling into bed with him she snuggled up close like they did on the couch. The cleavage of her ample bust rising and falling providing an almost full view of her bare firm ripe breasts. She was anxious about being away from him. Since she came to his home she'd never spent a night without him near. He had been all she'd really ever known since coming here.

When morning came she woke before him. Staying in bed a little longer, to just remember his embrace, an smell. Eventually she rose from his bed and went to the shower. Once dressed she made his morning drink and a large breakfast, and prepared a lunch a snack and a dinner to ensure he was taken care of. Then she went to work on her cake so they could celebrate before she went to the Assignment housing. The mere thought of going to such a place sent a chill down her spine. From what she had heard it was like a hospital. Everyone wore the same drab outfit, speak only when spoken to, poked and prodded like a cattle. It was a cold dreary place.

When Nolan rose and came down she kneeled and present his breakfast and drink, then joined him once he nodded.

 

[susurrus]

Marie's delight at being allowed to spend the night in his bed was evident. It made Nolan glad to see her smile.

That night, he readied himself for bed, being sure to wear bottoms of some manner, as he usually slept wearing nothing at all. When Marie appeared in her nighttime ensemble, she bounded directly into the bed with him, where she snuggled up close. He was careful to keep a neutral demeanor regarding her body and what she displayed. It would be quite inappropriate to show any kind of interest until she was of Assignment age. They fell asleep like that, as father and daughter, enjoying the closeness of each other's company.

Next morning, Nolan awoke alone. It wasn't an unusual thing. He could hear Marie moving about in the kitchen. He washed up and when he was ready, went to breakfast, where Marie obediently went to her knees after presenting his morning meal.

"Good morning," he started, taking a sip of his morning's drink, called Rakor, which was much sweeter and milder than Earth's coffee. "What would you like to do today, aside from gathering up the few items you'll need for your evening in Assignment?"

 

[Perplexia]

Marie smiled at Nolan "Good Morning Daddy, I hope you slept well."

"Could we go to the Shakar?" she questioned with enthusiastic hope. A Shakar would be the equivalent of an earths craft fair. Marie had a fondness for things people created with their own hands. Whether it be bits and bobbles, artwork, clothing, or Knick knacks. She loved original items. Perhaps some mooncream as well? she questioned with a grin. Mooncream was the equivalent of ice cream on earth, of course everything had its differences.

Marie hoped to put off thinking about leaving for her Assignment evening as much as possible. Nolan had always made a big deal of her birthdays. She knew others weren't so lucky. It didn't bother her; she'd have to wear her public outfit or be tethered. It was the way it was.

 

[susurrus]

Nolan listened to Marie's requests and nodded. It was as he'd expected.

"Of course. The shakar it is, then. Tomorrow will be a big, scary day. You deserve something to take your mind off the possibilities of how your life may change come one more sunrise. Tonight all those 'what ifs' will flood in on you as you sit alone in your room.

"Get yourself ready and we'll go once I've finished eating."

 

[Perplexia]

Her mood changed quickly from excited they could go to Shakar, to somber over the thought of sitting alone in a room. Rising from the table she cleared her dishes, cleaned up the kitchen and then went upstairs to change. She didn't want her life to change, she didn't want to think of the possibilities of not being here tomorrow.

Marie went upstairs to change and came back down to clear Nolan's dishes when he was done. Once he was ready they headed out to the Shakar and her mood improved greatly. She was pretty good about remembering the correct way to display herself and manners. It could cause Nolan distress if he ended up being chastised for how he let his acquired misbehave. Making their way down the block designated for the Shakar, they stopped at various booths discovering new creations.

 

[susurrus]

Marie's face lit up when they reached the shakar. The colors, the sounds, the smells... it was almost overwhelming. Nolan always enjoyed watching her reactions to all the activity. When she found something that particularly enticed her, she had to touch. If a musician's melody beguiled her, she had to stop and listen, or if the mood struck, dance. Almost every food stall that offered samples, she had to taste. Yet, through all this, she maintained the manners of the Acquired, cognizant of the fact that, should her behavior be deemed untoward, that it was he and not her that would be chastsed for it.

