travlbug

I love the juxtaposition between Christmas cheer (good will towards all men) and a body in the stairwell. The saboteur has escalated his/her attacks and has now attempted murder. (I presume the attack occurred in the stairwell because of a lack of cameras.) In a way, this scenario reminds me of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians, but Nathan's "shallow rhythm" post injury suggests a true assault. I fervently hope he pulls through--not only for his own sake, but to prevent the kids from being scarred for life (the assailant's decision to strike on Christmas was likely calculated to destroy morale). Ah, a first kiss: Good for Alex and Noah! Maybe it was just the mistletoe, but I hope it develops into something more! 😊

Who says that machines can't be biological? 🤗

Danie is an artificial intelligence and had "makers." He has a "rigid" stance, which appears "off" to Kohen, who also notes that its voice is "odd," lacking expected emotional content. Its brain and central nervous system are made of "connections and fiber options." Danie is a machine--possibly the first true android--not a turned humanoid. However, I disagree with Freska's assessment: "He's what I think they were trying to make with Kohen but failed." At the time Kohen was liberated, he was an ongoing experiment--not a failed one--and had been successfully utilized for Consortium missions. Also, it is doubtful that such a complex machine could have been designed and built in the short period since Kohen was freed. Rather, the experiment with Kohen was likely occurring concomitantly with the creation of Danie, irrespective of whether the Consortium was trying to make Kohen into a human Danie. (I wonder if Kohen's cybernetic ports would allow him to liaise with Danie. As Danie does not recognize Kohen, it does not appear to have been programmed or trained to work with him.) Clearly, Danie is important to the Consortium, as it likely represents a huge investment in time, money, and expertise; and we still don't know why it was created in the first place. (As an aside, I am surprised that Danie has no built-in protocols to prevent it's being stolen--or does it? ) Also, will Danie be willing to work with the Captain and crew? (I love the understated threat issued by Danie at the end of the chapter: "My makers are going to be very angry that I am not where they left me.") Bring on the next chapter!

Fascinating chapter. The First Australians designate Kieran as a "spiritual man"; and on being questioned by Burrimul, Rhys and Mr. B. paint a picture of Kieran as unusually gifted. (Rhys includes mention of Kieran's ability to attract animals and to give the evil eye.) Add the 20 minutes of unconsciousness induced in two other people because they were touching Kieran (during his headache), as well as the "faith healing" of Woorawa's blindness, and Kieran is compared to the Kadaitcha (I wonder what the word for elf would be in First Australian? ). It is becoming abundantly clear--even to mere humans--that there is more to Kieran than meets the eye. The amazing thing is that his gifts appear to be taken in stride by the First Australians--possibly because of their spirituality--and by his friends. Can't wait to see where we go from here!

Poison someone to shave off his eyebrows and give him a Mohawk? Really? Geston et al have crossed a line, and they deserve worse than they're given. Rhys is a true gem. He takes care of his friend despite the threat, and reality, of physical injury. (His ability to channel Elvish energy is an added bonus, and we'll have to see if he can thwart two triads now that the Elves are aware of his gift.) Interesting to see that Kieran can cast the "evil eye" even as a "human." Talk about force of will! To be accused of cheating is horrible--Kieran's life/career in the human realm could have been destroyed--and I was happy to see that Kieran exonerated himself during the cross examination. Now, will Geston face any repercussions for his baseless, and malicious, accusations?

The travelogue still has me enthralled. The Elder and staff clearly know something we don't about the special place discovered/visited by Mr. B., Kieran, and Rhys. I wonder if they were more excited about the place itself or our trio's ability to perceive it. Rhys' ability to relieve Kieran's headaches is again front and center, though it remains mysterious. (Is he using active magic? Is he acting as a passive conduit for excess energy? Is he able to assist Kieran because of their personal relationship/friendship?) Just back from an extended vacation, so I can read several more chapters immediately!

Ben has gone from blackmailing Amara with intel to blackmailing him with the threat of violence, making it easier to get rid of him without additional repercussions--or so it would seem. However, I can't help thinking that Ben has a "Plan B" aging in a vat of slime somewhere.... Also, under the circumstances, Ben would be the last person to have sent Alicia the anonymous threats against the boys. And if it wasn't Ben.... Drew seems to be developing a liking for Amara. He has remained professional, but I wonder where this may be leading.

So if Milan wears the amulet under his shirt, he's safe and protected, but if he wears it over his shirt, he's sporting a bullseye (some protection!). Can't wait to see how this plays out! (I suppose he could wear it under his shirt but then have it slip into view at the least opportune moment. I love the possibilities!)

A memorable first kiss! And a second! And a third.... No unpardonable violence here. 😊 Uh oh: If Iliana has "lost" her husband to his work, she may become even more resistant to losing Milan to Rory. Hmmm. Rory can't remove his wooden bracelet, and I have to wonder why. (The bracelet may be more significant than we thought if it resists his attempts to remove it: We know what it's supposed to do, but does it have a secondary purpose?) Now that Rory has given Milan an amulet of protection, I'm afraid we're in for a situation where it's ability may be tested....

