R & D at F.E.M.M.

[teddi]

And the reasons were wide-ranging.

To begin with it was obvious to Michelle that he was still ill at ease at only wearing “his” self-proclaimed panties in front of her so she set about to make the most of the opportunity afforded her.  Thus, her first objective was to prolong that humiliation for however long the organic implant procedure would take and then some; so resolved that’s exactly what she did. 

She watched his every self-conscious move as she leisurely wanded his clothes for not only a second but also a third time; even to purposely pulling both shoe laces out of his sneakers and looking at them as if they were to be an item of record.  After doing that she ordered Mark to “Remain seated.” Her intimidating tone of voice had left little doubt that her order was spoken as a command to be obeyed; which he did.  He then watched her gather up all of his clothes, fold them neatly, and then walk back into room "A" with the lot of ’em. He strained to see what she’d do with them but couldn’t because she’d closed the door behind her when she entered and then suddenly seemed to disappear from sight.  Three minutes later the door opened and out she walked; but instead of having his clothes with her all she was holding in one hand was a small black leather bound case which had a red flap on top.

Michelle appreciated the look on his face as his jaw dropped.  Her casual and svelte gate towards him was coupled with her equally smooth explanation of what had occurred.  “Mark,” she began, “You’re probably wondering what happened to your clothes and what I have in my hands, so I’ll tell you about both.  First, behind the door in that room is a safe, your clothes are in it, I put them in there, let’s say, for safe keeping; that means until were finished.”  Her little joke was lost on him as the apparent struck him that he was going to stay like he was until she released the clothes back to him.

She savored the moment further as she sauntered over to Binders desk, placed the case on it and allowed Mark Porter the opportunity to stare at it as she moved around the desk and on over to the front walls two windows.  She drew the upper blinds closed on each of the two and then proceeded to the pair on the front door.  She appreciated the fact that Mark’s attention was not equally divided; drawn inquisitively not only to the case on the table before him, but more so to the naturally seductive sway of her hips.  Of course he tried to turn his head away as soon as she turned back around:  but it was too late, she’d caught him starring at her form.  She said nothing but thought about his obvious interest.

Then, without fanfare she ambled over to the black case, opened it and began to arrange its contents on the desk along with a raised seal communication which she purposely set in plain sight for him to read.  “Secondly,” she said, 
“
read this,” while tapping the first finger of her left hand at its heading which read, “Organic Implant Procedures and Side Effects.”  He leaned forward and read; that, took him about five minutes.

Wittingly, she’d neglected to inform of what was not on the paper:  that each organic implant left behind a bright and rosy flush to either cheek; furthermore, that in some cases the discoloration would last well beyond the programmed working life of the unit’s fixed five years, after which, in most cases, it would eventually only soften in hue.  She allowed him a moment’s respite then began to carefully measure every aspect of his face; remaining silent as she did. 

Normally, on any other person, she wouldn’t have done that and while she wouldn’t have been a chatter box, she would have at least described the why’s and wherefore’s of the need for each specific measurement.  Under normal circ-umstances, from start to finish, the entire process of mapping the proper skin location to injecting the mark, would have taken about ten minutes.
 
Yet here it was twenty minutes later than the norm and she still lingered in completing the mundane; not out ineptness, but rather of her appreciation of the affect that she had on him and he on her; therefore, utilizing the latitude afforded her, she compounded the issue further.  Each co-ordinate for implant was mapped twice if not three times.  In each attempt her fingers found a subtle way to maintain contact with him in some form or another:  either with a firm grasp of the shoulder or a slight twist of the chin; perhaps a gentle hand upon the chest to move him back or a firmer grasp behind his neck to pull him ever so slightly forward; and of course a feigned miscalculation or even a surreptitious nudge of her leg to his knee were but a few of the means by which she inveigled to prolong the task at hand.   The daydreams she envisioned of him as a submissive were not out of character for her, besides, he obviously was getting something out of this himself; she appreciated the boner he sported and its glistening filtrate, if only by sight.

At long last she inserted the first of two subcutaneous organic implants.  Within two minutes after implantation it began to sting to high heaven; the second followed suit less than a minute and a half later.  As he squirmed uneasily in his seat she smiled at his added discomfort while merrily informing him that, “They’ll only tingle for a little while, after that they might itch a bit but in time you’ll get used to ‘em.” 

And while she had procrastinated in what she had done to this point, she was however quite precise in adhering to the recommended follow up procedures which included; taking his blood pressure, measuring his oxygen intake (for diminished efficiency) every five minutes and verifying his pulse rate.   The reason she gave him for doing so, along with the rationale as stated in the communiquĂ©, for his state undress also seemed plausible.  “Mark, as you’ve read I need to check for hypo-allergic reactions which could either manifest themselves as a rash which could extend from your neck down into your groin area or the swelling of any of your lymph nodes.” 

She again pointed at the list of mandated procedures and of what was to be done in the event of any manifestation; which he once again dutifully read.   In reality however, the side effects she ostensibly would check for were virtually nil and in the fifty some odd times that she herself had implanted the organics, no such effects were noted and the reason was quite simple:  they were fabrications.   In fact, in the entire history of their use, not one side effect had ever been noted by any operator.   What was noted however by the agency was the fact, that just the process itself, of monitoring simple vital signs, engendered a trust between those who would receive them and their contacts.  Besides, what was also unwritten but absolutely understood was that in the event of any adverse reaction the procedure was to be immediately aborted.  The truth of the matter was obvious, no one had ever had a reaction to their implantation, but quite a few had chickened out at the last moment and expressing in no uncertain terms that they wanted the procedure ended..

Of course, in some cases a change of heart was to be expected and if this indeed occurred, the standing orders were quite specific; given the window of opportunity, the organics must be destroyed.  This would be accomplished simply by opening the red flap on the implant package and removing one of the pre-packaged mini-cells contained within.  The operator would remove the cell from the packaging and immediately peel off the sticky backing and place the cell directly on the injected area; centering its location.  Five seconds after contact the cell would emit a burst of non-ionizing radiation (microwaves) for a period of thirty seconds as the organics were susceptible to almost immediate dissipation if countered within a twenty minute period of implantation.   The ionizing cell would not be removed from the skins surface until a full one minute’s time period had elapsed.     

Michelle interrupted his reading abstraction with, “Sweet cheeks, don’t look so put out its all for your own good; let me explain. Each separate implant is called a VTM, that means verbal transmission module and they haft’a be that close to your mouth so that when ever you say something we can hear what you say clearly.  You’re smart enough to understand that if we implanted them anywhere else, say for instance on your arms or chest, or even on your stomach or legs; if they were covered up, even just a little bit, there’d always be the possibility that we might miss something really important; so in essence they have to be as close to your mouth as possible in order for them to work properly.”

Mark Porter’s quizzical look lasted much longer than a few seconds as Michelle continued, “Besides, you silly thing, did you really think that you would be out of touch with the Constable or myself for any length of time without reporting in on a regular basis?  Neither of us would jeopardize you to meet clandestinely or by using any type of phone or even a computer.  With the VTM all you have to do is whisper and we’ll hear every word you say to us or anyone else.  Besides which, even if we weren’t personally monitoring you 24/7, and we’re not, everything you say or hear will be recorded.  Eventually, if there was a need, we’d get back to you
with these.”

She appreciated the stunned looked of comprehension on his face and almost laughed out loud when she said, “Now these,” she held up a package which looked like it had two glass prisms in it, “
are your LTM’s  
 listening transmission modules
 and I promise, they won’t hurt half as much at what you’re feeling on your cute face right now, besides, I think someone like you’ll grow to appreciate  ’em.   You see, with every VTM that’s implanted a LTM is also used; they work as a team, just like we’re going to do.  The only catch is the LTM must always be placed within eight inches of what we call its tandem mate. We’ve found that the best location for placement is as close to the ear as possible; that’s why it’s configured the way it is.  It’s a bit larger than what’s in your cheeks but that’s because it’s dual purpose; it sends and receives.  First and foremost it obviously affords us the opportunity to hear what you hear because it transmits every sound that you listen to back to us.  Secondly, we are able to talk to you without anyone else hearing.  Therefore sweet cheeks you’ll never really be out of contact with either Larry or me.  Isn’t that wonderful news; just think about it.

