The Power, Part 4

The fictional account contains adult language and themes. If such language
and themes offend you, please do not read further.  The persons and events
described in this work are purely fictional.  Any similarity to actual
persons or events is strictly coincidental.  Copyright 2004 by SSTORYMAN.
All rights reserved.  Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this story in
any form and for any purpose as long as this notice is reproduced and no
financial remuneration is received, directly or indirectly, by the person
reproducing it.

THE POWER

4.	The Power at Work.

   Gregory had been coerced by Donna, Becky's roommate, into
hypnotizing the lovely brunette a second time in order to let her remember
their prior hypnosis session at the student center the day before.
Gregory's hands trembled as he began the process of putting Becky under.

   With her roommate watching carefully, Gregory told Becky to stare
straight ahead and to concentrate on the sound of his voice.  His ability to
hypnotize people was indeed powerful.  In less than a minute Becky was
breathing deeply, rhythmically, obviously already in a deep trance.

   "Becky, can you hear me?"

   "Yes, Gregory.  I hear you."  Her voice was flat, completely
unemotional.

   "Do you remember meeting with me at my office at the student center
yesterday?"

   "I remember," she droned.  "I came to talk to you about a stop
smoking program.  I told you I wanted to stop smoking."

   He gulped.  "That's right," he nodded, taking a deep breath.
"And do you remember being hypnotized during our meeting?"

   "I remember."

   "Do you remember what we talked about while you were hypnotized?"

   Becky stared straight ahead.  She hesitated.  "I don't remember."

   "Okay, Becky," he went on.  "I want you to remember.  Your
conscious mind will now recall the details of everything that happened while
you were hypnotized."  He glanced at Donna who nodded, instructing him to
continue.  "I want you to remember every word that was said, Becky, by
either one of us," he went on.  "Can you do that?"

   She nodded her head.  "I can do that," she repeated.

   "Very good," he sighed.  "Now when I count back from ten you'll
wake up.  This time you'll remember everything that we said today and
everything that happened while you were hypnotized yesterday, too.  Do you
understand?"

   "I understand," she agreed.  "I will remember everything."

   "Wait," Donna interrupted.  "Before you bring Becky back, release
her from any post-hypnotic commands or suggestions that you gave her
yesterday."

   Gregory turned to the blond girl.  "Why?  Don't you trust your
roommate to tell you the truth?"

   "Sure I do," Donna replied glibly.  "But I want her completely
free of any commands you gave her."  She glared at him as he hesitated.
"Just do it!"

   Now the jig was up.  He hoped that by simply restoring Becky's
memory he wouldn't have to take the second step and undo the commands he'd
given.  Doing so would make it even more likely that the two girls would
crucify him.  But he had no reason to refuse Donna's request.

   "Okay," he groaned.  "Becky, one more thing.  Do you remember the
commands I gave you yesterday while you were hypnotized?"

   "Yes," came her reply.

   "I now release you from obeying any of my suggestions or commands,"
he said simply.  "You do not have to do anything that I told you to do."

   Donna snorted.  "Good.  Gregory, you'll be so screwed when Becky
remembers and realizes what you did to her!"

   Becky was oblivious to Donna's disgust.  "I understand," she
murmured.  "I am free to disregard your commands."

   "That's right," Gregory sighed.  "You are free to do whatever you
feel is right."

   "Also tell her she can quit smoking if she wants," Donna
interrupted.  When he hesitated she insisted.  "Just say it!"

   "Okay.  Now, Becky.  You are also free to quit smoking when you
awaken if you want to.  Do you understand?"

   "I understand.  I am free of your commands."

   He looked at Donna and groaned.  "Satisfied?"  She nodded.  "Okay,
Becky, I'll count backward from ten.  By the time I reach one you'll be
released from the hypnotic state."

   He began counting.  As he did his hands were shaking.  But he
continued.  When he got to one Becky blinked her eyes and shook her head.
"Oh, shit," she moaned.  "My head hurts like hell.  God, what did you do
to me this time?"

   Gregory glared at Donna.  "Your roommate talked during our session.
That extra input into your subconscious made it harder on you than it
otherwise had to be."  He watched the lovely brunette rub her head and eyes.
"Are you okay?"

   Becky smiled weakly.  "Yeah, I think so.  God, I feel so weird,
though."  She looked at her cigarettes sitting on the table beside her.  She
blinked her eyes, hesitating for a moment.  Then she spoke.  "God, I need to
smoke," she muttered in a determined tone of voice.  "I'm having a
fuckin' nicotine fit right now."  She looked at Gregory and Donna.
"What's wrong?  Don't you guys want to join me?"

   "Yeah, sure," Gregory sighed, glad for a moment of calm before the
coming storm.  In truth he _did_ need a cigarette.  With trembling hands he
took his Salems and lighter from his pocket.  He politely held the lighter
for Becky while she fired up a Marlboro.  Then he lit his own cigarette.  The
infusion of nicotine felt damn good.  It obviously felt good to Becky, too.
Donna, meanwhile, didn't partake.  She looked like a vulture poised for the
kill.

   Finally Donna relented and reached for a cigarette.  She lit up one
of her Merit Menthol Ultra Lights.  "Shit!  This just proves that we're
wretchedly addicted to these damn things," she muttered.  "All of us."
She paused to exhale twin streams through her nostrils.  Despite his
trepidation Gregory couldn't help noticing Donna's accomplished smoking
technique.  "Okay, Becky," she went on.  "Tell us.  What do you remember?
What happened yesterday?"

   The brunette furrowed her brow.  She put her cigarette to her mouth
and took a long drag lasting over five seconds.  She sucked like her life
depended on consuming as much smoke as possible.  She pulled the large amount
of smoke deep inside her body.  A small smile began to appear on her pretty
lips.  "Hey, I remember everything," she grinned, still holding the smoke
inside.  "God, this hypnosis thing works, doesn't it?  It's fuckin' cool!"

