Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2007 17:01:01 GMT
From: "anonymous4371@juno.com" <anonymous4371@juno.com>
Subject: FULFILLING THE FANTASY - Chapter 14 (Authoritarian)

FULFILLING THE FANTASY XIV

By Bill Smith (anonymous4371@juno.com)

     "Your next two markets we will visit, Mumbone in Mozambique and Bonthe
in Sierra Leone, have two things in common," the ship's port lecturer began
as the Fantasia made its way out of the Arabian Gulf and across the Indian
Ocean to the eastern coast of Africa. "Both will offer predominately black
stock - I'd estimate at least 99% of the offerings will be pure black stock
although some of the Sierra Leone offerings will tend toward a brownish
hue.  And both will feature captive stock - mainly 'prizes of war' from
their recent rebellious uprisings.  Neither country is sophisticated
enough, let alone stable enough, to set up successful breeding operations
to date, so the markets are stuffed with fresh, raw slaves who have little
to no training to date, are usually 'unbroken' to their new status, and are
anything but quality controlled.  True, some slaves offered have been
slaves for years, perhaps since childhood, and are merely changing hands
once again, but most of the stock is new to slavery.  Any and everything
that can bring a profit is offered without a thought to quality of goods:
any sale price is often cheaper than having to feed these captives and it's
been known that some slaves of very poor quality (the old, the ugly, and
the sick) have actually been given away by the government just to eliminate
the cost of feeding and caging them. So both markets are "buyer beware"
havens as far as you are concerned.

     "Nevertheless, the judicious buyer can find some real bargains in both
markets. Mozambique, our first stop that I will concentrate on today, will
offer a wide selection of big, sturdy, young slaves that have years and
years of hard work potential in them if that's what you feel you can resell
back in your home markets. It's a great place to stock up on draft slaves
is you have a market for them.  Mozambique slaves are noted for
disease-resistance, high survival rates under very harsh conditions, and an
endless supply of strength and energy when placed under the whip.  They
breed prolifically and without fuss, and once they have accepted their
slavery, they tend to become obedient and relatively easy to manage - even
loyal to their new masters once the reality of their collar has taken root
in them.  Some of the younger slaves possess very good features and can be
quite handsome with high cheekbones, straight noses, thin lips, and
magnificent bodies highlighted by elephantine genitals.  Such slaves are
good candidates for domestic duties.  Others offered are, frankly, ugly as
sin and could only be considered as draft slaves, although they do feature
exceedingly large genitals that respond eagerly when placed in the breeding
pens.  If you want blacks, this is a good place to shop - but you must be
very careful in your selection.  Take your time in inspecting the stock,
ask a lot of questions of the dealer marketing them as to the slave's
origins, time in slavery, exposure to proper training, and time in the
sales pens.  Check your potential purchase out for whip weals, lash marks,
scars from corrective brands or electric prods, tears from oversized
training dildos, or signs of starvation regimes.  Interrogate the slave
himself to check out if his story collaborates the dealer's version, his
humility in responding to a potential master, his willingness and
cooperation in the thorough and intimate body inspection, and his current
attitude toward being sold.  And, once bought, make sure you have a
properly notarized sales receipt, official Mozambique certificates of
ownership signed over to you, and a slave well constrained with a proper
neck collar, wrists chained behind their back (or better yet to their
collar), hobbled by a short chain between their ankle bands, and with a
sturdy short leash fastened to their collar.  No use taking chances until
you have the new purchase securely caged back on the Fantasia.

