Chapter 9

When I got home from a stress filled day of work one evening, I collapsed in my recliner and sipped on a cold beer. Cathy connected with me to continue her earlier conversation.

“Ward, I didn’t want to address this in the office, but there is one more topic we need to discuss.

“I’m tired and need a break, Cathy. Can we set this aside for now, and take care of it tomorrow?”

“If that is what you really want to do, we can talk tomorrow. I’ll just let you know the topic of our conversation so you will be ready to discuss it tomorrow.”

When Cathy said that to me, I knew she was trying to entice me into talking about the topic tonight. I just knew I wouldn’t want to discuss whatever topic she was going to bring up tonight or tomorrow.

“Okay, Cathy, what do you want to talk about tomorrow?”

“I think you need a woman in your life, Ward, to take care of you and your home. It really bothers me to have you sleeping in that big bed all by yourself.”

I knew Cathy would eventually bring this topic up rather than just continue dropping the hints she had been dropping over the past weeks. I knew I needed to find a woman to help me create the next generation of the Inner Circle. Apparently, Cathy had decided to stop hinting, so I decided to not wait until tomorrow to discuss the matter. Her ploy had worked.

Now don’t take my objection to the topic the wrong way. I didn’t object to having a woman in my life or remarrying. After all, that was part of the Council’s plan for me. Cathy had essentially commanded me to do so on prior occasions, but I said I was too busy to pursue a personal relationship.

I have no problems with having sex with a suitable woman. I do not have a problem with becoming a father. However, I knew the Council and Cathy wanted me to have a harem. I did not see myself married to a group of women and providing stud service to a herd of mares in order to complete my Mission. Besides, polygamy is illegal in this, and in most states.

Furthermore, the relationship necessary for raising the children, which would result from my impregnating multiple women, would draw a great deal of interest to me. I believed it was necessary for me to maintain a low profile in order to hide my abilities and meet the goals of the Mission’s plan. The number of wives and kids I would need to create the next generation of the Inner Council would be anything but low profile.

Well, I guess I was wrong for when I stated my position to Cathy, she explained to me that yes, it was necessary for me to keep a low profile concerning my abilities and the Mission. However, the Council believed it was necessary for me to become a high profile individual to accomplish the Mission.

Now at first glance, that seemed to me to be a ‘Catch 22’ situation. The Council gives me a set of abilities to use in accomplishing their goals. They expect me to use the abilities with the world watching me closely without allowing the world to become aware that I have these abilities, or that I am performing the Mission. I’m not sure how I can do that.

Cathy assured me the situation was not as bad as I perceived it to be, and everything would work out okay. I accepted that for I trusted Cathy, and no, I don’t want to buy a bridge. I was somewhat agreeable to a couple of girlfriends up to that point, but then Cathy dropped the next bombshell in my lap.

“Ward, the Council has decided who your first woman should be and they already started to give her the abilities I had when I died. They believe your secretary Samantha will be ideal for you.”

“What!!!”

“Don’t get upset with me, Ward. I didn’t have anything to do with their decision. I knew you wouldn’t appreciate having them pick a woman for you, but they did it anyway. The current problem is, the Council is creating a link between Sam and me. Sam is having the same types of dreams we had, and she thinks she is going crazy. Have you noticed that lately she is dragging when she first comes to work?”

“No, I haven’t. What are we to do about this, Cathy?”

“The only thing I can think of, Ward, is for you to talk with Sam and explain what is happening to her. You know how bullheaded the Council can be when they think their solution is the best solution for a problem.”

“Yeah, I’ll talk with Sam, but I am not happy the Council put us in this situation. You do realize that I will have to explain the dimensions, the Guidance Council, and my link with you, don’t you?”

“Yes, I realize that, Ward. Sam will have to be the first person you recruit for the Mission.”

Yes, the Council picked Sam — Art’s former Personal Assistant and my current Personal Assistant — to be the first of my harem. I planned to resist their decision. However, I would have to tell Sam about my abilities and about the link with Cathy, so she understood what was happening to her. I didn’t think of it at the time, but explaining my abilities, about my link with Cathy, and that the Council was creating a link between her and Cathy was the first step in having her become the first woman in my harem.

I remembered the difficulty Cathy and I had gone through when we were getting our abilities. Back then, we had given each other support, which made our situation manageable. Sam was all alone so naturally, I metaphorically mounted my white charger to ride to Sam’s rescue.

Actually, I asked Sam to have dinner with me that evening, so I could explain something to her in a relatively private setting. However, the evening didn’t go as I planned. Dinner was great and I did explain what was happening to her. When I took her home, she asked me in to answer a few questions that she had thought of while I was driving her home.

