Chapter Text
“Unless you prefer that I burn them?” Felius suggested, holding out the scrolls nestled in his arms.
“Burn them?—Burn them?!?” Wanda jerked her eyes to her chimpanzee assistant. The knowing smile on his face caused her to nudge her glasses on her nose with a chagrined acknowledgment. Her attention was elsewhere, and she hadn’t heard a word he said. She leaned back in her desk chair, her elbows on the arms, steepling her fingers at her chin. “Perhaps it would be best if you just repeated yourself,” she admitted.
“Rantix will be pleased with any dress you choose for your dinner this evening,” Felius opined. “Although perhaps you should avoid the dark green with the low oval neckline that you wore for the Juventus Festival Institute Reception as it drew a hushed rebuke for its scandalous nature—after they lifted their gleaming eyes from your, umm—attributes.”
“Felius!” Wanda’s jaw dropped immediately, followed by a coy grin. “Scandalous, eh?”
“Hmm,” he nodded.
“Well, we wouldn’t want that one then,” the female chimp concurred.
“Here are the weekly updates on the Human Hair Growth and Texture Ratings Study.” He lay them in the bin next to her desk. She nodded. The study had mixed results thus far, although several weeks remained in the allotted research period. The study sought to measure human hair growth and rate the various textures to develop possible industrial uses. She had promised to allow her private patron, Demiurge Pevailè, early results in the event she wanted to seek out a revenue stream.
A sub-project being run by one of her assistants, lead on his first project, focused on practical uses and commercial acceptance, analyzing a variety of acceptable hair types for stuffing pillows, and one unique idea to double layer blankets with the hair in between. A hook/bait lure for fishing was being developed which was considered more practical for rural settings, but Wanda was unsure if the population would be willing to try it—she determined it may be best if they didn’t know the source of the material forming the lure wrapped on the hook. The blind study was underway. They had considered trying the natural hair as sewing material for dolls but ruled it out as the thought of using any part of a human to represent an ape was repugnant to all who heard the suggestion. Décor on hats and hatpins was still being attempted to see if the designs using woven strands including blending colors were desirable when the material was unknown.
“I will read those tomorrow.” Wanda dropped her hands to her open journal. She had already determined that should the project support successful outcomes, the designated humans would have to be used for dual purposes, such as labor constructing the final products. Cost effectiveness would be impacted otherwise. Given the wide range of hair types and textures they had identified, she thought a long-term study of a controlled breeding plan focused on preferred textures and colors should be built into the fledgling industry. She retrieved her stylus and made note of it.
“Before I finish for the day, is there anything else you need, Wanda?” the young chimpanzee asked.
“No, no,” she waved him away. “I am leaving myself.”
“Enjoy your evening then.” He nodded and left, closing the door behind him. Wanda glanced at the pile of scrolls with a sigh as she unconsciously began to toy with the petaled ring on her finger. Her attention was jerked back as the door reopened, and Felius’ head leaned into the opening.
“The sheer amber scarf accents the dark green beautifully,” he half-whispered with a wink, then disappeared again.
Wanda considered if she should discuss the need to avoid familiarity in the workplace with him but decided to let it go, especially when he provided such excellent advice. She chuckled to herself and gathered her belongings.
The walk to her secondary research site took almost half an hour, and she tossed around the notion that a way to rent a carriage ride would be a great service to her, and possibly good business for the investor. She decided to offer the idea to Pevailè first, of course. Although, she did need to inquire about investment opportunities should she wish to consider it. The research structure was mostly conceived in her head by the time she reached her destination.
She was growing more and more at home at what she called the Science Annex. Her supervisors at the Science Institute were aware she was engaged in private studies, but the location was confidential. Not even Rantix knew about the place because she didn’t want Urko aware of her activities. She had no doubt that Pevailè, who owned the complex, preferred the privacy.