     "Most offerings in the Mozambique markets are not fitted with any
control devices other than their restraint chains.  Nor are Mozambique
dealers particularly well equipped to install body enhancements or control
devices - their blacksmiths are crude and unskilled and sanitary conditions
practically assure high infection rates with body modifications.  You would
be well advised to leave all that to the slave handlers here on the
Fantasia who, as you know by now, perform almost all of the usual slave
modifications and body adornments at nominal costs and with practically no
risk of infection.  Although many of the dealers will offer to castrate the
slave for you prior to delivery at a ridiculously low cost (usually a $5
charge), their procedures almost always lead to nasty looking scars, almost
guaranteed infection, and a 40 to 50% mortality rate!  Need I say more?  If
you want the slave castrated, make sure that you have that done on board
the Fantasia where a skilled vet, well trained in castration, can perform a
very clean cut under antiseptic conditions and with antibiotic therapy
routinely administered to control for any possible infection.  It's well
worth the nominal $100 charge here on the Fantasia.  Castrated slaves are
very popular in Mozambique and the dealers will push this on you routinely,
especially in view of the fact they tend to think castration is the only
way to fully control a male slave .  This view only reflects the ignorance
of the local populace, including the very ones selling slaves, on modern
techniques of slave management and control where, we all know, castration
is rarely used as a behavior control technique anymore but more as a
permanent birth control measure, especially in their use by mistresses or
where the slave carries some genetic trait the owner does not want
propagated in his upcoming stock .

     "Prices in Mozambique are very cheap due to the constant oversupply of
slaves due to civil disturbances.  The government finds selling off its
captives the most profitable way to solve political strife and foreign
buyers are particularly welcome in that their purchases will be shipped far
away and those captives will have no opportunity to stir up the local
populace against their admittedly repressive government ever again.
Therefore, foreign buyers are, by law, given a 35% discount on all
purchases as long as they can guaranteed the purchases will be shipped out
of the country.  As a result, thousands and thousands of slaves are being
snapped up by foreign buyers but local buyers still persist, paying full
price for slaves where escape to their home villages is a constant threat
to their ownership.

     "You may ask why any captive sold off in Mozambique wouldn't
constantly be trying to cast off his bonds and get back to his home
village?  That's always a possibility, of course, but the tradition of
slavery is so ingrained in Mozambique's history and culture that persons,
once enslaved, think of their new status as permanent and unchangeable and
so attempts for freedom are relatively rare.  The fact many are castrated
only physiologically and psychologically confirms this feeling of permanent
change of status and may be the primary reason the vast majority of male
slaves purchased locally are castrated once they are enslaved.  This
concept of 'fate,' implying once enslaved there is no reverse process
possible, greatly enhances the potential for successful adaption of your
purchases to a good, obedient, and always compliant slave once he or she is
back in the U.S.  Of course, laws in the U.S. denying manumission of any
slave sold in the U.S. means any of your purchases, once resold in the
U.S., are slaves for life regardless of the wishes or intents of any future
owner.  So their concept of 'fate' and U.S. law are in perfect agreement
which will only enhance their acceptance of their new status in life as
owned property.

     "In summary, gentlemen, in the Mumbone markets, 'let the buyer
beware.'  Be extra cautious before agreeing to any sale, insist on a
thorough and lengthy inspection of the potential purchase looking for
danger signals of the need for heavy discipline, rebellious attitude, or a
sulky, disrespectful demeanor. If you are in the market for strong,
long-lasting draft slaves, this market may be ideal in that you will have a
good choice at very low prices.  If you are looking for domestic slaves,
the market will be more limited, but fine-featured, good looking stock with
strong body appeal are available at a reasonable price for the patient
shopper. Before forking over any money, make sure all the paperwork is
complete and in good order and be sure the 35% government discount for
foreign purchase has been included.  Don't have the dealer do any body
modifications or enhancements or have him install any control devices - let
the ship's slave handlers do that for you once they are onboard and by all
means avoid a Mumbone dealer's castration of your new property, no matter
how low the price for this service.  Again, let that procedure, if desired,
be done safely and without complications down in the Fantasia's cargo
hold. Good luck, gentlemen, and thank you for your attention."

     The dealers gave a thunderous applause to the presenter, appreciative
of his common sense and cautionary approach to buying up slaves in strange
markets. Most felt much more encouraged to go shopping in Mozambique armed
with this new familiarity of the possible pitfalls and problems they might
run into, especially knowing the prices would be most attractive.

*********

     "You know I really don't have too many draft slaves caged downstairs,"
John said reflectively.  "I'll probably be wise to stock up on some in view
of the demands back in the States."

     "You mean not everyone in the U.S. wants a handsome, well-hung and
compliant slaveboy in his bed every night?" Mark giggled.

