One hour until the auction started. Peter made a quick circuit around the back, to make sure all the preparations were well in hand: Holly was going over all the technical systems, sound, computer, etc. while the Gentleman Slaver was looking over the lots, packed into the hastily constructed cages backstage, making sure they were all ready for their stage appearance. Satisfied everything was going alright, Pete headed to the front of the theater where the guests were beginning to congregate in the lobby as they arrived. <br />Personally, Peter would have been more then happy to let GS handle this while he prepared the girls backstage. GS excelled at this sort of glad-handing and customer relations while Pete preferred the "hands-on" approach of dealing with the merchandise. But this was 'his' auction and the customers would want to see him, meet him, talk with him before hand and he found it never hurt to make a good impression with his clients. It, and quality merchandise, kept them coming back to him whenever they got tired with their current slaves and wanted something new. <br />Pete thought he had a good turn out. He'd gotten about a hundred responses and of those maybe 70-80 had RSPV'd. They cut a cross section of the slave-owning community. At one end crime lords like The Stepfather, Aristocrats and the Ultra-wealthy, bored and cruel enough to want the thrill of owning another human being and the money and connections to make that happen. At the other end, what he thought of as the 'professionals': the owners of brothels, exclusive clubs and the like who relied on Pete to supply them with new "employees". Pete didn't discriminate between either group. Their money spent just as well either way. <br />Pete mingled through the crowds, introducing guests for whom he was their only connection, reconnected with returning bidders. Also circulating the halls were a dozen or so of the best lots, the ones who'd gotten enough training they didn't need a careful watch. While a few were simply decorations, and a preview of what would be for sale later, others carried trays of refreshments, demonstrating their usefulness outside the bedroom as much as their nudity showed it in. <br />"Remember, if you like any of the girls you see, they will be available for purchase later this evening." Peter called. "Make sure you get a program as well. They'll have all the details you will need." <br />After thirty, forty five minutes or so, during which more bidders continuously arrived, Peter checked his watch a final time and decided it was time to start. "Ladies and Gentleman!" He called, raising his voice so it carried through the chatter of conversation. "Thank you for coming tonight. We have a lovely selection of girls for sale tonight. I hope everyone will find something to their liking. If you would please, start moving into the next room and find your seats. The auction is about to begin..." <br /><br />*** &nbsp;<br /><br />It was, in Andy's opinion, a very good turnout. About half an hour after the listed start time on he's set, Andy had four potential bidders hanging around in his living room. They'd straggled in every twenty or so minutes, looking around, skeptically. Mike, the first to show, ran a low budget porno-studio and was looking for a new actress. "Dealing with actors is always such a hassle. She doesn't want to do this...to do that guy or whatever. But a slave, you just got to order her, right? And you don't even have to pay her nothin'. It's a win win!" <br />The second to arrive hadn't wanted to give a name, but eventually said Andy could call him "Lou". "Getting together with the guys later this evening. Wait till they see me with a slave girl of my own! They won't believe their minds!" <br />Third to arrive was 'Wendy'. She was the Madam of a small cat-house on the side of the interstate and figured she'd take shot at getting a new girl on the cheap. <br />Lastly was "Bob" who'd wandered in late. "So...like...you're really selling that girl on the flier? Like for real? Whooaaa!" <br />"Speaking of which," Wendy chimed in. "Where is this girl?" <br />"ummm..." Andy looked around. He poked his head out the door. His captive had managed to get to her feet while he wasn't looking and was currently hoping away as fast as she could. "errr...I'm gonna go get her now. You all just hang around here and I'll bring her out. Just give me five...er...ten minutes..."