The Sacrificial Lamb (/M tickling)

"Begin the video, please." The chairman commanded.

"Yes sir. A written transcript will be provided for those of us joining the meeting digitally."

[VIDEO START: 3/13/25]

[Video opens on an office space. Cubicles line the frame, each filled with a dutiful worker. Most stop to watch the proceedings.]

[Employee 23775, Jim Parks, is escorted to the disciplinary stocks by security personnel. Wrists and ankles are bound in place.]

[Security personnel remove the employee's shoes and socks. Evidence of discomfort and humiliation are apparent on the offending's face. The majority of colleagues have now stopped their work, watching the display with a mix of apprehension and interest.]

Sec. Officer Brooks: "J. Parks. You have been formally reprimanded for three counts of tardiness, and one count of falling behind quota. Disciplinary action has been recommended and approved by your team lead. This is a voluntary punishment, though refusal will result in termination of employment. Do we have your consent to proceed?"

J. Parks: "Yes."

Sec. Officer Brooks: "Very well. The punishment will be three 10 minute sessions, applied continuously. We will now begin."

[Two security officers begin to stroke feathers up the length of J. Parks' feet. The offending party attempts to control laughter. At the 10 second mark, attempts become unsuccessful as the officers thread feathers between his toes.]

[High pitched giggling is heard.]

J. Parks: Hehhahah--wha! Stohahao-[unintelligible].

[A crowd of onlookers has gathered. Emotions vary, but several colleagues are smiling and/or laughing. Several males in the audience are noted to look concerned, but most seem to be pleased.]

"Fast forward a touch, Martha." The chairman interjected.

[VIDEO PLAYS AT 3X SPEED TO 10 MINUTE MARK]

"There is fine. Resume."

[VIDEO RESUMES]

J. Parks: "Ok! I won't be tardy! I'll gehehet my [unintelligible]! I-I'll get my numbers up! Please, just stop!"

Sec Officer Brooks: "Negative. Twenty minutes remain in the punishment. Stopping now would result in termination of employment. Officers, switch to fingers for the remaining time."

[The officers begin tickling employee 23775 with their fingers. This induces hysterical, high pitched laughter. A look of desperation is noted on the J. Parks' face.]

[Laughter is heard off camera. The camera pans nearby to reveal the employees' secretaries, who have gathered near the water cooler. They whisper and laugh to one another, and one seems to be recording the incident on her phone. Their conversation is not fully picked up on audio.]

[Selected excerpts]:

".... so ticklish,..."

"He sounds like a little girl, it's so [unintelligible]."

"I used to think he was kind of hot. [Laughter] But this is pathetic."

[End Excerpts]

[Other recorded responses from witnesses are of a similar nature. Employee J. Parks begins to beg again at the fifteen minute mark. Security Officers proceed.]

"I think we get the idea."

[VIDEO END]

A still frame of the poor man was left up on the projector; his face twisted into an agonized laugh, the security officer's fingers raking themselves down his bare feet. The pleading was obvious in his eyes, the desperation to escape plain in his body language.

The members of the board shifted in their seats, looking to the head of the table for cues on how to react. The chairman gazed at the image thoughtfully, pondering his words.

"So?" He announced after a pause. "How has J. Parks performed in the meantime?"

"He hasn't been late since this incident. More importantly, he has met quota as of his last employee review." The stern woman replied. "Exceeded it, in fact." She added.

"And the rest of them? How did his colleagues react?" The chairman asked, rubbing his temples.

"There was a stark dimorphism based on gender. Male colleagues saw productivity nearly double in weeks following this disciplinary event, though it has dipped more recently." She responded, flipping through a manilla envelope. "A more detailed report has been provided, if you would all flip to page 7."

Papers rustled as the board scanned through her document. Mummers of approval followed.

"That is impressive, of course, Dr. Gillian. But I must ask: Why not the women? Why didn't their productivity increase?" The chairman inquired.

"I can't say for sure, sir. But as staff psychologist, I can offer my professional opinion." Dr. Gillian replied, clinical as ever.

"Go on."