And that’s what he did and the more he thought the less he liked, especially what he thought he saw; because to him they looked like earrings.  And that’s exactly what Michele told him they were when she gently reached out and rubbed his right earlobe between the thumb and first finger of her right hand adding “I hear it’s the rage so you’ll fit right in.”   

Obviously he thought that that wasn’t what he had bargained for and was just about to protest but before he could open his mouth to protest, things got worse as the screech of the electronic buzzer announced that someone was demanding entry.  It immediately changed his sullen mood to one of instant apprehension; since it was at Michelle’s insistence that he still hadn’t dressed again.  Of course, the pretext she gave him sounded reasonable; she needed to check his vital signs after each implant and to wait a “Respectable period of time, because,” she added “
there was a tendency in some who carried the package to exhibit symptoms of  acute dyspepsia.  Of course she didn’t tell him that dyspepsia was just a fancy word for an upset stomach; which in all likelihood, given the stress of the situation, he was going to have anyway. 

In any event, with his back to the front door he started to make a dash for room "A" but Michelle sternly advised her young charge to “Don’t even think about getting up because if you do we’ll have to start all over again.  I’ll see who it is, but you sit still and don’t dare move a muscle, or else,” before she went to see who was “sitting” on the mag-lock button at the door.  Of course she never told him that the only point that they’d start over again from was that moment when the buzzer first rang. 

Mark did his best to hide himself away where he sat, scrunching up into a little ball with head forward touching his knees.  He needn’t have bothered because things were about to go from bad to worse because through the door and over the incessant buzzing he recognized the voice which was demanding entry. 

Michelle’s first words to the woman demanding entry were, “I’m sorry, unless this is an emergency, you’ll have to come back later.”  What she heard in reply was, “Let me in. You have my nephew inside,” caught her by surprise.  Her reaction of, “Excuse me?” was brushed aside with the woman’s callous retort of, “I’ll do no such thing.”

[teddi]

Under other circ-umstances Michelle wouldn’t have given it a second thought and dismissed the woman’s off the cuff remark outright:  but things being what they were, she was inclined not only to be incredulous at the timing but also to become immediately and quite circ-umspect; especially as to why she was here at the moment.  Implicitly, there had to be an explanation:  and for what it was worth she wanted to hear at least some version of what was going to be a quite interesting encounter; not only between herself and what distinctively sounded like and older woman on the other side of the door but also that of her charge and his ostensible aunt.  She mused that the woman on the other side had answers and even if they were marginally of importance, she would take a softer line and try to make some sense out of whomever or whatever opportunity was metaphorically knocking at the door and about to walk in and stare her in the face.  



Without further comment, Michelle pressed the panic hardware release and allowed the mechanism to disengage even while the woman who waited impatiently on the other side was still in the process of adamantly ringing for admittance; the claxon continued to sound even as Michelle physically began to gently push the door open; if only to allow a cordial entry.  She was never afforded the opportunity to complete the perfunctory process.  To her surprise the woman on the other side was also pulling hard on the exterior handle as well and the result was, that as soon as it disconnected it was thrown open full wide, allowing it to slam into the floor mounted door stop with a discernable thump.  As the door shuddered in the throes of its sudden encounter, the woman proceeded to bull rush past her without stopping for any type of formal introduction.  



Michelle’s initial instinct was to either clothesline the woman and set her right down on her butt or grab a fistful of hair while kicking the back of her knees out from under her; but, given the circ-umstances, she refrained from doing either and watched the woman whom she judged to be in her late forties proceed unimpeded to stand over the lone individual who sat cowering on the chair fronting Binders desk.  Her immediate appraisal of the woman was simple and straightforward.  



The woman stood at least four full inches taller than her and probably outweighed her by a good twenty five pounds but apparently carried the additional weight as would an athletic person of less an age.  Moreover, while some might misconstrue her facial features as utterly ersatz and overtly matronly, Michelle dismissed that appearance as calculated.  For some reason she mused that the woman’s now familiar face belied what was readily apparent to anyone who either knew her or who took either the time and effort to assess:  she apparently was a woman of power with a motherly face to hide behind; besides which her present, if not ridiculous, appearance was markedly different from previous times she had seen her.



She recognized the woman as the same one, who, on several occasions had patronized the same Midville diner she too had frequented; and that on each of those occasions the woman, while not dressed to the nines, looked exceptionally striking.  But now, thinking back on the matter, it all began to click and her gut feeling was that this woman had something to do with the girly boys who waited on them both and the reason was quite simple:  the recognition, if not outright fear in the face of each of the sissies that registered each time she entered the establishment
was notable.  Obviously there was a connection.



Sifting through her own recollections, there was no doubt, that while Michelle herself had also been cordially greeted upon entering the same cafĂ©, that that simple act paled vis-Ă -vis to the effusive display afforded the woman who had just burst through the office front door.  Michelle remembered, it intrigued her then to no end to watch the then raven haired woman, with the perfectly tailored pants suit and black leather riding boots that accentuated her well toned physique, stride into the diner as if she owned the place, much as she had just done now.  The ostensible difference was that then, instead of the maelstrom found in a whirlwind entry, it was just the opposite as she then expectantly lingered at the front door:  simply waiting; looking about and appraising.  



She remembered too the various nuances of the woman’s demeanor:  her cold smile as she stood by the café’s entry door; to each quick glance to the wristwatch she wore on her left hand noting a time of entry and the follow up glance immediately after one of the fem/boys first greeted her; and then, to the amount of time that had elapsed after being fawningly escorted to her seat.  She even noted how long her order took to be placed before her; and then, on to the repeated attentiveness shown to her throughout the course of her meal.  She remembered as well that the last thing she took note of, was, despite their efforts, the woman’s voice never wavered an octave from one that was cold, uncongenial and outright humiliating in nature.



By the same token, Michelle had mentally noted the watch the obsessive woman wore at the cafĂ© as a luxurious Baume and Mercier Classima Executive and the woman who now who stared down and glared at Mark also wore an identical model; therefore the logic was simple, no two women in this Podunk town would have the same luxurious wristwatch.  Ergo, by extension, it was the same woman.



 But that woman was there and then and this woman was here and now.  And to Michelle, for here and now, the woman didn’t own diddly squat, and she, Michelle, wasn’t about to kiss her butt as had the others; but she would however try and be cordial, if that was at all possible.  With piqued curiosity she allowed the woman who now wore an outlandish white brocaded black cotton granny dress and Muadie Frickett hair styled wig a moment of quiet before the onslaught of the obvious questions.



She began with the obligatory, “Excuse me
Ma’m? You said the boy is your nephew?”



The tangential reply was one she didn’t have to wait long for as the woman emotionally exploded on the seated youth.  â€œMark Porter!!!  When a lady enters the room, especially your aunt, you will stand!!!  Is that clear?!”   Mark Porter nodded his ostensible understanding but in humiliation hesitated to immediately comply; and as a consequence for his dalliance less than a second later his aunt had grabbed hold of his left ear.  He found himself dancing on tip toes while desperately trying to maintain his balance with his right hand as his left hand desperately tried to find some type of relief from the grip which now forced him to awkwardly pirouette and flail about in place.



Obviously the woman was not content with his dancing abilities and without notice proceeded to lift the whirling dervish further off of his feet.  The sheer momentum of her grip forced him upwards and backwards as if he was about to be hung from one ear until he came to stand grimacing on the chair that he had just seconds before sat upon.  



Michelle had to give the kid credit, while he obviously was in pain and despite a whimper or two, he never cried out for her to stop.  In fact his response of “Aunt Silvia I’m sorry!” merely verified her relationship as did the fact that his aunt felt quite at ease at administering the first of what would be four quick hard slaps to his fanny.



 That first question being answered left many others and despite her innate interest in Marks immediate corporal punishment Michelle understood the simple fact that what was happening was something that she could not allow and which, under the circ-umstances, might endanger not only the boy but also jeopardize her current professional standing.



