travlbug

"Every newborn demon comes at a great cost to humanity, not only for the threat it poses to the weakest of the five races but also due to the fact that it requires the harvesting of human souls for one to come into this world." Somehow, Demons arise from human souls--not the souls of other Supernaturals (though supernaturals may be corrupted into Anami). Considering that Humans are required for the creation of Demons, it's a wonder that the Supernaturals didn't decide to wipe us out eons ago as a defensive tactic! Indeed, yet another "secret": Humans in large numbers are toxic to Elves: The Elves fled to the realm, not because they wanted to, but because they had to in order to survive. (Humans really are poison!) Yet, Elves will have to fight against Demon enslavement of Humans because the negative energy buildup that would otherwise occur would destroy them! (I was hoping that the Elves would help Humans out of altruism, but it turns out that most Elves blame Humans for their exile and that their assistance is based on enlightened self interest. Sad. 😔)

I love this chapter (I'm doing a little happy dance!) The Tower has yielded a powerful secret in providing Chris with the almost 5000 year old Tashik method of casting magic. I love the idea that modern Elves cast magic with their minds while the ancient Elves cast magic with their souls. That another of the Tower's texts proves to be a spell book based on soul magic is no coincidence, and Chris would do well to memorize the book. Intriguingly, another of the texts--the sealed, "blank" one-- provides another great secret--that "Demons are corruption of the soul in the flesh…." The idea that soul magic may thus be more effective against soul corruption than mind magic is a powerful notion! Another fascinating occurrence is that Chris's chains prompt him to find the secret of the sealed book--an occurrence that brings into question what the "chains" actually do. Perhaps they act as a guide to proper behavior with his fellow Elves but can also guide him in other endeavors which may benefit the Elven people.

Assistant quack? As with all sciences, medicine had to start somewhere, so I'm surprised to find a time-traveling physicist derisive of his more primitive brethren. No matter, he'll have to act like a "Good Humor" man* and like it! (Greco-Roman medicine was frequently based on the idea of "humors," and yet, physicians of this era were smart enough to wash before performing procedures, inclusive of births--a simple, life-saving measure only reintroduced less than two hundred years ago!) Ah, the sacrifices we make to further justice: A close (booty) call for Phillip in the fifth floor apartment! At least, he now knows that the uncle's death could not have been an accident; and by using quick wits (lying through his teeth 😂), he has a clue as to lulia's whereabouts. Now, Phillip, it's not nice to slap Gregory in the face. There will be consequences.... *The Good Humor man is a purveyor of chocolate-covered ice cream bars on a stick, and Good Humor trucks and stands can be found from coast to coast in the United States.

Don't PANIC!!! Waiting for the axe to fall can take its toll, and giving people time to sweat is a time-honored ploy to soften them up. So now, rather than observing/gathering information, Skydaculous, Mashley and Jhippo are planning a raid on the temple; and while Ardine notes that the three of them should be enough--usually--to face the Goblin King, they may find themselves playing with different rules and higher stakes. (But don't worry: If you three die, I'm sure the rest will learn from your errors!)

Those Devils are sneaky devils, siphoning off the people who won't be missed. Are they being harvested for field rations, or are they being turned into soldiers/minions? Excellent idea checking for supernaturals who have also gone missing, as they are more likely to play the role of Trojan Horse. The Tower of Knowledge is better than the Encyclopedia Brittanica, internet, and Oija-board rolled into one! But does it hold the knowledge they need?

Interesting that two disparate elves have been affected by the negative energy but that most elves are completely unaffected by it. Thus, it appears that the negative energy affects individual elves to a variable degree. Additionally, since the negative energy is coming from Earth, are any Earth-based individuals of any species also being seeded with the energy/visions? Is it only elves that are having the problem--i.e., able to discern the negative energy? What does the negative energy actually mean? More, please!

Beta team has been reclaimed, but Delta team has been lost. Fort Walker is now experiencing real deaths, and it's clear that this is war. Kelly didn't stand a chance. The Cataii were clearly calling the shots (please forgive the pun) during the prisoner exchange, with Parker having no say in the matter. They purposely opened fire on the LATV, sacrificing Kelly to get at Alex and his team. Obviously, the Cataii don't care about selling out the humans they work with, and they cannot be trusted. (Surprise!)

A lovely interlude! David and TC are reminded that there's life outside work, and they find joy in nature and in each other. David is also reminded how much he loves his children. (Even the dolphins get an eyeful! 😂) And the moral: Life is what you make of it!

