C James

That's a computer limiter. Those can be hacked on many vehicles, though you need the correct interface equipment. Another way around it is to install a switch on the spedometer sensor wire on some vehicles. Hydrogen sulfide isn't used much here either, they usually use other chemicals to impart the smell. Not unscathed, though; he does now have damage to his nose, poor guy... Chapter 27 covers many of the legalities, but as for extradition, it is a cloudy thing within a state. Usually, they just hand 'em over, but the local Sheriff (at least in Arizona) has a heck of a lot of leeway. The state can be appealed to, though.

Excellent advice, but I'd like to add a caveat: One of the recommendations is posting your story to Nifty. This can indeed get you more exposure, BUT, please be aware of Nifty's licensing agreement; you grant them PERPETUAL license. That means you can't have your story taken down unless you pay them to do so. You are, in essence, giving up the right to control your work. If a writer is okay with this, then fine, but it needs to be known.

I am making no comment, one way or another, on the meth lab theory. I just discussed the gas situation. As for Eric, We don't know if his nose is broken, or just bloodied. It could be either one (per the text). I'm shocked, shocked I tell you, that no one has yet expressed worry over Eric's safety. What if he ran to the house to get something for his nose just as it went boom? That explosion was powerful enough to shake the Charger, and Eric was much closer, plus unprotected by a vehicle. Poor Eric...

Very wise words, Bob, very wise indeed.

ROFL! Thanks!!! You were lucky, the limit over there is, as I recall, about 75mph, same as here in Arizona (freeways). Incidentally, anyone following the media whinging over Paris Hilton (and I agree with GRame's post in the lounge on that: can't they find anything else to yammer about?) might notice that the sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, has offered to stick her in his "tent city", where inmates bake in tents in the desert summer heat. He also has the nations only female chain gangs, so she might have a non-too-fun stay. The only reason he offered to take her was for the publicity (and that I disagree with) but he's not all that unusual for Arizona sheriffs. His isn't the only tent city jail, nor are his the only chain gangs, just the best known due to Maricopa county containing most of Arizona's population (the Phoenix metro area). Unfortunately, the idea of a sheriff running a county as their own fifedom is not limited to fiction. I almost forgot this bit! Yes indeed, poor Eric has either a bloody nose, or a broken one. I suppose this is the real cliffhanger of the chapter... How bad is Eric's nose?

I think this might be a national difference; in the US, it is mandated by law that Gas must have an oderant added, and it smells like rotten eggs/sulfur. Have you ever been to the Rotorua geothermal area in NEw Zealand? That has a very strong sulphur smell, often described by visitors as "rotten eggs". Propane is simmilar in this regard, but tends to smell a little different. Huh? What? Me? Evil? You are quite right about the gas, though. Yes and no; The comment about rotten eggs was to indicate gas (a broken line). Whether it means more, it either does, or it does not. Oh, I can absolutely guarantee that 150mph is possible on a road. On the autobahn I reached about 170mph a few times. On one of those times, a Ferrari passed me, doing around 200mph. However, for a road like Chris was on, with slight undulations, about 145 would be the max.

The "standards" issue is why I feel it's bad to celebrate Falwell's death; If we do so we are, in essence, doing what we accuse him of. On the other hand, when (hopefully soon) Fred Phelps kicks the bucket, I will indeed celebrate, due to the different nature of his behavior. (Much as I'd celebrate if Osama Bin Laden ate a missile). As for rising above the hatred, that's a two-edged sword. I'm sure the friends and relatives of the thousands who died on 9-11 really appreciated Falwell using the deaths of their loved ones to blame gays and feminists. In other words, I certainly won't be doing it myself (and disagree with it) I can sure understand why so many are celebrating Falwell's death. He bought it on himself, via his own actions and words.

Actually, the only times I've driven a car over 150mph (Ok, well over) have been on the Autobahns of Germany, where there is no speed limit (well, not on the parts I did that on, anyway). Don't do it unless you know what you are doing, but it is one heck of a rush. Thanks Conner!!!! I can't comment on the rest, or even the amount of gas present, but Chris came to rest in the sheriff's kitchen, thus presumably right over a severed gas line, so he would smell something guite soon. I won't say what kind of gas (propane and natural gas being the two commonly used, as not all areas have natural gas lines.) And, I will say one more thing, hoping that it's not a spoiler:...

