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Half Sisters - Episode 55

Nikki is compelled to take a tour of Hutchinson Ranch and meets several of its denizens while Zach's father makes his intentions more clear...

So, um, this turned out to be the longest episode of HALF SISTERS ever at 34 pages! đŸ€Ż

I'm really excited about what you'll make of this...and also quite tired, LOL.

Something to keep in mind: Since this is all technically a flashback, what’s happening in these next few Nikki-focused episodes is what prompted Xu’s personal visit to Mrs Ferris when he normally would’ve just sent Davis.

That's all. I'll sleep now. Thank you all for your support! 💕

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Comments

As ever, you know how to keep us all on our toes
 even without heels hehehe! Can’t wait for the next instalment!

Sara Dune Tone

Thank you so much, Nina! 💕 Yeah, when I was developing Hutchinson's character, I wanted to explore the lengths some people might go to maintain a certain image, especially in the world of politics. The idea of forcing someone to change their entire identity just to fit a narrative is terrifying, and I wanted that to come through in the story. I did look a lot of political imagery to get that unsettling, artificial feel. There's something about those staged political photos that just feels... off, you know? 😬

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Gemma! I'm really glad you picked up on those nuances in their interactions! Hutchinson's constant reminders about Nikki's new status are absolutely deliberate. I wanted to show how he uses language as a weapon, constantly chipping away at Nikki's sense of self. It's a form of psychological warfare, really.

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Alice! There's definitely some chemistry brewing between them, even if Nikki isn't ready to admit it yet... Zach is pretty adamant that he doesn't like girls. But then, Nikki's not like the other girls -- so maybe she still has a shot. 😉

Emory Ahlberg

Just a quick comment and complement on the clever and subtle messages you are able to convey in your beautiful Images. Just looking at image 32 of Nikki hugging Snowfall. I know Nikki would hate to hear this, but in this moment she captures and projects all the girly elements one would expect, and so often seen typically exhibited by a pretty young girl adoringly hugging her horse.

Gemma

â˜č sorry to hear about that new law on Texas. We, as a society, seem to be going backwards again.

Gemma

Thank you, CK! Writing the confrontation between Hutchinson and Nikki was a balancing act. I wanted to show Hutchinson's cruelty while also highlighting Nikki's defiance / courage in the face of Hutchinson's threats. I think she's starting to realize her own strength, even as her physical strength diminishes. The horse scene wasn't consciously inspired by The Godfather, but now that you mention it, I can totally see the parallel!

Emory Ahlberg

Nikki needs to know when to hold em and when to fold em!

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, mdaily! Yes, Hutchinson is afraid of being "cut off" from Second Dawn's "products." The legal change of Nikki's gender adds yet ANOTHER complication to her situation. I wanted to explore how bureaucracy and paperwork can be weaponized against someone, especially in a system that's already stacked against trans and non-binary individuals. What's sad is that yesterday Texas passed the very law that Hutchinson was threatening. I didn't realize it was this close to happening so the episode feels a little prophetic now! (even though the story technically takes place in 2020)

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, non anon! I've been itching to really let loose with Hutchinson's character, and this felt like the perfect moment. I wanted to show just how unhinged he can get when things don't go his way. It's been a fun exploring the depths of his obsession and control issues. Less fun for Nikki, though!

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Singular! Already in the planning stages for Episode 56.

Emory Ahlberg

I love how deeply you're thinking about the psychological aspects, Elrod! Nikki's instinct is to always "hit back" when it comes to threats - and despite her physical changes, she still hasn't really realized her vulnerability. Zach's relationship with his father is complex. He's terrified of him, and because of that he's also desperate for his approval. What will happen if / when Zach witnesses some of his father's cruelty towards Nikki? But you're right - Nikki's going to have to become smarter, more strategic, and yes, even a bit manipulative if she wants to survive/thrive Hutchinson. Maybe she should start thinking about it like a football game!

Emory Ahlberg

Something tells me things are about to get significantly worse for nikki :( you can only poke the bear so much before the maul you. the political aspirations actually make this man pretty deviant. the idea that he’d go to such extreme lengths to avoid his son being perceived as gay in texas is kinda nuts but something i wouldn’t be shocked if something like that came out. like a senator forcing a gay man their son likes to become a woman so that it fits the image then covering it up doesn’t seem to far fetched when it comes to southern politics. we kinda do crazy shit down here. the art on those panels actually gave me the creeps tho which deffo seemed intentional. kinda crazy you can emulate that feeling. my guess is you were looking at trump ads with the weird still images lmao. overall, super impressed with nikki’s storyline and how a side character has become such a unique concept. super looking forward to more chapters and great work emory!!!!

