Chapter 142: Bathing Liza, Emilia, Tuka. Kurumu’s resolution. +18 Terms of Mind Control.

You maintain the steady rhythm inside Asia, water streaming over both your bodies as steam billows around the stall. Her blonde hair plasters against your chest, breath coming in soft gasps against your neck.

"Indoor plumbing," you say, loud enough for the three watching women to hear clearly, "in any world that develops it, tends to make this pretty common among lovers." You adjust your angle slightly, drawing a whimper from Asia. "Intimate sex while cleaning each other. Or before. Sometimes just because it's a convenient place for messy sex without worrying about cleanup afterward."

Emilia's cheeks darken further, silver-lavender hair catching the light. Tuka's pointed ears twitch forward, expression openly curious. Liza remains utterly still, scaled forearms reflecting the overhead lights.

"Though I'll admit," you continue, hands sliding along Asia's wet curves, "the cleanliness enchantments on your Anchoring Bands make that particular advantage somewhat redundant. Self-boast acknowledged."

Asia giggles breathlessly into your shoulder, then gasps as you thrust deeper. "Brad... I'm..."

"I know," you murmur, picking up the pace slightly. Her internal muscles begin fluttering around you, thighs trembling against your hips. When her climax hits, she bites down gently on your shoulder to muffle the cry - consideration for the observers even now.

Your own release follows moments later, breath catching as you empty into her with shuddering pulses. Asia clings to you, whimpering softly through aftershocks.

Long moments pass before you both move again. You reach for the soap and shampoo, beginning the actual washing process with deliberate normalcy. Asia follows your lead, lathering her hands.

"You three want to join?" you offer casually toward the observers. "Learn how modern washing works?"

Emilia steps forward first, violet eyes wide but curious. "The... water stays hot?"

"Continuously," you confirm, gesturing her under an adjacent showerhead. She gasps at the temperature, then smiles with surprised delight.

Tuka enters next, touching the water stream with obvious wonder. When you hand her the soap, she stares at it. "This is... this would cost silver marks in my village. Reserved for nobles."

"Here it's Tuesday," you reply. She laughs - genuine and bright - beginning to lather with visible pleasure.

Liza approaches last, moving with careful deliberation. You keep your movements respectful and educational as you demonstrate proper hair washing technique on Emilia, fingers working through silver-lavender strands.

When you turn to Liza, she meets your eyes directly. "Would you wash my hair?" as she steps next to Emilia under the water's stream.

You smile gently and begin "As I just told Emilia, keeping the shampoo out of your eyes is important. If it does get in your eyes though, simply use the water to wash it out." She nods in recognition of the warning.

After finishing with her hair, she asks "Would you... wash my tail?" Her voice carries careful neutrality.

You nod simply, moving behind her. The scaled appendage extends from the base of her spine, muscular and elegant. You soap your hands, then begin working along its length with firm, methodical strokes - treating it with the same practical care as washing the rest of her.

Liza's breathing shifts almost imperceptibly. Her scaled forearms tremble slightly where she braces against the tile wall. But when she speaks, her voice remains steady. "Thank you. That's... culturally significant. Among my people."

"I figured it might be," you reply quietly, Finishing the gentle washing of her back with a light rinsing, pulling the shower-head down. "You're welcome."

Asia catches your eye, recognition flickering across her face - understanding that something deeper just occurred.

The shower water shuts off as you turn the knobs, steam still hanging thick in the air. Liza's tail coils and uncoils behind her as she dries herself with deliberate care, scales along her forearms catching the light.

"May I..." she begins, hesitating. "May I return here? Use the showers regularly?"

"As long as you want," you reply, pulling your black t-shirt from inventory. "On the condition you don't seclude yourself. Keep up training with Erza and sleep regularly in a bed. You're always welcome in the communal bedroom like last night."

Liza's reptilian eyes widen slightly. "Thank you. I will... yes. Thank you." Her voice carries quiet intensity, tail settling into stillness.

Emilia wraps herself in a towel, silver-lavender hair dripping. "That was remarkable. The hot water just... continues."

