The Bandit Scout on Newhome (M+F+/M+F+) primarily (M/F) - Chapter 108 - 06/30/25

[GreyLord]

Chapter 106 was initially posted without tags. I will repost in a few minutes, this time correctly.

[slackywacky]

Things are moving ahead. Slowly and not always as expected or wanted, but at least they move. Good to see you adding chapters to your story again.

[GreyLord]

Things are moving ahead. Slowly and not always as expected or wanted, but at least they move. Good to see you adding chapters to your story again.

Thank you @slackywacky, I am reposting as you suggested by PM. Chapter 107 is in the works.

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@TayDay95, @Caesar73, @wolfman, @Beaumains, @slackywacky, @banshee, @NotSeen, @FabianStr2016, @Red86, @tickletied84, @Boundcurious, @Nainur, @RopeBunny, @Jake78045, @Bandit666, @laz, @Argentum, and @brasileira2.

You have kindly posted comments on my story. That is appreciated very much. Please continue to tell me what you think about The Bandit Scout on Newhome. If you would like your tag removed from this list, you can send me a PM to that effect. Or, you can post your request in the story.

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Chapter 106 – Lou Meets Morgana

Stella was fascinated to learn that Carol could participate in Rita's mind meld and had greeted her brother, Aaron Johansson. Stella was a scout, and Rita's task seemed like scouting. Stella would not be jealous of Rita, but that did not mean that Stella would not like to have the talent to travel herself. Stella planned to seek her mate's counsel when her afternoon session with Rita finished.

Rita greeted her warmly. Stella knew that subbing for Rita had brought the women on the Argonaut closer to Rita. Rita acted appropriately and did not let her temporary authority over the women go to her head. To put it simply, Rita was both a nice and beautiful lady. That didn't mean that it wasn't time to waylay Rita and give her a good dose of bondage. A smirk crossed Stella's face as she thought of capturing Rita.

This was to be a serious mind meld. All of the Argonaut's crew were concerned about Gloria and Morgana. Both of these ladies were being abused. Stella was surprised that Rita did have her strip down. Rita tied Stella's arms and legs together and reclined beside her on the bed, embracing her. Rita said, "Strict bondage facilitated my development as a traveler. Jeeves says that I have surpassed Sam Bresco's capabilities. Now, think about traveling to Aurora to see Gloria Swann."

Stella closed her eyes and thought of her previous mental encounters with Gloria. Suddenly, they were there. Rita and Stella sensed that Gloria was in a painful, suspended hogtie. They could feel the strain on Gloria's shoulders, wrists, and legs as the pulley lifted Gloria's shoulders and knees above the bed. Only a little of Gloria's weight was supported by her belly.

Gloria stopped her mantra, which she used to stay sane on these too-frequent occasions. Her mind rejoiced, "Rita, you are back!"

"I am," thought Rita, "and I have Stella with me this time."

Stella said, "Greetings, Gloria. We regret to find you in such distress."

Stella had communicated in a mind meld previously conducted by Sam Bresco. She was delighted to discover that she could now communicate in Rita's melds. Stella wished she could mind meld herself. Thinking about that must wait. Gloria deserved their full attention now.

In her mind, Gloria said, "Rita, I am glad you came. I'm happy to talk to you again, too, Stella. I did not understand that you could travel with Rita. Your visits are all that keep me going. Even though I'm unsure how you might be able to help, you represent my only hope. Without it, I would consider killing myself."

Stella asked, "What is the status now?"

Gloria answered, "Sam is under the thumb of Chief Councilor Senusret. The Chief measures Sam's loyalty by his torture of me. The Chief knows Sam likes me and doesn't want to hurt me. We are under constant surveillance, and there is no respite for me."

"I can feel your body's pain," Rita said. "You are exhausted, your muscles are cramping, and your bondage doesn't allow you to sleep. What would you like to happen if we had the magic to make it so?"

"My dream," replied Gloria, "is to have Sam bring me before Senusret in a private audience. Of course, I would be bound and helpless. But Sam will have tied me in a way that allows me to effect a quick release of the bonds. I will have a knife and will kill Senusret."

"But wouldn't you be killed immediately by his guards?" asked Stella.

Gloria said, "There wouldn't be any guards in a private audience. Senusret would also have communication equipment to allow us to contact the other councilors and inform them of what transpired. The Councilors would be glad to be rid of Senusret. They might insist on punishment for me, but I think there's a good chance they wouldn't. I would take the risk."

Rita said, "But you can't talk to Sam because of the constant surveillance. You do have a conundrum. Stella, we need to push into Sam's mind now and make him see the right thing to do."

"Gloria," Stella said, "I can sense you have had extensive martial arts training. But you are not in good condition for a fight. Also, if we cannot positively influence Sam, he may retaliate against you. You need to consider these things. Rita, I have only had a little experience with the mind meld. You have had only a little more. But I am a fighter. Being a successful fighter is as much a mental as it is a physical endeavor. If Gloria wants to take the risk, I think we should give it a try."

"I am of like mind," answered Rita.

"My friends," Gloria said, "if Sam makes things worse for me, then I won't have to think about killing myself. And I am not in that bad of a physical condition. I admit to a low point tonight. But Sam makes me exercise regularly. If you can do something, please do."

Rita said, "Stella, I can feel Sam's presence, his mind. I don't know what to tell you to do."

"I can feel it as well," replied Stella. "Let's approach as friends. We will have to play this by ear."

Unexpectedly, Jeeves spoke, "Stella and Rita, what you are doing is correct. Your two minds, together, should be able to determine a change in Sam's thinking. I will support you in every way possible. I can add extra drive and push. You will also find support from Gloria. Stay coordinated and move into Sam Bresco's mind."

Gloria thought, "Damn right, I will help!"

By its very nature, the mind meld is inexplicable to those who have not experienced it. Rita and Stella merged with Sam Bresco, with Gloria only seconds behind. Yet those words fail to describe the reality. Based on debriefings held later on the Argonaut, we can say that Sam slowly awoke from his sleep, aware that he was in a mind meld that he did not instigate. At first, he attempted to push the intruders out of his mind. Stella, Sam knew from his previous mind melds with her. He knew of Rita but had barely touched her mind in the past. Sam was astonished to sense the presence of Gloria. Gloria did not have the capability to be in his mind uninvited.

Sam had extensive experience with mind melds. There had been crowded situations, i.e., unwanted entities in melds. It had always been trivial to eject such. Sam could not eject even one of those in his mind this time. Unknown to all, Jeeves was providing substantial, if hidden, support.

Stella took the initiative, saying, "Sam, you have been in my mind many times. You know that I am not a threat to you, nor are Rita and Gloria. Please remain calm and let us speak with you. Gloria has wanted to speak with you about important things for a long time but has not because of Senusret's surveillance."

"Rita," Sam said, "I sense you are the traveler instigating this meld. How did you learn to travel?"

