“I think you all know the rules. This is important so let's go over them one last time. Then you'll be on your way,” she said.

    “I know you'll all be happy and eager to get started,” she said with a wry smile.

    She looked at the note card in her hand.

    "Timing: In a few minutes we’ll release you. You’ll get a four-hour head start. You're safe for that time.”

    “Listen girls,” she said very seriously, “Each minute is precious so use each minute well. There’s no signal when the hunt starts so use your best guess. And don’t stick together – you’ll be caught easily. You need to disperse.”

    “End time: The hunt lasts five days. When time is up you'll hear sirens -- they're all over the island and they're loud. If you're not 'harvested' or captured by then the sound means you're safe. You should move to any road or trail. Anyone who spots you will give aid and help you get back here. We'll be out looking for you.”

    “Strategies: Some of the hunters will be stalking. Some will use dogs. Others like to get into a hidden position and wait.”

    She looked around and could see we were all paying rapt attention.

    “I'll let you all think about what strategies the hunters will use.”

    She paused.

    “You’re all smart. I’ll let you think about what your strategies will be to keep them challenged and keep you alive as long as possible.”

    “After we took your clothes we spread them out for the dogs to sniff – about an hour ago. Oh Lord you should see them -- they've been having a grand old time just sniffin' and sniffin' their little hearts out! So if you're wondering, yeah, they have your scent pretty well in mind. You might want to think about that.”

    “Rules: The dogs have to be on a leash and the owner has to hold the leash all the time. No hunters can to run -- they can move no faster than a brisk walk and we use GPS to prevent cheating. If you think you're being pursued I know it's tiring to move fast or far with your hands fastened behind you. But if you keep moving you might not be 'harvested.' Just watch out for the other hunters who are lying in wait.”

    “Traps: We hidden a few bear traps around the island just to keep things interesting. This is a big place and you probably won't run into one. But you never know. It's something extra to think about as you're moving around. I think you all know what happens to those who are taken alive so you might want to keep that very fresh in your mind, okay?” she said, looking at all of us with a look of concern.

    “Try your best. That’s the most important thing I can tell you. Even if you feel cold or ill or wounded or hungry don't despair. Keep trying all the time. The hunters are paying huge sums and they want a challenge. If you think you can’t go on, try to go on for a few more minutes – that might make all the difference,” she said with a tone of concern.

    “Look,” she said, “If you survive the hunt there's a lot to look forward to. You'll get whatever medical care you need. We'll bring you back here to the holding cells. You'll get hot showers. You’ll get lots of great food. You’ll get to sleep at night a warm, soft cot. You can talk with the other survivors and hear the stories they have to tell, with important information about how you can survive in the future. It'll be a lot of fun to relax and recover from your ordeal. We'll keep you in the holding cells until the next hunt in a few months. We'll try to make it comfortable. So even if things look grim for you, keep trying your best every minute of the hunt and think about how nice it’ll be if you can make it to the end.”

    “Release: If you survive 4 hunts this year you can be released. There's a prize worth five million dollars paid to you any way you like – in dollars, gold, Euros, bitcoin or whatever,” she said. “That sounds pretty good – doesn’t it?” she said with a smile.

    “But look,” she said seriously, “I don't want to sugar-coat things, okay? You need to realize no one has ever made it. A few of our ‘prey’ have gotten close. Two hunts ago we had this one girl who made it to her fourth hunt. She was really excited, happy and bubbly to do her fourth hunt. I really thought she had a special talent for this. But I guess her luck ran out or she got overconfident. Anyway maybe one of you will be so skilled and so lucky that you'll pull it off. You definitely want to try very, very hard. And even if you don’t make it you should be happy knowing you gave the hunters a really tough, difficult challenge and that’s really what you’re here for.”

    “We’ll get started in a few minutes,” she said.

    "Any questions?"

    [freeze frame – record scratch]

    Yeah, it's me, Laura. You might wonder how a mild-mannered veterinary’s assistant ended up in this situation, naked with my arms fastened behind me and about to be hunted.

    When I first learned about the hunt I was outraged. I thought it was horrible and unconscionable. I couldn’t understand how anyone could do this to another human being. And it was even harder to understand why anyone would agree to be hunted.

