Carlos Hazday

Marines are like rambunctious puppies, once you collar and leash them, they behave. I think this chapter benefited from the transitions. A short nothing introduction to share Academy lore, an extended action sequence, a calm resolution with someone who obviously has Ritch's back, and a fun family and friends gathering. Buffet writing... something for every taste. LOL

@BlueWindBoy You're right, probably early on when I wanted to show him having black and white views. I think I already wrote about how his hero, Jefferson, inspired CJ's approval of state rights. I may have also had him moderate his original rigid stance. Part of growing him up and making him realize no matter how charmed a life he may lead, the world's far from perfect. Damn timely for you to read this chapter. Generalizing, I see three types of individuals riding motorcycles: bikers, straddlers, and riders. Harley's a biker with a couple of smooth edges. Visually, think long beards and hair, neck and hand tattoos, blue collar, partier. Often MAGA supporter Owen's a rider. Like are thousands of boomers. And assorted personalities. Owen might object to any sort of racial commentary but wouldn't object in this case. He knows it's part of being fanatics about certain bikes. The fact Harley's dating a Vietnamese woman, and Chatri Mookjai's CJ's oldest D.C. friend and their physician, pretty sure they're not anti-Asian anything. Cesar would be a rider too. CJ's a straddler. He's a rider who can comfortably move in the biker world. He wouldn't bat an eye at anyone disparaging Japanese bikes. I'm pretty sure when I was describing his t-shirt collection I mentioned one that read: It's A Harley Thing. Brett's in the same category. I will admit one thing. As much as I've tried to create as diverse a cast as realistically possible, Asians have been underrepresented. Most likely due to my not having a lot of interaction or experience with the community. Acknowledging the deficiency, I've tried to remedy it. In recent stories, I have one male Pacific Islander and two Japanese-American women as pivotal characters. They may still be in the background but they'll play important roles. And that's my personal contribution to fighting discrimination/violence/hatred of and against Asians.

Thanks, Mr. B. Glad you enjoyed it.

I try to keep the story somewhat realistic. Given the family we're dealing with, Trump darts would be common. For better or worse, as President, Trump impacted our lives and some effects will reverberate for years to come. As I write into the future, I try to extrapolate. At some point I'll need a new boogeyman.

Thanks, Theo. Ritch started out so young in the story, I've had fun aging him. Particularly once he started at the Academy.

We'll have to wait and see what they agree on. I just wrote about CJ's next tattoo and I'm kinda upset my arms are full. Otherwise I'd be getting some of the ones my guys have.

I've only identified Ritch as having a motorcycle endorsement. The rest of the group might not be interested in Harley-Davidson inspired ink.

How did you get your hands on my notes? Either that or you're starting to think like my guys.

Let's see what they come up with. The Squad's tattoo was designed by an artist and copied by subsequent ones when the rest of the group got inked. Maybe the cadets will agree on something before going to a parlor.

Ritch was probably correct in saying cultural differences accounted for Alp's attitude, but there was no excuse for him striking a superior. He'll probably end up a hero back home for standing up to American decadence.

Excellent! From the story's start, I've tried to show how much his family influences the man Ritch's becoming. Glad that's noticeable. Time-wise, we're halfway through. Ritch's just begun his third year as a cadet.

If that's all it takes to get promoted, he may be walking in front of fists again. LOL

Thanks, Tor.

Ritch had to have his own posse. If they do get tats, he'll be the only one with both The Squad's and The Wing's

I wanted to award him a Purple Heart for being injured, but realized a broken nose inflicted by a fellow Academy cadet didn't qualify him. Bremen displayed his loyalty and now he's in the group for sure. Although he's really Liebe's dog by the time this happens, Wingnut can be the official mascot.

@BlueWindBoy I suspect you've not spent a lot of times around bikers. Trashing foreign bikes by those who ride American ones, and vice-versa, is a common occurrence. I doubt even Owen has a lot of influence on CJ's attitude towards government infringement into personal decisions. Didn't he already state his abhorrence for nanny-states?

Next chapter's up so go at it. I suspect anyone with a steady supply of willing partners won't even think about climbing on the fence.

Along with the Acceptance Parade after Basic Cadet Training and the Exemplar Dinner during the cadets’ second year, the Commitment Dinner was part of the Academy’s Legacy Events. The day before beginning their third year, Ritch and his fellow second classers renewed their commitment to the military. They acknowledged the obligation to serve in the Air Force, or repay the cost of their education if they left the Academy prior to commencement. Graduates from the class of 1974 were invited to

Rick's debacle confirms my decision to delete my Facebook profile a few years ago was correct. Why do people believe everything they see online? And how they extrapolate from cryptic posts is even worse. I suspect Senior having a heart attack when he finds out his son's not only not marrying Rita but boinking a Guatemalan man.

Although English is not my first language, I love its richness. The average English speaking person knows but a fraction of words and use even less. I'm out to change that. I've never specified if Owen got certified in Australia pre-CJ, or if he did it in the US at the same time Ritchie did. That would have happened after he moved to Washington.

I read this early, reacted, and fell asleep before I could comment. Had my second COVID vaccine shot yesterday and once again sleepiness has been the only side effect. Two weeks before maximum immunity and I can't wait. Already told Mann I want a bit more background on Maddie. Oh, and why she, being a wolf, birthed a human, while Fergus sired two pups with a a human female. Damn lycan biology and reproduction's confusing.

LMAO - I can't be the only author who's booted foot has connected with an ex's derriere. I hope my style continues to evolve. I pay attention to comments, particularly those from authors with more experience, and try to learn. Shouldn't we all be doing the same? The two stories I chose to share had plenty of reactions and an astounding number of comments. Seems I know how to get people riled up. As long as I can incite reactions, positive or negative, it tells me I've made readers take note. Both stories were written as a way of coping with real-lie events I found disturbing. Seems to me the reception they received proves GA readers are thoughtful and recognize not every tale has to be about boy-meets-boy. For that I'm grateful. I'm not known for writing romance.

What gave me away?

I based the comment on my interactions with him. Or his alter ego. LOL

@Kitt I was going to say talking to somebody might help with the split personality. I do get the feeling Brandon likes to solve issues on his own. Drugs would be wasted on him.