gjtravel2a

================== Perhaps JP will take advantage of a 2 4 1 sale and get Brian and his girlfriend a la Deke? Make it nice and neat and JP has the nerves for such as that!

cool info, and we get to see them when???

In this, yet another beautifully written, chapter, I think we see Brad showing strength in his willlingness to be more receptive to his need to mature & change a bit and Robbie being less self-centered and again reaching out to Brad with what is essentially a good and loving heart. This is the balm that will heal Brad of so much of the ugliness that recent events have churned up yet again. Whatever the case may be for their relationship, I believe both guys will pull through much wiser and better human beings and that there is a beauty to their love. Personnaly, I still don't trust that Robbie won't 'fall off the wagon' and fall in love again with someone else, but only time will tell. This is a fascinating tale and even more amazing that we can have two excellent chapters from such different stories arrive at the same time to feed our hunger for what is going to happen next in Malibu and Gibralter! Thanks again Mark!!

While there are many reasons for the increase % in enlistees, one of the driving forces is economic. Especially in hard hit areas like where I am in California, jobs even at Fast Food restaurants are non-existant and so jobs and help with future education are some of the key drivers for the increase in many areas of the US.

Y'know, it is kinda funny concentrating on the potential for 911 when we have a great story that is still unfolding. It was interesting when pointed out that the 911 story might be the first, in effect, 'real-time' story for many of the readers. However, there are those of us (at least me! ) who are old enough to have lived through other aspects of these stories. Heck, I still remember second grade bringing home a slip of paper for my parents to sign about what to do if the Cuban Missle Crisis turned to thermonuclear war:nuke: . The current tale takes place smack dab in the middle of my 'middle career'. I was deeply involved in the tech industry in the areas being written about and find it less a story and more a memory or visitation! Perhaps that is also why I am personally enjoying the discussion threads so much for it seems the fan base is across a wide variety of ages and experiences. Thanks Mark for providing a product and a forum to bring a diverse together with such rabid loyalty:worship: .

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ From my perspective, for precisely the reason you stated. Tis easier to send the faceless to meet their death than those we hold and hold dear....

I concur with your idea about Brian and the WTC! I also wonder if Auntie Alex runs a public company and if some of that load of cash Brad/Stef have could be re-directed to that industry. Once the deals Auntie's group funded help tank their stock in late spring, it would be ripe for the picking and sweet revenge!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ lol, well, never a boy scout and yes, I do get these thoughts a lot!! Guess I am hoping for a secondary player to experience this disaster through. Though we all know it is coming and that Mark will handle it in his usual excellent fashion with undoubtably a surprise or three, I am personally finding a sense of dread thinking about it. (I don't obsess, really!). It will be the first 'fictionalized' account I will have read and am now exploring why I dread the thought so. Good writing does take us on an internal journey and for whatever reasons, this one is potentially painful for us all on some level, eh?

I wonder if 1/2 bro Capt Mike is brought to us in prep for 9/11.....A family member who can also be the sacraficial lamb to the coming horror?

A truly amazing chapter that answers so many questions in well-developed and believable fashion while moving the story forward in a rather exciting manner. It is good to see 'our guys' beginning to go on a logical business offensive and not having to be as reactive. There are no easy answers for Brad & Robbie, but they are taking the time now to explore themselves and their future both together and as individuals. Just a thought, could the 'connection' be Brian yet again mucking things up? Thanks for taking us on this journey Mark, it is a great ride! gj

I believe my initial reaction was quite mistaken for when 'Kevin bein' kin' came up/out, I thought, golly gosh, a new emotional turmoil. As I think about it, Mark has cleverly brought forth not a new issue but another loose thread that needed to be repaired by allowing Brad to address the long-simmering issues that must have some bearing/impact on all his relationships. I would imagine that one of the emotions he has been dealing with as an underlying theme of 'not quite feeling as good as the rest' for afterall, his blood relations are a bit thin. (oy and to be related to the not-so-good Rev). While Brad is an integral part of the family (and probably the next 'Don' of the family once Don JP retires to his garden to grow tomatoes and chase his grandchildren), there has to be some level of pain and separation Brad feels by the emotional devastion wrought by his mother, siblings, and the events unfolding around his parentage. It seems that perhaps Brad has allowed this to scab over instead of lancing the wound. The emotional challenges of the last month seems to have prepared him to go deeper into this painful issue. This might be one of the personality drivers for Brad to be both so focused to succeed as well as to be as controlling as he has, on rare occasion, been in intimate relationships... How can Brad fully resolve his relationships with Robbie, Jeanine, even the parent/child relationships he has with his brood without coming to more concrete terms with the father he was denied knowing, but who in many ways has been a shadow over his life. I admire all that Brad has achieved through these stories and don't see him as a deeply flawed 'Hamlet', but the issues would be real and I believe now that he is as vulnerable and open to addressing internal issues, he will be better able to address this part of his emotional (or is it emotionless?) past. Also, with the family now focusing on Ohio and with Brad needing to work closely with his sibling, now might be a good time to purge himself of any feelings of inadequacy over his parentage or concern he might have over his past that would stand in the way of Brad more fully healing and working on this new project. What I do hope is that he doesn't go all prudish (unlikely) and stop the hot sex scenes with his new cousin. Wonder if he could trade a roll with Matt for allowing Robbie to keep Kevin as a bedroom partner???

