sojourn

It is always nice to hear kind words. When those kind words are so well expressed, it is more than nice, it is flattering. Thank you

I can relate. My son and my friend found me and I too awoke in a hospital. I was confined in a mental ward twice, first for my attempt at suicide and second because I felt myself slipping again into wanting to STOP! aside from smoking cigarettes I have never had any addiction issues. Never experimented with anything stronger that pot. I have no problem discussing my mental health issues. Currently I have left behind 3 anti-depressants a day and I have left behind counselling with a psychiatrist. She assured me I was ready and I agreed. She also made sure I had her number if needed. I often question my state, "do I need to talk about how I am feeling?" Three years on, I am still within MY definition of "normal" fuck christians, fuck conservative politicians, and fuck anyone who says that being alone and sometimes depressed is not normal. I am a good man. I measured myself with scales made by small minded individuals and organizations that forced uniformity and compliance in return for a false sense of belonging and a promised afterlife. If I am not hurting myself or anyone else I am "normal" and I still view suicide as NEVER an option... I feel I am good to go and just get on with my life. I am pained each time I read or hear of a suicide victim. I know the reason they take their own lives is to simply STOP. It is a selfish act, a cowardly act. I do not condone it and would argue against it most heartily. Assisted suicide after proper counseling should be legally sanctioned in all states. But suicide in a physically healthy person should NEVER be the answer one turns to. If anyone contemplates suicide that individual should get counselling immediately. Contemplation and self counselling can lead to never. If anyone reading this has questions that may enlighten ask. Been there, done that, and will not go back there again.

The most profound element of this chapter has to be George's introspection above the sails... Heartbreak is like a box of chocolates, you never know how much it will truly hurt you until you open it up. He had to compare previously cataloged symptoms to determine and label his current state. Only when he revisited his previous heartbreaks did he discover the intensity and depth of his love for the new Tzar. George analyzes everyone's attitudes, motivations, and potential as a friend or foe. He took apart his symptoms and found a surprising depth of feeling for the new Tzar. George is fortunate in realizing his love was not returned and only his interests have to be considered in looking toward the future. Having analyzed his condition George will shrug it off after embracing it for what it is... a piece of his past. Now on toward the challenges of Hearth and Home. London is still a lifetime away for George. (Mark shines a light on interpersonal relationships from the past that offer observations into fictional and historical figures that should serve as a reminder today... We are all just people; kings, knights, queens, bishops, and rooks. No matter our rank, at some time in our lives, we are all pawns. Even when we think we are a player.) edited to add this... WRITE FASTER, POST SOONER!!! damn it

My sentiments precisely. well, as I see it Calliope is Granger's next command. Actually, I am terrible at guessing Mark's story line as it twists and turns through lives that could well be lived today in their complexity and motivations.

I like the observation that Nelson's choices in life might have been different had he had been more socially and politically savvy. While George shuns publicity, Nelson craves it to feed his ego and wrongfully expecting to be better received by his betters. Perhaps he is father to the adage, "discretion is the better part of valor". Still, it will be interesting to see George exercise his political acumen in London where the language may be native to him but the opportunities, challenges, obstacles, rewards, and consequences are no less life altering than any of those he has dealt with abroad. write faster, post sooner. jim

This is a character driven story. It is also romantic dramady. It is well written with good pacing. The settings are well defined so much that I google a few. Two men who had detested each other for 6 years, now forced to share a residence for one year. The reward for one is an inheritance of tremendous fortune and power that was his birthright. Now that all depends on the cooperation of a former "hustler's" presence in "his" home for a whole year... but. The reward for the other was more money than he had ever imagined to hold in his lifetime but to stay would mean he would be in the constant presence of a man who had been a thorn in his side almost from the first time they met. His decision was simple, no amount of money could force him to suffer this irritating asshole for another day, much less a full year... but. From a position of finality the arbiter starts has invited the players or are they are simply pawns played by a dead chess master. Will it be a win or a stalemate? NOTE: I thought I had found a major flaw in the plot early on. Turns out I only had to read a bit further to find myself relaxing and completely enjoying this story. If you persevere, you will find this to be a heartwarming tale of love also persevering in the face of what one thinks is the truth. Jim

I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was skeptical with the threat of exposure of his past. The threat of financial ruin and Chris having to return to the streets, a life he had worked so hard to distance himself from, was much more realistic. Beyond that glitch it was a very enjoyable read. We look at exchange of power relationships as being about pain, humiliation, and complete domination of an individual's will. Good to see a different take. Thanks for sharing you talent, Jim