Nina

Love the dynamics in the conversations between Nikki and Hutchinson. It is interesting to note the not so subtle, taunting and provocative ways in which Hutchinson throughout all his interactions casually referring and taking every opportunity to refer to, remind and drive home to Nikki her female status and how she is now a girl now legally and physically. Also interesting to see Nikki’s resistance and witness her desperate grasp to deny this and hold onto some ongoing semblance of her masculine identity.

Gemma

Tim, if Xu succumbs to his wounds, then all bets are off and everything except Alyson’s more humane (less inhumane?) alternative will disintegrate into chaos, savage infighting or sheer destruction. Line up the popcorn, but from a safe distance!

Robertlouis

Thanks, Wojtek! Hutchinson is definitely a piece of work. I've had a lot of fun writing him as this larger-than-life villain who thinks he's the hero of his own story. And he doesn't understand that some things can't be bought. He thinks everyone (and everything) has a price, which is part of why he's so dangerous. I'm really happy you like the facial expressions! I put a lot of effort into trying to convey emotion through the artwork - I think it's key! 😊

Emory Ahlberg

Very true! Although Nikki isn't the best at forging relationships. Something she needs to learn from Jill!

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Robert! I think you nailed something crucial about Hutchinson's character that I was hoping would come across. His inability to see beyond his own desires is both his greatest strength (for his aims) and his fatal flaw. He's so convinced of his own righteousness and power that he can't fathom anyone truly resisting him. This blindspot may get him into trouble! I love that you picked up on the Snowfall connection! Horses have always fascinated me as symbols of both freedom and domestication, and I wanted to play with that duality in Nikki's story. 😊

Emory Ahlberg

This is always an interesting dilemma... Conceivably, you could have a trans woman actress who simply transitioned during the course of the show / movies.... Like Dylan but for real 😉

Emory Ahlberg

Oh wow, interesting casting choices! Jet Li as Mr. Xu. I've always imagined Xu as having this quiet intensity, and Jet Li would be perfect for that. He could convey so much menace with just a look. For Jill, Margot Robbie is interesting! I feel like she could capture Jill's complexity - that mix of toughness and sensitivity. Plus, she's got great comedic timing, which would be perfect for some of Jill's more sardonic moments.

Emory Ahlberg

I just really hope Nikki and Zach get together. Her father will probably be mortified but it would be nice to see Nikki stand up to her father about her feelings for Zach

Alice

Can't wait to read that part, muse Emory. As you know, while always loving the "darker" aspects of your TG stories and captions, I've also been and am quite content with justice being done, even if it causes the heavens themselves to fall, which explains the Crowes going full "Boys from Brazil" with the cloning AND the C.R.I.S.P.R gene editing as back-up plan, despite their staunch Catholicism. Also perhaps, the families of the "attritions"...if any...might be sorely tempted to ''stay the hand of vengeance" as it were. It appears that Dr. Danica Crowe©ℹ (blonde Morena Baccarin) will have a lot of work cleaning up the messes of Hutchinson and Davis...and Mrs. Davis. 18 is 18 too many "attritions" 19 if you count Sophia. I actually cried when I saw and read the PowerPoint panel in which Gina explained to Jill and wanted to hit Davis...HARD...when he threatened Gina's...was it brother or cousin? Mrs. Ferris, your Xuniverse character did throw Danica out...rather had Mortimer throw her out...when she suggested an "enhanced" copy of Sophia...smarter and more beautiful and mocking Eileen Ferris to her face...in her own house, no less...for "letting go" so easily when she could've "reconditioned" Sandy fully into Sophia. Let's just say one of the good doctor's cheek was quite red and swollen for 24-36 hours. Does this sound like something Eileen Ferris would do? Just asking for a "friend"

