Robert listened to the voice whispering in his ear, giving directions on where he needed to go. Every warden had a separate channel to the central control room that coordinated all movements in the secure area. If necessary he could talk back with the wireless mike on his belt but that was only to be used if the women couldn't see it. Much of their security, especially the communications and surveillance, depended on hidden technology. He rarely needed to use the microphone since a subtle nod or shake of the head to a question in his earpiece was enough to let the control room know his answer.

The effort required to fill a warden's position was more than he expected, but he couldn't complain. While he had no interest in any woman other than Cathy he did enjoy the power trip that came with the job. Literally every female he saw was eager to please him by demonstrating how well, willing or not, she could obey his slightest command. To an unrepentant control freak, a character trait he freely admitted, it was heaven. Seeing the environment and its effect on the students he supervised gave him a newfound appreciation for what Cathy had endured.

Even though surrounded by constant temptation his only real interest was in the influence he exerted over one single individual. Nothing but the control he wielded over Cathy truly satisfied him. Power she gave him without question or reservation. He could delve deep into her thoughts and emotions, probing her mind and bringing out her best while dominating every aspect of her life. The only limits between them were the ones he imposed on himself.

This was not the case with the students he managed. In most respects they were off limits, someone else's private property. His job was to be part of the ambiance, reinforcing the doctrine of obedience to male authority. Privately he thought some of the policies were excessive but there was no argument the overall effect worked, and worked well. Cathy's first visit had produced changes he never would have believed possible.

Her constant exposure to the discipline in the secure area showed up when they were at home. He had never intended to be a micro-manager but the last few weeks she seemed to be drawing him into the role. If he was present she wouldn't leave a room without asking his permission. When they were together she stood patiently in front of a door until he opened it for her. One radical change, she no longer asked permission to get dressed in the morning. That was because she didn't put on clothes unless he ordered it. Her need for modesty seemed to be satisfied with the scanty cover of nothing more than a chastity belt.

The voice in his ear informed him a group needed to be escorted to class. Cathy's class as it turned out; he recognized the room number. He and another guard would gather up the women and see to it they arrived at the classroom on time. Matt would deliver Cathy from the staff entrance when they had the students in place. He looked up to where he knew the hidden camera was watching in the ceiling and nodded to indicate he heard.

When he arrived in the dorm hallway the other warden, a man named Joe, was finishing up the collection of meal cartons. He stood back while one of the women pushed the trash cart between cells. Mindful of procedures from his training sessions Robert checked to make sure her ankles were chained together. Joe was one of the senior wardens with quite a few years of experience. He didn't make mistakes like that. They were on the last cell in the row.

Robert nodded to Joe as he approached but didn't say anything. Minimal conversation and no pleasantries or greetings were part of the protocol to project a cold and impersonal attitude. When he passed each cell door he turned his head to check positions. At one he stopped and scrutinized the occupants carefully. There was no particular reason behind it other than to let them know he paid attention. And maybe a little guilty pleasure too, he told himself. As long as he or any other wardens were nearby they would kneel in the proper manner. The only exception was lights out, when they were allowed to sleep.

If pressed he might admit that the sight of nude women kneeling before him was a pleasant picture, one he didn't tire seeing day after day. Nor did it bother him when he placed them in chains. He rationalized it away as nothing more than indulging his dark side but he thoroughly enjoyed the way he controlled them and the degree of obedience and deference he received in turn.

The woman pushing the trash cart didn't turn around as he walked up behind her. He saw her tense but her head never wavered from the eyes front position that came with the assignment. The control room informed him that Joe would take her and the cart into an adjoining assembly area where the morning trash collection detail would take charge of her. Joe was waiting for the other side of the door to be cleared. When he opened it no one should be visible from the dormitory area.

He looked back, mentally adding up the occupants of the cells. Thirteen total, all to be moved to the classroom. Policy was to try to keep the ratio at no more than six students per warden during a move but he and Joe should be able to manage one extra. He stepped back so he could survey all the cell doors, keeping watch as Joe opened the security gate and the regular door.

None of the women tried to sneak forward and peek out. He would have been surprised if one did show her face. The discouragement, a euphemistic term, for willfully breaking position was unpleasant, usually consisting of being tied down in the same position for hours at a time, for a first offense. They might not be aware of the penalty but they did know he wouldn't hesitate to punish any infraction.