YEAH!!!! I left and came back and so glad I did. I understand the dynamics and enjoyed this chapter especially. The exchange of power has shifted to seek its own equilibrium, however slanted that may end up being. I love being right but can admit, as I too often am, when I am wrong. I am smiling and eager to devour the next chapters. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. Jim

I was so happy with the story until this chapter. The old man knew. There would have been questions from all three sons. Just find it hard to accept that he had not chalked up Gregory's disapproval to his knowing about the hustling. So not sure I buy all that suddenly "cowering in shame". Besides, I had hopes that Gregory was to be the sub.... but then again, the story is still unfolding... I have renewed hope. Thoroughly enjoyed it so far... there is still hope. Thanks for sharing, Jim

"It is too bad that politicians can't seem to figure out that a veridical presentation is best, instead of pretending to be something you're not." Not sure I understand... Am I pretending to be a politician? Is everyone who reads this pretending? Or is it that if politicians embraced the veridical in their speech and actions "they would not have to pretend to be something "they're" not? In fact, I find politicians raise my ire most when they embrace a position that is other than veridical. They are politicians and to pretend to be something else would be very strange indeed. Of course, they all pretend to work for the common good, which is almost always an outright lie. They are working to be reelected.

I enjoy molding my opinion and reshaping it as others express their views which differ from mine. I have learned from you, Canuk. Thank you for the adjustment. "Weak Tea", I admit, was a harsh judgement. I am clothed in the same clothe as Chartley. I can feel for Chartley's dilemma. That may have been more a reflection upon my own past. I personally understand Chartley's fear of rejection. I do believe that a man who had braved the Orient and India and prospered financially in these strange lands would not be one who could not make a plan if for no other reason than to have something to change. We are a herd/predator species, we need to be a one-of- many to feel safe. That is why we "congregate" and profess the same values and respect the consensus' from the past that rule us all. We also naturally look to push others to the fringes so that we are closer to the center of power and therefore we are better protected and those we belittle, besmirch, disdain en masse, are forced closer to the fringe where the predators prey on the weak while our own safety is enhanced. Chartley has a moral dilemma in his desire to fit within the very center of the herd and yet he wants to bring his mate which should see him relegated to the extreme fringes of that same herd. "We have found the enemy, and he is us"

“You are honorable beyond any measure." What an epitaph that would make. Imagine a world in which George stayed in Russia. Imagine what could have resulted with two such men leading a rich and powerful nation. How our world history may have been changed??? I suspect Daventry eventually be the long term love of George's life. George is an opportunist. His good looks, his charm and quick wit and very strong libido have given him a life we can all envy. He is a slut. He is just very good at hiding it from public scrutiny. Which makes me wonder why Chartley's concerns about his "Batu" tastes, to me, like weak tea.

It is a quandary that people proudly raise the Christian banner but use it to gain wealth, power over their followers, and political influence. It is hard to accept anyone as a spokesperson for “Christian values” when they line their own pockets like the money changers that Jesus drove out of the temple. I believe in that what Jesus taught was the greatest social philosophy ever presented to mankind. It seems few if any take those teachings to heart. Thank you for commenting jim Ford

Love Nana Atuwa's comment.

I figure nude is indeed artistically defined; naked is as in the shower; nekkid is when one is naked and "up to something". That last is credited to Lewis Grizzard, a humorist who would have been badder, if his Momma hadn't raised him alongside a conscience. PS, I hate cliffhangers, I think they should be banned from serialized fiction entirely... That is, if are not of my own making.😉 Write faster. Post sooner. Jim

As responsibilities shift and caregivers roles get reversed or strive for a new equilibrium hearts can get broken and loved ones can feel used. What does the score look like now? Who has the most right to claim "victim"? Personally, I am in the Matt camp. Matt is trying to recapture something he surrendered. Unfortunately, Seamus' comes off as the spider to the fly. Righteous indignation only appears as a defensive weapon to those wielding it, as it slashes at the heart of a relationship. All this and now the Ex's family can enter stage left. And there I was thinking this story was complete just a few chapters ago... PLEASE, WRITE FASTER. POST SOONER!!!

