C James

But, TalonRider, You wrote that cliffhanger. You even said so! Surely you would agree that you should be eligable for the King of Cliffhangers awards due to writing an actual cliffhanger? After all.. I've been eligible, in spite of never writing a cliffhanger... So surely you should be, for writing one?

Roasting? ACK!!!!! Now, now, it's fire season, so no open flames allowed! :fire:

Now, now, we all know that I never use cliffhangers! Okay, coming soon... Thanks to a magnificent effort by my team, Changing Lanes will end tomorrow with the posting of the final chapter and epilogue. Oh, BTW, here in the forum, I'll be posting a paragraph that got cut from the epilogue, during beta. You'll all see why.

But, but, but... you left us with a CLIFFHANGER! You even admit it!!!

Thanks Graeme! Most of Changing Lanes was plotted out in March or April of last year. At the time, I was concerned that it would come across as far-fetched for a US administration to act as portrayed towards the thugocracy in Iran. I was, when plotting, of the opinion that McCain would be the most likly winner, and I did not view him as soft on Iran. The fact that some now see enough similarities between the Obama admin and the administration in Changing Lanes is the fault of the Obama admin, not me. I make no secret of the fact that I'm not fond of the current administration. I also have no objection when other authors use their stories to do a send-up of a politician they dislike (I've found some of those very well done) but, I didn't want it in Changing Lanes. I seriously considered changing the story slightly, such as a reference to the president with a female pronoun, to show that its not Obama. In the end, I decided not to. I've long said (and substantiated with some date references in LTMP) that LTMP and Changing Lanes are set "a few years in out future". Therefor, it could be near-term so the president portrayed MIGHT be obama. It could also very well be after 2012, so it may very well NOT be Obama. In the end, I decided to leave it up to the reader's minds, and one fact or that was my own pig-headed (goat-headed, actually) stubborness; I didn't want real-world events to make me change my story. I was also concerned that my portrayal of Iran as being on the verge of revolution against the regime would look implausible. I did indeed know that Iran had massive internal unrest and resistance to its regime, because the middle east is one of my interests. What I didn't know was that the regime would be dumb enough to bring it to the surface (and thus the world's attention) with a blatantly rigged election. Yes, that Mr. Graeme... He of the prickly personality. There's always Eric's helpful suggestion of using a nuke on a paparazzi convention. LoL The course from the west to the airbase (which is in the Negev)is fairly lightly populated. They also had the F-15's standing by to blow Flight Three out of the air if it headed for a city. As for what will happen next, I dare not say (That would be a spoiler, and it is best not to provoke the Echidna). You raise good points. I can't comment on what will happen in 51 and the epilogue, but I can on posted text. Helen has a tape of The Scar, and his DNA (the already have his DNA profile, per the ending of LTMP)is all over the plane that remains on La Palma. Also, The Scar fell on land; his body may well be found. Your line that I highlighted, is spot-on. That's why the final chapter is called "Changing the game". I doubt anyone is expecting what happens. Yes, go roast Jan, for leaving us with a CLIFFHANGER!!!!

Whoa! Changing Lanes was plotted out before Obama won the nomination, let alone the election and took office. I can prove this, sort of... Look back at the early chapters and then the thread dates for them; that will give you the posting dates, and you'll see that the ones where the fictional administration's Iran policies are portrayed (when Brian was captured and the administration left him to die for diplomatic reasons) were posted over a year ago, at a time when McCain led in the polls. Changing Lanes is also (per some references to 9-11 in LTMP) set a few years in our future (the exact amount is not specified, so it's an indeterminate amount, but would have to be less than about six years), which could put it past 2012, so Obama might not be in office in the timeframe depicted. I didn't mention a political party, at all, for that reason. I'll also mention that, the last time I checked, Toowoomba isn't a smoking hole in the ground in our world, and Cumbre Vieja hasn't erupted yet. I'm glad you raised this issue, because I had concerns it might come across that way. I'm no fan of Obama, but any similarities between his administration's policies and the ones in Changing Lanes are not my doing. (and yes, even the crack Helen made a few chapters ago regarding tax cheats in high office was drafted well before the events it seemingly refers to in our world took place. I almost deleted it because of the impression it might give, but in the end I decided to keep it.) CJ

