Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Darterra Sagas: Book II Marooned Chapter 7

 

The Darterra Sagas

Book 2 Marooned

Chapter 7

  “Dying ain’t much of a living” The Outlaw Josey Wales

 

A person kneeling down with a cheetah in the background

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Lasigna Ranch

Fortier Territory Western Darterra

 

          Everything froze for a moment after the Garbeh warrior addressed Magdella as Goddess and took a knee. None were more studded that Magdella herself. But that only lasted for a heartbeat. That was how long it took the feline warrior to notice that her Goddess was dressed like the other slaves and wore a slave collar as well. The warrior cate spun about with amazing speed and agility preparing to take on both armed men with her clawed hands if nothing else for the indignity that had been reaped up one of the Great Ones.

          “Stop!” called Magdella to the Garbeh.

          “But, Goddess, these barbaric humans have made you their slave and should pay.” Kala looking back but stopping.

          “No, noble Warrior. It was not they who made me a slave but my own people. That one,” Mags pointed to her Master. “Has treated me far better that my own people did. I had been a slave for many months and bought and sold many times before I was bought by him. He treats this slave well and I am grateful to him. So please do not be angry with him.”

          “How can that be?” the bewildered feline asked.

          “He is a good man. For a human.” She added with a smile. “He owns all of us with the exception of Piper who belongs to Master Tyrell. The one with the beard.”

          “I think theses belong to you.” Nate was still a few feet away from her. His pistol was back in its holster on his hip, and his arms were extended holding her clothing and armor to her. As Ty held her sheathed sword to her, handle first, and her spear with the butt to her as well. “We honestly mean you no harm. My girl Naomi is tending to your slave.”

          “Master,” Naomi interrupted. “she is bleeding bad. I need to get her to the stable and out of the sun. I am going to need Magdella if I am going to say her.”

          Marla, Dru, Olaca, help Naomi and Magdella get this girl to the stables.” Nate called to the others. “Keep me advised how she is doing. We’ll be in the house.” Then to the others, “Soon as you help them. I want one of you to collect the weapons of these men. The other two start dragging them around behind the barn out of sight, Cover them with hay, then get out of sight yourself. Marla you will be the runner from the stables once that is done. Let’s move!”

          Listening while she dressed and adjusted her breast plate, Kala noted that this one called Nate seemed to take charge and command with authority. It was not the sort of commanding authority of a slave master. She had seen them in her own people. No, the way he talked and handled the slaves as well as the way he had handled himself during the brief fight told he one thing. This man was a warrior as well. The Goddess seemed to be his willing slave and trusted him. Kala had very little reason to trust humans. But the Great Ones were a different matter altogether. So, she would keep a weary eye on these humans, but trust in the Great One.

          “I suggest we go into the house. I have a feeling that there is a great deal to discuss.” Motioning with his hand for Kala to join them in the house. The other man already had the two naked slaves the arrogant one called Van Horn wish to take go into the house as well as the blonde-haired slave. Kala would have preferred that the Goddess went with them. But if she could save the life of her Maco then so be it.

 

A group of people sitting around a table

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

Lasigna Ranch

Fortier Territory Western Darterra

One Hour Later

Kala, Nate and Tyrell sat around the table in the dining room of the ranch house. On the floor knelt three naked slave girls. As neither Piper nor Leta had been allowed to or had time to dress after the firefight in the courtyard of the ranch house. It was decided by Nate and Ty that Nina should be naked as well. They certainly enjoyed seeing the three beauties naked. And seeing humans naked was just the natural way of things for Kala. At her home, Maco seldom wore more that her collar in the villa or about the village. She was feeling more at ease around these humans, but she still did not trust them.

They had learned that the new feline acquaintance was called Kala. She was indeed one of the mythical Garbeh that had not been seen in almost a generation. And from her reactions she had not been pleased to find one of those her people referred to as the Great Ones as the slave of humans. Magdella had calmed her down a great deal with her assurances that these humans were good humans and it was not them that had enslaved her. That her Great One was not coming with them into the house and still a slave did not improve the Garbeh warrior’s attitude. It was only when Nate sent Nina to the stables to check on how the girl was doing that things slightly improved. Magdella returned with Nina and joined the other slaves on her knees with the others.