"I will tell you," Rita answered. "During your last meld with Stella, I sensed the meld. That triggered my capability, and I have been improving since then. Stella has been helpful in many ways. She will share all of the details of her encounters with you."

Sam said, "Gloria, yes, we can converse. A meld is private to the participants. Senusret will agree that you have been tortured long enough tonight and won't punish me if I let you have some relief." Sam lowered the pulley that partially suspended Gloria and untied the ropes holding her.

Gloria asked, "Sam, Senusret makes you torture me?"

"He does," replied Sam. "Senusret is terrified of all of you on the Argonaut. Because Gloria was sympathetic to Stella and Carlos, he wanted to destroy Gloria but was afraid to kill her because most of the other Councilors supported her. They still do! I am required to punish Gloria without leaving long-lasting visible signs."

Rita asked, "Why don't you refuse?"

He said, "As bad as it is for Gloria, she is still alive. Senusret lets her live for the Councilors and also for me. I believe that if I fell from his grace, he would go ahead and kill her, accepting the wrath of the Councilors."

"What do you really feel about all of this?" asked Stella. "Do you think Aurora would be better off without Senusret?"

"I detest Senusret," answered Sam, "but he has all the power."

Stella continued questioning Sam, "You reacted negatively to Jeeves when you learned he was an AI. Can you talk reasonably about him now?"

Sam said, "Yes, I can. I know I overreacted at first. You must understand that AIs destroyed Aurora, and we are brought up to hate them. But intellectually, I know it is possible that an AI could be benevolent to humans. Everything I have heard about Jeeves from my mind melds on Newhome and the Argonaut indicate that Jeeves is supportive of people."

"Then why haven't you contacted me again?" Stella asked.

"I-I have been a coward," Sam admitted.

Stella said, "Medico Stevens would say that you have taken the first step toward no longer being one."

"It is time to focus on plans for the future," Rita said. "Gloria has a plan to overthrow Senusret."

Gloria said, "One thing first. Sam, you have caused me a lot of pain and humiliation for many years. I can't make you sorry for that. But if you help depose Senusret, I will forgive you."

Sam replied, "You can't make me sorry because I am there already. From the moment we met, I was infatuated with you. What we have had is not the relationship that I wanted. If you have a plan that can work, I will help you."

"Then here is what I propose," Gloria said. Sam listened carefully and made a few suggestions, which Gloria immediately adopted. Stella also improved the plan. Stella suggested a way for Sam to tie Gloria up so she would appear helpless but could free herself quickly when the time to attack came.

After the plan was finalized, Rita said, "This has been my longest mind meld. I am feeling the strain of maintaining contact. I will return in about twenty-eight days. Goodbye, Sam and Gloria. It is good to know you are still on the same team."

Rita and Stella returned to the Argonaut. Stella said, "That was amazing, Rita. I feel as though I could almost travel on my own. How did you develop your abilities?"

Rita answered, "I truly do not know, Stella. I just keep practicing. Certainly, I could not have done this without you and the other ladies of the Argonaut."

Rita had a few minutes at the end of her meld with Stella to talk to Sam Bresco. He shared some important tips about traveling in a mind meld. Based on Sam's comments, Rita wondered if it was still necessary for her to restrain her meld partner.

-----

Time, as time does, moved ahead. On the Argonaut, a year had passed since they started deceleration. Deceleration began on 02/09/2697, Argonaut time. That was 06/23/2761 Earth time—the time difference due to the incredible velocity of the Argonaut. Now, on the Argonaut, the date is 02/09/2698. On Earth, however, the date was March 25, 2780, only some three months shy of nineteen years.

Thanks to longevity drugs, our friends on Earth, Morgana Rains and Carter Spade, appeared as young as ever. Unfortunately, that also meant that Morgana continued to endure the brutality of her husband, Edgar. She was willing to endure his torture because staying with him gave her access to the intelligence needed by the Earth resistance and by the crew of the Argonaut.

During the past Argonaut year, Rita had become highly expert at traveling with the mind meld. All of the women of the crew had traveled with her to Aurora and Earth many times. Shortly, Rita will take Lou with her to Earth to visit Morgana. Most likely, they would meet with Carter Spade. Carter was as dedicated to the resistance as he was to tying up Morgana.

For her part, Morgana loved to be tied up by Carter. It centered her, constantly reminding her that being helpless at the hands of a man could be a relaxing pleasure instead of the pain and horror she endured from Edgar.

Lou Chang would be arriving soon for the planned afternoon travel with Rita to see Morgana. Did she dare try with Lou? Lou's meeting with Morgana was critical. The entire Argonaut crew thought Lou needed to meet Morgana. After all, Lou was the only one of them that had ever been on Earth.

Rita had decided to try this travel without tying up her partner. After all, if it didn't work without putting Lou in bondage, it would only take a few minutes to find out. Then, she could tie Lou up very thoroughly and proceed with the meld. Lou entered the travel room and embraced Rita as had become their custom.

The travel room was a corner of the Argonaut's gym. While a meld was underway, none of the crew other than the travelers would enter the gym.

Lou stripped down rapidly, saying, "Rita, I am so very excited to travel with you to visit Morgana. Tell me how you want to tie me up."

"We are going to try an experiment," Rita said. "It may not work, but we will start without restraining you. If the meld doesn't work, we will revert to our tried-and-true methods. Okay?"

"You are the boss, Rita," Lou said. "You know that I and the others are perfectly happy to sub for you to facilitate your melds."

"I know. But let's try this. Lie on the bed and hug me. Think of Mother Earth!"

And, in moments, they were in the mind meld and were drawing near to Morgana. Once more, Morgana was naked and tightly bound. But this time, it was different. Morgana was happy to be tied up by Carter Spade, her lover.

Sensing the traveler's presence, Morgana spoke with her mind, "You are back, Rita. It is fantastic that you arrived just now. A few minutes earlier, and it might have been awkward. My love, Carter Spade, has me bound and gagged most effectively. You caught me at a time that is most appropriate. Just a little earlier, I was gripped with a powerful orgasm because of Carter's good works. Can you give me a moment to catch Carter's eye and signal him to remove my gag?"

Rita responded, "Yes, catch his eye. While you are catching his eye, Lou is with me."

"Hi Lou," said Morgana. "I'm so pleased you are back."

The first time Rita brought Lou to Earth was most different. Rita had said, " I would like to introduce you to Lou Harriman. You may know of her from your history books."

Morgana was starting to spend much of her time in Carter's ropes. They could spend most of their workday together in complete privacy. Although firmly tied, Morgana began shaking and turned pale. Carter said, "Morgana, what is wrong?" as he frantically removed her gag.

-----

At this first meeting with Lou, Morgana, who was usually unflappable, calm, and collected, stammered, "C – Carter, she's here. Truly, it is her. Lou Harriman is here with Rita in a mind meld."