Lol! 51 will be here, barring any last second hiccups, on Tuesday. I'll be posting the epilogue with it, and changing the story tag to "Completed". Their military and spec-opps have always been the best, and I've long been an admirer of their skill and daring. The rescue mission to Entebbe was a logistical classic, and the raid on Osirak brilliantly executed. The recent takedown of the Syrian nuke facility, right in the teeth of Russia's most advanced air-defense systems, was also a masterwork of planning and tactics. There are still a lot of unresolved issues, and just one chapter remaining. However, all will be resolved. I had to paint a simple picture regarding Israel, so I limited the "on camera" bits to just the Mossad director (Levi Gold). I had to, otherwise I'd have had a lot of confusing detail. You're right; Israeli politics in recent decades are something I have issues with myself; they've been internally divided, lots of infighting, and IMHO this division and turmoil has allowed the terrorists (Hamas, Hezbollah, etc) to get stronger and more daring. Just my opinion. I'd still like to know what really happened to the USS liberty. The official explanation has glaring holes in it; I know a bit about military C3 (command, control, communications) and there are flaws in the story, big ones. There are certainly disquieting reports by some US officers involved in the investigation, too. On the flip side, the conspiracy theory that the Israelis intentionally attacked the ship makes zero sense; Israel depended on the US, to a degree, for its existence. The US was also its most powerful ally. Therefor, all other considerations aside, they would have been risking their national existence by commiting an intentional act of war against America. (they were already in the midst of a fight, the 1967 war, and the outcome at that time was uncertain). From any plausible risk-benefit analysis, that makes no sense. To do so would have been insane, and thus it could not have been an intentional act by the Israeli government. (that, however, does not necessarily rule out a rogue officer) There is a fairly even handed article on wikipedia about the attack. There are a few grave flaws with the reasoning of both sides. Firstly, naval identification. Much has been made of the fact that the Liberty was twice the size of the Egyptian transport it may have been mistake for. This is utterly meaningless because size is the hardest thing to estimate when looking at a ship absent a frame of reference. On the horizon it is easier, but from the air, not so. During WWII ships were misidentified as to size and type far more often than they were correctly identified, for this very reason. Secondly, the flag issue; the liberty crew claims the flag was flying. The Isreilis claim they saw no flag. The real issue, not mentioned anywhere: which was was the wind blowing, and at what speed? Based on some photos I've seen, I've tentatively determined that the wind was from the south. Liberty's course was North. Therefor, IMHO, it is likly that the over-the-deck windspeed may have been zero. If that's the case, the flag would hang on the poll and both sides could be right; it was there, but not seen. I've never seen this particular issue discussed anywhere. That Graeme... He's trouble, isn't he? Benji, that was superb!!!! Hrmmm, Maybe Mr. Graeme will end up being exiled to his ancestral home in Australia, and go back into the family Echidna-ranching business? Thank you Steve, and Welcome back. Okay, now, the next chapter is the final one. Its called "Changing the Game". I'll be posting the epilogue with it. There is a great deal to wrap up in just one chapter, isn't there? Yet, all will be wrapped up, and there are no plans for a sequel. Do bear in mind that there is one easy way to wrap it all up..... :nuke: Any speculations on what will happen? CJ

Happy Birthday Francois!!!!!!!!!! Tnak you for all that you do, my friend.

