RickMD

Has anyone heard from CJ? I am a bit concerned regarding the fires in Prescott and hope he is alright...

Dear Mr. James, Thank you, thank you for these past 2.5 years of such beautiful entertainment! Your attention to detail, character development, intrigue, suspense and down right evilness is truly a remarkable talent. I am honored to be the first to state that this story, and perhaps the delivery where we can think about the cliffhangers for weeks prior to the safety net which you seem to find with ease, is the best, most entertaining muse I have ever had the chance to experience! I would also like to acknowledge the contributors in the forum, without which the story would be less than it is. To understand that I am not the only reader who lies awake at night pondering the future of Trevor and Shane and gets on the internet to research the locations and history which you reveal to us is quite comforting. We especially liked RedA's Fogelberg rendition of The Minstrel!! A fitting ending to an outstanding Novel. Now I, like many others can't wait to start over from the beginning. Thanks again!

Wow! The MOST riveting 90 minutes of fiction I have ever experienced! The ultimate nail biting page turner.. THANK YOU CJ. Now what is to come? Certainly Atlantis is too crippled to go very far very fast even with engines, one hull is filling with water, two crew are injured, the eye of the storm approaching. Fortunately I believe that TFAE will likely be a bit upset at the recklessness of BB, and as mentioned by Trebs, her craft may also fall victim to the storm. I do think I recall some hint towards a radar image like 20 miles south??, lets hope it's the good guys...

Well it seems as if the end is indeed near! As I was reviewing the chapter, for the second time, an interesting thought came to mind. We all know CJ has desires to eliminate characters on a regular basis. He has multiple hints towards that throughtout the chapters. We just can't decide who or what is next?! I had a crazy thought that the next victim and the one that makes most sense is that proud, noncomplaining, loyal craft the Atlantis. I know, it's hard to believe. Trevor and Shane will direct Atlantis via autopilot into the raging sea, after, of course, they reattach the radar reflector; the cartel's flotilla will then run their vessels into the maelstrom and be history, Bridget will have little resources left! We will all be proud of Atlantis, a mission well served... Meanwhile our boys will escape aboard the Zodiac, along with the 30-06, Makarov (for Lisa) and their anchor (Treasure Beach), head into shore and meet up with Joel and Lisa. At that point they could try and make their way to safety, though I'm sure they will somehow find themselves back at the hotel where the finally will take place. :battleaxe: :sword: Hopefully we will again see our stalworth vessel come limping home, in a few days, surviving the cat 5 south of the island where she was programmed to go, ultimately directed towards the GPS site of Joels beach landing. Then all will be right in the world and our Tuesdays escape will be sorely missed ...Thanks again for this amazing, fantastic and fun ride you have provided for us!!

RickMD, on 13 Feb 2013 - 13:40, said: Does the title imply more than one wedding? We agree with Winemaker, our guess is that BB will lead the fringe cartel lambs to slaughter at the foundry wedding location where they will come upon the FBI, Coast guard, Miami SWAT team and local police, just ridding herself of some competition, at a cheap $5000/per combatant....Then we are a bit concerned about the loyalty of Gonzalez!! Smiling at Franks concern that either police agents or Trevor and Shane may be killed at the wedding...Seems to me our author has more tricks up his sleeve, who is in with whom and does anyone care for anyone but themselves??? Only time will tell, I for one can't wait for the ending as my plans then include a one weekend reading binge, all at once, how fun!!! From CJames--One thing I can say about Gonzalez; *IF* he was on the other team, he wouldn't give himself away by smiling at Frank's concern. RickMD--Not unless Frank was also double dealing??

Does the title imply more than one wedding? We agree with Winemaker, our guess is that BB will lead the fringe cartel lambs to slaughter at the foundry wedding location where they will come upon the FBI, Coast guard, Miami SWAT team and local police, just ridding herself of some competition, at a cheap $5000/per combatant....Then we are a bit concerned about the loyalty of Gonzalez!! Smiling at Franks concern that either police agents or Trevor and Shane may be killed at the wedding...Seems to me our author has more tricks up his sleeve, who is in with whom and does anyone care for anyone but themselves??? Only time will tell, I for one can't wait for the ending as my plans then include a one weekend reading binge, all at once, how fun!!!