Of course, the dilemma needed to be resolved and quickly.  She dismissed outright overt physical confrontation but considered the threat of such as palpable if the woman were to get out of hand.  Obviously, the situation needed a certain amount of tact and that is what she proceeded to act upon by rapidly closing the distance between the two of them; then stepping between a paddling right hand as she gently placed her right hand on Silvia’s left at the wrist and then firmly squeezed it while also making certain to physically alert the woman as to who had the tactical advantage by forcing Silvia’s right knee to slightly buckle with the instep of her own right foot as she turned to face her chest to chest while the index finger of her left hand pressed softly on her counterpart’s throat just above the breastbone.  



Michelle softly stated what to her was the obvious, “Madam, you certainly have changed since I saw you last.  For the life of me, if I didn’t recognize your watch and your voice
why
with you wearing that dress and wig I wouldn’t have recognized you.”  



Silvia Mangiano was nobody’s fool and had studied the martial arts as well; she understood what would occur if pressure to either positions (her throat or the back of the knee) was applied if she proceeded.   Albeit reluctantly she released her nephew’s ear and allowed her hand to be lowered; one slap short of her customary rule of five.  



Her acerbic response of “For the moment, you have me at an advantage Ms?” to Michelle was to be expected.  Not to be outdone an equally acid reply of “Yes I do and in more ways than one.”

[teddi]

Silvia understood the deputy’s understated implication and simply smiled at the blue eyed blond with the high pony tail hairstyle who now coyly threatened her.  She appreciated that subtle characteristic in a woman’s demeanor especially if the woman was capable of finishing what she had started.  She knew all that and more.  Moreover, she too recognized the deputy from the diner as the same one who had taken more than a casual interest in her whenever she entered the cafĂ©.  She too had searched for any roving eyes whenever she entered and she too had found them on more than one occasion.

Of course, she understood that the deputy’s appraisal of her was at the least 99% professional the remaining percentage appeared, in her estimation, to focus upon her nephew; to which she, as more than a casual observer, was gratified because it was her belief that younger males should always be under the tutelage of an older female.  She mused to herself “How else would they learn the ropes” and was pleased at her self-effacing levity; even if it was at the expense of her nephew.

For her part, Spangler waited patiently; after all, it wasn’t like she was really anxious to put this woman down, besides which, any unwarranted action at this point, regardless of its magnitude, would not be beneficial.  As the two women continued to stare eyeball to eyeball at each other, Mark Porter was the one to break the test of wills with, “Aunt Silvia, I’m sorry for not standing up right away, really.  I just didn’t expect
well
how did you know that I was
I mean
”

He never finished the thought as Silvia abruptly cut him off by admonishing him outright.  “Mark S. Porter, you know very well that there isn’t a thing in this town that I don’t take the time know about now; besides which, though you at times may think otherwise, but as my only nephew I do take an interest in your well being as well.

“But I am surprised that that would be the first of your questions to me.  It would seem that you’re not as dense as one would presume; not that I would be the one to think so of course.”  Silvia continued on but left Mark standing on the chair as she turned her attention to Spangler. 

“My dear, are you or are you not going to turn me loose?  You must realize by now that I have no intent on making a scene which would jeopardize either of our standings.” 

The perfunctory “Sorry” and a diffident shrug of her shoulders was all Michelle articulated in return as she immediately loosened her hold and backed off from the woman who now began to smile at her. 

“Deputy,” Silvia went on, “
it would appear that I owe you and explanation or two so if you will allow me I will begin with the obvious answer to the question; the one voiced by my now upstanding nephew.   She chuckled at her double entendre; one made at her nephews expense because she was quite aware of the sexual effect that spankings had on him and point blank told him to “Keep your hands to your sides dear.  The deputy and I are quite aware of what turns you on and that you are trying to make a point of it."

All Mark could do was stand there and blush while his aunt spoke past him and directly to Spangler.

“The answer to that is quite simple; first off, the secretary at his school phoned me that your boss, one Larry Binder, was at the school and inquiring about him.  She and I are the best of friends, besides at present, we also have a working relationship as I am in the midst of transforming her recalcitrant fourteen year old into a girl who’s more amenable to society in general.   I must say he’s made remarkable progress.  But be that as it may let me continue to explain.

“My dear, ever since you two showed up I’ve made it my business to find out as much as I could about both of you. You’re quite a pair and to be quite honest I wouldn’t dream of contesting with either one of you and to be quite frank you’re both as subtle as a sledge hammer dropped from 30,000 feet onto a car’s windshield.  If I am not mistaken, and I’m not, your associate is a formidable ex- Seal captain with quite a history; with a penchant for literary cutting through whatever obstacles are in his way, human or not, to achieve his goal.  That’s how he met you.”

That bit of information immediately raised the hackles on Michele’s neck; a reaction to which Silvia was most appreciative of as she continued on with, “And you my dear were no solitary tulip in the garden either. How should I address the former lieutenant colonel whose exploits are renown within the Voyska spetsialnogo naznacheniya [?vojsk? sp??ts??al?n?v? n?zn??t?en??j?]? (the Russian special purpose regiments)?  Do you simply prefer to be known by your special operative name of Mstislav Stalina: Spetsnaz? Or, do you prefer the simple Anglo-Saxon name which you took after your rescue by the captain in Afghanistan of Michele Spangler?”

“Stalina is dead,” came the forthright reply, “there is only Michele; but you may address me as Deputy; for the moment I am quit content with that, at least with you that is.  Now, if I am not being crass you will explain why the FDBM&SR facilitator for Region III is so interested in the captain or me.”

Silvia considered her words before she began then proceeded with, “My dear,” she paused, licked her lips then corrected herself, which for Silvia was a rare admission of fallibility, “
forgive me, Deputy
it should be obvious to you of why I am here.  First off you have my nephew
here
” she coc-ked her head in the direction of Mark Porter and continued with, “
as his aunt I have an interest in his well being, and therefore I want to know is there some reason that he is being detained?”  Silvia waited for the reply which was but on word, “No.”

“Then he is free to leave
with me?” 

Again she waited but wasn’t at all surprised by the same response that she had heard before of “No.”

But Michele Spangler thought the question was sophomoric and without hesitation expanded on it.  “Madam, we both know that the boy’s mother is the responsible party to whom he will be entrusted and released.  That is all you need to know.  And while your interest in his well being, if not immediate release, appears to be, shall we say, genuine, it is out of place and for some reason for you, one who knows better, decidedly out of character. 

“Of course you are free to take issue with me by filing a complaint with my immediate superior, but I think, but what I think is, that
something smells here
and that you are after something else.  Yes, what I think is that you are not as, as, how should I put this
not as concerned
with his immediate well being
but for something else which may be of future value; especially to you.”

Spangler waited for the inevitable reaction and it came with a shock.  “Wonderful!  How insightful!  What a pleasure!  At last I finally meet a woman, one after my own heart, who understands!  But my dear, forgive me for correcting you, but I thought you told me moments ago that Mstislav Stalina was dead?  Your reply to me smacked of her!  Why for the moment you even had a slight accent!”

It was Mstislav Stalina who coldy retorted that “Some things die hard and some times even those who die still live on.  Now explain but not here.”  She pointed across the office and said, “Perhaps, in Room A?”

Silvia nodded her consent and immediately walked past the Spetsnaz blond who to her immediate knowledge, had over twenty-two confirmed kills to her credit and in the process caught the feint aroma of the woman’s perfume.  She thought the combination of the two, though incongruous, was comfortably reassuring and reached the conclusion that she had faith in the woman and her supervisor to get what she wanted for both herself and her niece:  revenge; if not something more.   In her walk to the room she also took a glance at the personal effects of her nephew which still remained in plain sight right out on the table and immediately had a question about one of the items.

For her part, and she didn’t know who at the time it was, but Deputy Stalina ordered Mark Porter to, “Get down. Get dressed and sit in that chair.  Do not move and make no attempt to leave.  When your aunt leaves, and she will, you and I have unfinished business.  Understand?”  After she spoke she wondered if she sounded to authoritative to the boy but considered the alternative; that it was better for him to get used to following orders, especially since his life was now on the line as well.

