“I wouldn't say that humans can do anything. We are a weak species but a versatile one. It makes us strive to accomplish more. We just have to be more creative to make up for this deficiency. Master, do you wish for anything to drink?”

"And so modest, too." the admiral sighed, the ovipositor moving to and fro inside the 'cage' of tentacles that made the monster's exposed torso as she helped herself to the offered glass. "Superb. Feels like it's been mixed by a master of the craft. Truth be told, I'm a little envious."


"I know, but I really think humans are hot." the tentacle monster nodded as he listened to her, shooting a sideways glance at the mayor who was taking a slow sip of the reddish-pink juice she had poured out. "Their versatility is almost... addictive."

"Uh, yeah. This is good." the mayor tried to hastily change the subject, sneakily eyeing her bared breasts as he smoothly downed the cranberry juice, the longing look on his eyes reminding her of an enthusiast who was allowed to look, but not to touch. "... is this natural grown? Feels like it is."

At her prompt, her owner shifted, a bottle and a pair of shot glasses the size of her thumb floating in the inky darkness of its body before the bottle poured a serving into the glasses as he bade her sit by his side.

"I have studied human culture somewhat." he responds to her question as he gently slides the filled glass, the empty glass and the half-empty bottle. "It is said that wine poured by another is more delicious. Why don't you pour one for me as well? I would like to test this theory."

"Thats... whoa, is that a bottle of shining star?" the baron seemed to lean forward.

"Indeed it is." he spoke to the tentacle monster, before turning his attention to her. "Don't worry, I picked it specifically for its light load and delicate taste. Why don't you give it a try once you're done pouring my share? Consider it a special treat."

The liquid in the glass fizzed slightly as it was poured out, a soft, creamy aroma wafting up to her nose. Subtle touches of vanilla and spearmint danced in the air as his serving was poured. Once the small bottle was emptied, her owner took the glass she had just poured and began to hold it to the center of the vortex, several eyes closing in response as he seemed to take in it's scent for a moment before drawing the liquid out. As if poured into a series of branching tubes, the wine disappeared into the depths of the vortex, and a sigh of satisfaction bubbled through its central mass.

"Splendid. Truly, whoever spoke these words must have been wise." he speaks after a small pause. "So, tell me - how is it?"

“Humans have universal appeal.” She had gathered as much. The wide variety of guests to the island were of various species each of which wanted something from humans even if it were simple pleasure. Some fed or needed something stored within their essence.

Unaware of other worlds and species she had a limited sample size not knowing if there were others that were equally appealing on such a wide scale level. That was something outside her current knowledge but with what she had to work with she assessed that there had been some truth in that. How crowds went wild indicated that this was likely true given the wide variety in the audience or the galaxy was invested by perverts of all shapes and kinds.

Daphnee didn't know which it was. If she had to choose she would say the first. If the second little would be done.

She regarded the glasses and the drink itself. Three glasses, there was five of them. One glass kept empty while she noted that between the other two there was a large discrepancy in contents. Never had she seen such a liquid before. The closest thing she could think of was champagne but the color was different and the fragrance wasn't what she expected not that she was educated in the aromas of more than the simplest of beverages.

She felt eyes upon her, more than the mayor's ogling her breasts. Daphnee was more attuned to these things. Not that she had any talent or magical ability. She developed a knack, a feeling when she was being watched and since none of the guests were hidden from her she felt that sensation even more as she was studied.

She drew the empty glass towards her filling it before offering it up to the vortex. She watched with interest seeing just how it drank. Witnessing that parts of the vortex were solid. The drink poured into a funnel-like region that she presumed poured into those solid areas that were indiscernible from the wispy cloud of darkness.

So not extra dimensional. She had never encountered a being that was both solid and gaseous before. The closest being a slime that was neither fully solid or a liquid. There were too many aliens in the galaxy to account for all the bizarre differences that went well beyond her understanding.

Attention brought back to her. She hadn't tried it yet glancing at the two glasses. It was obvious that the stuff was rare, she gathered that much. It did feel a little wrong in drinking when she had to enforce rules and stop contraband when she was a Prefect. Not that it mattered now. She took upon the glass that wasn't as full not knowing if she'd like it or not. First she smelled it, swirling the glass to admire the contents.