   Gregory nodded weakly.  "Yes, it does work," he admitted. 

   "God, I remember Gregory's voice talking to me."  Becky spoke
quietly.  Smoke drifted from her mouth and nose while she tried to remember.
"Yes, his voice was calm, so peaceful.  It was nice.  He asked if I liked
the smell of smoke.  He made me sniff my fingers and asked if I could smell
the smoke on them.  I said, yes, I could and yes, I liked the smell.  Then he
asked if I could smell the smoke in the air."

   "There was smoke in the air?"  Donna was incredulous.

   "Oh, yeah," she answered.  "I didn't tell you but to help me
relax Gregory let me have a quick cigarette in his office before putting me
out.  It was awful nice of him," she sighed.

   "And then what happened?"

   Gregory braced himself for the worst.  Soon his misconduct would be
known to everyone.

   Before answering Becky took another long drag from her cigarette.
She continued after inhaling again.  "Gregory asked me if I liked to smoke
and I said I did.  He asked if I wanted to quit and I said I didn't want to.
Not at all."  She paused to exhale.  "He told me smoking's bad for me and
that I _should_ quit.  But I remember saying it didn't matter to me.  I said
I didn't want to quit because I really love to smoke."

   Gregory looked at her in disbelief.  That wasn't what happened!  But
Becky continued.

   "Gregory asked why I didn't want to quit.  I told him I love to
smoke too much.  He asked why I came to see him then.  I said it was only
because my roommate pressured me.  He said maybe my roommate was right and
that I should quit.  I remember telling him my roommate was full of shit."
She smiled at Donna.  "That's about it.  And you are full of shit!"

   Donna was speechless.  She was so surprised that she didn't notice
the simultaneous disbelief on Gregory's face.  Donna stuttered.  "Gregory
gave no post-hypnotic suggestions?  No commands?  He didn't tell you to do
anything after you woke up?"

   Becky frowned, tapped an ash into the ashtray and took another hit.
"No, I don't think so," she said slowly.  She waited a moment and then
exhaled.  "I do remember him asking me exactly what I like about smoking.  I
told him I like everything about it.  I also remember telling him the main
reason I felt so bad was because I was tired of apologizing for being a
smoker.  He said if that's how I feel I should follow my heart."  She
smiled warmly at her stunned blond roommate.  "Honest to God, that was about
it, Donna."

   Donna was flustered.  "God, Gregory, I'm so sorry.  I guess I owe
you an apology.  I'm sorry I accused you like I did.  I guess I'll keep my
part of the bargain.  I won't say a word to your boss about what you did to
Becky.  But, shit.  I can't believe it!  I was sure I was right."

   "Thanks," Gregory mumbled almost incoherently.  He couldn't figure
out what was going on.  "I appreciate you keeping it quiet."

   "Wait, Gregory," Becky interrupted.  "Now you have to hypnotize
Donna.  Remember?"  She turned to her roommate.  "Don't forget.  You agreed
to let Gregory do to you what he did to me.  I want him to help you find out
how you how you really feel about smoking.  If you quit I only want you to do
it only because it's what you truly want, Donna, not just because everybody
else thinks you should."

   Donna flinched.  "But I don't want -."

   Becky cut her off.  "Doesn't matter.  A deal's a deal.  I told you
Gregory didn't mess with my mind.  He only helped me get in touch with my
true feelings.  Now I want him to help you.  Let's see how you really feel
about smoking."  She smiled.  "You're not chicken, are you?"

   "No," Donna acquiesced hesitantly.  She took a puff on her
cigarette and crushed it in the ashtray.  "I've been hypnotized before.
Shit, I'm not afraid.  Anyhow you can't make someone do something they
don't really want to."

   "That's right," Gregory agreed.  Somehow, some way, he dodged the
fuckin' bullet!  "That's not what hypnosis is all about.  But Becky, it's
fine if Donna would rather do this some other time."  He wanted to get out
quickly before something bad happened.

   "Absolutely not," Becky smiled.  "A deal's a deal.  I confirmed
you were totally above board yesterday.  Now I want Donna to have a chance to
get the same help I did."  She stared at him.  "Please?"

   "Okay," he nodded hesitantly.  "We can hypnotize Donna right now
if you want."

   "Yeah, let's get it over with," Donna agreed.  "I've got a party
to go to later.  It starts at ten.  How long will this take?"

   Gregory looked at his watch.  "Not long," he said.  It was only
nine.  "We'll be done in twenty minutes or less."

   "Then let's do it."

   Gregory had Donna relax in a chair and stare straight ahead.  As he
spoke she grew sleepier and sleepier.  Finally she closed her eyes.  She was
under his power.

   "Is she out?" Becky asked.  Her enthusiasm was unmistakable.

   "Yes, out like a light," Gregory confirmed.  "Now exactly what do
you want me to do?"

   "Wait.  Donna won't remember anything that happens, right?" Becky
queried.

   "Not a thing," he confirmed.  "As long as I tell her she can't
remember she'll have absolutely no recollection of what happens while she's
hypnotized."

   "And she won't remember you and me talking like we are right now?"

   Gregory shook his head.  "Nope.  When I tell her not to remember,
she won't."

   "This is fuckin' great," Becky grinned lasciviously.  She walked
up to Gregory and took his face in her hands.  Turning his head towards hers
she planted a big, wet kiss on his lips.  Surprised, he kissed her back.  The
scent of smoke on her breath was overpowering; strong and very pleasant.  She
grinned.  "That's your reward for putting up with Donna's bullshit.  You
deserve more than a kiss.  Eventually, after we finish with Donna, I want us
to fuck if that's okay with you."