Well, we all thought the delay was due to a rewrite from all the great ideas generated by our forum... Why does everyone think the attack will happen at Gitmo? Bridget has her base in the Bahamas, the wedding takes place in 2-3 wks, she has orchestrated the honeymoon location, and has all her soldiers available to her there... Really, attacking Gitmo, to us seems a bit overboard...though...BB did mention she had access to the CC transactions that Trevor made, perhaps at the PX on Gitmo, thus she knows where he is now, yet another Gordian knot orchestrated by our enigmatic muse; but still, attacking in the full face of the US of A Navy would seem a bit much, even for our Witch. Seems to us that now that the 'authorities' have the tape, the boys will hopefully 'feel' a bit safer...??? CJ, thanks again for all the fun! No one can deny the ability you have as a story teller. The many hours we've spent pondering outcomes of Circumnavigation should please you to no end. Your imagination has stirred ours and fellow readers!

CJ's words always make for great images. I was encouraged to look up some information on the 'Albatross' and came across this site http://www.caphorniers.cl/CH_monument.htm dedicated to the sailors that have perished in these turbulent waters. I don't know about anyone else but I have thouroughly enjoyed learning about things I knew nothing about prior to reading this novel. The scenery, geography, history, understanding what a radar reflector is, AIS, learning about the bilge (I thought it was the nautical term for the human waste tank) and that's just from this chapter. Once again I must say thank you so much for the time and effort dedicated to this tome. I was saddened to see the outcome of the $200 bribe only bought Trevor perhaps a few minutes, but smart for him to give himself an excuse to leave the dock in order to get a head start on the Penguins! I have no idea what the 'False Hope' is though. Could it be the hope of our boys surviving? The hope of Bridget believing Joel to be Trevor? The hope that Gonzales will locate BB; well at least they have her narrowed down to a 2000 mile radius. I am a lttle concerned about Fowler, how did he know to mention to Trevor not to answer calls, that doing so could 'wreck the phone or worse'. This was after we found out that the sat phone that Joel was using was destroyed by BB's agents. Hmmm. Also what's this with the grandparents, nice to finally get to meet them and their motorhome. My guess is the coach is serving as the Trojan Horse delivering Lisa and Joels 'free' honeymoon, courtesy of you know who. The person eyeing the cat with military binocs will hopefully be a Chelian coast guard that happened upon the signals sent out by Trevor when they were targeting the patrol boat and of course all will live happily ever after! But then again I am always wrong. Thanks again CJ, from one of your many fans!!!! I don't know what we will do. I do have experience in treating withdrawls and will need to ponder the exact cure for C.W. (circumnavigation withdrawl)....Maybe others on the forum can help!!

Gosh, you guys on the forum make it so easy, thanks Benji and TalonRider! With CJ the one thing I have learned is you can't trust anything you believe to be real. The truth always seems to be the unexpected... Only time will tell! Thanks again for making the forum so fun!

Wow, another epic sea voyage, made me woosy feeling their plight while I read contentedly in the parking lot prior to work!! So who's the snitch? Fowler (we hope not, can't be, no way), Gonzalez (certainly not in his character) orrrrr Grundig? (hum...), with my luck it will be neither of them; for those keeping track, I have yet to guess correctly . Loved the pictures and of course the Google maps were awesome! Thanks again and welcome home CJ!!

Hello Forum! Happy New Year!! When I first saw the title a few days prior to posting I thought alright, Trevor is gonna come up with guns ablazing, never in my mind thought that it was Bridget who was the one getting personal... It should be fun to see how Trevor is going to go from the Pacific to the Atlantic without going around Cape Horn or the Strait of Magellan, as mentioned these waters are deadly, especially in winter. I clicked on the google map of Raiatea; how blissful, peaceful, serene, and tranquil. Oh, our author loves to play with our emotions! I need some help in figuring out why Trevor was so surprised to note his package was delivered by airmail. Did he actually think BB would settle for a sea shipment? Frank certainly seems to live well, could the description of his home portend deception? Our guess is that BB is heading for the cartel to confirm her place in their world and we think that somehow the cartel will achieve the ultimate vengence upon Bridget... Awesome chapter!! We vote for a book, maybe two if one is too long... Like the Twilight series, though not to compare with Ms. Meyer, CJ is in a league by himself...