Female-Bosmer-Always

Another great episode, Emory! Hutchinson pulls out all the heavy artillery to cow Nikki into submission, first with the sticks: ID, toy Janice, date with Zach, then with the carrots: mansion with all the extras, future Dallas Cowboys property, the horse; to, subsequently pull out the baseball bat: the date with Zach and what is expected of Nikki on that date; the sword: the forced move to the mansion and; the shotgun: the threat of castration. And Nikki, she takes a little step back...to lash out even harder! - I love Nikki! I don't think Hutchinson measured Nikki correctly...and I don't think Nikki is fully aware of what she's getting herself into... Also, we know this is a flashback, regarding Sandy, 2 weeks I seem to remember. So Sandy will have time to plan her strategy to help Nikki.... scares me! hehehehe Jokes aside, the dialogue between the two characters was very good: confrontation, surprise, irony, humor, drama, thriller, horror, it had almost everything! And it allowed us to learn more about these characters, their motivations, their drives, and their misery - great job, Emory. Finally, I don't think it has anything to do with this, but the appearance of the horse reminded me of a classic: The Godfather, with a similar message, in a way, at the same time, more or less subtle. I don't know if that was your intention, but I liked it a lot.

ckarya

Thank you, Bos! I'm so glad you're feeling the intensity! I love writing Hutchinson because he's such bastard. He believes he's doing what's best for his ambitions. I don't think he cares if Zach loves or appreciates him - in his mind, he's securing Zach's future and the family legacy. It's all about power and control for him. Robert Patrick would be an amazing choice to play Hutchinson. He's got that perfect mix of charm and menace. As for the "strike" against Hutchinson... I'm sure your imagination can tell you! 💀 Without giving too much away, it involves some of his past "toys" from Second Dawn and a very messy situation that almost exposed everything.

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks, Jay. I get where you're coming from! I love exploring those darker elements too. Hutchinson's success, even if partial, opens up a whole can of worms. The physical changes for Nikki are bad enough, but the psychological warfare that comes with it provides so much drama. And we've had some fun and light with Sandy's story, haven't we? Nikki story (at the moment) is definitely more fraught!

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Richard! Fantastic comment! 💖 I think it's clear that Hutchinson definitely has some twisted ideas about traditional gender roles and family dynamics. Can Nikki navigate those expectations while still holding onto her sense of self? She certainly seems ready to go down fighting. God, the idea of bringing Nikki's mom into the house is chilling but totally in character for Hutchinson. He's all about control, and having Mary there would give him another lever to pull. It could create some really tense and emotionally charged scenes between Nikki, her mom, and Hutchinson. Although mom might very well just end up using her shotgun on him! LOL. Hutchinson may seem to be lacking muscle compared to someone like Mortimer, but we just haven't seen them yet. Zach mentioned that his dad has bodyguards who have beaten him (disguised as "training") when he fights back. Even so, Zach's size will definitely come into play if things escalate further... which seems to be happening!

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks so much, Gemma! You're right about Nikki's voice - I wanted to show how her new identity is seeping into her subconscious, even as she actively resists it. The ambiguity around Zach's sexuality is a funny thing. Zach has said several times that he's gay. His father apparently doesn't believe him or doesn't care. But that doesn't change the question: Is Zach attracted to Nikki because she used to be Nick? Or is his attraction gone because of her new feminine body? The political aspirations Hutchinson shows just how far-reaching his plans are and how little he cares about individual autonomy in the face of his grand schemes. As for Snowfall - you're right. It's both a metaphor for Nikki's situation and a very real threat. The chicken đŸ„ in the background wasn't intentional symbolism, but I love your interpretation! Sometimes the subconscious sneaks these things in! Haha.

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Sara! 💖 Nikki will hopefully find strength in vulnerability. She's dealing with some serious trauma and identity issues which nobody has given her the space to process. Once the dust is allowed to settle... who knows who she might be mad about? Hehe. Hutchinson is definitely a dangerous dude, but he's also calculated. Permanent physical harm to Nikki would mess up his long-term plans. Then again, he also seems a little unhinged at the moment - more than usual!

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks, Jade! Yeah, Hutchinson's approach is deeply flawed (to say the least). Despite his wealth and power, he's ultimately a rather simple man. He understands brute force and intimidation, which have served him well in the business world. But when it comes to something as complex and nuanced as identity, he's completely out of his depth. He sees himself as the mastermind in some grand narrative, but he's really just a scared, insecure man trying to control everything around him. Hopefully (maybe) this contrast highlights a key theme in Nikki's story: the difference between forced external change and genuine internal transformation.

