gjtravel2a

Each of your stories has been a fascinating exploration of history, relationships, culture, and has offered me personal insights and challenges in the way I have seen myself or a particular historical moment. Early in this story, there were some rather intense discussions about relationships and loyalty. Personally, I am still ruminating about aspects of these discussions and have allowed them to address certain personal 'challenges' in how I see loyalty, love and forgiveness. It amazes me that a fictional story that I enjoy as a 'good read' can also have such impact and power. The conversations through this forum have also sharpened my thinking on certain issues, so continued thanks to you Mark, and the group for the often lively discussions. In the past few weeks, I have been thinking about the interchanges and actions regarding the issue of power (Political/Family/Business Power) and how it led to events in the storyline that could lead to the death of certain character(s). As stated in this dialogue, it is not something that most of us must face in our day-to-day existance, but it is not something foreign to all. I work extensively overseas in countries often referred to as 'the developing world', and the concept, particularly with regard to government activities, that ones' actions could lead to one's own death or the death of others is not that far-fetched. In the good old U S of A, this is not accepted by polite company as a form of doing business and one sounds ilke a wild-hare conspiracy theorist to purport its occurance, but there are cases that have proven the exception to the rule. ie: remember Silkwood? (Now, don't role your eyes, it is not an attempt to just mention Cher by bringing up Silkwood!) The situation Brad/JP/Step/et all found themselves in is not outside the realm of possiblity and I have wondered about the ethics. For me, it comes down to situational verses absolute. Growing up as a religious conservative, there were absolutes. My maturation process and 'journey' has led me far from my original mindset to allow for moral relativism. It has been interesting to ponder JP's willingness to allow Brian to meet his fate. ( I do wonder if JP will really allow this to happen or if he will work behind the scenes to 'save' Brian from himself) JP was able in earlier stories to bring about death when those close to him were threatened, but can he really allow Brian to meet death by refusing to help him? What sort of impact would that have on his psychie? I can not imagine that if/when the news of Brian's demise arrives that it won't have at least some lingering negative effect on JP's/Brad's relationship. On one hand, a begrudging pride on the part of JP that Brad will do what it takes to keep the family safe, but also a resentment that a family member was 'sacrificed'. Brad is a bit....impulsive at times. I suspect that when Brian dies, it will impact him, Right now, the tough-guy I am fighting the infidel behaviour will be challenged with the news that Brad's own plotting and direct actions led to someone's death. He will get through it, but it will, I suspect, challenge aspects of his self-image and humanity much as the devastation of Robbies infidelities changed his own sense of power and propriety. From the argument of the 'Greater Good', I would find myself supporting Brad, but it would come at a cost of self-image. As I further pondered this portion of the story, I played out the various scenarios of how our actions within family dynamics shape us as humans. The relatives we love and the relatives we no longer speak with, the events we wholeheartedly celebrate and the events we begrundingly attend. They are little 'life and death' scenarios that we play out each day. The 'Death of Brian' may be something we may never instigate or have reason to participate on such a grand near operatic scale. However, daily life and death struggles in our families and even friendships can stand to be filted through the same questions/challenges that arise from this story. H'mmm, does this make it an epic? Perhaps. Whether it is or not, I appreciate Mark, how you make a great fictional story also one that can help us review our own humanity and how we may affect family dynamics. This can not help but lead to be be better humans! I wish Millennium would never end, but I take heart in your willingness to create more stories that will not only entertain us, but offer insights and challenges. Thank you! gene

Wondering, will we one day find that Brad is Capt Granger's great-great-great-great grandson, and will it be from which side this ever growing complex family? H'mmmmmm, something he alone shares from his bio-dad or is there the possibility that it might, if true, float from the lineage shared with others in 'CAP'? Just a pondering from a loyalist to both incredible sagas.

H'mmm, a greater good issue....I would suspect that the 'little guilt' did not outweigh the relief/assurance/peace of mind that you were able to achvie. When I have also done such things, it put a 'chink' in my self-concept, but my own sense of relief buffed out the mark. Machiaelli anyone???

The scene in Robbie's office was great! Reminds me of the "Reagan approach to Government" - 'Trust.....but verify!!" As usual, another great one Mark, thanks for both the continued high quality and quantity!! gj

Oy Veh, are you saying they're not???

As said, Tevor needed the break to rest and thankfully you took the time to rest a bit as well. Your readers are grateful for the gift of story you share, so thank you for your continued dedication and creativity, but please, continue to rest! It sounds like you had/have quite the spell... gj

Thanks Mark for the update. The stories you present to us are amazing in their depth and creativity. Also, who could complain about how often we are treated to new chapters for you provide your fans with prodigious and quality output. Just wanted to let you know that George is missed, but Millennium is fascinating. It seems like we are reving up again for some fast-paced action! Thanks again. gj

51 does have a great deal of depth and movement.....a question, when Steph left the room 'flushed', did he blow another old guy for a deal??? Reminds me of a land deal from oh so long ago! Thanks for getting us theses Chapters as 'Holiday Treats'! As a Belvideraian, will we get a chance to see how the brewing French/English/Spanish was is progressing? Don't want to slow down the Millennial-Fest, but do miss our dear captain....