     "I didn't say that, Mark," John shot back.  "They probably would if
they could afford it.  But someone has to do the dirty work no one else
wants to do and that's where draft slaves fit in.  You know 80% of all
slaves in the U.S. are currently work slaves - it's just that those slaves
are generally sold in huge lots by dealers specializing in them.  My
dealership doesn't really sell too many draft slaves - my speciality is
domestic slaves, I suppose - but still, I suppose I sell 100 to 200 a year
who are bought for nothing more than their muscle and sweat."

     "Do you have that many on hand?" Mark asked curiously . "If so, I've
never seen them."

     "I keep them penned up in the back cages.  They're not exactly show
objects, you know.  Usually, they're filthy dirty, stink to high heaven,
are covered with whip scars and brands, are almost grotesquely muscular,
and generally below average in looks, if not downright ugly even if they
were shaved and cleaned up.  But most of them are so beaten down, they're
constantly frightened of anyone with a whip in their hand and most have
almost forgotten how to talk.  All you see if a cowering hunk of muscle
with their heads hung down, their eyes diverted to the floor, and shivering
in fear.  That's hardly something you'd put out front to attract new
customers, Mark," John laughed.  "We only put the pretty ones out there who
know how to display their bodies.  That's all you ever see at my
dealership," he added proudly, "unless you specifically ask for draft
slaves.  Then I show you what I have on hand that day."

     "Sounds to me like you could buy at least 100 without risking too much
if the price was right," Mark responded.

     "And you, Mark.  Any interest in purchasing a Mozambique boy for your
bed or whatever?"


       "Oh, maybe, John.  It's not like I need another one, now is it?  But
you never know what may be lurking back in the recesses of this obscure
African market, now do you?" Mark giggled.  "There may be the sexiest piece
of man flesh on seven continents there - and at a dirt cheap price.  Who
knows?"

*******

     Forty-eight hours later, John and Mark were deep into the extensive
slave markets of Mumbone along with hundreds of their fellow passengers.
The Mozambique market was primitive with dirt floors and canvas canopies
stretched overheat to cut the sun's rays although it was remarkably clean
and free from odors despite the numerous flies evereywhere. There were no
iron cages for the slave stock - they were kept in crowded barracoons
behind each dealer's display stands contained by nothing more than crudely
made fences of woven vines and tree stalks. As such, every slave was
shackled at all times, their wrists attacked to their iron collars and
their ankles hobbled together.  Totally unlike the last market they had
visited, all stock here was completely naked at all times so buyers could
see immediately what they might be purchasing and their exposed sex organs
were frequently fondled and massaged to test for quick reaction and size of
the organs when fully aroused. But the slaves themselves were clean, being
doused with buckets of water every few hours to wash off the sweat and fly
specks as well as the grime from numerous hands probing and testing every
part of their exposed bodies.

     Finally, John found a dealer specializing in young, muscular and very
sturdy draft slaves and the price was certainly conducive for volume
buying.  John took his time (over four hours) carefully examining over 400
slaves before he settled on 50.  Those he actually bought were all between
18 and 22 years of age; all over 6' tall; all weighed in over 200 pounds;
all were extremely muscular with large bone structure; all looked to be in
excellent health although a little hungry at the moment; and all were jet
black with kinky black hair cut as short as possible.  None had much if any
body or facial hair; all had black eyes with long lashes; and all would be
capable of breeding in that their organs were large, easily excitable, but
not exceptional. Priced at around $30,000 each after the 35% discount, John
bought his lot of 50 young men all new to slavery, recent rebel captives
who were not unusually handsome, who were a long way from accepting the
fact they were now slaves for life, and who would obviously have to be kept
in chains for some time yet until they settled down and accepted their
destiny as work animals in a strange land far away.  As they were being
rounded up for the forced march to the Fantasia, most were strangely fully
erect.

     "Why are so many of them showing hard?" John asked the dealer.

