My knowledge of corsets, at the time, had been minuscule compared to what I would learn in my time infesting Julia. Even then, however, I possessed a general sense of the use and history of the undergarment. Felicity and her mother had, after all, spent many hours watching historical movies, and it had not been uncommon to see a character in the historical undergarments of the time. We'd even seen some scenes of females being laced into said undergarment, often associated with mild to moderate discomfort. Felicity's mother, being a fashion historian, knew more about their history than most most females, and her knowledge was fairly unbiased. In fact, when Felicity began reading the American Girl doll books, her mother would take issue with the accuracy of some of the historical notes at the back of the text when they discussed clothing.

One thing was certain: my host was wearing a corset that she found to be quite comfortable, and to say she was in no danger of fainting would be a gross understatement of how she felt.

"Miliss 626?" The Controller's voice was abrupt, interrupting my musings, as well as any further exchange with my new host. "Are you having problems retaining control?"

Irritation filled me, but I kept my host's features placid.

"I am fine." I rose from the chair, and was glad my host's instincts were now my own. The corset extended only to my hips, but her knowledge, which was quickly becoming my own, told me to move slowly when standing. The clothes she wore were modern-she'd dressed up somewhat for the occasion, but not in historical dress. "She has not resisted my control."

I wasn't about to talk about historical female undergarments with a Controller I hardly knew. Yeerk propriety is not the same as human manners, or those of Californian young adult females, but there were certain topics you didn't discuss with complete strangers.

The other Controller, who I hadn't noticed until now, spoke up. "If there's no resistance or questions, Miliss 626, you're free to go."

"Thank you," I answered, promptly, forcing a smile onto my host's features.

I left the room, focusing my attention as much on my new host as the pathway before me. It was familiar enough that I would have been able to hold a mental conversation with a resistant host (which Julia was not) while navigating the hallways.

I spoke to her immediately, sensing Julia's growing unease. Which was, of course, entirely understandable. She had lost complete control of her body, and I had barely uttered a sentence to her. I spoke in a kind, gentle manner. *I rather neglected to introduce myself earlier* I began. *My name is Miliss 626. You may call me that, if you wish, or Miliss will do. Are you all right, Julia? Iknow this is a new experience for you.*

Relief flooded through her mind. *Yeah, you could say that.* My host gave a mental laugh. *I'm Julia Cartwright, but I guess you already know that? They tell you Yeerks what bodies to-infest?*

It was my turn to be relieved. So, they had expanded on explaining the infestation process since I'd last witnessed one. *That's correct.* I noted that we were well away from the pool area, and back in the main part of the mall. I exhaled, slowly. *I had one human before I was assigned to you. It took her some time to adjust, but we were able to get along quite well before long. I hope it goes the same with us.*

My host gave me a tentative mental smile. *Me too. You are going to be living in my head for the foreseeable future, Miliss. I-I don't want to tick you off* she added, hesitantly, almost shyly.

Oh, I expect there will be times when we won't see eye to eye, as the human expression goes* I reassured her, keeping my tone light. *I would hardly hurt you merely for disagreeing with me, Julia. Or for anything else* I added, quickly.

My host's emotions were the equivalent of a mental sigh of relief. *Thanks. That's good to know.*

You're welcome.*

There was a momentary lull in our conversation, during which I took the time to observe how different this human body was than Felicity's. There was the corset laced tightly around my host's frame, of course, although it was hardly preventing me from breathing deeply, or navigating the interior of the mall. As I still knew relatively little about this undergarment, and my host clearly knew much more, I would have to learn more it shortly. Yeerks are expected to do a full memory search as early as possibly. I always waited until my host was fast asleep. I would need to ask questions and go by what we call "surface memories" in the meantime. Those are ones which don't need to be probed for, but are so close to the host that they arrive unbidden. Or, if you are the type of Yeerk to converse with your host, a question will evoke the memory holding the answer.

But the changes were more than simply the feeling of being held in a hug. Felicity had been rather short for her age, only four and a half feet, and a surface memory told me Julia was exactly a foot taller. Her hair was much longer, naturally curly and well past her waistline. ("You'll never need extensions if you don't hack it off!" her agent had told Julia, more than once.) Her eyesight was also far better. Felicity had worn glasses since first grade, but Julia's vision, at 20/15, stood better than average for humans. She wore a long skirt, while Felicity wore jeans whenever possible.