So what would the first among equals do with the tape in his hands? Our thoughts is that somehow Trevor will get the original tape into the hands of the Cartel and let them take out Bridget once they see how unfaithful she is. Then with Bridget gone it's home free for the boys! We are not feeling good about Julie's longevity, Xavier is heading to Tahiti and knows her location. He will likely pass the package and tracker while airborne. Once BB finds the deception she will ask Xaviers help with Julie and the boys who will be long gone. Perhaps our boys will blackmail BB as her husband tried to do... Anything happen to us and the tape will find its way to the Cartel...That may work. Julie is such a snob, having Trevor pay for lunch while she lives in a mansion and drives a $150,000 auto... Ah how fun, living vicariously through the pages of this wonderful book. We simply can't thank you enough CJ for all the effort it takes to compile this fantastic read. It has truly served as a focal point for our lives these past 18 months and we will certainly be in mourning once it's over...Waiting for the sequel. Thanks again!! Our GOAT on top of the world!!!

Well that goat sure keeps us guessing! "Prelude to Betrayal"...Who is gonnna betray whom? Is it Julie? Grundig? Fowler? It better not be Shane!! Reminds me of the Dallas episode, what 30 years ago, thought of that when I saw Larry Hagman's obit... As best I can figure out where Atlanitis is, 1700 miles east of NZ and then 1400 miles north "'about a week' Trevor replied" when asked by Shane how long it will take, puts them near Tahiti, can't remember, is that where Julie is or is she in Figi?? Our poor scuba diver bomber lived through the crocs but not the police bullets. It's really cool how they tracked down the transmitter, I can just feel the tension build as our boys reach their destination. I also agree that the 'travel agency' that awarded Charles' dad the 'honeymoon vacation' certainly could be from BB, the witch! Our heros will really have to put in the travels in order to make the wedding in Florida, not sure how that will go... Also we can't forget about the bad guys in NZ that BB left behind, my guess is that they will find some interesting stuff when interogating the locals. Wonderful chapter CJ, thanks again and remember no climbing in the alps, it's the number one cause of mtn goat death!!

Our author's spider web continues to spin this Halloween evening. We loved the visuals. We think that our new hero Fowler will conclude that the boys are hiding something and his search will uncover a lot of things, like the gold, guns and tape. This will go viral and Bridget will then be at the mercy of the Cartel. We also think the homing beacon will be found by the Navy and the kids can live happily ever after... We wonder who the mystery person with the cell phone connection in Cairns could be. Could there be some other foolery afoot? We really liked the imbedded pictures which our intrepid author so kindly included. We really like picture stories! Thanks again CJ, you are KING!

Oh no!!! Gray from the last chapter "The netting in it makes sure it stays put. The diver stuck the flexboard side on with epoxy, right up from each keel. Twenty-five kilos of high explosive for each hull. The trigger is radio for one, shock for the other." Looks like we still have 25kilos of bomb on board. Let's hope they avoid all tidal waves or lightening, or maybe they will just go in circles due to the asymmetric hulls... Thanks for the clues CJ... Awesome chapter!

Another great chapter, Thanks CJ! We like the idea that the plastique may reside on the Atlantis. We can imagine Gray with his night vision binoculars sitting on the hotel balcony radioing misinformation to his mystery accomplice,,, set up by the change in the catamarans silhouette? We can't wait for Trevor to use the 30-06, ripping through the large powerboats engine block. Fowler forshadows 'an interesting trip', do ya think?? We can't figure out yet how Bluey and Bonzer are gonna help. Fowler suggests a decoy... They left under the cloak of darkness, though we believe somehow our goat will use them, maybe set them as targets in the turmoil to come!! We are holding our breath for the next chapter...