With wine did you drink it all at once or sip it? Sip she concluded. At least all the movies and shows she had seen showed people sipping it and engaging in social activity. But the glasses where shot glasses indicating that one pounded the stuff down. He had no throat either but poured his drink in a steady stream into that darkness so all at once?

She glanced at the other three in an effort to read their expressions. Not that she could other than the mayor that looked human enough. No telling how to interpret what she saw since it had been the expressions of an alien and by definition that was different than her own kind so what might mean happy to her could be pissed off to him.

So with little to go by she had her first drink. One gulp. She expected it to burn but it didn't. It tingled and popped against her throat as it went down. At first she nearly felt it coming back up, not because the tasted didn't agree with her but because she was so full as it was that there was no place for it. The liquid dissolved into what was there or dissolved some of those contents it was hard for her to say which. There was less there, her belly shrank a little.

“Wow!” She gasped. Currently she missed out on any intoxicating effects or hadn't been aware of them as of yet. Her belly was full and they said to never drink on an empty stomach. Something was happening though. She could feel the drink swirling within all that cum the shifting liquid within her was more than pleasant.

“I-I don't know what it's suppose to do but I - UHH – feel it moving. Mixing with what's already there.” She blushed, which was unusual for her. The movement of that liquid kept her on her toes arousing her in ways she didn't expect at all. It was almost as if her stomach was as sensitive as her vagina. Again she looked between the four aliens. Her Master was showing no ill effects of that drink.

“I-I don't know what it's suppose to do but I - UHH – feel it moving. Mixing with what's already there.” she admitted.

"That's understandable. However, I must say that my theory proved true - that was the finest serving of shining star I've ever had." her owner seemed to recline in his chair, looking almost contemplatively at her - right into her eyes, it seemed. "Your senses have been enhanced, and it is no surprise that you can sense it's motions inside you. I specifically picked a very light drink for you, because I was unsure of what you would prefer."

"Shining star is made from actual ingredients from the private garden world of a true gourmet." the tentacle monster chimed in. "Hell, it's filtered by some kind of platinum-diamond ceramic catalyst. If that doesn't scream 'fancy', I don't know what is."

"Each bottle is one-of-a-kind, made with ungenomed plants and ingredients evolved naturally over millions of years." the admiral sighed, her rocky exterior shifting as she nursed her own drink. "And only sold via auction. You're a very lucky human, Daphnee."

The mayor said nothing, his attention focused on his beaten shaft, which he was slowly stroking under the table, while he shot glances at her naked body. Sensing his state, the admiral jabbed him in the arm, almost making him spill his drink.

"Ah, uh... yes." he nods quickly. "Versatility is amazing."

"Ha, you've been eyeing her like a kid at a store window." the baron snarked. "Why don't you buy her if she's that interesting?"

"Well, she's under contract to him, so... I really shouldn't." he sighs. "Besides, I don't think I can afford her."

"Well, just make her say that she wants to serve you for life as your loyal slave." the admiral suggested. "You have that sort of trick up your sleeve, don't you?"

"You do realize doing that would wreck everything we've worked so hard for?" the mayor's eyes narrow, his patience clearly wearing thin.

"I know, I was just messing with you." she giggles again.

This banter continued back and forth, but Daphnee's attention was drawn to the voice of her master.

"However, if it is indeed your preference, you may help yourself to any of the drinks in the bar." the vortex of eyes looked her over again. "Or, you may rest."

The meeting continued, with unfamiliar maps and orbits being projected into the air from the table and the projectors on the floor while business was discussed. The chair she was given to was a technological wonder by itself, and just sitting on it seemed to siphon away her exhaustion and fullness. The drink seemed to have done her some good as well, the perfectly-balanced taste still lingering on her tongue as she sat there.

Sometimes, the trio would ask for refills, but with the instructions onscreen, it was a relatively easy task as her body continued to absorb more of the fluids in her body, leaving her sensitive, calm and aware while the gourmet alcohol left her feeling rather alert and fully aware of how the guests would eagerly look at her naked body on full display. The fact that she didn't even attempt to cover herself up seemed to be winning points with these three. Her owner hadn't leashed her just yet, and when she wandered about in the briefing room of her own volition, her master gave her an approving nod before he returned to discussing what they were doing before. The bar was up ahead, the servos shifting out the tray and tools as she walked by it.