     "Oh, two reasons," the dealer smiled.  "First, they're young and
healthy and they haven't had a woman in months now probably. Second,
they're scared shitless and the panic of raw fear often produces a good
hard-on, haven't you noticed?  We call it the 'warrior's last stand'," he
laughed heartily.  "They'll settle down eventually, but sometimes only
after they spew all over themselves.  Draft slaves, at least in this
country, seldom have any opportunities to relieve themselves sexually.
Therefore, it's not uncommon to see them hard and even spurting off while
they're working.  Will they have a chance to fuck much in your country?"

     "Probably not," John admitted.

     "Then get used to it," the dealer advised with a smile.  "You can't
stop the natural functioning of a healthy male unless you cut them.  That's
why I would strongly advise you to have them all castrated.  They'll not
only be much easier to manage, but it eliminates the unseemly problem we're
witnessing even as we speak. Besides, they adjust much more readily to
their slavehood once their balls have been cut off - and we only charge a
mere $5 a slave for the service."

     "Well, if so, I'll have the cutting done on the ship after they're
loaded," John replied.  "I do understand the advantages."

     Mark thought he had better intercede to cut the tension between John
and the dealer, who obviously wanted to get the $5 fee for castration on
the 50 slaves he had just sold.

     Turning to the dealer, he said, "I'm looking for a domestic slave
about 5'8' or so who is very well built, has very smooth skin and a
hairless body who has a beautiful countenance and would be a showpiece and
an object of pride I could show off to my friends and associates. He would
have to be very heavily hung, of course, be strikingly handsome, and
trainable to accommodate magnificently all the sexual needs of his new
master and his friends. Do you have such a slave available where price is
not the main consideration?  Indeed, if the quality were high enough, the
price could be equally high."

     The dealer's eyes narrowed in pure greed.

     "Nyogo," he signaled to his slave assistant.  "Bring us the boy from
the high country."

     "But master," the black slave replied. "The boy is locked away in your
special room and only you have the key."

     The dealer shuffled around in his pocket and threw a large antique key
to the slave.

     "Here's the key, slave.  Let's hear no more of your excuses. Bring the
boy to us immediately and make sure he is clean."

     "Yes, master," the black slave replied, scurrying off as commanded.

     "We may have to wait for the delivery of the boy a few moments, sir,
but I'm sure you will find the wait worthwhile.  I keep this special slave
locked away from public view.  He is so attractive that if I put him on
display, every poor slob in the city would be pawing and fondling his
unbelievable body, but none would have the money to buy even an small part
of his gorgeous body, let alone the parts they all would be fondling until
the poor slave boy collapsed from overexertion.  If I locked him in the
holding pens with the others, he would raped to death within minutes by the
other slaves, most of whom would have never even thought of fucking another
male until they laid eyes on him. The slave has a certain quality, a
certain look... which, it seems... all find irresistible, myself included.
But, sir, all I have done to the boy so far is to stroke his body until I
could sample his output.  But I don't know how long I can hold off from
fucking the boy, even knowing taking his virginity will cost me heavily in
his sales price."

     "The boy's virginal?" Mark exclaimed.

     "Yes, in both his ass and his mouth as far as we can determine.  Of
course, he has fucked many maidens back in his home village no doubt, but
totally virginal when it comes to his use by a man.  Even now, knowing he
is now a slave, he shudders when a man even touches him," the dealer
sighed.  "He will require considerable training, sir, but his destiny has
been determined by his looks.  You'll understand when you see him."

     Just as the dealer finished speaking, the black slave brought a
struggling bundle of naked male flesh in front of them.  The boy had his
wrists shackled to his collar and was hobbled between his ankles by a short
chain.  The boy was sobbing between shouts of protest.  His body was still
dripping from his recent bath.