He simply nodded once and understood exactly that this woman wasn’t to be messed with, so, he did what came naturally for him to do; he did exactly what she told him to do.  At the moment, it never dawned on him that he might be the ideal individual for the woman of twenty-nine; who, in his own mind was “Oh wow.  She’s put together so well.  I just wish that I could
”

[teddi]

“
just put my face right up in her
” He never got to complete his utterly salacious thought or culminate the accompanying erotic image that he had conjured up in his mind because Aunt Sylvia had knowingly caught the wanting gleam in his eyes as he stared transfixed at Spangler’s behind  when she turned and walked away from him and shouted out “Mark Porter!! You will turn around and take your eyes off of Deputy Spangler’s rear this instant and put your tongue back in your mouth where it belongs!  I swear when I get a hold of you you’ll
”

“You’ll do what?” interrupted a smiling Deputy and moved towards the red faced woman as she immediately closed the door to “Room A” behind her as she entered.  “Madam,” she went on, “I would remind you that the boy is in my custody, not yours.  Furthermore, that from this moment on, in this office
I give the orders to him
not you!  Moreover, if, for any reason, even outside of this office, that you so much as lay a finger on him, for any reason, when I find out, and trust me that I will find out, I will find you and I will take great pleasure in what I would do to you.  If he wishes to look at me there is no harm; in fact, it is what I had intended for him to do; it is a necessity and in many ways, I desire it.”

She leaned forward coming almost nose to nose with the woman and continued, “Listen to me and listen closely, I want him to come to no harm; what is more is simple and straightforward:  I want him to be able to speak to me or my superior without reservation, in trust, on any subject; regardless of its nature.  You might say that 
sex
is a most base emotion upon which to build a working relationship; but given his age and preoccupation with that very thought
not to mention what he may face, I consider it
essential for success.

“Madam, in my short time here, I have observed that while you may choose to have your disciples’ fear you, and from observation, I truly believe they do, that I am of another mind; that, being one of enticement.  You see, sometimes, especially in certain situations, it is better to be lusted after than be followed blindly by fear.  But of course, you wouldn’t know that would you, for that is how you make your living; however, it is not how I make mine.  I would add that for some reason I am also suspicious of your immediate altruism towards him as well; a woman of your nature, apparently hardened through experience, in my estimation, is motivated to a greater degree at the prospect for not only monetary gain but also for complete dominion or
”she lingered, measured the additional alternative and then continued with, “
is it perhaps something deeper and more personally intangible that you are concerned with?  Well?” 

She waited for a response from the woman whom she had just outright dismissed.  She was pleased by what she observed.  She had obviously gotten under the woman’s skin and could tell by the signs which screamed back at her of success because Sylvia immediately had smacked her lips twice.  Spangler counted the twice as the third time she had done so in her presence; so she surmised two things as absolute.  The first was that this woman was not used to being talked back to and of being put in her place, even if marginally:  and secondly, that if she could, she not only would have screamed back at her but also would have taken a swing at her.  For some reason she held herself in check.  Therefore Spangler concluded that she sought more from this meeting than what she had ostensibly entered for; she mused to herself, “So much for the immediate nobility of purpose.”

Expectantly, she waited for whichever contingency, and then watched the woman swallow back down whatever it was that was now stuck in her throat.   She knew the woman was searching for words and both were waiting for her to find them.  She knew as well that the little tell-tale beads of sweat that now began to rise upon her brow were coalescing and that soon some type of response would certainly ensue. 

At the same time, Sylvia Mangiano considered the blond standing before her and realized that she had woefully underestimated the girl almost twenty years her junior.  She berated herself for being a fool, not only for barging in and attempting to force some type of outright resolution, but also for being as stupid as to think that she could, in any manner what-so-ever, intimidate her or somehow psychologically out maneuver her. 

Standing there, gazing at Spangler, the outlandish,  momentary thought occurred, that the girl was almost hissing back at her, under her breath, as she stood there looking back at her, now straight in the face, with dead straight and unblinking eyes.   For the first time in her life she met another woman who actually gave her the creeps and she knew that the goose-bumps which immediately covered her body from the neck down would have been a dead give away to that if they could’ve been seen. 

For Sylvia it was a moment of truth.  Being the pragmatic woman that she was, she did the only rational thing that she could think of.  She slowly extended her left hand palm up then slowly reached behind her back with her right and unzipped the black granny dress she wore; let it slip down off her shoulders and allowed it to drop to the floor.  She warily stepped out of it while removing the Maudie Frickett wig she wore and let her lustrous shoulder length black hair fall free and forced an affable smile and stood there waiting for some type of response from her immediate counterpart. 

She took note that despite her aleatoric motions that the Deputy’s eyes had never moved,  never blinked, yet still they managed somehow to take her all in and even dressed as she was, in her tight black body-suit with matching jodhpurs and her equally black riding boots, she felt utterly naked and incapable.  She allowed herself a rare moment of hesitation and slowly eased her right hand to her side; allowing the first two of her finger tips and thumb to nervously fiddle in concert with the riding crop which she had habitually tucked into the side of her boot. 

On seeing this, Deputy Spangler silently inhaled but it was Mstislav who understood that the contest of wills had ended.

Of the many things Sylvia could have said but didn’t the two words she did of:  “I surrender,” cut the ice between the two.  Michelle Spangler, a portion of one once of Spetsnaz, exhaled, then allowed her shoulders to ease and then drew a guarded, though quite audible shallow breath which almost sizzled to the ear.

Mstislav Spangler forthrightly replied, “A wise move,” and then stepped back to further appraise the boy’s aunt.  Her cold and calculating internal conclusion was simple: she would have presented no problem.   Be that as it may, she did however have a problem with the woman’s presence and wasted no time in brusquely asking of her, “What exactly are you doing here now
and what
do you want?”

For her part, Sylvia had been unnerved:  a completely new experience; to which she tried to quickly recover.  “Well
so much for small talk, ehh?  Very well
” She paused while continuing to fidget with the riding crop and chose her words carefully not wishing to antagonize the woman whom she had underestimated any further.   

“Deputy
Spangler
my profound apologies.  Besides being attractive and obviously intelligent I must admit that you are a most remarkably insightful woman.”  Sylvia noted Spangler’s eyebrows as they arched and quickly countered with, “No, no, no, take no offense; I am not polishing the apple so to speak or trying to gain favor with you.

“Obviously, we have gotten off on the wrong foot
” she noted Spangler’s lips tighten in apparent disdain and quickly corrected herself with, “No, no, allow me, I made the mistake; the fault was, is, mine, all mine.  You are correct.  I am
I am
a bitch!  I admit it
especially to where males are concerned; well most of them that is.” It was an afterthought that to Spangler did not need to be reiterated.  However she allowed Sylvia the opportunity to speak candidly; which she did. 

“And
and
oh damn it
this isn’t at all easy for me
you must understand that I do want something more out of this meeting with you; but first I want to know, no, what I desperately need to know is
will you actually find the bastard that killed my nieces husband and secondly, will he suffer?  I understand that you can’t promise me anything.  But, just tell me what I want to hear, even if it’s a lie.”

Sylvia waited for her reply which was “Is that all you really want or is there more?”

Her response of, “OF COURSE THERE’S MORE GODDAMMIT,” brought the faintest of smiles to Michelle’s lips along with a slight nod of acknowledgment and but one word in reply:  “Explain.”

And she did with, “You are something else!  You know damn well that I want something else
you know damn well what I want too
you just as much said so yourself.”  She paused, gave Spangler the once over
then continued with, “You’re not going to give me an inch are you!  Alright, alright already alright!

“I told you
well
not you actually
but you heard me tell my panty waist nephew that there isn’t a thing in this town that goes on now that I don’t know about.  Oh my dear, don’t look so surprised I’ve known for years that he was a true sissy at heart.  When I baby sat him, for some time the little scamp would always excuse himself to go pee when in fact all he wanted to do was to raid my clothes hamper, sift through it, reach in and pick out a pair of my soiled panties, smell them and then try them on. 

“I caught him red handed so to speak, about a year and a half ago, after which, with some gentle persuasion,” she patted her rump three times and smiled as she went on, “
the secret has been, up until now, just between the two of us.  But I digress
besides you’ve already seen him stand at attention
he’s quite fond of
well
maybe one day you’ll find that out for yourself
that once you start that he absolutely
grows on them?  Well, you’ve seen that part for yourself, but
but, you must understand that
never mind
I’ll explain it all to you later.

