For The Love

[Graeme]

The FBI does have jurisdiction over internet child porn, BUT, they may or may not insist on being the lead investigators. They can, but they don't always. In a case such as this, where the nearest FBI agent is hundreds of miles away, they would likely want the locals to help. They might handle the electronic end, but the goundwork could be farmed out to the locals. This also wouldn't be that big a case; the kiddie porn angle is the only thing the FBI would be concerned with (other matters come under local jurisdiction, I think) and as it involves to guys who are within a month of being adults, they likely wouldn't bother with it to the extent they would with something actually involving children.

Yes, but the camera's and computer in question occured in Lonesome Valley. The site was hosted in Hawaii. As far as I can tell, there was no part of the crime that would give Peidmont jurisdiction over Lonesome Valley in the porn site investigation. If the FBI required help, they would be asking Lonesome Valley first. If they couldn't help (because of severe staffing shortages), then I would expect the Lonesome Valley sheriff to recommend someone else -- and NOT Piedmont.

 

It is possible that the FBI contact Piedmont independently, but I can't see that being likely.

[C James]

Without revealing too much about myself, I can tell you that the Government has technology that can retieve material 'deleted' from a hard drive that is six layers deep... in other words, the only way a simple defrag would help, is if the agents that take the computer believe that there is reason to dig deeper... and if they do, the can call up all files in a specific location up to 6 'defrags' old... I hope that makes sense. I can't tell you how I know this... but I can tell you that it exists.

 

Bob

"Ex-Governemt"

 

That's very true; even once a sector is over-written, the "old" data can sometimes be restored, at least partially, due to the memory effect of the magnetic substrate, called "data remnance" if I recall, and can be recovered by what is often termed "forensic software" . If you over-write enough, the data will be unrecoverable, but the number of times varies depending on the types and designs of the drives. If I recall, the DoD still requires degausing (which often destroys the drive itself) for classified data.

 

But, Chris and Steve were basically bluffing Rob and Joe to make them delete the files, so they only needed to make them unrecoverable by Rob and Joe.

 

Yes, but the camera's and computer in question occured in Lonesome Valley. The site was hosted in Hawaii. As far as I can tell, there was no part of the crime that would give Peidmont jurisdiction over Lonesome Valley in the porn site investigation. If the FBI required help, they would be asking Lonesome Valley first. If they couldn't help (because of severe staffing shortages), then I would expect the Lonesome Valley sheriff to recommend someone else -- and NOT Piedmont.

 

It is possible that the FBI contact Piedmont independently, but I can't see that being likely.

 

Good memory, Graeme! Yes, the site was hosted in Hawaii.

 

I didn't mean to imply that the FBI would be working with Piedmont, BTW. The issue was why the LV sheriff would still be involved, and I should have specified LV.

 

The ISP, however, was in Piedmont, and so too was the stake-out. I can't really say more as this is in the next couple of chapters, but there are reasons that will be apparent as the case unfolds, and there is a scene with the LV Sheriff in the first half of Ch 28 that should be of particular interest.

 

And yes indeed, the LV sheriff would be most unlikely to recommend Piedmont. :nuke:

 

BTW, you bought up one possibility; What if the Piedmont Sheriff decides that "dead men tell no tales"... Eric might be in very great danger in Piedmont. Isn't anyone worried about poor, innocent, misperceived Eric?

[Bondwriter]

I thought I'd hijack this thread, in which the info will be found by the goat with sunglasses and the echidna, and hence avoid to clutter the lounge:

 

CJames: 3,500 posts

Graeme: 1,500 posts

 

Just a little coincidence, these 500 endings?

[C James]

I thought I'd hijack this thread, in which the info will be found by the goat with sunglasses and the echidna, and hence avoid to clutter the lounge:

 

CJames: 3,500 posts

Graeme: 1,500 posts

 

Just a little coincidence, these 500 endings?

 

ACK!

 

Now, now, Bondwriter, numbers can be deceiving! I know that number couldm to some ill-informed eyes, make it appear that I post often, but in reality, I, of course, post not. For, as we all know, I am a lurker.

 

The Echidna. on the other hand, is a devout postaholic.