“Magdella,” Nate nodding to the Thetanu beauty. “How is the girl?”

“She is doing well so far, Master. The projectile missed all the vital systems.” She paused, “I also have used some methods know only to my people.” Nate only nodded as he listened to her. Looking to Kala for a moment then back at Mags.

“Stand and come over here, Magdella” Rising from his chair and stepping around the table to meet her. Kala watched with curiosity. Tyrell suspected what was going on and only gave a slight nod. When she was standing before him. “Magdella, you have been an excellent slave and a pleasure to own since you and the others awoke after we crashed.”

“Thank you, Master.” Glancing to her naked sisters in bondage on their knees.

“No thank you, and that will likely be the last time that you address me as Master.” Nate smiled and inserted the key into the lock of the collar, opening it and lifting it from her neck.

“But, Mas,” was all she got out before he placed a finger on her lips to silence her.

“Since we landed I have not been sure what to do with you and the other two girls that don’t blend in.” he smiled and chuckled. “I did not care for the idea of keeping you three locked in the stables all the time. Tyrell and I were at a loss on what to do other that just that. But Kala here has given me an idea how to best handle this. So as of this moment you are no longer a slave and free. Congratulations.” Which that he laid the collar on the table and kissed her for the first time.

          “Congratulations, girl.” Smiled Tyrell. Kala was not sure what to make of all this. She did, however, approve of her Goddess no longer being the slave of these humans.

“I am not sure that I understand.” Mags was still puzzled but not unhappy that she was kissed.

“There is a connection between your people and Kala’s. I am not sure how strong it still is now that you are here. But I have a feeling that you will be key in learning more about the Garbeh and maybe eventually getting some help from them.”

“But I am a slave, why would they listen to me?”

“You were a slave, now you are free.” He looked to Kala, “Kala, do you see a problem with her past?”

“No, no I don’t. You are not so stupid for a human.” Laughing in her feline way. “But I agree. It should not matter that she was a slave. That she was slave was not of her choice as I understand. So, it should not matter or as far as I am concerned need to be known. She is of the Great Ones. They helped and taught us much before they went away. I look forward to learning more from her.”

“Then we can return to your home with you?” Nate asked.

“I may enjoy it if you did. But you and the others would not.” She said matter of factly.

“I don’t follow.” Nate puzzled himself now.

“The law of my people is very clear. All humans are to be slaves. So, you and your slaves would have to return with me as my slaves. Once we reach my people all of you would be added to the village herd to be sold.”

“Then that part of the plan is a wash.” Cutter shook his head. “What about Mags?”

“As one of the Great Ones, the Goddess would be treated with respect and honor.” Kala answered like she was annoyed at having to explain it to him.

“Then she will go with you. We will have to think of something else.” Looking to Tyrell. “Have you got anything more fitting for her to wear?”

“Mast..Nathan, if it is ok with the two of you. I saw a great deal of leather in the stables. With the help of Dru and Olaca, I should be able to watch the girl and make something to wear.”

“Use what you need” smiles Tyrell, then to Kala, “What about the other two. The red and green slaves.”

“I know nothing of their people. They are not humans but like humans. They are also slaves so should remain slaves.” Kala emotionlessly. They were not of her people or of the Great Ones and they were slaves already, so she saw no reason to change it. “Speaking of which, I want the men who were not killed to take back with me and my girl.”

“What are you wanting them for? Slaves?” asked Nate.

“No, they would only slow me down. I want to kill them for what they did to me.” Smiling as she showed her fangs.

“Nope, you can’t have them.” Nate laughed and shook his head.

“What! You deny me my vengeance on them!” Kala hissed, this caused the slave girls to fidget wishing they could move away. Even Piper wished to move. But she held her position and looked to the other two tapping the switch that lay on the floor beside her.

“From what we understand, the one that caused your suffering is already dead. There is only a couple that survived. And I have one that I have a notion of what to do and killing them is not part of it.” Tyrell said cooly. This debate went on for another hour with neither side backing down. Nate was starting to get edgy as the clock was running in his head the whole time calculating the possible response times from the limited information that he had gotten from Tyrell prior to the brief fight on the courtyard of the ranch house. They were wasting valuable time. She might have been a fine warrior, but at the moment, Kala’s pride was bruised from being captured so easily. Nate sensed that the Garbeh could be a very vain and arrogant people.