Carter rushed to untie Morgana. But Morgana said, "Yes, Carter. Do untie me. But there is no rush. It makes no difference to these people.

Nonetheless, Carter did not delay his efforts. While he was working on the knots, Lou was conversing with Morgana. Lou said, "Morgana, Rita has told us that, of the humans on Earth, you are the most knowledgeable about the disposition of the machines. My knowledge of old Earth is no longer of value. Will you help us by updating my information?"

"Of course, I will," answered Morgana. "Tell me what you want to know."

Even though Carter was untying Morgana as fast as he could, he had used a lot of rope, securing her in total helplessness. Rita decided not to delay and proceeded to merge into Carter's mind. Rita spoke to Carter mentally, "Hello, Carter, I am Rita. I am in a spaceship traveling from the Earth colony we call Newhome to Earth. I am speaking to you, mind to mind, utilizing a process that we call a mind meld. May I continue?"

"Please do, Rita. Morgana told me about you, and I have been hoping to meet you personally. Is it true that you are with Lou Harriman and that she is talking to Morgana?"

"It is true," was Rita's answer. "You know that we are coming to destroy the sentient machines. I thought it best to let them speak privately."

Carter said, "That is fine. Is there anything that I can tell you?"

Rita answered, "I can see that you used an unusual amount of rope to secure Morgana. I am wondering why you used so much. It must enhance the pleasure that you give each other?"

"We started by using much less. But Morgana was always able to wiggle out of the bonds. That left me feeling inadequate. Morgana would let herself remain tied, but I knew she was doing that and still thought I was lacking. Talking to Morgana about our experiences, she told me that part of her pleasure was struggling against the ropes. With more experimentation, I finally discovered that by virtually mummifying her, I could secure her adequately."

Rita asked, "But touching is such a desirable part of making love. Doesn't all of that rope get in the way?"

"Well, yes," Carter said. "I can't pet Morgana the way we would both like when she is tied up that way. Additionally, it takes a considerable amount of time to tie and untie her. Time is difficult for us. If Edgar Rains, Zeus, or any of the thinking machines caught wind of our affair, our fate would be much worse than death."

"You know, I think I can help you with this," Rita told him. Rita formed a mental image of a nude Carmen and projected it into Carter's mind.

"Amazing," said Carter. "That is one beautiful blonde. Her hair is amazingly long. Women on Earth keep their hair much shorter."

Focusing on the image, Rita had the image of Carmen turn its back to the viewers. Then Rita made the image place its hands behind its back. She slowly, so that Carter could easily follow her movements, tied the image's wrists together using a two-column tie.

Carter exclaimed, "The trick is cinching the loops! I can do that."

Rite continued, "For a secure tie, you must always tie the elbows. How tight you pull the elbows together is optional and depends on the flexibility of your partner. But you cinch just as with the wrists." Rita applied two loops of doubled rope above the elbows of the image. I have not pulled the elbows close, even though Carmen is more flexible than most. As it is, she can move her elbows closer by herself." The image did this, and the loops fell off. Rita returned the image to the loops above its elbows.

"We must be careful cinching. We apply the cinch until it extends from one arm to the other." After demonstrating, Rita said, "The cinch is now a convenient handhold for you to move and position your partner. We have replaced tightness with firmness. And now, if the image moves its elbows closer, the cinch will sag, but the loops around its arms above the elbows will not slip."

Rita found that she was enjoying instructing Carter on some of the finer points of bondage.

Lou had been concentrating on the things Morgana was telling her. She felt bad for not telling Morgana about the Argonaut's plans. Lou knew that if Zeus or any of the thinking machines learned of their plans, the machines would be able to dispose of the Argonaut or circumvent their plans for sure. They had to get close to a thinking machine for Jeeves to plant his worm in the machine's system. Within minutes, the worm would be integrated with the machine's thinking core. Within hours, the worm would propagate to every thinking machine on Earth. For now, maximum stealth was necessary.

Lou was now acquainted with Morgana and had begun to understand the current status of Earth. There were volumes left to learn, but they would get that one dose at a time.

Carter said, "We do, Admiral Harriman. If our opponent got any inkling of what we are up to, they would tear us apart physically while using drugs. We would sing like birds, and they would learn everything we know. No, you can not let us know anything. Knowing of your existence is potentially harmful enough."

Rita said, "Lou is married now. Her name is Lou Harriman Lee. And, she no longer uses her military rank."

-----

Back in the present, Rita and Lou formed a foursome with Morgana and Carter. Lou was after some specific data.

Jeeves was with them on this meld, so it wasn't required that the person questioning Morgana have a perfect memory. However, Lou was pleased to have an eidetic memory. By the end of their exchange, Lou knew the location and daily routine of all fifty of the Earth's sentient machines. And she knew the standing orders, table of organization, disposition, and plans of Zeus' Earth Militia, commanded by Edgar Rains, Morgana's husband.

This trip had been a fruitful mind meld. Tomorrow, on the Argonaut, there would be an all-hands council of war. To all present, Lou said, "Thank you for this exchange. I think you understand why we must keep our plans secret."

[Nainur]

I am so very happy this saga is still going on...

[Caesar73]

I am so very happy this saga is still going on...

Me too! And Grandmaster @GreyLord? You did not loose your Touch! Thank you for this magnificent Chapter!

[GreyLord]

I am so very happy this saga is still going on...

Thank you, my good friend, @Nainur. I hope to bring you more happiness soon.

Me too! And Grandmaster @GreyLord? You did not loose your Touch! Thank you for this magnificent Chapter!

That is good to hear. Thanks, Grandmaster @Caesar73. As the Argonaut approaches Earth, things will get hot and complex.

It is good to see that some still enjoy this tale after a long hiatus.

[GreyLord]

@TayDay95, @Caesar73, @wolfman, @Beaumains, @slackywacky, @banshee, @NotSeen, @FabianStr2016, @Red86, @tickletied84, @Boundcurious, @Nainur, @RopeBunny, @Jake78045, @Bandit666, @laz, @Argentum, and @brasileira2.

You have kindly posted comments on my story. That is appreciated very much. Please continue to tell me what you think about The Bandit Scout on Newhome. If you would like your tag removed from this list, you can send me a PM to that effect. Or, you can post your request in the story.

I may not be able to keep chapters coming this quickly, but the words do seem to flow, once again. Please enjoy Chapter 107.

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Chapter 107 – Stella Travels

Stella was convinced that she had a capability within herself that, as yet, she had not been able to grasp. Following her young years of training with Medico Stevens, Stella spent many hours each day meditating. She wanted to travel and didn't see why she would have to dominate someone to do so. After all, Rita could now take one of them on a mind meld with her, simply sitting close together in comfortable chairs. Months slipped by without any tangible results.

