pvtguy

And now that Charlie is "sorted", it is time for Neil and Alex to take some time to travel or simply take advantage of what time they have to enjoy time for themselves.

Beautiful story that, as I said before, was educational, thought provoking, challenging, and entertaining. Julian did his work as a companion in such a way that truly helped everyone in this family move from stagnation due to Paul's death to living a forward-looking existence! Well done indeed!

Thank you @wintreargo77 for the Data reference. It is a fitting comparison. I especially like the challenge it has been for me to deal with the AI development. As Data had an opposite, evil twin, the possibility for a rogue AI bot like Hal is very real. The fear that AI could possibly take over control should never be overlooked, IMHO. Ben will age...Julian will not. I would be interested in speculation about Ben's aging and eventual demise. What becomes of Julian?

I do understand the glossing over of details in the legal discussion as the main point is that Miles' identity is restored and guardianship has been awarded - Miles feels safe and secure for the first time in his life. I, too, wondered where he learned all the horse and ranch skills, but again, that was glossed over as it was not the main focus. I'm just enjoying a feel good story!

After my last comment, Rachel summarized precisely what I think. She may not accept the idea that Julian is a "person", but will adapt to his presence. The family is showing a minimum of respect for Ben: they will modify their own behaviors but will still rely on him, which, IMHO, he somehow enjoys as his place in the family. Is it using him to rely on him? Granted. it would be "perfect" if each member of the family were totally independent, but that is not the way with most families - there is always one person who holds the family together. Paul served this role and now it is Ben. This is what I like about this story: it makes us think, reflect, question, and stretch our beliefs while being a source of excellent entertainment.

The word that has been buzzing around my head since chapter 1: anthropomorphism (i.e., granting human qualities to inanimate objects). Julian is basically a robot with AI capabilities. What is his "heat" source, his energy source? Ben is lonely and forced into a role of being the only responsible person in the family - none of the others assumes any responsibility for themselves and look to Ben for those things they will not do for themselves. Paul's death didn't enable the family at all. With that in mind, this is a wonderfully romantic story with the drama of family dynamics. But I am still bothered by the role of AI will/does play in our lives both now and in the future. It certainly raises the question of "what is human"? If Ben is able to purchase Julian from Halcyon, how does "ownership" affect the relationship? Just some of my musings....

I had a strong suspicion that Matt and Luke had heard the rumors, as I mentioned before. Their true supportive nature does shine through, Luke is the key to Levi's coming clean to Matt. Great writing once again.

Halcyon seems to design "companions" to only do what they say - not what the end user truly wants: do it the way Halcyon says or we pull the companion back and reprogram them. I do believe that Vera and the nieces will play a big part but also the family will see what true abandonment means - they lose Ben altogether.

While this is a story about the growing depth of relationship between Neil and Alex, it truly is also a story about the growth in confidence in Neil. Simply beautiful.

I've stated my concern with AI before, so I am at odds with calling Julian "human" - acting human and being human are two different things in my mind. I don't doubt that a relationship is forming that is satisfying to both to the degree each is capable. Still, the story certainly stretches my mind as well as entertains. That is why I like it so much.

It might well be that in this area, Eric has a lawyer on retainer or simply a friend in the area, like the sheriff. That would not be surprising. As for guardianship, there are going to be questions as to how and why Miles ended up there. Great story!

Perhaps Ben is now ready to say "no" to Mason, confront Rachel and Diane and learn to live his life without their approval or disdain. Ben is happy. Julian exhibits more human features.

Both brothers, Charlie and Neil, have grown so much. Shows how much they were held back by their mother. I just ditto all the comments so far: excellent story!

I'm surprised that Matt or Luke has not heard the rumors spreading in town already - unless the rumors are only circulating among the students. I find it difficult to believe some adults have not heard them. Levi is facing a very important step in his relationship with his dads. However, knowing their character, they will deal with it, regardless of how serious this is.

I am now most interested in what Erik will do. Love the suspense throughout!

Ever heard of a dry orgasm? Men who have had their prostate removed can experience this type of orgasm.

I have been busy catching up on the story to truly stop and comment. First off, Morgan, in my humble opinion, is not responsible for his uncle's death: His uncle was drunk and the fall was his own fault. The mistake was "Morgan's" running off before a police investigation...but then, we wouldn't have this story. Still, the guilt he feels is real and needs to be dealt with via a competent counselor/therapist or a social worker. Troy carries guilt too - without knowing exactly what happened unless it is a repressed memory. I do love the psychological aspects. As for what might develop between them, I'll be patient and let it unfold in @kbois's way of twists and turns....

What a talent to describe so eloquently a moment which might have only taken a few seconds, but took many times those seconds to describe all that was going on between the two. I could feel the tension of that moment. Ben should call Tessa and head off the assault that Diane is sure to make! Ben did stand up to his sister finally by telling her to come up for her daughters. She, in true character, tried to belittle Julian as an object rather than as a companion. Well done, @mastershakeme, well done!

Both Neil and Alex receiving recognition and acceptance was beautiful to see. Having experienced the "high" of a production coming together and well received is a memory one can enjoy over and over. Neil's show is going to elevate his status even more - and is well deserved. Alex writing an opera would be a big step for his career!

Ben's support of Julian is a beginning to his standing up for himself. We knew this family drama would take place. I am looking forward to further development of the story!

Supposedly, Levi only drank Coke at the outing. He could have easily put the keys back and went to bed if he suffered a slight concussion. Of course, there is a possibility that Casey slipped something into the Coke, but that is not indicated. My hope is that Levi's conscience comes to the fore and he comes clean with Matt and Luke. Their love for him will forgive but with the natural consequences demanded for his actions.

I do believe we have been forewarned about an impending drama! I do believe that there will be a family war but that Ben will come out a victor!

Julian sat on the couch. He didn't need to sleep, but he needed to be still. He needed to sit in the space where all of these people had been and let it settle into him, and figure out how to be a person who was watched by a company that sold what he was feeling while also being a person who was falling in love with someone who didn't think he deserved to be fallen for. Spock was a Vulcan who wasn't supposed to "feel" but only respond to logic. Julian is an advanced machine using AI who is not also supposed to "feel", but does! Can he mask this from Halcyon?

i guess I can suspend my own logic (I found it easy to do with Star Trek and Harry Potter) and accept Julian as a synthetic person. What I'm questioning now is whether Julian is actually "feeling" emotion or simply analyzing behaviors associated with emotions and responding to them. I'm glad he can speak respectfully but bluntly to point out to Ben's sister that she needs to be respectful of her brother's time and needs (even if she is totally focused on herself to the exclusion of others). I, too, am looking forward to the dinner and the beginning of confrontations with his other family members.

Charlie may have had a university education, but Neil has shown greater talent so far! Has he ever invited Charlie to see his work? Someone has to rise above the pettiness and it won't be Charlie! Alex and Neil are such a well-matched couple! They truly bring out the best in each other.