   "Yeah, sure," he gasped, reeling.  "But Becky, what the hell's
going on?  Did you really not remember the things I told you yesterday when
you were hypnotized?  You know, I did give you post-hypnotic suggestions, a
bunch of `em, in fact.  I thought you'd be pissed."

   She grinned.  "Of course I remember," she assured him.  "I
remember every one of them.  But I wasn't about to admit that to Donna.
She'd have gone ape-shit."  Seeing his surprise she explained with a
pleased look.  "Gregory, I'm thankful for what you did to me.  You said when
I woke up I'd tell everybody that I don't want to quit smoking, and that I
won't quit now or ever.  I think those were your exact words.  You also told
me anti-smokers are full of shit and health risks are no reason to quit."
She grinned.  "You even said all non-smokers are stupid.  So what?"

   "So what?" he repeated incredulously.  "So, I thought you'd be
pissed."

   "But why?  As soon as we finished I felt _much_ better due to your
psychological re-orientation.  For months I suffered tons of angst about
smoking.  Most of it was Donna's fault.  But yesterday, for the first time
in a hell of a long time, I felt great again.  I mean, _really_ great,
relaxed and relieved.  I was able to enjoy smoking again just like the old
days when I started smoking in high school.  It was fabulous!  Gregory,
freeing me from that damn anti-smoking mentality was the best thing to happen
to me in a long while.  I owe you, big time."

   "But Donna's right.  I manipulated you.  They weren't your ideas.
They were mine."

   Becky grinned and reached for her Marlboro Lights 100's.  "So what?
Not all manipulation's bad, Gregory, my dear," she said coyly.  She got out
a cigarette and waited for him to light her up.  He did and she took a long
initial drag, sucking the smoke inside with a big smile.  "God, it feels
great to smoke without guilt.  Really great."  She briefly stopped talking
to exhale.  "I'm so much happier, I can't even tell you," she went on.
"And look.  I could never have quit smoking anyway.  No way in hell.  I _do_
love it way too much to quit.  You helped me stop feeling guilty.  Now
finally I can simply enjoy smoking.  And I _am_ enjoying it."  She returned
the cigarette to her mouth and sucked hard.  "Even though you released me
from following your commands, it doesn't matter," she explained, spurting
smoke in the process.  "Because I _want_ to keep following them.  Who cares
if they were originally your ideas or mine?  Not me!  I'm happier smoking
the way you want me to, happier than I've been in a long time.  And now I
want you to force those same commands on Donna.  Let's make her smoke like
crazy, just like she did in the old days."

   "What?"

   "That's right.  Why do you think I sandbagged her?  I wanted her to
think nothing funny was going on.  I had to get her to submit herself to your
power.  I want Donna to give up her anti-smoking shit.  I'd like her to go
back to how she was when we started rooming together.  I want her to be a
real smoker again, not someone who whines and complains about it, someone who
hates her habit.  And you can do that for me, can't you?  For all of us?"

   "Yeah, I suppose I can," he agreed.  He was still trying to absorb
what had happened.  "So you purposely lied to Donna to get me to do to her
what I did to you yesterday?"

   "That's right, Einstein," Becky giggled.  "You don't mind, do
you?  You like to see pretty girls smoke, Gregory.  Isn't that right?"

   Now Gregory was embarrassed.  "Yes, I do," he quietly admitted.

   "But that's great," Becky went on.  "It's the thing I like most
about you.  Unlike most guys you don't just put up with my smoking.  You
_want_ me to smoke and you want me to like it, too.  God, what a relief!  If
it turns you on that's okay.  It works for both of us."  She put her hand
on his crotch.  "Yeah, I can tell you like seeing me smoke.  You like it a
whole lot!"

   Gregory gulped.  "Yes, Becky, I sure do.  It's why I wanted to
hypnotize you in the first place.  I'd never done it before, honest.  But I
was smitten the moment I met you.  You're so hot!  I wanted you to keep
smoking.  And I wanted you to be with me."

   "And now I am," she went on, tapping an ash into the ashtray and
returning the cigarette to its resting place beside her brunette head.
"That's another command I really didn't want to stop following.  I like
you, Gregory.  By the way, you're right about ditching the ultra lights and
smoking 100's, too.  I like `em much better.  I can't believe I never
tried these before.  They're the best."  She took another long pull on her
Marlboro.  "Telling me 100's look more elegant and sexy was a stroke of
genius.  You're right.  They do look good, don't they?"  She breathed her
exhaled smoke directly into his face.  "Do you think I look sexy smoking
these 100's, Gregory?"

   "Yeah," he sighed.  "I think you look totally hot with a long
cigarette in your hand or your mouth.  Donna called me a pervert.  I take it
you don't mind the way I feel about girls smoking?"

   "Not at all.  In fact, like I said, it makes me happy because it
means I know how to really please you.  And smoking these 100's, and smoking
a lot more, pleases me, too."  She took another puff.  "That brings us back
to Donna.  Let's do it, Gregory.  Let's completely re-orient her idiotic
anti-smoking brain cells.  Can I tell you what to make her do?"

   Gregory smiled.  "Or I can command her to receive your orders,
too," he suggested.  "That way we can do it together."

   "Awesome," she sighed.  "But first, Gregory, I want you to light
up a cigarette and smoke with me.  Then let's fuckin' do it."

   Gregory lit one of his Salem 100's and turned his attention to the
silent blond sitting in the chair.  "Donna, can you hear me?"

   "Yes," she said in a monotone voice.  "I hear you."