At one point, they sat at a small table with a light meal laid out before them, the bustle of the crowd only a couple arm's lengths away, Nolan watched Marie's eyes alight yet with the energy around her. "Enjoying your last day of freedom, my girl?"

 

[Perplexia]

"Yes My Master Nolan, Thank you." she replied without missing a beat. She was so energized she could barely stay in her seat. Though an acquired was never truly free, she understood what he meant by his words. "I shall remember this day always." she said softly. She knew that it was getting closer to the time they acquire the few items she'd need. Really just the basic kit of sanitized items, brush, toothbrush, stink powder (deodorant), soap, hair soap and hair removal strips. For some reason the Xalifon found human hair growth on the bodies of the acquired disgusting. Perhaps because they lacked it themselves. So Nolan had procured for her the necessary items when she hit puberty and had her taught how to use them.

Once they left the Shakar and gotten the items she needed. They went home. She packed up her bag with her items and came down when the Transport escorts arrived. She was tagged on a collar, and tethered and taken to the vehicle. She couldn't say goodbye to Nolan, at least not the way she wished with the people watching. The drive seemed to take moments and the broad gates opened to let them in. Marie was taken into a room, told to strip and use the items she brought. Once satisfied, they escorted her to the Medical room where she was placed on a chair and examined head to toe being poked and prodded in places that had never been touched. "Pure class A send notification to her owner". with that she was escorted to a room that was the equivalent of an earths prisons solitary cell.

Other than a tray with food she deemed inedible, she laid on her cot and stared at the ceiling. Morning came and she was taken to the assignment facility. The only thing she knew is that Nolan would be able to choose to keep her or sell her, and they would give him a list of available assignments she'd qualify for.

 

[susurrus]

Nolan glowed inside at Marie's delight with the day. He hated to see that enthusiasm dimmed, but knew it would likely be extinguished entirely when the Assignment escort took her away.

Before heading back home, they stopped to get necessities for her night away. After that, it would be the responsibility of her new owner to provide for her.

The most important item Marie needed were depilatories. Humans were incredibly hairy, the men in particular, but without regular maintenance, the women could be quite unappealingly so as well. In general, they were allowed to keep the hair atop their heads, for the Xallifon possessed such hair, and depending on the owner, an Acquired may be allowed to keep the hair that grew at their genitals, but aside from that, the Xallifon aesthetic preferred smooth skin, unadorned with hair or artwork of any kind. Those Acquired who possessed such artwork - there was a lot of it recently - were forced to undergo the arduous and painful pricess of having that artwork removed.

When they arrived home, an Assignment transport awaited. Beside it stood two females, one Xallifon, the other human. From where Nolan stood, he could just make out the owner's mark at the human woman's hairline. It was quite probable that the Xallifon who stood beside her was the owner of that mark.

Nolan gave a nod of acknoledgement to the women, and received one in return. No words were necessary, they all knew why the women were there.

The escort remained where they were while Marie prepared. Nolan followed her, watching her go about her final tasks slowly but dutifully. He saw the wistful way she silently went through every room, dragging her fingers lightly over things that held significance for her. He noted that many of the things she lingered over were actually his, that he interacted with on a frequent basis.

Eventually, she was finished. With no words, but a look that said more in its tearless stoicism than a day's conversation could have said, she picked up her small bag of preparatory necessities and mouthed "Thank you," before opening the door, revealing her escort, now standing there on the threshhold.

There was something of an eerie quality in the wordlessness of the entire procedure. In fact, since they'd arrived home to find the women waiting, no one had said anything. Marie knew there was an inevitability to her life, to her future. It was cruel, it wasn't right, but Nolan had taught her all her life the history behind the Acquired and how the attitude of the ones assigned often had a bearing on how good or hard their Xallifon life could be.

