The
Darterra Sagas
Book
2 Marooned
Chapter
7
“Dying
ain’t much of a living” The Outlaw Josey Wales
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.
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.
“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


Paladin:
ReplyDelete(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
vyeh,
DeleteI 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
Paladin:
ReplyDelete(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
vyeh,
DeleteI 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
Paladin:
Delete(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
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.
ReplyDeleteThe 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.