Carlos Hazday

I think CJ's acknowledged his privilege and being part of the 1% before. I don't begrudge them their wealth, whatever was inherited was mostly in trust for future generations or the foundation, and I've mentioned Cesar's capable handling of finances. Being the son of immigrants who had nothing when they arrived in the US and survived with the help of family, friends, and hard work, I'm a huge believer in capitalism. As an accountant, I dealt with rich people on a regular basis. Some were more inclined than others to share their wealth. I've shown the fathers and CJ using their resources to help others and in this book tried to have Ritch follow their example. Now, you want to talk money... Because I'm using a sailing yacht as the setting for a future story, I've been tracking developments in the industry. Jeff Bezos commissioned a sailing mega yacht for 500 million. Because the masts interfere with landing a helicopter on board, he's also having a second "smaller" boat built. It has a landing pad (his girlfriend's a helicopter pilot) and will carry trinkets like cars and motorcycles. Jeff gets mentioned in the next book.

Do you remember how long it took for CJ and Owen to get engaged. By now y'all should be used to me not rushing that kind of development. He;;, I remember how surprised some readers were when I posted that proposal. All in due time. Hang in there, mate. The clan will return soon enough.

Thanks, JR. Mexico's what next. As soon as I'm caught up with a little editing, I plan to crank out CDMX chapters ready for whenever my editor is again available.

Did you have preconceived notions when you started reading? I know a couple of people started Cadet, decided they liked my characters/writing and binged on the entire series. I'm always curious about what attracts readers. I plan on tightening the ensnaring web with future books. Resistance is futile. @WolfM I got my Star Trek reference in! LOL

It's not nice to make me blush. Although the David Letterman beard I'm sporting helps hide the flush. Thanks, again, my friend. For everything. It's truly a pleasure to work with you.

Thanks, Wolf. Your insights were invaluable to help make the story better and to correct my military mistakes. I was just thinking of you. After two complicated weeks, I'm hopefully back on track. Expect something from me later today or tomorrow.

No more stand alone books featuring Ritch, but he'll be an integral part of future CJ and Owen stories. A wedding will have to wait. I don't think it's realistic for educated kids these days to marry as young as CJ did. Most want to establish themselves in their careers before settling down. I foresee lots of traveling by him and Lucy whenever he gets leave.

I watched a couple of graduations on YouTube for inspiration. Last year, the Academy kept seniors on campus when they sent everyone else home. Graduation was masked, socially distant, with barely anyone in the stands. What I wrote is based on previous ones. I think graduations bring out strong emotions. I know I shed a few tears last weekend at my niece's.

I may have been the first one to use it just above.

CJ does keep track of where he's been. He and Owen will compare notes in the future. And although I never mention it, I imagine him doing just that: a map on his bedroom wall full of marker pins.

Thank you, Dave. I hope the snippet I shared from the next book's prologue wet your appetite for time in Mexico City.

Thanks, Tony. Although I address varied, important issues, I try not to take myself to seriously. And I try to infuse each story with humor when appropriate. Life's too damn short not to laugh.

You're welcome. And my thanks to you for the support since the first salvo.

CJ started out hating all Republicans. He's mellowed a bit, but he'll always be a liberal with centrist tendencies with a dash of libertarian thrown in. I envision him following policies similar to Bill Clinton's but without Monica. Once again, his fathers' set the example. They voted for Biden, but I had them trash Bernie and Warren in Malibu. I guess I'm too used to political discussions being frank and open. You should have been in the car with me and my niece last weekend, I picked her up at the University of Florida for the drive to her sister's graduation in Atlanta. She's the most liberal one in the family but smart enough to listen to opposing arguments without shouting or getting overly flustered. She and her sister give me hope for the future.

Thank you, sir. I'm working on it. I'm working on it.

You have no idea how often I think of you. Since the next book stars CJ and Owen, the political commentary will be more frequent. And for a short span, CJ and others will take pot shots at Trump. I always try to guess what YOUR reaction would be. However, if you notice, I don't mention Biden by name. I don't even specify the president's gender! In our divided, resentful country, I fear some crazy will try to murder our president. It could have been Harris who speaks at Ritch's graduation. And I'll have you know in the next book CJ tells someone he agreed with some of Trump's policies but not him as a person.

Thank you, Parker. For your continued support and your invaluable assistance. You've helped bring my boys to life.

You make me blush. How about a story set mostly in Mexico? New locations, new characters, and different adventures. What the hell. Here's a snippet of what's coming next.

There was no other point to end the story so... I almost cut it off when the hats flew, but decided a little epilogue would help clarify a couple of points. Glad I included it.

Greedy SOB LOL You realize this is the longest story (word count and chapters) since the one with CJ's graduation and Liebe's birth? Next one may be even longer.

And those vignettes will be frequent. Since he's family, Ritch will be part of as many events as the military (or the author) grant him leave to participate. SPOILER - He'll be assigned to an overseas AFB as soon as he gets his first promotion.

I always planned on Ritch and Lucy marrying and having kids. Hell, I revealed that in HTTC, but I thought it was important to Ritch's growth he slut around for a few years. Let's see how fast they tie the knot and start spitting out kids.

Thanks, Clancy. Life's slowly returning to normal, and we'll be rejoicing when enough people are vaccinated our risks are minimized. Starting tomorrow, I'll concentrate on the next story so when my editor's ready we can push through chapters as quickly as possible.

Have I mentioned how much I value your reading and commenting? THANK YOU!

I'm bummed too! Wish I could take a couple of weeks off then start posting the next story, but alas, it's far from being ready. I'm sure time will move faster now we're no longer locked in.