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Maggie! I'm sure Nikki and Zach would both appreciate your fantasy... and I'm sure they have similar thoughts all the time! (Except for maybe the kissing part, hehe) And, yeah, I'm sure Snowfall would love to kick Hutchinson right in the head. Actually... in BOTH heads.

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Tim! I think Nikki looks so fetching in her stylish business suit and I certainly think she could guide the team to the Super Bowl - if the players weren't too distracted by her looks. 😉 And I'm already working on the next episode!

Emory Ahlberg

Oh geez.

Thomas Tolliver

But if Xu is mortally wounded?...

Tim

College/University Hockey might help you out then Wojtek. There are more matches, earlier start times, and the boys/young men playing are better at actually playing in my opinion. Matches can sometimes be found as early as 1800 EST (GMT -5) still thats a 7 hour time difference if you are GMT +1 so it would make it a long night or an early morning for you to watch live if you can find coverage. Best of luck to you friend!

SingularCurve

Very true, Robert! And don't forget that Nikki is obviously somebody Jill cares about - enough that she... A) ...traded handlers with Nikki for a few months, so that Nikki went with Holly and Jill had to endure Davis. B) ...made the infamous sacrifice on the beach. So, if Nikki is in trouble, and Xu wishes to keep Jill happy -- or, at least, cooperative -- this might also be a reason for his intervention. 😊

Emory Ahlberg

Although Xu doesn’t often intervene when it comes to toys as opposed to companions, if Hutchinson’s misdeeds and antics become known to him, and the possible risk of knock-on damage to Second Dawn’s business interests, Xu might feel the need to take decisive action against Hutchinson himself.

Robertlouis

Mr Hutchinson is revealed as an admirer and user of Xu's "product". We know that Xu can be harsh with men who have mistreated his "pets". Hutchinson has "strikes" on his record. The megalomania is beyond compare, and yet he still seems to fear Xu. Is it just fear of losing access to the product? I don't think so....also, Nikki is now legally female, regardless what happens with her dad. Hutchinson replaces him as an even greater and more capable creep...I would really favor a living arrangement with her mom and full access to her girlfriends. Nikki has cooperated as much as she has because she was trying to protect someone else. The best bait is to give her some one new to protect, imho

mdaily

âŁïž

Maggie Heels

Another great episode! Hutchinson was going full psycho! Can't wait to see where this goes next!

non anon

I think that Nikki's resistance, although wildly outside the norm, is in-line with her character. We saw her standoff at the beach back on the island. Also because of that Nikki literally had to stand in the operating room when they gelded Jill. She knows that Xu would do it but I don't think she realizes how close she is to being sent back to the island.

non anon

You probably right but i can hardly watch NHL, i'm from Europe timezone, The Winter Olympics or European hockey remain, where it is more national than team. Sweden versus Czech Republlic team, both have traditions

Wojtek

Not to start a fight, but Im still pissed that the owner of the Northstars took them away from Minneapolis MN and put them in Dallas of all places.

SingularCurve

I can only say... WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!! That was amazing.

SingularCurve

Nikki is just now seeing how truly rich and powerful people deal with other problems, even if the problems are people. Nikki needs to stop and think - what has she possibly got to bargain with, if anything? Hutchinson's threat is serious - but somehow, I doubt Nikki is the one who's going to feel the fallout - Nikki needs a full-on demonstration of just how little control she has over her life now. What's the demonstration? Evidently, Nikki needs an immediate demonstration, or one that's very, very near-term. Others suffer to teach Nikki a lesson? So - does papa go to prison just to show Nikki that she's powerless? Someone else that Nikki knows get a visit to Second Dawn? Looks like Janice has been 'gelded', so that's not an immediately-available demonstration. Of course, the sadist might allow the threat to hang - "You'll see how little power you have, soon enough." - which could slowly erode and undermine Nikki's confidence. To a sadist, watching someone's self-doubt inflict their own punishment would be delicious. I would think a sadist like Hutchinson would love to see Nikki's resistance crumble without laying a finger on her. Nikki's stubbornness is a bit TOO strong, given the power that's been demonstrated to her. It borders on unrealistically defiant. Yes, Nikki had a lot taken, but given what she's seen and heard from the sadist, how can she muster up a little more defiance? The man is a psychopath - and he's got a knife. He's hinted at how pathologically sadistic he is. Was Nikki listening? And at what point would Zack turn on his father? Seeing Nikki gelded just because of her strong personality? That would have the possibility of forcing Zack to do something rash - in a perhaps-futile attempt to get through (somehow) to his asshat-dad. Now, it's been strongly hinted that one of the other girls will be helping Nikki. That might be a more difficult endeavor if Nikki is stranded on the ranch. How do we resolve those two conflicting hints? And HOW could she not realize that to have any chance, she has to play along? After what happened on the island, hasn't it gotten through Nikki's thick skull that she alone cannot win against these people? If Nikki gets gelded, would that break her spirit - irrevocably? Something will, at which point her story becomes boring as sin. So - Emory has something up her sleeve - again.

