I wanted to do some kind of Tammy Wynette song-spoof, here. You know, something like "Sam boinked her Stan!"

But, that would be in poor taste. So, I won't. ;-)

Author's Response:

Stan by your Sam...

There has always been a theme of loss of control in zize fiction, but Sam’s arc is particular compelling in this light.  Usually these stories are about characters that control others while having demonstrating very little self control.  This story is turning that convention on it’s head.
In order for Sam to achieve what she wants she has to demonstrate huge levels of self control so she doesn’t wind up like her best friend. 

I would estimate that the only person who has more self control and more need for it is Cerys.

Sam has risked messing up her most valued relationships by trying to maintain total control and not trusting those closest to her.  But, considering her long term objectives, that’s understandable.  Also, her past experiences have probably guided her to seeing the plan of her resistance as the best option. 

Now that she’s seen the people she struggled to keep in the dark both save themselves and capture a stone, she’s got to be questioning the plan, her judgment and the price of that control she’s maintained.  

This chapter nicely painted a portrait of Sam being both in control and not in control.  She’s being gentle, affectionate, even obedient with Stan, while her passions are being driven by outside forces. 

She even notes how she never thought of herself being in this situation with Stan, a man she tries to respect and hold aloft, but now she’s being driven to do what her enemies do.  I have to wonder how she will feel when the outside energies are taken away.  Will she look back upon this as a pleasant experience or feel like someone who was mind-controlled and violated?  Maybe somewhere in between.  And, seeing the way she values his love, it will probably depend a lot on Stan’s reaction.

I’m still loving these characters and this story, Duggernaut.  You are one of our best authors and this is one of your best works. 

Thank you for sharing it with us.

pix

The visuals in the latter part of the chapter with Stan and Sam are reminiscent of the Sarlacc scene in Return of the Jedi...