Carlos Hazday

@BlueWindBoy Let's see. This takes place in spring 2024. I think Chipper's in New York looking to buy a place. He's been looking in Hudson Yards and at a couple of supertalls, but I haven't told him where he needs to go yet. CJ stayed at La Casita after his appearance at the AFA, maybe he drowned Bryce and Zion? When I write about that trip to L.A, I'll elaborate. Never read those books or watched the show, so no. LOL Probably his next one. If he was slated to film in late 2021, Gambit would have probably been released in 2023. Damn you for forcing me to timeline things I wasn't planning on. Did you see this? Dog Tag Bakery

Those weekly prompts helped turn me into a writer. For a while, I couldn't wait for Fridays so I could flex my developing writing muscles. As I gained confidence and found myself with more ideas than time my prompt responses fizzled. But I'll forever be grateful for them helping me get started. Thank you, Wayne.

@BlueWindBoy LMAO - I just had Cesar call CJ a mensch. Must be a family thing. Romantic? We don't need romantic... all we want's to get laid! You forget President Bartlet's a fictional character--- ooops, never mind. That little exchange had more to do with CJ evolving than with Ritch. It's enough for someone reading this story by itself, but it plays into the entire series' character development.

Sailors have one in every harbor, pilots have one in every airport, and Chipper has one in every concert venue! By this point leaking a Chipper sex tape would only increase his popularity. Let's hope he's not doing it with a skanky fan. LMFAO - I think by now you've figured out my stories won't really get you off unless your imagination takes over. Redbreast might be Brad's preferred, but by now we know Ozzie's a rum drinker. LOL Don't you love how white boys insist on using urban language. And for the record, usage in this case was used as a shortcut and not to imply the neighborhood's racial composition. African American Vernacular English has infiltrated our language to the point even white conservative idiots say woke. The look and sound ridiculous when they do. Everhope was the test subject for Fadi's software. I'm certain since it was installed there've been upgrades. I once bought my grandmother a fancy umbrella at Neiman's as a present. Years later, when she died, I don't think she'd ever used it fearing it would get water marks. ROTFLMAO Unless Turkey gets its shit together, their NATO membership might be revoked.

@BlueWindBoy I'd say it's a sign Ritch is laser focused on being a pilot when he easily discards multiple viable opportunities. The Wing might be gentle, but I'm sure some homophobic prick will push the boundary. I'll leave it to everyone's imagination, but I'd prefer not to mess with a boxer. The Wing gets private time with Chipper. The higher ups have to content themselves with polite language and limited alcohol consumption. Yeah, you did better than most other readers, but I dropped plenty of hints too. There's something else you guessed about in another chapter that matches what I wrote in an upcoming chapter. The Miami thing was a private family matter, decking the biker led to an article.

LMAO Yep, that's me. A twisted mind. For some reason I thought you'd started with Cadet then went back to the first CJ story. Can we say awkward?

@BlueWindBoy But, but... I don't swallow so that means I'm not gay. After graduation, I joined Ernst & Whinney as a staff accountant. At some point I was assigned to work on a consulting job for a hospital and the partner in charge of consulting invited me to transfer at the end of it. Within a year, the partner in charge of taxes asked me the same thing. I based Ritch being courted by different areas based on my experience. Pretty sure they've merged and changed names but the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network I think still provides representation. I swear I'd fixed Johnny/Johnnie before. I did it again. (Sorry, Britney) And what's wrong with Fryes? For a first pair and occasional use I think they work. Once he decides he wants to adopt a Western persona, he can spend some money on fancy ones. Warm, really warm. What's Chipper's birthday? Lola's in the gun safe at Everhope. CJ didn't even consider carrying it to Mexico! My bet's 20, but I don't plan to write that far into the future. Oh, wait. I did write a couple of lines on my outline about a Rose Garden wedding for Liebe. LOL OFF TOPIC If I remember correctly, you started reading Cadet, stopped, and dove into the entire universe. What made you go back in the first place? The last couple of days I've had notifications showing someone started reading Summer. It's always a thrill to see readers react to half a dozen chapters in a day, tells me I wrote something interesting they enjoyed. I'll assume you have since you made it back to your starting point.