A person in a garment

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

“If you will excuse my unsolicited opinion,” Magdella interrupted from the doorway. “But I happen to agree with Nate and Tyrell. The killing is far from over I fear. But there is no need to kill these four men if they survive their wounds.” She was unsure of her standing. But Nate had told her that she was free, so she would not freely speak her mind. The attention of all turned to look upon her, now dressed in curve hugging leathers that she had managed to make in such a brief time with the help of the other girls in the stables. She also now wore the pistol belt and pistol of one of the dead officers. Van Horn she thought he was called. Vile man.

“But Goddess!” Kala protested and then she noticed Maco standing beside the Great One. The girl was standing wearing the same garments worn by the other slaves on the ranch. She was being supported by the green-skinned slave with red hair.

“I think you should listen to them, Noble Warrior. They are good men and would only wish to do the right thing.” Magdella went on.

“No, they are humans!” hissed the Garbeh.

“So, to am I, Mistress. Am I not to be trusted or listened to?” Maco asked weakly.

“Maco! You speak girl!” Kala shouted in shock. Nate, Tyrell, or the girls understood the reactions of the Garbeh mistress. When they had been brought in by the patrol both mistress and slave had been stripped, chained, and muzzled.

“Yes, Mistress, please forgive me.” Lowering her eyes and head.

“No, Maco you have been unable to speak since the hunters brought you back as a small child.” Kala looked to Magdella, “Goddess did you do this?” Slipping from her stool to take a knee before Mags.

“Yes, it is part of the healing that I was able to do. I restored her speech. Now, please take your stool, I am not comfortable with you kneeling to me.” Magdella smiled and motioned to the stool at the table. Then to the others present, “Macon or Maco as she has gone by for many years was so traumatized by the brutal slaying of her family. That she has not spoken since and has been mute from the time she was discovered in the carnage by Garbeh hunters.”

“Amazing,” was all that Tyrell could say. Both Nate, Leta, and Nina had heard stories of the abilities of Magdella’s people.

“Macon?” Asked Kala.

“Yes, Mistress. That was my birth name. I wasn’t able to tell anyone that it was not Maco. But as a slave, I could be called whatever you wished.” Macon nodded.

“Yes, this makes me happy.” Then turning to the others, “I want Davis and then other three survivors.”

“No, you can’t have them, Kala.” Nate standing firm.

“Kala, I have known the Davis boy for years. He joined the security forces because his family needed the extra money. The one that caused all this is dead.” Tyrell added.

“I want them for what was done to us.” Kala demanded.

“The answer is still no.” Nate turned to Leta, “You said before that Van Horn was on Romata III. And he was bragging about being connected?”

“Yes,” thinking about it for a moment. I think he said his aunt was Gretta Wineman. It sounded like I should know the name, but I didn’t and not gone into any detail with my report.”

“Son of a Bitch!” Nate slammed his fist on the table. That made everyone jump and look at him. “Van Horn! Gretta Wiseman was Gretta Van Horn,” looking to his slave on the floor, “Gretta Wiseman is the wife of Nelson Wiseman the chairman for the Cristo Corporation Special Projects and Development section.” Both Leta and Nina grew pale.

“Are you saying that Nina just killed the nephew of freaking top me in Cristo. Oh hell!” Tyrell stood up and walked around. That Van Horn was so important pleased her more that he was dead. Nate stood as well and walked about as he thought.

“Kala, Mags is safe to go with you. What if I send Dru and Olaca with her as her slaves?” Nate asked. Then to Tyrell, “We need to bugout soon as possible.”

“Bugout?” Tyrell puzzled.

“Sorry, old military term that means we can’t stay here. We need to get out of here with as much as we can carry.” He answered.

“I see no reason why not, but not sure why?” asked Kala.

