gjtravel2a

The conversations we have regarding the story amaze me and keep re-confirming how different our perspectives can be after reading and seeing the same things. What we bring definitely affects our vision. As I keep reading a very powerful story on several levels, I keep coming back to the fact that Brad is human and not perfect, but definitely the more injured party. He is a strong alpha, but he is incredibly loyal and loving. A prick at times, but who isn't? If Robbie needs the whole 'operatic passive aggressive' act in order to be heard, then I truly pity Robbie. Whether straight, gay or other....that kind of communication inflicts deep trauma on a relationship and those both in as well as around it. So Brad needs some additional time to heal, Robbie is being self-centered and controling not to understand that and to demand Brad meet Robbie's timeline. This disrespects Brad's feelings and does not show respect for Brad's needs. Brad may need some adjusting in some ways, but I don't believe Robbie is being sensitive to just what he did and how it affected Brad very deeply. Like Brad, I would not be able to be seduced as easily as Robbie wishes back into trusting Robbie. To me, Robbie is so very self-centered that he still does not get how his actions affect others. This again, thanks to Mark's skill and understanding of the human psyche and excellent writing skills, makes this a study of authentic relationships/personalities/responses and not a fairytale romance novel. Thanks Mark for such authenticity.

I had to chuckle when I read what you said about Brad and Matt for I got the image of former President Carter 'confessing that he was guilty of lusting in his heart'. Brad is no Carter and i believe is smart enough to realize there is no need 'to confess'! Hope that is true anyway. It might slip out and make an interesting turn, but I believe our Brad is smarter than Carter...

I would see a difference for I see vampires and werewolves as symbols for what occurs in our day-to-day exhistance. As I mentioned, the stories shared in a forum such as this are a gift to the readers. The power I see in someone's writing and the attraction for spending my own time in reading and discussing it often comes when it challenges my thoughts and views about the wider world or some aspect of theology/philosophy/psychology that is particularly relevant to my own struggles. (Granted, some is just good old fashioned fun and/or titilation, but that seldom has the same level of satisfaction,,,,) Exploring the world of Vampires is fun, but the writing about Jared does symbolize what I see as that which does feed on real human despair and tragedy. My own work requires that I travel extensively overseas and see the ravages of the powerful, the vain, and the opportunist sucking the lifeblood out of not only individuals, but whole countries. (While arguably it exists in the good old US of A, my work is primarily abroad) Without trying to be melo-dramatic, but possibly failing at that,there are what i would liken to be werewolves and vampires in our worl. They may not suck our literal blood, though there are the Idi Amins who ended up literally cannibalizing their own populations, but most still suck the life out of people and countries. There are those situations where it is either an individul in charge or the socio-political environment that will quite literally feed on the soul of humanity. Sometimes, in order to survive, we have to compromise like the offer Jared is making in the newly rewritten story. Though he is still a killer, his offer to keep crime down a bit and possibly feed mostly on dregs of society may make his offer palatable. What is the more pure evil found in the actions of the original Jared makes me hope that a similar acceptance from someone so morally bankrupt would not continue to happen, though it still does time and again. There are lots of examples of leaders I can give who are Jareds (both the original Jared and the newly rewritten Jared) are 'vampire and werewolves' in their own homes/homelands. Trying to decide if we can accept their level of violence is a hard question. So for me, while there are not literal vampires (at least any I have knowingly met!) there are those that do the work of vampires and werewolves. Was Stalin's work starving his own population or the turmoil of the Mao's Cultural Revolution that dissimilar to the arguement for reducing the population or feeding on 'only the dregs' with the occasional hot colllege kid? Is it that a vampire's carnage is only a few that makes the destruction less an issues? Perhaps I overthink it and should just let it flow over as a good read (which it is), but I think I would be cheated if I didn't allow the excellent writing to challenge my thoughts and actions as i follow the lives of Jared and others fascinating characters like Worthington Michael Sinclair, Dylan Thomas/Henry Jacobs or even a Jason Bester? All are great reads, but also offer incredible insights and challenges....