He's pretty well safe... The Piedmont cops are behind him, and Lonesome Valley is sending a cruiser to escort him in from the county line... I'd call that safe, except perhaps for the minor detail that he's driving at high speeds, fleeing for his life from the deputies of someone who now very much wants him dead. Well, THIS goat survives out here in the Arizona wilds quite well, and Echidnas, well, the seem to cope in a strange and bizzare land (Australia) so who knows? As far as the cliffhanger, on the "official CJames Cliffhanger" scale between 1-10, I believe it came in at a 2.5. Great job, much appreciated ACK! Oh no... Not that! The Echidna will turn me into a pincushion! Anyone want to hide a goat? Please??? I'm glad you liked it. It was a fun chapter to write. There are indeed some clues in this and prior chapters as to what is to come next, and the next chapter uncovers a whole lot of things, many of which have been ongoing mysteries. I'm not sure I should give any clues (looks around nervously for the Echidna)... Ok, he's not here, so I'll mention a few subtle hints based on what is in the posted text: There is something that connects the last chase (the one in the Jeep) with this one, and it leads to something big. There are several clues in Ch 26. There was a big dose of forshadowing in Ch 24 regarding something in Ch 27. There was also something big in Ch 25 regarding Ch 27. (the title of Ch 25 was very meaningful). And one other clue: Ch 27 will precede Ch 28. Thanks!

I would say that his comments were ignorant, but they don't justify the sick hate speech that's going around. I just can't see how we can sit on our high horses and talk about how sick and hateful he was and what he said, then turn around that laugh and celebrate in the face of his death. I mean, when you look at it, isn't that being just as sick and hateful as we claim he was? I'd like to be clear; I'm not celebrating, but I certainly am not mourning. Yes, I did say "good riddance", just as I've done to many a public figure whom I feel did far more harm than good. He manifestly stood against freedom and equality, railing against secularism, pushing for a theocratic state, and I can't see any reason to lament his passing. I certainly agree that this is no laughing matter, though.

Given that Falwell rejoiced in the deaths of so many, "AIDS is the wrath of a just God against homosexuals." And also tried to blame 9/11 on gays, feminists, etc, I won't be mourning his passing, not in the least. He was opposed to basic freedoms, including the freedoms of equality (including for women), and the separation of Church and State. I've often pointed out that many of his positions are eerily reminiscent of Osama Bin Laden The man was a vile hatemongerer. I won't rejoice in his death, but I will say good riddance.

"the wind noise so loud I could barely think." Uhoh, does that read wrong? If so, it's my fault, not Emoe's. It was about the noise from the airflow (wind) at that speed. For anyone who hasn't been in a car at over a hundred and forty, the roar of the airflow (wind noise) is very prevalent, even in a newer car like a Mercedes. I've never actually been in a Charger, much less at that speed, so I'm just basing this on cars I have taken past a hundred and fifty. ROFL! Thanks!!! He's doing pretty well; he's past the Piedmont cops, pulling ahead in a car that can outrun them, and almost home free. I thought I'd write a nice, quiet chapter, perfect for a bedtime read... Funny you should mention hollywood movies... Because a certain anonymous beta reader (Shadowgod) referenced this chapter in his story, "Living in Surreality" a couple of weeks ago. As she languished in the front office, the sound of the phone's shrill ring broke the sticky silence. Valerie was hesitant to answer, thinking it was the guy from Big Al's rent-a-wreck. He had called five times already this morning, asking if the shop could give an once-over to a police cruiser that was being loaned out to a production company, something about a car chase being filmed in the Arizona Desert in a few weeks. BTW, I'm surprised; no one has complained that Chris straight-armed Eric into a wall, smashing his nose? I hope I didn't make Chris look bad... "The Guns of Piedmont" was originally the title of the "thicker than water" chapter, but I decided to change the title of that chapter to highlight what the Sheriff said. But, I loved "Guns of Piedmont" and felt it fit this chapter well, so I used it. The original title was going to be "House call" in honor of Chris' visit to the sheriff's house. Thanks Altimexis! (though, me, Evil? Would I do such a thing? ) Of course, something could happen on his way to the county line... Looming out of the darkness at a hundred and fifty miles an hour, dead ahead, were creatures running across the road. Chris cranked the wheel hard over, avoiding them but losing control as he did. As he roared past them, headlong towards his destiny of a telephone pole mere yards ahead, Chris heard the Echidna grumble at the Goat he was chasing, "I told, you, no spoilers!" ROFL! Actually, I had a western movie in mind. (I usually do, for some odd reason.)

How about making Monday night an honorary Tuesday? :nuke: Chapter 26, The Guns of Piedmont, is up. :nuke:

:king: :king: :king: Graeme! Happy Birthday!!!!! :king: :king: :king: May you have a wonderful and most special day, my friend!