Unaware of what was going on beneath the table at first Daphnee pieced it together as she listened to their conversation. The three bantered back and forth and from time to time she felt their eyes upon her. Daphnee chose not to dress. It was a calculation on her part but she felt that she was meant to distract the others even a little.

She had heard of certain celebrities that ingested gold and such on her world. It seemed such a waste to those who couldn't afford such things. There was no denying that the drink was worth it. It could be the enhancements that tricked her mind into thinking it was better than it actually was but she didn't think so.

“And you shared this with me?” There was no question about his wealth. Or he had been such a fan. Maybe both. Still she didn't touch the full drink straight away letting those feelings dissipate before she tried some more sipping it this time.

The chair had been more advanced then she had thought. At first she had attributed it's relaxing qualities to her increased senses. But it was more than that. Her belly shrank a good deal and when she went off to refill drinks her back no longer ached. By then her belly was barely a noticeable bump.

She didn't question it. Either the drink did it or the chair somehow. At times she slipped away to the bar to fetch drinks and even scroll through the recipes on that interface. Inputting drinks she had heard about, punching in random words to see what came up and checking ingredients every now and then.

She was slowly learning and even made a few drinks. Not having much experience in that realm she did have a bit of common sense knowing that she'd drink too much if she wasn't careful. So what she made had been mixed drinks thinking that she could have more of them without such risks. But she didn't know her tolerance. She had been drugged before but not drunk.

When she felt light headed she began nursing her drinks when she was in attendance. While she didn't follow everything that was being discussed she got the gist of things. At one particular point she had to have been feeling the effects of the alcohol a little. That and reflecting on the earlier conversation.

“So you're just tossing in the towel before even looking into things,” she directed her words to the mayor when there was a lull in the conversation. “I bet all those lottery tickets were tossed out back at that world. Tickets that have a monetary value too. Never said when that would expire. But I already have a Master, who may or may not renew ownership.” She mentioned.

“So that doesn't have to be consecutive either. Master,” she glanced to the vortex grinning just a tad. “Can I have a quick word with you privately?”

“And you shared this with me?” she asked him, as the three guests explained just how valuable a bottle of Shining Star was.

"Well, of course." her owner admits. "After all, it is quite the special occasion. And besides, sharing a drink with a clever human like you, that was quite exciting. I trust it's not too overwhelming?"

It was nice and light, and she got to enjoy a variety of drinks as she tried her hand at being a proper bartender, eventually getting a little more than buzzed, raising an interesting discussion with the mayor when they took a break from the negotiations.

“So you're just tossing in the towel before even looking into things,” she directed her words to the mayor when there was a lull in the conversation. “I bet all those lottery tickets were tossed out back at that world. Tickets that have a monetary value too. Never said when that would expire. But I already have a Master, who may or may not renew ownership.” She mentioned.

"Yes." the mayor nods. "Sure, I tried buying a few tickets, but no luck there, your show was a complete stage-filler. And nobody was willing to resell. Not even the ticket scalpers. I was pretty surprised that the boss actually had you work part-time for him. I think you'll learn quite a lot if you do a good job."

"What he's not telling you is the fact that he does have immense mental compulsion abilities." the admiral chimes in. "If he wanted, he could basically have you sign your whole life away on a lifetime contract. Seriously, you should try it out someday - it's really thrilling. The way he can make you pleasure yourself with your own body is so hot that I..."

"Weirdo." the baron snarks.

"Hey, it's a perfectly normal fetish." the admiral bristles.

"For you, maybe." the Mayor shoots a sharp glance at the boulder-like creature making subtle verbal jabs at him, then continues. "But right now, I've received direct instructions from your owner - no mental compulsion tricks whatsoever. The value of this deal being discussed... I believe it's quite a lot more than the revenue of the show you performed today. And I would rather try again and get into the auction next time you hold a show."

“So that doesn't have to be consecutive either. Master,”

"Oh?" the vortex responded as she turned to face the swirling mass of liquid shadows.

“Can I have a quick word with you privately?” she grins lightly at her owner.