Elrod W

Hutchinson is an a$$hole wih money, but as*hole, Emory beautifull story , but hold your nomen omen horses, sorry Snowfall. You're beautiful "carrot" for Nikki, but what if Nikki use you to escape from Huttchinson ranch. Nikki's position went up so quickly ( in Hutchinson's dreams ) from that of cheeerleader to team owner! I'm not really interested in American Football sorry, let's compromise instead of the NHL and the Dallas Cowboys as a wedding gift why not ask for the Dallas Stars of the NHL, it's probably no problem for Hutchinson , I'm more interested in hockey! Nikki wants so badly to believe in her father, sadly it's probably time for a wake-up call! Nikki's facial expressions as always masterfully done, Emory đŸ„°đŸ’–!

Wojtek

I forgot to add: Nikki might feel that she’s all alone in that mansion of horrors, but she already has Zach, and in terms of fellow feelings she also has Janice, if she can forge a relationship with her, and Snowfall too. Watch out, Hutchinson, your time is coming!

Robertlouis

Another enthralling chapter, Emory, and all the more gripping for being entirely linear. The stark, dried out colours and shadows add their own drama, and the fact that most of the renders are one or two handers, with the exception of the very unsettling scenes with Janice, simply add to the tension. Very skilfully done. Hutchinson’s physical ugliness points to the darkness in both his heart and his soul. He is truly revolting and wholly irredeemable. However, in that lies his core weakness. He sees only what he wants to see. He’s reduced Nikki, Janice, and also Snowfall to what he believes is a level of docility that he can control. It’s there in everything he says to Nikki no matter how much she contradicts him. But in the end it will be his undoing. I can see Snowfall playing a poetically appropriate part in his demise.

Robertlouis

Why not trans actors in the trans roles, Bos? Not criticising, just curious. Jamie Clayton as Elaine, for example.

Robertlouis

Here is my idea of a cast for a Second Dawn movie. I will start off with your "canon" Xuniverse characters, my muse Emory. And then I'll start with my own additions which you have graciously allowed me to insert into your Xuniverse. Jet Li-as Mr. Zhang Yong Xu Doug Hutchinson-as Mr. Davis. Mila Kunis/Melissa Moore-as Holly Monroe Robert Patrick-as Hutchinson senior. Kellan Lutz-as Zach Hutchinson Jenna Ortega-as Nikki Kate Upton/Amber Heard/Margot Robbie-as Jill Grace Van Dien-as Gina Abbie Cornish-as Dr. Elizabeth Hatcher Julia Roberts-as Mrs. Eileen Ferris Katie McGrath-as Mary Palmer Brad Pitt-as Mr. Palmer Kelvin Harrison Jr./Savanah Maisah Johnson=Ana Foxxx-as Dr. Mason

Female-Bosmer-Always

My apologies for the late reply, my muse Emory. Right now, you have my adrenaline and dopamine running at 111%. First off, I never thought I'd have anyone I hate and despise more than Davis, but Hutchinson is utterly deluded and seems borderline insane...and as vicious as a second Kaschak. Does he really think his son will love and appreciate him for this??? Speaking of Hutchinson, he does remind me of an aging Terminator T-1000 with his bald head and goatee. He is also ruthless, relentless and remorseless. Four years ago, you mentioned a Jack and Jill movie poster and I made quick, but rather witless reply for which I apologize deeply. But I'd love to have Robert Patrick play Hutchinson. https://www.patreon.com/posts/jack-jill-fake-38658184 Also, what "strike" do you have against you, Hutch, you monstrous piece of human garbage? Hutch, what have you done????