     As Nyogo, the dealer's assistant, placed the potential purchase in
front of Mark by pinioning the slave's arms behind him and kicking his legs
apart as far as the chains would allow, Mark had a sharp intake of breath
at first view of this offering.  The hair was thick black but fine and
curly, the eyes were a bright brown surrounded by long black lashes and
thick fine eyebrows almost meeting over his straight Grecian nose, while
his smooth, almost poreless skin was the rich color of burnt umber. His
lips were puffy but thin and were surprisingly chocolate brown contrasting
nicely with his beautiful, seemingly perfect, gleaming white teeth.  His
high cheekbones and prominent square jawline gave him a beautiful,
delicate, but still totally masculine face.  His neck was long and thin
beneath his thick slave collar, while his entire body was like a statue of
Adonis in polished black marble, muscles were well defined but not
overdeveloped with the possible exception of his pectorals, abs, and ass
which rippled with solid muscle when he moved.  Atop his swelling pectorals
were perfectly shaped teats which were rounded, firm, and protruding a good
inch or so.  They would look magnificent ringed, but were striking even
without the added adornment.  Between his thick, corded thighs resided the
most perfectly shaped genitals Mark had ever seen on a man - the
exceptionally long and thick circumcised shaft had none of the usual veins
protruding - it was meaty and smooth with a corona and slit that formed a
perfect face for the organ.  The balls beneath were like large smooth
oranges, unwrinkled and, like the shaft and the area around it, totally
hairless.

     "The slave is naturally hairless," the dealer said, looking at my
quizzical look at this phenomenon.  "We've never shaved the boy - not even
his face."

     As Mark reached forward to run his hand down the boy's chest, he slave
struggled backward in his chains but couldn't move due to Nyogo's strong
grip on him.  As Mark ran his hand over the boy's pectorals and squeezed
one of his teats, the slave jerked in his hand and then shuddered.

     "Sensitive, isn't he," Mark commented as he proceeded to run both
hands over the slave's entire body as the boy shivered and then broke into
sobs.

     "How big is he when fully aroused?" Mark asked.

     "See for yourself," the dealer invited.

     Mark reached down and began stroking the huge organ with one of his
hands fisted around the huge shaft as the slave jerked and struggled within
his restraints.  Nyogo's strength made sure the slave's struggles were in
vain, especially when he placed his knee in back of the slave's rump,
forcing the slave's pelvis forward for Mark's convenience in stroking the
slave.

     "Infidel bastard," the slave spat out before the dealer's lash smashed
across the slave's face, leaving a large red welt on his black skin.

     "The slave has many lessons to learn yet, including keeping a decent
tongue in his head," the dealer smiled, raising his whip and slashing the
other side of the slave's face for emphasis.  "Please continue with your
inspection of the slave's body."

     Mark did just that as the slave gave no further resistance and simply
sobbed in despair.  But his organ responded to the stimulation quickly and
determinedly and within minutes, huge gobs of hot, steaming cum were all
over Mark's hand as the slave squirmed in his bonds and gasped for air in
the throes of his orgasm.

     "Turn him around," Mark ordered the dealer's assistant "and bend him
over.  I want to inspect his hole."

     Instantly Nyogo had the slave in the desired position and Mark
inserted two fingers up the tight orifice and twisted them around as the
slave screamed, then sobbed, and finally began totally silent as shame and
humiliation overcame him.

     "Tight," Mark said.  "How much for this slave?"

     The dealer hesitated. "Quality like this is rare - very rare indeed."

     "Yes, but the slave is totally untrained and it will undoubtedly take
months of rigorous discipline before he accepts his new life."

     "Months, no doubt.  But, once done, what happiness he would bring some
lucky owner," the dealer responded, smacking his lips even thinking of
bedding the boy down for his own pleasure.  "Slaves like this rarely become
available."

     "Granted, but how much, you tiresome windbag?" Mark countered.

     "For you, sir, since you obviously know and appreciate the high
quality of this slave, the price will be $200,000 minus the usual
government discount of course."

     "That would be $130,000. $120,000 and I may live to regret such
extravagance," Mark countered, caught up in the spirit of bargaining for
this slave who was still transfixed in total shame at being publicly
masturbated and then finger fucked in public by a total stranger.

     "Nyogo," the dealer ordered.  "Prepare this slaveboy for transfer to
the gentleman's ship along with his friend's lot of purchases."  Turning to
Mark, he said, "I shall have his official certificate of ownership and a
notorized receipt within minutes.  How do you wish to pay, sir? By credit
card, cash, or travelers' checks?  I accept all three."

     "Credit card - Visa," Mark said as he handled the dealer his
card. "$120,000, correct?"