“Because” Nate looked to her and Tyrell, “While I don’t want to break up the group because I feel responsible for all the girls. Druilla’s green skin and Olaca’s red will draw unwanted attention to us. There is no way for them to stay out of sight all the time. And they don’t deserve to be chained up in a wagon or building all the time. At least with Kala and Magdella they will be safe.” Then to Tyrell only, “I think we should dress and arm the other girls. We need the numbers, and they may be looking for two men and five slaves so at a distance we might fool some. But we are going to have to get moving soon.”

“I can assure you that the Goddess and her slaves will be safe. But I would like to send Macon with you.” She struggled to say as she was truly fond of her human. But it might be time for her to be with her own people.

“No, Mistress,” Macon said in a scratchy voice. “I will not leave you. I know that I am a slave, and you may send me away in chains, but I vow to escape and find you.”

 “I was going to free you, dear girl.” Kala said softly.

“Then I will surrender myself to you as a slave again. You are the only family that I have known and despite my being a slave and human you have treated me with kindness and affection.” The feline Mistress and her slaves embraced one another tightly.

“May I say something, Nate.” Magdella spoke up.

“Sure, what’s on your mind, Mags. But I do think it best that you go with Kala as our Emissary to try and repair the damage done by the Cristo people.” He said.

“No, I agree, But I do not wish any slaves.” Holding up a hand that she was not finished. “I do think that Druilla and Olaca should go with me for the reasons that you pointed out. But I see no reason for me to have a slave or them as my slave. I do think that Dru could be of great assistance to me. I wish to free her to be my assistant.”

“I see the logic and think that is a good idea. What about Olaca?” Nate asked as the others watched and listened.

“I think that she has not learned from her mistakes and behaviors that led up to her becoming a slave.” Magdella fought to suppress her smile. “I think you humans have a word for what I am thinking called Karma. I think Olaca should remain slave and should be the slave of Druilla so that she can have a taste of what she inflected on her former slave.”

They all looked to one another and laughed. Druilla had stepped out for a moment and returned to find all eyes were on her and everyone was smiling. Nate handed something to Magdella.

“What?” Dru asked. Mags walked to her and inserted the key into the collar removing it from the puzzled girl.

“You are no longer a slave. You are free and going with me as my assistant.” Mags let that sink in then dropped the other shoe. “Oh, and the slave Olaca is our gift to you. I am sure that you will see that she serves you well.”

With all but Kala and Macon knowing the history between those two, the room broke out in much-needed laughter. Druilla was still shocked. Finally, Nate broke the laughter.

“Alright, I want all the girls except Olaca to find some clothes and put them on. Next, gather everything and anything that we might need and get it to the wagon. I want to have Davis in here in an hour to talk with him and the three survivors. Let’s move.”

 

 

One hour later

 

Nina escorted Lt Davis into the ranch house, He was moving slow and a little uneasy with his hands tied behind him. Nina walked him over and sat him in a chair facing Nate, Tyrell, Kala, and Magdella. Leta and Piper were there as well sitting to the side, now dressed in clothing not usually allowed slaves, they wore button down shirts, pants, and boots. They still wore their collars but also had one of the soldier’s pistol belts about their hips. Macon, however, was still wearing the garments of a stable slave as she knelt behind her Mistress. It was not lost on anyone that Nina was still wearing the slave garments as well and only armed with the knife that she had killed Van Horn with.

“Lieutenant, you present a sort of a problem for us.” Nate started off with.

“No, problem, we kill them.” Kala matter of factly.

“You see, Lieutenant, We are at a bit of a stalemate. Our feline friend wants you and your men’s head on a stake. While the esteemed Rancher thinks well of you and favors you staying alive. Magdella has excused herself voting on this feeling that it is best to remain neutral on this matter. So, your fate rest in my hands.” Smiled Nate.

“I don’t know what I can say to make up your mind one way or the other.” The young officer sighed. “I was just doing my job. I regret the actions of Van Horn and fully intended to report him. I wanted to see him brought up on charges. His irresponsibility has caused the deaths of my commanding officer, as well as it looks like my entire platoon.” He looked to Kala, “I am sorry for what happened to you and your girl. Taking you prisoner was just part of doing my job. It is standing orders to capture any of your people that we came in contract with.” Then looking at Macon, “I cannot say how sorry I am for the harm that was done to you. It doesn’t matter that you are a slave, you should not have been harmed.”

