travlbug

Adam has withheld information before when he finds it embarrassing, so he's clearly uncomfortable with something in the picture. That said, Artie needs to say something to Adam, or Adam may not realize just how much Artie wants to know the identity of the man in the picture. (C'mon, Artie, it's called communication. Just ask!) Sushi with raw fish? I know where I'm going to dinner tonight! 🐟

I agree that what we're seeing--so far--is classic stalker behavior. That said, nothing is straightforward when it comes to the Graises, and I wonder if there there is a hidden ulterior motive, or goal, for this behavior (if it's part of a larger plan), or if the stalking behavior is misdirection--a red herring--with an entirely unexpected outcome to follow. Time will tell.

Interesting that Amara screams when Aria has a panic attack, suggesting that Aria has never had one before (and all it took to trigger was a visit from his mother--a woman who can now be said to leave panic in her wake!). However, Drew has clearly assisted in treating panic before, as he knows how to talk Aria back to normalcy. (He says that he got the training in "security school," but I'm not sure I buy that, with a portion of his past still unknown.) I'm curious as to the motive behind the threats. A professional would kill the boys and be done with it. An extortionist would make his demands known. At this time, the perpetrator seems intent on promoting terror, but his (her) true goal is not yet clear.

While Rulf no longer has Arabella, he seems to realize that Esthor would make a lovely consolation prize. Yes! Pepin has found the book of cures! However, we still don't know if it holds the answer that Esthor needs. Now that Prince Terryn knows how cruel King Norrius can be, I wonder if relations between the two kingdoms will be affected.... Oops! Shade on the loose! Will she simply disappear, or does she have a larger role to play as our story unfolds? And Pepin, where's that Pepsi?

I have never before seen muffins used as a weapon of revenge! Zombie stories? Never touch 'em. 😏 Troy, congratulations on becoming the new chauffeur! And congrats to Adam, who has been given the all-clear to go back to doing what comes naturally. You wasted no time! 😊

Recipe for zombie croquettes: Use 4 sticks of butter, though dynamite may be substituted. Thoroughly dice the zombie with harvester blades (use rusty blades for a more piquant flavor). Serve warm on a bed of debris. For more zombie recipes, please stay tuned....

While we know that Kiyo is doing research on treating CVID, there isn't enough money to be made from a specialty-market drug to make it his only concern. He must be researching additional projects involving immunity, and I'd love to know what kind of projects would require a hidden laboratory and a steel door.

As Esthor, in his fairyfly form, escaped even Khalgon's notice, he would make a very good spy indeed if the need ever arises. I wonder if Esthor can perform magic while a fairyfly.... Just what is a fairyfly anyway? I hope Prince Terryn is as curious as I think he is, as we have a hallway to explore! And where can you go in this kingdom to get an ice-cold Pepsi?

Awww. After Kohen's little faux pas on the bridge, I felt sure that someone was in for a spanking. Glad that Everett and Kohen found another way to relieve the tension.

I love the idea of a log for the aircraft sightings: It could demonstrate if the flights are random or showing a pattern. It might also suggest a general direction from which the flights are emanating. Additional anomalies, such as the excess speed which Bennie observed, may also come to light, either helping to elucidate the mystery or making it even more impenetrable. Richie is right in that they need more data.

Zombie flambe made for a lovely visual. Now I'm in the mood for Smores!

"No, no," "Yes, yes": Carter and Aron certainly have a way with words! Wow! Carter has a built -in taser for if he tries to reveal the truth to Aron. So, if he remains quiet, he gets Aron and unlimited sex, but if he spills, he gets zapped. Celestial behavior modification at its finest! Mark, were you peeking while Carter and Aron were making memories? How else would you know when to trigger the taser? (Tough job! ) Carter, you may be on the receiving end of some fringe benefits, but your mind has changed as much as your body: "Aron was happy. It was all that mattered." Maybe the body swap was not about you after all!

Oops! Didn't realize it was so close to the house. However, why would Richie want the dynamite out of the silo but then keep it in blast range of the silo?

Since Richie and Jeremy elected to leave the dynamite outside, I wish they had booby-trapped it in some way. A curious zombie would then be a dead zombie. I don't know what the zombie would do if it found the dynamite sans blasting caps; but frankly, I don't want to find out.