Once we were in her apartment, Sam thanked me verbally for explaining what was happening to her, and did ask me a few questions. I was in the process of leaving, but her goodnight peck on the cheek evolved into a few passionate kisses and those kisses led us to spending the rest of the night in bed together.

All I’m going to say is Sam is apparently a highly sexual woman and the sex was memorable. I later learned that Cathy had suppressed Sam’s inhibitions and cranked up her libido. I knew Cathy would do something to bring Sam and I together, but I didn’t expect that!

Cathy was taking no chances with me possibly avoiding a relationship with Sam. As we were engaging in our sexual marathon, Cathy placed a compulsion in Sam’s mind for her to be my mate, to give me children, and to create a harem for me.

Just before we fell asleep, I heard Sam whisper, “Ward, have I ever mentioned my friend Mary to you? You’ll like her.”

When I woke the next day, I remembered Sam’s last comment and knew Cathy and the Guidance Council had won the battle of wills regarding me having a harem. I decided to make the best of the situation.

I talked with Sam and explained the Mission’s tasks that I had agreed to work on for the Guidance Council.

I identified the four tasks that I would complete for the Council thusly.

Task 1 - correct the factors that are preventing people from serving their fellow beings. Cathy said that meant I should target different countries’ governments and take them over.

Task 2 - correct the factors that cause people to violate the privacy of others. Cathy explained that meant I should target the media and its practice of invading people’s personal privacy.

Task 3 - correct the factors that cause people to be poor role models for their fellow beings. Cathy said I should target Celebrities who are poor role models for their fans.

Task 4 - create a goal that motivates the people of Earth to work together. Cathy said she had no idea how to do this. We decided to address this Task, once the other three Tasks were started.

I started to explain the organizational structure that I needed to build, but Sam stopped me by saying, “My link with Cathy was clear last night. She explained the Mission and current organizational structure to me. However, she also said that the structure is starting to change since you are starting to realize the true scope of the tasks you have taken on. Cathy also told me how we will finance the organization and the Mission.”

Sam surprised me, so I said, “I’m glad that I don’t have to explain all of that to you. I’m not clear on everything we need to do and I am not sure how to go about doing it yet. In fact, I’m not sure how to begin.”

“Don’t worry, Ward. Cathy told me that she and the Guidance Council would be there for us when we needed them. She also made it clear to me that I needed to push you to take on additional women. She said you want a monogamous relationship with one woman.

“So tell me, Ward, since I am now your woman, how do you plan to create the next generation of the Inner Council, with just me?

“I certainly cannot give birth to the number of children that we will need for the next generation of the Inner Council. Even if I could, they would be spread over too large of an age range. You will need a large number of children of about the same age.

“Remember, Ward, the Council does not believe you will be able to complete all four of your tasks within your lifetime. Their intent is for you to create the organization that will continue the Mission after your death, design products that can be sold to finance the Mission, and begin at least one of the four tasks.”

“Yes, I am aware of the Council’s timeline for completing the Mission, Sam. But, no one has clearly delineated what is expected of me in a way I can understand. Especially, how I am to get along with a large number of undoubtedly jealous, possessive women living in my home with all of them wanting my attention.

“I’m still getting used to the idea of what I agreed to do. When I start a project, I am used to finishing it. I haven’t had time to think of things like what happens when I don’t complete the Mission in my lifetime. Now that I am beginning to think of that, I can sort of understand why Cathy wants me to have a harem. A harem goes against what I believe is proper, but I will stop resisting the need for creating the next generation of my Inner Council. Of course, I will allow my conscience to put up a small fight to adding future wives even though I will accept them when necessary.”

Sam said, “I can live with that, Ward. When Cathy told me I should be your first woman, she also told me that I should take charge of recruiting the right types of women for you. She loves you very much and wants the best for you. Neither Cathy nor I will tolerate a bunch of bitchy women in our household. If she and I pick the right women, it won’t be a problem. At any sign of that type of problem developing, Cathy and I will put an end to it.

“So this is what I think we should do. As the need for more help grows, I will locate additional women to join us. You can get to know them, and if they are acceptable, we can have them join our relationship. At this time, I think you need at least three wives to assist you with everything that needs to be done. We will start out with you having two wives and add the third in the near future.

“Cathy and I discussed my friend Mary. We both think that she will be perfect as your second woman. I am going to invite her to meet me at our favorite restaurant for dinner tonight, but I won’t tell her that you will be there also.

“Cathy will use a Receive-only link to monitor Mary’s thoughts and emotions tonight. She will know if Mary is right for you, and if so, Cathy and I will recruit Mary as the second member of your harem. Don’t worry about it, Ward. Cathy, Mary, and I will take care of you and aid you in completing the Mission.”