Trebs nailed it! I really didn't think anyone would! Yep, it's Jim whom I feel I'm the most like. Jim was a free spirit, from Arizona, loved the back country, etc. He's bigger than me, Lol, but similar in a lot of ways, including his enjoyment of a good brawl on occasion. General Bradson is probably next on the list, but he's more of what I'd like to be than what I am. He's a spectacular tactician, and a superb pilot. I'm okay in both areas, but I'm nowhere near as good as he is. Eric and Tequila... yes, that's me too. Helen's methods for business dealings.. that too is very similar to my own. Her acerbic nature is very much mine, when given cause. Jerry's love of irony; that's mine too. I guess there are aspects of my personality in many of my characters, to a degree I hadn't realized until now. And yes, Head of Instinct's security is a hazardous job. Gunter, and then Jim. Road Boss is also a touch dangerous (Adam, who was garroted in Australia). Being a charter pilot for them is also a bit dicy (The bomb in the bizjet that killed the pilot) and, also, being a police officer guarding them is a good way to draw fire. It's been a long and bumpy ride. I don't presently have plans for a sequel. At the moment, I'm working hard on "Jake", which should be appearing in Premium soon (as a complete story, not a serial). I expect to have the writing of "Jake" wrapped up this week, and after that I have a novel called "Circumnavigation" that will be the next serial for posting on my site. I already have a couple of chapters written, but everything is on hold until I finish "Jake" which is disgustingly overdue. I was supposed to have that done months ago. Ahh, And, how about a title for chapter 50? It does have one! It's "Refuge and Allies". CJ

Nope.. I'm not that tactful.

Hi Steve!!!!! Thank you!!! Well, I think you hit the nail on the head. Jerry was very much a central character to LTMP and Changing Lanes, every bit as much as the members of Instinct. It was hard seeing Jerry die... because, in a very real sense, that was, for me, the beginning of the last chapters of Changing Lanes. I've lived in the LTMP and Changing Lanes world for almost two years now. Its hard to say goodbye, so the ending of Changing Lanes was... a strange feeling for me. Jerry was, in many ways, one of my favorite characters. He was complex; he had his foibles, and his flaws, but he was never dull. You could always count on him to liven things up a bit, such as by murdering a road boss, or taking out a contract on Instinct. He was very much like me in at least two ways; he had a love of irony, and also of nuclear weaponry. So, yes, in part, he was based on aspects of my own personality, probably moreso (with one exception) than any other character in LTMP or Changing Lanes. However, there is one other character in LTMP and Changing Lanes who is a closer to me in personality and temperament. I'll bet that no one can guess who it is. (and yes, I will say who, after some guesses have been given) I must disagree with His Amphibiousness here. Jerry did far more than nuclear detonations for fun and profit. He did have a taste for revenge (even the non-nuclear variety... look at how often he wanted to kill Eric), and what of his love of irony? He loved, it, in fact savored it. It was his preferred form of humor. And what of his penchant for melodramatics? And don't forget, he saved the entire Atlantic Basin! I do agree that he was overly focused on his nuclear ambitions, but that just made him industrious. Okay, a bit of a workaholic. Poor, misunderstood

Kudos to everyone who figured out who would be taking a final plunge. Based on the highlighted text, I hereby nominate TalonRider for 2009 King of Cliffhangers!!! :king:

The two remaining chapters are full-sized, actually a big larger than normal. The epilogue is a little shorter than a chapter. My current plan to to post the epilogue and final chapter together. Chapter 50 should appear next week, on schedule, barring more computer glitches and such. Poor, misunderstood Jerry. Thanks!! Thanks Old Bob! It was an interesting chapter to write. The setup for it was earlier in the story, when Horst gave a "flying lesson" to the cook, for being a spy. I've been worried, ever since, that someone would figure out why I covered the spy's plunge so closely. VERY hot water, I'd think. They might be safer in the volcano. Helen might be not overly please with them, too. Yes, good point! Though, I recognize that you might have a soft spot for your former employer, your points about Jerry are quite sound. Who gave Brandon and Chase the push that got them together (including sending them a bottle of champaign?) Jerry did! We set up a great deal on shipping for Instinct? Jerry did! Who took the guys shopping at the mall? Jerry did! Who got them there fantastic promotional deal for their Australian tour? Jerry did! Whose son was Instinct's first lead singer? Jerry's! Who facilitated the reunion of the British industrialist (who manufactured Kryton switches) and his daughter, by sending her back to him? Jerry did! Who was kind enough to lend Eric an electric mobility scooter when he broke his ankle? Jerry did! Who was kind-hearted enough to hold many charity events? Jerry! Who solved Toowoomba's traffic-congestion problem? Jerry did! Who enabled the General to rescue his son? Jerry did! Who saved the Atlantic Basin from the greatest natural disaster in human history? Jerry did! Time and time again, it's been Jerry to the rescue! Yet, will no one shed a tear for his horrific demise? Will no one raise the emoticon, one last and final time, in a last, heartfelt salute for all that he's done? Poor, misunderstood Jerry...

