IV
Slowly opening her eyes, she could feel the sticky sensation of dried sweat upon her skin. Like previous nights, she woke to the feeling of disappointment. Sinking herself deeper into her pillow, Ferro recalled the previous night's recreation. The hard breathing returned as Ferro's body betrayed those actions upon her memory. Turning to her side, the slight bit of shame associated with her Catholic background quickly left.
Blinking once, Ferro spied the thin stream of light invading her apartment. Almost accusingly, it lit the small lump at her side prompting Ferro to slowly peel back the silk blanket. Her tools of self-satisfaction lay there; ready and willing at her command.
Her elder brother's promiscuity gave Ferro a harsh education in machilismo. Yet knowing the pleasure of sensual surrender without knowing the touch of a man left her confused on more than one occasion. Caught by her mother, that woman labeled Ferro a slut and a whore in her youth. During her university days at Turin, Ferro's lack of voice control at the point of climax earned her the label of pervert.
'What am I?' Ferro thought as the thin residue from one instrument glared in the faint morning daylight.
Before she could answer, the light beeping from an alarm awoke her other senses. Gathering the few bedside items, she took them to her bathroom. Placing each item on the vanity, Ferro leaned over to turn her shower on. Taking a moist towlette from the container, she cleaned her first tool of pleasure taking meticulous care to get between the ridges. After caring for her last item, Ferro placed them within a hand towel before shedding the thin, silk babydoll she wore. Catching a glimpse of her supple body in the mirror, Ferro frantically attempted to erase yesterday's overheard conversation from her mind.
"Morning; vice-director," a fellow agent spoke in passing. A nod would be all he received as would other agents.
Any other morning, Ferro would maintain the icy exterior her position demanded. She would go about the day handling calls, giving orders, and organizing assignments; all with the same expressionless gait. Yet today, she was having trouble maintaining her composure. Today, her emotions seemed to be getting the better of her.
Reaching her office was a godsend when Ferro broke into a cold sweat.
'What's happening to me?' Ferro thought as her hands began idly exploring her body. Taking notice of the sheer definition of it made Ferro blush a new crimson. Reaching for the door lock, Ferro explored the inside of her blouse. Release, if only temporary, was something she desired with carnal enthusiasm. Her substantial and perky breasts, those round and prideful hips, the inviting nature of her waist, and the charismatic curve of her rear accenting her strong defined legs; all made the men around her weak. Alone, it was as if she could feel their eyes undressing her.
'If only…' Ferro thought, daring her wandering hand to brush against her silk bra.
'If only…' she thought again, a light moan beckoning to escape her smooth lips.
A knock on her door saved Ferro from passing her point of no return. The angels appeared to be watching over her this day. Turning, she saw a small blonde form at her door wearing that typical maid outfit; Director Lorenzo's doll, bodyguard, and personal assistant; Tea. Ferro walked about the office making it appear as if she were readying herself for the day. Tea knocked again, yet Ferro persisted giving herself enough time to let the blood drain from her face. All personnel within the compound knew Ferro would not answer a soul until she was ready to. The cyborgs however seemed to neglect this fact. Three series of knocks and Ferro checked herself in the computer monitor's reflection. Taking a deep breath, she answered the door to look down at the small maid before her.
"Yes, Tea?" Ferro asked with her returned sense of distance. "May I help you?"
"Director Lorenzo wishes you to process these," Tea uttered with a familiar impassive expression.
"Are they urgent?"
"He did not say."
"Are they operation related?"
"He did not say."
"Are they intelligence sensitive?"
"He did not say."
Tea stood still with no motion to return to her handler. After a few tense minutes, Ferro noticed that the hallway was now full of agents and office personnel going about their daily business. Stepping aside, Ferro waved little Tea in just before taking a quick look in the hallway. After bolting the door shut and flicking a small toggle above the doorjamb, Ferro crossed her arms and gazed at the small child.
"Go ahead," Ferro uttered.
"The materials contain intelligence documentation on a new independent cell. They are neither Five Republics nor Red Brigade, but they seem to be vying for the strength of influence with both."
"Did the Director say anything more?"
"Yes, Miss Ricci. He wanted to know if you had given any thought to his request."
"Where is Director Lorenzo now?"
"He is in a teleconference with Madam Marie-Petrice and the Interior."
"Then I will speak with him on that at a later time," Ferro uncrossed her arms.
"As you wish Miss Milani."
"Is there anything else?"
"Yes, Miss Milani. The Director would like to confirm your appearance at the special meeting later today."
"I'll be there, Tea; anything else?"
"No, Miss Milani."
"Then you may go, Tea."
With a curtsy, Tea quickly took her leave. Closing the door behind her, Ferro lazily made her way back to the desk. Flopping down in the comfortable leather chair, Ferro reflected on the events of the morning. Approaching her thirties concerned her, but not in the way one would expect. Today made Ferro aware that she was losing control of her sensual inhibitions with increasing severity. Despite the pride she gave to her restraint, Ferro was reaching her feminine breaking point. Overhearing stories and conversations like the day before lent no quarter to this fact.
