Valet

First of all, it’s good to know you're all right now. About the patreon... hmm, that’s a good question. We know that patreon is the site where two (mostly two) categories of creators are working – it’s artists and it’s game developers. Of course, there are exceptions – like Joe Forest, who make art and write stories at the same time. He also share them for free at your proposed model – with one month delay (but now his Patreon page is blocked for some reason). But I'm not sure that you could earn as much money as you want (if it is your main reason). Many authors and artists earn just something, I quote, “enough to buy a couple of cups of coffee”. But the decision of course is yours, my friend. Best wishes, Joel

Hello Ben, how are you? Have you fully recovered from that car accident? I was very glad to see your answer, especially so interesting and promising. My friend, we are looking forward to see your new stories (the continuation of the “Masked Hawk” would be super cool, but if you decide to finish your “Taming of the Screw” story first, it will also be OK). With hope and determination, Joel

Hi Ben! Such a nice your new art on pixiv :thumbs up: But I want to ask you about your old (and unfinished, for pity) story "Masque'd Hawk". First question - will you continue it to the logical end? And the second - could you explain, what is the goal of Madame Masque’s doings to poor Kate? Look, we are all adults and adult is distinguished from child by an understanding of the consequences of his actions. OK, Masque caught her victim – and promiced to free her at the end, but first she’ll punish her, rape her, scared her… – why? For what? Just only to show Kate her worthlessness? But OK. Showed. Whom becomes Kate when she’ll be finally free? Some sort of psycho? Another villain? And who said that the villains don’t torture or kill each others? Sweet little girl who want to play in superhero to protect the innocent will show understanding, condescension and mercy to her enemies. Villain won’t. So, torturing the Kate, Madame Masque literally digging her own grave, isn't it? What do you think? Best wishes, Joel

Realistic dolls, huh? With whom you can do anything you want? It’s a great temptation, I agree, but some people would say that no programming can be compared with all variables of the real mind.

It’s all about psychology and all psychology is about authenticity. Very simple, bro

Oh Ben. As I said earlier, you’re so good person… but I’m afraid, reality is worse. Much worse. Let’s see: Yes, your recipe should work – but in ideal circumstances. Soldiers (or another military men) are specially trained to execute orders without thinking. It is normal – all armies of all countries do so. “Soldier, do not ask”, remember? You have your order – than execute it. After the battle you could make a complaint to your commander. Or shoot him in the back. Or kill yourself. But only after the order was executed. Yes, there were soldiers who refused to carry out criminal orders. Their amount was about 2-5% of all. It is exception, Ben – not the rule. For sorry. Yes, of course. It’s classic compensatory syndrom. And another “yes, of course” )) We all deserve for our little nook for fantasies. It’s absolutely normal to dream. Good question. My thoughts? Rape is bad, really bad thing – but there is a thing worse than rape. It’s killing (after rape, I mean). Severe punishment for rape, that provides Western justice will lead only to one consequense: the rapists will kill their victims to avoid identification and jail. That would be really bad, because life after rape is possible – good or bad, but after death there is no life at all. Aha. So at least we reach the core. No punishment for “Drasha-level cruelty” – just re-education of Drasha herself. “Hello dear, I’m sorry to interrupt you from torturing another victim, but do you have a minute to talk about human kindness and mutual understanding?” But what if Drasha doesn’t want to listen? So, what we got in the end? Psychotherapy for both – victim and torturer? Ben, do you really think it would work?

I see, Ben. Your opinion is clear: Drasha is not a bad person - it was a bad law system. But in any case, bad laws is not a basis for cruelty. A cruel person will remain cruel under any law, good or bad. Imagine SS or NKVD officers who tortured and killed people. Were they bad people or did they just honestly execute bad orders? It seems to me that the system itself, which demands cruelty from people, is vicious and only cruel people can work there. A good person cannot calmly torture other people just because he or she was told so. Now consider another case - as in “Bergman Affair”. The villain as a private person who kidnapped and torments the victim for his own pleasure. What do you think such person deserves? And what punishment for him his former victim may ask for? If you can, think of it as if it’s you were that victim and know well what your captor can do with body and mind of somebody’s unsuspecting son or daughter. Thanks

Hmm, IMHO it's different things there. First – Drasha is a colorful character, and second – she is very inventive. Oh, we know good that it’s YOU very inventive, but you’re a good person and Drasha – very bad fiction character )) p.s. Ben, what do you think people should do with such people as Drasha after she being caught? I mean - remember the Poul Anderson’s words “ My highest goal is that the punishment and crime becomes equal”. What is your opinion?

Hello Ben. Some time ago I have found your fics and since then (as time permits) I read them with great interest. I started, of course, with updated Tomb Raider )) As for your fics as they are, I really like the depth of working out the material and detailing - they are just one big plus. The concept of unescapable bondage is also very interesting; I've already met such things before, but yours were done at a high level - and that's wery good. The endings are realistic and the scheme of their performance reminds those of Mickey Spillane. As I understand it (although I have not read much yet), the basic idea is that liberation is possible only with someone's help. I agree with this (although there are also nuances to think about). Also, I'm very close to your position from the quote above - it's almost the same as I think (although there may be a nuance number 2 )) ). In any case, I really like your fics, although I'm not a fan of the Metroid universe (I’ve learn about the existence of Samus Aran from Wikipedia three weeks ago, LOL). But that doesn’t prevent the reading ;-) With respect and hope for the continuation, Joel