Laaws-a-mercy! another fine treat in Chap 28. Not only the rapidity of its arrival but seeing the story move into some nice support for Brad. He deserves some coddleing and Robbie is finally doing it right. It is also nice for Brad to have the humanity to realize what he does about personal revenge and the strength of character he shows not to betray his soul with the 'siren song' of all that attention calling him to just roll back time and forgive and forget. It would be hard for anyone to not want to accept someone back that they love when they are, as I belleve Brad is, exhausted and still hurting. To suddenly find the person they loved and trusted is wrapping them in loving attention and near adoration is sorely tempting to slip back into the past relationship for now it would seem easier for someone so tired and to allow the love to act as a temporary dam to hold all the pain. However, (curses upon the realities of the howevers) like the storm tide, the troubles would likely flood both their lives again and sweep them back into their sea of turmoil with even less strength to survive another round. Brad's wisdom in exploring his feelings and understanding his needs and potential boundaries will be the best for both. Whether Robbie is mature and selfless enough to accept this is going to be a key to their survivabilty. Is it Saint Brad? Hardly, but a wiser Brad and one that is on a path that will help them both survive whatever the future they create

Actually, I did understand what you said but I see it through the context of the "Original" story. As you noted, you haven't read it, so you will enjoy this one without the 'overcaste' of what I see as the truly evil vampire in the Original Jared. I keep wondering if that one will eventually burst through this enjoyable retelling. I did read the original first (with no regrets what so ever) but it gives a different take. Starting with either will give valid interpretations, but they will, I believe, lead one to potentially different views. The new is an excellent story, but so far there is a more 'humane' and balanced individual vampire that I don't see in the original. Hence, my comment about being a guilty pleasure for there something truly evil in the original displayed time and again in the way he takes such absolute pleasure in torment, torture and death . Good writing calls forth debate on larger issues and the Vampire Jared story does this for it just might call forth a debate on the true nature of evil. In both stories, Jared is perhaps higher up the food chain and eating food that happens to be human might just be a price of evolution. In the new story, I see what you say about it being just natural order and seems more like a balance. In the original, he also fulfills this natural purpose, but with a total abandoment of any vestage of humanity. Well, since he is no longer human, does this excuse his actions? I think that we face this very issue in our real world with the likes of Pol Pot. The results of Pol Pots political thought led to a natural order that also led to misery and death. Does this mean that we simply see it as acceptable political evolution? I doubt many rational people would agree, but for their own political purposes some did. This is where the 'guilt' comes. The original is compellingly written with various plot twists, but the in the original, I would give Jared the moral compunction of a Pol Pot. His world view is valid for his thought patterns and place in the evolutionary chain, but is not something once can simply say is natural or acceptable....but it does make a great read! In the new one, I think he just might get away with his world view it in our society! How would and do we handle such a force....

RE: Chap 27 Exquisite

Vampire Jared is, as Rilbur stated, is a cold-hearted bastard on a good day. On one of his less pure days, he is so much more evil than that and offers a completely different character from what we see in the other quality writing found on GA. It is a fun moral and emotional challenge finding myself pulling for him to survive and flourish. Vampire Jared is truly a 'guilty pleasure' if ever there was one and makes Premium worth it for this story alone! Thanks for the next chapter. I am savouring reading it this evening. A glass of wine, a comfortable chair, a shiver down my spine as I continue a great read.....

++++++++++++++++ Me thinks me dost smell dissimilation......h'mmmmmm gj

Well dear Hermes, when next you venture forth to Mt Olympus, please let Dan, the god of incredible writing know for me that each of his stories brings unique insight into life, relationships, and are just gosh darn good reads! I am thoroughly enjoying each of them. Thanks... gj

Amazing chapter. When the axes begin to fall, it is like the Vikings have landed! With all the venom of Carson, it would be hard to believe the boy doesn't show up again for retribution. You also have to wonder just what Brandon could have been thinking on how it could have ended on a happy note. The crush of what he did would be overwhelming and having his 'mom' come for him is a fitting end. The relationship between Robbie and Brad does have a very strong and solid quality. Someone mentioned earllier that they coulld be JP/Stef redux.....believable but not certain, eh? Who knows where you shall take us. Lots happened and lots to come even through their evening! Boy, are they going to be exhausted tomorrow... gj

Much better, but being the gready reader, you wouldn't by chance be able to add a one either before,,,,or preferably after the eight now would you!!! Still, eight is most promising and thanks for excellent gift you share with us