Finally, I arrived at Julia's car. It was neither new nor fancy, and while she owned a house "free and clear," it was a far cry from Hollywood mansions. Julia had, I saw, received a moderate level of success, fame, and money from her years of hard work, but she had not "made it," and, unless she switched to mainstream, popular movies, she likely wouldn't.

Once home, Julia spoke up again, more tentative this time. *Er, Miliss? They said you'd give me control sometimes?*

I immediately reprimanded myself for having neglected my host. While voluntary and unresistant, I was her first Yeerk. She had lost control over her body, and I had left her alone in her head for at least a quarter of an hour.

I spoke softly. *I apologize for my silence towards you, Julia. Of course, I will give you control.*

Thank you.*

I released control. I still was aware of all of her senses, and could intervene if necessary, but my new host was no longer paralyzed. She breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you," she said again, this time speaking out loud. It was something I discouraged even in private, but I would not chastise my host so soon. Besides, she lived alone. There was no risk of being overheard.

You're welcome* I answered, mentally of course.

Julia glanced at the kitchen stove. "Mind if I make us some tea? And, maybe, we can talk a little more? I'm guessing you're wondering about my choice to wear corsets."

I laughed. Hosts could not read their Yeerk's mind, but after spending two years together, Felicity had been able to guess what I thought more often than not. Julia had been my host for scarcely an hour...but, then, she knew that her choice of undergarments had become all but obsolete by now. She'd guessed that I'd ascertained this from my experience with my previous human host.

I gave her a mental smile. *You could certainly say that, Julia. And yes, you may go ahead and make us some tea.*

She smiled. Taking another deep breath, which was easy enough to do, Julia began to assemble the supplies for this drink.

There was something oddly comforting about observing from the body of an adult. When I first infested Felicity, she could barely reach the middle shelf in the kitchen without standing upon a chair. Often, I had to remind her to make her bed, put her dirty clothes down the laundry chute, even brush her teeth. She might grumble good naturedly, but was always feel grateful. At night, when she couldn't sleep, I would tell her Yeerk legends, or retell her favorite stories.

Julia wouldn't need my help with any of that, of course, but I hoped my presence in her mind would be welcome.

Once the tea was ready, Julia took a seat on a well-worn, plush armchair. She sat upright, yet was able to lean back against the backing. She put the tea down, briefly, to wrap a blanket around her. I knew this was for comfort, and I didn't blame her. After all, my new host had just surrendered her life to an alien, and one who might not be very friendly. Now, she was about to explain something that, I could see, was important and personal to her. I wanted to provide her with the same sort of comfort I gave my old host, but what worked for one human could be harmful for others.

"Okay," she began. "So, you know I'm a semi-successful actress and I mostly do period dramas."

I gave a mental nod. *My old host was one of your fans* I encouraged. *She asked me for your autograph. If you could provide it, she'd be thrilled.*

Julia felt a mix of affection and amusement to this unknown fan. "That's so sweet. Of course." She took a long sip of tea, then let out a satisfied sigh. "My family doesn't act, but my mom got me booked in commercials as a baby. I begged her to let me do auditions for ads when I was five. Got booked for more than half. So, soon, she got me an agent. I got some rejections for extra roles on the movies, and my agent, Karen, thought that with my delicate features, I should go the TV old fashioned movies route. That took some time, too, but I finally got booked for minor recurring role. The schedule for filming was weird, mostly in summer, so I didn't miss school.

"Costumes for kids were fine. I was pretty comfortable, even with the extra underwear. Wasn't big on the pantaloons, but..." She shrugged, and I could detect her happiness in being able to perform this small movement. In addition to being able to speak out loud. It wasn't very different from when I first gave Felicity full control. "The problem came when I turned eighteen. In my teenage years, I still looked young enough to pass for twelve or thirteen, so I could get away with being cast as a younger sister. And you know how the studios are. Lots of people in their twenties still play teenagers, because of labor laws." I gave a mental nod, having known about this beforehand. Julia smiled, briefly. "But once I turned eighteen, it became obvious that I looked like a teenager. My agent told me I had a few choices. I could either audition for Jane Austen movies, or other ones set in the Regency era. Or, I could try for some of the main leads in the same sort of movies I had been doing. I chose the second. I had plenty of experience, after all. The problem, though, was the corsets.