    I guess my thoughts evolved. In spite of my shock I started to wonder what it would feel like. It became a fun little fantasy. I wondered how long I could last. “I'm smart. I'm tough. I'm comfortable outdoors,” I thought. “I bet I can do this.” Little by little I thought about it more.

    I was starting to think about volunteering, then I learned a little more. I learned the “prey” is not only naked but have their hands and arms fastened firmly behind their back.

    I was like, “No way – oh hell no!” That would make it much more difficult to move as far or as fast as I wanted. I thought that put the prey at far too much of a disadvantage and gave the hunters way too much of an advantage. Anyway, I thought, it’s humiliating enough to be hunted and to be naked – it’s horrible to be further humiliated that way.

    Once again I guess my thoughts and feelings evolved. Having my arms bound back would be a big extra challenge. Since I wouldn’t be able to move quite as far or fast I’d have to use my brain and all of my other sense a whole lot more. I’d have to try far harder to really understand the terrain and figure out the best strategies to survive. Once again it became an interesting little fantasy. And on the positive side I learned the prey get to wear leather moccasins – that would definitely help me move around better than if I had to do it with bare feet. That would counterbalance some of the disadvantage of being bound. My mind inched closer to saying, “I’ll do it.”

    I know this isn’t a smart decision. I know it’s not logical. Sometimes people are just quirky and complicated and not logical. Maybe there are other women who enjoy a fun little fantasy about being pursued. Maybe I just find it a little more fun than most. If I have to do it naked with my arms bound I guess that is quite a bit more scary but … somehow it’s really scary in a good way, and fun and sexy and extra challenging too.

    I did some hunting with my dad when I was younger, with a pellet rifle or a small .22 – mostly rabbits, sometimes squirrels or whatever. God it was so much fun when I got one. Dad was so happy – he’d get a big, proud smile that just lit up the world for me. We’d clean it together. My mom and I would cook the meat in a flavorful stew with aromatic vegetables and herbs that filled the house with good smells. I’d feel so proud I was able to help with this meal.

    Sometimes I felt a little bit sorry for the little critters. I used to wonder what they must think. Did they know they were prey? Did they feel shocked or frightened? I thought it must be scary, even horrible – but maybe kind of interesting too in a funny and exciting way. I guess I’m about to find out what it feels like.

    The five million dollar prize would be extremely amazing and wonderful. I could pay off all my student loans in one swoop and have a lot left over. But deep down I didn't sign up for the money – it’s the challenge.

    It's been fun and exciting so far. The limo to the airport was nice. They took me to the private jet terminal.

    I went inside and the pretty young woman behind the counter said, “May I help you?” in a pleasant and crisp tone of voice.

    I was feeling under dressed in a t-shirt, a denim skirt and sandals.

    I wasn’t sure what to say. Was I supposed to say, “Um, I’m going to be prey for this strange hunt on a remote island….”

    I thought for a second and said, “I’m Laura Simmons … and um … I think I’m supposed to fly to ….”

    The young woman cut me off with a big, pretty smile and said, “Oh you’re Miss. Simmons. Of course we’ve been expecting you. Your plane is here and ready when you are. I hope you’ll find your flight very comfortable. Can I get you a drink while I let the crew know you’re here?”

    I was surprised to get such a VIP reaction. I was flattered and a little uncomfortable. “No thanks,” I told her.

    She told the crew I had arrived. As I was leaving the terminal the young woman at the counter said, “Take care.” She seemed to have a look of compassion and concern.

    I wondered if she knew what I was in for. “Thanks,” I told her.

    The flight on the private jet was a treat. The stewardess brought me a few little hors d’oeuves and asked if I wanted a glass of wine. I figured, “Why not?” and nodded to her. It was a lovely, cool and crisp white wine. I don’t usually drink much so it made me light headed. Later she brought a light dinner. For desert there was a small slice of a lovely fruit tart.

    I was starting to feel like a princess. I thought, “When I was thinking about volunteering no one told me about the limo or the private jet. If I’d known about these things I might have volunteered sooner.”