Here's our take... We just love CJ's artistic, original, emotional and poignant writing... Defining time as the 'imperfect salve for the wounds of the soul' how true is that, I mean I could never come up with that verse in a million years. The gobsmacking walk we all got to take with Shane and Trevor up to Aunt Marilyn's house, it was like we the readers were there too, walking with the boys, anticipating the unknown surprise that awaited us all. It certainly sent a chill up my spine. The silent emotional bond that is developing between Trevor and Shane referred to at the cemetary and places beyond, this took a huge leap in this chapter. Getting to know Shane's former mates and feeling the happiness that friends bring. I don't know about you but to us there is much more here than just the words on paper, over the years these characters are part of our life, their joy is our joy, their pain is our pain. I trust CJ knows this and will never hold us hostage again!!. Knowing this writer, a feel good chapter like this may only portent a violent future, lets hope it's for you know who!!!... Wednesday, November 14, 2012, the date of the eclipse in Cairns...I wonder, will the last chapter be out the day before? Then, sniff, we will only have our thoughts and the promise that Trevor made to Shane, to share the eclipse as Shane's mom would have wanted... Maybe Shane's nickname should be CAAB for 'cruel and abusive bastard'...his favorite retort to any request from Trevor. So, all in all, we LOVED this chapter, CJ you have your MOJO back!! Not that we could tell it was ever gone though... Thanks again

Hey CJ, Another wonderful Tuesday! Thanks. So, the plan is for our boys to distance themselves from the press... But couldn't this work against them if they need their help? Wouldn't always being in the eye of the press a form of security? Especially as Kent is planning on publishing the Asset List... Who, by the way, is he communicating with in Florida? Speaking of the press, I love CJ's use of this story to chronicle current events. The powerful and potentially vile press, their disinterest in one of our political candidates at the expense of the other. Does this represent the 'Sheep Effect'? Does this mean the current president is a 'willing subject' and not appropriate for criticism?? Well, enough of that given the 'taboo' personal subject of politics, does make one think however. Can't imagine what is in store for our dashing duo in Cairns..."I think there is a part of it they haven't told us," laments Trevor, followed by Kline's 'didn't wish to spoil the surprise planned for Cairns.' Maybe it's a homecoming party for Shane, complete with all the funny named eats indigenous to Australia!! So vividly brought to us by our trusted and faithful writer! Once again I can't tell you, CJ, what fun we are having living this story with you, the other forum contributors, and all my coworkers. It truly is, with all the other stresses we endure, a part of the week I look forward too. We love learning about the geography, googlemapping everything and enjoy imagining the characters traversing the landscape. It's probably the closest I will ever get to these places in this lifetime and can't thank you enough for making it come alive. I also loved the images you included in chapters past, makes the story even more personal seeing a picture within the text. So speaking of love, let the wedding plans with Bridget unfold, the homecoming in Cairns evolve and most of all appreciate the LOVE that we as readers bestow upon you, the 'Master of 21th Century Suspence'. XXOO

Hummm, it seems to me the road to a lot of places is paved with good intentions, unfortunately many times the final destination is not what is expected. Reminds me of my favorite author... Great chapter CJ

Not so sure I would be a hurry to put my name on a front page article listing the assets... Lets hope Kent Moorcroft heeds his editors initial advise! It will be interesting to see how CJ melds the Jason Kline book and Trevor and Shanes anticipated stop in Melbourne. I wonder if Gray will reappear? I could almost feel the wind in my hair and the excitement that was described when the catamaran started to heel at 25 knots. What a tremendous accident though if the hull did a nose dive... I still can't fathom how CJ's mind must work... He is like an expert on everything from insurance, aerospace, to law and medicine not to mention sailing! Not bad for a guy living in the desert. I'm glad the secret compartment is up and running, lets soon hope the asset list will reside here along with the Makarov and Trevors gun whenever he gets it back. My stainless though is not magnetic. Our refrigerator magnets don't hold at all, perhaps this is some special seaworthy stainless with a bit more iron, less nickel? Perhaps our expert will let us know... I sure hope we get to see this on the big screen. I may be jaded but this really is the best/most fun and spell binding novel I have had the pleasure to read in a long long time! Thanks again CJ for all the hard work, we certainly appreciate it...