Sorry about the laptop, ouch!!!! Some people think Vista is the devil incarnate, and I'm one of them. They re-designed the kernal and OS with content protection in mind (to "protect" copyrighted media, nothing that actually benefits the user) and it has all kinds of compatibility issues. I would seriously think of installing XP instead. (less system overhead, too.)

:king: Happy Birthday Bard!!! :king: Many happy returns!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It might be wishfull thinking on my part, but perhaps someone already has taken action? I can't access the site.

Happy Mother's Day!

:king: Happy Birthday, Tom!!!

Frosty, would that include your own thread? Ahhh, but Graeme, would a goat know that? I've sent a PM with the image... Is anyone else having any problems with seeing it?

I often get asked how to generate feedback and increase readership, so I thought I'd offer a few suggestions that seem to work well for many writers. #1, Let 'em know: Post chapter announcements in the eFiction announcements forum. Make sure you include a link to your chapter. #2, Be involved: You aren't the only person who wants feedback. If you want feedback, make sure you also give feedback to others. The more active you are in other people's threads (and elsewhere on GA), the more likely you are to acquire readers yourself, especially if you include a link to your story in your sig. #3, Have a thread: Start a thread in this forum, and don't forget to participate. If you aren't showing an interest in your thread, why should your readers? #4, Patience: It takes time to develop a reader base. It won't happen overnight, especially if you aren't well known here yet. Just keep working at it and keep working on your writing, too (Everyone has room for improvement).

ROFL!!!!!!!!!! Jack, that is hilarious! However, I must ask, how did you know that Chris would be rescued by a flock of enraged sheep? ROFL!!!!!!!!!! I'm about the worst there is for going so I sure can't complain!! Would it help if I posted the very first paragraph of Ch 26? I suppose I could do that... I hope you don't consider it a spoiler.. (the goat eyes the Echidna's spines nervously). So, without further ado, I hereby present the very first paragraph on the page for Chapter 26 of FTL, "The Guns of Piedmont". Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to persons living, dead, space aliens, goats, forum posters, editors, beta readers, or writers are purely coincidental. There may be sexual content so if this, in any form, offends you, please cease reading. Also, if you are not of legal age to read this, please don't. Was that ok? ROFL!!! I don't know why he's so eager for Chapter 26: It could be just a very dull and boring filler chapter. It's not as if I ended Ch 25 on a cliffhanger (I never use those, after all ) Any luck with the poster yet?

Congratulations, Nick the postaholic! Seriously though, thanks for all that you do, Nick, and I too always look forward to your posts.

Hi Everyone! I just thought I should clear up a few things I've said earlier in the thread; The only point I was trying to make regarding self-reliance in a rural environment is that you don't have a choice. A fire might be a good example; three years ago, I cleverly managed to set my garage on fire (accident while welding). It was a detached garage so my house was in little risk, but the fire began near a set of shelves where I was storing point, paint thinners, and other assorted flammable chemicals. I hit it with a fire extinguisher, but some of the liquids have caught and that didn't work too well. Once I knew I couldn't stop it, I backed my vehicle out, and then concentrated on containing the fire with a garden hose through the open garage door. I had to stay well back, because when the paint thinner went off, it was memorable. The structure is mostly brick with a tin roof, so i just tried to keep it contained until it burned itself out. In the end, it did just that. The point here is that I didn't try calling the fire department. Never even thought of it, in fact. That might sound odd to some people, and I wasn't doing it merely to be "self-reliant". I did it because calling would have been quite useless. It would take the fire department over a half hour to get here, at best. As a practical matter, I'm not even within a fire department service area, so they may, or may not, respond at all. The point I'm trying to make is that being self-reliant, doing things for yourself, isn't just a choice, because there is no other choice. The same is true of the police; it would take them at least a half-hour to get here, assuming they could find the place. Anyway, all I'm trying to say is that in a rural area, things are a little different, because they have to be in some ways. This doesn't apply to Chris and Steve as much though, because they are in a small town with police and fire protection. Anyone have any questions about what has been revealed so far in the plot? I wopn't give spoilers (the Echidna will get me if I do) but I'm always happy to explain things if they aren't clear. Also, asking questions helps me, because if you need to ask about something that has been covered,m then likly I didn't do a very good job of covering it in the text and need to learn from my mistakes. BTW, the title of the next chapter is "The Guns of Piedmont".

Hi Joe, You lost a big part of your life today, and that's gotta hurt, even without all the other stuff. I really feel for you.