A Warning

Sarah ate lunch in her office that day. She was hard at work on a follow-up paper about the female side of the psycho-sexual dynamics she had identified.

There was a knock on the door. Sarah looked up and was surprised to see Emily there. Emily nearly filled the doorway and her straight red hair was striking in the sunlight coming through the window from behind Sarah.

"Come in," said Sarah. "I'm surprised to see you again so soon. Is there something more that Elizabeth needs? I understood that to be a one-off..."

Emily shut the door and took the seat across from Sarah. "No, no," she said. "It was definitely a one-off. I just wanted to pass on a couple of things." Emily seemed subdued and more serious than usual.

"Go for it," said Sarah.

"First, you were amazing this morning. I've had to listen to Liz's ranting on this topic every since the Board meeting. You played it perfectly, I think beyond her expectations."

"Thank you," said Sarah. "None of that is really my thing, personally, but I felt like I understood the situation, and that the experience would be valuable to my ongoing research."

Emily continued, "My main reason for coming here is more of a warning. The tea parties Liz was telling you about really do exist. I help her with them. She can be a bit sadistic... so I wanted to let you know, before you get sucked into one, that she would probably really do the things she said. It's not just a fantasy, she has a long-running sex club sort of operation..."

Sarah looked at her quizzically. "Thank you for the warning, Emily. I do appreciate it, I don't think I would have really known for sure. But -- if that's how she is, I wonder why you are with her so much?"

"I'm not really one of Liz's targets, for one thing. Not even an apprentice, more like a bit of a helper. My participation is pretty much limited to nudity and the occasional fun sexual exploit. And, while Liz is sadistic, she isn't a sociopath -- she's very loyal to her 'girls', as she calls them."

"Loyal how?"

"Liz is extremely rich and extremely well-connected. So if you enter her circle, and are enthusiastic enough for long enough, you somehow wind up getting the things you really want. Money, power, a career. Liz greases the wheels."

Sarah smiled. "So maybe this isn't just a warning? But an offer?"

Emily smiled back. "Maybe."

"I'm on the verge of getting what I want already," said Sarah. "I'm fast-tracked to tenure. I will most likely get the department chair. Is Elizabeth proposing to sabotage that? I guess she could if she wanted."

"No, nothing like that," replied Emily. "She knows you are perfect for this. She just thought you might eventually have higher aspirations. University President, for example. Maybe, someday, a spot on the Board yourself."

Sarah crossed her legs and leaned back. "That is very interesting, Emily. Extremely interesting. Tell me, how often are these parties?"

"Four times a year. The next one is next month -- November 12th."

"So few times? For these rewards?"

"Normally many years of service are required. I myself am in my fourth. And it can be difficult, particularly I would imagine for you, with big goals and, um, an unusual interest from Liz."

"I see. Well, I appreciate this maybe offer. This friendly warning or opportunity. Whatever you like to call it. I will want to discuss this with my husband, of course, and maybe Natalie. But tentatively you may say yes."

Emily nodded.

"Now that you've delivered the message," said Sarah, "Can you be a bit more open with me? What are these tea parties really like?"

Emily relaxed and uncrossed her legs. She seemed more herself. "It's a bunch of, like, rich biddies who... well, it's hard to describe really. They pretend to be ladies, all prim and proper, but then none of them wear pants and there is a lot of sex."

Sarah didn't know what to say to this.

Emily continued, "I mean... well, it's pretty weird, to be honest. But mostly just roleplay, a little minor S&M stuff, you know? Stuff you might let your boyfriend do anyway. A couple of them act pretty childish, whining about things and pouting. Not Elizabeth, though. Anyway, I think you can handle it! You're the sluttiest chick I know!"

Sarah smiled.

"Sorry -- that was a compliment!"