Page 71 of Owned (Office Intrigue Duet 8)
“How many active users are we talking?”
“At the moment, a little more than ten thousand. Owners, that is. Worldwide.”
I honestly hadn’t expected the number to be that high.
“A significant amount of work is required up front, but in the end, I find it’s worth it. As you can see, we’ve gotten the process streamlined.”
I motioned toward the area around us. “It looks to me like it’s done well for you. Probably not cheap to utilize your services.”
“Owners fork over the money for the most part. Possessions are required to pay fees to enter the program. Mostly so we can determine how genuinely interested they are. Once they leave their former life and move here, I’m financially responsible. At least until they’re acquired by an Owner. As would any solid businessman, I recoup my costs.”
Talon’s tone was all business, but there was a hint of pride there, too. I couldn’t imagine this had been an easy endeavor.
“And yes, the process works.” Talon gestured for me to walk, so I did. “The app requires a ridiculous amount of information, which is then passed to a team who verifies every minute detail before deeming someone worthy of participating. At that point, I review the information, speak directly with the applicant, and give the final approval or denial.
“For possessions, once vetted, they’re brought to one of my many testing facilities in the States for observation, where they interact with one of my trainers. At that point, the trainers determine whether they are suited for the program. Again, I approve or deny based on test results, as well as interview notes. Those few who are accepted then vacate their former life and relocate here to the island, where they remain until they are acquired.”
“And they live here.” I motioned to the Owners’ Retreat.
“Temporarily.” Talon scanned his palm, then opened the door to the building. “At any given time, we have roughly thirty to forty possessions in residence. Not including my own or any others owned by employees. During their stay, I provide room and board, medical care, and the like. In return, they work.”
“What about the Owners? Do you have any on the premises?”
“We invite them here a few at a time, set on a weekly schedule. Monday through Sunday.”
“Are there any here now?”
Talon shook his head as we entered the building, walking into a lavish grand foyer. For the most part, it looked like a high-end resort hotel, complete with a check-in desk, lounge, and what appeared to be a fully stocked, albeit small, bar.
“We’ve got a group scheduled to arrive on Monday. Everything revolves around my schedule, which can be volatile at times.”
“You said thousands of active users. I guess that means you’re busy year-round?”
“No. We have many who spend months, even years on the site before they reach out to make an offer. Of those who’ve gotten to the point of acquisition, some only have to visit the island once to make their final selection; others have made repeated visits and have yet to choose. And yes, they pay to come here. It’s certainly not cheap, nor can they opt out. Meeting them face-to-face before they take possession is a personal requirement of mine.”
“They’re held to a different standard?” I asked as we strolled through the resort, which was currently in the process of being cleaned by a handful of naked men and women.
“A much higher standard,” Talon stated. “If they seek my services, they’re well aware I will know every single detail of their life. Their credit score, their medical history, background, social media presence. Not only for them but for those they associate with, family, friends. Even close business associates.”
“You’re obviously proud of what you’ve created.”
“More than you know.”
When Talon stopped, I did as well, giving the possessions a good once-over simply because I could.
“They’re naked for a reason? Or is it merely your preference?”
“There are a few reasons, yes, but preference plays no part. Our main objective is to ensure they’re ready for any lifestyle their new Owner might have for them, and we start by breaking them down to their most basic level. I figure if they can go about their daily duties while naked and completely silent, they can do pretty much anything. Plus, it enhances their vulnerabilities, something we want for physical stimulation.”
“Are boundaries set? Limits?”
“Upon taking them into the program, they relinquish all of their control. If we had to manage limits, we’d get nowhere. Those who make it into the program must be open to anything, a prerequisite we make known up front.”
“Have you had any who’ve requested to leave? Prior to being placed?”
“No. As I said, we’re very thorough. If there’s any doubt as to whether they’ll complete the program, we don’t bring them here. At the same time, it’s not always perfect. Humans are volatile creatures, and even if one wishes to be owned by someone, that doesn’t change the fact that they’re human and humans are flawed.”
