Carlos Hazday

Thank you. Chapter 2 of Chemist will be published on June 19, 2021 Happy now? LOL

@Hellsheild I LOVE your memes.

Thank you. sir.

Recruitment turned into defection. Too bad he didn't get to retire in Argentina, he could have gotten a job with Chipper's mom!

Sometimes failure leads to new opportunities. Let's hope Domogarov's not interested in being an antagonist any longer. But then again, there's a couple of decades coming before CJ can retire as a gentleman farmer (oh, wait, that was Washington)

Yeah, about that incident... Another Northman-free chapter coming up next, I spend most of it reconnecting with friends and as @Hellsheild mentioned, i'm in a planting mood. I'll be scattering seed all around.

Emeril! If you think I dropped seeds in this chapter, wait until the next one. I've often stated I don't like to pull too many rabbits ou of the hat and prefer to at least hint at what's coming. CYA is a way of life. LOL Lots of years before CJ's the most powerful man on Earth so a lot could happen. I do like to bring back characters unexpectedly, with Spike being exhibit A right now. Who knows who else I'll pull back into the story.

Damn! Y'all like Domogarov and Northman way too much. I could probably write a short story for each. It'd be fun to have an anti-hero as the MC. I think I have a month or two with no writing scheduled in 2024.

Thanks, Jose. CJ's finally growing into that maturity he flashed while in high school and college. As for Yevgeny, the man's apparently not an ideologue. I see him as an opportunist and a realist. He tried to recruit CJ and when it backfired he went to Plan B which he'd set up before.

@scrubber6620 I love the speculation! CJ's not perfect but his moral compass guides his actions. He'll do what feels right to him, even when it could be dangerous. He proved it by agreeing to collaborate with the CIA instead of washing his hands of the matter. Any decent spy must have a degree of human understanding and in this case it failed Domogarove. The wealthy dilettante turned out to have claws and knew how to use them.

I assume Domogarov will be a 'guest' of the CIA for a while. Since they provided CJ as a traveling companion, I'm certain he'll be sharing whatever info he has soon and will access his funds once released. The guy may have planned his departure from Russian intelligence, but I suspect his calm demeanor is but another act. I admit his defection was partially inspired by The Hunt for Red October. You know how I took the Vail vacation from Cadet and expanded it for this story? I'm sort of doing the same with Oscar's weekend, expanding on Malibu and Ranger. California here we come.

How can I resist borrowing from Cussler, when his original series has the MC living in DC, dating a politician, and traveling all over the world? I think I'd pattern CJ after Pitt more than Bond.

Damn! Y'all are a bunch of blood thirsty people! I'll warn you now CJ does not beat or kill anyone in the next two chapters. But one of your favorites makes an appearance in the next one. Harley's still talking.

Hope you feel better soon.

Yep. I suspect Russians plan ahead more than we do. Recruiting an agent doesn't happen overnight, and I'm certain only a minority of targets pan out. In CJ, Domogarov picked the wrong person. Power, money, and sex, the usual ways used with potential recruits don't work with someone who already has all three to some degree.

Ding, ding, ding..... WE HAVE A WINNER! I've borrowed ideas from Clive Cussler before (including myself in the story being the main one) and threw in Yevgeny's car comment as an homage to one of my favorite fictional characters. Maybe CJ can join NUMA once he leaves the State Department! If you read my previous comment reply, you'll notice I didn't have to wait long to reveal who lives in that hangar at National Airport.

Yevgeny will be in the U.S. starting now, so he may be willing to assist the CIA or other agencies in the future. I hoped someone would recognize the hangar, car, and driver. If nobody does, once more readers comment, I'll reveal details. No plans for future appearances yet, but you never know.

Did you notice Brad kept sneaking Wingnut pieces of pizza? I try to provide somewhat relaxed chapters after high drama ones. Glad this one flowed to your liking. And yes, we get to visit with old friends in the next chapter, and we get to meet a new character who'll be part of the cast for a hell of a long time.

We found out Domogarov's motivation and family details. Obviously, not everything they talked about was reflected in the chapter. The discussions about the western flank were redacted by Mr. Cruz' employer.

“I’m ready.” CJ returned to the main living area to find Spike with Liebe in his arms. Her expression told him she did not mind. “She’s adorable. And she has a lot to say.” Spike grinned at CJ and Owen. “Just like her father.” “Yeah, whatever. I’m warning you, Spike. You return CJ to us undamaged, or Liebe and I will make the rest of your life a living hell.” “Duly noted, counselor.” He winked at CJ. “Damn attorneys can get feisty, eh? That all you’re bringing?” CJ droppe

This is what happens when I research music for a story. I'm glad there are no recordings of me dancing flamenco in my underwear.

@Cia A long time ago, prompted by Myr and Mann talking about how thorough your editing was, I asked you to edit for me. You turned me down. Your loss, toots. There went your chance to rip me a new one. @Myr I agree readers should react to a story whichever way they feel like. Some of us thrive on critical reactions because we want to improve. Other authors may be interested in writing and posting not worrying about what anyone thinks. Both approaches are valid. My chapters get a good number of reactions and comments, but my stories will never be among the most recommended or reviewed. No idea why. I have mentioned it a couple of times, but I'm past begging for reactions every chapter. A newer author might not be as secure in their writing and crave positive reinforcement, so the constant reminders might be just what they need. I use every tool available to provide feedback. And yes, in a few instances when my criticism was extremely harsh, I've used PMs. But an author trying to restrict any sort of reaction is wrong. Evaluating artistic endeavors will always be subjective (think of the East German gymnastics judge giving a Westerner a lower score) and will not always be favorable. Aside from the 'this story and you suck' comments, we can learn from most reactions to our work. Although I'm still wondering why someone ranked a story of mine without a sex scene in it as 'smoldering.' The author who demands all reviews include 5-star ratings should consider offering a better product. Even then, it's up to the reader. More stars won't mean I read anything. I rely on tags, descriptions, recommendations, reviews, reactions, and comments when deciding what to read. GA offers multiple ways for readers to react so why limit myself? To readers: Do as you please. Say what you mean and mean what you say. To authors: Stop whining. Use what you get and learn from it. PS Inflation in reactions reminds me of grade inflation in schools or participation trophies. Positive reinforcement is fine, but sometimes we have to call trash what it is.

Thank you.

Bullets are made of lead and brass, right? That's as biodegradable as it comes.

I had to look LOL Lots of recognizable people, most of them now dead. Thanks for making me feel old again.