"Of course." and with that, he appears to grow slightly taller, spilling out of the seat he sat in.

"Daphnee and I will discuss what she needs to speak of." the vortex turned to the three guests. "I trust you will be able to negotiate the final transfer date by the time I come back?"

"Yes, sir."

"Of course, my lord."

"Definitely, boss."

Their tone of absolute obedience made it clear that even the powerful psychic deferred to her owner, and the vortex floated towards one of the doors, one of the many eyes swirling around its almost liquid abyss seeming to beckon her to follow. The three aliens' discussions are suddenly muted by a powerful metal door closing behind them.

"I wonder, what is it that you desire to speak of?" her master prompted her to speak.

“No, it's not too strong. Feeling everything in ways I've never experienced before takes a little getting use to.” Daphnee admitted. Though as the discussions continued on that lack of experience clouded her mind a bit as the alcohol took effect as she imbued more of it in it's various forms.

She listened to the mayor, a glow on her features from the alcohol. She wasn't certain about the effects of mental control. Nor did she think upon it too much. Even in her addled state she realized that the mayor was missing the point. She had to wag a finger to get their attention again.

“That lottery has come and gone. Who holds onto losing tickets? We'll I suppose you can write off some of your loses when filing tax returns. Just in case your audited. In most cases people just toss them out. All those tickets just sitting in a trash can somewhere. It's been less than a day so I doubt there's been any trash pick up.”

She left them in on filling out those details. Maybe someone else had the same idea going through the trash for those tickets. Most likely they may have assumed their value expended after the auction. How many would travel to her next auction? There was that reptilian captain that may have picked up on the value of the tickets. It may not have been well thought out on her part but Daphnee realized how much hope could influence behavior based on her past experiences.

When they left the trio Daphnee wasn't walking straight either. She wasn't all over the place but it was evident that her motor skills were impaired. She was slower too in order to maintain her balance. Green eyes flickered to him following one eye that she focused upon.

“Armed with the knowledge that the tickets still have value Master I'm willing to bet that you can get even a better deal if you refrain from going to the next auction.” She held up a hand as if to silence him before going on. “That doesn't mean that you won't send someone on your behalf that they don't know about if your so inclined. It could help to influence things a few points in your favor. You see how he looks at me even now? I'm not drunk enough to let him impair my ability to think for myself or at least make arrangements to be extracted from a situation after a set amount of time and that's only IF he wins.”

Daphnee didn't think of all those details in her current state. She showed that she was devious or at least scrutinized details keenly, even now. Her experiences on the island made her attempt to process all those loopholes and problem areas. Of course one could never shore them all up but one could take precautions.

"There is one thing wrong with your deductions." the mayor breathes out. "Don't get me wrong, I want you more even now. Your analytical skills are truly amazing."

"She probably doesn't realize it, but even the losing tickets have value." the tentacle monster nods.

"Yes, I have some in back on the port building, but even I wouldn't throw them away." the admiral admits. "Well, go on and discuss whatever you want with the boss, we'll be here."

-

"I take it you had fun experimenting?" her owner spoke, draping a protective tendril around her waist to keep her steady. "Now then, let's hear what you have to say."

“Armed with the knowledge that the tickets still have value Master I'm willing to bet that you can get even a better deal if you refrain from going to the next auction.” She held up a hand as if to silence him before going on. “That doesn't mean that you won't send someone on your behalf that they don't know about if your so inclined. It could help to influence things a few points in your favor. You see how he looks at me even now? I'm not drunk enough to let him impair my ability to think for myself or at least make arrangements to be extracted from a situation after a set amount of time and that's only IF he wins.”

"Bold, aren't you." the vortex smiles at her initiative, and patiently listens to her take. "However, there is a few loopholes in your theory."

Of course, this new information would have to be explained.

"Indeed, it was fortunate that I passed the first lottery. It is here that most seek to win - because they have a chance to be chosen, because the choice of the second lottery is entirely in your hands, and not even a menta-enhanced cruncher could successfully predict the future, or whom you would choose to bring up to the stage. At best, all they can do is predict your final judgement by knowing your preferences. For example, now that I know you prefer lighter drinks over non-alcoholic ones, I can program the bartender to produce drinks specifically tailored to your preferences."