"I believe that the employees' male colleagues empathize with his position more, given that they share his gender. I chose tickling as a disciplinary action very carefully. Other methods were considered---alternative dress codes, demotions, forced secretary work for high-performing employees---but none of these options have the same psychological impact as tickling." She rewound the video as she talked, pausing at the scene of female co-workers laughing at the water cooler. "I believe this instant to be most illuminating. His female colleagues have clearly lost respect for him in this moment--not just as a co-worker, but also as a man. Being tickled deprives one of their autonomy; beyond the unpleasantness of the punishment itself, it also forces one to engage in behaviours considered 'weak', 'pathetic', etc. Combined with the very public nature of the punishment, this amounts to a position no man would want to find himself in. To be tickled to begging, to tears in front of people you want to impress---this demolishes the male ego." Finally, Dr Gillian let the mask drop. A small smile crept onto her face as she describes the mental turmoil experienced by employee 23775.

Truly, a woman who loved her work.

"Should we punish a woman in the same manner?" Inquired a board member. "Even out the response?"

"I would not advise that." The good doctor responded. "For one, I don't believe that women will respond in the same manner. Where men default to judgement and fear upon exposure to male weakness, women would only see one of their own in distress. Additionally, all women in the office are outperforming quota as of now." She pushed up her glasses. "Most importantly, if you'll turn to page 8 of the dossier. In the aftermath of this incident, female colleagues reported a 110% increase in workplace satisfaction. I believe this to be a more important outcome than increased productivity in this case."

Another round of impressed murmuring overtook the board room.

"Impressive work, Martha." The chairman said evenly. "But I am concerned. These effects are transient, yes? And yet, the employee has yet to reoffend. Will productivity return to baseline if we continue on this course?"

"The current model suggests this, yes."

"Hm." The chairman furrowed his brow. "Tell me more about this J. Parks. In general terms, what is his... situation?"

"Flip to page 10, please." The doctor instructed. "In brief, he is in massive amounts of debt. Second mortgage on the house, $30,000 across several credit cards. Our investigators have confirmed that his wife has rather... inconvenient spending habits. Apparently our friend here is more than willing to oblige her, to his own detriment. With his qualifications, I doubt he would find a job with comparable pay to what we offer."

The chairman grinned. "In other words, Doctor." He leaned forward in his chair. "Our poor boy is stuck here."

Dr. Gillian smiled as well. "Exactly what I was driving at, sir. Very astute of you."

A chuckle went through the room. Everyone's minds came to the same, painfully obvious conclusion.

"Find some infraction for him. I don't care what." The chairman exclaimed excitedly. "Just get those feet back in the stocks. I want these workers productive and happy---if one man's humiliation is the cost, than so be it."

Dr. Gillian quickly typed a message on her computer. "Done sir. Any preference on the length of punishment?"

"Make it a long one. An hour this time, I suppose." He paused thoughtfully. "And add another security officer. Two at his feet--and use the feathers again, that seems more emasculating, somehow. The third can find out if his ribs are ticklish."

"Excellent choice, sir." The doctor typed another message. "Should I cut to live feed?"

"Yes, yes." The chairman put his feet up on the table, interlocking his hands behind his head. "Whenever you're ready."

[LIVE FEED OF OFFICE 3]

[Three security officers escort a distraught employee 23775 to the stocks.]

J. Parks: "Hold on, what the hell? I-I didn't even do anything! I'm above quota!"

Security Officer: "Mood has been poor, harming office cohesion and morale. A punishment time of 1 hour has been requested and accepted. Do not resist."

[23775 continues to plead his case. The officers forcibly place him in the stocks and begin removing his shoes and socks. Ankle restraints are applied. Several male and female colleagues gather around the stocks excitedly. They stand only a few feet away.]

"Have them remove the suit jacket and dress shirt as well." A board member suggested.

[An officer touches his ear piece, then nods. The employee's jacket is removed. Employee refuses removal of dress shirt; attempts to protect himself by wrapping his arms around his torso.]

[Security officers begin swishing feathers around the offender's feet, causing him to lose composure. As he reaches forward to stop the tickling, officers grab his arms and forcibly remove his dress shirt, leaving him in only a white tank top. Wrists are promptly secured.]