Sweet chapter (must have been the sugar in the chicken!). I love how the characters take care of each other--even Mason, who wants to include the kids with dinner and who is fine with attending Artie's baseball game as part of his second date with Adam. Also, I don't think we've heard the last about Ezra....

Josh has been very careful, selling the image of his body but with all other rights reserved. 😊 (At least he stays safe.) Joe is the reason that Josh is working as a model? I love the touch of mystery. (Maybe paying his twin's medical bills? But why does Joe feel so guilty?) Taylor is not your typical escort/model service owner, so the cast of interesting characters is growing. (I'm very curious as to how a straight guy ended up in his line of business. Maybe there'll be some back story? ) I'm also intrigued as to why Mr. Castiglione, a successful businessman, wants an 18 year old escort: He says that he's not interested in him for sex, and 18 year olds are not (necessarily) the most well-rounded conversationalists (present readers excepted, of course), so I'm interested to see where this is leading...other than to New York! I'm traveling, and I haven't had the opportunity to read on GA for the last couple of weeks, so this story was a nice surprise! I'm trying to send this post before I lose connectivity, yet again, possibly for another week!

The Captain has given them shuttles, not full-fledged spaceships. Is it realistic that they have a chance of going elsewhere? (Regarding the shuttles: What is their range? Are they fully fueled? Do the crewmembers have money for additional fuel/supplies if needed?) I still wish that the Captain had found a better way to say bon voyage to his charges.

I agree. In trying to keep his original crew safe, the Captain seems to be purposefully abandoning/ stranding innocent crewmen for whom he is responsible. Hopefully, he has a plan to address this issue, or his own morality may be called into question.

Fanlit says, "Unless Alex is undergoing a similar transformation as Carter tho, Alex will still be the same ungrateful fuck he was before the accident and Aron will be badly disillusioned when the “frigid housewife” comes back...." I agree 100%. No matter what Carter does to save the marriage, it will be to no avail if Alex himself doesn't change! Can't wait to see what happens next!

Carter, you’re such a sport: …”If there is something you want us to try, be it that you like to be tied up, or, I don’t know, gagged, just tell me, and let’s just do it at home.” First Simon, and now Aron. (You are nothing if not accommodating! 😁) Alex, breaking vases is not a legitimate hobby. Neither is cheating on your spouse. (Even with his “troll brain,” Carter makes Aron a better spouse than you do. Didn't you hear a word I said? No, being in a coma does not excuse you! ) Alex, neither David nor Clementine likes you. You don't listen to Aron. You allow Aron to buy you a nice car and then cheat behind his back. You are not a nice person! Mark should really let David whip you into shape (). A few weeks of David's training, and you won't even recognize yourself. However, I'm sure you’ll turn your new diaper into a fashion statement! (Really, how is Carter going to save your marriage if he can't change you--and I'm not talking about the diaper!) Aron, what a great idea: Film you and Alex having sex. What could go wrong with that?

I love Lance! ❤️ He is certainly his own boy, fiercely independent and brave--a shining, purple light! (Yet, he isn't stupid and seeks safety in numbers while on school grounds.) His family dynamics are upside down: Usually, siblings are more supportive than parents in view of the difference in generational attitudes (towards both homosexuality and androgyny); but here, his parents are the ones providing unconditional support, while his sibs respond with cruelty. (I'd love to see them get their comeuppance! ) Shades of Lysistrata: While said half in jest, his strategy for staying safe from the school homophobes is classic: “I'm friends with all their girlfriends! If they make a move on me, they won't get laid for a month. I'll make sure of it." 😂 Shades of Billy Elliot: In addition to ballroom dancing, Lance specializes in ballet. As the number of boys participating in ballet is small (relative to the number of girls), he'd always be in great demand to play male roles in production numbers, almost guaranteeing him to be a favorite of the ladies. (Additionally, ballet is a highly athletic undertaking, so Lance must be in very good shape indeed, which may further act to deter the bullies.) When Mr. Bell asks what Lance wants to be, he already knows--a famous celebrity--and I, for one, am certain that he'll succeed!

House rules.... My childhood was way too sedate!

Oops, it had slipped my mind. (And Rulf made such a nice nurse, too! 😊 No wonder they like playing doctor! )

Rulf now realizes that the King also thinks Fendrel guilty of infecting Arabella. However, as a prior friend, he may have an inkling as to where Fendrel has absconded.... 🤔 Esthor's concern for Rulf turns out to be well-founded; and now, Rulf owes him a life debt. That said, Rulf and Esthor obviously have other things on their minds.... 😏 My, my, Terryn, besotted by a shade? There may be a solution to Lucius after all! (I guess we'll just have to wait and see....) 😁

Deke says, "There's more traitors on board," not "There's been more sabotage": It sounds like the traitors (sad that there's more than one) have been identified before they could work additional mischief. The synthgar sounds cuter in this chapter. (I want pictures!)