     "Correct," the dealer smiled, unless you would like the boy cut before
he is transferred?  Almost all domestic slaves in this country are cut as a
matter of course, sir, and we only charge a mere $5 for the service."

     "Hardly," Mark laughed, catching the look of raw fear in the slave's
face as the loss of his manhood was being discussed so calmly.  "What
you're so eager to cut off is the reason I'm buying the slave."

     "You're buying him as a stud?" the dealer asked.

     "Perhaps, but, if so, it will be in my bed or one of my friends," Mark
laughed as John snickered.  Mark saw the startled look pass over the
slave's face, quickly replaced with a look of pure hatred.

     "Yes, a good use for a slave so costly," the dealer said totally
nonjudgmentally.  "But, as you have mentioned, he has considerable training
ahead of him before his completely accepts his new responsibilities."

     "Within two months, we've have the boy eager to leap into our beds and
offer us every delight his body holds," John laughed.  "As a dealer myself,
I've seen even the most recalcitrant and stubborn slaves accept their new
destinies in far less time.  This boy's a natural whore - he just doesn't
know it yet."

     "Exactly my sentiments," the dealer said as he processed the paperwork
on his latest sale.  "But just how, may I humbly ask, can this boy,
obviously resentment of even being a slave, let alone as a slave whose
function is to use his body to bring pleasure to men, ever be trained to
accept his use a male whore when he obviously shows no inclinations in that
direction?  In my humble opinion, it would be a huge task to train him to
accept the fact he is now a slave, destined to live a life under the
direction and ownership of others.  But to serve as a willing bed partner
for other males?" the dealer raised a quizzical eyebrow.

     "Oh, it can be done," Mark said confidently. "First, he will be fitted
with a permanent band around his genitals which will make sure he displays
himself properly at all times and will help keep his arousals from fading.
Second, the boy's prostate will be continually tickled by a huge buttplug
the boy will be forced to wear in the initial stages of training - that
will insure he is kept in a state of constant sexual arousal with no means
of relief possible since his hands will be kept manacled to his collar most
of the time as well as stretch his anal opening properly.  Third, he will
be fitted with a penis gag strapped to his face so he gets used to having a
large protrusion down his throat so his later oral training with a real
prick will be more acceptable to him.  Fourth, all of his food will be
flavored with cum so that he gets used to the taste and actually craves it
after a while.  Fifth, the boy will be fucked repeatedly by the slave
handlers as part of his training, but they will simultaneously masturbate
him at the same time.  In an amazingly short period of time, he will
associate great relief from tension and the only sexual pleasure he will
ever know with the act of being fucked.  Sixth, all of his handlers and
trainers will constantly suggest to him that he was destined to be a whore
or he wouldn't have been blessed with such a magnificent body.  Hearing
nothing else, eventually he will begin to believe them, especially when he
surrounded at all times by other slaves who willingly acquiesce to being
sexually used by males without question and who verbally share their
eagerness to be so used in that they know it is their only source of bodily
pleasure themselves.  Within two months, the slave boy will be a wanton
whore, mark my words, and happy in his new destiny," Mark finished with a
smile

     "You left out the most important part," John interjected with a laugh.
"Slaves like this are given no food or water for four days so they think
they are going to be starved to death by their new owner.  Then it is made
clear to him that he has to beg to be fucked in order to be fed.  Only when
he does so is he given any food or water.  The same procedure is used for
learning to suck his master off.  Once he consents to such actions - and
they all do - he begins to think differently of himself.  After that, if we
have any trouble with them, we threaten to cut off their balls.  They know
by then that they will be fucked or will be sucking with or without their
balls - so keeping their balls becomes a priority with them, outweighing
their initial distaste at having to suck someone off or taking a good sized
prick up their ass for a good fucking. You here in Mozambique could
certainly understand this latter threat - you seem so eager to remove all
slave's balls even before you've introduced them to their new duties."

     "Ah, you Americans!" the dealer smiled back.  "So clever with your
technological tricks and so organized and methodical.  Unfortunately, here
in Mozambique, our training techniques are not nearly so refined if they
exist at all.  So many here still think a good whip is the answer to
everything.  We seldom think beyond that," he sighed. "I'm afraid I have to
agree with you as I mull over your methods.  The boy will be a eager bed
buck within two phrases of the moon., much to his own amazement, no doubt."