“Oh where was I
oh, yes, that’s because with all that’s happened around here I took it upon myself to find out what in the hell was going on over at F.E.M.M.  So I
I
uhh
  “gave?” Linda Gentry a dozen little gifts which
well
let’s say were
were
”

Spangler completed her thought with, “
listening devices.”

“Uhh, yes, but right now, that’s neither really here nor there now, is it?  Deputy, listen to me, there is something dreadfully wrong at F.E.M.M.  I know it for a fact now because one of the tokens which I gave to Linda Gentry is now sitting on that table right outside of this room; its one of the dozen which I gave to Linda Gentry to distribute because
uhh
well
you see there are several individuals who
I mean I
I uhh
Maledicalo!  I le informazioni desiderate!  Sono spiacente
 le mie scuse.  I’m sorry
my apologies.  What I said was that I wanted information damn it!”

Michelle appreciated the woman’s candor and understood that she was on the verge of exasperation.  Furthermore, that while she wanted the woman to speak, she wasn’t that interested in learning all of Mark Porter’s little secrets; though she did picture in her mind him laying firmly across her lap and then 
she pushed the thought from her mind and asked a question to which she had the suspicion that only a dolt would ask.

“So you gave twelve listening devices to those at F.E.M.M. and additionally gave one to your nephew; for what reason?”  She waited for the reply which from this woman she had almost expected.

“Deputy, please, don’t play me for a fool.  We both know that I could have, not make, my nephew speak to me about many things without going to the trouble of planting a listening device on him.  You asked me a question to which, from my initial inquiry, you should have already have formed a supposition.  My dear Deputy, I will answer your question and perhaps confirm your hypothesis
No, I did not give an additional device to my nephew.  As I told you, the token on the table outside is marked as one of the twelve which I gave to Linda Gentry to distribute,” Sylvia Mangiano took a moment to calm herself; then looked at her smiling counterpart and then completed her thought with, “If you are as insightful as I presume you to be
you
complete the scenario
and I ask of you
please
don’t disappoint me.”

Michelle Spangler carefully considered the woman’s words and smiled but once in return; then turned and gently opened the door behind her, looked out across the room to confirm two things:  that Mark Porter was dressing, albeit slowly and that the token of which Sylvia had spoken of was still where she had left it; not that it would have disappeared but because she understood that it again required her attention.  She allowed the door to remain cracked for but a moment, noted that her charge adjusted his tumescent member by dressing left, then eased it closed, turned again and faced the woman to ask her, “Tell me, without hesitation, how many of these devices actually functioned?”

The forthright answer was, for the most part, what she had expected.  “For a while, perhaps, two maybe three days, all functioned without difficulty.  Then, for some reason two failed.  Several days after that, one of the two resumed its transmission; other than that, all others have functioned as designed.  So?”

Spanglers’ immediate reply of “Thank you that is all which I required, but now the question is what do I do with you?” took Sylvia by surprise and the look of astonishment on her face said what words she would have said as evident.  Michelle moved to calm her before she could reply with, “Madam, you don’t understand.  What is evident to me is that someone has tampered with the sending frequencies of the tokens which you claim to have failed.  The one outside, on the table, is no longer yours but another’s.  The second which failed, only to resume, is in essence now a Judas-goat and in the possession of someone other than the individual or individuals whom we search for.  The problem which you pose is this, whatever that is sent can eventually be traced.  Madam, someone out there knows, or will know, what you have done.”

The look of stunned comprehension was but an adjunct to her deflated ego.  “Oh,” I just thought that
”  The suddenly blank look on her face almost immediatly gave way to one of mortification and understanding when she unexpectedly murmured “I’ve made things worse.” 

Michelle Spangler placed her two hands on Sylvia's shoulders and softly spoke to her the same words which her boss had spoken to her in her hour of need before her rescue.

"??. ?? ?????? ?? ?????? ??? ????. (Yes. But only for the moment my friend)."

[teddi]

Silvia’s direct reply to Spangler of “I understand your implication all too well,” was met with a cryptic smile as she expounded further, “That the enemy of my enemy is, for the moment, my friend.   Deputy, I ask that you do not press your insinuation, I have no desire to become your eventual enemy; far from it.  My dear, please understand that I would never hurt my nephew.  Oh to be sure there are moments that I would chastise him but that would only be for cause.  My niece on the other hand would punish him out of spitefulness; it is that which I wish to avoid, her plans for him would not be, shall we say, conducive to his ultimate development.”



“Explain.”  For Sylvia, the one word response was simple, straightforward and all encompassing.  She began with, “Deputy, first allow me, the reason for your presence here, in this town, is the two individuals who perished in what has been to date euphemistically called an accident:  they were very, very close to me; especially with respect to my nieces’ late husband.  I offered him
excuse me, I meant to say, that I introduced him to her.  Do you understand?”



“Not fully, I am still
new
to this country and its revised laws, but am I to surmise from your intimation an attachment:  that he or both had, at one time, been students of yours; as indentured submissives?  Therefore, perhaps by implication you had also played a role in the introduction of the late Stephan Black to Kathy as well; is that the reason for her continued proclivity of visiting your establishment with her daughter or is there more?”



“You’re very good at connecting the dots Lt. Colonel, in fact, you’re excellent, and yes, of course there’s more.  Both were my first custodial charges.  Hmm, don’t look so puzzled, David was my first while Stephan was the second and since on this matter you claim to have no knowledge I shall explain.  Under the Constitution, of the 57 Newly Confederated States, of which you are now a citizen, I am within my rights to “develop” at least two, but no more than four, male youths simultaneously.  My dear, you encountered all four of the sissies I now tutor at the diner and personally enjoyed their services yourself; at least, that is what I was told separately by each of them.



“But I digress.  You see, under the 63rd Amendment, passed some twenty five years ago, which specifically details all marital unions, pre-nuptial agreements, voluntary and involuntary indentured servitude contracts, their grade and type, not to mention the legal age of majority for all males who are entered into these same contracts legally by others; as the FDBM & SR facilitator for Region III, I am empowered to offer whatever experience I deem necessary which would benefit a future female spouse.  In essence, I am empowered to act as a marriage counselor or broker on behalf of the future unknown majority female partner before the fact.



“Both David and Stephan came under my tutelage, as unwanted males, at the age of eight and as set forth under article two of the 63rd amendment, I became their don; their empowered custodian so to speak.  However, as such, once under my guidance, they were devoid of familial rights; except those which I deemed as necessary for their development or those which I later granted as either necessary or applicable to either.  Nevertheless, during the course of their indenture, to each I was most tender.  I therefore resolved that once they had reached the age of consent, thirteen, that they would be offered for service to an aspiring Alpha-female of equal or slightly older age. I know what you’re thinking, that I just used them both.



“Well, nothing could be further from the truth.  I made certain that they lacked for nothing, even a thoroughly well rounded education.  You see, my dear, as an older female, oh god I hate to now use that description, but be that as it may, as one who is, shall we say
age advantaged
 that it is far easier to instruct a younger male into his new station in life. One who is easily molded without those dreadful foibles which were inherant to males not so long ago; those which would preclude benefical behavior modification.  Especially, in the multiple facets of what a woman may both physically and emotionally require for her gratification, rather than proceed through the trial and error of what may be found by merely courting a limited number of dulled male possibilities and wishing for a fulfilling outcome.  No pun intended.   After all, what woman would not accept a well trained, educated and adept young lover, of either sex, whose stamina was not in the least questioned and whose overriding concern was both her physical and mental joy, happiness and wellbeing despite his or her own discomfort?  To what lengths would either go for her pleasure; even if upon a devilish whim? What would such an individual do unquestionably for their ultimate mistress?  



“Moments ago you accused me of being cruel and insensitive.  Perhaps, for a moment or two, it may appear that way.  But I ask you, think; if I were not the stern taskmaster, ever demanding, ever difficult to please and seemingly, ever so ungrateful, for even the slightest courtesy shown me, would the products of my efforts find success?  No, I think not.  In this new world where, except for few exceptions, women rule, and those few true males remaining, those capable of reproduction, would eventually flounder without direction.  You see my dear, the greatest kindness I can show them is my cruelty; only then will they truly appreciate one such as you who can be followed, upon sight; and that they may, even with their eyes hunger for, as they willingly follow.   In many ways it is I who plants the physical seed:  not they.