Of course the apartment is sparsely furnished: More room for the books! Will is a good nurse--and "so attractive!" I doubt that his last name, Harte, is a coincidence. 😍 Hmmm, Will has a "burgeoning crush" for Andy, too, no point or not (I like where this is headed ❤️). "Please, god, it wasn’t one of those times when he had given in to temptation, to those desires he needed to keep hidden." Really, Andy? At least, Skylar knows you're gay, as you don't get upset when she talks about you being with a man. (She's even jealous!) And "Babycakes (I love Maupin)," so what about going viral? "Any publicity is good publicity": Take my advice and own the moment! (Even if your career did go down in flames--which it won't--your life will be so much happier in the long run!)

As an aside, while the chapter is meant to showcase Maverick, it also paints Veikko in a glowing light: When Maverick say that he’s “gotta take a leak,” Veikko refuses to let him visit the bathroom alone. He intends to be there for his boyfriend, exhibiting both loyalty and bravery. (His exterior may be prickly, but his heart is truly in the right place.)

At first, with Maverick a psychopath, his personality seems fairly straightforward. However, this chapter demonstrates that he is more complex than previously suggested. Maverick has a phobia for water. With a shower before him, Maverick opts for a sponge bath. He doesn't even want to look at his brother Rain. The key at the bottom of the toilet tank may as well have been surrounded by a force field. When Gregory spritzes him with water, his meltdown rivals that of the Wicked Witch of the West. The cause of the phobia has yet to be divulged, but it has deeply, and negatively, affected his life. Maverick’s memory and cognitive abilities have truly been impacted by his beating and associated head trauma. He’s distracted and makes mistakes at chess. He acknowledges to himself huge gaps in what he can recall. One thing he remembers, seemingly without difficulty, is his “lucrative” drug trade. He also remembers that “everything important - his sketchbooks, computer, drug supply and money were locked in his cupboard.” Yet, he doesn’t recall the location of his key. (He demonstrates the “swiss-cheese" memory of a brain-trauma amnesiac, recalling some things, but not others, at random.) However, he puts to rest any question as to his sincerity in liking Veikko: “Maverick knew he was special. He didn't remember why, but he knew it. His every instinct told him so.” Maverick’ core motivation is made clear in his discussion with his psychiatrist: Greg asks,“Why do you spend so much of your brain power and time manipulating people?" Maverick’s response? "The same reason I do anything…. It feels good." However, his refusal to give up is also a core characteristic (it could even be a virtue if he didn’t carry it to extremes). “You can try to get me expelled, you can try to blackmail me or you can beat the shit out of me, but I don't give in. Never.” Even further, “I always win.” While a prior chapter suggests that Maverick’s psychopathic tendencies are created in utero from cocaine exposure, Gregory has a different theory: He thinks that Maverick has an antisocial personality disorder that was produced by his environment. This idea is intriguing, as it suggests that Maverick is “fixable”--that he can be taught empathy--but Maverick is enraged by the idea that he might be broken and won’t cooperate. However, the seed has now been planted that--just perhaps--Maverick can be made to change. The end of the chapter is soul-chilling: Maverick the drug dealer reveals his handle--Atra, a spider--and talks of taking out an underworld contract against Kellan. His kiss to Kellan’s cheek is a Godfather moment. He serves the Ace of Spades to Kellan as if he were Blind Pew serving the Black Spot to Billy Bones. While Maverick may sometimes be beguiling (he certainly has Veikko fooled), he has now shown himself to be capable of inflicting death (if only by proxy) and to be as dangerous as the snakes inked into his skin or the spider whose name he has taken. While Maverick is a fascinating character, the more I know, the less I like him.

If Rory doesn't want to make June suspicious, he’ll have to do better a better job of answering her questions. (When asked what he’s been doing over the last week, he replies “this and that.” Really?) I think it interesting that we all assume Kiyo Takeda is hiding something sinister in his laboratory. Maybe it’s just his prize-winning recipe for bread pudding…. Principal Rick is an anti-human bigot. He refers to Milan as “the human" until Rory corrects him, saying “His name is Milan.” While it may have been satisfying to put Rick in his place, Rory has put Rick on notice that he doesn't share his views. Rory, what’s your problem? First, you ask Jack to show Milan around, and then you go big bad wolf on him--in the middle of school!--when he puts his hand on Milan’s shoulder. (It makes your interchange with June seem subtle!) Ok, Rory, now you’ve done it: Even the school nurse has figured out that “you care about [Milan]...more than you should.” You’ll be lucky if Lori doesn’t spill to the principal, but that’s a question for the next chapter. 🤔

Biting's good.... I vote that they call it Donny, after the poet, or maybe just Flea!