“Mistress,” Macon spoke up. “This is the second time, this young officer has expressed his sorrow and regret to me.” She looked to Davis, “I believe him, Mistress. And I forgive him.”

“I am not so forgiving.” Declared Kala.

“What can you tell us about Van Horn?” Nate inquired.

“Not very much, he transferred in about a month ago. Rumor has it that he really screwed up something. But he has family in high places and was reassigned. Strange part is he would never say where he came from or talk about it. And the Captain said that his records were sealed.” Davis laughed and shook his head. “Some said he was from another world the way he acted so superior to everyone.”

That statement caused Nate, and the others to look to one another. As suspected, the Corporation was keeping things very locked down and likely Davis and most of the population had no clue that contact with the home worlds had been reestablished. Nate and Tyrell looked to one another.

“The Cristo people are not all very good people. Why are you with them, Davis. You seem like a good kid.” Nate regrated the use of the word ‘kid’ instantly as it got the reflex response he knew that it would when the young soldier stiffened in the chair. It was a reflex as the he was at least almost fifteen years older than Davis. He had also had a great deal of experience in young and proud officers and troops.

“Serving in the security forces seemed the best thing to do. I could help my folks out more by sending them some of my pay that by working the farm as another mouth to feed. Besides, have to do something for a living.” Davis answered.

“Dying ain’t much of a living.” Nate responded, “you and the others are alive only because of our mercy. That arrogant fool was a prime example of what you are working for. Cristo is controlled and ran by individuals that are even more greedy and power hungry than Van Horn. Only the majority of them are not as stupid as he was. You and the others are just disposable pawns to them.” He let that sink in. “I know because they have tried to kill myself and all the women with me. Which was surprising since there is no profit in killing slave girls.” He looked at Leta, a thought just having occurred to him. “I think we were supposed to have been intercepted but weren’t. The slave cargo taken as, me killed.”

“That does fit their style, Master. They reported that this planet is uninhabitable, and this area is filled with pockets of marauders and pirates. If they had intercepted us, you would have likely been seen as too dangerous to let live. They would have expected all of us girls to be in deep sleep. So, we would have been conditioned and memories wiped before we woke up docile and obedient slaves.” Leta nodded her agreement. Then the thought of what likely would have been done to her when she was found awake and out of her chamber if the ship was taken occurred to her and she shuddered. The raiders would have raped and abused her for their pleasure as the slave she was, taking special enjoyment of what she used to be while they did it. When they were done, she would have been put back in her chamber sedated. They likely would have attached the devices to her and the others to start their reprograming right away to save time. She had seen the results of reprograming before.

“I see it,” Nate began. “I could take my slave Leta and the other three and live under the name Nathan Cutter for a long time without any hassles or problems once we were away from this ranch. But as Master Gunner Rafe McNally, I need to break the hold the Corporation has on Darterra. I need to get word back to the Union if I can of what has happened and been going on here. Trouble is that I don’t know who can be trusted and who is on the Cristo payroll. I fully intend to be a thorn in their side and spoil their party. I can’t ask any of you other than my four girls to go with me, they all being former Union fleet personnel. But you are all welcome to the party if you wish.”

“I have an old debt to be settled with the Cristo people on this world, so I am in as is Piper.” Smiled Tyrell. Glancing to the girl who nodded her agreement to go where her Master went.

“I need to get back to my people. But I am sure that with the Goddess’ help, I can convince them of the justness of your cause and that you are worthy of helping.” Purred Kala very much liking the sound of causing the Cristo’s problems.

“It goes without saying that you have my help and support. I will do all that I can to get you help and aide from the Garbeh.” Magdella added.

“Master,” Nina spoke up,” If I may, I still think we need someone there with Mistress Magdella and Kala to advise and help them.”

“I happen to agree, but we have already gone over that if we go into the lands of the Garbeh that we all will become slaves. And that Kala would do her best but might not be able to keep all of us under her control.” Nate responded.

“Yes, Master,” Nina answered. “You and the others should not go there because as slaves then fight against the Corporation would surely die. But I ask that you give me as a slave to Mistress Magdella so that I am always with her as her slave and can help and advise her as I know the needs and tactics of the Union where she doesn’t.”