    When I got to the island they put me in a comfortable room by myself. It was a little bit like being in jail because I couldn’t leave. But it was okay. Ann came by to visit and chat each day. I had time for exercise on the treadmill in the room. I had access to books and music. The food and drink they brought were quite good. Dinner each night came with a small bottle of champagne – enough for a glass or two and that was really nice. I felt like a princess who was in captivity. The time passed quickly.

    One day Ann came by and told me to be ready to leave. All the new prey would be moved to a holding pen the next day and the hunt would start the day after that. It was scary news but kind of fun too. Ann gave me a small package – she said it was the uniform I was supposed to wear the next day for the move to the holding pen. She told me to get a great nights sleep since sleep would be more difficult from here on out, especially during the hunt.

    When she left I opened the package to see the “uniform.” I had to laugh. It was a pair of tiny, stretchy, little black booty-shorts. There was also a really small, stretchy white tank top. On the front and back of the tank top, in big black block letters it said “PREY.”

    The tank top seemed like fun and I had to try it on right away. Seeing myself in the mirror was very cool.

    There were a pair of leather moccasins too. They were simple but pretty with beautiful stitching that looked handmade.

    The next morning I showered and gladly got dressed. I didn’t know if I was allowed to wear panties or a bra. I figured “probably not.” So I didn’t wear any. The tank top was kind of semi-sheer and it didn’t hide much – I guess that’s the point.

    I didn’t know what the “holding cell” would be like. I was looking forward to meeting the other girls.

    At mid-morning Ann came by and told me it was time to depart. I linked up with four other girls. We were all wearing our PREY tank tops and I had to smile at that.

    As we moved toward the holding cell I could see other people moving around us. I wondered who they were. Where they hunters? Were they staff who help the hunt go smoothly?

    Anyone who saw the five us together in a group would have no doubt about what we were there for.

    I got to chat briefly with a couple of the other girls. We were all new at this.

    One of them, named Maggie, caught my attention at once. There was something about her body language and the confident, happy way she wore her “prey” clothing that made her stand out.

    I also noticed another girl, named Annie, and we chatted a bit. I got the opposite impression from her – she seemed extra nervous and worried. She seemed like a somewhat “fragile” personality if that’s the right word. I had to wonder, “Sweetheart, do you know what you’re doing? Do you realize what you volunteered for?” But I didn’t say anything like that.

    We got to the holding cell soon enough. It was a simple outdoor pen made of steel bars, about ten feet square, with a ceiling of steel bars also. The floor was dirt.

    Ann said there was no rush to go in. She wanted us to get some group photos first.

    There was a photographer nearby who came over to us.

    We gathered for a few pictures with Ann in the photo. And we took a few pictures with just the five prey girls.

    The photographer was a young woman about our age. She was dressed differently – in khaki pants, brown shoes suited for rough terrain, and a denim shirt.

    She seemed to know what she was doing. She helped us get into lots of different poses and took a variety of shots.

    Then Ann told us it was time to go into the pen. She said it was traditional for all the prey to spend about 24 hours there before the hunt.

    “So girls,” she asked with a smile. “Who’s the first one who wants to go into the cage? Who is going to set a good example for the others.” She looked at us all.

    There was a pause. Maggie spoke up. “I’ll do it,” she said.

    She walked over to the open door of the pen.

    “Am I just supposed to get naked right here, right out in the open?” she asked.

    Amy nodded.

    Maggie turned to the rest of us. “Oh come on girls,” she said. “If I’m going to do this I need some encouragement,” she said. “I know you can all give me a cheer and some clapping.”

    It was a great suggestion. The rest of us liked that idea – I think we all got a big smile, started clapping and cheering and whistling for Maggie. Someone called out, “Take it all off – you know you want to!”

    She got a smile at that. “That’s better,” she said. She took off all her clothes without too much delay.

    When she was done she lifted her arms as high overhead as she could and twirled around in a full circle to show off her bare naked body with a smile.

    We all cheered nice and loud for her.

    With a smile she walked into the pen. “See girls, it’s not that hard,” she said. “Who’s next?”

    I guess I was feeling bold. Or I wanted to pretend I was feeling bold. “I’ll do it,” I said and walked over to the doorway to the pen.