The Security Chief had attempted to draw her into his fiasco of letting Burke slip away. She stuttered step as Burke’s face popped into her memory. The bitter taste of failure rose from her gut. She knew she would have broken his will if given more time and longed to have him in her hands again. When he was recaptured, she intended to make that a priority. With her current data, she had confidence that Zaius would approve her request. She would attempt to procure the one called Virdon as well. A fresh start would validate her original hypothesis, wiping the initial failure of converting Burke from her record. In the meantime, she kept a healthy distance from Urko. It was unfortunate that Rantix suffered repercussions; however, his penance at the Science Institute would come to an end. They could be a bit more open in their developing relationship when they no longer worked together, although a chimpanzee and gorilla dating was considered taboo, especially by the older apes—Father. Neither of them was interested in marriage bonding, making their rendezvous focused on pleasure; therefore, both remained disinterested in the societal mores.
Her eyebrows raised as she approached the non-descript building located on the edge of the Treetop and Habitat areas where little attention was given as it primarily involved the comings and goings of the lesser classes and the humans. Typically, Pevailè’s guards in their deep green livery moved unseen in and out of the building, but today, a trio of gorillas were overtly stationed at the front door. As she got closer, she recognized The Demiurge’s carriage waiting on the side of the building. As Guild Master of the Crafters’ Guild, the opulence of the carriage and the beautiful solid black horse that pulled it were icons in Central City. Everyone even knew the name of her chimpanzee coachman, Clarrance. The status of an employed ape driver over that of a human slave reinforced her image as a powerful entrepreneur.
A momentary panic seized the scientist. She had to remind herself that ownership of the structure was well known, and the orangutan made periodic visits to remind the populace to keep their distance from her property. It was an effective form of additional privacy. She quickened her pace to meet her patron. A sense of privilege washed over her as she came to the door, and one of the guards recognized her, opening the door with a perfunctory nod.
She moved quickly through the entry hallway, passing the side doors opening to the study rooms she had established. She turned to her left as the corridor crossed with its perpendicular mate. She made her way to the large activity room equipped with several devices pertinent to her studies. The more oppressive tools reserved for more challenging subjects or deeper conversion needs, including her turntable and undersized cage, awaited use in small, closed rooms. This multipurpose room included a well concealed observation area which had proved very useful for identifying subjects who attempted lying, scheming, manipulation, and other expected human deceits that she needed to remove from their behavior. Taxus, one of her regularly assigned guards waited for her there.
“Courtyard,” he announced gruffly. Wanda gave no verbal answer, but a head nod was acceptable to them both. She felt a rise of color to her cheeks as she recalled that her primary subject was placed in the courtyard device. She hoped it would not disrupt their discussion.
She pushed through one of the double doors that opened into the interior, spacious courtyard kept immaculate by Pevailè’s herbalist, Irius who grew and maintained a large variety of common use items. A structure she called a Grenhuus allowed her to culture other more rare and insidious plants. The open courtyard was completely enclosed by the building preventing access from intruders. Irius held the keys to a few interior rooms devoted to fungus and small creatures whose toxic by-products allowed flexibility for their patron’s needs.
Wanda looked immediately at the covered, private well. Klag, the permanently assigned supervisor of the complex, gave a her a conspiratorial wink as she caught his eye where he leaned against the well. The chimpanzee took a deep, calming breath. She had certainly grown more accepting of the habits of gorillas since this chapter of her life had begun. She appreciated their ultimate discretion under The Demiurge’s employ. It was a bonus that they showed no interest in what she was doing but took pleasure in completing the cruder tasks required—such as monitoring the well when it was in use.
Pevailè, waited on her preferred bench under a fruit bearing plumus tree, currently dripping flowering purple petals. The gentle aroma of the beautiful tree carried on the dusk breeze. Wanda hurried to join her.
“Pevailè, I am pleased to see you,” Wanda offered a respectful head bow. “I would have been here to greet you if I had known you were coming.”
“Wanda, join me,” the orangutan gave a brief wave of her hand to the empty area next to her. Her specially designed wheeled cane rested on her opposite side. “I have been pleased with your current successes, and your contributions have been noted.”
“Thank you. I have two more in the cells that will be ready for distribution within days. As always, I recommend that we keep them in the City for a fortnight to ensure their brainwashing is complete. We had one that needed to be returned for additional conditioning.”
“I need you for a different purpose. Tonight, three branded will be delivered through the tunnels into the cells.” The orangutan reached into her robe with her strong hand removing a wax-sealed scroll and handed it to the chimpanzee. “This is the information I require. Use whatever methods you deem necessary.”