Thoroughly enjoyed this tale. This was not included in my review simply because I felt it might be to telling. I am not sure this comment conveys how important the "Moon Goddess" became as a character and how much she became as real as any of the other secondary characters. I felt the reverence in which the were children regarded her and acknowledged her hand. One thing that sets this apart from most "wolf" tales is the reverence for the Moon Goddess. With sublime prose the her character is woven as if she were watching over every cautious breath and every step of foot and paw. This story seems to be more real for the care that is taken to include the Spirit that overlooks creation and specifically those of her children who walk, run, romp, and hunt under her soft light. Those children who revere the sanctity and honor life. Still, this character was presented as totally unknowable as to whether she was to be benevolent or vengeful toward our protagonist. jim

THIS MAY BE MY FAVORITE WEREWOLF TALE! Caution: If you have preconceived notions about "pack" laws, abilities, and behaviors, this story may set new standards of what is "real". This tale seems to make is all a bit more believable than some tales of this genre. I think most readers who is a fan of "were" fiction will find this story more than satisfying. I was pleased with the complexity of the characters and the plot twists and yes, a couple of predictable scenes. Lucky for me, I found it after it was complete. Jim

Thanks for sharing you talent with us. This scenario is totally believable. Life as a parent can be at times, chaotic, frightening, and can leave one feeling totally incompetent and absolutely unappreciated. And then a smile, a warm hug, a loud and wet kiss on your cheek, or a snuggle when they are tired or sleepy overrides any questions or doubts as to why. The notion that Seamus is the Alpha, the provider, the primary caregiver and therefore his attention and affection are more valuable than Matts, has been reinforced by Matt's absence. Hopefully, the two weeks of not seeing Seamus will allow for an equilibrium to be established between Aiden and Matt. I am sure there are other issues that Matt and Seamus will have to contend with. I suspect that the time for bonding between brothers will be a time that challenges the bonds between Seamus and Matt. Write faster. Post sooner. Jim

You make this all so easy to accept. The analytical approach that provides insights as to the operations of and the brain’s role in enabling psychic powers leaves open the possibility that all humans could become perhaps level IIs. Imagine a world in which politicians and priests could not tell a lie, heavenly. As our intrepid duo kept helping a very “clinical” Bart, I kept hearing that old adage, “no good deed goes unpunished”. thanks again DaddyDaveK for sharing your talents and such a great tale. Jim

I love science fiction. Even bad sci-fi is entertaining if the story line is "believable". This story beginning is well crafted and more importantly is told in a way that one can almost accept telepathy and telekinesis as we see it evolve in Able III. The description of the ship was also at a level that I could conceptualize. All that "ease of understanding" of the major elements of the setting in a story are critical to my enjoyment. As I said, "I love Science Fiction." This is well beyond most sci-fi / fantasy stories I have begun on other gay fiction tales, on GA or elsewhere. This I get into just as I did the first volume of the "Do Over" series by Dom Luka. (been years since I read that. I hope the credit is correct.) I think the "reorganization of the brain" was an interesting and important element in creating a believable transition from normal to telepath. The communication with an AI is achieved by Able III by imagining his thoughts bypassing the microphone, keyboard, and engaging the "input" area of the AIs brain. Those thoughts could easily be converted by Able III into binary, tertiary, octal, or Morse code signals that the AI could "receive" as input. It is interesting that the transference of information is not part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The limits placed on Able III in future chapters will be telling as to the source of such energy. Who knows, this could actually be a glimpse into an evolutionary step for man. I certainly believe than AI interactions with a human brain using the electromagnetic spectrum is already doable and will certainly become the norm, even if after my lifetime. Great writing, thanks for sharing. Jim

I like the way this is developing. I feel like the foundation has been built so that there are no expectations as to what I knew regarding telepathy or telekinesis in this universe. I didn’t really want to take away from my reading to post this comment but I had the best of intentions to write after each chapter but I was too eager to continue with Able III and his adventure. great story, Jim

I thought, and said as much that the ending of the previous chapter completed a well crafted and enjoyable tale. Who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth. I love this story! WAHOO!!! WRITE FASTER. POST SOONER. Jim

Well, I was right about Arby’s grandpa but never considered it was a tribe. Great story. Thanks so much for sharing your talent. Jim

Bittersweet: can be defined as a time when the truth and apologies are not enough to ease the hurt even if the hurt was unintentional. This could serve as an example that using hurtful, hate-filled words can have unintended and sometimes life-altering consequences. “Use with caution”