Amen to that!! Amen to that!!

Yet another great chapter Mark. Lots of forward progress in a tightly compacted timeframe, and what a surprise at the end! I never saw that one coming and it does beg the question on whether cousins are considered inappropriate and does the same rule stand for gay and straight couples?? And if not, who has the power to say so???

Alas, inevitability does not ease the pain of consideration/experience....part of the reason I see this being able to be addressed in this sort of Historical fiction is that we can trust that Mark and his skill can take us through re-experiencing this time in a thoughtful, realistic, and I would say reverential story without letting it get maudlin or it being in-authentic. I do not envy his task but I look forward to the result. I suspect it will be potentially cauthartic....Mark, not to much pressure on you with our expectation(s), eh?

True, but to painful to even think about....it is coming, but a very painful time still to contemplate it happening, much less to characters now that we have come to care about like Matt or Wade....

I would agree and hope that is the case. The suggestion for Matt is logical, but who knows what twists and turns await us. I would speculate that the only sacrosanct couples at this point are JP/Stef and perhaps Claire so who know who or what is fair game for 2000.....

This does point to the question of whether this story will end before the historical market meltdown that began after Mar 11, 2000. I for one hope it does not! You have set it up nicely for they indicated they plan on being out of the market by the end of February (Great timing on their part, eh?) and as long as they don't sink it all in the NASDAQ, they should be sitting pretty. This is not unlike stories that certain families like the Kennedy Family and a few others were prescient in their timing on exiting the market before the Great Depression. As with all market meltdowns, It is expected that certain families/individuals will have good timing and other's wont', so Stef et al getting out now is both good luck but more market savey on their side. The discipline to leave the market at this time was something not many had, but those that did, did quite well. I believe it was at this time that books like Dow @30,000 were on the best seller's list. This is part of my own fascination with this story for it was recent and a quite volatile time that affected many of your own reader's lives/careers/livliehoods. I hope that the story extends some point beyond the spring of 2000 and that we get a sense of what they feel as the market begins its decline and how it impacts their competitors and enemies. Speaking of which, I hope we get a chance to learn what is going on with people at Dan, Cary, Amphion, etc. What are they thinking and doing now that they are beginning to realize the extent to which they were discovered and to some extent, played like a cheap guitar! There must be a great deal of bluster, grand-standing and finger pointing that is only just beginning to impact them and their companies. Though the issues of Brad and Robbie are the primary story here, what is going on within the broader business is both fascinating and intriguing. The shift in business for Brad and Stef will be fascinating as well. I look forward to seeing how you guide us through this continuing story and suspect that there will be a tie-in between the collapse of certain technologies and the potential for rebuilding their 'hometown'. Pouring money into such a town at this point could be a wise economic decision if handled correctly and without the need for an immediate return by the next quarter.

Lol, well if that compliment were even true, it would be a lovely place to be!

As you say, Mark's skill draws us into the story and creates an obvious passion for the characters and events. To me, it seems that Chap 32 offers what may be the perfect respite for Brad & Robbie. Thinking back over their long time-togehter it is an understatement to say that a great deal has happened that they have not fully integrated into their core relationship. They both seem to be struggling more with the desire 'to be together' as they were instead of celebrating the couple they could be with the natural changes that have evolved in both of their internal self and external surroundings. Just 'wanting to be together' is only enough to keep one together if the relationship is stagnant. As dynamic as their lives are, there is a need to not just have the desire, but also the acceptance of the change in both parties and the willingness to adapt. Though there have been dramatic moments, the story itself is not a grand opera about supernatural people. Instead, to me it has been the growth of two guys who have had both incredible fortune and have both worked their (muscular and well toned) butts off. The very apt juxtaposition of the car & truck at Robbie's office shows the transition. Obviously, they have achieved on the upper-end of return for their efforts, but given their setting, it is enviable but believable. This believability enhances their struggle for they are characters who have the rewards of the combination of hard work and good fortune and are still dealing with the everyday issues of relationships with spouses, kids, friends, and enemies. After both what they have had thrust upon them by external forces and the great heights they have both achieved in their work lives, how could Robbie still be the 'truck' or Brad just a simple 'surfer boy'? They may have the same core personalities, but they are far from the young kids they were. It seems to me that part of their fight has been to try to keep their relationship in the same confines they established as teenagers. The more confident (albeit nervous) Robbie was extraordinarily attractive to Brad (and hopefully Robbie as well). Perhaps It is the expression of what Brad has said about Robbie keeping him challenged. The question is, can Robbie challenge Brad without the near constant whining and the need for the theatricality of a Carson interlude? Can Robbie be strong and still provide the loving support Brad needs? He did a nice job with the key....Can Brad (not Mr Perfect but in my mind, more likable and vulnerable than Robbie) actually accept Robbie as a powerful person and then truly share that power in all aspects of their lives together? This chapter sets up that possibility quite nicely. It doesn't confirm that they will be able to create a new workable dynamic and get back to an exclusive, loving monogamous relationship esconsed in their Malibu retreat, but they have a chance to let their love 'grow-up' and take expression in a new healthier way given the massive transitions that have occurred in their lives since they fell into lust/love so many years ago. Either growing back together or remaining supportive and loving friends are logical options. Without hard work, become distant wraiths could also happen, but given Mark's bent towards happy endings, unlikely! Granted, living apart (not just Malibu & the apartment but also the other homes they share) will make it easy to get swept away into busy separate lives, but at least now, they seem to be working not from just "I want to be with you" to a healthier "What is it going to take to be a new healthy us". In truth ( my Brad-bent showing), I do give Brad the credit for realizing this on some level and not just accepting Robbie's advances of the last week or so. It was tough, but Brad seems to sense that going back just wouldn't have lasted and it would have deeply hurt both of them. Refusing to go back to the old was not only self-preservation, but an act of love for Robbie for Robbie would not have benefited from returning to their old selves.