If anything, it only made her purchase instruments and manuals that became more perverse in nature. The latest, a book on Kegel exercise, succeeded in making a bad problem worse. Leaning back, Ferro had no clue of what could be done. Men had a tendency to boast about their size and potency. It was only after processing reports from the infirmary regarding yearly physicals did she realize this. Even if she would single out a sizable favorite, the habit of men to boast never escaped her thoughts. To conquer the Iron Maiden was something of much discussion in the cafeteria. Discretion wasn't a typical male trait in Italy, in more than a few areas. If only the men of Italy would allow themselves to be conquered, to be owned by the will of her body. To submit to the power of her sexual hunger and be bound and gagged by it. If only…
"Good morning; Ferro," Director Lorenzo said as she strode into his office.
"Hello; Director," Ferro nodded in response. "Jean…"
"Morning," Jean said in kind.
"Is this meeting regarding the upcoming mission?" Ferro asked.
"Actually, no; everybody has their place in that little matter. This issue has something to do with a current fratello."
"A fratello…?"
A moment later, Doctor Ricardo Bianchi arrived in the Director's office and took a seat next to Ferro without a word to any of the other attendees.
"Now that we are all here," Director Lorenzo started, "we can begin."
"Yes; Director," Ferro said as Bianchi interlaced his fingers upon his lap and Jean gave a curt nod in Lorenzo's direction.
"Affection between a cyborg and her handler is something we have come to expect. This has been a proven fact from the first proto and test-types to the current first-generation types still in service today. In recent years, as in years past, that affection has been largely one-sided. However, a piece of footage has come to my attention telling us that line is being crossed."
Picking up a small remote, Director Lorenzo shifted the attention of his audience to the view-screen behind them. After a few minutes of Petrushka performing a private ballet recital, the group was treated to a scene of affection between Petra and her handler Alessandro.
"Wow," Bianchi said abruptly, "they're really going at it."
"Bianchi; please," Lorenzo said in an annoyed tone. "This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately."
"In what way; Director," Jean added in response. "I was under the impression that the training and conditioning methods of an EJO were in the direct discretion of their handler."
"This is an obvious misuse of discretion," Lorenzo responded to Jean's smug demeanor. "Agent Ricci is responsible for the first of the new second-gen types. If subsequent handlers follow his example; my main concern lies with what reprimands Vice-Chair Monica-Petrice might come up with."
"I recommend we allow this to continue," Bianchi added finally breaking his silence. "It'll provide more subject analysis for the Behavioral Science Division within the Neuroscience Department."
"Bianchi, this is not one of your experiments."
"I understand that Director, but…"
"…But nothing. If this becomes public, even within the Agency, the relationships and efficiency of the other fratello may be in jeopardy. May I remind you all; we can ill afford another Elsa."
Silence reigned over the office as Lorenzo's point was heard and felt. Ferro had since bowed her head as if she was debating something within her mind. Bianchi looked over at her wondering why she had yet to take the Director's side.
"It seems your verdict is already decided; Director," Jean said in retort. "So, why call us here to discuss the matter if there is to be no debate?"
Breathing deep for a moment; Lorenzo leaned back into his chair, "I wanted another perspective on how to salvage this issue. The Alessandro-Petrushka fratello have an excellent work history as a recon and support unit. I wanted to see if any of you had a viable solution to this dilemma without compromising their efficiency."
"Ferro," Bianchi abruptly called, "you've been awfully quiet through this…discussion. Don't you have anything to say?"
Another brief silence enveloped the room as those in attendance shifted their focus upon Ferro. Closing her eyes, Ferro's mind wandered between thoughts of arranging Alessandro's 'retirement' to the sheer possibilities of such a cyborg-handler relationship; and in one spark of inspiration; Ferro came to a decision, "I say we should not interfere in this fratello's…relationship."
Taken aback by the sudden revelation, Bianchi and Jean gave Ferro their full attention. Lorenzo leaned over his desk, remembering to take a breath before responding to Ferro's recommendation. The latest bout of silence passed painfully as each of the men struggled trying to understand the motives of their Iron Maiden.
"Miss Milani," Lorenzo managed to get out, "would you please explain your reasons?"
Sitting up straight, Ferro faced her Director with fierce confidence. Yet, she appeared to be staring in the eyes of all three.
"I understand the concern you have for such a relationship, Director. Yet, I can't see a reason to change this fratello's current dynamic. Yes, Alessandro may be crossing the line. Yes, this might have certain repercussions in the far or even near future. However, in understanding the fact we can ill afford another Elsa; another Angelica won't serve us in any progress either."
"I see."
"To change this fratello's dynamic would require a rewrite of Petrushka which might have the same implications that we saw in Angelica."
"So, what do you suggest?"
"I propose we let them be, but not without letting Alessandro know that we know."
"Interesting, I'll consider it. Dismissed."
Walking out of Director Lorenzo's office, both Ricardo Bianchi and Jean Croce noticed Ferro displaying a very wide grin.