Tuka stands under one of the showerheads even after the water stops, eyes closed in contentment. "I have never felt so clean," she says. "The soaps... the warmth..."

Asia emerges from another stall, you didn't even realize she slipped away to re-dress, short-skirt habit clinging to damp skin. Her cheeks remain flushed, blonde hair plastered to her neck. She catches your eye and smiles shyly.

You dress quickly, cargo pants and shoes pulled from your inventory. The five of you exit into the corridor, Liza's tail swaying as she walks.

Then Albedo's voice fills your mind through the telepathy web - A private channel, just for you.

"I found our little succubus in the galley storage area," Albedo reports, amusement coloring her tone. "I told her she failed spectacularly at charming you. Failed so badly she suggested her own humiliation - half-naked servitude. And what did the terrifying Brad Collins do? Treated her like a child. Protected her. Gave her simple public tasks instead of real punishment for crimes that would get her tortured and murdered by half the women on this ship. Myself included."

You stumble slightly, attention dividing between the corridor and Albedo's words.

"She went through quite the emotional journey," Albedo continues. "First embarrassed - reminded me I taunted her first. Then shocked and angry at herself for realizing you actually protected her after what she did. Then... silent horror. She finally understood how many different ways she would have died if she'd succeeded."

The galley entrance appears ahead, warm light spilling into the corridor.

"Her resolution? She wants to join your harem as a valued partner. But first she needs to learn more about the 'original timeline' she's supposedly from. I re-directed her to Bulma who has the Rosario + Vampire files. She's reading them now in the galley."

You push through the galley entrance, distracted by Albedo's report. Inside, the space bustles with activity - Maria coordinating breakfast prep, Rika pouring coffee, Bulma arguing with Erza about something. At a corner table, Kurumu sits hunched over a tablet, still wearing only her lacy purple bra and panties, blue hair falling forward as she reads intently, wings folded tight against her back.

She looks up as your group enters, purple eyes meeting yours for just a moment before she returns to reading, expression unreadable.

The galley hums with subdued activity. Kimberly and Jennifer move between tables in their half-dressed state, distributing plates of scrambled eggs and toast with mechanical precision. Their eyes remain empty, movements smooth but hollow.

You settle into a chair near the center table, pulling a silver ring from your inventory. The metal warms in your palm as you channel mana through it, attaching the Anchoring Band enchantments. The spell snaps into place after twelve seconds.

"Thank you for following her," you send to Albedo through the telepathy web. "I'll make sure you get your reward later."

Her mental voice purrs back. "I look forward to collecting, Master."

You stand and cross to where Kurumu sits hunched over the tablet, blue hair falling forward to partially obscure her face. She glances up as you approach, purple eyes wary.

"I should have given you this yesterday," you say, holding out the completed band. "You should have already heard about the enchantments on us all, I was worried it might interfere with your charmed state. Sorry about the delay."

Kurumu accepts it slowly, wings shifting behind her as she examines the intricate silver work. "It's beautiful." Her voice carries genuine surprise, before she puts it on.

"And just to make sure, you don't have to keep wearing just underwear if you want actual clothes," you add through the private telepathy channel.

Her lips curve into a teasing smile. "Does Master enjoy seeing me half-naked?"

"That's not-"

Her tone shifts to something more serious. "Honestly? Being half-dressed around just you and other women isn't terrible. If there were men here besides you, it would be a problem. But like this?" She gestures vaguely at the galley. "It's fine."

You nod, returning to the center of the room. Conversations die down as people notice your positioning.

"We need to have some serious discussions this morning," you announce. "Resurrection conditions and pricing. Mind control terms and limitations. Age reduction contracts. Big topics that affect everyone."

Rika sets down her coffee mug with a quiet clink. Erza's expression tightens slightly. Maria watches you with calm violet eyes.

"Where should we hold these discussions?" you continue. "I'm thinking right here in the galley - open space, everyone can observe and participate. But I need to close Robin's gate to the college library first. When I get back, we'll start."

Bulma leans back in her chair, blue ponytail swaying. "Makes sense. Trying to cram everyone into the command center would be ridiculous."