So that's how it was.

"Correct - there are two auctions at play here. Note that only certain players were allowed onstage - this is the second auction, one entirely under your control and preference. The first lottery, is more important to the visitors of your show - the chance to be selected by you. That's right, the first lottery is all predetermined by an encrypted random sequence of numbers. It is this value that the losing tickets hold even now. Are you aware of who crunchers and bookers are?"

"The losing tickets are bought up by these people, and their number sequences are studied carefully in order to draw a pattern. The arms race between these mathematicians and the gamekeepers is a constantly-evolving one, and the stage sponsors allow it because it brings out talented individuals in investigation, mathematics, prediction and strategic planning. You will not find even one losing ticket in the trash."

"There is one other thing you are mistaken about - that one, Erhiu." her owner continued. "His mental compulsion ability is the real deal. It doesn't matter if you were willing or not, had I allowed him to use his full power, you could be signing the ownership contracts selling yourself to him in an instant. He's not just able to impair your thoughts - he has enough telepathic power to brush away your protests and make you offer yourself to him as your mind says no, your mouth screams yes. But he understands what is at stake here - and he abides by the rules I have set. And I trust he will not cross those lines. Admiral Keevah... I don't really understand her, however. She likes the sensation of being fully dominated like that. Strange, isn't it?"

"Will there be anything else?"

That was when a short, stout creature walked right by her, with a polite "excuse me." as he carried away a small tray of dirty glasses. The hallway, while large, was still being trafficked by the crew of this spacecraft. Most of them ignored her naked form, while some took a slow, longing look at her as she continued to converse with her owner out in the open.

Daphnee somewhat re3alized that she was missing something from the responses of the others only finding out what that was in short order. She analyzed in her head as best as she could those terms. Her thoughts were a little hazy but she managed as best as she could.

“Crunchers are math guys, right. People that study odds and patterns assigning percentages to patterns. Bookers ...” she trailed off only because she had two options that came to mind. “You mean those people that pick odds for gambling and not those that pick out venues.”

Things were far more complicated than she realized. Not that it was a surprise that things were slanted somewhat. Daphnee took it all in nodding at times. Even analysts get things wrong. Not that she did much gambling but no one could predict things 100% of the time as far as she knew. Either something happened that wasn't factored in, random chance or just dump luck.

“That's a bit complicated. I'd say just chance those numbers to random shapes, images of fruits or something the next time around but all that stuff is out of my hands.” If the sponsors wanted it then there was no way they'd print up different tickets. Not that she cared much about the business side of things.

Though with the mayor she grinned. “Oh, I sorta guessed that. The idea would be to arrange for a third party to manage those things to enforce initial terms. And I did intent to have another have prior ownership that kicks in at the expiration of the contract so another as legal claim. Whether the auction sponsors or someone else I haven't considered. But it's all moot anyway. Things are a bit too complex to change outside of me adding a bit of randomness to my part of things.

“But I have my own preferences. Not many but they exist.” She glanced to the alien. “Sorry.”

She moved out of the way. Daphnee was aware that she was getting more looks this time around. Not every alien that passed but more than she had when first arriving. Had she not been a bit tipsy she would have revised her earlier thoughts about the species.

“No, that is all Master. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.”

"Humans are a very intelligent species." the vortex responds, taking her response in stride. "You've taken quite the effort to understand the processes which take place in the auctions. According to the management deal you have signed with your sponsors, you have exclusive rights to pick second-auction winners. I must say, that's quite the deal you must have negotiated, making sure you remain safe while enjoying what the universe has to offer... So, while you're on contract with me, you should choose your actions carefully. While I am interested in seeing what you can and cannot do, I would rather make sure you have a good time of it. Why? I'm one of your biggest fans, after all."

"Still, your sponsors are very generous - I know they will not allow anyone to cross specific boundaries. For example, if you were to collapse on stage from side-effects, exhaustion or pain - or perhaps you were being taken in a way that could cause permanent damage to your body, the show would be cut short and thus, everyone loses." he continues. "So, no one is going to risk that kind of behavior, not with over a hundred enraged opponents furious over the waste of their ticket purchases... it goes to say just how skilled they are at management - why risk having to purchase military companies that could possibly grab you from the stage for a richer client when the fans themselves can be used as enforcement?"