“But there I go again just rambling on.  Now back to the point I was leading up to; that having been schooled beyond the minimum requirement of twelve years and having undergone rigorous training in multiple techniques, both David and Stephan were offered to their prospective female partners as unconditional mates; one’s who would not only serve but also one who could bond with their majority partner, an Alpha-female of my choice, who would, without question, and as found in Section 2, sub-paragraph (b) of the 63rd Amendment, be dominant in all matters; regardless.  



“I must admit that I grew attached to both but even fonder of David.  That is why I saved him for my niece and gave her best friend my second, her David.   Now, with events, I miss both dearly.  So, the answer to your first question is obvious I want more than just the release of my nephew and not only want revenge but more; the return of status to my family name and all that comes with it.



“Deputy, the primary reason that my lone nephew is standing outside this door right now is because of me!  I instigated the plan to rouse my niece from her indolence.  It was at my suggestion that Kathy Black brought her daughter Stacey to visit me.  Stacey, a lovely child, who will by the way, make an excellent dominatrix, had already snared my nephew with her wiles:  as her pheromones,* even at her young age, are quite potent; and as my nephew is quite malleable, it was relatively simple for her, with the proper coaching and enticements, to beguile him.  However, I was the one who prompted Kathy and Stacey to tempt him into an action which would spur his mother to act; unfortunately, besides being a male, he is also inventive to a fault.  The boy took it too far and involved his younger sister in a manner unbecoming for a male towards any female; and in this day and age that act is not looked upon kindly; he took advantage of her and for that his mother, with my help, will punish him dearly.  But for the moment that is neither here nor there.



What is to the point is simple to understand:  that Kathy Black is, as was my niece, a protĂ©gĂ© of mine; she is however, at the moment, less mean spirited than Shelly.”



“Do you merely allude to the fact that your niece overindulges or is there another connotation of which I should be aware?”



“Yes to both of your questions.  It is common knowledge that my niece drinks, at any time or place which suits her.  She was, is, in danger of losing her position at F.E.M.M. along with custody of her children
to me.”  Silvia waited for some type of reaction; seeing none she continued.  "I could not bear to let either happen but if I had to choose one over the other I would exercise my jurisdiction and place both under my protective custody until such time she was once again a capable female.  



“She visited me a short while ago, and sought a make over for her son; a transformation of which I would be willing to engage
with reservations.”



But standing there, Michelle Spangler had many uncertainties herself.  She tried to understand how it had all come to this.  She remembered the many stories her father, General Olderofvsky told her of the old days, of the relationships between men and women, before the new beginnings and understood little of what had transpired during the world wide calamity of thirty-seven years ago.  She knew less of the events following the immediate passing of the uncharted comet which had struck the atmosphere a glancing blow and even less of how many males had been killed or left sterile as a consequence of its unique and gender specific viral payload, which were dispersed worldwide upon its partial entry into earths atmosphere.  Nor did she understand how it, the comet, could amplify the pheromones of certain  women, like herself, while leaving others, like her mother Captain Katrina Olgevskya, much the same as they had been previously.  Or of why those same pheromones in men had been so drastically altered.  



Growing up among the Spetsnaz, her only frame of reference was that of a pure cadre girl.  However, she, was the only one among those few remaining, who, as a young child, chose to discard her given name of Feodora (Gift from God) Katrina Olgevskya.  She chose another, one which she perceived as more suitable to her existence; one which she could and would emulate regardless of circ-umstance.  



Mstislav (Vengence) Stalina (Steeled) whose parents and immediate elders were still of Spetsnaz, learned as a young girl, what it was to be only Spetsnaz; independent and all alone.  And as for being trapped in the wastelands of a god forsaken foreign country without hope of escape; that too was the cross to bear for being a child of the loyal elite; who, through an act of providence, were left behind to fend for themselves.  And that is how he found her, at the base of hill, all alone, covered in blood, and ready to be set upon by those few remaining zealots who had not fallen in combat before her.



And now, here she was as Citizen, Deputy Michelle Spangler, a ranking female stranger in an even stranger land.  One where the social conventions, the niceties, of which she had been told and had read of, were no longer the norm; for now it was the alpha females who ruled the roost, made the laws, brokered the treaties and who had turned convention upside down.  They were the politicians, the senators and congresswomen.  They comprised the newly established FDB&M and had become the facilitators and their enforcement police.  Of course there still a few real men around, such as her immediate boss, but they were now a rare breed for what had been a man’s world had turned topsy-turvy.



Her mental sojourn of reminiscence was broken by Sylvia’s gentle prodding of, “Deputy, Deputy?  Hello?

______________________________

* A pheromone (from Greek ???? phero "to bear" + hormone from Greek ???? - "impetus") is a secreted or excreted chemical factor that triggers a social response in members of the same species. Pheromones are chemicals capable of acting outside the body of the secreting individual to impact the behavior of the receiving individual.[1] There are alarm pheromones, food trail pheromones, sex pheromones, and many others that affect behavior or physiology. Their use among insects has been particularly well doc-umented. In addition, some vertebrates and plants communicate by using pheromones

[teddi]

Michelle Spangler could only mumble “I apologize, I was elsewhere in thought” most diffidently. She paused again and spoke almost inaudibly, “I assess the moment in light of my limited time in this new country.  I now ask myself, why anyone would risk returning this particular token to your nephew unless, aside for perversions sake, something other, intrinsically more important was to be gained and now the only answer which comes to my mind is simple and obvious; they desired something more than the esoteric proclivities of a boy.  If only by existence he had access to something or someone more:  knowledge; which in turn would lead somewhere, perhaps to some inkling of power.  



“Regardless, it is reasonable to assume that given the current status of males in general that the individual we seek is an exceptional female who acts on behalf of either her governmental agency or is to some degree engaged in global industrial espionage if not assassination.  Personally, I feel it to be both but for some reason it is logical to assume that the individual we seek is one other than Linda Gentry; despite all indications the trail left is purposeful; besides, through experience I believe her too noticeable a suspect.  Therefore, her involvement is not only ancillary but also innocent; therefore we must concentrate our efforts and look elsewhere.”



Michelle turned once more to the door, cracked it open and spied upon Mark Porter as he finished dressing himself.  She couldn’t help but notice the elongated faded denim spot on the left front of his jeans and mused to herself “Of course, as with males, it is the tell tale sign that when aroused and rubbed, the fabric wears thin.”  She closed the door but left it ajar and turned once more to Sylvia and bluntly asked “Madam, before I contact my superior, through your clandestine endeavor, what information, if any, have you gleaned which will be of immediate benefit to this matter?”



The look on Sylvia’s face said it all, she was the one who normally was in charge and asked the questions and she was not at all used to being interrogated; especially by a woman much younger than herself; and of course, despite her previously announced regrets, she took immediate exception to the question perfunctorily asked as a command.  Unconsciously, she curled both of her lips inward and refrained from responding immediately; which brought a smile to the normally stoic face of Michelle Spangler who decided to press the point by inquiring “I see I have offended you, no matter, you will get used to answering to either me or my superior; because if you do not
” she paused for a moment and then concluded with “it will not go well; especially for you.  Even in this day and age there are certain laws against what you have done.  I would make certain that in some manner you would held accountable.”



Before Sylvia could reply, Michelle immediately raised her right hand with palm open and at Sylvia’s eye level and barked out “No, no
leave your elevated sense of worth elsewhere;” lowering her hand she continued “on these matters it is I who asks and controls the situation.  If we are to succeed we must be of one mind and dedicated purpose; there cannot be, as you in this country are so fond of saying
how is it put
ahh yes
any “loose cannons” laying about:  specifically you.”   Now answer
”



Michelle Spangler drew her shoulders back and waited for whom she now considered to be her lesser counterpart to reply and in so doing, unconsciously her less than buxom chest expanded fully against the taut fabric of her light brown jersey.  



Sylvia began “Lieutenant colonel,” she paused to asses the moment further before proceeding,  â€œI am not accustomed to being addressed in such a manner; if you desire my assistance, I am willing and ready to do so I...”