    All the other girls cheered and clapped while I got undressed. I was blushing like crazy. But I also had a big smile I guess. It was funny to be the center of so much attention while I was taking off all my clothes, maybe for the last time in my life.

    When I was totally bare I copied Maggie’s example. I raised my arms up straight over my head as high as I could did a full-circle twirl in front of everyone while they clapped and whistled. I walked into the pen to join Maggie. She gave me a big hug – that felt funny since we were both bare but it felt good too.

    One by one all the other girls got undressed and put on their little show before they stepped inside. I think we were all having a lot of fun clapping for each girl to encourage her.

    I was a little concerned about Annie. I noticed she held back. When there was no one left but her to get undressed we all cheered extra for her. She seemed worried and nervous but also had a smile. She came out of her shell a little bit and managed to get undressed without too much trouble. Like the rest of us she held her arms high overhead and did a naked twirl when she was done. We gave her some applause and whistles. She had a smile but then buried her face in her hands from embarrassment as she hopped into the pen.

    I heard there were a few other prey girls who had survived prior hunts and who would join us later. I’m not sure why those girls were kept separate – maybe the management didn’t want them to share any secrets with us about how to survive.

    Ann told us we’d get plenty of food and water. She advised us to get all the food and water and rest we could, to be in the best possible condition for the hunt. She closed the door and put a big old padlock on it with a “snick.” She jerked hard on the lock a couple of times, making a loud banging sound each time. It was like she wanted to ensure the lock was closed up tight. And it was like she wanted to demonstrate to all of us that we were firmly locked in place.

    “Look,” she said. “You probably have lots of really strong emotions. I know I would. You should work hard to stay upbeat – that will help you do your best. I mean obviously I think you should be frightened – it’s a frightening situation. But try to stay frightened in a good way if you know what I mean – realize the seriousness of your situation. Think about the challenges ahead with optimism and good cheer. Try to keep an attitude of ‘I can do this.’”

    “Goodnight girls,” she said. “Tomorrow is a big day. I’m sure you’ll all do real well.” She left us alone.

    Wow, she was right about having strong emotions. I had a tempest of strong feelings as I looked around at the cage and tried to collect my thoughts.

    Part of me was confused and angry at the whole situation. I looked around at the other girls. They were all so different – all so gorgeous and smart and funny, so full of life and warmth. People with guns were going to hunt us – and kill us if they could. And for what – so some wealthy hunter could have a couple days of sport? It was incredibly outrageous. It was so unfair! People were going to have their fun by trying to hunt down each girl while she’s defenseless and take her life. The fact we were volunteers doesn’t make this okay or make it less horrible. I knew that if I kept thinking about it I’d get more angry and upset and frustrated about what was ahead for us. I didn’t want to start crying.

    Also, okay, part of me was kind of turned on. Being locked up naked with all the other girls was kind of fun and sexy. Waiting to be hunted was an exciting feeling in a really dark way.

    I thought about what Ann told us, about trying to stay optimistic. I promised myself I’d try to help the other girls stay positive, especially if having a good attitude might help them survive.

    The other girls must have had some similar thoughts because everyone was surprisingly upbeat. With everyone in a really good mood I thought that our time in captivity in the holding pen might be a lot of fun.

    In the end it was even better than I expected. We didn’t have any distractions like a phone or book or magazine. We had a chance to talk, laugh, joke around and share compliments. And we all had a chance to do … well, other things. It was probably the last few days of life for some of us. We all decided it wasn’t a good time to be prudish if you know what I mean. If I have to die maybe it’s nice to go with good memories fresh in my mind and a smile on my face.

    I thought about the hunters. Did they get together the night before a hunt to share some food, have a drink and talk among themselves? If so I almost felt sad and sorry for the hunters because I bet they didn’t have nearly as much fun that we did locked together in the holding pen.

    We talked and laughed until pretty late into the night. I knew we were supposed to get good sleep. I wasn’t sure how we could get comfortable for sleep while locked in a holding pen with no cots or anything like that. Well, I figured, animals don’t get cots when they’re in a pen or a stall. I guess animals have to figure it out somehow and we were being treated like animals. In the end we snuggled up. I wasn’t all that comfortable but it was fun in other ways and I think I got a few hours of sleep.

