For The Love

[Jack Frost]

But there were only eight mentioning the brain-size issue.

You can thank me.

[C James]

Hi Everyone!

 

I just thought I should clear up a few things I've said earlier in the thread;

 

The only point I was trying to make regarding self-reliance in a rural environment is that you don't have a choice. A fire might be a good example; three years ago, I cleverly managed to set my garage on fire (accident while welding). It was a detached garage so my house was in little risk, but the fire began near a set of shelves where I was storing point, paint thinners, and other assorted flammable chemicals.

 

I hit it with a fire extinguisher, but some of the liquids have caught and that didn't work too well. Once I knew I couldn't stop it, I backed my vehicle out, and then concentrated on containing the fire with a garden hose through the open garage door. I had to stay well back, because when the paint thinner went off, it was memorable. The structure is mostly brick with a tin roof, so i just tried to keep it contained until it burned itself out. In the end, it did just that.

 

The point here is that I didn't try calling the fire department. Never even thought of it, in fact. That might sound odd to some people, and I wasn't doing it merely to be "self-reliant". I did it because calling would have been quite useless. It would take the fire department over a half hour to get here, at best. As a practical matter, I'm not even within a fire department service area, so they may, or may not, respond at all. The point I'm trying to make is that being self-reliant, doing things for yourself, isn't just a choice, because there is no other choice. The same is true of the police; it would take them at least a half-hour to get here, assuming they could find the place.

 

Anyway, all I'm trying to say is that in a rural area, things are a little different, because they have to be in some ways.

 

This doesn't apply to Chris and Steve as much though, because they are in a small town with police and fire protection.

 

Anyone have any questions about what has been revealed so far in the plot? I wopn't give spoilers (the Echidna will get me if I do) but I'm always happy to explain things if they aren't clear. Also, asking questions helps me, because if you need to ask about something that has been covered,m then likly I didn't do a very good job of covering it in the text and need to learn from my mistakes.

 

BTW, the title of the next chapter is "The Guns of Piedmont".

[Jack Scribe]

Just when you thought your family was safe...they're back. Bring on "The Guns of Piedmont".

[Graeme]

That poster isn't very accurate. The last I heard was that there was over 80 million sheep in New Zealand.

 

It also reminds me of one of my favourite songs: Cows with Guns.

 

This useless post has been brought to you in an effort to make C James pull his hair out from anguish at the rubbish populating his story thread, and realise that the only way to make us post something sensible is to put up the next chapter of For The Love as soon as possible.....

[Bob D.]

That poster isn't very accurate. The last I heard was that there was over 80 million sheep in New Zealand.

 

It also reminds me of one of my favourite songs: Cows with Guns.

 

This useless post has been brought to you in an effort to make C James pull his hair out from anguish at the rubbish populating his story thread, and realise that the only way to make us post something sensible is to put up the next chapter of For The Love as soon as possible.....

 

 

Three cheers for the marsupial! HIP HIP... HIP HIP... HIP HIP...

 

PS. I can't download/view the poster... I keep getting a forum error stating that Im not logged in, and that I should log out...?

Edited May 11, 2007 by Aillie

[C James]

Just when you thought your family was safe...they're back. Bring on "The Guns of Piedmont".

 

ROFL!!!!!!!!!! Jack, that is hilarious!

 

However, I must ask, how did you know that Chris would be rescued by a flock of enraged sheep?

 

That poster isn't very accurate. The last I heard was that there was over 80 million sheep in New Zealand.

 

It also reminds me of one of my favourite songs: Cows with Guns.

 

This useless post has been brought to you in an effort to make C James pull his hair out from anguish at the rubbish populating his story thread, and realise that the only way to make us post something sensible is to put up the next chapter of For The Love as soon as possible.....

 

ROFL!!!!!!!!!! I'm about the worst there is for going so I sure can't complain!!

 

Would it help if I posted the very first paragraph of Ch 26? I suppose I could do that... I hope you don't consider it a spoiler.. (the goat eyes the Echidna's spines nervously).

 

So, without further ado, I hereby present the very first paragraph on the page for Chapter 26 of FTL, "The Guns of Piedmont".

 

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to persons living, dead, space aliens, goats, forum posters, editors, beta readers, or writers are purely coincidental. There may be sexual content so if this, in any form, offends you, please cease reading. Also, if you are not of legal age to read this, please don't.

 

Was that ok?

 

Three cheers for the marsupial! HIP HIP... HIP HIP... HIP HIP...

 

PS. I can't download/view the poster... I keep getting a forum error stating that Im not logged in, and that I should log out...?

 

ROFL!!!

I don't know why he's so eager for Chapter 26: It could be just a very dull and boring filler chapter. It's not as if I ended Ch 25 on a cliffhanger (I never use those, after all )

 

Any luck with the poster yet?