Jeeves advised her that her efforts might well be rebuilding her mental processes, though she could not detect any change. He encouraged her to continue her efforts. Medico Frank Stevens taught her new methods for achieving a meditative state. His examination of Stella did not indicate any changes. Like Jeeves, he advised her to continue.

Outwardly to the crew of the Argonaut, Stella remained unchanged except for blocks of time each day during which Stella would withdraw and meditate. Because Stella had always spent more time in meditation than any other crew member, this was not flagged by anyone other than her mate, Carlos. Carlos was still deeply in love with Stella and was perhaps more finely attuned to her moods than any other person aboard the ship. Carlos believed that Stella would talk to him when she was ready.

Months became years as the Argonaut continued to decelerate from its incredible velocity that had been so close to the speed of light. A couple of years on the Argonaut was a decade or more on Earth and Aurora. On Aurora, Gloria Swann and Sam Bresco finally made their move against the evil Chief Councilor, Senusret. That is worthy of recounting in more detail.

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Gloria and Sam could not practice anything they planned to do to Senusret. Whatever anyone thought about Senusret's intelligence, he was wily about his safety. His spy network was immense. And, although there was a limited availability of remote spying devices, no one was of higher priority than Bresco and Swann. Any planning they did was by mind meld. With the many years they had worked together, they could slide into a meld at will. Unless Sam was unusually tired at night, he would have sexual congress with a trussed-up Gloria. Senusret thought the act degraded Swann. In truth, once Rita and Stella brought about a reconciliation between Gloria and Sam, it was the high point of Gloria's day. And Sam's, too.

Possibly, Senusret did not watch them every night. But they always assumed that he might be watching. Gloria was bound day and night except for restroom breaks, meals, and exercise periods. Her bondage also included gags, sometimes simple but often with a penis gag that went deep to the back of her mouth and stretched her jaws wide.

Tonight, Gloria's arms were tied tightly behind her back, elbows touching. Her legs were frog-tied with her knees pulled to the sides. She was gagged with that massive penis panel gag. Senusret had informed them that he enjoyed the sounds Gloria made gagged that way. Especially when Sam was whipping her or fucking her.

More than once, Sam had slacked on his whippings. Usually, Senusret reminded them of their errors in their next weekly meeting. Gloria accepted the pain from Sam as the price she would pay for the opportunity to eventually terminate the Chief Councilor. Sam reconciled the certainty that Gloria would terminate Senusret, become the Chief Councilor herself, and execute or banish Sam. He would be happy with either outcome, as it would mean Gloria was free.

The mind meld was joined before Sam had finished his frog-tie of Gloria's legs. In the meld, she said, "Oh, Sam, I am ready for you. For the duration of our coupling, I will feel free. Please hurry and tie my knees wide. I want you in me and your hands and mouth on my tits."

"I think," replied Sam, "that never in human history has there been a love affair like ours. Sure, there have been BDSM affairs. But do you think a woman has ever been kept in such strict bondage for so many years with so many whippings and beatings and have anything in her heart but hate?" Sam turned off the bedroom lighting.

Gloria answered, "I do have hate. I have just direct it at Senusret, where it belongs. Let's put him out of our minds for a few minutes, at least. As always, you are in charge. If it pleases you, would you climb on top of me without further delay and pound me into this mattress? Also, let's keep everybody happy. Would you slap me around while you are at it?"

"Yes, that will please him, whose name I will not say. First, I want to nurse on you," Sam told Gloria.

Later, in the fading afterglow, Sam said, "Okay, dearest, let's go over our strategy one more time."

Gloria replied, "We make everything as routine as possible. In the morning, I get up, and you untie me for my morning rituals in the bathroom. I come out, and we eat breakfast. You then monitor my exercise hour, I shower, and you tie me up for the day, welding my arms together behind my back. You tie me with the tie that Jeeves taught you. Then you tie my legs for practice, although you will release my legs a little later so that I can accompany you throughout the day."

Sam commented, "I need to be able to tie your legs very fast. When we walk into Senusret's office, your arms will be already tied. You will be wearing short shorts as usual. In his office, I will jerk your shorts down to your thighs, tie your legs, and put you on the floor. We will do this every week at our weekly meeting with Senusret starting today. At times in the past, he has wanted you hogtied, but we will try to make it routine not to."

"It doesn't matter," Gloria said. "Jeeves tie up description includes the hogtie option."

"Right," Sam replied as he reached into a drawer on his bedside table. He picked up a special dildo. Removing Gloria's gag, Sam inserted the dildo deep into her mouth. Verbally and by meld, Gloria moaned, "Mmmmmm." By meld, she continued, "I would rather have you in my mouth than this."

"That is most kind of you to say," Sam told her, also my meld. "Moisten it well, and we will continue with our practice." Sam flipped the bedsheets over them, pulled the dildo from Gloria's mouth, and inserted it fully into Gloria's vagina. A rope had been available beside them and was now under the sheet. Rushing, Sam tied Gloria's legs as Jeeves had instructed him. In moments, Gloria was in a hogtie under the sheet. "Okay, go," he said by meld.

In seconds, Gloria's fingers had found the critical loop of rope and pulled on it as she tensed against her ropes with all of her might. Jeeves had designed well, indeed. While the bonds looked to be in place until Sam released Gloria, they all fell apart, and Gloria was free. She pulled the dildo from her body and twisted the head, which fell to the side, presenting her with a very sharp scalpel that had been concealed in the dildo.

In the meld, Sam said, "That went well, don't you think?"

Gloria answered, "Yes, it did. It's time for my final bathroom break. Supposedly, you are untying me now. Put the scalpel back in the dildo. Starting in the morning, we will put it in my twat, and I will keep it there all the time from now on until we finish our mission with Senusret. When you have all of the ropes off of me, throw the sheet to the foot of the bed, turn the lights back on, and send me for my final bathroom break.

For several years after that night, Sam and Gloria faithfully followed their plan. Once a week, as Senusret ordered, they showed up at his office. Always, Gloria's arms were tied behind her back as if they were welded. Even to a close inspection of her bonds, it appeared to be an intricate and inescapable tie job. Sam would throw Gloria to the floor after entering the office and tie her legs as tightly as her arms. He would then stand and await Senusret's pleasure.

Initially, Senusret was unpredictable. One or two times, he walked up to Gloria and kicked her in the stomach. More often, he would tell Sam, "Turn her face up and give her a good flogging. I don't like the way she is looking at me."

Once, he said, "Sam, I want to see how good you are at punching. Stand Gloria on her feet and punch her down. Gloria, your task is to stay on your feet. If you don't last three punches, I will tie you strappado in front of my desk. You will stay there until tomorrow morning. Sam, if I feel that you are holding back, you will get a public lashing."

Senusret called for his guards to enter the office to observe. He told them, "Let me know if you think Sam is not doing his best."