Spangler wouldn’t hear any of it and barked back interrupting “No, as I told you
it is not you
but I who will give you the orders and you will grow accustomed to it or else you will sit in a cell by yourself where no one can reach you or in turn him” as she nodded once in the direction of Mark Porter who had now completed dressing.  She continued with, “Until this matter is complete, all information you have clandestinely gathered will be shared immediately; moreover, you will relinquish to this office the CPU which receives their respective transmissions.”  Sylvia opened her mouth to protest but instead it was the Deputy who still controlled the moment as she cut Sylvia off again with “Madam, moments ago you asked a question of me and bade me reply even if it were to you a lie.  At this moment, given your attitude, it would be a lie to tell you that the results you seek, of revenge, or of restored honor, were guaranteed as obtainable.  You must understand that time is short and whomever it is we seek still roams and is free, not only to continue whatever the plans that are made but would also be able to escape.



“Understand, neither my superior nor I are known for failure and while it is true that at times, we do not leave an inkling of intent but instead that of certain ruin we find it deplorable reverting to those extreme measures.  Madam, I, as is my superior, am a pragmatist, who upon impulse can and would take a life or be killed if it ensured the success of the mission and the safety of those whom I am charged with; here and now I tell you that I, that we, would do no less; for you or anyone else.  However, we cannot succeed without this information, please, swallow your considerable arrogance; I have important work to do and little time left in which to do it and can no longer wait for your indignant pride to assuage itself.”



A wry smile crept across the lips of the Facilitator for Region III and as she nodded her head and almost venomously addressed her equivalent “Deputy, Lt. Colonel Stalina, I have waited years for a woman such as yourself to appear.  You are not only self-assured but so sweetly arrogant and obviously a woman who can look after herself; you are much like me.  Forgive me?”  



Spangler perfunctorily nodded and uttered one word “??  (Da=Yes).”



“Good,” Sylvia chortled, “For the moment I concede to your authority; you will have the CPU within the hour and as for any intelligence garnered, it is all on tape; you will have those as well.  I can save you the time however and tell you that the only interesting  and recurring article of conversation which runs throughout their entire thread is some type of innovative interrogation and classical conditioning technique which is still undergoing development and testing.  From their idle conversations they are amused at the ease with which the information is gathered and are amazed at the rapidity of the conditioning process upon the subjects.



“Furthermore, Stephen and David also took part in this endeavor and were, to the best of my knowledge, quite taken with it.”  Sylvia chuckled again and was quick to explain the reason why, “Both were devoted to their respective females but after experiencing the device which they wore whatever intrinsic male ego that remained was eliminated.  You see my dear; the device they wore, is, from what I hear, foolproof. It is also the penultimate apparatus from which there is no escape and as such whoever wears it is not only in turn becomes completely docile but also unequivocally truthful.  What I hear as well is that your agency would like several hundred of these appliances and that your superior was instrumental in greasing the wheels of progress; so to speak.”



Sylvia waited for some type of reaction and if she was expecting a major outburst from Spangler she was disappointed because the only reply she received was “You hear well but tell me something that I do not already know.”



In return Sylvia appraised Spangler further and smiled realizing that the Spetsnaz woman before her had all but won her over.  She leaned closer to the blond and whispered “I know who the next test subject will be and I also know that the appliance to be worn is more advanced than any of the previous; that is what I heard from my source but a short time ago.  I know as well that once this device is in place that his mother will bring him to me for a transformation like none other.  Oh most certainly, she will preface its installation with a lesser model, one which will give but a notion to my nephew of what is to come.  I can assure the  Lt. Colonel that if you as a woman desired to know his deepest secrets, especially those of you, all you need do, would be there to ask; for once it is put on all resistance is futile.  I also hear that tomorrow, his mother will make certain, that he will never again treat another female in the manner which he has his sister; whom by the way, from what I hear, will take great delight in humiliating him, not only in private but in public as well.  As for the devices in question, the last I heard was that a common carrier has been consigned to transport several items, deemed by someone of authority to be imperfects, to some as yet undisclosed location for disposal; perhaps you should concentrate your efforts in that direction?



Michelle’s eyes moved in the direction of Sylvia’s nephew and as she watched him squirm about in his chair, she, as a woman wondered about his many thoughts; and if she occupied even a small portion of his current musings.  While she internalized the information Sylvia had provided her, standing there, two salient thoughts coursed through her mind.  The first concerned Sylvia Mangiano the self-professed know it all and the second centered on an Old Russian proverb she had learned from her father that even to this day still held water.  He said “??????? — ???????? ??? ??????? (Boltun — nakhodka dlya shpiona=A chatterbox is a treasure for a spy).” Given that advice she decided then and there of how to begin ferreting out the mole.



For her part, Sylvia Mangiano now waited and wondered to herself if she should even dare broach the subject with the woman who exhibited those innate qualities which she yearned for in an Alpha female; especially one whom she could at some point in time welcome personally as
family.  Intuitively, to her, all the signs were there and to her the match was obvious; that her nephew definitely had eyes for Stalina and for some reason he had warmly turned the head of a very formidable woman; one, who according to her dossier, was a specialist, skilled not only in close combat training but also one whose physical endurance was that of a prodigy within the agency itself.  



That she had been teamed with Binder again for this assignment was also for Sylvia no small undertaking.  Among the dozens of dossiers supplied; other agents were recommended but the man read as a wonder in his own right; strong, unabashed, unafraid, at time ruthless and doggedly indomitable.  Besides, he had had a working relationship with Stalina.  But he had had enough and had expressed his desire to retire.  Given the current circ-umstances, Sylvia could not allow this to occur.  Therefore she thought it best to team the two together for one last effort; one in which she had a personal stake.



Even before they had met she had reasoned that Binder could provide the counterbalance necessary for her niece to succeed.  Moreover Sylvia appreciated the notation she had read on the exterior of his folder:  â€œBinder, extremely dangerous and will implement his own rational upon a whim “Screw ‘em before you get screwed yourself!”  It is recommended the he be used as a last resort!”  She mused to herself “well that would be like killing two birds with one stone.” But was the cost worth it?



To Sylvia, money was merely that cost of doing business with an agency; one which had a reputation for unqualified success, who, at her request, had supplied both Stalina and Binder.  They were both well worth the investment of time and money; after all, the word profit, meant so many things to so many others.  And now, standing there looking at the svelte Deputy Lt. Colonel she concluded that so incongruously charming a girl could indeed be persuaded to make this her last assignment after which, if properly mated, that both he and Stalina could provide so much more.   She mused silently at her double entendre.  



She resolved, she would plant the seed before the two pairs had physically coupled; and as a result both of their progeny would not be sterile and in turn both she and her family name would profit incalculably.



She leaned forward and plied her trade and began as a Siren with one whispered word..."Feodora...

[teddi]


curtly dismissed her attempt without so much as turning to face her counterpart.  She venomously hissed back her immediate displeasure “Sssilence, that name was last whispered to me by my mother before she died in my arms.  Other than she, no other since has dared call me that or voice it in that manner.  Obviously, you should know better, yet you persist to test me
why?” she asked as she turned to face the woman whose face immediately flushed in embarrassment at her unintended faux-pas. 

Of all the things Spangler would and did accept with a grain of salt and bitterly swallow in the performance of whatever duties that would befall her, this unprovoked intrusion reopened a personal wound and was to her beyond the pale of acceptance; to her this was more than a personal slap in the face.  She thought “??? ???????? ??? ????? (How dare this bitch?)   ???? ???? ??? ???? ??????, ?????? ??? ???? ?????????? ?? ??? ??? ?????; ??????????, ????? ??? ?????? ?????????????? ? ???, ? ??? ??????????? ???????? ?????????:  ???? ? ??????? (While it was once my name, only my mother would whisper it as such; especially, when she wanted to confide in me, in those special moments of solitude:  mother to child.)” Sylvia Maria’s mouth gaped when she further heard without the slightest intimation of doubt “Madam, desist.  With such persistence, I assure you that you will not live long enough to regret it.”   She left her tight lipped and guttural conclusion of “? ???????? ???”* un-translated.