[Jack Frost]

This useless post has been brought to you in an effort to make C James pull his hair out from anguish at the rubbish populating his story thread

Graeme, you are dead wrong. I'd say the whole GA forum, not just his own story thread.

[Graeme]

Three cheers for the marsupial! HIP HIP... HIP HIP... HIP HIP...

 

PS. I can't download/view the poster... I keep getting a forum error stating that Im not logged in, and that I should log out...?

ROFL!!!

I don't know why he's so eager for Chapter 26: It could be just a very dull and boring filler chapter. It's not as if I ended Ch 25 on a cliffhanger (I never use those, after all )

 

Any luck with the poster yet?

I can accept Aillie getting it wrong, but a goat of such esteem should know better. Echidnas are monotremes, not marsupials. Yes, they have pouches, but they are their own little sub-genre....

[Bob D.]

ROFL!!!

I don't know why he's so eager for Chapter 26: It could be just a very dull and boring filler chapter. It's not as if I ended Ch 25 on a cliffhanger (I never use those, after all )

 

Any luck with the poster yet?

 

I can accept Aillie getting it wrong, but a goat of such esteem should know better. Echidnas are monotremes, not marsupials. Yes, they have pouches, but they are their own little sub-genre....

 

 

What about the image... I still can't access it...

[C James]

Graeme, you are dead wrong. I'd say the whole GA forum, not just his own story thread.

 

Frosty, would that include your own thread?

 

I can accept Aillie getting it wrong, but a goat of such esteem should know better. Echidnas are monotremes, not marsupials. Yes, they have pouches, but they are their own little sub-genre....

 

Ahhh, but Graeme, would a goat know that?

 

What about the image... I still can't access it...

 

I've sent a PM with the image... Is anyone else having any problems with seeing it?

[TalonRider]

I was going to suggest that it might be a browser problem, but it doesn't appear to be so. I checked it by opening up IE and not logging in. The picture showed as a downloadable link and not the picture. I clicked it and was immediately prompted to login. So I did and could then see the picture.

 

Jan

[Bob D.]

I was going to suggest that it might be a browser problem, but it doesn't appear to be so. I checked it by opening up IE and not logging in. The picture showed as a downloadable link and not the picture. I clicked it and was immediately prompted to login. So I did and could then see the picture.

 

Jan

 

 

I am/was logged in... but now I have three copies in my PM box... thanks to all those who sent it to me so I could be in on the joke... now... if only I can hold out until Tuesday! :2hands:

[C James]

I am/was logged in... but now I have three copies in my PM box... thanks to all those who sent it to me so I could be in on the joke... now... if only I can hold out until Tuesday! :2hands:

 

How about making Monday night an honorary Tuesday?

 

:nuke: Chapter 26, The Guns of Piedmont, is up. :nuke:

[Bob D.]

... the wind noise so loud I ...

 

Mr. Goat,

 

I think your editor missed an edit...

 

As far as the whole story goes...

 

As with the

________________________________________

I think it was great!

 

You should have a lot more

_______

in the next story! :2hands:

 

Ya'll have a great night :2hands: /day /week !

[ethan thorn]

Could you have once let it end on a good note and have chris get back home safe...NO let me guess whats next he runs out of gas a mile before the city limits and 2 mins before the LVSD gets to him and ends up in the pidmont jail.

[Graeme]

What a boring chapter!

 

Nothing happened!

 

Absolutely nothing!

 

Now, if you had put in a car chase, or a fleeing from homicidal maniacs, with the odd explosion thrown in for good measure, I think it would have met the required Hollywood action/thriller standards, but as it is....

 

Oh, and thanks for the birthday present -- it was really appreciated

 

PS: Whenever I read the title for this chapter, I can't help thinking of The Guns of Navarone....

[Altimexis]

Could you have once let it end on a good note and have chris get back home safe...NO let me guess whats next he runs out of gas a mile before the city limits and 2 mins before the LVSD gets to him and ends up in the pidmont jail.

 

My feelings exactly. CJ is evil . . . pure evil!

 

Actually, maybe he's taken our advice to heart. Rather than giving us yet another cliffhanger ala, Just as I was approaching the county line, my right tire blew, causing me to lose control at 150 miles an hour, he just left us without knowing either way. Then again, maybe Chris does want this one to end on a happy note, but couldn't bring himself to not leave things up in the air. Either way, he's evil.

 

Great chapter, CJ. I read it through in, like, 5 minutes and I don't think I took a single breath in the entire time.

[Bondwriter]

What a boring chapter!

 

Nothing happened!

 

Absolutely nothing!

 

Now, if you had put in a car chase, or a fleeing from homicidal maniacs, with the odd explosion thrown in for good measure, I think it would have met the required Hollywood action/thriller standards, but as it is....