“But I have my own preferences. Not many but they exist.”

This definitely drew his attention.

"Oh? And what what would they be?"

Daphnee considers how the auction is run. Briefly she reflects on who is running the show granting her this much freedom. Not that it had been important to the matter at hand. Someone strong or a conglomerate. She searched her mind for beings she may have known that would have arranged for a more pleasant enslavement. There were only three and two of them showed no signs or interest in making these logistics work.

In short order she dismissed it. It was too distracting to think in such depth with her current buzz. Her Master's question turns to her preferences. Her experiences at Shokushu, especially that first nightmarish year, limited these preferences in order not to be choosy.

“Well, Master they are few. Guidelines really since I really don't have much say in things. The first would be pain or rather the absence of it. I can do without all that torture. I can't list all of the things I've endured.” She paused, reflecting on her first experience and her old fetish, one that rarely came up outside of time spent with her Mistress.

“I prefer not to be bound or restrained. Bad memories there for the most part. Most of the rest are minor things. Well, most are. I'm bothered about having to beg. Requesting things, asking nice, that's different. Again bad memories,” most stemmed from the fact that whenever she had begged it was used against her or would be ignored in the case of those torturing her.

She considered the last. “Drugs too. Aphrodisiacs not others. I'm not against them. It's just that they can lead into the whole not begging thing pretty easily. Hard not to beg under such conditions otherwise it's fine. I've never experienced mind control, at least not that I remember. I've had things tampered with but my actions haven't been impeded. I rather remain in control of what I do.

[color=#BF00FF] “So I have a list. Most of which I am unable to do much about. Usually it doesn't come up. By not resisting and trying my best I often avoid these things. No need to control someone that's not resisting or restrain someone that can provide for a better experience unrestrained.” She might have said too much but she didn't have a filter on currently or it had been dulled a great deal. She still reflected on things here and there so she wasn't extremely impaired. She seemed coherent enough to follow along though it would be sometime before she could reflect fully on her thoughts.

"Fascinating." the vortex breathed out as she continued, her mental filters crumbling apart under her inebriation. "Your fans would be very eager to hear this kind of information. Most, if not all of them would make sure to adhere to your preferences in the hopes you'll give them a second visit. Others... it is as you say. There is no doubt that there may be people who want you all to themselves. But I suppose you already knew that. You're a very intelligent young lady, after all."

Those oily tendrils kept her steady. Despite their delicate, almost wispy appearance, it was clear they were deceptively strong - judging by how well they kept her from falling. Reading her posture with instinctual accuracy, they made sure she wouldn't stumble as this conversation ended. Re-entering the meeting room, the vortex approaches the figures of the three visitors hunched by each other, speaking in that strange - almost familiar language as they discussed the final details of the deal they had come here to hash out.

"Gentlemen, and lady." her owner spoke to them. "I trust you've finished the final details?"

"Yes, sir." the mayor speaks as he pulls up a holographic document with the signatures of all three individuals at the bottom. "I believe this deal is quite fair to all four of us."

"I agree." the admiral nods. "You've been very generous with the deadlines, and I believe that the shipments can be arranged at such a time scale."

"I'm quite pleased with my share." the baron adds in. "It would be a great honor for me to invest in this business."

"I thank you for your business, everyone. I too, would like to see your enterprise succeed." the vortex speaks. "Will there be anything else?"

At this, the mayor timidly raises his hand.

"Speak."

"I... uh, I was thinking... of attending the next auction where Ms. Daphnee will be." he begins. "If I may be so bold as to ask... may I have the location of where she will be performing next?"

"Well, I suppose she should have a say in this first..." her owner gently taps her bare back with a tendril. "Should I tell him?"

She blushes a little realizing the blunder she may not have made if sober. If word got out there would be some good but bad as well. There were those that she knew that delighted in breaking their toys. At least if no one knew she could attempt to steer them away from those things she didn't prefer.

“It can go both ways. Those at the auction would allow for most of those things. As long as things don't get too extreme I doubt anyone will step in. Then there's allays the Daphnee factor.” She explained from experience. At Shokushu her first year seemed to follow this unspoken rule.