 

But, speaking of INFORMATION, I note something very interesting; Bondwriter's avatar. Specifically, the hair color. So, the question simply must be asked: Did Bondwriter, perchance, omit, for whatever nefarious purpose, an "l" as the second letter of his nom de plume?

[TalonRider]

I've been trying to break into the top 20 list and I just can't seem to get past a certain person. There for awhile, we've been playing Leap Frog.

 

Jan

 

I just went and checked, haven't done it for a few day's and found that I'm now in 19th place.

Edited May 2, 2007 by TalonRider

[Jack Frost]

I hope CJ won't get the FBI after Rob and Joe. He cannot be that evilll!

 

CJ, you can just say that the boys didn't think about getting their water with them when they were going to spend camping next to a real spring. I wouldn't think about that either but you're right, it's stupid to do that...they should've in case their Jeep breaks down in the middle of the road. I'm aware in each places, some habits of surviving are different...in a desert, you would have to find a shade...water...and wait till the sun is not strong. In the Artic, you would carry rifles to avoid polar bears (the government require you!), a knife, some oil (for the fire since gas would freeze), and so on in Inuit ways. It's fun ...it gives me some tips how to explore a desert. So your story is giving me some education as well.

[Bondwriter]

Now, now, Bondwriter, numbers can be deceiving! I know that number couldm to some ill-informed eyes, make it appear that I post often, but in reality, I, of course, post not. For, as we all know, I am a lurker.

 

The Echidna. on the other hand, is a devout postaholic.

 

But, speaking of INFORMATION, I note something very interesting; Bondwriter's avatar. Specifically, the hair color. So, the question simply must be asked: Did Bondwriter, perchance, omit, for whatever nefarious purpose, an "l" as the second letter of his nom de plume?

Anyone doing a PhD on denial? Here is one of the most interesting cases I've ever come across. And blaming a poor little hedgehog from the southern hemisphere. You've been hanging out with Sheriff Johnson too long, CJames, though only in your mind!

As for my hair color, yup, I'm rather on the fair side. My Flemish ethnic background. I wouldn't mind being called Blondwriter; not any stupider as my current alias.

I've been trying to break into the top 20 list and I just can't seem to get past a certain person. There for awhile, we've been playing Leap Frog.

 

Jan

Do not yield in this silly competition, Jan! This is the slippery slope the goat is trying to lure you to. Do you think I'm even aware of having an average of 3.23 posts per day?

 

So your story is giving me some education as well.

Good job, CJames! It was high time this guy from the hills with trees got an education!

[Graeme]

And blaming a poor little hedgehog from the southern hemisphere.

Hedgehog? HEDGEHOG?!? I'll show you hedgehog! :mace:

 

Please -- there are NO hedgehog's in Australia. The echidna is one of two members of the exclusive monotreme club -- egg laying mammals. (The other is the platypus). A mere surface resemblence to a 'hedgehog' does not turn a noble echidna into a base hedgehog, I assure you....

[C James]

I've been trying to break into the top 20 list and I just can't seem to get past a certain person. There for awhile, we've been playing Leap Frog.

Jan

I just went and checked, haven't done it for a few day's and found that I'm now in 19th place.

 

Congratulations on making the top 20!

 

I hope CJ won't get the FBI after Rob and Joe. He cannot be that evilll!

 

CJ, you can just say that the boys didn't think about getting their water with them when they were going to spend camping next to a real spring. I wouldn't think about that either but you're right, it's stupid to do that...they should've in case their Jeep breaks down in the middle of the road. I'm aware in each places, some habits of surviving are different...in a desert, you would have to find a shade...water...and wait till the sun is not strong. In the Artic, you would carry rifles to avoid polar bears (the government require you!), a knife, some oil (for the fire since gas would freeze), and so on in Inuit ways. It's fun ...it gives me some tips how to explore a desert. So your story is giving me some education as well.

 

Hi Jack!!

They did take water, both in the jeep and to the campsite, but Eric was kind enough to take it (he was probably just making sure that no one littered. ) I've mentioned their vehicle water supplies a few times in passing in the text and you are right, anyone out here who doesn't carry water is crazy.

 

And you have it right on finding shade; that is critical. You wait until evening to hike out, or you likely won't make it in the summer heat.

