MIllennium

[rjo]

A weird thought a number of these weird Christian Churches are out to get Gay business people like Stef and Brad. Again we are looking for one person with a lot of money not a group of people pooling their money.

 

Just read chapter 23 amazing both Brad and Stef are top of their game. I am blown away by how great the story line has become. Unbelieveable.

Edited August 28, 2010 by rjo

[gjtravel2a]

Nicely done in Chap 23. Protected the company and showed Brad's inner strength to do what is necesary to protect his family...How JP of him! When facing the same type of information and challenges, Robbie manages a petulant, 'lets get our enemy in jail so I can feel better' and then goes sullen. Brad is so very much more mature and capable of responding to the challenges of their very complex life.

 

Nice way also to protect the business from potential ruin (reputationally, financially, and possibly legally) through the clever alliance.

 

The one thought on the Dan Church interlude was, "What if Dan is a cleverly placed canard and is really getting screwed over in more ways than just in the bed?" If so, a casualty of war....and this is very much war.

[Hermetically Sealed]

Nicely done in Chap 23. Protected the company and showed Brad's inner strength to do what is necesary to protect his family...How JP of him! When facing the same type of information and challenges, Robbie manages a petulant, 'lets get our enemy in jail so I can feel better' and then goes sullen. Brad is so very much more mature and capable of responding to the challenges of their very complex life.

That's a bit reductive, don't you think? Carson was a continued problem that wasn't going to go away and threatened to uncover the family's plans. Robbie spent several days working on goading him into doing something he knew would get him out of the way for the remainder of Brad's plan, and did it in a way to keep from blowing their cover. Even Brad was impressed by that. And let's face it, Robbie was pretty much trapped at the house, just what all was he supposed to do? Brad is more capable in many aspects, but his temper and sex drive/ego are his own flaws. If he doesn't have a plan ahead of time, he is far more likely to give into his knee-jerk reactions. Just look at how many times he has flown off the handle, only to readjust his position a few scenes later once he's stepped away from the situation; not just in this story, but even as far back as Be Rad.

 

I think both are quite proficient at getting things done, when their heads aren't up their asses. Robbie needs to take control over his life, rather than just let himself be led around, and Brad needs to learn self-control in the face of the unanticipated. If they can do that, and both of them swallow their pride to make those changes, they'll be as powerful a couple as JP and Stef. YMMV however.

[Tiger]

I find it delicious, how evil Brad can be when he wants to be. Dan Church is going to be hit by a freight train. Stef too us up to no good. Oh, I am so ready to see Amphion fall and to see Dan Church fall into a pit of oblivion.

Edited August 28, 2010 by Tiger

[Mark Arbour]

That's a bit reductive, don't you think? Carson was a continued problem that wasn't going to go away and threatened to uncover the family's plans. Robbie spent several days working on goading him into doing something he knew would get him out of the way for the remainder of Brad's plan, and did it in a way to keep from blowing their cover. Even Brad was impressed by that. And let's face it, Robbie was pretty much trapped at the house, just what all was he supposed to do? Brad is more capable in many aspects, but his temper and sex drive/ego are his own flaws. If he doesn't have a plan ahead of time, he is far more likely to give into his knee-jerk reactions. Just look at how many times he has flown off the handle, only to readjust his position a few scenes later once he's stepped away from the situation; not just in this story, but even as far back as Be Rad.

 

I think both are quite proficient at getting things done, when their heads aren't up their asses. Robbie needs to take control over his life, rather than just let himself be led around, and Brad needs to learn self-control in the face of the unanticipated. If they can do that, and both of them swallow their pride to make those changes, they'll be as powerful a couple as JP and Stef. YMMV however.

 

What excellent insight into the characters, especially Brad.

 

I told you he was most like me. Just check out the Soap Box forum.

[Bob1010]

Awhile ago I was accused of saying that sex should have a purpose in a story other than the pleasure of the participants or the readers for that matter as well. I didn't exactly say that. But I think that when the sex has a purpose in moving the story along, it is even more interesting. I think that you have done that is 23, Mark.

 

This story just seems to get more interesting with the various twists and turns.

[gjtravel2a]

That's a bit reductive, don't you think? Carson was a continued problem that wasn't going to go away and threatened to uncover the family's plans. Robbie spent several days working on goading him into doing something he knew would get him out of the way for the remainder of Brad's plan, and did it in a way to keep from blowing their cover. Even Brad was impressed by that. And let's face it, Robbie was pretty much trapped at the house, just what all was he supposed to do? Brad is more capable in many aspects, but his temper and sex drive/ego are his own flaws. If he doesn't have a plan ahead of time, he is far more likely to give into his knee-jerk reactions. Just look at how many times he has flown off the handle, only to readjust his position a few scenes later once he's stepped away from the situation; not just in this story, but even as far back as Be Rad.

 

I think both are quite proficient at getting things done, when their heads aren't up their asses. Robbie needs to take control over his life, rather than just let himself be led around, and Brad needs to learn self-control in the face of the unanticipated. If they can do that, and both of them swallow their pride to make those changes, they'll be as powerful a couple as JP and Stef. YMMV however.