"How long will closing the gate take?" C.C. asks, pizza slice halfway to her mouth.

"I'd like to say ten minutes, maybe fifteen. Robin's probably buried in books by now. So expect me back in thirty. Teleport."

You appear instantly outside of Robin's motorhome-apartment, immediately noting the open door and precarious stacks of hardcover volumes teetering on every available surface. Philosophy texts balance atop military histories. Yellowed paperbacks form unstable towers beside leather-bound collections. Robin's been busy.

You step through the shimmering Gate into the college library's silence. The smell of old paper and dust fills your nostrils. Between two towering shelves, you spot Robin bent over an open tome, black hair falling forward. Rin stands beside her, examining what appears to be a Japanese language textbook.

Mikasa leans against the circulation desk twenty feet away, a rifle laying on the table next to her. Her dark eyes track your entrance with knowing intensity. She doesn't move.

"Time to close the Gate," you announce. "The discussions are starting in the galley."

Robin straightens, turning to face you. Her blue eyes hold something heated. "Already?"

"We spent all night picking through books," Rin adds, setting down her text. "Figured we'd get our turn eventually."

"Eventually isn't now," Robin continues, stepping closer. "And we missed the rotation last night."

They move in tandem, bracketing you. Robin's fingers trace along your jawline while Rin's hand slides down your chest.

"The galley can wait ten minutes," Rin murmurs, pressing her mouth to yours. Her tongue slides past your lips, tasting faintly of coffee.

Robin kisses your neck, teeth grazing skin. "Fifteen," she corrects.

Their hands work together, tugging your shirt up and over your head. You don't resist as they guide you backward toward a wide reading table, books hastily swept aside to clatter on the floor. Your cargo pants follow, belt jangling as it hits the ground.

Robin sheds her practical clothing with quick efficiency - blouse, bra, pants all discarded in a pile. Rin's white blouse joins the heap, followed by her black skirt and red thigh-highs.

"Lay down," Robin instructs, voice husky.

You stretch out on the cool wooden surface. Robin climbs up immediately, positioning herself above your face. Her thighs bracket your head as she lowers herself, wet heat pressing against your mouth.

"I found this fascinating historical text," she says breathlessly, reaching down to grab your hands, pulling them up to her breasts. "Read it to me."

You hum as your tongue slides along her folds while Rin straddles your hips. Her hand wraps around your cock, guiding you to her entrance as she sinks down with a satisfied gasp.

"Fuck," Rin breathes. "I need a bookmark since I'm being dragged out of the library. This is a bit big, but it will do."

You pull Robin down harder against your face, tongue circling her clit as Rin begins riding you with slow, deliberate rolls of her hips. Your hands squeeze and cup Robin's breasts, thumbs and fingers gently pinching hardened nipples.

Robin moans, book forgotten as she grinds against your mouth. "Yes... right there..."

Rin picks up speed, internal muscles clenching around you as she leans forward to brace her hands on either side of your torso. The reading table creaks with each downward thrust.

Mikasa remains motionless at the circulation desk, watching silently.

You focus on the sensations flooding through you - Robin's wet heat grinding against your face, her thighs trembling on either side of your head. Rin's internal muscles clench rhythmically as she rides you with increasing urgency, breath coming in sharp gasps.

Robin's fingers dig into your hair, pulling you harder against her as your tongue works in circles. "Fuck... yes... right there..." Her hips buck, grinding down as her climax builds. You squeeze her breasts firmly, thumbs brushing over nipples.

Rin leans forward, bracing both hands on the table beside your ribs. Her pace increases, taking you deeper with each downward thrust. "I'm... close..." she pants, black hair falling forward.

Robin breaks first. Her entire body goes rigid, thighs clamping tight around your head as she cries out. You keep your tongue moving through her orgasm, drawing out each shuddering wave. Her taste floods your mouth as she grinds against you helplessly.

The sensation of Robin's climax triggers Rin. She slams down hard, taking you to the hilt as her internal muscles spasm. "Brad!" Her voice cracks on your name, nails scratching wood.