I said, “From the sound of that, Mary becoming my woman is a done deal. I want to pick my own women, and I don’t think that I need help in that area. But I will work with you and Cathy. However, there will be a problem with our marrying for polygamy is illegal. I can’t marry everyone and marrying just one of my women would be unfair to the others.”

“Ward, I know you won’t marry any of the women in your harem if you can’t marry them all. But there is nothing stopping you from thinking and calling them your wives. Cathy and I decided your women will just live with you and use your last name. Since you won’t be marrying any of us, polygamy has no bearing on our relationship. Cathy and I both feel that it is the relationship that you and your wives create that is important, not some ritualistic ceremony.

“Cathy knows you better than you know yourself, Ward. She said that she had to trap you into helping me, and if she hadn’t, you would still be trying to figure out how to ask a woman out on a date. Just relax and let Cathy and me create your harem, and remember, you do have the final say in whether a woman is right for you.

“Ward, as much as I enjoy this discussion with you, we need to get dressed and get going or we will be very late getting to the office this morning. Cathy told me that there were a few investment changes that you need to make as soon as possible.”

On the way into work, I said, “Sam, from what I understand of our conversation last night and this morning, you are moving in with me. Have you given any thought as to how we are going to consolidate our households?”

“I was thinking that after work today, we should go to my place, so I can pick up several changes of clothing, makeup, and other necessities. Those necessities include a few items that are very important to me personally that I want to keep. This weekend, we can decide what furniture, linens, and dishes to keep and what I should sell or donate. During the coming days, we will move the items I want to keep into your house.”

As we talked, Cathy joined us in a link. Driving while linked is not safe, so I told her I was driving and she should contact us when Sam and I were in the office. Once I parked the car, Sam and I caught the elevator to our floor and we went into our office. Sam dropped her things off at her desk in the reception area and checked for messages. Then she joined me in my office.

I said, “Okay, Cathy you can create the link now.”

Cathy linked the three of us together and said, “Good morning, Ward, I missed you after last night. I enjoyed the second hand feelings of cuddling with you last night. Oh god, how I’ve missed cuddling with you.”

“I can understand that, Cathy, for I have missed cuddling with you also. I told Sam that I sensed you with us last night while we were having sex and I could sense you shared our sexual feeling. I didn’t realize you could get anything out of our sexual activities. However, I should have known it was possible considering how we can absorb each other’s feelings over a link.

“Sam said something about investment changes this morning. What was that about?”

“Nothing significant yet, Ward, except for two stocks. The Council finished reviewing my dad’s stock portfolio. They want you to sell a few of the stocks that are underperforming and two that will shortly have a major price drop. I will have to ask them for a list of the stock trades they want you to make. They are now examining some of the new tech company stocks that look like their price per share will increase significantly over the next few years.

“I know you are concerned with how the SEC might react to the sale of your stocks. The Council doesn’t think the SEC will notice you selling your stocks. Like thousands of other investors, you are looking to sell high and buy low.

“Getting in on the ground floor of a company that will become very successful is just good business, as long as it is done well before the stock takes off and there are no indications of insider trading. Let’s just say your batting average will be higher than average. I’ll mention to the Council that they need to recommend a few mediocre companies so your average won’t trigger the SEC’s fears of improper trading.”

We left work early so Sam and I would have plenty of time to stop by her apartment, and still get cleaned up at my house for dinner with Mary.

We arrived at the restaurant and were seated at our table. A few minutes later, we stood as the hostess escorted an attractive brunette to our table.

My abilities read Mary’s personality, so I knew Sam was right about Mary being a good match for me. Sam introduced the two of us. When Mary extended her hand, I took it in mine; it felt like I had grabbed onto a high voltage wire. I don’t know how else to describe the feeling that coursed through me. We must have stood there with our hands clasped for more than a minute; at least it seemed that long.

When I regained my ability to think and was aware of my surroundings, I could tell that Mary had been affected in a similar manner. Her eyes were still glazed over as if she were out in La-La Land. When she started coming out of it, she was a little unsteady on her feet, so I stepped into her to give her some support.

I don’t know what happened, but the support I intended to give her turned into an awkward hug. I think she reached up to put her hands on my shoulders to keep some space between us, but the next thing I knew, her hands kept going over my shoulders and around my neck. Then she pulled me into a very personal kiss. When we finally stepped back, we looked at each other in shock.

“I don’t know what just happened,” I said. “You seemed to be about to lose your balance and I meant to give you some support. However, it turned into a hug.”

“I know what you mean,” said Mary. “I was surprised when you stepped in close to me, and I started to sort of fend you off. I’m not sure what happened either, but instead of putting my hands on your shoulders as I meant to do, they were suddenly around your neck and I was pulling you into me so I could kiss you. That was a very nice kiss.