 

I usually carry a 9mm or .45 handgun in the backcountry, as that's a lot less to haul than a rifle. However, no polar bears to worry about, or I would cary a rifle, and not a .22, either! The handgun comes in handy on occasion, as I live in the high country and we do get mountain lion and black bear. I've fired at (near miss, not trying to hit) an overly pushy bear and a stalking mountain lion before, to scare them off.

 

And thanks for noticing the "desert tips", I've added a few in intentionally.

Thanks Jack!

 

Anyone doing a PhD on denial? Here is one of the most interesting cases I've ever come across. And blaming a poor little hedgehog from the southern hemisphere. You've been hanging out with Sheriff Johnson too long, CJames, though only in your mind!

As for my hair color, yup, I'm rather on the fair side. My Flemish ethnic background. I wouldn't mind being called Blondwriter; not any stupider as my current alias.

Do not yield in this silly competition, Jan! This is the slippery slope the goat is trying to lure you to. Do you think I'm even aware of having an average of 3.23 posts per day?

 

Hi Blondwriter! (you did say you wouldn't mind... )

 

No denial here!

I'm not blaming Graeme, just acknowledging the undisputed fact that he's a postaholic. :ranger:

 

And speaking of denial, I note that you know your posts-per-day. I don't know mine! And no slippery slope here, as I assure you that I'm not trying to pass anyone in posts.

 

Hedgehog? HEDGEHOG?!? I'll show you hedgehog! :mace:

 

Please -- there are NO hedgehog's in Australia. The echidna is one of two members of the exclusive monotreme club -- egg laying mammals. (The other is the platypus). A mere surface resemblence to a 'hedgehog' does not turn a noble echidna into a base hedgehog, I assure you....

 

I had no idea that Echidnas laid eggs...

[Jack Frost]

Congratulations on making the top 20!

Hi Jack!!

They did take water, both in the jeep and to the campsite, but Eric was kind enough to take it (he was probably just making sure that no one littered. ) I've mentioned their vehicle water supplies a few times in passing in the text and you are right, anyone out here who doesn't carry water is crazy.

 

And you have it right on finding shade; that is critical. You wait until evening to hike out, or you likely won't make it in the summer heat.

 

I usually carry a 9mm or .45 handgun in the backcountry, as that's a lot less to haul than a rifle. However, no polar bears to worry about, or I would cary a rifle, and not a .22, either! The handgun comes in handy on occasion, as I live in the high country and we do get mountain lion and black bear. I've fired at (near miss, not trying to hit) an overly pushy bear and a stalking mountain lion before, to scare them off.

 

And thanks for noticing the "desert tips", I've added a few in intentionally.

Thanks Jack!

Whoops, missed the detail that they took some water with them. :S

 

I didn't notice them till I thought about it after watching a show in Discovery about a guy teaching us how to survive in places like a desert, up the mountains, and etc. Then it reminded me of all of the things you said about in the story...and you were actually giving some tips for non-desert people. That's really nice...sorry we haven't noticed any sooner!

 

I had no idea that Echidnas laid eggs...

LMAO!!!! I didn't know Graeme our dear Aussie is capable of doing that.

[Graeme]

I'm not blaming Graeme, just acknowledging the undisputed fact that he's a postaholic. :ranger:

The truth is that I'm trying to catch up with a certain goat, but he posts a lot faster than I do. I just goes to show that goats are faster than echidnas -- even on the internet.

 

I had no idea that Echidnas laid eggs...

Well, since this has evolved into an educational thread, I thought it was about time I taught something about Australia (we're mainly a desert continent, so there IS a link).

 

Biologists hated it when Australia was discovered. Not only did they have to revise their definition of what constitutes a mammal when the monotremes were discovered, but all those biologists that claimed there was not such thing as a black swan ended up with egg (variety uncertain) on their face....

[Bondwriter]

Hedgehog? HEDGEHOG?!? I'll show you hedgehog! :mace:

OK, OK! I take this back! Make it cute and cuddly egg-laying mammal with spines from the southern hemisphere.

Congratulations on making the top 20!

Rejoice for having the undisputed number one give you praise!

 

As for the living in the desert par, I agree with Jack that it is well told here and there. Though my experience of deserts is small, lots of habits of our locals seem to be fairly embedded in their way of life.