“Once one does something it escalates. Like a competition where each tries to top the last.” It certainly felt that way at least. Again she blushes deeper than before when he comments on her intelligence. “Thank you for such praise Master. I don't see myself as extraordinarily talented. Insightful assisted by a reasonable intellect.”

Humans had a lot of catching up to do as far as tech went. Perhaps one day they would get there or maybe they have secretly done so already. NICE had things she couldn't explain and she had no idea if some sort of entity had been working with the school or if a select group of humans had been more advanced then they let on.

Conspiracy theories aside Daphnee accepted his aid to the room. They had reached some sort of agreement and she remained standing nearby thinking that things would be ending soon. Only then had the mayor shown interest in her next auction.

“Oh?” She glanced to her Master then back. Since she didn't keep track of the logistic side of things she'd let her Master break that news. He was a fan after all and would probably know the important dates or those that were important to him. If the next auction was in a sector he wasn't going to be at then it might not matter.

“You can tell him Master.” She smiled up at the vortex.

The mayor's face remained rock-still as the seconds seemed to stretch out as she considered this decision. However, thanks to the subtly enhanced senses that the alcohol and perhaps the potent cocktail of drugs that had worked into her system, Daphnee could perceive that the mayor was at the edge of his seat. Finger muscles twitching as they pressed against the translucent table, the heightened throbs of blood vessels in between his crinkly, rough skin. The way his expressionless eyes were actually flitting to her naked body, before rapidly moving back to 'face' her owner.

“You can tell him Master.” Daphne smiled up at the vortex.

"Is that so? Very well..." her owner looked to the mayor. "...but the same rule applies in the performance, auctions and even after you win."

"I'm not supposed to use my mental compulsion ability on anyone in the venue, right?" the Mayor nods. "Yes, I understand."

"And should you be the lucky winner of the first and second auction, you're strictly forbidden from using your ability to make her break the terms she specifies for you." her owner continues. "If she agrees to be your slave for twenty four of her planet's rotary segmental spans, then you will abide by and enforce her decision, and return her to the station... unharmed and as she boarded your vessel. Fail, and any and all medical treatments will be billed directly to you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I am aware." the mayor nods. "But why are you telling me this?"

"Three reasons. First off, the welfare of the slave is the responsibility of the owner." the vortex explains. "Second, I am one of her biggest fans. And finally, her being safe is quite the business opportunity for me. She has been an amazing business partner, and I would be... very displeased if something were to happen to someone who has brought me such opportunity."

"Wait, so you are..."

"Indeed. I am one of the majority stockholders in her venture." her owner explains as he casually taps on the computer panel embedded into the table, and brings up a schedule. "Daphnee will be performing again at the Siria Concert Hall in the moon of Vanse-3 in about 21 of her 'days'. The ticket sales will be open in 14 days from now. I would recommend that you arrive at least a week early, they do tend to get sold out rather quickly, you see... be ready to get rough. Sometimes, the ticket buyers can fight dirty..."

"Sir..." the admiral opens up. "I... I too would like to attend."

The baron nods as well. "I too, am interested. It's thanks to your financial contributions that our joint colony is going so well. We would like to attend, as a sign of our gratitude."

"Entrance is open to all." the vortex seems to smile at their eagerness. "Just remember to read the rules before making the purchase."

"Of course."

-

The business meeting is soon wrapped up, and documents are signed by each party and exchanged, along with each business partner's thanks. Fortunes are made and exchanged, and the three guests are escorted off by a small group of armed guards. Her owner then appeared to unfold slightly as he made his way out of the chamber after beckoning Daphnee to follow him - the familiar wispy bindings slowly tracing her motions in the air to make sure she didn't fall over. Their touch was delicate, but from the way they distributed their force on her body, they could do a lot more to her than just keep her steady... if her owner wanted to. As long as she remained cooperative, it seemed that she would have some freedom to speak, to walk unbound and be allowed a relatively generous amount of freedom and security, judging by how the pair of muscled, alien brutes in full plate armor standing guard salute the seething maelstrom of shadows as he walks by them. Oily, black eyes studded on their bodies follow her naked form - the only motion that these towering guards ever seem to show.