Female-Bosmer-Always

As bad as it is I hope hutchinson is successful at some level, would be satisfying to showcase some of the darker elements of the situation

Jay

Wow. This is a pretty big turning point, huh? Quite a few thoughts on this. Introduction of Janice was interesting, the motives were made clear, and Nikki gets the drop of a lifetime having to move in with the guy who gelds people and collects "toys". Though, to be fair, as delusional as his motives are he was definitely on to something about Nikki making a beautiful bride, however hard it is to see her doing the cooking, cleaning and child minding like the traditional wife he has in mind. Nikki isn't going to respond to threats against herself, and now against her father too with the info that's been revealed, but she will respond to those against her mother, and Hutchinson will figure that out eventually. However it unfolds, I could see Hutchinson bringing in Nikki's mother to the house as well, because, I mean, wouldn't that just make sense? Nikki can see her mother, her mother can help her become the girl they want her to be, Mr. Hutchinson will have an on-site hostage and constant oversight over Nikki's "progress", and they can all go out for some sort of mother-daughter and father-son double dates. One more thing I'll say is that I haven't seen Mr. Hutchinson with a Mortimer of his own. He might think he's a big man with the gelding knife, but Zach has already grown to be quite the big guy himself and new additions to the house leaves him outnumbered. As unexpected as this was, maybe it presents a real opportunity for Nikki and Zach to get the drop on him and break free from all this.

Richard Head

What a chapter Emory! Where does one start? Please excuse the following detailed feedback but this was such a major creative effort and brilliant chapter that I felt it deserved extensive comment and feedback. I know I will be pouring over it again and again. To stat, the images, wow! How pretty and sexy Nikki (or should I say Nicole) looks without even trying. All the images of her in tight jeans and even tighter t-shirt look amazing. I love the hint of an outline of her nipples that highlight the visual reality of her feminine form. I also love here, Nikki’s ongoing resistance and her denial of her current feminine that was revealed in her dismissing and describing her beautiful pert breasts as ‘MAN BOOBS’ despite the reality of how they physically define her now as a beautiful woman. I also loved how her automatically female sounding voice that only shifted into the masculine registrar when Hutchinson made comment and drew her attention to it to embarrass her. It was interesting to note, at different stages in the chapter, Nikki slipped unconsciously back into the higher registrar female speaking voice at seemingly at the times she appeared to be more stressed and anxious. In relation to Hutchinson this chapter reveals so much about what makes this man tick and his twisted character. I love some of the unexpected revelations in this chapter. How he reveals his wide spread power over Nikki’s destiny as he alerts her to the full extent around how she is now legally locked into being defined as female, and how this creates yet another major obstacle to Nikki hopes and aspirations of ever being able to reclaim her male status and identity. I found Janice to be quite a surprise revelation in relation to revealing more about Hutchinson’s own sexual appetite and leanings. Prior to this I had assumed he was very strait laced in his heterosexuality. His taste for what he calls his ‘toys’ (his former male competitors forcibly feminised), both exhibit his desire to humiliate those who challenge him but also his own sexual penchant and inclinations. Whilst he did not want Zach to be perceived as gay it now seems clearer as to why he was so comfortable with his son being with Nikki in her new female form. I also like the further ambivalence and confusion you have created for us, your readers, around Zach’s sexuality. Is he gay, or is he, as Hutchinson suggests was, he just gay for Nick / Nikki, in whatever form that may be – “
he never expressed interest in anyone but you
.”. The ultimate reveal is the extent of Mr Hutchinson’s long-term plans for Zach and Nikki. His ‘Kennedy family’ type political ambitions and hopes for his son to become Governor/President. Locking Nikki permanently into being female to provide the appropriate ‘college sweetheart’ back story to make this happen. The fear and reality of the possibility of this hitting Nikki momentarily revealed in her voice once again briefly lapsing back into female range. I just loved the projected future images of Nikki as Zach’s wife, in particular the pretty white dress with the lavender filled garden backdrop behind her. The one positive revelation, hopefully Nikki takes on, is Hutchinson hopefully waking her up to the reality of who her Dad really is, how ultimately the top priority in his life is and always has been himself. The gelded stallion was a surprise and potent addition to the storyline of this chapter. It revealed Hutchinson’s warped outlooks on life as well as a not so veiled threat of what may (or does) lie ahead for Nikki. Moving Nikki into the Hutchinson ranch further robs her of the safety net and illusion that she will be able to have space and be able to conspire and find a way to escape Hutchinson’s clutches. The threat of what will happen if she doesn’t agree to his terms could not be more graphic, gelding knife in his hand next to what remains of her ‘family jewels’ bringing this home this threat to a very frightened Nikki around of what will happen if she does not ‘fall into line.’ Maybe I am overthinking things here, but I wonder if the chicken in the background of image 36 is a subliminal message highlighting Nikki’s transformation from being a rooster to now slowly becoming a hen? Then flip of Nikki (under this threat) back into her female voice brings an exciting conclusion to this mammoth, extraordinary and brilliant penultimate chapter and again its conclusion on yet another cliffhanger. Thank you so much Emory.