    Pretty early the next morning, around dawn, Ann came over to the pen and opened the door. She was carrying a canvas case.

    I had a hunch what was in it.

    “Okay my gorgeous ladies,” she said with a smile. “I have good news. I know you’re all looking forward to this part.”

    She looked around at us all and paused for a moment. “Annie,” she said, “You were the last one to go into the pen. Why don’t you be the brave one this morning and go first for us. How would you feel about that?”

    Annie got a wide-eyed look of fright. I thought she was going to say, “No” or try to move away and hide in the back of the pen.

    All the rest of us cheered for her and clapped and said, “You can do it.”

    Reluctantly she went over to the door.

    “Turn away from me, sweetheart,” Ann said nicely. “Put your arms behind you.”

    Annie did what she was told – none too enthusiastically.

    “My you have slim little wrists,” Ann said, “But don’t you worry your pretty little head. I have sizes that will fit you perfectly and hold you nice and firm.”

    One by one we each got handcuffs fitted on our writs. It was a slow process. Ann took her time with each person to make sure she had just the right size and that they were closed up nice and snug.

    The cuffs themselves were some kind of nylon that was reasonably soft and comfortable. They didn’t pinch or bind like steel police handcuffs do. I guess the cuffs have some kind of steel strap inside the nylon because good Lord they feel really tough and firm around my wrists – there is no way they are coming off. Between the two nylon cuffs there was one single link of chain. I could still move my arms a little but mostly I was quite well restrained.

    The whole process of getting cuffed wasn’t as grim or scary as I thought it would be. Lots of use were laughing and talking and having fun. When it was my turn I guess I was pretty quick and eager to hop over to Ann with a nervous smile. I was quick to turn away from her and quick to put my arms behind me without being asked. I waited patiently while she selected the right size and got them fastened on me nice and snug. It was kind of fun and sexy to be handcuffed and naked among other beautiful women who were the same way I was.

    After that we got breakfast. Ann told us to eat up big and drink lots of water. This would be that last regular meal and we’d need every possible calorie to have any chance during the hunt.

    For breakfast they brought a short bench into the cell. The bench had five plates attached to it and five bowls also. They filled each bowl with water and put food on each plate.

    I had to sigh. In some ways I didn’t want to eat in such an awkward and humiliating way. But I knew the food was critical. And anyway, it was all part of the process so I might as well try to do it and have fun. We all gathered together on our knees, shoulder to shoulder to take in the food and water. To anyone watching us we might have looked a little like five barnyard animals gathered together at a food trough.

    The food was good – a breakfast hash with finely diced potatoes, meat, eggs, vegetables and more, nicely seasoned. I took it all in. I took in all the water I could too.

    The next few hours were fun. We were all really nervous and excited – we talked a lot the way women do when they’re nervous. We all tried to keep each other upbeat.

    I could see people milling around about a hundred yards away. I thought I saw one or two with rifles – they must be hunters I thought. Seeing the rifles made me almost gasp – the guns made me feel extra nervous and naked and helpless. Having my arms fastened back made me feel even more incredibly vulnerable. I felt like the handcuffs were gripping my wrists tighter than ever. I had no more chance to defend myself than the rabbits and squirrels I used to hunt. It was a struggle to keep an upbeat attitude.

    I wondered what the hunters were thinking. What did it feel like to hunt down another human being?

    Off in the distance I thought I saw a woman with a rifle. That was a shock and a surprise. I guess I had always assumed all the hunters were men. Was it possible there was a lady hunter too? It was an odd thought. I asked myself how I felt about that. If I knew I was being pursued through the woods would it make any difference if I knew the hunter was a man or a woman? It felt like the answer was definitely “Yes,” it would feel very different for me. But it was hard to explain exactly why or how it would feel so different.

    Some of them looked our direction but no one came over to talk.

    As the start time got close there was not as much laughter. I was thinking, “Wow -- this is real. These people are really going to try to hunt me and kill me.” And good Lord – I don't even want to think about the things that will happen to someone who gets captured alive. It's starting to feel ‘too real’ if you know what I mean. “Maybe this was not a good idea,” I thought, “But it's too late to back out now.” I just had to do my best.