 

Oh, and thanks for the birthday present -- it was really appreciated

 

PS: Whenever I read the title for this chapter, I can't help thinking of The Guns of Navarone....

Agreed, exactly my view on this chapter. As for the title, it made me think of the Clash song Guns of Brixton.

 

"When they kick out your front door

How you gonna come?

With your hands on your head

Or on the trigger of your gun

 

When the law break in

How you gonna go?

Shot down on the pavement

Or waiting in death row"

[Jack Scribe]

What a boring chapter!

 

Nothing happened!

 

Absolutely nothing!

 

Here's an image I have of SUPER CHRIS! Fun chapter.

[C James]

Mr. Goat,

 

I think your editor missed an edit...

 

"the wind noise so loud I could barely think."

Uhoh, does that read wrong? If so, it's my fault, not Emoe's.

It was about the noise from the airflow (wind) at that speed.

For anyone who hasn't been in a car at over a hundred and forty, the roar of the airflow (wind noise) is very prevalent, even in a newer car like a Mercedes. I've never actually been in a Charger, much less at that speed, so I'm just basing this on cars I have taken past a hundred and fifty.

 

As far as the whole story goes...

As with the

________________________________________

I think it was great!

You should have a lot more

_______

in the next story! :2hands:

Ya'll have a great night :2hands: /day /week !

 

ROFL!

Thanks!!!

 

Could you have once let it end on a good note and have chris get back home safe...NO let me guess whats next he runs out of gas a mile before the city limits and 2 mins before the LVSD gets to him and ends up in the pidmont jail.

 

He's doing pretty well; he's past the Piedmont cops, pulling ahead in a car that can outrun them, and almost home free.

 

What a boring chapter!

Nothing happened!

Absolutely nothing!

 

I thought I'd write a nice, quiet chapter, perfect for a bedtime read...

 

Now, if you had put in a car chase, or a fleeing from homicidal maniacs, with the odd explosion thrown in for good measure, I think it would have met the required Hollywood action/thriller standards, but as it is....Oh, and thanks for the birthday present -- it was really appreciated

 

Funny you should mention hollywood movies... Because a certain anonymous beta reader (Shadowgod) referenced this chapter in his story, "Living in Surreality" a couple of weeks ago.

As she languished in the front office, the sound of the phone's shrill ring broke the sticky silence. Valerie was hesitant to answer, thinking it was the guy from Big Al's rent-a-wreck. He had called five times already this morning, asking if the shop could give an once-over to a police cruiser that was being loaned out to a production company, something about a car chase being filmed in the Arizona Desert in a few weeks.

 

BTW, I'm surprised; no one has complained that Chris straight-armed Eric into a wall, smashing his nose? I hope I didn't make Chris look bad...

 

"The Guns of Piedmont" was originally the title of the "thicker than water" chapter, but I decided to change the title of that chapter to highlight what the Sheriff said. But, I loved "Guns of Piedmont" and felt it fit this chapter well, so I used it. The original title was going to be "House call" in honor of Chris' visit to the sheriff's house.

 

My feelings exactly. CJ is evil . . . pure evil!

 

Actually, maybe he's taken our advice to heart. Rather than giving us yet another cliffhanger ala, Just as I was approaching the county line, my right tire blew, causing me to lose control at 150 miles an hour, he just left us without knowing either way. Then again, maybe Chris does want this one to end on a happy note, but couldn't bring himself to not leave things up in the air. Either way, he's evil.

 

Great chapter, CJ. I read it through in, like, 5 minutes and I don't think I took a single breath in the entire time.

 

Thanks Altimexis! (though, me, Evil? Would I do such a thing? )

 

Of course, something could happen on his way to the county line... Looming out of the darkness at a hundred and fifty miles an hour, dead ahead, were creatures running across the road. Chris cranked the wheel hard over, avoiding them but losing control as he did. As he roared past them, headlong towards his destiny of a telephone pole mere yards ahead, Chris heard the Echidna grumble at the Goat he was chasing, "I told, you, no spoilers!"

 

Agreed, exactly my view on this chapter. As for the title, it made me think of the Clash song Guns of Brixton.

 

"When they kick out your front door

How you gonna come?

With your hands on your head

Or on the trigger of your gun

 

When the law break in

How you gonna go?

Shot down on the pavement

Or waiting in death row"

 

ROFL!

Actually, I had a western movie in mind. (I usually do, for some odd reason.)

[Jack Frost]

Jeez...and you had to end the chapter in the middle of the chase? >.<

[wildone]

Looming out of the darkness at a hundred and fifty miles an hour, dead ahead, were creatures running across the road. Chris cranked the wheel hard over, avoiding them but losing control as he did. As he roared past them, headlong towards his destiny of a telephone pole mere yards ahead, Chris heard the Echidna grumble at the Goat he was chasing, "I told, you, no spoilers!"