“Sam, I apologize for kissing your man like that, but it wasn’t intentional.”

Sam said, “I know. I saw what happened and it doesn’t bother me in the least.”

When I heard Cathy chuckling in the back of my mind, I knew what had happened. Looking at Mary, I said, “Well whatever happened, I am glad to meet you. I don’t know what Sam told you, but my friends call me Ward, and after that kiss, you definitely qualify as a friend.”

Mary is very pretty when she blushes. She said, “I wish I could truthfully tell you that I’m sorry about the kiss, but I’m not. I enjoyed it and I won’t deny that I hope it happens again. I’ve heard of and experienced love-at-first-sight before, or at least I think I have. However, the way I am feeling right now is like nothing I have ever experienced.”

“This evening should prove very interesting, Mary. I suggest the three of us sit down and order dinner. Then we will be free to talk for the rest of the evening.”

We gave our waitress our drink order. I don’t know about everyone else, but I have a problem making a decision about what to eat at a really good restaurant. Reading the menu leaves me salivating and wanting to order everything. This was one of those times. Thankfully, they had a version of my favorite entrée on the menu, so I ordered it. Sam and Mary both ordered Prime Rib, but I went with what they called Country Style Chicken Cordon Bleu.

I said, “Well, Mary, the only thing Sam has told me about you is that you are her best friend. How did the two of you get to be friends?”

“Oh, I met Sam in college when I joined the Delta Zeta Sorority. I was a freshman and she was a junior. After we got to know each other, we decided to share a room and we were roommates until she graduated. We stayed in touch, and after I graduated, I moved back here and got a job. We usually talk on the phone a couple of times a week and meet for dinner every so often.

“You can imagine my surprise when she called me today and told me she had just met the man who was her mate for life.

“What about you, Ward, did you go to college?”

“Yes, for a few months. My wife Cathy and I had signed up for classes at our local college. We had a few problems with the woman who ran the Student Housing Department, and ended up being expelled. We sued the college and settled out of court, but in the process, we felt we would be persona non grata at the college campus. Therefore, we enrolled in another college’s correspondence classes.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize that you were married.”

“Well, I’m a widower. We had only been married a year, when my wife Cathy was killed by a drunk driver and that was just a short while ago.”

“I’m sorry if I brought back bad memories, Ward, it wasn’t my intent.”

“That’s okay, Mary. I was depressed at first, but now I just think of her as waiting in the afterlife for me to join her. I know she’s dead, but sometimes when I really think about her, I get the sense that she is still with me and that we are talking.”

I could see Sam start to smile and cover her mouth, probably to stifle a laugh. It seemed like talk of Cathy had been a conversation killer.

“Mary, since you and Sam have stayed in contact with each other, I am curious as to what she told you about me.”

“Actually she’s told me very little. Until you told me about your wife’s death and called her Cathy, I didn’t realize that you were Sam’s boss. She always called you Mister Conrad, and for some reason I didn’t think of her friend Ward and Mister Conrad as the same person.

Mary said, “Sam, I’m not clear on this. Last week when we had dinner together, we talked about many things, but you never mentioned your personal relationship with Ward. Why not?”

“Mary, it’s a little embarrassing. You know that I’ve been a little weird lately. Well Ward noticed it also. He took me out to dinner last night and explained a few things to me that I had not been aware of about the problems I was experiencing. During our conversation, several things happened. By the time dinner was over, I knew Ward and I were meant for each other. Last night, I moved in with him. There is far more to the story than that, but I don’t want to go into it right now.”

“That must have been some dinner. You and your boss with whom you have no personal relationship stop off at a restaurant to eat and talk. Several hours later, you are soulmates and move in together. What did they put in your food?”

Just listening to Mary’s description of last night made me laugh. I said, “It’s even weirder than that, Mary. You see, this morning she told me that I needed a harem and she has taken on the job of seeing that I get one.”

Mary looked over at Sam, “Is that true, Sam? Are you really going to go out and recruit other women to join you in a relationship with Ward?”

“Yes, it’s true. In fact, you are absolutely perfect for the position of his second wife.”

“Whoa, girl, I’m not ready for marriage.”

Smiling at Mary, Sam said, “That’s perfect for we aren’t going to marry him, we will just live with him, give him lots of children, and use his last name.”

“Sam! What has gotten into you? There is no way that I am going to do something like that. My parents would be horrified. When I’m ready, I will find a man, marry him, and settled down in a normal relationship.”

While still smiling at Mary, Sam said, “Ward, go over to Mary, take her in your arms again, and this time give her a really good kiss.”