Welcome Back, Steve!!!!!! Yep, Francois, mercenary though he is, does seem helpful. Yes, indeed, that Mr. Graeme, he of the prickly personality, is evil indeed! Steve.... you last paragraph has me flabbergasted! How could there possibly be cliffhangers? My favorite of the chapters you've just read was Ragnarok. I'd been looking forward to writing it for a long, long time. A nice, relaxing chapter... Welco me back!!

Horst was perhaps not thinking clearly... how could poor Jerry learn to fly with only one arm? I was worried... There had been threats to my safety if another major character died, and one did. It's so sad in a way... no more signs. Thanks! I wanted to be sure I got the ending right. Jerry did sort of manage to talk his way out the door... That one matter will be in the story. And that Mr. Graeme, he of the prickly personality.... Maybe he'll move to Australia and take up Echidna Ranching? :sword: Eric wasn't exactly heartbroken at the prospect of Jerry's, ahhem, departure.... Eric and Brandon's crazy grenade ploy, while a failure, opened the door for the taking of the plane. They still have a lot to deal with.... for one thing, where will they go? BTW, in case there is any doubt; there were no vauge words at the end of the chapter. Jerry did not survive. Near the end of LTMP, he was hit by that bomb, and it said Vladimer exacted a measure of revenge. This time, no gray areas... it says in the text that he died. And BTW, I COULD have had a cliffhanger if I'd cut the chapter earlier... Left Jerry in midair, no parachute. However, as we all know, I never use cliffhangers..

The Scar, though it was only mentioned in passing in LTMP, is straight. What he isn't is homophobic. He had no qualms at all about kissing Dimitri in public in Rome (in the middle of the Piazza Navona) as part of their cover. He was also quite comfortable in his persona as a gay flamer-shipping magnate, when he needed Instinct's shipping to smuggle the bombs. Jerry isn't the nicest of people, but he's not anti-gay. As for Yuri; The Scar wanted him back because he felt he needs him; Yuri was very useful. As a subtext, he wanted Yuri back so Felecia (whom Jerry hates) couldn't have any form of a "victory". Lol... the adsense revenue goes to GA to help defray the bandwidth costs of hosting my site. I have no control (nor does GA) over what they display, and some of the adds have made me chuckle. **************** Okay, now, about the chapter ending... Notice that, if the final paragraph wasn't there, it would be a cliffhanger. HOWEVER, I added the final paragraph to make it a sort of anti-cliffhanger. (Note to The Frog: See? no cliffhangers!) Of course... I'm prone to doing the unexpected.... so I'll mention in thing; why is Felecia grinning? Oh, BTW, the next chapter is entitled "Falling". Also, I should mention that Changing Lanes has 51 chapters and an epilogue. I know that I've been vague about the total number of chapters, but that's because I wasn't sure until it was all done. Now.. as a question... remember Jerry's intention to release Eric unharmed (? He might very well decide to loop back over the airport, nuke it, and then, keeping his word, release Eric unharmed at ten thousand feet, sans parachute...That would make a fitting end for the story in some ways (Remember my certainty that there would be no sequels?) Wouldn';t that make everyone happy as an ending? Eric would be unharmed at the story's end (with just a slight gravitational issue to deal with) Jerry would get his bomb, and all the loose ends would be neatly wrapped up. So, my question is, would this make our resident amphibian happy? It does seem to fulfill all his requirements.

I was hoping to sneak by unnoticed... I am a shy and quiet lurker, after all...