“You know that it is highly unlikely that you will ever gain your freedom whereas the others might someday.”

“I know that, Rafe.” Addressing him by name instead of master this time. “But someone has to do this, and it can’t be you. You need to take charge and lead the others in this fight. I have already been made a slave. If anything happened to you or if I was captured, the slave life that I would have to live would be far worse more than likely than the one I am asking. I trust the Mistress’ and know that while my life won’t be easy or pleasant. That neither of them will be cruel nor abusive to me. I can live with that for what needs to be done.”

“Well,” Rafe leaned back in his chair and looked to Kala and Magdella. “What do you two think and if in agreement which one of you wishes to take ownership of this slave?”

“I think she is right,” Kala speaking first as she looked at the kneeling slave that was just offered to them. “And though I sense that the Goddess,” she flicked her tail behind her noting the discomfort Magdella felt being called ‘Goddess’ the continued, “is not comfortable owning slaves. As she was already given two. Freed one of them and gave the other slave to the one she freed. Which I understand and support her decision. However, I feel that not only does she needs a slave to serve her. But owning a human slave rather that the red skinned slave would increase her standing in the eyes of my people.” All looked to Mags as she shifted in her chair.

“While I am not comfortable with owning a slave just yet. Having gone from being owned to the one owning another recently.” Mags too a deep breath. “I see the logic and wisdom of this course of action. And I accept ownership of the slave Nina.”

Nina could not explain it, but she felt relief that she had been accepted as a slave. She didn’t really want to be a slave and had been angry with Rafe when she and the others had been forced to remain slaves after the crash. And even more angry with Terra or Leta as she was now called when he had started to free the two of them. Only to feel that she had no choice but to do the same when Terra had refused gesture and wished to remain a slave. Now she had been so close to being freed once more yet begged to be given as a slave to be taken somewhere that she would be seen as nothing else but an owned animal for possibly the rest of her life. And the crazy thing was she was happy about it. She might be a slave, but she would be in relative safety and living we a race of people that had been unknown to her until an hour or so ago.

“Which brings us back to you and your men, Lieutenant.” Rafe looking over to the young officer once more. “As much as I want peace and an alliance with Kala and her people. I will not turn you over to her. But I simply can’t let you go either.” That drew a look from Tyrell.

“No, I suppose not. I am not sure what a Master Gunner is, but I am guessing that it is perhaps something like a Sergeant Major. But regardless what you say is sound military logic. You cannot take us with as wounded prisoners would hinder your progress. And you cannot just leave us behind as or at least I know your plans somewhat an can inform the search party when we are located. While my report will clearly state that this whole disaster is the fault of Lt Van Horn, I know full well that those in Cristo headquarters will not let it go. Especially, knowing that several off-worlders are on the loose. But I would ask a favor.” The young officer spoke clearly.

“What is that Lieutenant?” Rafe asked. Tyrell still was not happy at what he was sure to be the outcome of all this. While Kala’s mood seemed to brighten.

“Just kill me and leave my men chained in the stables for the search party to find. Other that the fight and loss of the Garbeh prisoner they know nothing.”

“Unfortunately, Lieutenant you overlooked something. They have seen Magdella and the other girls. But you would not want your men left in the stables as I plan to burn this ranch to draw their attention here.” Rafe announced. This caught Tyrell and Piper completely off guard. “But there is another option available to you?”

“What might that be?” Davis asked.

“Wounded prisoners as you pointed out would slow us down. As would wounded friends but there is a difference. I can tell that you have no great love for the Corporation. I am reasonably sure that your men might feel the same. So why not join us and help us.” This somewhat pleased Tyrell and the others including the slave Macon. Kala didn’t care for it but then she had a long hatred of anything connected to the Cristos. Davis was silent as he thought it over.

“I am reasonably sure that they will feel the same as I on this.” He started then paused causing everyone to wonder which way he was going to answer. “But, yes we will join up with you. But I am curious as to why you invited us.”