J. Parks: "Plehehehhahas--[unintelligible]!

[Security officers begin the punishment in earnest. Feathers are seen being threaded between his toes and up and down the length of his sole. Method proves highly effective. A third security officer begins tickling the ribs with his fingers. The effect is immediate and of great magnitude, as employee 23775 begins to beg and thrash.]

[A crowd consisting of the majority of employees has formed around the stocks, partially obscuring the view. They appear to be greatly enjoying the performance. Several individuals are filming with their cellphones. Some make comments directed at the offender.]

[EXCERPTS]

Employee 35672: "Aw, poor guy. I was warning you about that mood of yours. Hopefully this teaches you a valuable lesson."

Employee 12456: "Jesus, you sound like a girl when you're tickled, Parks.

Employee 32522: "Smile for the camera! Coochie coochie coo, wittle baby!" [Laughter]

[The punishment proceeds for 10 minutes. Speed and application of feathers is varied to enhance effectiveness. Targets switch between toes, heel, and sole, and rhythm changes roughly every 30 seconds. The offender is clearly in a great deal of distress; he is unable to form words, and laughs at a high-pitch, feminine frequency between gasps for air.]

"Doctor," The chairman mused. "I believe I have an idea."

[TIME STAMP: 20 MINUTES INTO PUNISHMENT]

[Security officers abruptly cease tickling. The offender collapses, breathing heavily. Evidence of tears are apparent on his face.]

[Security officers approach a female secretary. Feathers are offered. Initially, she hesitates, a puzzled look on her face.]

[After a moment, she smiles, and accepts the feathers. A round of applause engulfs the office.]

[The employee approaches 23775's feet, and begins to slowly drag the feather along the length of his foot. His reaction is immediate. Pleading is heard.]

J. Parks: "Kelly, p-please! We're friends! I--hahaHAHA!"

K. Lorne: "Sorry, Jim. Just try to learn from this, ok?"

[Employee K. Lorne utilizes the other feather, dragging the tips along the underside of 23775's toes. He begins to yelp, much to the hilarity of onlookers.]

K. Lorne: "Aw, I'm so sorry, Jim. Does that tickle? Try to withstand it. [Laughter] I bet you wish you didn't have such big, ticklish feet. Does your wife know Jim? Maybe I should tell her, I'm sure she'd like to discipline you too."

[A male employee, identified as Mark Cross, approaches behind 23775, apparently at the direction of security personnel.]

[M. Cross is seen slipping his hands under the offender's arms. His fingers begin wiggling. 23775 has an explosive reaction, and begins using expletives.]

[Security officers step away, and the gathered employees advance. Some are seen patting J. Parks on the head, while others pinch his cheeks. Some employees begin assisting in the disciplinary action, poking the subject's ribs and stomach. As more join in, the camera's view of the 23775 is lost.]

[END VIDEO]

"Well, gentleman. Ladies." The chairman said triumphantly. "I believe our earnings will be up this quarter. Meeting adjourned."

The board members begin to stand and exit the room.

"Dr. Gillian?"

"Yes sir?"

"At least 3 infractions per weeks should do. More, if you think that would help. And start a file on what he responds too most. Sky is the limit--let me worry about the budget."

Dr. Gillian smiled, that cold, clinical smile.

"Certainly sir."

[MEETING END]

[VIDEO LOG: TIMESTAMP: 6/21/25]

[Elevator doors open. J. Parks attempts to exit; he is blocked by several co-workers. They look over their shoulders, appearing to observe the wall-mounted clock.]

[J. Parks attempts to push past them. His efforts are thwarted when a female colleague begins to tickle his ribs, causing him to fall to the ground.]

[TIMESTAMP: 9:01 AM]

[EMPLOYEE J. PARKS: TARDY]

[DISCIPLINARY ACTION REQUESTED: 30 MINS]

[Employees blocking 23775 cheer. J. Parks looks defeated. Employee M. Cross grabs 23775 by the arm, leading him to the disciplinary stocks. A crowd of secretaries follow, removing feathers from their purses.]