[ethan thorn]

That car better be found in one piece you dont chop up a rare car like that you do and its wet noodel time for you

 

And i think you should have had the sherif tossed in jail you went to easy on that moron.

And that little **** eric should end up in a full body cast for what he has done.

[C James]

Whoops, missed the detail that they took some water with them. :S

 

I didn't notice them till I thought about it after watching a show in Discovery about a guy teaching us how to survive in places like a desert, up the mountains, and etc. Then it reminded me of all of the things you said about in the story...and you were actually giving some tips for non-desert people. That's really nice...sorry we haven't noticed any sooner!

LMAO!!!! I didn't know Graeme our dear Aussie is capable of doing that.

 

One thing I intentionally put in was in an early chapter, when they first chased Eric (right after the backmail plot) and had a flat tire with a busted jack. I've seen that happen a lot, and it happened to me once. Their method for getting the wheel off the ground (Driving up onto rocks, while stacking rocks in the vehicle to alter the center of gravity so the wheel hangs in mid-air) was what I came up with and used. Another thing to remember is that you can drive a vehicle with one or more flat tires for quite a few miles. There was a case a few years ago where some tourists got a flat on a dirt road, and either didn't know how to change a tire or didn't try, they just sat there until their bodies were found. They could have driven out on the rim, but they never tried, I guess they just assumed you can't drive on a flat tire or bare rim.

 

No problem on not noticing, because I haven't been making a point of it; I just wanted to convey a "feel" for a different environment. In my case it's on one hand easy, because I live in a similar environment (compared to me, Chris and Steve live in a big city) and so

a precaution such as a tool kit and keeping the gas tank topped up, and carrying five gallsons of water plus emergency food and a blanket, etc, are just everyday items. On the other hand, I sometimes forget to add them because they ARE everyday items; it's sort of like mentiong that the car has wheels; it's just something obvious to me.

 

One other thing I used in the plot because I know it works, and people have died from not knowing it, is what to do if you are stuck without shoes in the desert. I was dumb enough to take an offroad shortcut barefoot while in college, and I was barefoot, and I managed to get stuck. Duct-tape is one of the most usefull things for a variety of emergency situations, and it that case strips of cloth plus duct tape made me improvised shoes for the hike out. (and driving in the desert without shoes in the vehicle is STUPID).

 

Other things, such as placing matches under a rock (preferably in plastic) to protect them, are handy to know. Starting a fire without matches or a lighter is hard; I've only done it once as an experiment, and it's nowhere near as easy as shown in the movies.

 

The truth is that I'm trying to catch up with a certain goat, but he posts a lot faster than I do. I just goes to show that goats are faster than echidnas -- even on the internet.

 

But I very rarely post...

 

Well, since this has evolved into an educational thread, I thought it was about time I taught something about Australia (we're mainly a desert continent, so there IS a link).

 

Biologists hated it when Australia was discovered. Not only did they have to revise their definition of what constitutes a mammal when the monotremes were discovered, but all those biologists that claimed there was not such thing as a black swan ended up with egg (variety uncertain) on their face....

 

I think the Platypus was one heck of a shock... A mammal that has a duck's bill, lays eggs, and to top it off is venomous!

 

Rejoice for having the undisputed number one give you praise!

 

The number one lurker?

 

As for the living in the desert par, I agree with Jack that it is well told here and there. Though my experience of deserts is small, lots of habits of our locals seem to be fairly embedded in their way of life.

 

It often comes to a shock to people like me when we see cars that don't have emergency water and other survival gear in the trunk. It's just one of the things you do out here, or you are risking your life.

 

That car better be found in one piece you dont chop up a rare car like that you do and its wet noodel time for you

 

And i think you should have had the sherif tossed in jail you went to easy on that moron.

And that little **** eric should end up in a full body cast for what he has done.

 

But Eric *is* in custody... Of Piedmont.

 

Speaking of unhappy endings, I'll share a little twist I added when my anonymous Beta reader, Shadowgod, was reading the stake-out chapter. Right after Chris lost consciousness, I added two words; "The End" followed by a big blank space.

 

BTW, the title of the next chapter is "Thicker than Water".

[EMoe57]

BTW, the title of the next chapter is "Thicker than Water".

And I can't wait for you to explain THAT title...

I just read 26 and still don't have an explanation!