Gemma

P.S. about that karambit for gelding... I would love to see what will do with it Aldo Raine on the face of that dickhead guy... 😁

Maggie Heels

OK... I finished reading... and ohhh myyy... what was THAT!!!!!!!! When Old creep had his visions on pages 25-27 I was imagining what Nikki could have in mind during page 20... Nikki and Zach both looking at the house from safe distance... one of them holding a lighter... Nikki: "Do you wanna?" Zach: "Nah you can do it... I know how hard you want it :)" Nikki: "OKAY THEN... let's burn this place to the ground..." < lighter click > Nikki's dropping the lighter onto wet gasoline trail... Nikki cuddles into Zach's arms... Nikki: let's watch for a bit yeee... you too Mr penishead! (looking at Zach's dad tied to the chair and gagged) Zach: haha nobody called my dad a penishead yet... Nikki: You like it? Zach: I love it And they kissed... ah almost forgot... damn those cliffhangers... Emory đŸ’‹âŁïž

Maggie Heels

Yeah... knowing that there will be punishment for that... that was kinda brave?... but let's say that Janice is in much deeper shit rn than Nikki... parading naked around the house... like a pet...

Maggie Heels

It’s one thing to have suspicions and another thing to see them exposed by someone you hate, tearing apart layers of rationalization and self deception in an instant.

Jade Diaz

Ohhh poor Nikki I’m so scared for her.. I hope the old Hutchinson doesn’t do anything permanent to her body, but I’ve been dreaming of her embracing her inner sissy and go boy mad so maybe he can do some gentle mind breaking heheh 😈

Sara Dune Tone

About your gamification idea though... I think sooner or later Nikki would realize that better outcome would be to let Janice win... so, she could leave that sick bastard... I know that Nikki still speaks aloud about her father that he loves and blah, blah, blah but deep down in heart I think she already realized that this is sadly far from truth...

Maggie Heels

I don’t read Janice as especially docile. She’s defiant enough to tell/warn Nikki what she thinks right in front of Hutchinson.

Jade Diaz

He's afraid about his "another strike" that could revoke all his privileges at Xu's "shop"... He is totally detached from reality.... he dreams of having a son president as if it were at his fingertips... he may be rich and have many contacts (document manipulation, etc.), but he doesn't realize that there are other people in this world just as power hungry as he is... and just as powerful... What he did to Janice is sad... shows how docile Nikki could be now if not for Jill's intervention...

Maggie Heels

Hutchinson has really gone about this all wrong. The right way to motivate Nikki is through gamification. Should’ve set up a contest between Janice and Nikki to see which one can actualize faster with the reward being Nikki’s dad’s permanent freedom or releasing Janice. No, instead, he threatens her with a knife and monologues his delusions of grandeur like some kind of shady af low rent Bond villain, and on top of all of that, insults Nikki’s haircut. Rude.

Jade Diaz

Just woke up... will read this on my way to work

Maggie Heels

Jerry Jones should look so good in pinstripe suits. Maybe now the Cowboys (Cowgirls?) will get back to the Super Bowl. Wonderful episode, Emory. I'm glad this episode finally happened. This definitely marks a real turning point in Nikki's story and opens up so many possible outcomes -- good and bad -- that may lie ahead.

Tim


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