"It's one thing to make sacrifices for your art. In my teenage years, I had to stay at a weight that would have my doctor say was five pounds away from being underweight. It's another to suffer needlessly." Another memory surfaced. My host being laced too quickly and too tightly into a corset over her bare skin. A dress being pulled over it, not closing, and the corset being pulled even tighter.

It hadn't been intended maliciously, she knew. It was simply a matter of getting the costume to fit properly. All the same, my host was struggling fiercely to get her breath back. Hours later, when it was finally off and she'd somehow managed not to faint the entire day (although she'd skipped lunch and only drank a few sips of water). The corset was finally off, but angry red lines and rashes covered her body.

"I told Mom as soon as she picked me up. As soon as we got home, she wanted to see the damage. Even after an hour or so, there were still red lines and a few rashes. Boy, Miliss, was she was furious at the costume department. Mom stayed with me the next day. She made sure they gave me a chemise to wear, which helped, and she talked the director into making them let the waist in the dress out by two inches. One of the producers took my side on this. He said a twenty-one inch waist would be fine for my character. It was better, sure, but still super uncomfortable," Julia added. "By the time that movie was over, I'd lost five pounds. Mom took me to a new doctor, a woman one, and explained my situation.

"Most doctors would have said to quit acting, or at least those movies. But Dr. Shaw was pretty open minded, and she thought-when she saw what I was wearing-that part of the problem was I was wearing badly made ones, and not being able to break them in correctly. Not that they gave us much time before making us lace tightly for the sake of the movie," Julia went on, taking another sip. "But I had a few months before the next shooting."

I nodded mentally, seeing everything as my host spoke. *I'm glad you got a break from everything.*

"Thanks. Mom and I used the time well. She had the idea to reach out to the costume department to figure out where they bought their corsets. They weren't badly made, you know...I just didn't have enough time to wear them so they fit comfortably. That's what Dr. Shaw thought, anyway. Mom also checked with production to make sure it was okay if I wore my own on set, instead of theirs. They said it was fine, as long as they were the same historical pattern, and, then, Mom made sure it was in my contract that I could always wear my own, under those parameters.

"My natural waist was twenty-three and a half inches, and before filming had wrapped up, was usually laced down to twenty or twenty-one inches. I never fainted, but I often came close, and there were times when I wanted to scream at someone to get it off me," she continued, softly. "Afterwards, we got me measured twice, and fitted three times in person. When the first four came, they were definitely stiff, but already fit better than the ones the costume department had me wear."

It sounded horrible. Worse, since I could see everything play out in her memories. I felt a sense of admiration for my new host. *How tight were they, Julia?* I asked. At her confusion, I added, *When you began to wear your new ones, how tight did you have to...lace down?*

"Oh. I started with a two inch reduction." She laughed. "That's what people who wear corsets regularly say you should start out with."

The memories came again. Her mother lacing her up, slowly, carefully, with all of the gentleness she could. The contrast with how the wardrobe staff had laced up my host could hardly have been more different. Yes, the new corset had started off relatively stiff, but Julia could breathe with ease. Julia only wore it for a few hours at a time, allowing her body to adjust. Consequently, the stiffness went away as her body and corset adapted to each other, and before the end of the first week, my host had felt only a gentle hug after her mother laced her in two inches. This had surprised my host. She'd thought she simply wouldn't be as uncomfortable. To be comfortable, truly comfortable, was something new completely.

"I started with wearing a corset for just a few hours a day. To break them in, get my body used to them," Julia told me, softly, adjusting the blanket around herself. Had it been Felicity, I would have taken control for that, knowing she would be grateful. But I had barely been Julia's Yeerk for two hours, and she had requested control. "After they felt comfortable-and I switched on and off between the first two-I began wearing them longer, and then, a little tighter. Mom would lace me in at first, until I figured out how to do it on my own."

More memories came, all distinct. Yeerks don't have living parents, but I'd adapted quickly to the bond between Felicity and her mother. Julia's relationship with her own mother was a bit less...young, for lack of a better term...but Mrs. Cartwright was just as protective. I could see her from my host's memories, and noted that she looked far younger than Felicity's mother.