I think it is less the heritage (Though it is fascinating and sometimes just a good old 'creative hoot' how some of the people come into the storyline and that just keeps us on our toes for we never know what great twists and turns await us!), and more how the characters develop and interact. They could all be from a single branch from the same family tree and be interesting or be a jumble with everyone from different families and be boring as heck....It is the storytelling skill Mark brings that keeps it fresh.

I think your comments, Centex, regarding both the Excellent Chap 44 and the rather sympathetic remarks regarding Cody are quite on target. The tone of some of the comments, to me, does get a bit 'sanctimonious' at times for the 'anti-Cody/kevin negativity' does seem to bleed over from negative feelings some have for Brad. Personally, (and I hope without getting bitchy myself!), I find Cody and Kevin fun characters. In their own way, they are honest about themselves and their sexual motivations and are realistic in matching many people in our own daily life (gay/straight/bisexual/etc) across the board and not just 'Hollywood' types. There would be a deep sadness about both of them if it were not their ability to desire more than sex and to seek some form of deeper relationship with both each other and with Brad, and to some extent Robbie. This desire, to me, lifts them from vapid sex-addicts of most gay-writing, to gay-men struggling to understand how to live day-to-day without clearly defined role-models. Their looks could push them into strictly living for the next lay, but they are written with a hunger and some ability for loyalty and a desire for deeper relationship(s). Is it really so different from may straight men, especially physically attractive or those gifted with talents in Sports? I, for one, hope Kevin and Cody stick around for they are not just hot, but interesting reflections of society and examples of gay men struggling on how to make their desire to be loved fit in a society that is broadly unaccepting of their relationship. Kevin may never fully take on the role of being Mrs. Beaver for Cody, but they do have a chance to work through relationship issues and grow. I have to admit, I like them as characters and hope they stick around for the coming series. 1999 was a very eventful year, but one I enjoyed sharing with this fascinating family. Thanks Mark for exploring so many issues that could so easily slip by or treated tritely.....However, my own vote, risking sounding really, really shallow here, is that you don't need to ever listen to a woman or a fat man as your story voice!! Though I am sure you would find someway to make it interesting, I find it hard to believe I would be as anxiously awaiting each Chapter as I do for Millinneum or Belvederia!

+++ This was a great chapter! It seems like the last few were important plateaus to allow for the tie-up of some items and the fun is taking off again wiht full force. It should be a great New Year, but just getting the scoop on what is going to happen for the rest of the party should be priceless.... As far as the 'glimmer of humanity', are you sure it is not either the simmer coals of her burned soul or just the fires of hell bleeding through her eyes!?! Durn, she is a cold one...

With all due respect, Mark writes well written and responsible stories that are, quite happily hot...the caution is that these are not suppose to be public service announcements. I think the stories work on historically accurate settings that are also indicative of the 'historical mood'. In realistic terms, presenting every sex scene as totally 'responsible safe sex' would not be truthful to the times or peoples lives.....

There is something intoxicatingly evil about this incredibly addictive and great story! It was a wonderful 'Halloween Treat' to get.....

I just started to read this story and had the luxury of reading 51 chapters over a short period of time. If I may just say, brilliant work! Thank you for the incredible details, great characterizations, intrigue, and unique plot-line. This is a pleasure to read and a reason to look forward to Tues! Your intimate knowledge in the travel locations, ports-o-call, sailing, and love of characters is all apparent. Thank you! I consider myself a devoted fan/reader... gj

I understand that people typically believe that our biological relationships are 'family' and that seems to give the biological members some near-mystical power over the lives of other 'family members'. In my own experience and deep personal belief, family is a near sacred term used for those that one we can either be related to or that are chosen as members. It is not automatic due to biology. Biological kinship gives one a leg-up do to proximity and availabilty, but should not give one special rights or priviledges when it comes to their willingness to act as a true 'family member'. Why should the fact that one is biologically related give one the right to screw another family member over? Those outside of the family should be treated equally with respect and with compassion as long as they don't aggressively try to attack the family itself. For family members, at some point, and that may differ for all, someone may prove that their actions are not going to support their continued 'membership' and then they will have to fend for themselves. It has reached that place for Brian. I respect that Brad & Stef will fight back. They first accepted Brian, got hurt time and again, turned him away...but now, Brian is like a rabid dog and the family must be more aggressive in its defense and actively go after the aggressor. In this case, it is a very active defense, but what choice was left? JP may choose to 'retire', but I would hope that instead he sees this (eventually!) as a wake-up call and gets his head out of his ass and starts caring for the entire family. Agreed, in his world view he sees the individuals instead of the whole, but in this case, the individual (Brian) is a very active cancer that must be expunged before he further hurts everyone else. Brian, by his own actions, has forfeited his rights to support of any kind.