ROFL! Me and my typos. ROFL!! The Frog is quite correct. Stranger, how he can be so right on things like this, and yet be so wrong when it comes to cliffhangers...

Sorry I've been gone so much! I meant to weigh in on the thread far earlier. Sorry. I've been trying to fix my computer, and, for added fun, my dishwasher chose yesterday to explode. Great catch above on the different aspects of Changing Lanes and LTMP. LTMP was more centered on the brothers, while Changing Lanes is more focused on Eric and the changes in his life. BTW, getting the relationship between the brothers was not easy for me... I'm an old child. And BTW, yes, the plural of "mistakes" was a clue. It means there was more than one fatal mistake. There will be more of the comedy angle in coming stories; its just been lacking from Changing Lanes for a few chapters, due to the circumstances they are in. All I can say is... HH5, be sure to read the Changing Lanes epilogue when it posts.

Happy Birthday, oh AMPHIBIOUS ONE!!! :king: Pull up a lily pad and relax, for today is your day!

Sorry I haven't been online much.. I'm still having computer trouble. Well, Hrmmm, should I release the name of the next chapter? It's "Desperate Measures". BTW, Changing Lanes is now complete, except for editing and final changes. The story has 51 chapters and an epilogue. And, I think we can safely say that chapter 47, Fatal Mistakes, was cliffhanger-free. One thing I ought to point out, the final word in the title of chapter 47 is plural (Mistakes). CJ

Sorry, I had computer trouble (still do) that is causing reboots in my primary OS, and that's the only one with HTML editing ability. That's why Chapter 47, Fatal Mistakes, has been delayed. It's up now though.

Viv, thank you for keeping us posted. Steve, words don't suffice to say how brave you've been. I hope you are home and on the mend soon, and I hope your surgery goes well. There will be dark times, and all i can say is, try to keep focused on a goal; getting out and getting home. Take care, my friend. CJ

Happy Birthday!!!

My suggestion: do your homework, no matter what you're looking for. There has been a great deal of controversy over the claimed mileage of hybrids. I don't know the answers, but it's worth looking into. Another factor is operational cost. Once the warranty runs out (Always check to see what the warranty covers and for how long.. it varies from vehicle to vehicle, and also between vehicle subsystems) you've got great deal more complexity and potential expense with a hybrid. The battery pack alone can cost thousands. One of my major dislikes about hybrids is that some continually start and stop the engine. Starting is always hard on an engine, so I have to wonder what that does to engine life. I don't know the answer to that, either, but its definitely something to look into. Lastly; do the math. Estimate what kind of mileage you are likely to drive per year, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle (Check blue book to see how they hold their value). If you're a low-mileage driver, the extra cost of a hybrid probably isn't worth it. If you drive a lot, especially in cities or urban areas, it probably is. All hybrids are not created equal. The Honda Insight, for example, has garnered some nasty reviews. Here's a link to one, and it's worth reading just for the humor. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article6294116.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 Personally, when it's time for me to go vehicle-shopping again, I'd be willing to look at hybrids, but I doubt I'd be buying one. I'd be buying an SUV (Necessity for me, as i go offroading and on unimproved roads a lot) so a Prius, along with any other car, would be a no-go. There are hybrid SUV's, but from what I've seen of them (and I haven't looked this year) the extra cost and complexity just isn't worth the fuel savings. One big plus for some hybrid SUVs and trucks; the batteries are hooked up to an AC rectifier, which gives you a heavy-duty 110 AC power source; great for a work vehicle or camping. (I have no idea id hybrid cars have this, but it would be a big plus IMHO) Another thing to consider; serviceability; check under the hood to make sure whatever you are looking at is easy to maintain. For example, a friend of mine bought a car that had the battery inside the wheel well, and to change it you had to take the wheel off and be a contortionist in order to get to the lock-down nuts. A real nightmare. Same goes for poorly located oil dipsticks, etc. One last bit of advice; never, ever make a decision to buy in the presence of a salesman. Think it over on your own. If they claim you'll get a better price now than by coming back in twenty minutes, find a different dealership.