[TIMESTAMP: 6/22/25]

[Employee 23775 is at the water cooler, getting a drink. Another employee pokes him in the ribs as he walks past, causing 23775 to spill water on his suit.]

[EMPLOYEE J. PARKS: DRESS CODE VIOLATION]

[DISCIPLINARY ACTION REQUESTED: 1 HOUR]

[Security officers descend on J. Parks. They instruct him to remove his jacket and shirt. J. Parks is seen willingly complying. Once exposed, he further raises his arms above his head. Security officer Brooks begins tickling the subject's underarms.]

[23775 attempts to remain still, but involuntarily lowers his arms 30 seconds into punishment.]

[INSUBORDINATION: ADDITIONAL 1 HOUR PENALTY APPLIED]

[J. Parks is led to the stocks. He begins to cry and struggle. Other employees assist officer in securing ankle and wrist restraints. Five individuals are seen participating in the disciplinary action. One is seen applying oil to the subjects feet, seemingly enhancing ticklishness. Noted for future reference.]

[TIMESTAMP: 6/23/25]

[OFFICE BREAK ROOM CAMERA 1]

[M. Cross is seen holding 23775 by the wrists, keeping his arms locked above his head. Employee K. Lorne is tickling 23775's armpits. J. Parks is heard begging profusely. K. Lorne and M. Cross are laughing. It is noted that the subject is not wearing shoes or socks.]

[Excerpt: dialogue.]

K. Lorne: "You want me to stop, tickle boy? You want me to stop tickling your wittle pits?"

[Uncontrollable laughter is heard from 23775]

M. Cross: "Then say you'll do it. Until then, it's tickle time for you. Better be careful, your break is almost over."

[Tickling proceeds for another 3 minutes before J. Parks relents.]

[Tickling ceases. 23775's arms are released.]

[23775 drops to his knees and begins to kiss the tops of M. Cross's shoes. The two employees begin to laugh uproariously, beckoning other employees to witness the event. Several others enter the break room.]

[K. Lorne is seen filming the event.]

[EMPLOYEE J. PARKS: MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS]

[DRESS CODE VIOLATION: 1 HOUR]

[UNAUTHORIZED BREAK: 1 HOUR]

[INAPPROPRIATE CONTACT WITH ANOTHER EMPLOYEE: 2 HOURS]

[TOTAL PUNISHMENT TIME: 4 HOURS, TO BE SERVED CONSECUTIVELY]

[VIDEO END]

The board room stirred with excitement and laughter.

"Well, Doctor. The numbers don't lie. Productivity up by another 75%, with workplace satisfaction nearly tripling among both genders." The chairman beamed. "Please, a round of applause, everyone."

Applause fills the room, and Dr. Gillian waves her hand humbly.

"Happy to be of service, sir. Shall I proceed with report?"

"By all means."

"Excellent. As the chairman noted, our metrics are looking good. An interesting turn of events has occurred. It appears that all employees, including males, have shifted from fearing reprisals of this nature. The benefit is now entirely due to boosted morale. My own hypothesis is that, by creating a power structure with one man at the bottom, we give a sense of empowerment to all other employees."

"A sacrificial lamb, if you will." The chairman added.

"Well put, sir." She continued. "As you'll note from the video, our workers have taken initiative in the subject's penance. They now tickle him, often with the goal of creating further infractions, nearly all 8 hours of the day."

Another round of applause filled the room.

"We have also noticed an increase in unpaid, voluntary overtime. Jim Parks has had to work overtime more frequently, due to the worsening of his financial situation post-divorce. This has led to more workers coming in after hours, all for the opportunity to exact punishment on the man. Needless to say, much of his evenings have been spent feeling feathers between his toes, and fingers in his underarms."

"He got divorced?" The chairman inquired. "Will that hamper our control over him? It was the wife drumming up his tab, no?"

"Unlikely, sir." The doctor responded. "The debts were all in his name; she left without paying a cent. Combined with the alimony payments, he is left rather destitute." The doctor smiled. "Just in case anyone was interested, it appears that the former Mrs. Parks is now romantically entangled with Mark Cross. A small world, isn't it?"