“Simple we need to grow. Having former Cristo security in our ranks might inspire others to join us as we go. And Lord knows we need the numbers right now. Not to mention that I don’t like the thought of killing men who had no idea of what or who they are serving. I plan to educate the others on that. Plus, if they think you are hostages or prisoners, it might slow them down till they figure that you are. The would not necessarily risk having you killed in a fight and loose the information that you might have learned.”

“It sounds as if you have a plan for all of this.” Commented Tyrell.

“Oh, I have not only one plans but several plans.” Rafe smiled as he stood and walked for the door.

“Oh, shit!” Leta and Nina said in unison looking at him then one another.

“Why is he smiling?” Tyrell asked puzzled.

“Because he has a plan,” answered Leta. “And when he has a plan and is smiling, Someone’s day is about to go to shit.”

“Alright people we have a lot to do and not much time to do it in. Hustle up and get moving.” Rafe called over his shoulder from the door. “We’re burning daylight.”

 

 

This is the end of Book II Marooned in the Darterra Sagas


Bonus Images



Magdella and her slave Nina




 Druilla and her slave Olaca 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 comments:

  1. Paladin:

    (1) I’m glad you published chapter 7. It had been two weeks since you posted that you needed more time to get chapter 7 right and your DA output had recently dropped.

    (2) The chapter flows smoothly. I think you tied up all the loose ends.

    (3) In chapter 5, you described Leta and Piper as naked in their meeting with Tyrell and Nate, but illustrated them dressed. I assumed you had a different standard on nudity for your blogspot than for your DA account. Could you post the second and fourth illustration in this chapter in Ranger011?

    (4) I assume Book III will primarily follow Nate, Leta, Marla, Naomi, Tyrell, Piper, Lt. Davis and his three men with occasional vignettes from Kala, Macon, Magdella, Druilla and Olaca.

    vyeh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. vyeh,

      I am glad that you liked the chapter.

      as to point #1. All I can say is life happens. There were times when the muse was with Me but the available time was not. The last couple weeks have had several instances where I was ready and wanting to write, but My attention and time was needed elsewhere. But Book II is finished and I am already planning out Book III. And yes My DA account has taken a hit on the time issue.

      As to point #2. Thank you very much. Yes I tried to make sure that all the "i's" were dotted and the "t's" crossed.

      As to point #3 as to Leta and Piper in chapter 5, in the chapter they were both naked as you pointed out. Unfortunately, with the AI programs that I use. What you type in isn't always what you get. You do the best you can with the results that you get and what you want to use. That was the case with the picture you pointed out. I wanted them both naked, but the safety filters will not allow a nude prompt as it is considered "offensive" and "humiliating" not to mention "phonographic". In this case I couldn't go back and say remove what the girls were wearing in the editing as it would have stripped everyone in the picture. I have also gotten back results that gave me a totally different woman that the one I was using. Some with faces and bodies that are unusable.

      And that brings us to #4. I am afraid that you are just going to have to wait and see.


      Thank you for your input.

      Paladin

      P

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  2. Paladin:

    (1) Thank you for all the effort you put into Book 2. The results justify the effort.

    (2) The AI programs sound like a real challenge. I’d like the second and fourth illustration in Ranger011.

    (3) You could take a break from Darterra and write about Genta!

    vyeh

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    Replies
    1. vyeh,

      I had actually already decided to start posting the artwork for the stories on DA and some of the DA stuff here.

      as far as what is next, that will depend on where the muse takes Me

      Paladin

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    2. Paladin:

      (1) Thank you for posting the fourth and fifth illustrations on DA. I look forward to the rest.

      (2) I look forward to your next work, whatever it is. I liked the beginning of the Time Agent story on DA and hope to see more.

      vyeh

      Delete
  3. I had to put off reading this until I was finished reworking Scipio Metellus, which took a week longer than I wanted. But it put me a week behind on the main story so I must scramble on that.
    The wait for this Chapter was totally worthwhile, so much going on. so much to think about it.
    I hope all the Cristo men can be trusted. Often there is one at least whose indoctrination goes deeper or more likely sees the main chance of profit in betrayal. But Rafe will be aware of that. Eternal vigilance etc.
    Reshuffling and re-ordering of groups. I hope all goes well in Part III, but then if all goes well, it won't be as exciting a story.
    Be well.

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