As you know, Gloria was athletic and worked out an hour daily. Sam was more average and was out of shape as well. Sam said, "Chief, with Gloria's legs tied together, I could push her over with a feather. I assume that you want me to free her legs?"

"Well," replied Senusret, "that would be more fair. But you must tie them again after the contest."

Soon, Gloria was prepared. Senusret said, "You will deliver each punch on my command. Are you ready?" Sam nodded, and Senusret yelled, "Punch!"

Sam stepped forward to punch Gloria in the belly. Gloria stepped back. Not enough to avoid being hit but enough to take most of the force out of the blow. Senusret said, "I was afraid freeing her legs would give her too much of an advantage. I would like to have her for a playtoy tonight. Guard, hobble her. Let her have about two feet of freedom between her ankles. Then she can still move but not take big steps like she did the first time."

The guard made the hobble and moved back to the wall. Gloria shuffled a few steps to see what she was dealing with. As they took their positions, Senusret cried out again, "Punch!"

Sam and Gloria had merged in a mind meld. Sam had let Gloria know what was coming. Gloria said, via meld, "I'm going to have to take the next two punches. I will try to stay upright. But it won't be to our advantage for you to take a public lashing."

"Okay. Next, I will try to hit your head with a left roundhouse punch." They heard Senusret call punch. Sam stepped in, starting his roundhouse. But Gloria stepped in to meet it. The effect was that it hit her next to her eye but with only part of the blow's expected power. It hurt, and Gloria could immediately feel her eye swelling. But she maintained her balance.

"Sam, you wus. Punch!" cried Senusret.

Sam was still off balance and punched haphazardly. It didn't have a lot of power but caught Gloria in the solar plexus. Gloria had scant time to tense her muscles to take the punch. She did what she could. It doubled her over. She wanted her hands free to press against her solar plexus. As previously, she stayed on her feet and worked on restarting her breathing before she could stand up straight. The guards clapped.

Things on Aurora were falling apart, putting a lot of pressure on Senusret. Gradually, he succumbed to the pressure of his position and wanted to sit down immediately with Sam to go over reports. Repeatedly, he would say, "Leave Gloria in a hogtie and join me at the table."

By mind meld, Gloria would advise Sam on his reporting. They began to sense that their opportunity was coming soon. Senusret was looking increasingly tired and haggard.

Finally, the moment arrived. After two grueling hours pouring over reports, Senusret said, "There is one more report we must cover. Give me a few minutes to rest my eyes." Senusret closed his eyes and rested his head in his arms on the table.

By mind meld, Sam ordered Gloria, "Now! Free yourself." Gloria had practiced this every night for years in Sam's bed. Her fingers immediately found the proper loop to pull, freeing her arms. Moments later, her legs were loose, and she had retrieved the scalpel. Only a handful of seconds had passed until she stood beside Senusret and used the scalpel to slice through his right aorta. Another moment, and she sliced his left one.

Gloria Swann then went to Senusret's desk and sent messages for the Aurora Council to convene in his office. Naturally, it looked as if Senusret had sent those messages. Another message informed Senusret's outer office the councilors would be arriving and to usher them into Senusret's office when they were all present.

The office was large and had several smaller rooms adjacent, including a walk-in closet, a storeroom, and a bathroom with a sauna. Sam and Gloria dragged Senusret's body to store rooms. Gloria was covered in blood, so she showered while Sam rummaged through the closet to find something for Gloria to wear. He found a robe that would do in a pinch. He also found cleaning materials and equipment with which he managed to remove most of Senusret's blood from the table, chairs, and floor.

Gloria emerged from her shower and thanked Sam as she put on the robe. She had been naked for so many years that it felt unnatural to her. With orders to come to Senusret's office, it didn't take long for all of them to arrive. The guards opened the doors, and they filed into Senusret's sanctum. Sam had arranged chairs for himself and Gloria out of the main line of sight for those entering the office. Moreover, Gloria's chair was behind Sam's, which partially obscured Gloria. Sam stood as the councilors entered. When they saw Senusret was not at his desk or work table, they turned and looked at Sam. They assume that Gloria did not stand because she was tied up and couldn't.

Sam addressed the Council, "High Councilor of Aurora, I bring Gloria Swann to speak to you."

Gloria walked up to the Councilors and said, "As a former member of your group, I give you my greetings and bring you momentous tidings. You all know me and are aware of my situation over the years since Senusret removed me from the Council. I am now pleased to inform you that I have relieved the Council of Senusret. I await your disposition."

Cambyes was the eldest member of the Council. He asked, "Do you offer proof of his departure?"

"Yes, you may look in the storeroom for your proof," Gloria replied.

The Councilor nearest the storeroom opened its door and shut it again almost immediately. He turned and addressed Cambyes, "Indeed, Senusret's departure is permanent."

Cambyes asked Gloria, "Councilor Swann, are you alright?

"I am now," she replied.

Cambyes addressed the Council, "I believe an election is in order. I nominate Councilor Gloria Swann for the position of Chief Councilor. Is there a second?"

They were politicians, so there was discussion, and questions were asked and answered...

The entire Council had always been against Senusret. Due to his extensive surveillance network, no one dared speak out against him, even in private. In fact, as Sam and Gloria knew, there was no privacy at all. Plans were made to undo the egregious policies Senusret had implemented as quickly as possible. The Council was informed about the status of Newhome, Earth, and the Argonaut. As evening approached, Sam was sent home. He was not a member of the Council, after all.

Late the following morning, Gloria also went home, exhausted from an all-night session with the Council. She was officially the Chief Councilor of Aurora and, as such, had two guards with her. At the front door of Sam's home, the guards took the position guarding the door. Sam was waiting. He had packed his few personal belongings.


Gloria saw three bags and instantly went into a mind meld with Sam, "What are you doing? We won!"


"I know you must harbor deep resentments against me," Sam answered. For sure, I deserve such. I abused and tortured you for so many years. If you send me to prison as I deserve or execute me, you won't have to clean out my things. If you are magnanimous and elect to send me away, I am ready to go."

"Sam Bresco, to the bedroom! Now!" Gloria ordered.

Sam said, "I understand. You want your pound of flesh before I go. You deserve it."

"Sam, you don't seem to understand anything," Gloria said as she stripped off her robe. Sam took his cue from Gloria and followed suit. From a drawer, he took several coils of rope and a flogger and extended them to Gloria.

Gloria turned her back and said by meld so Sam would know she was speaking the truth, "Tie my hands and do it right. I better not be able to free myself. You can keep tying me to your heart's content. Gagging is optional because we don't have to worry about anyone overhearing us. Then, you are to stimulate my body to a peak before making love to me like you never have before."

Sam didn't understand what was happening, but he would accept it and follow Gloria's instructions to the best of his ability.

[Nainur]

yet again an awesome read. The mind-melting is adding a bit of mystic, supernatural vibe which is very fitting. New Home had this always, and some of the Colonists have brought ancient knowledge. It is all coming together.