I will not look at the spoiler notes, but it's no leap to realize that Elliot is the project. Earlier prototypes, which can be upgraded when Elliot is apprehended? As per Angela, his mother was pregnant with him, so he is not a robot. How can he be used to upgrade anything? (I guess we'll find out.) "Chris Darrow, your father, was changed into Lawrence Kestle, his memory was erased, and he was killed off about four and a half weeks ago." Is Angela trying to gain Elliot's sympathies by giving him information or completely crush him (by giving him information)! The casual violence inflicted on Lucas, Brian's dismissive attitude towards Lucas' stabbing, the useless murder of Elliot's father, Angela's cavalier discussion of the murder: This society appears cruel (not to mention ruthless). What happened to make it so? Are Angela et al trying to fix it? Can Elliot survive the attempt?! Will Elliot and Lucas ever have an opportunity to grow their relationship? (I hope that Lucas and Elloit find a way to escape, but I don't think it will happen any time soon. 🥺)

Jumanji meets Lord of the Flies. The idea of culling the PKers ("player killers" for the RPG challenged) is sound but feels like a slaughter-fest. That said, we have yet to see the "Big Bad" for this new, "enhanced" game version, and I'm sure that the remaining players will be glad that they don't have to watch their backs quite so closely...or maybe they will anyway...Bwahaha! 😲

I felt sick watching N'than walk into the spider's parlor. While the Hydorcivis race appears naive and physically unimposing--at least judging by N'than--does he have any hidden attributes (mental or physical) which might assist in his survival? Otherwise, we may be seeing the reason why he's the last of his species. 🥺

Oops, I have no idea how I missed the toilet reference on my first read. In that case, players, be very afraid! 😂

"What I wonder is what they hope to gain from this.” Collin says, “Regardless of how they can afford it, it’s a lot of effort to go through. There has to be a point to it.” I agree that the game has to be an experiment, but the goals are unclear. Of note, the senses are being duplicated, including smell and taste; and the only reason for giving the players genitals is so they can use them, though they have yet to get that far in their discussion. While sleep is also emulated, there is no indication (yet) that they will need to urinate or defecate within the game, and the only appliance Asa doesn't mention in his exploration of the bathroom is a toilet. Ardine is pessimistic about their overall chances, saying "...I can’t imagine any government would allow a thousand people to be kidnapped so openly and incarcerated against their will." Of course, if the government is doing the kidnapping, then it becomes eminently doable. Also, if the government is responsible, then the staggering expense becomes moot. As the players note, their circumstances show clear premeditation, and there are very few entities (other than a government) capable of creating such a project and on such a grand scale!

A scary situation! While not exactly the same, the situation reminds me of Jumanji, though without the guarantee of an ending and a way out. And what happens to the bodies of the players? The tubes were meant for six hours of play--or were they actually rigged for a longer stay? Are there custodians for the tubes and bodies so that the game can run indefinitely? And what does death in the game actually mean? I wonder if the characters can hack the game from the inside to enable their escape!

It's easy to make a promise when you don't think you'll have to keep it. I think that TC makes the offer as more of a tease than a true inducement.

Wow! While TC is a caring Dom, the chapter simply portrays him as the Dom that he is. David, on the other hand, has his first real experiences as a sub--first in private and then a bit more publicly! While David obviously enjoys his taste of bondage, his personality seems unchanged, though his self knowledge has clearly expanded. Ok, TC, if you are ever able to put David into the "sub" zone, he gets to have his way with you! I'm a witness! 😂 (By the way, Lieutenant Uhura says that "subspace" is a hypothetical space-time continuum used for communication at a speed faster than that of light. She has no intention of subbing for Captain Kirk...even if there was that one little episode where she kissed him...under duress.... ) So sorry to hear about your son's situation. No prom this year, and commencement uncertain: it's not fair to the kids or their parents. The milestone remains, but it's not quite the same without a cap and gown. 😥

I love boating, but I hate all the hard work necessary to maintain a boat! (I guess there's a reason that people book cruises. ) That said, I make excellent ballast when it comes to sailing! 😂 Everything I know about fishing comes from Captains Courageous, though I did catch a trout or two from the Knotts Berry Farm trout pond as a child! I applaud TC for his unique occupation. (I frequently wonder how people wind up in certain professions.) He does his job safely and well. (I wouldn't be surprised if he uses at least some of his vacation time diving for treasure off the Florida Keys! 🤔) While a Dom, TC interacts with Dennis and Todd without being bossy--a good point of character. And as for David, I'm sure that the color blue will be a good look for him! 🤣😁😏