Though Sylvia didn’t understand the language she understood the manner and intent of those last words.  Moreover, for one of the few times in her life that she could count on one hand, Sylvia Maria stood regretful and was truly at a loss.  Even those words which she searched and fumbled for could not erase the immediate pangs which coursed through her; for even to Sylvia, blood was thicker than water.   She had opened a festering wound and now “Deputy
Lt. Colonel” she spoke, not looking at the face of the woman who confronted her, “I didn’t know.  Honestly, I did not know” she continued apologetically.  “There was
there was no mention of this...I mean of that, in your dossier.  I will gladly show you what I have.  Please, I apologize, truly I do.  Obviously I have now offended you and and
”  Sylvia swallowed once then heaved a sigh of resignation and muttered the last of her semi-cogent thoughts “Oh my god, I am a marriage broker and I notice things; especially those furtive looks between would be lovers.  After meeting you, I only wanted you to stay here and thought to further sway you.”

“Hmmph, so you say now” came the bitter retort.  “Madam, my life at the moment is not my own.  I am bound to duty and until my mission is completed
love is lost upon me and anyone else who gets in my way.  If you must muse
do so silently
it would be better for your health.  Now, if you will excuse me, I must contact my superior.  You may leave and hope for the best or remain here for an indefinite period of time; of course you will be under our protection.  She mockingly concluded to the bewildered Regional Facilitator “?????????? ??? ???????, ? ???????????? ?????? ????????.  Sylvias bewildered look said it all.  Stalina understood and  contemptuously translated it for her, “What I said was that “God watches over those who are careful, and the jail warden’s watch over those who were not.” 

Stalina turned granite faced on a dime and exited the room trying her best to avoid eye contact with Mark Porter who, to his credit she noted, stood at ease and as if unconcerned.  She liked that quality in an individual for to her the ability to endure the unpleasant without demonstrable reaction(s) was laudable; especially for a boy who was under unspoken duress.  She thought to herself “?? ????? ?????????. (He has potential.)”

When she reached the radio neither Mark Porter nor Sylvia Maria viewed the faintest of smiles which all but broke her implacable facade.   It was out of character for her to admit it, for even but a moment, but she acknowledged there appeared to be an unspoken affinity between the two of them.  She paused momentarily before reaching the radio and smiled remembering a conversation between her mother and herself which centered upon finding a suitable mate.  “Feodora ??? Feodora, ???????? ?? ?????, ?? ????, ????? ????????” she said. (Feodora my Feodora, Durakov ne seyut, ne zhnut, sami rodyatsya. = Fools are not sown or reaped, they appear by themselves.  ????? ????, ???? ??? ??????, ???????????? ?????? ???????? ??? ????. (Besides, sooner or later, love makes fools of us all).”

She turned to face room A and spoke to the despondent Facilitator addressing her with less scorn than previously.  “Facilitator,” she began, “we have both shown ourselves to be fools.  “You”
 are an old fool who should have known better, unfortunately, I
am a “young” fool
one who does not know “any” better.  However, I understand the basis of your intent.  If my mother were here she would have me tell you, “?????????? ???.”  That simply means “Thank you.”  Now if you will be so kind, sit quietly while I contact my superior, then we shall decide on what role, if any, you are to play in this matter.” 

Sylvia nodded and silently accepted the statement for what it was.  She watched pensively as the woman went about her stated business of contacting who she knew was Larry Binder; who answered the hail from his Lt. with all the certainty that she’d expect from a man whose dossier read as a litany of both complaints and of accomplishments. 

“This is unit one to base, whatcha got?”

“I have a problem.”

“You?  You actually have a problem?

“I should specify
we both do.”

“Explain I’m all ears.”

“The boy’s aunt is here and is indirectly involved.  She has gathered information which may prove useful; unfortunately and unknown to her, the same can be said of whom we seek.  At least one of her own listening devices was augmented.  Do you understand?”

“Yea, I do, somehow there’s always a fly in the ointment.  Give me a second and I’ll get back to you
right now I’m with the kid’s mother and we’ve just gone for little joyride in the country.  By the way, turn on Mrs. D. and make sure you get a read out as of fifteen seconds from now. Copy?”

“Copy.  Counting down
14
12
10
8
6...5...4...3...2
engaged.  System is operational. I will wait for your next hail.”

The intervening thirty seconds passed without comment from either Michelle or Sylvia.  And as for Mark Porter, his curiosity had been piqued.  He wondered why the computer read out, which he could view from his vantage point from behind Spangler, initially appeared as a diaphanous moving cloud and then within seconds defined itself as a singular mass which stumbled about and proceeded to make what appeared to be a U-turn, wiggling as went upon some erratic course.   And during that period of time Sylvia noted that her nephew’s attention was also focused upon every move of the Lt.’s shapely derriere.  Her silent musing was interrupted by Binders voice when it crackled out over the intercom “Unit one to base, back at yah, copy?”

“Copy unit one.”

“Base, meet me at F. E. M. M. in fifteen minutes, Shellie Porters office and bring our two guests, copy?”

“Copy.”

“And base, bring along a couple of our RP3 playmates.  Out.”

At the end of conversation, Shellie Porter looked once outside her car window then turned and quizzically stared at her escort and mumbled “Who the hell is Mrs. D?”

Binder laughed at her inquiry and jovially told her, “Lady, Mrs. D. isn’t a “who” but I sorta love her just the same.  She doesn’t ask me stupid questions.  Doesn’t have a whiney voice.  And she sure as hell doesn’t sweat all over my seats!  But she sure as hell can lead me anywhere she wants to go and like an ’ol hound dog I’ll follow; a sniff sniff here and a sniff sniff there
here a sniff
there a sniff
.every
”

“Stop it!”  Shellie gulped back at him. “You’re
you’re
you’re so damn arrogant and impossible to talk to.  How in the hell am I supposed to find out what in the hell is going on if I can’t ask any questions and what in the hell happened to this car!  I looked out the window a couple of seconds ago and it was
I mean part of it wasn’t there!  Who or what is Mrs. D and
and
and
who
are these RP3 playmates that you're bringing to my office.  I want answers and I want them
”

“Now, now, now,” chided Binder as he broke into song  “You can’t always get what you want, you can’t always get what you want
but if you try some time
you just might find
you get what you need!”

For several reasons Shellie moaned at his attempt to sing:  the first of which was, despite the situation, he was about to make her laugh and secondly his horrid rendition made her cringe.  And lastly, that despite her initial impression of the man what she realized was that she needed to have that void in her filled once again; especially the one seated between her legs.  She turned away in dismay, embarrassed at the thoughts which she now entertained of her and him, alone and in bed, enjoying the crazed lust of the moment.

Binder took her silence the only way he could; he thought “I really p.o’d her now.  Not a smart move.”  He waited for a couple of seconds and breached the subject with “Ms. Porter, Mrs. D. is an anagram.  It stands for Micro-aerial Robotic-Sensing Devices.  When we circled back for a look see, I released the full load of these discerning little hummers just as we went past your friend for a second time and by now they’ve boroughed their way into every exposed part of flesh of whoever’s still alive in that car.  They never miss their marks and they act as a homing beacon but will cease to function only when prompted.  Their power source has a half life of twenty years and their very prickly to deal with.  As for my little playmates, the RP3’s, they’re the newest in hand held Rail Projectiles, 3rd generation.  It’ll put a hole clean through fifteen inches of steel in a split second and be ready for another helping just as quick as you can keep pressing the handles button.” 

He waited for any response as he drove, mindful, that somewhere along the road in back of them was a not too happy camper; who, whether he or they knew it or not, would lead them straight back to wherever it was that they came from and to whoever it was that sent them.  He was also mindful of the fact, that, whoever had the Mrs. D drones imbedded in them could be terminated at will; moreover, he had found that when detonated it was always best to verify that the mark was in an open area, it would reduce the collateral damage.  As for the RP3’s, his operational philosophy was simple “Get them before they get you.”  The RP3’s ensured that in fire fight whoever was hiding to a range of one mile could find no place to run and no place behind which to hide:  what you hit was just as gone as if they were only five feet from you.  In that respect he thought to himself, “Then finally, when this is over, I’ll get what I need!”
___________
* "I swear it!"