 

Okay CJ, you have just gone into the realm of totally unbelievable!! Really, what are the chances of a goat and echidna surviving out in the Arizona desert with all the rattlers and gun toting, trigger happy hunters? I bet they would have been long shot and mounted over a fireplace somewhere.

 

As far as the cliffhanger, on the "official CJames Cliffhanger" scale between 1-10, I believe it came in at a 2.5. Great job, much appreciated

 

The chapter was probably one of the quickest reads start to finish due to the continuous action packed content. BTW, with the statement on the announcement that the alternative chapter name being "House Call", kinda let me know that bad things were going to happen to Sheriff's house. But I'll let Graeme discuss that one with you.

 

One question, usually every chapter gives a clue or two to let us mindlessly conjure up what will happen next. Didn't notice any this chapter. Or did I miss something....again, as you are usually so clear in letting your readers know where you are going next.

 

Lastly, I believe that Mondays should be the new Tuesday, as Tuesday was getting old. Just my vote.

[Conner]

...

I've never actually been in a Charger, much less at that speed, so I'm just basing this on cars I have taken past a hundred and fifty.

 

...

 

BTW, I'm surprised; no one has complained that Chris straight-armed Eric into a wall, smashing his nose? I hope I didn't make Chris look bad...

 

Past 150 mph? Are you out of your goat-brain? What were you trying to do? Get all of the AZ desert sand out of your wazoo???

 

No more of that until you get this story finished....or at least one more pool party!

 

Yes, that was most inconsiderate of Chris to break young Eric's nose! He should have just turned the other cheek.

 

I really must echo the words of many of your readers on the somewhat increased pace of of that chapter. I couldn't stop or slow down at all. Well done, CJ?

 

Conner

[Graeme]

One question, usually every chapter gives a clue or two to let us mindlessly conjure up what will happen next. Didn't notice any this chapter. Or did I miss something....again, as you are usually so clear in letting your readers know where you are going next.

Okay, I'll start the ball rolling....

 

Chris noticed a smell of rotten eggs. Now, I personally have never encountered a rotten egg, so I don't know what it smells like, but I believe it is supposed to be the same as Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S). To have enough H2S in the sheriff's house for Chris to notice the smell (especially when you consider what was going on around him), implies that the house was being used as a chemical lab. This then tends to imply that at least of the things that they have been up to is the manufacture of drugs.

 

The wikipedia entry on Hydrogen Sulfide gives some tantalising hints as to what they may be up to, but not real clues. However, a quick google search on hydrogen sulfide and drug manufacture reveals that it can be used in the manufacture of methamphetamines.

 

That means at least one of the operations that the sheriff has been up to is probably illicit drug manufacture. No proof, but strong circumstantial evidence. I don't know what the $50K of equipment that is waiting the datastick information would be, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.

[C James]

Jeez...and you had to end the chapter in the middle of the chase? >.<

 

He's pretty well safe... The Piedmont cops are behind him, and Lonesome Valley is sending a cruiser to escort him in from the county line... I'd call that safe, except perhaps for the minor detail that he's driving at high speeds, fleeing for his life from the deputies of someone who now very much wants him dead.

 

Okay CJ, you have just gone into the realm of totally unbelievable!! Really, what are the chances of a goat and echidna surviving out in the Arizona desert with all the rattlers and gun toting, trigger happy hunters? I bet they would have been long shot and mounted over a fireplace somewhere.

 

Well, THIS goat survives out here in the Arizona wilds quite well, and Echidnas, well, the seem to cope in a strange and bizzare land (Australia) so who knows?

 

As far as the cliffhanger, on the "official CJames Cliffhanger" scale between 1-10, I believe it came in at a 2.5. Great job, much appreciated

 

The chapter was probably one of the quickest reads start to finish due to the continuous action packed content. BTW, with the statement on the announcement that the alternative chapter name being "House Call", kinda let me know that bad things were going to happen to Sheriff's house. But I'll let Graeme discuss that one with you.

 

ACK! Oh no... Not that!

The Echidna will turn me into a pincushion!

Anyone want to hide a goat? Please???

 

I'm glad you liked it. It was a fun chapter to write.

 

There are indeed some clues in this and prior chapters as to what is to come next, and the next chapter uncovers a whole lot of things, many of which have been ongoing mysteries. I'm not sure I should give any clues (looks around nervously for the Echidna)... Ok, he's not here, so I'll mention a few subtle hints based on what is in the posted text:

There is something that connects the last chase (the one in the Jeep) with this one, and it leads to something big. There are several clues in Ch 26.

There was a big dose of forshadowing in Ch 24 regarding something in Ch 27. There was also something big in Ch 25 regarding Ch 27. (the title of Ch 25 was very meaningful).

 

And one other clue: Ch 27 will precede Ch 28.

 

Thanks!