Oh what fun we are having, thank you again CJ! "Like moths to a flame" the reporters are gathering, foreshadowing perhaps future turmoil to come with the news agency ??? Our slightly scattered boys finally found the VCR instructions in plain site undernieth the VCR,,, I wonder what else could be in plain site? yes we have the tape and the asset list, though it's been read by Arnold at least twice we the readers are kept in the dark, perhaps as alluded to already had we heard it we all could be at risk of the Cartel...Who are the 6 crooked policeman? And, thank you Clydee, the anchor is worth $400K+ which is peanuts compared to the potential of 1M/mo that Bridget put away in the safety deposit boxes, we can only hope that Jim's litigation against her estate will allow our heros full access!! CJ, reading your novel reminds me of the detective stories I loved to read as a kid, hidden clues around every corner, yet in Circumnavigation the more you give us the more we want!! Thanks again for another great chapter! And on a lighter note, as a resident of Utah, I figured that was our writer taking time off kicking around with the goats last week, between the google award and hoofing about our mtns, his goat was surely cooked...

'Puzzles within puzzles', 'wheels within wheels', my oh my, we think we are loosing our minds. Which way will it go?? Now mastermind Bridget again seems to be playing everyone for herself! Which side will win? We sure wouldn't bet against her...Will Trevor and Shane locate the mysterious and elusive documents aboard the Kookaburra?? We think not...not sure why but that's what we think. Words of caution for our jubilant lads from the 'adults'.... When oh when will their story and hidden secrets of a time long ago when Rachel and Bridget were working the trade together in Florida come out? Lastly CJ, we hope you're once again keeping cool, though the thoughts for information on Bridget's air conditioning company suggests maybe not. Puzzles within puzzles, wheels within wheels, reality vs fiction, sometimes the two may coexist... The last two weeks have been way too long for our weekly CJ addiction. Thanks again for another great chapter. -Leonberger Hounds, That's just what we think!

That's just way too odd. Please try to keep your head on straight as my guess is Bridget and the Cartel may be coming to the desert to secure their future!! Oh, heads should roll. All kidding aside CJ, best of luck with your AC... I will now look forward to getting a head start on my Tuesday!!! Thanks again for the wonderful entertainment!

Ahhh, it's finally coming home to the Bahamas! What a wonderfully informative chapter to set the future stage, though many questions remain... How did the brilliantly wicked and sympathy garnering Bridget know the boys would survive Bassy's assault, I guess she didn't but originally had planned for that, 'the operation in Australia had come dangerously close to success, which would have 'complicated' her gambit; she would have had to find the tape itself instead of merely destroying the boat.' ....hummmm,,,, without the intact boat she won't need to find the tape for her cartel members as they remain under blackmail with the threat... Then it seems she tries to save Trevor and cancel the 'head' contract with the cartel by blaming her 'failed' operation on this most outrageous demand from Sanchez; OK maybe she's not so bad, maybe Trevor does have a special place in her heart, and now he and his boyfriend can rest, happily ever after... It was really great to see how the random pictures have now fallen into place with Bridgets' presentation to the cartel. Unfortunately though she really had to stretch the truth,,, multiple times... Could 'the first amongst equals' be heading to Sanchez to get his take on the whole thing before B&B get there for the 'retirement party'?? Just whose retirement is it anyway??? I don't know about anyone else but my Tuesdays start way too early!!! I also can't wait to reread the story again, not sure I will last until the final chapter is complete however prior to my starting with the Prologue on page one. 'May 15th, 1997 The dawn came as with a thunder, a fitting omen for the day.' CJ, thanks again for providing the most entertaining time I have had with my friends among friends...

So, a few thoughts, did anyone else think it odd that Bridget wasn't overly surprised when a supposedly 'dead' Rachel struck her with her cane? I mean that's one badass ghost! 'Bridget realized that her attacker was Rachel' in the Wheels within Wheels chapter... I don't know but our group feels the relationship between these two may be more involved than expected, Bridget has yet to comment on this despite two additional chapters...Regarding the 'missing' grail; she does mention the need to acquire other tools to complete her search of the catamaran, but doesn't let on to Billy what they are looking for...hummm...I wonder if this will also be in our future, it looks to me like the Epilogue could be the longest chapter yet!! Bravo to CJ while we, his underlings, try to dissect the workings of a great author...