Empirical Companion 1

Set in the future, a human Ruler's son demands an alien boy as debt 
payment to be his 'companion'.

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     Ardonex VII was a peaceful, technologically repressed planet in 
the year 2356.  The society was agrarian and peaceful.  War and 
hunger and discord has been eliminated on this Earth-type planet 
centuries before, and life was simple.  Some of the older citizens 
remembered hearing their great-great-grandparents speak of the times 
before the "Reformation," when computers had run the entire society, 
but few believed it.  In fact, all traces of a once technologically 
advanced world had been completely erased.  Life, the old folks said, 
had simply become too complex and their entire existence had 
collapsed when the Mainframe had failed.  No one was certain what had 
"killed" Mainframe, the computer that had run the entire planet, but 
something had indeed done It in.  The stories said that it had taken 
almost a full century to recover, and by then the old ways were 
rapidly becomming a memory.  No one wanted to go back to being 
dependent on technology.  

     So in a radical social upheaval, the entire society had 
literally packed up the plantation and gone back to a simple life on 
the lush and fertile seventh planet of a red-giant star system.  
Existence was near perfect for centuries . . . until the Humans 
showed up.



     They came in starships bristing with weapons on a mission of 
conquest.  What they found was a whole planet full of well-fed and 
generous farmers.  They had come expecting war as ground troops 
beamed down to the surface thru matter-energy scrambling devices that 
prevented the need to land the massive warships.  The ground troops 
were promptly invited to dinner.  Confused communiques reached Earth 
via subspace radio in no time - something was not right here.  
Military commanders of ships and Earth bases all along the Empire 
scratched their heads in confusion and wondered what had become of 
the technology that other conquered races had told them of.  
Meanwhile, the Ardonians planted and harvested and entertained their 
would-be conquerors.

     Treaties and rights of submission to the Empire were drawn up, 
but the Commanders could find no one on this simple planet to sign 
them.  No one was in charge.  There were no designated leaders, just 
community elders; and there were countless communities.  And there 
were countless fields - animals - people . . . all of them seemingly 
uncaring about the aliens who had come out of nowhere.  Aliens that 
looked almost like themselves, but not quite.  

     Finally, after weeks of exploring and questioning (and eating), 
the ground force commanders reported to their superiors who reported 
to the Empire that there was not going to be a war, nor was there 
going to be anything much else for that matter.  Except for the fact 
that there was now another planet in the Empire.  Granted, it was a 
planet that didn't seem to care - oh it was fine with them, yes, and 
would anyone care to put down his gear and stay for supper ?

     Colonization began at once, and the Elite of the Empire soon 
found that Ardonex VII was in fact the "garden spot" of the Empire.  
They moved there in droves, bringing their families and building huge 
complexes all around the countryside.  The Lifestyle of the Empire 
was preserved by these colonists, and soon Ardonex VII was the 
typical Empire-Member-Planet.  Within a year, there were small cities 
identical to those of Earth.  The Humans who lived in them watched 
the strange Ardonians in confusion as they tended their beautiful 
world and simply went on as if nothing were wrong.  

     Over time, there was interaction as Humans began to hire 
Ardonians to work in the cities and some Humans left the cities to 
study the finer points of animal husbandry and planting.  It was 
almost Paradise . . . until some Humans began - naturally - to take 
advantage of the Ardonians and their easy-going lifestyle.

     They were similar, these two species.  The differences were 
minor and simple.  Ardonians had 3 fingers plus a thumb, not 4.  
Ardonian ears were slightly swept back and pointed and their skin had 
a more yellow cast than that of humans.  The tallest Ardonian on 
record was only 5 foot 3 inches in height, and obesity was unseen.  
The Human settlers were also amazed to learn that the average 
Ardonian lifespan was 200 Earth years.  Senility and the usual 
disabilities of old age usually did not show up until age 170 or so.  
The more they studied, the more the Humans learned.  Sexual maturity 
did not begin for the average Ardonian until age 20, and took about 
10 years to finish out.  Great care was taken in sexual 
relationships, which the Ardonians politely did not care to discuss.  
The Humans wondered on and on about the mysteries of their not-so-
conquered-allies, but found out little else.  

     About all they could determine was that family was very 
important to these people and great care was taken lest 
overpopulation occur.  Unfortunately, population and reproduction 
became an issue after the fifth year of Human occupation.