   "Very good, Donna," he went on.  "Now here's the first thing.
You'll remember nothing of what Becky and I are about to tell you.
Everything we suggest or command you'll do.  But you'll think they're all
your own ideas.  Do you understand?"

   "I understand.  Everything you and Becky tell me to do will be my
own idea."

   "Right.  Now Donna, do you the smell the smoke in the room around
you?"

   She nodded her head.  "Yes, I smell it."

   "It smells good to you, doesn't it?"

   She nodded again.

   "In fact it smells more than good, doesn't it?  It smells
wonderful.  You love the smell of smoke, Donna.  Repeat that back to me,
please.  Tell me you love the smell of cigarette smoke."

   "I love the smell of cigarette smoke," she reiterated.  "It smells
wonderful to me."

   "It sure does," Becky chimed in.  "And you love to smoke, Donna.
Isn't that right?"

   The blond girl hesitated.  Becky sensed her roommate's ambivalence.
"Now Donna," she said forcefully.  "I know you like smoking and you know
it, too.  You love to smoke.  That's the truth.  But we want you to say it
out loud for us.  You love smoking.  Nothing gives you greater pleasure than
lighting up a cigarette and inhaling lots of thick, rich tobacco smoke deep
into your lungs.  That's right, isn't it?  Mm.  It's _so_ good.  Tell me
that you agree.  I know you do."

   "I agree."  This time Donna showed no ambivalence whatsoever.  "It
is so good."

   "But you've thought about quitting smoking," Gregory interjected.
"Isn't that right?"

   "Yes," Donna nodded slowly.  "I have been thinking about quitting.
That's right."

   "Donna, that makes no sense," he objected, with a wink at Becky.
"You love the smell of smoke and you love sucking it deep down into your
lungs.  It gives you so much pleasure and makes you feel so good.  So
quitting smoking would make no sense for you, would it?"

   Again, Donna hesitated.

   "Let me help you see why quitting makes no sense, Donna," Becky
interrupted.  "Nothing bad is going to happen to you if you keep smoking.
That's the truth and that's why quitting would be stupid.  The anti-smoking
propaganda you've worried about is all bullshit.  The people who say bad
things about smoking are trying to rob you of the pleasure you get from
smoking cigarettes.  Don't let them win, Donna.  Nothing bad will happen to
your health from smoking.  So there's nothing to worry about.  Quitting
smoking makes no sense.  Don't you agree?  I know you do."

   Slowly, surely, Donna nodded.  "Quitting smoking makes no sense,"
she said flatly.  "There's nothing to worry about.  The anti-smoking
propaganda is all bullshit.  Nothing bad will happen to me if I keep
smoking."

   "That's right," Becky triumphantly agreed.  She smiled at Gregory.
It was a big smile.  "Donna, deep down inside you really don't want to quit,
do you?  It'd be dumb to quit doing something you love so much, wouldn't
it?  So you don't want to quit.  Say it."

   "I don't want to quit," she repeated.

   Becky took a drag off her cigarette.  With a mischievous smile she
exhaled a thick stream of smoke directly into her roommate's face.  Donna
didn't flinch.  She continued to breathe normally, unintentionally taking in
some of Becky's exhale.  Small bits of smoke escaped back out of Donna's
pretty lips.  "Do you smell that, Donna?  It smells and tastes good.  Yeah,
it sure does!  You like being around smoke.  You love it.  Isn't that
right?"

   Donna nodded obediently.  "Yes, I do."

   "And you like smoking.  So you certainly don't want to give it up,
do you?"

   Donna shook her head vigorously from side to side.  "I like to
smoke.  I don't want to give it up."

   "Now or ever," Gregory interjected.  "You've decided never to
quit smoking.  You'll never quit because you love to smoke too much.
That's right, isn't it, Donna?"

   "I will never quit smoking," Donna repeated with resolution.
"Never.  I love to smoke."

   "That's excellent, Donna," Gregory went on.  "Congratulations.
You've made a wise decision and we're proud of you.  But there's something
else to clear up.  In the past you felt bad about being a smoker.  That's
about to change.  You'll never feel bad or embarrassed about being a smoker
ever again.  You like being a smoker.  You're proud of your unrelenting
addiction to nicotine.  From now on you'll never apologize for your habit.
You love it.  You're a smoker.  That's who you are.  You won't apologize."

   She blinked while continuing to stare straight ahead.  "I love my
habit.  I won't apologize for being a smoker.  Not anymore."

   "That's right.  Also, you like being around other smokers," he
went on after a puff on his cigarette.  "Smokers are your kind of people.
You have no patience with those who criticize smoking.  You don't like being
around them.  You want friends who are smokers like yourself, and like Becky,
people who understand and appreciate your habit, people who love to smoke
like you.  In fact you wish everyone smoked like you do.  As much as possible
you'll always encourage others to smoke, too.  Isn't that right?"

   Donna nodded once more.

   "So from now on you'll try to help people who feel guilty about
smoking.  You'll encourage them not to feel guilty.  You want all your
friends to enjoy smoking just like you, free from guilt.  The guilt they
feel, and the guilt you used to feel, Donna, it was all false guilt.  There
was no reason for it.  Smoking is wonderful.  No one should feel guilty about
smoking cigarettes and enjoying the nicotine they deliver.  Nicotine is good
for you.  You enjoy it so much."

   Donna nodded in acknowledgment, soaking up Gregory's every word.
"Nicotine is good for me," she repeated.  "I enjoy nicotine.  I love it so
much."

   Becky grinned from ear to ear hearing the rapid fire discussion while
she continued to smoke her Marlboro Light 100 vigorously.  "Oh my God,
Gregory.  This is fuckin' great!  Will this really work?"

   "Let's ask her," Gregory smiled back.  "Donna, how do you feel
about smoking now?  Tell us in your own words."