+++++++++ There were two quotes in my in-box, yours and then Mark's reply. Without trying to be a sycophant, I concur with Mark for as I was reading yours, I was already thinking that Cody's job would be one I would like to either apply for or hire for! I suppose by Mark's off-handed remarks about Cody being secondary in nature to this particular tale of intrigue and lust means that we won't be seeing Brad wander off into the Malibu sunset with Cody....personally, I would rather see Brad do that than end up with more of Robbie's eternal whinning....Wonder if Robbie already found somebody and will announce it at dinner. Maybe Carson had a nice twin brother!!! Blech....

Great transitional feel to this chapter, though really wondering about what is on Robbie's mind for dinner. Nice movement in the various relationships and deepening our understanding of the kids. Also nice to see Brad trying to put his new insights into play in his relationships, but it is funny how upset he gets when he is not the first to know something....

It surprise me that several people would assume that after his heart is ripped out and the foundation of his world is shaken to its very core, as I believe Brad's was rather suddenly by Robbie, that Brad could/would/should just jump right back into the relationship with little pause and without much questioning. My own experience is such that when traumatic events occur, it takes some time to analyze what one actually feels/needs/and how to move forward. Seems to me, several have dismissed Brad's caution (whether the small amount of processing time thus far or the fact that as a very sexual being he is processing his feelings through some safe sexual relationships) as a sign of 'Brad's immaturity'. My own view, which could be mistaken, is just the opposite. Seems to me that moving slowly and deeply analyzing his feelings/needs is more a sign of maturity on Brad's part and if they do get back together, it will be what helps keep this from happening yet again. Both boys have a lot to work through before they can move beyond the 'want to be together' and into a 'healthy being together'. Sure they love each other and both, on some deep level, have a desire to be back to the security they once felt, however, with the large issues between them and the trauma they have just experienced, just 'wanting' it is not enough. I believe Robbie loves and wants to be back with Brad, but I don't believe even he is ready to fully commit and that the questioning/pushing/exploring on the part of Brad and his reticence to just blythly accept Robbie's words is going to help both of them either in this relationship of if they must, in a relationship with someone else. Give the boys some space and Mark the time to continue to authentically explore these issues as he does so brilliantly. I believe it is worth the ride!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++Amen.......Spoken like a true and wise "Bradista"

====== If I may be so bold as to offer perhaps an alternative view....it has been only a month, which is not long at all considering that these two have been shaken to the core of the relationship that was the center of their universe. I think, perhaps they aren't doing to badlly in processing this potential relational debacle. Each chapter really does reveal more about them and allows us to better see (and identify with) the struggle of both of the guys that we have come to love/respect/revile and then love again....while I may still be stuck on believing that a far happier ending for both would be for them to each find someone else that can better appreciate their own skills/personalities and gifts (being a rabid Bradista, I would say this is particularly true for our boy Brad), they could still logically and believable find happieness in each others arms and other associated regions.... Whatever the case, this is a fascinating tale in a riviting historical time and with very powerful relational challenges.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Ahhh, the Solomonaic Voice of Reason. Yes I will admit they are both hurt, but for the life of me, I can't see how their hurt is equal and that it was not initiated and exacerbated by Robbie's actions. What I will say , however, is that I am reconsidering this viewpoint and while I may or may not ever see them as equals in pain, I want to consider what is driving me to view Robbie as the 'creator and sustainer of most of their pain'. (Overstated view of Robbie for Brad is not perfect, but you get the idea ) I do realize that certain aspects of my own life are having me view things through this lense and one of the things I truly appreciate about your writing is that it is pushing me to consider my own life, actions, and events and making me consider whether or not I am being as balanced as I could in my own experience and viewpoint. Perhaps I should give certain events and people a bit more understanding? Again, a sign of good writing is often what it challenges us about ourselves. Also again, thank you for doing so!