The feeling I get from your response is almost like Brad et al are the ones that started the mess and helpless Brian is the victim. He has effectively played the victim card tiem and again only to transform it into another opportunity to spew venim and attempt destruction. There has to come a time when that is no longer acceptable. Had Brad and the family rejected Brian at the beginning out of fear or greed, then, they would be judged wanting. Instead, they have let themselves be used again and again and if they did not stand up as they did, they would be as guilty as JP of being an enabler. Brian only wants their help in that it assists him in trying to destroy them. I don't remember this hatred being justified by any overt or covert actions except in Brian's own mind. I personally applaud the family for standing up and trying to break the cycle of violence that Brian has been brought to their lives. I dare say more could be used...

I do wonder something about Brad's potential buy-out of Marcel. Has he mentioned this to Robbie or does he see this purely as a business transaction. It is positive and I believe to be expected that he expects to be generous with Marcel. Robbie could see it as supportive for it will give them to ability to reinvest in the business instead of dividends; or, Robbie could see it as a threat and more control by Brad as seen from some of the earlier chapter's discussions. Business protocol would say not say anything, but does that fit with their relationships 'new sharing & openness?" Time will tell if Robbie is still in the dark about Brad's business transaction.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I agree it is an excellent and eye-opening chapter and I also agree that siblings can be scary. A question I have is how can one choose Brad over Brian and yet still support Brian in any way at all. In my view, any support is a direct violation of support for Brad. It would be tough, but if tough is not honored, the family would be destroyed. Oh, a word of caution, if you live in CA, don't ever admit to scaring a cat, PETA might be trolling this site and lord knows what trouble CA laws would get you in!

The ability of Mark to make a story compelling from Claire's point of view is not in doubt, nor would, I venture to guess, the ability of the CAP reader to 'deal' with is not the question.........I would venture it is more the desire. I must admit, no matter how compelling the story line may be, I would far prefer the stories remain told from the men in the family. It is not just a matter of interest/sex, but I find these stories compelling on a personal level that a female narrator would not provide. Yes, even though it might get us details about Jack, still not worth it.....

I suppose I should apologize for my next comment for I have been unable to get into my sanctimonious mood and feel totally scandalized by the sex scene between the four boys sans condom. Instead, I keep coming back to "Damn, that was a hot scene! " Thanks Mark! Had it been between four who did not have a history and some level of trust, I suppose it would be easier to be 'upset', but there is a level of trust and knowledge between the four, but yes, there is a level on which it was unsafe....Still, it is a story and as I said above.....Damn!

++++++ Thanks, alas, we Californians are a tad to familiar with those big 70+ car pile-ups....loud, wrenching and perversly fascinating.

I must admit, you have brought out the great side to Robbie and I no longer have the compulsion to want to see Brad get a better partner (Though there may be what I would consider better fits for Brad, the whole history of their relationship and deep love for each other trumps higher quality!!). At least for now, it seems they are the support each other needs and with great determination, they will both keep from breaking each other's heart yet again! Of course, where is the drama in that!! The food scenes......priceless!!! In some ways, given the backward view we have regarding the coming tech meltdown, it is quite a bit like watching a car accident. A very big, violent, multi-car pileup......Perversely anticipating the coming destruction but unable to shut one's eyes.....According to the historical facts of similarly leveraged companies during this time, Omega probably already is 'Dead Man Walking'. Still, it is with guilty glee that I, for one, will be watching the work you have Brad & Co accomplish in the coming months to hasten what I hope to be Omega's demise and help it move from thorough to spectacular with Step & Co running the thing. That way, the evil will be punished without the innocent having to pay by everyone loosing their jobs. It would be a good way to see some of their extra cash invested. Perhaps, Stef, Brad, et al will get even more perversely wealthy and that would be a good thing. They are going to need serious cash for their Ohio venture! To say nothing about the cost of all the new Ferraris for their kids!! That alone will be a fortune.... So many good and positive story elements have been woven together in the last few chapters - Cody/Kevin - Max/FT - even Jeanine is getting some. Thanks for gathering these elements before, what I am sure will be, the next wild ride before we finish celebrating the Millennium as a story! BTW, when will we get to see more about Brad's 'new kid' he has from the shelter?

Mark, 37 is a really beautiful, fun, romantic and affirming chapter. Even with all they have been through, you have enabled them to be in an incredible place but made the emotional journey realistic. Though both have grown, Brad, in my opinion, is much better prepared to face what you have hinted is in store for he and the rest of the guys in not only this story, but the coming tales as well. It is fun how you capture the various internal quirks of not only Brad/Robbie, but Jeanine, Cody, et al. These little insights add great depth to the story and make it much more interesting. Thanks for the great ride! gj