I love this chapter! 😍 This latest episode shows Veikko on an emotional roller coaster: As the chapter opens, Veikko is recording his vlog: He’s in a good mood and in fine form. (Reima, the older twin, is just the draft copy? Priceless.) Interestingly, while Veikko finds it hard to speak of important things in person, he can do so in his vlog–talking about Dom, Topher, Maverick, and even Jonna–and the vlog seems cathartic for him. (Sadly, in person, “eye contact was something he didn't do anymore,” so the vlog truly gives him a way to connect with people without having to do it personally. Thus, while cathartic, the vlog may not be the most healthy way for him to express himself.) Even after he finishes the vlog, he remains happy, and his love for Reima is apparent in their banter. (By the way, Reima is very good natured indeed to allow Veikko to film him in his undies–not even the “sexy” ones–but he draws the line at showing his feet!) Then, in a horrific juxtaposition, Ms. Daivari comes to dinner to discuss bad news, sending Veikko crashing back to earth: "So, Jackson will be released on parole in just under two weeks…. He can't come within five hundred meters of any of you, though, thanks to the restraining order.” Unfortunately, a restraining order is only as valid as an individual’s wish to honor it, so if Jackson wants to finish what he started, there’s really nothing to stop him, if he doesn’t fear the consequences. As Veikko thinks, “While that man lived, he would never feel safe again. Not really.” He hyperventilates in “pure terror,” though Reima calms him down. Perhaps because of the imminent danger, Veikko may be on the edge of a breakthrough: He has never before come clean to a psychologist, but for Ms. Daivari, he will think on it: He says, “"If you come with me, and Rei too, maybe I'll give it a go. A real go.” Thus, instead of the minor catharsis of the vlogs, he may finally be ready to heal. Veikko transitions back to happy when Maverick contacts him, but a secret is revealed: “‘How are you?’ Veikko asked. He'd visited early on Saturday morning out of concern for Maverick's well-being, but that was a secret. Dom could never know about that. He would never forgive him.” The reader learns that Veikko actually does make a hospital visit to see Maverick, but the reader is also aware that Maverick has already betrayed the confidence, trying to manipulate Topher with the information. In fact, with the reader aware that Maverick is a psychopath working against Veikko’s best interests (or rather, working for his own best interests), their decision to become boyfriends has all the earmarks of a slow-motion train wreck: While Veikko may presently be happy, there is sure to be a reckoning. For Veikko, two major, perhaps life-altering, events are presented in this chapter: His father is being released from prison, and Maverick becomes his boyfriend. How either of these events will play out for him is presently a mystery, but I think I can be forgiven for having a very bad feeling.... 😱

You can't make a toast with a syringe! Yuki is so hopeful on behalf of his son, but I'm not sure it's a good sign that he ignores Milan's wishes to address his overall health. Rory, you're making Milan's heart race. Now that's a good sign!

I vote with @droughtquake: Richie and Jeremy saw a tiny, bright speck with no interest in looking for survivors. They presume a human aircraft, but this is only a presumption. The changes that altered humans into blue crystal could certainly have been an attack meant to wipe out all humans, with the survivors and zombies an unexpected aberration. We need more data. Time will tell.

Maman really is the Coup de Graice!

Do tired Christmas shoppers count as zombies? 🤔

I love chapters like this, where we see the boys just living their lives. (Troy and Adam complete each other so well. 😍)

Interesting.... Far from having an ulterior motive to visit Alduin, Prince Terryn doesn't even wish to make the trip. He is not interested in marrying at this time, and he is actually concerned that the Alduin king might want to marry him off to another one of his daughters (his own father is the one playing matchmaker!). I can't wait to see how he extricates himself from this situation. Of course, you never know whom you might meet on the road (such as a certain wolf and fairyfly), so we'll have to see if he even makes it to Alduin. Fendrel now wants payback against Esthor--not just the King--so we have another neat story thread to follow. And Zane is still a pig.

Zombies can be killed by explosives or enough ammo to tear them to shreds. However, we have no idea if fire would kill them. If we presume that fire would be lethal, just how hot a fire--and how long an exposure--would be needed? I vote for 20 minutes at 350 degrees--or is that my cookie recipe?

How is a zombie like a flower? I love the idea of a photosynthetic zombie. However, in that case, the more skin exposed, the better; so forget the Armani suit: The zombies would be au naturel!

Ah, so the showdown is looming, and we already know that Chancellor Lechter will not approve Milan as Rory's mate. Connor is giving Rory mixed signals: "... Loyalty to the pack is cardinal, Rory. The town's safety is second to none. Your mate's status needs discussion by the council." However, he also says, "It will be fine, Rory.... We'll find a way through it together." The strategy for now: Delay the council meeting (though the only reason to do so would be Connor's fear that Rory would indeed lose to Lechter in an immediate vote). Maryanne, you're brilliant! Giving Rory a pie to take to Milan is the perfect reason for him to make the visit. (Unfortunately, the pie isn't boysenberry, but pecan will have to do. 🤗)

The metabolism of the zombie would have to be incredibly high to move so fast, show such strength, and exhibit such amazing regenerative capacity. That means a lot of fuel; and at some point, the zombie will need to make a decision--whether intellectually or instinctively--as to whether its work expenditure is worth the prize. The kids may be able to wait to wait it out. Alternatively, if they go after it while it's weak/starving, they may have a better chance at bringing it down. Oh, and Sherry, will you marry me? (You can have a boyfriend on the side. I will! )