@BlueWindBoy This story spans Ritch's time at the Academy: 2020 - 2024. Pretty sure I've mentioned before the timing forced me to make decisions about important events in other characters' lives influencing Ritch. The birth of Roo, Jeffer, Raish, and Zack being one of them. Because everything from this point forward happens post CJ and Owen returning to DC, details will have to wait until the book after CDMX. Overlapping timelines do give me the opportunity to expand on events already covered in one book in future ones. A few of Ethan's legal interventions will be recounted from his side when he gets a spinoff. Right now, I'm rewriting Christmas 2021 in Vail from CJ's POV. Moi? Double entendres? Jamais? I think I previously mentioned I didn't want to write a whole chapter about Joel's dating since this isn't his story. I skipped over him asking someone out. I didn't want to shortchange him by devoting a little paragraph to it. My goal was to show Ritch sowing his oats before going home to Lucy. Let's see if his experiences make him a better boyfriend. Amidst all the banter and jokes, this chapter was designed to be a demarcation line. Colonel Peterson get the title to match his leadership abilities. It'll be an interesting senior year. Trust me on that.

@BlueWindBoy Vurdem may end up being considered a hero in Turkey. If he does, let's hope he and Ritch never end up being part of joint exercises. Wait, was that a cognitive test or and IQ one. I'm confused. MCMAP might be a good starting point. I recently had a crash course (verbal) on it since it plays a role in the Mexico book. Ritch's the kind of cadet the AF claims it wants. Unfortunately, not that many like him around. At least in my story his performance is rewarded. Where the hell were you when I was researching and writing? My restaurant choices might have been different. I started with the idea of either a wing or a vertical stabilizer as the tat's centerpiece. Since at this point they're all part of the Cadet Wing... Simon's like their mascot right now: younger and smaller. I may bring him back at some point. Maybe broken noses qualify if a Taliban loser inflicts it?

@BlueWindBoy It's Ritch now. LOL Ooops, I forgot about the Ritchie Rich jokes. But he's young enough I can work one in sooner or later. Might be Rich Ritch. Ice cram truck? Wouldn't a taco one fit better? You mean there are still Republican politicians in the closet? The black friends line I derived from I can't be anti-Semitic, I have Jewish friends. That one I heard a long time ago and stuck with me. Sort of like people chanting Jews will not replace us and Trump claiming he loves them even though his daughter's a Jew. I'm pretty sure everyone at the Academy's required to call anyone with a higher rank sir. My original intent was to call the book Mexico City, I may have even referred to it that way in a comment or two. When I started researching, I found out about the name change. I guess before the change Mexico City, like DC, was a bastard child. Pete could run again. I really hope my prediction of CJ being the first out gay president is wrong. Cal will show up again, but it'll be a couple of years before I bring him back. Liebe was traumatized and the only person she would allow near her was Harley. The uncle who advocated for a taco truck in every corner.

@BlueWindBoy As you previously mentioned, being an Academy Award winner means Brad will be 'someone' forever. What he might be forgetting's his friendship with Chipper and CJ will also keep him in the public eye. The public will demand details about the two famous ones and Brad will be dragged in by the media. The advice given Brad on how to write is the approach I follow. I'm currently writing about Christmas 2021. I started with half a dozen lines in a spreadsheet. Highlights. Those were transferred to a Word document, slightly expanded, and related events were inserted where appropriate. Now, I'm expanding each of those into full scenes. I did consider my dads, but decided to use parents in case he also asked his mother for advice. Since writing and editing the speech took a while, he would have mentioned it to Hilary during their weekly calls. Notice I didn't mention CJ but a friend when Brad mentioned his dad flying to Germany? CJ has a tendency to take over stories and I've tried to limit references as to him much as possible. Also, I really wanted the end to be uncluttered and focus on his advice. Cristina asked for a lump settlement instead of alimony. At some point I mentioned she didn't ask for Damien's apartment but wanted the money to buy a place for her and Carolina. He does have to pay child support (including tuition} through Carolina's college graduation. What do you think about a BS, MBA, Doctorate, and Post-doctoral studies? At a private school. Years ago I met the daughter of my high school principal while on a trip to Tallahassee. She was probably 15 years younger than me and a student at FSU. Much to my surprise, her father called me about a week later. She had mentioned meeting me and he remembered me! Talk about a shock.