     Somehow, a shipment of supplies from Earth introduced a bacteria 
into the Ardonian ecology that came to bear after the fifth year.  
Crop production began to drop off, and within another year, many 
Ardonian farmers found it impossible to maintain their lands.  There 
simply was not enough food for the animals and the agrarian ideal was 
on the verge of collapse.  Many Ardonians found themselves turning to 
the technologically superior Humans for help.  Many more went into 
the workforce for the Empire to get by as more and more supplies 
poured in from the Empire.  After another year, many Humans had begun 
to take terrible advantage of the Ardonians.  Ardonian workers went 
to and from their jobs, adapted Human lifestyles, abandoned their 
farms, and became indebted to their Human benefactors.  And the 
Humans of the Empire insisted on debt collection, no matter what the 
price.

     Ardonex VII had truly fallen to the Empire.

     

     Falet was one such Ardonian man in much debt to his Human 
employer.  Falet simply had too many children to support and not 
enough income from his job and farm to do it.  His debts had run 
quite high, and he could think of no way out when his employer had 
called in the debt.

Falet had pondered his employer's offer very long and hard, but still 
could not bring himself to the idea of "giving" one of this sons as 
payment.  Certainly he had heard rumors of some of the more exotic 
things going on in the Empire, but had never believed it.  Now the 
reality of it was staring him in the face.  His employer, a man named 
Mr. Brett, had demanded a son as payment.  Falet's son, whichever he 
chose, was to become the "companion" to Mr. Brett's own son, a boy of 
17 Earth years of age.  His name was Erik - Erik Brett. 

     Now, as he walked home, the sound of that name filled his ears 
as he recalled his employer's words, "Falet, meet my son, Erik - Erik 
Brett.  He is in want of a companion, and as is acceptable by Empire 
Law, I must request one of your sons of a comparable age as payment 
for what you owe me.  My own son will be most happy to this 
arrangement."

     Over and over, Falet thought - which one ?  He had two sons who 
were 17 Earth years old, with all the rest of his brood much too 
young to be acceptable.  But by the time he had gotten home, he had 
decided to send Dennen, the smallest.  Dennon was not overly 
athletic, but intelligent.  There was no doubt in Falet's mind that 
he would not see his son again, and the perverse rumors filled his 
imagination with terrible things that Erik Brett had planned for his 
"companion."  But there was no other choice - he could not lose what 
land was left, even if it were growing more infertile every year.  
What was one son compared to a centuries-old legacy?  Falet sighed 
and called his family in to announce the final solution to what they 
all knew.  Many times they had discussed it.

     Dennon hung his head at his father's announcement, but Falet was 
the Father of the House and had spoken.   No Ardonian boy would think 
of bucking his Father's wishes.  "You will come with me to work at 
the Brett complex in the morning, Dennon.  You will take nothing, as 
Mr. Brett has ordered, save the clothes on your back.  You will 
report to Mr. Brett as soon as we arrive.  I do not know what fate 
awaits you as the "companion" to his own son, but I can only imagine 
that it will be worth saving us from this terrible thing.  Your 
sacrifice will forever be remembered by all of our descendants in our 
best Traditions."

     Dennon mutely nodded and went to his room.

     Falet turned from his wife, Malore, a woman who had born him 
many children and who worked hard all day long to maintain their way 
of life.  He walked slowly, brokenly, out to the huge barn and sank 
to his knees, sobbing until sleep took him.



     In the morning, father and son set of for the Brett complex.  
Dennon walked a pace behind his father.  Even though he could not see 
him as he stared ahead, Falet could see his son in his mind - a boy 3 
or 4 years away from Manhood, but yet a man by Empire Law.  He saw 
his son in his mind, slight of build and pale by Ardonian standards.  
Dennon was not tall enough, and was too thin.  Perhaps Brett would 
reject him and offer another solution.  But there was no room for 
hope - not with Humans, Falet had learned.

     They arrived at the complex and said their goodbye's outside the 
gate.  As they walked in, a guard who had been informed of their 
arrival took Dennon from his father and simply said, "Mr. Brett is 
pleased and your debts are cleared.  His son sends his thanks."  
Falet nodded and turned away, never to see his son again.  The guard 
looked at the slight and silent boy before him and said, "Follow 
me."  Dennon complied.

     As they walked down a narrow corridor, Dennon lifted his head 
and looked around.  Technology impressed him and the guard took 
notice.  "Do you know what a 'companion' is, boy ?" he asked.  "No, 
sir, " Dennon replied in an uncertain voice. 