Nolan watched as Marie received the silver collar of Assignment and the human woman fused its ends. There would be no removing it until the ceremony the next day, when Marie would learn her fate.

The women walked on either side of Marie on the way to the transport. Marie walked with them with head held high, causing no disturbance. She knew that fighting would just make the process less pleasant than it already was.

Nolan watched the whole proceeding with an emptiness inside. She'd become such a part of his life... a part of him. He'd tried to keep sentimentality from his heart the closer this day approached. It was difficult, but keeping a neutral stance helped him get through it. Now, he stood by and let the process continue. It would be over soon.

Just as he knew Marie was doing, he prepared himself for the upcoming morning.

After a fitful night's sleep, he awoke. For the first time in years he wasn't met by the kneeling beauty with his morning meal. The place seemed extremely empty with Marie not in it.

Nolan ate one of the prepared meals Marie had left for him, then got dressed and went to the Assignment pavilion. A crowd was already gathering. It had been quite a long time since a Xallifon-raised Acquired was Assigned, and many wished to be there for the ceremony.

 

[Perplexia]

Marie knelt at the door as she heard the lock being turned. Her face was blank as they clipped the tether to her collar. They stopped at five other cells and lined up the acquired by height. Marie was placed at the end, for she as the shortest. They tethered them all together, like an earth chain gang and proceeded to take them to the Assignment arena. There was quite a bit of chatter from the crowd as the girls were lined up for display and clipped to a metal ring on the floor.

The assignment officiant went through the rules. Six rankings available. F meant the girl was good only for a whore house or hard labor, E meant the girl qualified for servant duty or a sexy worker, D meant the girl could be put to work in a shop, a servant, or a sex worker. C meant they qualified for clerical work, , shop worker, servant or sex worker. B meant they qualified as an elite escort, a secretary, a shop worker, or a sex worker. The grade A meant she was worth the most. It was explained that they were rare and highly sought after because they were capable of more then a midlevel Xallifon. Whatever the owner could imagine as a job for them, they were approved for.

Searching the crowd for Nolan Marie vaguely listened as they began. The tallest girl was introduced. "This Acquired is owned by Thomas Zaglidust. She has been given the letter E, Would the owner please rise. "Keep or sell" the question was posed to him. "Sell". She was led off the stage and placed in the auction cell. Next this Acquired is owned by Gerard Finete, She has been given the letter B. The crowed reacted positively with a clap. "Will the owner please rise, Keep or Sell" "Sell" was his response and the crowd clapped and clamored as they had hopes of purchasing her. The next Acquired is owned by Silvie Mangle, she has been given the letter F. Please rise Keep or sell" Silvie took a moment and looked quite perturbed. "Sell". The next Acquired is owned by Horus Cantabury, She has received the letter E Will the owner please rise, Keep or Sell?" Horus immediately said "Sell". Marie took a deep breath. She had heard the explanation and knew that Nolan would be able to live quite comfortably by selling her. She couldn't blame him if he chose to. It had always been clear what her station was, what she was. Even if there was a bond between them. "This Acquired is owned by Dr Nolan Cane, She has received the letter A. The Assignment officiant waited while the crowd rose and clapped excessively. "Please rise, Keep or Sell". For the first time she was able to see him. Though out of conduct he did not lock eyes with her.

 

[susurrus]

Nolan had been to many Assignments. Most Xallifon attended whenever they could. It fascinated them how much of a difference there was between Acquisition and Assignment in most cases. Often, the older humans were belligerent and resistant, but by the time of their Assignment, rarely did one act out. Nolan had heard of the training practices of some of the more successful trainers. Some of the descriptions sounded fairly brutal to him, but one couldn't argue with their results.

The turnout was heavier than usual, it seemed to him. Could it be because of Marie? It had been some time since an Acquired so young had come up for Assignment. Many people had seen her with him over the years on their outings, and he knew there were some who coveted her. Some of them were quite wealthy. Their contributions would fund his research for several years.