[Caesar73]

yet again an awesome read. The mind-melting is adding a bit of mystic, supernatural vibe which is very fitting. New Home had this always, and some of the Colonists have brought ancient knowledge. It is all coming together.

I concur! The Mystic Atmosphere is a nice Touch. It is so good to see this Saga go forward! All Pieces fit together niecely!

[GreyLord]

yet again an awesome read. The mind-melting is adding a bit of mystic, supernatural vibe which is very fitting. New Home had this always, and some of the Colonists have brought ancient knowledge. It is all coming together.

Thank you, @Nainur. I felt there was a risk in combining the wild west, science fiction, and mysticism in one story. You give me hope that I may be pulling this off.
'

I concur! The Mystic Atmosphere is a nice Touch. It is so good to see this Saga go forward! All Pieces fit together niecely!

And @Caesar73, I appreciate your comment, too. It is a great compliment that you say the pieces fit together.

[Nainur]

...
Thank you, @Nainur. I felt there was a risk in combining the wild west, science fiction, and mysticism in one story. You give me hope that I may be pulling this off.
'...

Awww... Dancing with the Wolves, dear sir, inter alia. And, if I'm not much mistaken, from the very start on it respect to the Native tribes has been always kept in mind! So IMO: it is very fitting.

[Caesar73]

I concur! The Mystic Atmosphere is a nice Touch. It is so good to see this Saga go forward! All Pieces fit together niecely!

And @Caesar73, I appreciate your comment, too. It is a great compliment that you say the pieces fit together.

Thank you dear Friend - and I really think the Pieces fit together. This Saga is well built. And I admire the flow of the narrative. There was a long Pause between the latest two Chapters and the earlier ones. Yet you don´t feel it.

[GreyLord]

@Nainur and @Caesar73, I have a lot of gratitude to both of you. Always, thanks for commenting.

FYI, the next chapter will be posted on June 30th. The chapter after that might have a few days delay because of travel.

[GreyLord]

@TayDay95, @Caesar73, @wolfman, @Beaumains, @slackywacky, @banshee, @NotSeen, @FabianStr2016, @Red86, @tickletied84, @Boundcurious, @Nainur, @RopeBunny, @Jake78045, @Bandit666, @laz, @Argentum, and @brasileira2.

You have kindly posted comments on my story. That is appreciated very much. Please continue to tell me what you think about The Bandit Scout on Newhome. If you would like your tag removed from this list, you can send me a PM to that effect. Or, you can post your request in the story.

As promised, here is Chapter 108. You may expect Chapter 109 by July 10th, or, maybe, a day or two earlier.

-----

Chapter 108 - Stella Breaks Through

Stella went to see Rita, saying, "Rita, my dear, you told me that after you caught the slightest whiff of a mind-meld, you longed to be able to travel in a mind-meld. You longed for a long time before I subbed for you, and you went on your first trip. I am longing, too. You don't owe me anything, but I am asking you, will you sub for me now?"
  
Rita replied with a grin, "You may think I don't owe you. But I do. And even if I didn't, I would love to sub for you anyway. The Medico won't be in our room this afternoon; let's go there?"

When the door was shut, Rita discarded her clothing and handed Stella coils of rope. "Let me top from the bottom until you gag me?" asked Rita."

Stella answered, "Please do, Rita. I need your guidance desperately."

"You shouldn't have waited so long before coming to see me," Rita said, hugging Stella. "Now, tie me up and see if you can make me more helpless than I have ever been. I don't have to tell you how. You are a master of bondage."
  
Stella proceeded slowly, making sure every step was correct. Rita commented, "It feels like you are off to a good start. You are even tying my fingers. Don't worry about my comfort level. Having you able to meld will make my life ever so much easier. For now, even use my hair to keep my head in place."

Stella had Rita lying with her butt and lower back on six wide pillows stacked two by two for three layers. Her arms were tied with elbows touching, and her forearms tightly wrapped together. Her hands had been pulled down to the mattress, strappado style, and her hands slid under the pillows. Her feet were on the mattress on the other side of the pillows and had been pulled back to meet her hands. Rita was tied with her heels resting in her hands.

Rita's long, lustrous red hair had been braided. The braid was long enough to fall below her hips. When Rita's hands were forced under the pillows, the braid went, too. Once her wrist bonds were tied to her ankle loops, the braid was pulled tight and tied to her feet. Her head was pulled toward the pillows until it touched the mattress and the pillows.

Rita said, "Wonderful, I am about as arched as possible, and I don't have the freedom to move anything except my lips and tongue. You know how to fix that."

"Yes," Stella said. "The way your head arches back will make it easy to fasten a gag behind your neck. I'm not sure exactly what this is. It's a pillow tie, a hogtie, and a strappado, all at the same time. How does this rig feel?"

"It is fantastic, Stella. How do you make someone so helpless? I will continue to top; you should work over my tits. Squeeze them hard. Pull on the nipples and twist the nipples. If you would like, suck on them and even bite. I would hope you won't break the skin. Don't hesitate to flog my breasts. While you do these things, think hard about what Gloria Swann is enduring at the hands of Sam Bresco. He loves her and thinks that the Chief there enjoys her torture so much that he doesn't kill her. Treat me the way you think Sam treats Gloria."

Stella's strong hands each held one of Rita's breasts, indeed squeezing tightly and kneading the mammary. Her equally strong mind put itself in the state she remembered from her last mind-meld with Gloria. She pictured a naked Gloria tied and helpless. At a great distance, she heard Rita's long, drawn-out moan, "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh."

The picture of Gloria was abruptly replaced by an image of Gloria looking into a mirror. Then, she was Gloria looking at herself. Stella had traveled to Aurora and mind-melded with Gloria Swann. But Gloria was not naked. Nor was she tied up. She was wearing a satiny white robe. Her hair was elaborately pinned up on top of her head. Her face was made up to perfection.

"Hello, Gloria," Stella said.

"Stella, what a pleasure for you to show up at this moment," Gloria replied. "Can you stay for a while? Do you have anything urgent to tell me?"

Stella answered, "Yes, I can stay for a while, I think. This is my first mind-meld, conducted by myself. No, there is nothing urgent for us to discuss. I will try to bring Rita into the meld with us."

"That is perfect," said Gloria. "We are less than an hour from the start of my wedding ceremony. Can you stay? My groom, Sam, will be here any moment. As you can see, there have been changes here. I -" Gloria was interrupted by the arrival of Sam Bresco, dressed in a formal robe of a style Stella did not recognize. Stella felt Rita's presence in the meld.
Gloria said aloud, "Sam, Stella is visiting. I have asked her to join us. Of course, we will be the only ones that know."