 

 

++++++++++++++

Reductive eh, should I blush in embarrassment or say ouch? Lol, I stand by my 'facile' interpretation, for in my experience, people like Robbie, and lord knows there are lots in this world, are held back by events in their lives and are to often coddled by those around them. Brad, though a 'bit' undisciplined, works consciously and unconsciously, to be better than what his life would naturally make him. There was a lot of risk in Robbie's little plan. Just what did Carson think sitting in jail? He must know Robbie did not come to his aid and might even have figured out he was set-up. It was self-indulgent in my opinion in that it allowed Robbie to act out his rage, but it could have put the whole plan at risk. Once he got his little revenge, he has apparently just sat in the house and counted the number of hairs dropping from his increasingly shiny head. Robbie is also the one trying to sell being trapped in the house. Sounds good to say, but is he working on his company's problems? Keeping informed by his Assistant of company business? Making plans on how to recover from the damage his actions have wrought upon the company? All he claims to be doing is working out and laying in bed....if true, then I think my view of his persona is accurate. If, however, he has been working away madly behind the scenes, created a great master plan to re-take his company and reclaim the heart of the one who truly loves him, then I shall sit in the corner and wear a pointed hat with the words 'Reductivist' on it... h'mmm, might do it anyway, it might be fun!

 

gj

 

[Hermetically Sealed]

We honestly have no way of knowing what is behind any of Robbie's motivation, nor what any of his actions really are. Remember, we are viewing him only through Brad's own skewed point of view. Would you really want others judging you based entirely on the narrative of someone who is upset with you, or even hates you? I'd imagine they'd get a very unflattering description of your behavior too. There is a lot of truth in what we see of Robbie from Brad, but there is a lot we don't see, and never will. Until the day comes that we actually see things from his perspective it's hard to say.

 

At any rate, the point is kinda moot. You see in the character what you see, and I see what i do. Until things are completely laid out without a character's bias interfering in what we get to see, it's all perception. ::shrug::

 

ETA: I'd also say, that we really haven't seen much coddling of Robbie, even in MiM. Most of the treatment he's gotten has been "why isn't he past that already?", or "just deal." I could be wrong, as it's been a while since reading the past books, but i don't recall Robbie getting any therapy until after he killed Neil. And even during the time he was initially with Neil, Brad kept forcing Robbie into a tug of war between the two.

 

I would also add, I am not excusing Robbie from taking responsibility for his actions. Even screwed up as he is, he still has many ways of reacting that could change things. I just feel that this is not a black and white situation (Brad noble and true, Robbie childish and slothful). Mark has always given his characters, even the non narrators, fairly complex psychologies, and that tends to make things not so clear cut. Again, YMMV.

Edited August 28, 2010 by Hermetically Sealed

[gjtravel2a]

Without getting into the 'last word game', I know that my proclivity to be a 'Bradista' verses a 'Robbietarian' is from events in my current state and recent past. Certain projections of those with whom I am currently dealing of course color my views of events detailed in the story. Much as when I was studying theology ( and I am not trying to make Mark the author of a holy writ! He's good, but will the Academic Predator Series be eternal,,,,,we'll see..), the sacred writings tell us more about ourselves and humankind as a whole than about what may or may not be eternal beings. In this case, I am fully aware (at least semi-fully) of my tendancy to run a full defense of Brad and that reveals to me certain things about myself. Still, I appreciate the interchange and the opportunity to see how others see the events. It actually helps me understand why I am so pro-Brad and how that might affect my perceptions of certain people with whom I am dealing in daily life. For a lot of reasons, the Millennium story-line resonates well for me rigth now. I am personally most appreciative for all involved in the fun we are having here! On top of all that, it is also just a good-read...

 

gj

[Hermetically Sealed]

Very much so. And it isn't often that a writer (much less a self published one) is capable of such depth. Gotta enjoy them while you can.

[Mark Arbour]

Terrific discussion guys, and thanks for the kudos.

 

Someone may have to make a hat.

[gjtravel2a]

Terrific discussion guys, and thanks for the kudos.

 

Someone may have to make a hat.

 

 

Uh oh....perhaps Robbie has not just been shining that pointy head of his then, eh?

 

Maybe a good thing I look good in hats

Edited August 28, 2010 by gjtravel2a

[centexhairysub]

Chapter 23 was wonderful. I liked the way Brad handled things with Dan and the interplay with Stef and Luke was first rate. I really liked the set up and how the meeting with Mr Lu went. It really showed the diffrent skills of all those involved. I can't wait to see how this business situation plays out.

 

I found it very revelaing that when Brad was explaining to Stef why he was after Dan, that the first thing he mentioned was how they went after Robbie and tried to destroy him. The fact that this was mentioned first tells me that no matter what Brad still loves and cares about what happens with Robbie. I might be wrong but I am starting to believe more and more that Brad and Robbie will be together and stronger than ever when this story ends.