   Donna took a deep breath, enjoying the ambient smoke from Becky's
and Gregory's cigarettes as it swirled in the air around her head.  "I love
to smoke.  I'll never quit," she droned.  "I'm a smoker.  Others say bad
things about smoking to rob me of my pleasure.  I hate that.  Nothing bad
will happen to me because I smoke cigarettes.  I want to smoke and I always
will."  She paused.  "I don't like non-smokers.  I want all my friends to
smoke like me.  Everyone should smoke.  No one should feel guilty about
smoking."

   "Very good, Donna," Gregory said.  "You're a smart girl.  Now
here's the next thing.  You need to make some changes in your smoking habit.
The changes will make you very happy.  Do you want to know what the changes
are?"

   Donna nodded enthusiastically.

   "First, tell me this.  You didn't always smoke Merit Menthol Ultra
Lights, did you?  They're so nasty.  You hate `em.  So what brand did you
smoke before you smoked ultra lights?"

   Donna stared forward.  "When I started I smoked Newport 100's.  For
awhile I switched to Benson & Hedges Menthol 100's.  Then I changed to Merit
Menthols.  Last year I finally switched to Merit Menthol Ultra Lights."

   "And the Benson & Hedges Menthols were the full flavor 100's?  Not
the lights?"

   "Yes," Donna confirmed.  "The strong ones."

   "And were you happy smoking those strong cigarettes?"

   Again she nodded.  "I was very happy smoking them.  They made me
feel good."

   "Then why did you switch to ultra lights?  Can you tell us, Donna?
You didn't like them, did you?"

   "No.  It was a mistake," she said softly.  "I did it because I was
afraid of tar and nicotine.  I will never be afraid like that again.  It was
a mistake," she repeated.  "I love nicotine.  I need it."

   "Right," Gregory smiled with a sly wink at Becky.  "So Donna,
here's the first change.  You don't like smoking ultra lights.  Instead
you'll return to smoking a full flavor 100 millimeter menthol cigarette like
Benson & Hedges Menthol 100's.  You definitely prefer full flavor 100's.
You'll never buy lights or especially ultra lights again.  This is
important.  Do you understand?"

   "I understand," Donna agreed.  "I like full flavor 100's the
best."

   "In addition you'll only buy 100's or 120's.  The cigarettes
you're smoking now are too short, too stubby.  You don't like the short
ones.  They're ugly.  You prefer the look of all-white, 100 millimeter
cigarettes like Benson & Hedges Menthol 100's.  They look so elegant.
They're so classy.  Smoking 100 millimeter cigarettes makes you sexy and
sophisticated.  You do love to look sexy, don't you, Donna?  That's
important, isn't it?"

   "I love to look sexy," she answered eagerly.  "I want to smoke
full flavor 100's again.  I want to look sexy and sophisticated when I
smoke."

   "One other thing," Becky cut in.  "This last year you picked up a
bad habit of not smoking your cigarettes all the way to the filter.  You did
it because you were worried about tar and nicotine in your cigarettes.  So
you crushed `em out early, before you were done.  You'll stop that.
You're not afraid of getting too much tar and nicotine anymore.  The
opposite's true.  You want _more_ nicotine.  It's why you're switching
back to stronger cigarettes.  So from now on you'll smoke all your
cigarettes right down to the filter.  You want as much nicotine as you can
get into that pretty little body, and nothing bad will happen because you
smoke like that.  You love nicotine.  It's good for you."

   Donna kept nodding.  "I want nicotine.  I love nicotine.  It's good
for me.  Nicotine makes me happy.  I love to smoke."

   Gregory looked at Becky and smiled.  "I think we convinced Donna to
return to being an unashamed smoker.  Getting her to smoke her cigarettes all
the way to the end is a nice touch, by the way.  I can't think of anything
we overlooked.  Can you?"

   "No.  Donna's fear seems to be taken care of.  You also got her
back to the full flavor cigarettes she smoked when I met her.  And now
she'll want to be with smokers instead of non-smokers.  Plus you got in a
plug for all-white 100's," she added with a naughty smile.  "You did the
same thing to me.  I assume that's your favorite look?"

   Gregory nodded.  "Of course," he answered.  "I don't mind seeing
a pretty girl smoke long cork filtered cigarettes like Newport 100's.  But
if I have a choice I prefer her smoking all-white B&H Menthol 100's.  Well,
this is our last chance.  Anything else you want to suggest?"

   "Only one thing," Becky said.  She turned to her hypnotized
roommate.  "Donna, when you wake up you'll ask Gregory if you can bum one
of his Salem 100's since they're longer and stronger than your lousy Merits.
Smoking one of Gregory's cigarettes will reinforce everything we discussed.
It'll taste _so_ good.  Do you understand?"

   Donna nodded slowly.  "I want one of Gregory's cigarettes."

   Both Becky and Gregory had finished theirs by now.  He looked at his
accomplice with raised eyebrows.  "I think it's time to bring Donna back.
Are you ready?"

   Becky giggled.  "I sure am.  God, this was fun!  Was I this
entertaining yesterday?"

   Gregory bravely leaned over to give Becky a modest kiss on the lips.
"You didn't fight my suggestions at all," he smiled.  "But I did enjoy
hypnotizing you.  You really wanted to be convinced, Becky, lots more than
Donna.  In your heart you've always been a smoker and you always will be,
too."

   "God, you got that right," she laughed.  She gave him a playful pat
on the ass.  "Let's wake her up.  Then later after Donna leaves we'll fool
around."  She gave him a wanton wink.

   Gregory turned back to Donna.  "You did real well today, Donna.
I'll count backwards from ten.  When I do you'll wake up from the trance.
You'll have no recollection of the things we discussed.  But you'll begin
doing the things we suggested.  All of them are your own ideas, though.  You
will believe that implicitly.  Do you understand?"

