"Twelve grueling strokes later 'Babs' was hanging helplessly inhis bondage. They had made him count each stroke and thank themfor delivering it. Then ...e had to ask them for another stroke.He never knew which one would lash him next. His muscles had been so tight from standing in one position andsupporting his entire weight on the narrow heel that the strokesfrom the straps had been excruciatingly painful. He was sothankful the first half of his final punishment was over but hewas not looking. Gods it's good to see you, touch you, and know that you're alive. Is there anyone else from the family here?" Not that I've ever seen," the redhead replied through her tears. "Though I've been confined to the station since they brought us all here." Come on," The architect of the first truly stunning defeat the NTF had ever suffered gently guided her sister through the open hatch, careful not to stumble because of her own tears. "Let's go home."* * * *"McGary Point," Shapiro. ”I said, “Now, nothing has changed. Travel is cheap. There is nothing to hold me here. If you want to see me, there is nowhere too far.”“X, that’s quite a declaration.”“Beth, some things and people are quite declarable. You’re one of those people. There aren’t many for me.”“Who else would be?”“My roommate and Cindy, except that she’s married. However, if either called, I would be on the way.”Beth looked a tiny bit surprised and very gratified. “X, I appreciate all that. I don’t know your. Tina grinned to herself, thinking of the many cleverly placed rings and fixtures, all very sturdy, in her room that would easily serve the purpose. Then she felt it. Her Goddess was with Cindy. She bolted out of the room, racing toward the steps. But once she had Cindy and Lea in sight, she stopped, panting.It seemed as if Lea was with Cindy, but not with Cindy... now. With an odd duality, Tina knew that this was happening now, but would also happen in the future, if only she, Tina, knew what.