drsawzall

While I appreciate the technical information, please be careful not to overload us with nuances and esoteric details. As a reader, I would take it on faith that the science you are presenting is grounded in reality.

So gAI is unaware of others observing, or is gAI working with those who want to see The Great Balance come? Knowingly or unknowingly?

One hopes that Cal slows down a bit, he's spreading himself all over the place...

I don't disagree with your thoughts on how many various faiths supported slavery or that there were few benign owners compared to those who looked at their slaves differently. One of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson's issues with slave ownership was that it was economically draining to the point of facing bankruptcy. Poor crop yields, vagaries of seasonal weather, indifferent attitudes by the enslaved, the slave population growing with childbirth, overseers pushing a recalcitrant labor force, and those who could not work due to age or infirmity. As to the states that employ prison labor, I can only think, and I do not mean to be callous or sound indifferent, don't commit the crime. Incarceration is expensive; they should contribute to their room and board. It is in education and rehabilitation that the system fails. They should be released with marketable and or enhanced job skills. It is the Pollyanna in me, but there you have it: all of this costs money, supported by taxes that no one wants to pay or see increased. According to the Walk Free Foundation, it is estimated that 50 million people live in modern slavery today, and one is too many. The world population, according to nationsgeo.com, is 8.2 billion. I think we both make valid points, and we can agree to disagree. If you wish to continue this, we should exchange thoughts and comments elsewhere.

This was another great chapter, and Jack's diagnosis has me pining for the day his parents pay the piper for their cruelty... I'm so fereaking glad that Nick has come to the point that he also needs help dealing with the loss of his father, and while not discussed, the distance between him and his mother...More to the point, they are emphasizing therapy over a mild prescription. Hopefully, they can back off the drugs sooner rather than later. I fully understand I am no expert, and having seen numerous instances of mental illness in my family, from bipolar to narcissism to uncontrollable anger, I understand the insidiousness of it. I agree with @Altimexis and LB in only posting complete stories, so many great authors, for their own reasons, have left so many fantastic stories unfinished. I realize we are all different and approach the craft of writing differently. I've never been able to outline and script a story; the voices in my head would revolt!!! Well...that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!

Thank you for this. I know it could not have been easy, and in the end, you gave us a masterclass in writing. I truly admire the raw honesty you shared with us; for that, thank you!

This was an incredible chapter, I felt as if I was in the rooms and Dr's office with them. Powerful writing to say the least!!!

It's quite a pity party we have going on here...it's pretty obvious that these two need to separate and go their own ways...this constant antagonism is going nowhere fast...

It's not your father's army....that's for sure...

The times they are a-changing for Joel, his reticence is slipping incrementally... That walking the halls of Tempton would be too difficult, that I wouldn’t be able to breathe there. I wouldn’t know how to act. I couldn’t picture walking the hallways I knew, passing the people I knew. Not without driving myself crazy wondering what they were thinking. I bled orange, but I never truly allowed myself to settle in either, I didn’t like feeling like I could easily be forgotten too. I hated feeling calmer here Soon Joel...soon...camping with Davin might be the cure... “If those three give you any more trouble Joel, come to me,” she offered, standing at the front of my row as more people streamed in. “It is a three-strike system here, they lose more with each one and I will not be lenient.” “I will,” I offered, more to get her attention back on the rest of the class entering the room than actually planning to tell her. I didn’t know how much longer my lingering anger would hold on before it breaks and I let all my stupid thinking stop. I had no real intentions of kicking anyone’s ass, least of all Jaxton who probably had everyone in this school right where he wanted them. The Rubicon is only a few steps away Joel... Sighing, I tucked my laptop and books against my side and made my way down the hallway, part of me wanting to turn around and follow him. To try to see myself in maroon and playing the traitor. It would be easy to fall into place, be someone I’m not instead of someone I’d rather no one know at all. If that made me a traitor, then I was going to have to prepare myself for being one. Lastly...where is Cody, he just may hold the key to snap Joel out of his funk.... Did I mention Cody is missing??? Isn't it time to get Cody over to the ranch??? Bet Cody would love to ride a horse, 4-wheeler, and explore the ranch!!! #TeamJavin

Our boy is certainly getting around...

Intriguing.....to say the least!!

Slavery in any form is an anathema to me; there can be no justification for me in any form or thought. It is inherently evil and morally repugnant. Saying that some slave owners are better than some 'free' people is akin to a former southern governor saying slavery was actually beneficial to the slave for 'skills' learned! Any religion that condones the enslavement of half of its population is anything but... As to comparing or contrasting 'our' system as to which is better, to me, is a false equivalency, like comparing apples to oranges. Neither system is 'perfect', but at least with one, you have choices and within a group of like-minded people, the chance to effect change. The job of any author is to create reader engagement, and with GA we have the ability to comment, for good or bad, on what we read. It is a testament to this author's skills that he engages me so as to comment.

The 64 thousand dollar question is, how did Jake, if in fact he's an escort, connect with Neil, answer an ad, respond to a online website? Both Micah and Killian have managed to piss off/ push some very important folks around, who aren't happy... Did Neil "find" Jake randomly? It's a stretch of a possibility... Lastly, how did Jake come by the photo of Neil, and what/where is the lock that that damned key opens???

Now and then comes a story that makes one sit back and ask, Do I fully understand what I just read? While just a short, at least to me, seven chapters, the nuances in this tale will leave you reconsidering your perspectives. Simply well written, engaging, and for me...a must read!!!

From your keyboard to God's ears...that this story finds those in need of a truthful perspective... Ten months ago, I don't think this story would have been as great as it is now... I believe your faithful readers will be eagerly awaiting whatever you gift us with. The End (That is to say, The Beginning) The dichotomies of this carefully constructed story are simply a marvel to behold. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!!!

Glad to see Mike and Sammy getting closer, they make a great couple... Andy has the right attitude, if you can't hit...bunt!!! Still worried about what Eddie is up to...

Loved this chapter and the interplay! I found the following most instructive!! Silas rested both hands atop his broom. “And what does the Temple say of rivers?” The searcher blinked. “That we must listen to their silence. That we must not dam them.” “To force the shape of the river is to violate its nature,” Silas said gently. “That is your own teaching. To unmake a soul’s current—to drag it back upstream—is no act of piety.”

My invitation is still missing, I'm checking the mail daily!!! Now, they have the catchment system, I can't remember, do they have solar?

Not my cup of 'tea'....

Why do I feel this isn't gonna end well???

First off...Marvin needs to go away; he's a bag full of issues, and Creek isn't his type... We looked at each other for a second. And in that second, I thought of the time he kissed my cheek. Without thinking, I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. He blinked at me, stunned, then slowly smiled again. Realizing what I had just done, I quickly turned off the light and rushed back to the couch. What the hell is wrong with me? There isn't anything wrong with you, Creek, your heart and brain know what they want...

What a sad upbringing for Pierre, another reason to wish for a plague to wipe out all the ner-do-wells and slave owners... I mean, come on folks, these people are smart enough to invent cars, phones, and all sorts of stuff we see in the modern world...at the very least a revolution.... Then...just what does K want???

Thank you for sharing this with us. Perhaps we can peek in on them somewhere down the road!!

So very well stated, and I could not have said it any better!!!