Joe returned carrying a canvas bag in one hand. Inside were the handcuffs and the lead chain they would use to keep the group together and easily managed. One at a time he and Joe took each woman out of her cell and attached her to the gang chain. When they finished all thirteen were lined up facing the wall, hands cuffed behind their back and linked together. Joe held one end of the chain while Robert went down the line, double-checking each woman. As he passed each one he turned her to face the door. When he reached the other end he picked up the trailing end of the chain along with the bag before nodding to Joe.

While Joe unlocked the door to direct them out of the dorm Robert took a moment to enjoy the sight of so many women, chained together, passively standing in line waiting to be led off to some unknown place. How did they do it? If he were in their place he'd be in a murderous rage by now. Acquiescence would be the last thing on his mind. He couldn't read minds but he didn't see any sign of resentment or a sullen, uncooperative attitude. How could they submit to him, and all the other wardens, in such a docile way? Granted the environment wasn't designed to encourage any other response, but it still amazed him how quickly the female mind adapted to circumstances he would find intolerable.

Joe halted the front of the line when they were all in the main hall. Robert locked the security gate to the dorm area and closed the door. A door was never left open and unattended. He signaled Joe to continue. As usual the trip was uneventful, punctuated by a few stops and starts as they passed through security gates. When they reached their destination Joe freed the women one at a time at the front of the line and passed them into the classroom.

Robert stood by the open door while Joe put the cuffs and lead chain back in the carrying bag. When the far door opened and Cathy came in he paused just long enough for her to flash him a smile before he closed the door. Unless she called for help or surveillance reported a problem she was on her own.

The control room came back online and told him another group needed to be taken to the showers. This was a larger group, twenty in all, and would take four wardens. He looked at Joe, shrugged, and they both headed back to the dorm area. All in a day's work , Robert told himself.

Shower escort wasn't his favorite duty. Managing a large group wasn't any trouble but as a warden he had to personally inspect each woman after she finished bathing. The inspection was primarily to check the belt and collar for any sign of tampering, or signs of chafing or bruising on skin. They might be attractive but he much preferred the same routine in private with Cathy.

The control room kept him busy moving groups or individuals from place to place. He did appreciate it when they directed him to Cathy's classroom so he could escort her to her second work assignment. They were able to spare a few minutes in the break room before she had to start.

"So how did the lecture go?" he asked her as they found a table. Time was short so he left her hands behind her back.

She scooted around, trying to find a comfortable spot on the chair. "I think it went okay. No one went berserk. Everyone paid attention so I didn't have to call for any disciplinary action. Even the questions afterward were well thought out. You know, sir, I think I got the point across to some of them. When I see those faces light up with comprehension, well, it makes all the difference. I feel like I've accomplished something special."

From her animated excitement he could see how much she benefited from being an instructor. When the Director had first called him and suggested she might take a teaching position he had been unsure if it was in her best interests. But Robert also knew he was overly protective of Cathy and tended to err on the side of caution when contemplating any changes for her. The Director had been persuasive, even offering him a position as warden so he could oversee her progress. Finally he had accepted a compromise where she would attend the school a second time, but in a contrived situation where she mentored another student. Cathy had proved herself capable of effectively communicating with and motivating other women. Faced with overwhelming evidence Robert conceded the Director was right and allowed her to join the staff. He did take up the warden's job offer for his own peace of mind.

He studied her as she went on about the class time. She leaned forward to emphasize some point, but all he noticed was the curve of her breasts. He couldn't imagine a day without her. When she leaned back she unconsciously held her chin up so he could see the collar clearly. It was his collar, his mark of ownership that told the world she belonged only to him.

When Cathy paused to catch her breath he interrupted. "Still want to go for a walk later? We can bring along sandwiches and something to drink." In his ear the control room reminded him he should take her to the practice area. "It's time for you to go." He stood up.

"Yes, sir." Cathy waited until he took her arm before she stood up. "If it's convenient for you, sir, I'd like to go for a walk later." Standing by his side she turned her head and smiled up at him. Not once had she used his name. How did she remember all those rules? He knew she had been reprimanded for using someone's name during her first orientation meeting, but not once since then had she repeated the same mistake. He was tempted to put his arm around her and steal a quick hug but he had his own standards to follow. No display of affection even if she was staff, even if he was her master.