“These humans will not be returned to their Masters?” Wanda stirred uncomfortably. Delivery through the underground tunnel network that entered the complex through a concealed door ensured that the delivery to the location could not be identified. She had been required to interrogate humans removed against the will of their Masters before. She recognized that her patron deemed it necessary, but she found it distasteful to skirt the laws of ownership. She did her best to repurpose the humans when she was done. She also knew Klag would handle those that required disposal.
“They foolishly ran from their Master’s care, and it was simply our good fortune to catch them to take advantage of their knowledge of their Master’s enterprise.”
“Of course,” Wanda tilted her head, appreciative that she was excluded from the method of their ‘escape and capture.’ She added, “I will provide a requisition request directly to Irius after my initial interviews with the subjects.”
“Before I go, I need you to give thought to another matter.” Pevailè pulled her cane in front of her. “Discontent grows in the City. Urko is mustering power, and Zaius is fighting shadows. We need pliable informants bendable to our will. In the coming weeks, you will be provided with an ape with an unsavory background. Have no fear, he will not be sought by anyone. We need a definitive determination regarding the susceptibility of apes to your techniques.”
“Apes?” Wanda managed to keep her voice tone neutral while all the fur of her body stood on end. “Wouldn’t that be a bit… unethical?”
“Dear Wanda,” Pervailè tapped the chimp’s leg a few times, then left her hand pressing down firmly, “the only ethical conclusion we seek is that you give me what I want, and what I want from you is an ape that provides me what I need. You focus on your humans for now. It will be some time yet before that subject arrives.” She patted her leg again, then pushed up using her cane.
Wanda swallowed hard and rose with her. The orangutan maneuvered her cane with a soft shh-shh-shh of the rolling wheels. Invisible before, two well-armed bodyguards emerged from the shadows of the garden rows, flanking The Demiurge as she began her slow walk toward the exit doors. Wanda followed at a discrete distance until Pevailè waved her forward. Wanda paced herself at her side.
The orangutan gestured to the well stating, “I want to see your personal project when it is complete.”
“Yes, of course, Pevailè. I cannot thank you enough for such a generous gift.” The chimpanzee masked her grimace. She should have known that there were few secrets kept from this powerful ape.
The orangutan chuckled softly. “As you have learned by now, every gift comes with an expectation, but I am pleased that you are pleased.”
“Yes. Very,” Wanda’s nose twitched.
“Stay here,” Pevailè gestured. “Attend to your project. In preparation for your new arrivals, I am sending a new resource for your use. I think you will find it both unique and useful.”
“As always, you are quite generous.”
“Speaking of that, expect some sembles in your account. You have earned them.” The guards blocked Wanda from further contact as The Demiurge flowed through the doors. The guards closed them with a decisive bang.
The chimp sighed deeply, glanced over her shoulder, and turned to join Klag at the well.
“Ready for the leech?” the gorilla asked with a too expectant leer.
“Klag, I have told you, what you say among your troops when you refer to my subjects is at your discretion, but I do not want the offensive terminology used with me,” Wanda corrected with a firm directive.
The gorilla simply grinned and asked sarcastically, “Are you ready for the subject?”
She nodded. Wanda half-turned to stare at the blossoms of the plumus tree, listening as Klag removed the wood covering over the well opening, then levered the spoked wheel of the well pulley. When she heard it grind to a stop, she turned back to the well. The customary well hook, suitable for hanging water buckets, had been replaced with a larger, studier design capable of supporting the weight of the naked, bedraggled human who hung from the hook by iron chained manacles positioned on his wrists. His dark hair, grown long, hung over his face. He was shaved and watered daily per Wanda’s orders. Facial hair on humans suggested that they wished to imitate their ape Masters and that would not be allowed.
The human groaned as Klag used a large wooden grappling hook to pull his body to the rock surface of the waist-high well, scraping his bare back against the rough surface. He yanked him until his buttocks rested on the lip. Klag struggled to get a stable hold on the sweat dampened skin before he could lift the wrist chains off the well hook. Once removed, he dropped the human to the ground at Wanda’s feet. Klag sneered as the disgusting animal curled next to her, but Wanda allowed it to touch her feet with its fingers.