Their simultaneous release pushes you over the edge. Your own orgasm hits hard, back arching off the table as you empty into Rin with pulsing contractions. The pleasure rolls through you in waves, breath stopping completely for several heartbeats.

Rin collapses forward onto your chest, sweaty and trembling. Robin slides off your face, legs visibly shaking as she steadies herself against the table edge.

"Fifteen minutes well spent," Robin murmurs, voice hoarse.

You catch your breath slowly, then sit up. The three of you dress in comfortable silence - cargo pants pulled back on, shirts retrieved from the floor. Rin smooths her skirt, checking that her thigh-highs are straight. Robin buttons her blouse with deliberate care.

Mikasa hasn't moved from her position at the circulation desk. She watches as the four of you approach, rifle already slung over her shoulder.

"Gate closing time," you announce unnecessarily.

You step back through the shimmering portal to Robin's RV, the stacks of books still precarious on every surface. With a gesture, the Gate collapses. The library view vanishes, leaving only the RV's cramped interior.

"I'll organize these later," Robin says, eyeing the book towers.

The walk to the galley takes only minutes through the ship's corridors. As you push through the entrance, conversation dies down. Kurumu still hunches over her tablet at the corner table. Maria coordinates breakfast cleanup. two half-naked women refill coffee mugs. The galley holds perhaps twenty women now, tension palpable.

Erza sets down her fork with a quiet clink. "Gate closed?"

"Closed," you confirm. "Time for the serious discussions."

You commandeer Bulma's laptop, and the projector hums to life. White text fills the wall behind you as conversations die down completely. Twenty-three pairs of eyes track the words appearing on the painted metal surface.

"Standard Terms of Mind Control Duration," you begin, voice carrying easily across the space. "These aren't all-inclusive. Too many unknowns. But we need a starting framework."

You gesture to the first section as you type it. "Resurrection cost. If someone pays for their own resurrection through servitude, standard duration is one-tenth of their expected remaining lifespan. If someone else pays, it's half the average expected lifespan."

Rika sets down her coffee mug with deliberate care. "So a twenty-year-old woman bringing back her husband - she'd owe roughly forty years?"

"Assuming her husband was similarly aged, yes." you confirm. "Standard or professional labor, safe contexts. Alternative payments aren't defined yet. We need to discuss whether trading lives for lives makes sense. If we resurrect without cost, death loses meaning."

Erza's expression tightens slightly. Sango remains utterly still.

You advance to the next section. "Contracted youth. Standard servitude is half the age reduction received. Someone getting twenty years younger owes ten years service. Same question applies - do we let subordinates pay for their master's youth? What limits?"

Maria speaks up from where she leans against the counter. "That creates hierarchies. People trading service for patron longevity."

"Exactly why we're considering limits," you reply.

"Prisoners and assassins," you continue, pointing to section three. "Prisoners of war stay controlled until the conflict resolves. Assassins depend on probability of success, origin, other variables. Dimensional travelers in this category get individual treatment. Labor can include combat duties when contextually appropriate."

Rika nods slowly. "Makes sense for active threats."

You gesture to the final section. "Standard provisions. All mind-controlled subjects receive sustenance, cleanliness, vigor, thermostasis, age reversal, regeneration unless individually revoked. No exploitation through deprivation."

Kurumu looks up from her tablet at the corner table, purple eyes tracking between you and the projection.

C.C. finishes her pizza slice. "You're defining servitude as employment rather than slavery. Clever framing."

"It's accurate framing," Rika counters. "They're receiving compensation through enchantments that are bluntly unheard of elsewhere."

Albedo's white wings shift slightly. "The provisions clause prevents abuse. Smart."

Bulma crosses her arms, blue ponytail swaying. "What about contract modifications? Can terms change mid-service?"

"Any changes will need to be individually done on circumstance or during annual checkup, we'll make a team or two and check all of the mind controlled annually. That's one ongoing variable we need to address," you acknowledge.

Emilia raises her hand tentatively. "What happens if someone breaks their service agreement?"

The galley goes quiet, waiting for your response.