     "No doubt," Mark laughed.  "And thanking me for the opportunity if all
goes well."

****************

     The Fantasia didn't depart Mozambique until the evening of the
following night. By then, of course, all of the purchases had been
delivered to the ship and Mark and John had a full day to sample the
tourist attractions the country had to offer. With their limited time, they
chose to go on a one-day safari into the Mozambique game preserves where
they got to see all the elephants, lions, giraffes, and even apes they had
never dreamed they would get to see up so close and first-hand. Both of the
men got some excellent photos of both wild game and exotic birds and both
thoroughly enjoyed the experience of going through the jungle in the Land
Rover with the native guides. At lunchtime, their guides cooked them a
scrumptious meal of African delicacies (including barbequed ostrich and
wildebeast) and performed some native dances for them.  Both men were very
appreciative of such good care and tipped the guides heavily upon their
return right to the docks where the Fantasia was anchored.

     "Could we see great ship?" one of the guides ventured, looking
longingly at the beautiful white luxury liner.

     "Sorry, no visitors allowed," John said pleasantly.  "Too bad, though.
I'm sure you'd enjoy looking the ship over."

     "Except for the cargo holds," Mark muttered.

     "No," one of the guides responded quickly.  "It was the cargo hold we
were most interested in.  Everyone in Mumbone knows your ship is a slave
transport and that all the passengers are here to buy up the slaves offered
in our markets.  But we were curious - such a luxurious ship must have nice
clean facilities for the slaves you have purchased.  How else could you
hope to get all those slaves back to your home markets alive?"

     "You guys have been so good to us today, let me contact the captain
and see if an exception to the rules can be made.  You just want to see the
cargo hold where the slave's are kept?"

     "Yes sir - just the cargo hold where the slaves are," the safari guide
responded.

     John whipped out his cell phone and called the captain directly.
Surprisingly, the captain granted special permission for the two guides
within minutes by calling the slave handlers in the hold.

     "Five minutes only, John, and you and Mark must accompany them at all
times, and make sure they don't wonder out of the hold or talk to any of
the cargo."

     Thanks, captain.  I owe you one," he said, snapping the cover of his
cell phone closed with a smile on his face.

     "We're in luck, boys.  Follow me."

     Much to John and Mark's surprise, the two safari guides were extremely
impressed with the cargo hold's cleanliness, efficient use of space by the
system of neatly stacked cages, the ventilation fans, and the hoses to wash
the floor down periodically.  The stench of all those bodies packed so
closely together, the ever-present smell of sweat, urine, shit, and semen
(despite the constant running of the fans) didn't seem to be offensive to
them, and even slaves with rings in their noses, huge plugs up their asses,
and bands around their genitals were viewed without alarm or even excessive
curiosity.

     "I don't see how you feed so many, sirs," the one visitor commented.
"They all look so well fed and healthy."

     "And none of their skin is broken or has sores on it," the other
visitor exclaimed.  "It must be true.  You Americans know how to take care
of slaves very well."

     "We try," John snickered.  "After all, we have a lot invested in all
this stock."

     "I think we Mozambiques could learn from you," the first visitor said.
"Too many dealers in our country treat slaves so poorly we lose too many of
them and consequently are wasting one of our best national resources."

     "It's not our place to criticize," Mark said. "But thanks for the
compliment.  I'm afraid our five minute visit is up."

     "Thanks for this privilege. It was kind of you to ask the captain
special for us," the first visitor said.

     "And thanks for the generous tip, "the second visitor added. " Both of
us shall long remember you as dear friends.  Have a wonderful time on the
remainder of your journey."

     "And thank you for your blessing," John said.  "We too shall remember
your kind hospitality."

     As the two visitors left, the crew began preparing for pulling out of
the Mumbone harbor and begin the long trip around the Cape to Sierra Leone.

TO BE CONTINUED

Comments greatly appreciated.  Bill Smith (anonymous4371@juno.com)