“The water, Klag,” Wanda instructed. The gorilla grunted. Walking to the far side of the well, he bent down and retrieved a canteen which he handed to the chimpanzee. Wanda accepted it, unstoppering the top. She made a soft unapproving sound but otherwise ignored the haphazardly scrawled leeches only on the side.
“Pull him up.”
Klag obeyed, taking the human under one arm and a fistful of black hair with the other to stand him for Wanda’s inspection. He was unable to release him as the weak creature floundered when he attempted to find his own feet.
“My Peterjay.” Wanda shook her head as she brought the waterskin to his lips and poured water into his mouth. The human made a grotesque sound Klag thought must be relief as he leaned into the waterskin, gulping the water offered by his Mistress’ hand. After allowing him to consume several deep swallows, the chimp motioned for him to be returned to the ground. He lay curled on his side at Wanda’s feet. She bent low enough to stroke his matted hair thinking she needed to order that he be bathed. The odor was near overwhelming even out of doors.
Wanda straightened and held out her hand toward Klag who responded by placing a sprig of plump berries in her palm.
“Peterjay, how do present yourself to your Mistress?” she asked. The human struggled to his knees, his body swaying but held upright, his head bowed proclaiming through his posture he was ready to serve.
“You may accept what your Mistress gives you,” Wanda stated. He lifted his head, his mouth open. She pulled a berry from the stem dropping it in his mouth. He immediately lowered his head.
“What are the words your Mistress would hear from you, Peterjay?” Wanda asked gently. She was greeted with silence, the human unmoving at her feet. Wanda allowed a half-grin.
“What are the words your Mistress would hear from you? You may speak, Peterjay.”
“How may I please my Mistress?”
“Good boy, Peterjay. You may accept what your Mistress gives you,” she repeated and provided another berry.
“Peterjay, you say you want to please me, yet you are here because I still must say things twice before you respond correctly. You may tell me what you have learned.”
“I am here to serve my Mistress. Whatever you want of me. I only want to please you,” his voice cracked.
“Josef?”
His dark head lifted up slightly. He immediately realized his mistake and cowered down, gripping her ankles.
“Please Mistress, forgive me. I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” ragged tears tore through his raspy throat. His body shook uncontrollably.
“Oh, Peterjay. You most certainly have not pleased me.” Her voice was harsh. “Until only my Peterjay serves me, I am not pleased at all. Put him back,” she ordered.
“Happy to do that,” Klag reacted swiftly lifting the screaming human and throwing him bent backwards over the lip of the well. He pulled the hook to him, jerked the human’s arms up and slipped the manacles over the surface. He casually lifted his body over the rock ring, dropping him feet first back inside the well. “Down you go, leech—umm, sorry—subject. Down in the darkness. Lost in the night. Stay in your sleeping bed ‘til morning light,” the gorilla recited a rhyme for youngsters Wanda had not heard in years as he turn the lever to return the sobbing creature into the well.
“Leave him until tomorrow when I return. Were you advised new subjects were being delivered?”
“Yes, Wanda,” Klag acknowledged as he roped off the wheel to hold it in place. He returned the wooden cover over the surface of the well blocking all light from the interior. Pitiful crying echoed up the shaft.
“Keep them in separate cells. Do not let them communicate. Water only. I will be here by noon,” the chimpanzee instructed.
Wanda moved briskly through the hallway toward the front door with some annoyance that her schedule had been interrupted by her human’s failings. She had intended to complete additional drills with Peterjay before she left. He was far more malleable than Burke, but vestiges of his former self stubbornly lingered. She considered it practice sessions for when her true quarry was returned to her. With all the new techniques she had mastered, she felt more and more prepared for that day.
“No matter,” she uttered out loud as she left the complex. Pevailè and her special guards were gone, leaving no sign that this building was anything of importance. She turned to begin her stroll home realizing that since her dark-haired human needed more time to learn how to please her, she would have more time to prepare for her date with Rantix. Unknown to Felius, she had a new fragrance she wanted to try. And some absolutely salacious lingerie.
"""""" The End """""