@BlueWindBoy Have I mentioned I enjoy informed commentary? I actually chose Elmendorff so Ritch could brag he'd visited a stte CJ hadn't. In the excitement associated with Mexico, he forgot all about it. He'll get to take a dig at his brother at some point. An appearance by Gina was considered and dismissed. I'm not sure where she ended up after graduation and didn't feel like constructing a backstory for only a line or two. SPOILER - As of 2027, Ritch's stationed in Europe. As for the flight length, I see Ritch complaining about them all unless he's at the controls. Just wait until the magnetic poles shift entirely and civilization crashes... until then, I'm trying to avoid to many scientific details. Some of them give me a headache. Excellent speculation! SPOILER - You might find it interesting the next book's prologue is set at a cocktail party hosted by a Mexican communications magnate and his reporter wife. LMAO I made up that URL, interesting to see where it led. Wasn't Vinick inspired in part by John McCain? It's been so long I forget. In the Mexico book I've used a fictional ambassador and a beta reader asked if I planned to replace her with Salazar. I'm not for a bunch of reasons, one being the problem I mentioned in Ranger with using real people. I'm trying to wean myself off that practice. I probably won't be able to find a reasonable Republican by the time I write those scenes (I fear there'll be a further plunge by the Reps before they can reclaim some of their glory.) I'll follow Sorkin's lead and create my own. I'm thinking someone from Montana right now. SPOILER - There might be elements of electronic warfare in the Mexico story. LOL

But, but, what about inclusiveness? There could be a lesbian reader or two who might want such a scene...

@BlueWindBoy You previously asked who was looking after Wingnut. Considering I imagine Brad looking a little like Race Imboden, I hope he gets gay cooties. He should play for our team. Problem is the way those two go at it, they'll end up pregnant at the same time. Not sure if you follow football but the low 20s are common numbers for wide receivers and running backs. BTW, this is a chapter in need of edits. At the time of the events, the Redskins were no more. CJ's smart enough to see possibilities most of us can't. I've always envied that trait. He could be the ultimate fixer. I estimated about an hour travel each way. Walk-Metro-Walk. With no other obligations than school and therapy, I figured Brad could read on the train and weather permitting jog to an from. He wouldn't mind the commute.

@BlueWindBoy Before I comment on your comment... Let's hear it for the second gay cadet in the story. (Crowd goes wild cheering. 'We trusted you, Carlos. We trusted you to throw us fresh meat and not just recycle') What Joel doesn't realize is Chipper thinks of Ritch as his (little) brother. Maybe he should be asking his fellow cadet instead of someone living in a different country. Contractual obligations prevent me from providing further information at this time. Ideally, it should have been kept in the chain of command but that ship sailed when the chain of command couldn't get their shit together. Too many decisions not to investigate/prosecute in the ultimate old boys network. Miranda's someone I'd like to keep around and hopefully use in a future story. I don't want to write a book about a sexual assault and her fighting back, but she'd be good in something covering the issue. The female cadet who told Ritch a bunch of the brass were miserable fucks would also be one I'd love to write again. In maybe a bit meatier part.

@BlueWindBoy Once I'm done writing the current story, Ranger's in for revisions. My penchant for involving real people, events, and places hasn't worked well when I write in the future. The pandemic being the most obvious headache. I'd already written about 2020 so I decided it wouldn't happen in the CJ-verse. This story, more than others, suffers from that dose of reality conflicts. It started when Prince Harry moved to the US, but I was able to tinker with that and make it palatable. The JLo-Alex breakup invalidated the Oscars night celebration and Joe Kennedy losing the primary for senator screwed with this chapter too. The Cayenne will remain in Vail. Yep, one day at a time. Brad's not there yet. LMAO - Don't you love how I melded the football players into the CJ-verse? It wasn't part of my original plans, but it allowed me to add a couple more gay people to CJ/Owen's circle. It also gives me the chance to explore some issues within the series without having to give them another short story. EDIT- Oops. forgot to mention the Washington Redskins becoming the Washington Football Club. The organization's hinted they'll have a new name by 2022, so I'll probably wait until then to revise Ranger.