**taps foot impatiently**

[ethan thorn]

But Eric *is* in custody... Of Piedmont.

 

 

He is not he is there guest

 

 

I really want to know whats on that thumb drive arms deals maybe drug deals maybe white slave tradeing something big has to be on there. And i know i'm not the only one that wants to know or has ideas about what could be on there.

[C James]

And I can't wait for you to explain THAT title...

I just read 26 and still don't have an explanation!

**taps foot impatiently**

 

Hi Emoe!

Actually, this title is a clue (once the chapter is posted) and I'll explain it here in the thread after posting. I will give a hint: Look for the title in the chapter body.

 

He is not he is there guest

I really want to know whats on that thumb drive arms deals maybe drug deals maybe white slave tradeing something big has to be on there. And i know i'm not the only one that wants to know or has ideas about what could be on there.

Hi Ethan!

The Data stick plays a large role very soon, due to the guys having just figured out the key to unlocking it (hence the chapter name, "finding the Key"). We will all know, soon enough, what is on that Data Stick.

Edited May 4, 2007 by C James

[Graeme]

Good news for Steve!

 

Given that The Dukes of Hazzard Car sold for AUD$9.9M, I think we can be confident that Eric will be trying sell Chase and Shawn's car for at least half that amount, if not more.

 

So it is unlikely that the car has been cut up.

[C James]

Good news for Steve!

 

Given that The Dukes of Hazzard Car sold for AUD$9.9M, I think we can be confident that Eric will be trying sell Chase and Shawn's car for at least half that amount, if not more.

 

So it is unlikely that the car has been cut up.

 

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a good point! LoL!

 

'course, we do have a blond and a brunette being chased around the country roads in a Charger, by a corrupt sheriff...

[Graeme]

'course, we do have a blond and a brunette being chased around the country roads in a Charger, by a corrupt sheriff...

Tsk. Tsk. And you're the author of the story!

 

We DON'T have a blond and brunette being chased around the country roads in a Charger, because:

 

1. The Charger has been stolen, and

2. The brunette is now a blond.

 

How quickly we forget....

[C James]

Tsk. Tsk. And you're the author of the story!

 

We DON'T have a blond and brunette being chased around the country roads in a Charger, because:

 

1. The Charger has been stolen, and

2. The brunette is now a blond.

 

How quickly we forget....

 

Uhoh!

 

Ahhh, well, ummmm, that's true, Chris is now blond (though only slightly, so far) and the Charger has been stolen. (Or, perhaps, borrowed, because Eric is surely far to nice to actually steal a car)....

 

But, do you really expect a goat to remember the details of what he writes?

[Jack Frost]

But, do you really expect a goat to remember the details of what he writes?

Of course, you don't have the brain capacity to do that. Your brain is as big as what...a nut?

[Bondwriter]

But, do you really expect a goat to remember the details of what he writes?

And now, Conner, you understand the need for the 12-person crew behind CJames' writing. Of course, we're not even referring to the salt block caterer, the horn sharpener, the hooves trimmer, without whom all of this wouldn't be possible.

And Jack, I'm wondering if there is any possible innuendo in your comment about CJames' cranial capacity.

[C James]

Of course, you don't have the brain capacity to do that. Your brain is as big as what...a nut?

 

I'll have you know that a goat's brain is about the size or an orange. :2hands: This compares favorably with, say, (chosen entirely at random) the brain of an Echidna, which is indeed about the size of a walnut.

 

This of course is no comparison at all to Frost, which, as we all know, lacks even a central nervous system, let alone a brain.

 

And now, Conner, you understand the need for the 12-person crew behind CJames' writing. Of course, we're not even referring to the salt block caterer, the horn sharpener, the hooves trimmer, without whom all of this wouldn't be possible.

And Jack, I'm wondering if there is any possible innuendo in your comment about CJames' cranial capacity.

 

I think I shall be needed the horn-sharpener soon...

[Jack Frost]

I'll have you know that a goat's brain is about the size or an orange. :2hands: This compares favorably with, say, (chosen entirely at random) the brain of an Echidna, which is indeed about the size of a walnut.

 

This of course is no comparison at all to Frost, which, as we all know, lacks even a central nervous system, let alone a brain.

You said your brain is as big as a clemintine orange?

 

I even lack a heart.