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Afternoon Outside
It was a little after noon by the time Cathy and Robert walked out the aboveground entrance. The sun felt warm but a cool breeze kept the temperature comfortable. In time the desert would be scorched by the summer sun again, too hot for a daytime walk.
"It sure looks different in daylight," Cathy said as she looked back over her shoulder at the deceptively undersized building. "I don't remember it being so small."
"As I recall you were rather distracted at the time," Robert answered, squeezing her hand. His other hand held onto the strap of a small knapsack slung over his shoulder. "It's the desert. At night you don't notice how big and empty it is. Besides, the building's not supposed to stand out if you see it from the air."
The paint job was sandy colored beige, which blended into the rocky backdrop. Even the paved road was done in a brownish color instead of the more common blacktop. When they reached the end of the driveway Cathy looked in both directions, trying to remember which way she had come that first night.
"The highway is in that direction," Robert pointed to their right. Unlike most desert roads which ran in a straight line across the valley floor the road they stood on had several gradual curves. "The curves are to make it hard to see from an aircraft. No straight lines in high contrast black." He turned in the opposite direction, heading for a nearby outcropping of rocks from the mountains behind them. "Over this way, there's a table in the shade where we can sit and eat. I don't want you out in the sun too long or you'll get burnt."
Hand in hand they walked in the middle of the road toward a small pavilion with a covered table. There was little danger of being hit by traffic as access to the private road was strictly controlled. Cathy took the opportunity to examine the surrounding scenery, or what there was of it. She knew they were in the Mojave Desert, one of the driest parts of North America. It showed in the scant vegetation. Sagebrush, mesquite, and the occasional barrel cactus mixed in with a few scattered varieties of other desert plants didn't add much color to the sand and gravel that made up the desert floor. One brave lizard made a dash across the road in front of them, the only wildlife she saw.
"Not exactly the most scenic of views," Robert said, breaking the silence. "But it does have a charm of its own, I suppose, once you get used to the wide open spaces."
"Sorry sir, but it's so empty. I can't understand anyone wanting to make a home out here. It is a nice change of pace from being underground though. I miss windows and natural sunlight." Cathy still wore her collar and chastity belt since she would be returning to the secure area. Robert had allowed her to put on her dress and shoes for the trip. Since she wasn't a student she didn't have to wear restraints.
When they reached the table Robert slipped the knapsack off his shoulder and placed it on the table. "I'm not quite sure what we have for lunch. I got some sandwiches from the cafeteria but didn't look to see what was inside." He sat down as Cathy opened the bag and laid out their supplies.
There were two bottles of water. She placed one in front of Robert. Unwrapping the first sandwich she sniffed at it. "Egg salad," she said.
"That's yours," Robert pointed out. She knew he didn't like eggs so she put it down on her side of the table.
"This one's ham and cheese, sir." She handed it to him before she sat down.
He loosened the cap on her bottle of water before opening his own. "There should be a couple of cookies for dessert." He took a bite out of his sandwich. "Mmmm, something about eating outside makes food taste better. And being entertained by a lovely young lady makes it all the better."
"Thank you, sir. For the outing and your company."
Robert put down his sandwich and reached across the picnic table to touch her hand. "Hey, I know you miss being able to go outside. Once the job is done here we'll go back home. Okay? This isn't a permanent move."
"I know, master." Cathy put her other hand over his. "I miss the grass and trees but I can live with it. I know I'm doing something worthwhile. By the way, did I mention Kelli was in my class this morning?"
"I brought her in, if you remember. How did she do? She looked scared to death, understandable given it's her first day." Robert took a drink out of his water bottle while waiting for her to answer.
"She didn't ask any questions but she did pay attention for the whole lecture. I'm glad of that; I didn't want to turn her in. She was slow to get in line with the others but I knew she was doing her best to copy what she saw, so I didn't get on her about it. As long as she shows improvement, isn't disruptive and doesn't repeat mistakes I have some discretion. I remember I did the same thing, watching everyone else to get an idea of what to do. I think if she keeps up she'll do well."
"She was slow to follow orders this morning but she did obey, though I imagine it was reluctant. I could see she was very self-conscious at having her clothes taken away."
Cathy shook her head. "What do you expect? I can tell you it's quite a shock when you have to bare all to anyone who walks by. I think, in the beginning at least, that was the single worst part of being put in the school. It really hit home, how I had absolutely no control over anything."
"And now?" Robert raised an eyebrow, his distinctive sign of curiosity. "What do you think about going back each morning?"
Cathy shrugged. "Doesn't bother me now, mostly because we all have to do it. I was really self-conscious about how I looked the very first time, but now, being part of the group, and knowing every one of us has to do the same thing, I can accept it. I guess you can get used to just about anything if you don't have an alternative. I can see that's why the teachers can never be exempt. No one can complain about the lack of clothing being unfair if even the teachers have to follow the same rules."
Robert drained his bottle and tossed the empty in the knapsack. "No trash barrel, we have to bring it all back."
"Yes, sir." Cathy gathered up the sandwich wrappers and put them in the sack. She toyed with her half empty bottle, reluctant to end her time alone with Robert. "Master? I really don't mind being here. I didn't think I'd do a good job, but this morning? I believe I got through to some of them. I felt like I really accomplished something. Does that make sense?"
He reached across the table and took the water bottle out of her hands. He put it away before he took hold of both her hands in his. "Yes it does. I have confidence in you Cathy. I knew you could reach them and share your experiences. If I didn't believe you'd succeed you wouldn't be here." Robert stood up and drew her up next to him. His arms went around her, holding her close.
She looked up at him, studying his face. "Really? You mean that, Robert?" She could tell he was sincere from the look on his face, but she wanted to hear it anyway. She reached up and put her arms around his neck.
"Yes, really. By the way, if you were a student, do you know how much trouble you'd be in right now?" The smile on his face told her he was up to something.
Using his name, being outside, wearing clothes, she knew the list of infractions would go on and on. "No idea, sir. What would you do about it?" She snuggled closer to him. That should be all the provocation he needs to do whatever he intended in the first place , she told herself.
The results were about what she expected. Robert grabbed her wrists, pulled her arms down to her side and spun her around, pushing her face down on the table. His action was sudden and might appear violent but he was careful to make sure she wasn't hurt. Pulling her hands behind her back he locked her wrists in the handcuffs he carried on his warden's belt. "First of all I'd make sure you weren't trying to escape." He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "But you know what happens if you try to run away."
Grabbing her shoulders he pulled her up to a standing position. "That's better." He brushed her hair to one side and began kissing the back of her neck. "Y'know, you have me at considerable disadvantage," he whispered in her ear. "The more helpless you are, the more I can't keep my hands off you. What is this irresistible power you have over us poor dominant men?"
Cathy stood very still, hardly breathing, knowing she didn't have to answer his question. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensations from his soft kisses and the quiet words. But when he suddenly grabbed her waist, twisted her around and sat her down on the edge of the table her eyes flew open.
"Not a word," he admonished her, putting a finger to her lips. Eyes wide she watched as he forced her legs apart and pulled up her dress. When he reached for the key around his neck she knew exactly what he intended. "We won't be having the cookies for dessert after all." Try as she might she couldn't hold back a giggle while he opened the belt around her waist.
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