Smiling, she carefully wrapped the undergarment around my host. Of course, Julia wore the traditional, protective chemise. Once the clasps in front were fastened, she pulled on the back laces. Julia's mother always laced her slowly, gently, not at all like the workers in the costume department. (It didn't take very long to achieve a comfortable day long two inch reduction.) Julia would take a deep breath, then smile, and her mom would grin back and hug her.

"They wanted me in nineteen inch costumes for the next season, because my character was older, and was supposed to be this great beauty, about the debut in Society," Julia explained, "and we didn't think I could get there without sleeping in one. I was down from twenty-three and a half inches to twenty and a half. After breaking in my other two corsets, Mom and I figured I would use them to sleep in. Of course, I'd sleep two inches looser. It took a few days, but I got the hang of sleeping in one. And by the time filming started, I was at nineteen inches, and comfortable all the time. I could eat regular sized meals, too, so I'd gained back those five pounds."

This was, I now realized, a story she'd told others. Not all of, perhaps. Just portions, here and there. When she was mentoring a new actress for a similar drama. Or asked about corsets in a magazine. Julia would downplay her experience in such instances, her good nature ensuring she spoke no unnecessary ill of anyone. If she told the story of her first time being laced in, she would play it up for a laugh. Emphasizing that you should never wear a corset against your bare skin.

"I have an eighteen inch waist, now," Julia went on, after draining the last of the tea from her cup. "I might train as small as sixteen or seventeen, over time. But eighteen is what I'm laced to today. Here, I'll show you." She rose from the chair, then placed the blanket around the back. Walked briskly to the downstairs bathroom, where she studied herself in the full-length mirror for a moment. The bright orange shirt was loose.

Julie grinned. "Can't tell, right? That's the idea. I'm thin, sure, but the shirt doesn't show off my waist."

She pulled off the shirt. Underneath was, of course, the corset. It was white, but contained small, multicolored embroidered flowers throughout. It didn't extend to her shoulders, perhaps a few inches below. But it certainly supported her breasts, even gave an appearance of them being larger. And her waist was certainly tiny. I nearly took control to gape, and a part of me wanted to put my hands around it.

"Small, right?" Julia did wrap her hands around it. She couldn't encircle it entirely, through. There was a gap of at least three inches. "It's been four and a half years since I started. I wear one all the time except to shower and bathe, which is maybe forty-five minutes, and an hour and a half to exercise. I sleep two inches looser than what I wear during the day. Same if I need a nap. Thankfully, I've never had problems with eating or going to the bathroom. And it's great when it's that time of the month. Your other human, did she...?"

I laughed, gently. *No, Julia. My only other human host was only twelve when I was assigned to you. She hadn't begun her monthly cycles* I answered. *Or developing in any other way.*

Julia raised her eyebrows, and snickered. "Poor thing. And her poor Yeerk. They're in for a treat in a year or so."

But her tone was light. Teasing.

I didn't mind. Felicity and I had engaged in playful banter before, always mindful of not saying anything that would hurt or offend the other. This had been easier for me than for her, as I was privy to all the secrets of her mind. Still, I always knew her intentions, so while she could not understand me a fraction as well as I could her, I never took offense.

The fact that Julia felt comfortable enough to do the same was heartening.

To be sure* I answered, wryly, but keeping my tone light.

This was effective, as my host laughed. Then, she stretched and put her shirt back on.

"Well, I bet this is more than you signed up for, huh?" she asked, quietly.

There was more than a hint of insecurity in her voice.

I gave her a mental shrug. *There are all sorts of people in The Sharing. My former host was a normal ten year old girl, at the time. And, while you certainly don't wear the traditional undergarments of females of this era, I can hardly say it will pose problems, as I can see you're very much used to them. Rather, to make you throw them away would pose a greater threat to maintaining your career. Tell me, though* I went on, thoughtfully. *Will it be painful or uncomfortable to reduce your waist further?*

"Not if we do it slowly, and safely," Julia said, with certainty. "It will take longer to get to seventeen inches from eighteen as it did from nineteen to eighteen. But my job doesn't require it at all, let alone within a few months.*

I gave a mental nod. *Very well. I won't object to further reduction.*

"I suppose," Julia said, after a few minutes, "you should take back control. I'm not supposed to have it very much, am I?"