With Rita's support, Stella was also able to bring Sam into the meld. Gloria informed them, "You should know that Sam is having unresolved problems in his personality complex. Although he is going along with the wedding, he still feels that I should hold him responsible for the many years of mistreatment I received. The truth is that I am in excellent health and physical condition because of Sam. Moreover, I am alive only because of him. I have to reassure him over and over again by having him tie me up. Like right now, Sam! There is rope in my makeup case on the vanity."

Sam began tying Gloria's hands. He said, "The next thing you know, she will be saying that I pretend to think her torture was my fault so that she will feel sorry for me and let me tie her up some more."
Stella said, "I think there may be some truth to that."

"Sam, get that tight," Gloria ordered. My robe will hide any rope marks. Good, now get your hands under my robe and give me a good groping. I want to march down the aisle with my core tingling."
Rita asked, "Have we entered a madhouse?"

Later, Stella awoke with the side of her face resting on Rita's abdomen. Rita's position, of course, was unchanged.d Rita said, "That was a far more successful first meld than I had."

Stella was untying Rita, "Yes, but I have been a guest in many melds before. You had not. Are you okay after this session? I can see now why you always check on us so hard."

Rita answered, "I am fine. I could use a glass of water as soon as you get me far enough out of this strange hogtie for me to drink. It was truly effective, by the way, maybe the most helpless I have been. And Frank has done some good jobs on me."

-----

After dinner that evening on the Argonaut, Carlos stayed in the lounge to confer with Ralph Rider. Stella sat in their stateroom, missing Carlos. She thought of the first time she had laid eyes on Carlos. She was in the Round Rock jail, and the sheriff had talked Wagon Master Carlos McTavrish into transporting Stella to Unihold for disposition. The Wagon Master came to see what he had gotten into. Little did he know, nor Stella.

Stella was a scout for the bandit tribe, the Bucks. Her father was the Chief of the Bucks, the most successful bandit tribe on Newhome. Stella was a prisoner because she had been caught after stealing secrets from the laboratory on Ralph Rider's ranch about his progress in reproducing a katana sword blade.

The Earth Colony on Newhome had lost contact with Earth hundreds of years ago before all the planned transport ships had arrived. Knowledge was preserved at Unihold. However, due to a lack of infrastructure, the colony descended into an almost feudal state. The situation became even more complex and challenging for the colonists because, unknown to the colony's planners, the planet already supported human life. These natives preserved their culture by morphing into the Bandit tribes.

In this environment, where materials such as steel were known but were in short supply, a katana would make a fearsome new weapon if it could be produced in quantity and quality. That is what Ralph Rider was trying to do. Stella had kicked over a hornet's nest.

The Wagon Master asked the sheriff for shackles, but the sheriff had none. Carlos would have to use ropes to keep Stella a prisoner. In the process of getting captured, Stella had endured some brutality. But Troop Sergeant Tom Daley, Sheriff Matt Crosby, the Wagon Master, and others who were part of the Wagon Train had treated her well. This was a surprise because she had been brought up believing the colonists were thugs. Complications for Stella grew when the sight of Carlos McTavrish stimulated her sexual interest.

That interest grew when she learned that Carlos had trained in Martial Arts at Unihold under Master Frank Stevens, who had trained Stella since she was a little girl. Tom Daley had told her the Wagon Master needed to know how her father would attack. After thinking about it a day, Stella mentioned to Carlos that she needed to talk about the Bucks.

Stella's bondage had become much more lenient than it was in the beginning. But after a word to Tom, Carlos returned to his tent, and Tom tied Stella's arms strictly and took her to Carlos's tent. She asked if she had done something wrong, and Tom told her no, but Carlos had been practicing with her like a man. Now, he had to question her as the Wagon Master.

In the Wagon Master's tent, Carlos told her that he had feelings for her, but he must act as Wagon Master. He removed her halter and tied her elbows together before tying her rigidly in a chair. She was perplexed that she didn't mind. The Bandit Tribes had a very different perspective on bondage than the colonists. She remembered knowing that Carlos might hurt her, but she didn't care. She would be brave for him. He had said he had feelings for her.

Stella had explained that she would help as long as she didn't hurt the Bucks. Trying to break the impasse, Carlos mashed her tit hard. Stella remembered that it hurt, but she was pleased that he was touching her.

Stella told Carlos that he could hurt her, but she would love him anyway. That caused Carlos to break first. He untied her from the chair and stripped her naked before tying her hands in a high strappado. Even now, it brought her joy to remember the sensations of his hands roaming her body freely. Before that time, Stella's feelings about fellatio were mediocre at best. Mystifyingly, she had been eager to take Carlos into her mouth. From then onward, Stella was always keen to wrap her lips around Carlos's member.

That experience fit the Bandit culture perfectly, but Stella believed from the start that her soul was entirely in tune with Carlos McTavrish's. She still believes that today. Her traveling and mind-melding experiences convinced Stella that her mind, or soul, was expanding as well.

Stella thought, "I had some good times on that Wagon Train, even as a prisoner. But that is not the only time in my life that I have been tied up for days. On the Argonaut, I insisted that the crew keep me restrained when I learned that Sam was visiting me. We didn't know if he could take over my mind and make me attack my friends."

Stella's mate, Carlos, had gone the extra mile, day after day, taking care of her in every way —physically, mentally, and emotionally. She loved Carlos's hands on her when she was helpless. Thinking about being tied up with Carlos's hands on her triggered a thought of Edgar Rains putting his hands on a tied up Morgana. That was so very different. Edgar brutally tortured Morgana for his twisted pleasure. He had no thought of taking care of Morgana or of Margana's pleasure.

That was when it happened. Stella melded with Morgana. She flowed into all of the recesses of Morgana's mind. Morgana was planning an attack on the thinking machines by the resistance. The attack would commence on the order of the Argonaut. Carter Page would immediately cause a crash of the worldwide communication network. With the thinking machines unable to direct their subordinate robots, the resistance would move physically to restrict any movement of the thinking machines. They could accomplish this before Edgar Rains, Morgana's husband and the Commander of the Earth Militia, was even aware of the problem.

Stella admired the detail of Morgana's planning. Stella could feel Morgana's almost frantic concern about what would happen next. The resistance could not stand against the Earth Militia. The Militia would destroy the resistance and, with the help of the thinking machines, restore the communications net. All of the conspirators would be rooted out and would face unthinkable punishment. What could one spaceship do against the Miliita?

"Morgana, it is good to speak to you again," Stella said to Morgana via the meld. "The task you face is most formidable. Your planning is superb. I would think that your most difficult remaining task is to refrain from killing Edgar. That you have accomplished this while living in the shadow of Zeus and while enduring the cruel brutality of Edgar is astonishing."

"It is kind of you to say that, Stella," Morgana answered. "But, I notice that you are by yourself. Previous melds were always conducted by Rita and one other. Is this a new development?"

Stella replied, "Yes, Morgana, it is new. In the past, I only traveled with Rita or with Sam from Aurora. For me, to mind meld by myself is a new development."