     "You'll find out, " the guard replied, "Right after your medical 
evaluation and preparation."

     They turned several times, and took a few elevators that made 
Dennon's stomach clench.  He had skipped breakfast on his father's 
orders, and was frightened a bit.  It did not take long for him to 
become thoroughly lost in the artificial complex.  He had no idea 
where he was nor how to get back out.  Finally, they arrived at a 
level called "Med-deck"  The guard led Dennon out of the lift and 
down another hallway and thru a brightly lit and humming doorframe.  
Dennon felt a tingle all over his skin as the passed through the 
doorframe and was stunned at the array of machinery that he saw.

     There was a man there, or rather what looked like a man.  He was 
tall and had strange eyes.

"Well well, " the strange man said loudly, "Is this Master Erik's new 
'companion?'"

     The guard poked Dennon in the ribs.

     "Yes, sir, I am"

     "Very good !" the strange man announced.  "Let's get to it 
then.  We have to make preparations on you and haven't got all day, 
you know."  He eyed Dennon up and down and then added, "How long has 
it been since you had a haircut, boy ?"

     "Never, sir, " Dennon replied.  Indeed, his pale hair was very 
long and pulled back in a thick braid as was Ardonian custom.

     "Well, we'll fix that shortly, " the stranger replied.  *Must be 
a doctor* Dennon thought.

     The stange man went to a computer panel and spoke to it.  Dennon 
watched.  "Medical tech. Fourteen to Control, 'Brett-companion' 
workup beginning now, record in log.

     "Confirmed, " a soft voice replied.

     Turning to Dennon, the MedTech, as he introduced himself, 
ordered, "Now, Dennon, it says here, fine, take off your clothes and 
step into this chamber."  Dennon complied, as he had been warned to 
by his father.  "Above all else, " Falet had warned him, "they told 
me to make sure you understood not to disobey them upon pain of 
death."

    "Now, " the MedTech said, "put on those goggles and stand with 
arms and legs spread.  This won't hurt a bit."  Dennon stepped in and 
put the goggles on, embarrassed by his nakedness and his slight, 
underdeveloped body.  He flushed.  "Ah, color !" the MedTech laughed, 
"Don't worry, I'm a doctor - seen it all.  Now . . ."  He closed the 
door and hit some controls.  A cold spray enveloped Dennon, and he 
shivered but did not move.  His skin felt cold, then hot, then it was 
over.  The affect was immediately noticeable.  Every hair on his 
body, which except for his head had not been much, had fallen out.  
The door opened.

     "Permanent depiliation of body completed, " the MedTech said.  
The computer concurred.

     Next Dennon was led by the back of his neck to a strange looking 
table of sorts.  It was like a frame shaped in an X with grooves deep 
in the rails that contoured to fit his body as the MedTech laid him 
out in it.  "Activate bio-restraint, " he announced.  The computer 
concurred again and Dennon felt himself being pulled down onto the 
frame which tilted back at a slight angle, elevating his feet.  His 
legs were spread out a bit, and he was quite helpless.

     "You didn't eat this morning, did you ?" the MedTech asked.

     "No, sir, " Dennon replied, his voice breaking, very near tears.

     "Oh, the hair. I see.  Well, get over it son, because it will 
NEVER come back.  The process is permanent.  Master Brett wants his 
'companion' to be almost totally hairless.  Now, lets' get on with 
this.  That hair-removing spray not only made you permanently bald 
all over, but is also cleaned your outside skin right down to the 
subdermal tissues.  Now we have to clean you out inside as well.  
Have you ever had an enema ?"

     "What's that ?  No, I guess not then." Dennon replied.

     "Well, it's not really painful, just odd feeling.  This device 
will do all the work, all you have to do is lay there.  Begin 
internal cleansing !"  the MedTech announced.  Dennon listened in 
fear as the computer once again concurred and he saw a probe of some 
sort rising up between his legs.

It was smooth and shiny, and oval-shaped.  The frame tilted back a 
bit more, and the probe touched the opening of his anus.  It was 
lubricated, and slid into him slowly.  Dennon winced but could not 
move as the probe expanded to fill his rectum and then felt something 
else moving up inside of him.

