I am absolutely fascinated with the cryx. Once the cryx is formed it is kept upstairs in a chamber that only the one who formed it is allowed to enter. We will step into that chamber. But from here it gets embarrassing. The cryx is powered by male semen. We will have to masturbate the first time to bring it to life. We will use magazines or television images to look at and watch while we will masturbate on top of the cryx. That part is weird. But once we are wearing the cryx, it can be different. We will be encouraged to partake of sex with clients and other places in the city of Chicago during hours or during conferences.

That was kind of weird too. I will admit that I was looking a little more like a lady. I will even admit that I dressed a little more metro-sexual. I had begun to have manicures and pedicures. I took time to do my now much longer hair than it ever was. I wore creams on my face. But I didn't have any desire for sex with men. I was very heterosexual. I was still very good in bed with my wife. Thanks to all the exercise, I was too tired for masturbation most of the time. Sex at home had become fast.

And if that were not bad enough, there were lots of rules. We were not to have sex with any men who had worn a cryx. They said that this was so serious that they would have to kill both people. This was the first time that I really thought that this is not a game or just fun. This is big time. They were willing to kill people for sex with anyone. They were willing to threaten us if we masturbated outside of work or home. I was beginning to wonder what I was getting myself into.

We were encouraged as men to keep things close to home, so to speak. They forbid sex as males with anyone other than our spouse. If our spouse were to die, they strongly encouraged male abstinence. They allowed masturbation, but either at home in private (carefully), or in the chamber. But Ron told us, “Masturbation is better at work. There is complete privacy. Your recruiter and I can help you to build a collection of props if you need them. We will not forbid it outside of these walls, but it is problematic, especially at home.” We all laughed nervously at that. I think we had all been dirty at times.

Of course, Jacob giggled through the whole thing. But this time, he said something a little too loudly that Ron, the Vice-President of Associate Training heard him. “Mr. Jordan (Jacob’s last name), I see you are curious to find out what might happen should the semen of someone who has fired up a cryx is in someone else’s hands? It is powerful. It can be connected to a second cryx. Those higher than I have surmised that it could be used to control your mind, especially when wearing your cryx. It would be best for you if you didn’t find out.”

Jacob still seemed to struggle to maintain a mature level regarding this very serious discussion, but at least nothing burst out of his mouth. So, our instruction was able to continue.

We are shown pictures of the cryx. We handled a plastic replica of what one might look like. We dressed in practicum with faux cryxes around our necks. All of this made things seem even more real than they had before. We were just weeks away. We were starting to get an idea of what things might look like and how serious things were.

I approached Gary about the final test though. “Gary, when do we begin to study for the final test?” Gary replied. “It isn't a paper test or some kind of quantifiable test. It is an event that will determine your suitability and help you to create the cryx.” I open my mouth to ask more. Gary just shakes his head. "Michael, that is all I can tell you. You will have to find out on your own."

It was two weeks before the final. Each of us now had at least one study hall, except two. Jacob and Alex had not reached the BMI requirement yet. The other twelve with their work all done, had time to rest from all the cardio and ab work. It gave us time to speculate. Some of us talked about what we would look like with a cryx. Others of us speculated on the final test. We also were taking a look at each other. Jacob was looking like a mighty fine male, and some others weren’t far behind. Others were now skinny and could almost pass as a girl with the right work done already. There had been comments about that with me and Justin.

I talked to Gary about that. I asked him, “Does that mean I'm going to be a masculine woman, because I am a softer and gentler man?” He shook his head. “It isn't quite what we told you that the cryx turns us into the feminine version of our male selves. I haven't heard of a situation where an active cryx didn't just transform the individual into a beauty. We have refused to give the cryx to anyone unable or unwilling to reach the BMI requirement. I believe Fashionable does this, because they want us to be truly dedicated to the product that we sell. We tell you it is because you won’t be able to be beautiful, but I personally don’t believe that.”

I nodded. “I guess that makes some sense to me.” Gary went on. “Otherwise, if they pass the final test, they are safe. The most important thing to focus on is the yoga, the practicum, and the Grooming. I think you will be fine. You will make an excellent cryx and you will become a gorgeous woman.” That was all I needed to feel better. I breathed a big sigh of relief and was able to relax after that.

The last two weeks went as slow as any weeks could go. I wasn't really able to sleep very well. Time seemed to march slowly those two weeks. Then came the Thursday before our final test. Just about the whole schedule was thrown out that day. We still had morning yoga, but then we moved into abs and cardio. At ten thirty, we were already cleaned up and sitting in the classroom. We had another visit from Ron, the Vice-President of Associate Training. But he introduced someone else. “Ladies, I would like to introduce you to who will hopefully be your boss when the weekend is over, Frank Walker, President of Associate Training.”

We gently and politely clap as he steps to the front of the classroom. He motions with his hand. “Today, we will be introducing you to some final company protocols. We will lay ground rules for you in your new lives, should you be able to make the cryx. We will first, however, take you down to the garage. Security has made sure that pre-associates are the only ones down there. Please follow me.”

We stand up and follow him to the entrance and outside. We walk in the cold weather until we get to a parking garage. We are motioned in by a guard whose face and body are in a mask and black body armor. We walk the aisles of cars on the bottom row. Frank continues his instruction. “Each of you who make a cryx will be issued a Mazda MX-5. These vehicles are leased and will be replaced every two years. They will be part of the look that we want you as representatives of our company to portray.”

We are given limited ability to walk up and down the aisle we were led to. But not too far! Up in the distance was another guard. He or she wore the black body armor and a mask to hide his or her face. But I turned and focused on the cars. They were cute. These cars looked perfect for a sexy little thing to sit in the front seat and drive around a city. I peeked in. Gary stood beside me. He pushed some buttons and the car beeped. Then, he opened the door. “Why don't you step inside?”

I sit down – unfortunately I have to adjust the seat back because it is too close to the steering wheel. I enjoy the leather interior. I take in the built in GPS. Ron steps into the passenger seat. “These babies also have satellite radio – the basic package.” He continues to talk about the more technical things about the car, the amount of V's. I tune him out as a scent comes to my nostrils. I can feel it move down right to my hips. Gary looks at me. “I think we need to step out, Michael.” It takes a minute but I get out. Gary said, “We thought all of these hadn't been used by associates recently. But you must have become sensitive. You could smell the perfume of the last associate in here. Don’t forget the power of our presence. Even the perfume that lingers behind will leave an impression in the mind of someone who smells it for hours and sometimes days to follow.” Gary leads me out into the fresh air and slowly I come back to myself.

There was nothing new about the day. There were meetings, final classes. Then, things ended – as usual – with yoga. Victor impressed on us, “Yoga is a vital part of preparing your body and mind for the cryx. That is what I am told anyway. I am also told if you get nervous or uncertain, start with the basic moves we have taught you and let those guide you.”

Then, the day was over. It was a coincidence, but I ended up walking out with Jacob to the train station. The really weird thing was that he was actually talking to me. But he was talking smart about the yoga. “It has been a waste of time in my opinion. I think the important stuff was the cardio and the basics.” I kept my opinions to myself. I didn’t quite understand what he was trying to accomplish by asking me about my opinions on this stuff. Was he trying to see if I took it seriously so he could tease me later? Did he think that I might actually know something? I just decided to forget it and him as we went our separate ways. I dismissed him at the train station with only this statement: “I guess we will just have to see.”