A cage, indeed - but a finely gilded one. Well guarded, too. This time, he didn't even leash her. Maybe he was pleased by her cooperativeness, or perhaps there really was no escape...

"Now that I know of your preferences regarding what you don't enjoy..." her spoke as he seeped/floated into the hallway. "My thoughts wander to the opposite end of this possibility. I wish to know what you truly do enjoy, rather than what you would rather not."

She picks up on the tension. Elevated senses tune her in to the scene that plays out before her. Daphnee remains silence though her eyes widen a bit with the realization that he had been part of the conglomerate that organized her auctions. It makes her think on it briefly. Before her attention is forced back to the present.

A smile creases her lips. Her gaze drifting back to her Master pleased that she had managed to leave such an impression on the others. Well, if they managed to get good seats and she saw them Daphnee could dictate the winners of that second auction so they had an advantage there.

Being free to choose, provided the alien in question didn't have stage fright (and none had so far seeing the nature of the auction she doubted that such shy folk only turned out to win the first auction to have her in private). There were a few beings that she would select because she was familiar with them. Likewise others to exclude that she had been afraid of.

She walked with her Master's assistance. Those tendrils solid and yet they felt wispy too as if they were smoke. Was he out of phase? Could he shift between states? These questions and more were too complex to ponder in any detail right now.

Naked as she was, her belly showing the barest bump after the chair worked most of the cum out of her somehow (another question too complex to ponder in any real depth). Daphnee was use to being naked in front of a large crowd. Secretly she enjoyed those eyes upon her especially with being neglected and ignored for most of her life. Becoming a Prefect helped that in a way. She wasn't ignored even if most of the other students tried to avoid her. They at least acknowledged her existence which was a huge step up.

And knowing that the guards were effect in part felt good too. She wasn't dealing with automatons. She might be able to use that should she try to escape but there was no reason for her to even try. All those years at the school tailored her for service and Daphnee knew that there was far worse out there from prior experience.

“Oh?” She considers the question. Not knowing what was possible. She was aware of incredible tech from her time working with NICE. “Let's see … I did have a bondage fetish until things went horribly wrong. But my best memories are the simplest too. On Shokushu I had a Mistress. I loved being dominated by her, serving her as both tool and toy.

“Suffice it to say I like attention. In getting praise for a job well done.” She found praise better than being demeaned. Something that inspired her to work a little harder.

“Suffice it to say I like attention. In getting praise for a job well done.” she admitted.

"That so..." her owner responded contemplatively as they walked across the hallway, through a rather bustling central hub before picking an express transport back to the upper bridge. "I must say, that is a quite interesting..."

He picked this route to specifically let her walk through as much as a crowd as she liked, noting the slight flushes and the very subtle signs of pleasure that were building in her. The civilian staff at the upper bridge were a more appreciative lot than the tough duty-oriented military types that would only make subtle glances at her bare body. As her owner allowed her to walk through these somewhat busy hallways, the staff proved to be a far more receptive audience than the disciplined military staff she had encountered so far.

Instead of subtle, fleeting looks she had come to expect - this time, she was lavished with eager, excited looks, murmurs of admiration and lust-tinged whispers in alien tongues as she confidently kept up with her Master. Aliens and monsters of various forms turned to look upon her unhindered beauty as she walked calmly through the somewhat crowded hallway. One even tried to reach out to cop a feel, only for another to deftly wrap a twitching tentacle around the wrist and use its eyes to motion to her owner as he walked on. Thankfully, the stops were short - small talk and casual conversation in a myriad of what appeared to be different tongues, with strange creatures whose forms and different features blended into one another as the tour finally came to an end as they arrived at his quarters.

The thickset doors open revealing the opulent chambers, the air temperature shifting slightly as they entered. That was when the tendrils floating around her closed in, giving a soft caress to her rear as the doors smoothly slid shut behind them. Another wispy tendril coiled lightly around her waist as he drew closer to her, the glimmer of arousal visible in the eyes that churned in the vortex as they entered the equally luxurious bed chambers. The sheets, she noticed - had been changed during the absence.

"Now then, there's so much more I want to do with you..." his voice betrayed his own arousal as more of those slick tentacles played with her body as she was walked to the bed.