   Donna nodded.  "I understand."

   "Okay," he sighed.  "Ten, nine, eight -."

   By the time he reached one Donna was rubbing her eyes and stretching.
"Oh my God," she moaned slowly and deliberately.  "What happened to me?
Shit!  I have such a headache."

   Gregory smiled.  "It's because both Becky and I talked while you
were hypnotized.  Don't worry.  You'll feel better soon.  How are you right
now?"

   Donna smiled sheepishly, still stretching her arms and legs.
"Shit," she repeated.  "I'm okay, I guess.  So tell me.  How did I do?
Any surprises?"

   "You did fine, I think," Gregory smiled.  "We asked you about
smoking.  Frankly, Donna, your answers were a lot like Becky's.  There's no
doubt that deep down inside in your heart of hearts you have absolutely no
interest in quitting smoking.  Does that sound right to you now?"

   She nodded and grinned.  "It's the damnedest thing, but you know
what?  It does sound right.  I feel like something deep inside me has been
released.  Quitting smoking now seems completely ridiculous.  God, I don't
even want to think about it."  She shuddered and stretched again.  "You
know what else?  Right now I'd really like a cigarette!"

   Becky grinned.  "Do you just _want_ one, Donna, or do you _need_
one?  There's a big difference, you know."

   Donna laughed.  Neither hesitation nor insincerity resonated in her
throaty voice.  "Damn, Becky," she said, shaking her head.  "You know me
too well.  Okay, you're right.  Let me say it properly.  I fuckin' _need_ a
cigarette right now!"

   "Then go ahead," Becky answered charitably.  She handed Donna the
pack of Merit Menthol Ultra Lights she left on the table.  "Here you go.
Here's your smokes."

   Donna took the pack and frowned.  "Shit," she muttered.  "I don't
want these.  Hey Gregory, you smoke menthols.  Would you mind if I had one of
yours instead?"

   "No problem," Gregory smiled, handing her his pack of Salem 100's.
"Why?"

   "I don't know," she admitted hesitantly, taking a Salem from his
pack.  Eagerly she put it between her lips and let it dangle.  "Smoking
ultra lights suddenly seems totally gross."  She clicked the lighter Becky
handed her and lit up.  She took a first drag and turned it into a hard
double-pump, sucking the smoke into her lungs.  "Ah, that's good," she
sighed happily.  "God, _so_ good," she repeated, beginning to exhale.  She
took another hit.  "I used to smoke 100's myself in the old days," she
went on, carefully examining the long cigarette burning between her fingers.
"I can't imagine why I switched to shorter ones.  The 100's have a much
more elegant look, don't they?"

   "I certainly think so," Gregory smiled.  "I'm glad you like my
100's."

   "God, I really do," she nodded, finally exhaling and immediately
hitting a third time.  "These are great.  I have to buy myself a carton of
something longer and stronger than the stupid ultra lights."  She turned her
head to release a long stream of smoke.  "God, you know what?  I feel great.
And you know what else?  Damn, I love to smoke," she added, puffing again.

   Becky nodded.  "I can tell, Donna.  You seem more relaxed now, much
happier."

   "God, I am," she confirmed.  "You know what my problem's been?
Feeling guilty about being a smoker.  What a fuckin' waste of time!  You
shouldn't feel guilty for being what you are.  I see that clearly now.  You
are who you are; I'm a smoker and I'm done feeling guilty about being one.
Hell, I love to smoke.  I won't apologize for it anymore."  She took
another long drag.  "The reason I felt guilty was all that bullshit health
stuff."  She stopped to exhale.  "But why worry about that shit?  God!  It
seems so obvious to me now.  For the first time in a long time I feel like I
see clearly again."

   "I'm glad," Gregory smiled warmly.  "And I agree, Donna.  The
biggest problem facing smokers today has nothing to do with supposed health
risks.  Many professional studies show that smoking isn't all bad.  For
example it reduces risks of Alzheimer's Disease, increases mental capacity,
and even diminishes the chance of getting certain types of cancer.  No, the
biggest challenge isn't the health risk.  It's guilt.  Today's media
portrays smoking as evil and smokers as social outcasts.  As a result smokers
feel unnecessary guilt over their desire to keep smoking.  Guilt's a
terrible thing.  It ruins social relationships, diminishes self-esteem, and
causes a myriad of psychological and physical problems.  Freedom from guilt
is a primary goal of today's health care professionals.  Once you're free
from it you're happier, more successful, and healthier, too.  It's
important to get free of that shitty guilt, Donna.  Looks like being
hypnotized helped you see that."

   The blond girl nodded.  "Yeah, it did," she agreed.  "When you
hypnotized me it all came crystal clear.  God, what an idiot I was!  But no
more.  I refuse to feel guilty for being a smoker.  I like to smoke, damn it,
and I won't apologize for it.  I feel good about the choices I've made,
including my original decision to smoke cigarettes, and I'm not going to
quit.  No way!  Frankly, smoking is extremely pleasurable to me.  If other
people don't like it, well, it's _their_ problem.  I won't let it be mine
anymore.  Fuck them!"

   "Bravo," Becky chimed in.  "That's the Donna I used to know!
I'm so glad to have the old Donna back again."  She gave her roommate a
hug.  "So we're done with that quitting shit?"

   Donna nodded her pretty head.  "Not only are we done, Becky, but
Gregory's right.  Smoking isn't bad.  It's a good thing.  We should be
promoting smokers' rights here on campus.  Somebody has to speak up.  We
should even start to recruit.  We ought to go after our non-smoking friends
to get them into fold along with us.  After all, the more smokers there are
the harder it is for the antis to stomp on us.  Right?"  She enjoyed another
powerful hit.