As we have all noted, the writing is compelling and the story-line is mesmerizing. While it will be great to get more, it is sad to see the word's 'see the conclusion of this story soon.' This is definitely one that I would enjoy going on for an even greater time, but what the author shares is a gift and I want to thank him for that! Your writing is most enjoyable. Thanks, gj

Mark, thank you for being patient with the demands of your fans and getting this to us today (or is it tomorrow in Singpore? ) It is a most enjoyable event. As promised earlier, I shall be finishing the pointy hat and sit in the corner for Robbie did pull it together and moved his life and the possibilities forward. This was a powerful and infinitely believable chapter that moved the story itself forward quite nicely. It was like the streams of their personal events and emotions began to again flow together into the river of the story-line. If the story takes them to the point where they end up together, it won't, in my opinion have any of the 'Dallas - waking up in the shower scene feel', but it instead will feel to me to be authentic occurance (though the dice are still not cast!). Again, kudos to the skill and the time you take in developing these likable (ok, I still find Robbie annoying, sorry Robbietarians...) but it is more obvious why Brad fell for him and is willing to at least entertain recommitting. In some ways, the scene with all the events and the impact of their honest conversation is more of a 'cliffie' than before, but it is a good place for the story to be. A plateau before the fireworks really begin and events unfold in earnest. Thanks again Mark. gj

I really detest it when authors are hurried by thier readers for what you provide is a gift and one such as yourself is really quite generous, but in the case of this 'cliffie' and waiting till Wednesday, I, with respectful timerity, thought I might point out that it is actually Wednesday in Singapore. Are you restricted to just good old US of A timing?

Alas, spoken like a true Robbitarian where I fear myself to be a rabid Bradista. It will be interesting to see just where they end up for Mark has given hints that it could still go either way! Either way, it will be an enjoyable ride!!

What may be considered the inverse may also be true. Whether it is God, god, gods, higher power, Supreme Being, or something that may be considered more tangible, just because we believe in it, does not mean it is real. With specific reference to Millennium, Brad truly believed in his and Robbie's relationship and choose to see evidence of its near eternal nature, and look where it has gotten him. Many people similarly see a surpreme being's hand in virtually any aspect of daily existence; hence, we get the prayer of thanks for the football touchdown. One of the things I admire in Brad's character is his ability to keep forging ahead, growing, and seeking love without the external crux and with just sheer determination and also without a sense of desperation.

Might be a good time for the Massage guy to come back and bring reinforcements! Oh, is it Wednesday yet????

Robbie's appearance could:>Lead to quite a scene where Brad finally breaks with Robbie (but you do like happy endings you say so it would enevitably lead to some hot make-up sex between Brad/Robbie....)>>though unplanned, be used to help convince Dan they are really over, Brad is quick enough to do this and hopefully, Robbie can either catch on or leave in enough huff that he helps the plan and again, lead to great makeup sex!>>>Robbie ends up in the bathroom and Brad gets Dan to spill all within Robbie's earshot ultimately convincing Robbie that Brad is not just an alarmist/conspiracy theorist on the depth of the plot to destroy them and some penance of listening to Brad causing Robbie to realize what he almost lost.>>>>They end up in a three-way....hope not, just would be tough to believe and still see the carefully laid plan workout.>>>>>Perhaps Carson has figured things out, confronted Robbie, Robbie dispatched him a la Paris, Robbie has come to preen and begins to eye Dan with bloodlust still coursing through his veins. This is the ulltimate act that brings Robbie and Brad together! Does this mean Robbie has to off someone every 14 years?>>>>>Another creative plot twist that moves this incredibly enjoyable tale along! It will be interesting to see how soon they choose to axe the infidels. Carson must surely suspect something (unless Robbie really did off him). Brad's assistant is back on Monday I believe. Will the rest of the industry ever know that Steph/Brad really were intentially driving up the costs and loosing for strategic advantage? The deadline for the collapse of the Dot-Com Bubble is within months, will Millennium go beyond March 10th, 2000 to see Steph's true brilliance and the come-uppance of Dan, et al? The internal dog-fight will be interesting within the enemy camp once it becomes apparent the Brad and Co are not destroyed...Oy, the fun! Great dramatic tension Mark, thanks!

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

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???

24? Is it posted somewhere yet?

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

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

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

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.