While I'd rather stay at the St. Regis (which I never have, by the way! 😂), I'm sure Phillip doesn't mind sharing a bed with Thalis; and Thalis, it seems, doesn't mind sharing a bed with Phillip! (So, do the brothers share their playthings? 😏) I wonder if Frugi will offer Phillip, a supposed merchant, a position in his own business? Alternatively, will he prove the perfect assistant in the brothers' medical practice? While Frugi doesn't like dealing with the Palace, I wonder if his connections there will introduce us to the Imperial world at some point! So Peris "stumbled" out of a fifth floor window: Do we have a murder mystery on our hands? If Frugi is interested in the widow, did he have a confederate lure Peris to the apartment where he was assisted to the afterlife? Clearly, lots more fun to come!

Hmmm. I can understand why the chief Elf of Setalus was afflicted by visions, as he could influence many other Elves, but why would an unconnected teacher and craftsman experience the visions? If the visions are meant to be an attack, then these newest manifestations appear random! Since the affected Elves are trying to cooperate but still can't show others the visions, it is clear that the visions are hiding themselves, reinforcing the idea that they represent an attack. Getting Chris to look behind the victims' shields is an excellent idea (but don't ask him to play Poker! 😂).

I place my money on Finn to get Rory and Cam together: The older teens seem clueless about their mutual attraction, but Finn is certain: "I see the way he looks at you. I seen it since the first time, and I seen the way you look at him." If Cameron is brainless enough to deny that the attraction is mutual, even after being told that it is, and as Rory has decided to hold back his feelings (rather than "risk" angering Cam), then Finn will have to push them together to make a relationship happen. (Ok, Finn, so what would you do if you wanted to get two horses together? 😂)

I love the relationship-building between Cam and Finn this chapter, and it's refreshing to see Finn's emphasis on making Rory happy, though he mentions that Cam deserves to be happy too. Cam may think that Rory deserves more than a "brief fling," but he didn't have to agree to move in for a few weeks (though no surprise if he stays a few month--or longer! 😁). Interesting that Rory, Finn, and the farm are becoming Cam's main source of inspiration--he even intends to base his book on them--but what does that prove?

Very few people stumble across "heaven on earth," so I can imagine how hard it may be for Cam to leave it. Interesting that Finn teases Cam about hitting on him, but Cam's response ("...you're definitely too young for me") is probably not the nuanced response that Finn expects. When Cam fails to reject Finn for being male (just for being a boy), "a furtive glance went between the brothers and a sly grin appeared on Finn’s lips," and the cat is out of the bag. Apparently, Rory doesn't mind being on display in the bathroom, and his invitation to come in may be too much for Cam to decline. (Where is that darn camera when you need it! 😂)

If the General's treatment of N'than is representative of how Earther's think/act, as opposed to representing the aberrant behavior of a single individual, then I definitely agree. While Qavrind's people are hostile to Earthers, perhaps they have reason and are not simply being intolerant. (Sigh.)

How has N'than become the last of his kind? (What a sad fate, to know you are the last--or is that a presumption?) As N'than is not afraid to walk around Deegan's Port on his own, his species is clearly not reviled/feared such that he is concerned about being attacked. Perhaps his species has succumbed to natural attrition--too few numbers to support the population--but even that possibility raises more questions. What species is the General? (His willingness to reject a loving partner--and kill him--suggest something at the level of a slime mold.) Why is Qavrind so insistent that N'than come live with him, especially as he is already married, and as he acknowledges that N'than will likely not be accepted by his people? How is it that Jeptha knows Qavrind, or vice versa? Was Qavrind sent by Jeptha to rescue N'than? But if that were the case, why arrange for N'than's death in the first place, and why be so cavalier about the success (or failure) of the rescue mission? At this point, the story raises way more questions than it answers!

Phillip has just been through a near-death experience; he has lost Manu; and he has lost his way home. That said, he's alive; he can communicate without Elisa; and he is embarking on a grand adventure, the likes of which some modern-day people would kill to experience! And who knows: Perhaps some fix may be found for Elisa at some point in the near future. The worst thing about visiting ancient Rome? As with ancient Egypt, still no coffee or tea! 😱