   "Right," Becky agreed.  "I couldn't agree more!"

   Donna exhaled and looked at her watch.  "Oh shit," she exclaimed.
"I'm supposed to be at that party at ten."  She took another drag on her
Salem.  "But first I gotta stop at the supermarket and pick up a carton of
longer and stronger cigarettes.  If I'm smoking, hell, I may as well enjoy
it to the max.  Right?  I think I'll get a carton of Benson & Hedges Menthol
100's.  Remember those, Becky?  I smoked those full flavor cigarettes when
we first roomed together."

   "I do remember," Becky smiled with a knowing look at Gregory.  "As
I recall you were lots happier smoking them."

   "Yeah, I sure was," Donna agreed.  "They were the best."  She
took a last hit on the Salem and crushed it in the ashtray.  "I don't know
what you did to me while I was hypnotized."  An evil glint was in her eye as
she paused to release a cloud of smoke.  "But thanks.  It's a miracle.
God, I feel much better.  It's like all the confusion about smoking that
hassled me for months is now completely gone."

   "Donna, we did nothing," Gregory lied.  "We only put you in touch
with your own core beliefs.  You feel better because you now know what you
want.  The idea of quitting is what upset you.  Once you realized that and
decided to ditch quitting you were finally free to be who you really are with
no guilt - a smoker."

   "I guess so," Donna smiled.  She got her coat from the closet and
headed for the door.  "You guys don't mind if I go, do you?  I'd love to
stay and smoke some more but I promised Brandy I'd come to her party."  She
frowned.  "Know what, Gregory?  Brandy's just like I was till tonight, a
smoker who's been pissing and moaning about quitting.  If you don't mind
I'll recommend she call you about getting hypnotized.  I think she'd feel a
hell of a lot better if she could get rid of those stupid guilt feelings."

   Gregory smiled.  "I'd love to help her.  Have Brandy call me at
home.  Becky has my number.  In the meantime don't worry about us.  Enjoy
your party.  We'll be fine."

   Donna hesitated at the door.  "Gregory, can I ask one more favor
before I go?"

   "Sure, anything.  What is it?"

   There was a guilty grin on her face.  "Can I bum one more cigarette?
I'm stopping at the supermarket to buy some new cigarettes.  But I'd like
to smoke on the way.  I feel like I want to smoke non-stop tonight!"

   Gregory took his pack of Salem 100's and shook one out for her.
"Donna, it's no trouble at all.  I'm delighted to be able to help you out.
Smoke to your heart's content."

   Donna took the cigarette and with no hesitation lit up again at the
door.  "Thanks."  After a double pump she exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"Thanks for everything!"

   When she was gone Becky turned to Gregory.  "Donna, it's no
trouble," she mocked in a sarcastic, syrupy voice.  "I'm just delighted to
help out.  And Donna?  I want you to know it's been a real pleasure pulling
the wool over your eyes and duping you into staying hopelessly addicted to
nicotine the rest of your entire fuckin' life."  She laughed out loud.
"You're such an incredible asshole, Gregory.  But I love it.  You really
_do_ have the power, don't you?"

   "No, I really don't.  Not exactly."

   Becky frowned.  "Well I'd sure _call_ it the power.  What would you
call it?"

   Gregory smiled.  "Becky, the _real_ power that made it work on you
and Donna was the power of nicotine.  My hypnosis had no power by itself.  It
only leveraged off nicotine's power, letting it reign over you and your
bodies up to its full potential.  Nicotine's incredibly potent, Becky.  It
takes control of your will and dominates it.  It never lets go.  Once
nicotine sinks its hooks in you're a smoker for life.  No matter how hard
you try you can never get free of it; at least not completely!  Longing for
more nicotine is always there.  It never goes away.  Every ex-smoker knows
that.  I've counseled men and women who begged me to make nicotine's power
stop, to let them go.  But it's impossible.  Nicotine's unbeatable.  It
controls your life and changes your priorities.  You need it, you _have_ to
have it.  Nothing else satisfies.  And when you finally do get it, when you
light up a cigarette and suck smoke inside, it delivers intoxicating
satisfaction, pure bliss.  There's only one problem.  The satisfaction
doesn't last.  Soon you need it again.  And again and again.  So you smoke
more cigarettes, stronger ones, hoping that'll solve the problem.  But it
doesn't.  It only increases your need because the more nicotine you give
your body the more your body wants.  You must maintain a threshold level of
nicotine in your bloodstream at all times.  The more you smoke the more you
want to, and the more you need to."  He sighed.  "Nicotine's the ultimate
wonder drug.  Its habitual users are sharper, think more clearly and are
happier and more relaxed.  But they can never escape its clutches.  Never."

   Becky frowned.  "You almost sound like you're down on smoking."

   "No, no," he smiled.  "Not at all.  I love it.  And like you I
can't live without it.  I wouldn't want to, either.  But I understand that
you and I are totally dependent on nicotine.  We _need_ our cigarettes,
don't we, Becky?"  She nodded.  "But I figure we may as well be
comfortable with our uncompromising mistress.  She's Lady Nicotine.  She
becomes every smoker's mistress and she demands absolute obedience from her
subjects.  We're better off to learn to cooperate with her and not fight
her."  He shook his head.  "No, Becky, I love to smoke.  I wouldn't trade
my life as a smoker for anything.  But that's because I made peace with Lady
Nicotine.  She and I understand each other.  She gives me what I need and I
give her what she demands - my complete and undying devotion!"