 

I do think that Robbie needs to learn to become more assertive and stand up for himself more, but I think part of the problem with that is Brad really likes to be the one in charge and the one making the decisions. They both need to learn a little more give and take if they want to be together in fifty years... I do feel that they could become a team as formidable as JP and Stef but they still both have a lot of growing and learning to do to make it to that level.

 

This story is quickly becoming one of the favorites of the CAP series, although nothing will ever touch the first one for me. I can't wait to see where Mark takes us on this wonderfully inventive ride.

[mmike1969]

hmm, since they let Brad take charge of the Thanksgiving dinner and JP mentioned they have to "go back to Clairmont", I wonder if this was just JP's trial run to see what would happen. Buffet Thanksgiving is an easy out concerning food too.

 

I don't see Brad leaving the Beach though.

 

I also wonder if the Omega/Amphion operatives are really this stupid and tried to recruit Grace into their plan?

 

Then there is Jeanine: Is she going to put up with Brad/Robbie's BS much longer? My guess is not just no but Hell No!

 

Will and Drew: Cute! Is it going to last without drama? Well, no... This is CAP afterall

 

Dan does not seem bright enough to be the Top Dog. He can't figure out Brad is playing him. Who is? And this group of people has access to a lot of cash. Dan can't just go to the CEO and say let us be a VC firm for a few deals without a plan.

 

And I am sure Carson is out of jail by now. All he had to do is playback the voicemails to the police. That was not smart on Robbie's part.

[Hermetically Sealed]

First Carson will have to get a new phone. lol

 

 

Oh, and all I have to say about 24 . . . boo to cliffhangers!

[gjtravel2a]

First Carson will have to get a new phone. lol

 

 

Oh, and all I have to say about 24 . . . boo to cliffhangers!

 

 

 

24? Is it posted somewhere yet?

[Mark Arbour]

24? Is it posted somewhere yet?

 

Yeah. I screwed up. It's up here now.

[gjtravel2a]

Yeah. I screwed up. It's up here now.

 

 

H'mmm, statements like that are hard to respond to....Please Choose the appropriate response:

 

1. Thanks for getting another up so quickly...like a holiday this week with so many great postings..

2. Sorry, hope it didn't hurt to badly....

3. Well durn, sorry to hear that.

4. Be of good chear, hope it feels better soon?

5. Was it good for you? Need a cigarette???

[Mark Arbour]

Well, here's the deal. I had planned to post this one on Monday or Tuesday and go for a quick turnaround on 25 so I didn't leave the cliffie out there. I'll still try to get 25 posted by Wednesday.

[gjtravel2a]

Well, here's the deal. I had planned to post this one on Monday or Tuesday and go for a quick turnaround on 25 so I didn't leave the cliffie out there. I'll still try to get 25 posted by Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

I will admit, that even knowing that a cliffie was coming, it wasn't the one I had anticipated, thanks for the turn! Now, with more reason to look forward to Wednesday!

 

gj

[Mark M]

*faints* I Demand no chapters be posted untill you can post the chapters up untill friday nights dinner! This is SHIT! and i love it! Worst effing cliffy of my life! I love Millenium. I will re-read it i know i will. Be-rad does NOT compare!

 

I'm Affraid Millenium is Now MY favourite CAP story !! gotta love BRAD! Seriously Keep him as a Narrator! So good! If we switch i hope it's like....Matt again that was O.K. Or.....isador She would probably be an interesting narrator and plus we'd get to know about her business.....seriously all i know is that she runs a cut off branch of Crampton Construction......and Stef and Brad don't even fund her deals? U'd think she'd be worth it. Either way more about her or claire...or one of claires children or even Jack, would be a great narrator. Just a thought anyway.

 

Can't wait till things start going off! :P

[Mark Arbour]

I will admit, that even knowing that a cliffie was coming, it wasn't the one I had anticipated, thanks for the turn! Now, with more reason to look forward to Wednesday!

 

gj

 

 

Which one were you expecting?

 

*faints* I Demand no chapters be posted untill you can post the chapters up untill friday nights dinner! This is SHIT! and i love it! Worst effing cliffy of my life! I love Millenium. I will re-read it i know i will. Be-rad does NOT compare!

 

I'm Affraid Millenium is Now MY favourite CAP story !! gotta love BRAD! Seriously Keep him as a Narrator! So good! If we switch i hope it's like....Matt again that was O.K. Or.....isador She would probably be an interesting narrator and plus we'd get to know about her business.....seriously all i know is that she runs a cut off branch of Crampton Construction......and Stef and Brad don't even fund her deals? U'd think she'd be worth it. Either way more about her or claire...or one of claires children or even Jack, would be a great narrator. Just a thought anyway.

 

Can't wait till things start going off! :P

 

Thanks MM. It's been fun to write so far.

[centexhairysub]

All I can say is OMG!!!!!!!

[mmike1969]

Now is NOT the time for Robbie to take charge Unless he wants a turn with Dan?

[Hermetically Sealed]

I don't know, if he's there to offer himself as a sacrifice to Brad's plan, allowing him to create a scene to help convince Dan that they are over. Maybe let Brad vent out his spleen and get possibly physical as a step towards atonement. I don't necessarily believe that, but it would be nice. lol