Finally, the lights in the pavilion dimmed and the stage lit brilliantly.

Silently, a parade of men of various sizes, hair colors and ages stepped out before the crowd. Nolan only barely listened to the proceedings. None of them graded above a "B," and as per tradition, all their owners announced, "Sell," when asked.

When the women were brought out, Nolan's heart swelled to see his Marie, now of age, and his heart once more sank that he hadn't been present for that momentous time. She found him in the crowd almost instinctually, but their eyes met only briefly before he averted his gaze, knowing what tradition demanded of him.

The other women with Marie were like the men: various sizes and shapes, ages and hair colors. A couple were rather attractive, the prettiest of these rating a "B," meaning she was not only attractive but smart as well. With every one of them, the response to the question: "Keep or sell?" was "Sell."

Then came Marie. When her rating came out, Nolan was shocked. There had been only two other "A" ratings in the last five years or more. The applause was more for him than Marie, and he overheard a couple people mutter, "He's going to make a fortune on this one."

But did he want to? Certainly the money would be welcome. In the fields of science and the arts, money was never assured. One had to scratch and scrimp, wheedle and cajole, beg and debase oneself in order to afford the next breakthrough, the next masterpiece.

Marie would mean not having to fight for funds for a very long time.

When his name was called, he stood and received the question. He stood there, debating with himself that very question. When he didn't answer immediately, the question was repeated, "Doctor, keep or sell?"

Finally, quietly, he succumbed to tradition. "Sell," he murmured without conviction.

"Excuse me, doctor?" The officer asked, "what did you say?"

"Sell," he replied more loudly, but still reluctantly.

"Very well, the next stage is the auction. We will begin as we did earlier, with the men..."

Nolan stood, numb, as excitement over Marie's pending sale grew...

 

[Perplexia]

Marie's heart sank. As she was led away she stumbled. The crowd murmured 'oooh', gods forbid the merchandise get damaged if she fell. Her heart felt as if it was deflating within her body. She refused to even glance at Nolan. She knew it was a possibility, but in her heart she had hoped he would keep her. He had said there was a surprise. Was this it? He had given her hope, and now.. now it was gone.

She was placed in the cage with the Xallifan letter for A placed around her neck. In time she knew she'd be happy for him. Her sale would set him up for life almost. But what did that mean for her? The days of knowing what it felt like to be loved were over. Her life was uncertain. This is what he groomed her for, but why did he have to make her feel so cared for.

The males were brought out lowest letter first and their auctions began. Bids for them seemed to last forever and she sat in the corner of the females cage with her head down. Melancholy couldn't even begin to describe her emotions. Eventually the men's auctions were done. It was time to put on a brave face. Brushing down her dress she assumed the perfect position, even though she wasn't on show yet. This was for Nolan. She would put on the best performance, and make him the most money that had ever been made for an "A".

Like the males the bidding seemed to draw on, finally it was her time. Sneaking one look to Nolan, the sadness in her eyes something only he would grasp. She looked away, Placing one foot in front of the other she walked as the perfect acquired should. Straight, and head bowed. "In the history of auctions this is only the fifth A rating. And the first of her age. She is young, healthy, and will earn her keep a million times over with the many years she has to offer. The bidding for her seemed to go on for hours, the price climbing, and climbing.

 

[susurrus]

Nolan's heart ached to see the devastation on Marie's face. He'd prepared her for this day, for just this pronouncement, yet it still hit hard. It hit hard for him, too. Only once before had Nolan trained an Acquired, but it had only been for two years, and even with his best effort, the young man had only rated a "C". Nolan felt he was a high "C", but the rating system for Assignment had no provision for degrees.

But the rating had nothing to do with it. He'd grown fond of the boy - Nolan recalled he'd been in his early 20s - but he'd known Marie for most of her life! He'd watched her grow and learn, observed how good the years were to her, saw the woman she'd become.