    Around 10:00 am Ann came over to the pen. She opened the door.

    “Okay, come out of the pen and gather around me,” Ann said in a serious tone.

    “I think you all know the rules. This is important so let's go over them one last time. Then you'll be on your way,” she said.

    She went over the rules and asked if there were questions.

    No one had questions.

    “Okay here’s what I want you all to do,” Ann said. “I’ll release you all very soon, one at a time about a minute or two apart.”

    “We have a fun little tradition called ‘running the prey,’” she said. “Do you see the chalk lines in the ground?” She pointed to them. There were two parallel lines about four feet apart. They went off into the distance as far as I could see.

    “Just stay between the chalk lines about a mile,” she said. They end in a clearing. After that you’re free to disperse any direction you want. The island is a big place and we only have a limited number of hunters so if you all get very widely spread out that’ll be the best chance for some of you to survive.”

    “Now here’s the fun part,” she said. “As you run between the lines it’s a chance for all the hunters to gather along the path and get a great look at each of you. It’s their one chance to see all the gorgeous prey girls.”

    What? I thought.

    “We learned that when the hunters get a really good look at all the beautiful prey it helps them get focused and motivated to do their very best,” she said.

    “Your most important task is to move quickly. Each moment is precious. You're literally running for your life,” she said. “But when you’re moving past the hunters think about making a good impression too. They’ll be watching you all very closely. I know you all want the hunters to do their best so this event will be really fun for them and as challenging and exciting as possible for you -- not just for you but for all the other prey girls too. So help the hunters feel motivated. Keep a good expression. Keep your chin up. Keep your shoulders back. Show them how extremely gorgeous and happy and high-spirited you are. They'll like that and it'll help them do their best.”

    I had to smile and shake my head ruefully at that. I should have guessed there’d be some final humiliations in store for us as the hunt got started. Just thinking about the upcoming hunt made me feel sad and sick with worry. The next few days are going to be the end of my life unless I somehow get extremely smart or extremely lucky. The other girls were in the same situation. The thought of helping the hunters get motivated seemed horrible. But on the other hand it was kind of a fun idea in a dark and scary way. It might be funny to try and get them to think I feel really excited and happy to be the prey for this hunt. When I had to jog past the onlookers I could slow my stride a little so everyone could get a good look. I could keep my chin up with a smile and show some other good body language so they think I'm having a great time. If that makes them more motivated to come after me, so be it. If it makes them more motivated to go after some other girl, well she'll just have to figure out how to deal with that situation.

    Up ahead, on either side of the chalk lines, I could see that people had gathered close to watch all of us as we moved along the path.

    Behind us I noticed a pickup truck had pulled up. In the bed of the truck was a small jail cell and it looked like there were four women inside, naked with her hands bound back.

    “Those are the survivors from previous hunts,” Ann told us. “We’ll release them as soon as all of you are released, so each one of them can make their run by the crowd.”

    A few minutes later Ann released Maggie.

    “I’ll see you all when the hunt is done girls!” she said in a big, fun smile. “Be good.”

    She took off down the pathway between the chalk lines.

    She’s a beautiful, graceful girl. But with her arms bound behind her she couldn’t run well. Her stride was an awkward, unnatural jog that called attention to her hips and shoulders and chest. If she felt embarrassed or reluctant to be seen this way by the crowd ahead she didn’t let it show. She moved out along the pathway about as fast as she could go toward the people waiting ahead of her.

    Like many of us her hair was up in a pony tail. It was not the most sensible hairstyle for someone whose life depends on staying hidden. But hey, a girl likes to look pretty. Her pony tail swayed and bounced in a cute, eye-catching way as she moved.

    Ann told me “You’re next, sweetheart,” She raised her hand. “Go when I drop my arm. Good luck.”

    I was breathing really deep. I looked straight down the path, between the groups of people gathered on either side of the gauntlet. I could see Maggie off in the distance, moving quick.

    God I never felt so scared and vulnerable in my life. Excited too. I turned to the others. “Good luck girls,” I said hurriedly.

    A moment later Ann dropped her arm. “Go ahead,” she said.

    Yikes. Here I go. Wish me luck.

[End of Part 1.]