The chairman laughed, a deep, hearty laugh. "Poor bastard!" He wheezed. "The same man that's making him kiss his feet? The same man who's tickling him to tears everyday?"

"The very same, sir. I will note that the videos of 23775 being tickled were in fact distributed online. We believe that his wife came across them, which likely led to the divorce." The doctor replied gleefully, all veneer of professionalism gone.

"It makes sense," The chairman mused. "Parks' masculinity and pride, taken from him by a bigger, stronger man. I can understand her thought process, despite its cruelty."

The board muttered in agreement.

"Who leaked the videos?" A member asked.

"Why, his colleagues of course. At my instruction." The doctor composed herself. "With those videos circulating, we guarantee he will not find gainful employment anywhere else. In addition, I've lowered his salary by half."

"He's trapped here, then." The chairman grinned. "Excellent. Anything else to add?"

"One last thing, sir." The doctor typed on her keyboard, and the video feed was replaced by a slide show.

"One risk that constant tickling provides is desensitization. Not from Parks, of course; if anything, he is more ticklish by the day. But to our working employees, it is possible that eventually they will become bored with enacting ticklish justice. My solution is elegant:"

She clicked, and a slide popped up on the screen. It depicted J. Parks, bound in the office stocks. M. Cross sits opposite him in an office chair. His shoes have been removed, and he is laying his socked feet on the face of the bound and helpless 23775. A look of disgust and repulsion is seen on Parks' face.

"We add a more varied set of disciplinary actions." She clicked again as she spoke, cycling through image after image. The next showed J. Parks being held on the ground by his male colleagues; Kelly Lorne's nylon-clad foot is being forcibly pressed against his face. "I have to thank our industrious workers for coming up with this one. It makes sense really--" She clicked again. This image depicted Jim Parks on all fours on the ground. Several secretaries are using him as a foot stool. "Our feet touch the ground, they sweat, they smell--it is certainly a body part fit only for the pathetic." She clicked again. Jim was in the stocks again, feathers racing across his feet. Mark Cross stood by his face, rubbing a pair of socks in the man's face--his own, presumably. A look of true despair is seen on 23775's face. "I suggest we formally implement this punishment into our repertoire, alone with a few other changes."

She continued to click through the images, much to the board's delight. They showed 23775 in a number of unenviable positions, feet shoved in his face, being used as furniture---many photos included Mark Cross, and more than a few included his bare feet meeting 23775's tongue.

"Approved. Whatever you have to do to continue these advances in productivity." The chairman responded without hesitation.

"Excellent. I trust I may implement the other changes as well?" The chairman nodded. "Then it is settled. From now on, foot worship and tickling will used for disciplinary action. We will trial other forms of humiliation as well; preliminary reports show sending these photos to his ex-wife will be effective. I am also interested in underarm worship as a particularly devastating punishment, but we can save that for another time."

"Nonsense!" Bellowed the chairman. "Cut back to the feed. Get Cross on the line this instant." The chairman turned to the doctor and winked. " In the name of science, yes?"

The doctor winked back. "As you wish, sir."

[VIDEO START]

[J. Parks is bound in the office stocks, currently in hour 2 of a 4 hour session. Feathers are being used on his feet, stomach and armpits. The offender is crying profusely.]

[M. Cross approaches the subject, smiling. He has removed his jack and button down, and remains only in a white tank top.]

[Cross approaches employee 23775, arm lifted above his head. 23775 begins to struggle and beg, to no effect.]

[23775 has his face forcibly shoved into M. Cross's armpit. K. Lorne is observed holding the back of his head, preventing him from escaping.]

[EMPLOYEE J. PARKS: INAPPROPRIATE CONTACT WITH ANOTHER EMPLOYEE: ADDITIONAL HOUR ADDED TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION]

[Tickling continues. Feet, stomach, ribs, and armpits are targeted by several colleagues with considerable tenacity. Feathers and fingers are utilized. 23775's face remains buried in M. Cross's underarm.]

[TOTAL TIME REMAINING: 3 HOURS]