   "Wow," Becky laughed wantonly.  "God, Gregory, I didn't realize I
had a mistress!  Sounds like pretty kinky shit."  She gave him a quick pinch
on the ass.  "But I still like what you did to me.  I like feeling good and
Donna will, too.  We used to feel like shit because we smoked.  That's for
the birds!  I wish every smoker understood like we do now.  I'm glad we
finally made peace with `Lady Nicotine' as you call her.  I'm quite
content being a smoker now."

   "I'm glad you like it.  And it sounds as if Donna has other friends
I might get to help.  Do you know this Brandy person she was talking about?"

   "Oh, yeah, sure do," Becky acknowledged.  "Brandy's real cute; a
tall redhead.  You'd like her.  She and Donna have talked about quitting for
awhile.  Yeah, I know you'd get off doing Brandy, just like you did doing
Donna."  She paused.  "You loved seeing Donna smoke tonight, didn't you,
Gregory?  You really got off on it?"

   "Yeah," he admitted.  "I love seeing pretty girls smoke.  But I
really love seeing them totally surrender to the power, to the power of
nicotine.  It's a huge turn on for me."

   She pouted.  "Did you like watching Donna more than you like seeing
me smoke?"

   "Becky, no one's more attractive than you.  That's why I risked
hypnotizing you.  You're more beautiful than any girl I've ever seen.  And
the sight of you with a cigarette in your mouth or your hand is unbelievable.
You're far more attractive than Donna or anyone else."

   She sighed.  "Right answer, Einstein."  She picked up her pack of
Marlboro Lights 100's and put another cigarette between her lips.  "Would
you like me to smoke for you again right now?  I'd be glad to."

   "I certainly would."

   Becky released a coquettish sigh.  "Then light me?"  He moved
closer but before he could click his lighter she reached out and put her hand
on his crotch.  "Before you light me, let's see how _this_ thing's
doing," she teased, her unlit cigarette bouncing up and down.  "Hmm.  Very
firm indeed.  Okay.  Go ahead.  Light me," she commanded.  And he did.

   The pretty brunette took an extra hard first drag.  Her cheeks caved
in as she drew on the dangling long white cigarette.  The whole time she kept
pressing her hand against his cock.  Slowly she worked his swollen member
through his pants while dragging contentedly on her Marlboro.  "Mm, this
tastes _so_ good," she moaned.  She inhaled the smoke with her cigarette
still dangling.  "God, I love to smoke.  And you love watching me smoke,
don't you, Gregory?"

   "Yeah," he breathlessly groaned.  "You're the best, Becky."

   "Damn right," she laughed as smoke burst from her nostrils and
mouth around the cigarette perched in her lips.  "By the way, did you notice
Donna double-pumping both times she lit up tonight?"

   "Yes, I did," he admitted, enjoying the smooth, rhythmic motion of
Becky's hand on his cock.  "It was damn hard to miss.  Donna smokes like a
real pro.  And so do you."

   "Thanks.  Yeah, Donna smokes like a pro," Becky agreed, her
cigarette still dangling.  "But I hadn't seen her double-pump for months.
In the old days she did it every time she lit up.  So it was good seeing her
do it again.  It's a good sign.  I have high hopes she'll never get free
from her cigarettes now.  And from my point of view that's damn good.  From
yours, too?"

   "Oh, yeah," he gasped.  Her working of his cock had intensified.
He had a hard time keeping control.  "You know what, Becky?  I love seeing
you with that cigarette swaying from your mouth while you talk."

   "I thought you liked it," she whispered.  "Now, I told you we'd
fuck as soon as Donna left, didn't I?"  He nodded.  "You still want to?"
He nodded again, eagerly this time.

   With her cigarette dangling Becky removed her hand from his pants.
Slowly, seductively, she began unbuttoning her blouse, standing only a few
feet from him.  "I bet you'd like to see me smoke naked, too, wouldn't
you?"

   Gregory nodded breathlessly.

   "You released me from your commands."  Her blouse was completely
open, revealing her bra and the cleavage of her ample breasts.  "You
could've told me I had to fuck you.  But you didn't.  Why not?"

   His eyes were riveted on her open shirt and the cigarette hanging
from her red lips.  "Whatever happened between us needed to be your choice,
Becky.  I didn't mind bending your will about smoking.  And it wasn't hard.
It was easy to make you smoke because at heart you wanted to.  But I didn't
suggest any feelings toward me.  I wanted to earn them."

   "Well, you have," she cooed.  She left her cigarette in her mouth
and reached around behind her back with both hands, unhooking her bra.  It
fell to the floor revealing her glorious, white naked breasts.  "You like?"
she asked with an impish grin.

   "Oh, God," he moaned as Becky took another drag from the dangling
cigarette.  "I sure do.  Becky Gerhardt, you are the absolute best!"

   She motioned to him to follow her into the bedroom.  "Let's see if
you still say that after we visit my room," she suggestively whispered.  "I
want to fuck you, Gregory.  God, I _really_ want to fuck you!  I've never
been so hot for anyone in my life.  After what you did to me and Donna, God,
it makes me want to fuck your brains out!  And the fact that my smoking makes
you hot makes _me_ hot.  I hope you don't mind."

   Gregory grinned as he followed Becky, her bare breasts bouncing
freely under her open blouse.  "No, I don't mind," he sighed dreamily.
"See, that was the whole point.  Sure, I wanted to free the most beautiful
woman I've ever seen from feeling guilty for being a smoker.  But I also
wanted a shot at a real relationship with her as a liberated smoker."

   Holding her cigarette Becky pulled down her slacks, revealing
flowered panties and milky white thighs.  "Gregory, I've seen _your_ power
and we both know nicotine's.  But I want to finally introduce you to _my_
power!"  She pulled him toward her.  They collapsed together onto her bed,
cigarette and all.

THE END

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