The auction, as always, began with the men, lowest rating first. The lower ratings often ended up naked, for the sex traders wanted to see what they were getting for their money. A well endowed male "D" or "F" could fetch as much as a more modestly equipped "C". With the women it was much the same.

The anticipation as Marie came closer to her time on the block was palpable. The tension Nolan felt was enough to tear him apart. He should have been overwhelmingly pleased, as any normal Xallifon would be, for this one sale would be capable of almost setting him up for life.

Why was he so torn up about it, then?

Marie's turn came, and the first bid was shouted out before the sale's announcement had even finished. The numbers grew to astronomical sizes in seconds. The crowd gasped every time a new bid came in. Nolan would be a wealthy, wealthy man.

Still, he looked up at the young woman whose life was being decided, saw the brave, proud way she held herself, and still could detect the disapointment in her body language.

"WAIT!" he finally shouted over the frenzy that had erupted over this sale. He began to push his way to the front and onto the auction stage. The mad cacophony had dropped to a deafening near-silence.

To the official presiding over the sale, Nolan said, "I rescind my choice to sell this Acquired... no, this woman."

To the rumble from the crowd - most loudly from those who had been bidding - he turned and announced, "I know this is unusual. From the numbers I heard, it's also foolhardy. However, it's not without precedent. Forty-five years ago, Anolphus Denko rescinded his decision to sell, a man who he'd raised from a young age, just as I have this beautiful woman before you.

"She could have made me rich. Perhaps she will someday. For now, I choose for her to make me happy.

"I choose 'keep.' "

With that, he took Marie's hand and helped her to her knees. He then stepped behind her and placed a ring on his finger. Pressing the ring to her head just above her left ear and just in front of her hairline, he depressed a small switch and the ring glowed. When he removed it, a minute glyph was left behind, his sign of permanent ownership.

The crowd was silent through all this. Gradually, a cheer went up. It was unusual for sentiment to win over greed, but occasionally, even the most avaricious Xallifon could succumb to the heart.

 

[Perplexia]

"WAIT!" she heard Nolan's voice shout from the crowd. It took all her composure to not look at him. Still her mind raced, what was he doing? The bidding was already high enough to make him very very rich. Even the rumble of the crowd seized with curiosity. "I rescind my choice to sell this Acquired... no, this woman." What was he doing? A surge of emotion flooded through her like a tidal wave. She was angry that he'd given up so much money, and at the same time so relieved that she would never have to leave him. She made a silent vow to herself that she would do whatever he asked to help him make up for the money he'd lost without complaint. Of course she knew he already knew she would. But what did this mean, why had he called her a woman.

"I know this is unusual. From the numbers I heard, it's also foolhardy. However, it's not without precedent. Forty-five years ago, Anolphus Denko rescinded his decision to sell, a man who he'd raised from a young age, just as I have this beautiful woman before you. She could have made me rich. Perhaps she will someday. For now, I choose for her to make me happy. I choose 'keep."
Taking her hand she looked to the floor and got on her knees. Pressing a ring to her forehead she felt the slight burn. It was the ring of ownership marking her, it was official. They could never take her away from him. Somehow, she managed to keep her tears from flooding her face.

The crowd cheered with a rare admiration for his choice in keeping her to himself. They undid her bonds and he placed her tether on, leading her off the stage. "I'd pay to see him mount that sweet lil thing" someone had shouted, "Me too" another chimed in followed by a few more. Silently she followed behind with her head down to Nolan's vehicle. It wasn't until they entered the house that tears that she'd so gallantly held back sprung forward. She fell in the spot she stood weeping as the relief flooded through her. She was home with her daddy, and never had to leave.

When the tears dried up she looked up at him. "I wanted to stay so badly." she admitted. "But when you chose to sell, I knew that you would be so better off. I had made myself accept my fate, I was going to stand perfectly, proudly, and submissively that they would set a new record in sales for you. Because I love you daddy."