An alarm on Morgana's console flashed. Morgana slapped it off immediately and said, "Edgar is almost here. I can converse with you to a limited degree when he gets here. Most of my attention must be focused on not revealing anything about the resistance or the Argonaut." Morgana stood up and faced the door as Edgar Rains, her husband, walked in.

"Hello, my darling," Edgar said to Morgana. "The affairs of the thinking machines take up too much of my time. I spend far too little time with you."

Morgana said, "You know that I am happy to get whatever I can from you."

Stella was inserting herself into Edgar's mind with great care not to come to his attention. She could determine that Edgar was remorseful about his past treatment of Morgana. Edgar was saying to Morgana, "I am known for my competence. As a commander, I accomplish tasks effectively. But you alone know that I have urges that I cannot control. If Zeus knew this, he would not trust me to command the Militia. At first, it wasn't as bad as it is now. Do you recall the time when we were first together? Then, I always wanted to tie you up. I had no compulsion to hurt you.

"Now, I don't just hurt you, Morgana. I damage you. Why haven't you left me? I could believe that your kink likes things rough. But not to the point of almost dying."

Bridging the minds of Morgana and Edgar, Stella knew that Morgana was not expecting such a conversation. Morgana's mind was flashing back to the distant years when she was in love with Edgar. Morgana said, "I took our vows with great seriousness, '...in sickness and in health, until death do us part,' and I swore 'to love, honor, and obey.' You have almost caused death to part us. So far, you have not. I must still obey."

"You know," Edgar said, "the urge is on me now. I can't promise not to hurt you. I will focus every ability I possess to not damage you."

"I understand," Morgana replied. "What do you want me to do?"
Edgar said, "Remove your clothing and back up to this pole."

Stella could tell that Morgana was surprised by what Edgar had said. Equally, Morgana did not believe he would do what he said. She was pleased that Edgar still accepted her explanations without question. There was also great dread for whatever might happen at Edgar's hands right now.

Edgar employed one of his favorite ties. He looped rope around Morgana and the pole above her tits and below. The loops were very tight, welding Morgana to the pole. He then tied Morgana's hands and elbows behind the pole.

Stella was not idle. She had entered Edgar's mind undetected. Could she influence his behavior and remain unnoticed. She sank deeper into Edgar's id while steeling herself not to be influenced by the monsters all around her mind.


Edgar tied Morgana's legs together above her knees and lashed her legs to the pole. He repeated that process at her ankles. Next, he took a break, cupping Morgana's generous boobs and inserting his tongue into her mouth. Morgana was amazed. It had been decades since Edgar had fondled her in a way that gave her pleasure. For many years, he would touch her breast only to twist, squeeze, or hit to cause pain.

Putting rope between Morgana's teeth, he looped the rope around the pole and between her teeth multiple times. She was immobilized now from head to toe.

Stella found a packet of emotions in Edgar's id that felt shame at his past behavior. She pushed and pulled to move the packet to the front of his consciousness. Other bubbles craved to torture Morgana. Stella was appalled at the things those bubbles wanted to do to the red-haired beauty. She tried to keep those packets behind the one she was pushing.
Morgana thought, "By now, I expected to be racked in pain. Is it possible that Edgar was being sincere?"

Stella heard Morgana's thoughts. In flashing thoughts of her own, she tried to let Morgana know what she was trying to accomplish.

A bad packet of thought slipped by Stella unnoticed and made its way to the forefront of Edgar's mind. He tied a rope from a pulley in the ceiling to Morgana's wrists and hoisted them up and behind her. Morgana's arms were at right angles with the pole. Morgana desperately wanted to lean forward to relieve the pressure on her shoulders. The ropes welding Morgana to the pole prevented that. Morgana screamed.

With a single tail whip, Edgar lashed Morgana back and forth, striking her hips, tits, and belly. That was when Stella managed to get the packet she had selected to the forefront of Edgar's mind. Edgar could see the pain and distress he was causing Morgana and released her arms from the strappado. Morgana was panting in relief.

Edgar used his knife and freed Morgana's hands and elbows. He continued to the ropes that were binding her to the pole. Edgar picked up Morgana and gently placed her on her bed, covering her with a blanket. He said, "Morgana, I tried but could not stop myself. Please forgive me today and my mistakes in the past." He poured a small vial of narcotic syrup into her mouth. In addition, the syrup contained a potent anti-inflammatory developed by the thinking machines, not to help humans but to keep them working even when they were damaged.

Morgana drifted off to sleep. Stella saw there was nothing more she could do. Stella hoped that she had provided a permanent position for her packed in the forefront of Edgar's mind.

Returning to the Argonaut, Stella longed to find Carlos. She wanted Carlos to tie her and make her completely helpless. Then, he would hold her and pet her to remind her how wonderful bondage could be with the right person. But first, she would report her mind meld to the Argonaut crew, including Jeeves.

[Nainur]

...
After dinner that evening on the Argonaut, Carlos stayed in the lounge to confer with Ralph Rider. Stella sat in their stateroom, missing Carlos. She thought of the first time she had laid eyes on Carlos. She was in the Round Rock jail, and the sheriff had talked Wagon Master Carlos McTavrish into transporting Stella to Unihold for disposition. The Wagon Master came to see what he had gotten into. Little did he know, nor Stella.

Stella was a scout for the bandit tribe, the Bucks. Her father was the Chief of the Bucks, the most successful bandit tribe on Newhome. Stella was a prisoner because she had been caught after stealing secrets from the laboratory on Ralph Rider's ranch about his progress in reproducing a katana sword blade.
...

Awesome. I must go back to read some of those early chapters! Still very much in my mind, those are! Lovely read (not only these lines quoted, of course)

[Caesar73]

...
After dinner that evening on the Argonaut, Carlos stayed in the lounge to confer with Ralph Rider. Stella sat in their stateroom, missing Carlos. She thought of the first time she had laid eyes on Carlos. She was in the Round Rock jail, and the sheriff had talked Wagon Master Carlos McTavrish into transporting Stella to Unihold for disposition. The Wagon Master came to see what he had gotten into. Little did he know, nor Stella.

Stella was a scout for the bandit tribe, the Bucks. Her father was the Chief of the Bucks, the most successful bandit tribe on Newhome. Stella was a prisoner because she had been caught after stealing secrets from the laboratory on Ralph Rider's ranch about his progress in reproducing a katana sword blade.
...

Awesome. I must go back to read some of those early chapters! Still very much in my mind, those are! Lovely read (not only these lines quoted, of course)

You are always faster in commenting on @GreyLord lastet Chapter Friend @Nainur Nicely put"

[Bandit666]

What a wonderful way to return seeing much longed for new chapters for my enjoyment. You do as always entertain so thoughtfully and thoroughly throughout your writing.

You my friend are a master of fiction and long may it continue