@BlueWindBoy The O'Keefes have been in Vail for a long time, like the Hockneys were in DC. Considering the Vail placed is rented out, I mentioned they were encased in acrylic and bolted to the wall. No matter what anyone says, or what Ms. O'Keefe's intentions may have been, some of those flowers do resemble vaginas. Nope. Still terminally straight. However, bromances amongst younger guys border on homoerotic behavior. I've seen it in person. Remember what you said about Brad? One day at a time. We can legislate and shame all we want, with some people all we'll accomplish is them behaving one way in public and another in private. We will NEVER get rid of discrimination but maybe we can change some minds along the way. When I revisit Cancun from CJ's POV in CDMX, the brothers will discuss the issue. I think this chapter went live while Ted was embroiled in that. Sometimes I time things well. LOL Remember when you asked if there would be any GLBT cadets in the story? Exhibit one: JOEL I've come to the decision I like writing raunchy banter better than actual sex scenes. I mean, when was the last time you read intelligent conversation in the middle of sex. I can advance a story as well or better by the before and after of screwing. But since the MC's straight in this story, you may have to suffer through a couple more hetero engagements.

@BlueWindBoy Feel free to buy the domain. LOL My favorite cop pictures are the ones floating around for ages of Spanish Foreign Legion men. Those uniforms had to be designed by a gay man. Yeah, Brad's life's changed, but I see him dialing it back while in college. He'll remain somewhat involved with Heroes Haven, but he has enough on his plate with school and Cristina. Stay tuned. I'm currently tinkering with a story set in 2027 in which I expand on Cristina's job and increasing wealth. Where's the nearest StairMaster. I need to start training.

@BlueWindBoy Although not the Air Force's shade, the next car I introduce will be sorta blue. I didn't want to have two and this one veered away from black. It replaces Defiant which was the only vehicle a different color. Hearing readers connect in a personal way with what I write's always a thrill. Cool father you have. There's a caretaker living @ Everhope with Wingnut. Potatoe, potahto. I'll keep the traffic delays in mind this week. I'm writing Christmas 2021 from CJ's POV right now. He did tell the dads right away. He waited so he could tell CJ in person. Maybe another sign the kid's growing up? Yeah but having them ride a cat sounded like fun. LMFAO - Give the girl a couple of years.

@BlueWindBoy I once walked into an apartment a relative had died in a few days before. I almost puked just from the smell. Pretty sure the cameraman didn't finish the documentary. And I'm certain he won't be hired to work in the next movie CJ and Owen produce. Where's that sign post showing all roads lead to Mexico? I'm pretty sure I had him moving before I had his name. Rough crowd! Honestly, I saw a white flag with the word in blue and all caps. Simple and classy. I'm still fuzzy on the details. I need to figure out possible moves from one agency to another and how his romantic life fits into it all. One of those instances were slow incremental steps fit the bill.

@BlueWindBoy LMFAO You never know, he could jump to the Space Force and be the captain of the first spaceship to Mars! There may be a few more references to straight sex. Should I start posting alerts? Some twenty years in the future, I predict Edrice will be assigned to the White House. I think Bacon Station's a made up one. No complaints about the straight sex? LOL And no, Edrice's hopelessly hetero. I actually thought of that. Edrice jumped out while rolling to a stop and Ritch immediately followed. Youth and training to react in emergencies may have had something to do with it. As for moving the guy, I threw in the line about him being alert and Ritch fearing fire, but decided not to include the questions about his condition for dramatic effect. Nothing kills the mood like having to read boring details. Not a Subaru. While writing and posting this story, I was in the middle or working with Mann and WolfM on their stories. Both about werewolves. I had to YouTube the scene... now I want to watch the trilogy again.

I love how @Parker Owens and I have been able to intertwine our casts.

I have a similar reaction. Whenever someone binge reads and comments, I end up at a minimum scaning th chapter so I can refresh my memory and reply coherently. This one's always a hard read even though I wrote it.

@BlueWindBoy Pretty sure I mentioned Carson being a rower when CJ attended the reception at the boathouse back when he was at Georgetown. I cringe when I read the earliest installments. I'm helping a newer author and one of my recurring notes is the repetition of details like opening the door whenever the characters drive somewhere. I've tried to curtail the amount of useless things and this may have been a spot when I could have added a few words to explain Henk was in the barn at the same time CJ took Liebe there. Henk left the space and was back home when Brad encountered him again. Brad may have matured a lot since enlisting, but he's no trained therapist. I mention Heroes Haven provides all sort of services to residents and Brad seeing a counselor. The assumption would be Henk has the same opportunity although I left it open in case he had refused to speak with anyone. Whenever I've dealt with bouts of depression, keeping busy has been the best therapy. I count CJ and company with helping me maintain my sanity at times. Henk found solace in his garden, and its destruction would have left him with little to ground him.

OK, THAT was funny as shit.