Stockholm Syndrome Read Free

be named, was a
student here. On a night much like this one, he came up with an ingenious
idea—no doubt inspired by boredom and alcohol—and the first game of The Chase
took place, right here on this campus. History was made that night, and a new
tradition inaugurated.” He threw out his arms theatrically.
    “That’s right, boys and girls! That living legend is going
to hunt alongside you tonight. And at least one very lucky lady is going to get
to know him a whole lot better!” A crescendo of clapping and howling cheers
followed this announcement.
    “But before the games can begin, we have to attend to
certain formalities. Some of you have been in The Chase before, but for some it
is a new experience. Therefore, for the sake of these virgins among us, we will
now go through The Rules before signing The Pact.”
    The audience, silent now, listened intently. Fascinated,
Mason considered how very different it was from when he’d last played The
Chase. In his time, there hadn’t been any rules or things to sign, and no
Captain. But he could appreciate the need for greater control given the number
of people participating. And that in itself was astonishing. He settled back in
his chair to listen to Owen.
    “As you already know,” his brother continued, “I am the only
one who knows who each of you is. You all came to me individually, before
tonight, to apply to be here. I have received from each of you your fees, proof
of your age, current proof that you do not have HIV or any other sexually
transmitted diseases, and, in the case of the ladies, signed affidavits that
you are on birth control. Furthermore, each one of you has been sponsored by
another member of this group who has attested to your character, and I have
personally confirmed that you don’t have criminal records.” He paused and
looked around.
    “That is a lot of work for the Captain of The Chase, but it
ensures that we can all relax and enjoy ourselves this evening without fear of
unpleasant consequences or repercussions, in the knowledge that the safety and
secrecy which is so vital for this event will be upheld.”
    Really impressed by now, Mason wondered who had put all
those procedures in place, for he doubted it was Owen. But perhaps they had
simply been developed over the years, as necessity arose.
    “Now, in accordance with our tradition, I am going to
destroy The Pact and all of the accompanying documentation from last year.”
    Another black-shirted and masked man brought Owen a sturdy
metal trash can and a bottle. Owen unlocked a strongbox lying on a table beside
him and removed a loose stack of paper. He dumped it into the trash can and
doused it with liquid from the bottle. The pungent smell of fuel reached
Mason’s nostrils.
    “We have to do this outside,” said Owen, “or we’ll set off
the fire alarms. Can I have some witnesses, please?”
    He strutted outside to the courtyard, followed by three men
and four women. They returned about five minutes later, accompanied by a faint
odor of smoke.
    “Let the records show it was done,” announced Owen. Mason
noticed that one of the women near the front was taking notes, like a secretary
in a meeting. Owen went on with his task.
    “I will now run through The Rules. If you have any
questions, please wait until I have finished before asking.” He took a deep
breath.
    “Right, firstly and most importantly, all participation and
activities taking place tonight, and for the duration of The Chase, must be
entered into freely and be fully consented to by all parties. It is mandatory
for all participants to sign The Pact prior to commencement. All participants
must be aware that The Chase is a game of a highly sexual nature, involving
forceful sex, role-play, and coercion fantasy, possibly with multiple partners.
Your participation implies your willingness to accept those conditions.” An
excited ripple stirred the audience but Owen ignored it.
    “No weapons may be used or carried during