     The MedTech explained the procedure as the secondary probe moved 
up his ascending colon to stop near the midway point of the 
transverse.  The shaft of the probe then expanded, as the MedTech 
explained that the deep probe was the cleansing nozzle and the 
expanding part was the drain pipe.  The device would fill Dennon with 
about a half gallon of cleansing solution, let it sit until the probe 
detected cramps, and then drain.  The fluid was warm and not 
unpleasant as it filled him, waited, and drained.  The procedure was 
repeated until the solution return came out clear.  When it was over, 
and the probe had withdrawn from his bowels, Dennon was sweating and 
weak.  The electronic bonds that held him let go, but he could not 
get up.  

     "The solution also contains a sedative, a mild one, " the 
MedTech stated,  "for the next phase.  Now that you're clean inside 
and out, and all that hair is gone, there's only one other thing.  
You see, Dennon, Master Erik is a very strange one.  His greatest 
wish has been to own a eunuch 'companion' ever since he was about 
12.  Do you know what a eunuch is?"

     "No, " Dennon whispered, terrified at what was coming next.  

     "To put is simply, in the Law of the Empire, you are a man.  
Granted, you are 3 or 4 years away from any sign of sexual maturity, 
but still legally a man in the Empire's eyes.  You know what makes 
you a man, even though you're not yet, is what is between your legs, 
right ?"

     Dennon nodded, fear overtaking his weakened body.

     "Good, at least I don't have to explain that to you.  You know 
the basics.  A Eunuch, Dennon, is a man with some or all of his 
external genitalia removed.  Now I have to remove yours, all of it, 
upon your new Master's orders."

     Dennon tried to get up but couldn't.  The solution that had 
flooded his insides had been absorbed by his body and he was feeling 
dizzy and numb.  His mind, however, was unaffected.

The MedTech called for assistance, which came in the form of a large, 
black man wearing a Medical uniform as well.  Together, they picked 
up the boy from the cleansing rack and carried him to a padded white 
table under a large lamp fixture in the center of the room.  Dennon 
was in tears and trying to beg for them to stop, but the computer 
concurred again as another set of restraints went on and held his 
limp body in place.

     The assistant placed a form-fitting mouthpiece in Dennon's mouth 
to muffle his weak cries and give him something to chew on while the 
MedTech applied a numbing solution to his genitals.  Next, he slid a 
tube up Dennon's small penis which entered his bladder to drain his 

urine away during the surgery.  The assistant was gathering some odd 
looking tools, all stange to 

Dennon, yet frightening in appearance.  They didn't look like cutting 
tools.  They had blinking lights and strange tips.  "You know, " the 
assistant observed, "I think this is the first time we have ever 
totally - I mean, removed EVERYTHING - on a 'companion'.  Arent' most 
of them just castrated?"

     "Yes, " the MedTech replied, "usually just the testicles, to 
prevent proper manhood from proceeding naturally, but Master Erik 
wants his first 'companion' to be smooth and totally unsexed.  Not 
female, not male.  This won't hurt a bit, Dennon, just relax."

     The tool he picked up was switched on, and the assistant held 
Dennon's penis back as the tool emitted a tight beam of red light 
that cut the scrotum and testes away from Dennon's body.  From his 
position, Dennon could not help but watch as his impending manhood 
was stolen from him and placed in a small silver tray.  "Dermal 
stimulator, " the MedTech ordered, swiftly activating it and sweeping 
the raw area with a broad beam of blue light that instantly began 
forming new skin where Dennon's scrotum and testicles had just so 
recently been.  The new skin, Dennon saw, was pink in comparison to 
his normal yellow cast.  Then the assistant handed the MedTech back 
the cutting tool and pulled Dennon's small penis straight up via the 
tube.  Dennon watched in horror as the red beam made a circle around 
his penis and it came away from his body.  The assistant quickly 
fired up the dermal stimulator again, and within seconds, Dennon was 
staring at his empty and smooth (and very healed up and pink) 
crotch.  

     Only the tube remained.

     The assistant performed a brief cleanup, and took the tray 
containing Dennon's severed genitals away out of his line of sight.

     The MedTech sighed and placed one hand on Dennon's heaving 
chest.  "Take a nap, boy, it won't seem so terrible in the morning.  
And make sure you've cried it all out before Master Erik gets here 
!"  The lights went down as Dennon watched them depart, the final 
effects of the solution perfectly timed to put him to sleep after the 
surgery.  He was a 'eunuch companion' now to someone he had never 
even met.  He was a eunuch, a servant, and now would never be a man.  
As artificial sleep took him, he heard the MedTech call out, "Master 
Erik, report to MedDeck Lower Level for inspection of 'companion,'" 
and a single thought came to his mind *It was not worth it, father  . 
. . .*