It's up to my discretion, really* I explained, gently. *I allowed my former host at least three hours a day, and none of them were when she was at school or doing homework.* This received a light laugh. *During the weekends, it was easily twice as much. To be sure, Julia, I have responsibilities to perform, and when I am with my fellow Yeerks, I cannot give you control. During other times, it's more flexible.*

She thought about this for a bit. "I understand. But you should probably be in control more than just when you're doing your job. So I get used to it, and don't panic or anything."

Very well.*

Slowly, carefully, I took over. My host gave a mental sigh.

You know, that's a real improvement over when you entered my head, Miliss* she observed, happily.

I hid a mental wince. *That's because very few Yeerks can infest a host in a logical manner, much less a first time one. It will always be rather unpleasant, even if there's minimal pain* I said, walking away from the bathroom.

Oh.* Julia gave a sort of sigh. *How often do you need to leave my head? They said you eat every so often, and can't do that in a host?*

Yes, every three days. Every two and a half days, really. As today is Saturday and it's the afternoon, I should return on Monday evening* I said. Noticing how very drained she felt, I thought it best to let her rest.

Miliss, are you putting me down for a nap?* Julia asked, amused.

But she did not, I noted, object to this plan.

As you are rather tired and have no pressing obligations, yes* I returned, giving her a mental smile.

My host laughed. *Okay. Hey, do Yeerks need sleep?*

Not nearly as much as humans. If we must go without entirely for a feeding cycle, we catch up there.* I moved two blankets to the couch.

Don't forget to loosen me two inches* Julia said, softly.

I frowned slightly. *I don't have that skill, yet* I admitted. *Perhaps you could?*

Such generally occurs as a Yeerk searches their host's memories, and overnight, it's perfected. My host might be able to lace and unlace with ease, but I would likely fumble.

Sure. If you give me control for a few minutes...* she offered, hesitantly.

Of course. Do you need a mirror?*

She laughed. *Nope.*

I let go, and within a few seconds, my host located the bow on her back. She untied it, ran her finger up and down the area where I would learn, later, were the eyelets. I felt the pressure cease considerably, then tightened again, as Julia readjusted the ribbon. She tied the ribbon again, and let her arms rest at her sides.

It still felt, I noted, like a hug. But there was less pressure along the sides of her frame. I half expected Julia to sigh in relief, but her sigh was almost only of resignation.

Eighteen feels the most comfortable* she explained, pulling the two blankets over herself. *But Dr. Shaw says it's very important to let my body rest. So, as you can see, I still feel a hug, but not as much of one.* She stretched again. *You want control, Miliss 626?*

You don't need to use my number. Miliss is fine* I told her. *I'll take control, but in a way that doesn't hinder your ability to move, should you wish to.*

I tucked her in under the covers, the way I had always done with Felicity. Such ministrations were, in part, what caused her to come to trust me. Yes, Julia was an adult and already voluntary, but old habits die hard, as the human saying goes.

Besides, there was a protective, maternal part of me that wished to convey to my new host that, as odd as I found my new assignment, I did not find her to be terribly strange, and I would do my best to keep her safe and happy.

Miliss?* she asked suddenly.

Yes, Julia?*

They said...you'll have to go through my memories* she began, slowly. *Are you...can you do that while I am asleep? So I don't, you know, feel anything?*

Certainly.* I detected her unasked question, too. *If there are any memories you would prefer I not view, please tell me. But I will need a summary, so I know what to skip over.*

She felt a mixture of relief and embarrassment. *Yeah, that would be great.* Julia proceded to provide an outline of several, and out of respect for her privacy, I will say no more on the matter.

I will skip over those* I promised.

Julia relaxed further, her mind beginning to fade into sleep. But she managed a murmur of thanks before succumbing into unconsciousness.

Author's note: In Kharina's fic, "The Collaborator," the main character, Carla, is reassured prior to her infestation that a Yeerk can opt out of viewing certain memories from their host. It's my personal opinion that this would be impossible to do long-term (humans have a self-destructive streak and can think about painful memories, so a Yeerk would certainly see them in this situation), but it seems like a reasonable thing to promise in the short term.

Next up, we'll have Miliss and Julia settle into their new roles, and more corsetry.