ReaderPaul

So far, Marc's new systems seem to do almost anything except let some of the crew walk on the ceiling -- and I would not bet against that. I predict Hunter and Keith will be the first ones to figure out ways to lessen the impact of the new systems being used against them.

Well done.

I saw a television program some time back with deals with child paternity. This woman hauled six men into court to see which of them was the father of her young child. DNA proved none of the six were the biological father of the child. Under pressure of questions from the judge, the woman admitted that there SEVEN additional men she had slept with during the "window of conception," as the judge called it, but she had wanted one of the six in court that day to be the father, because they were in the best financial shape.

I can identify with some of this, @Mikiesboy and @MichaelS36. I suffer with a low-grade depression from which some days are better than others. While I am rarely in a deep depression, only a few seem to understand, and my spouse is not one of the understanding ones. As spouse descends toward dementia and/or Alzheimer's, and I am the primary caregiver, the burden increases. May you be in an upward spiral instead of a downward one.

@Aditus -- one you didn't mention is a group date, where persons agree to meet together but no specific persons are paired off.

I see several favorites on this list, including from @drsawzall, @Myr, @P. E. Knapp, @Geron Kees, @Headstall, @quokka, and several others. Great!

A couple of additional things struck me as I re-read this again. First, this from the interaction of Jasmine and Marc: “I’m good. I’ll see you tonight.” The quick hug and kiss on my cheek was well received by myself before she left. I thought about Faith and Hunter for a minute. Then shook my head. They made their decision, and I had to make mine. They will be hurt for a while, but should come out the other end better for the experience. I smiled as I finished up my work. Early. Hunter seems to be realizing his mistake more easily than Faith. Secondly, humans like to talk. Are the links of all on the project monitored by the AIs? Are any of the other children of Adam and Marc working on the project? So far, we know of Faith (now an ex), Hunter (now an ex), and Jasmine (NOT an ex). Whether or not Hunter and Faith can reform enough to ever get back on the project remains to be seen. Fascinating storyline you have here, @P. E. Knapp. I would suggest a more intensive re-investigation of Anna's background than was done before. I agree with @akascrubber that there is concern over such a short testing period for Hunter and Faith, especially Faith. Hunter had sex to fuzz and distract his brain. In the past, spies have long used sex and wiles to worm info gradually out of persons. And sometimes info is spilled to an innocent person because of sex. Anna MIGHT be innocent. Eventually, we will see.

I'm not sure if Anna is as innocent as it seems. I think Adam or Marc should have have the AI monitor her closely. It would be nice if Adam was more suspicious this time. Hunter is learning his lesson. Hopefully Faith also will learn.

@R. Eric -- somehow I missed reading this very good chapter. Looking forward to more of the story.

I notice that an archaic form of the word engrossed is spelled "ingrossed," @Bill W. It is considered very archaic and cannot be played in normal rules Scrabble.

When I see writers of the caliber of @Headstall, @Comicality, @Andrew Todd, and the others on this list, it is a treat for the literary eyes. Thanks, @Myr.

I don't think it is @Dabeagle. In one of his stories, much of the story is about variations of ways to enjoy coffee. That story is not on these pages yet, but is on his website. I personally cannot drink coffee, or I lose everything in my stomach. But I love the smell of coffee.. I was raised with dogs and cats and like both. But spouse has allergies, so we do not have any pets. Perhaps after the reveal the subject of the questions will answer the question of whether they thinks that the Reacher novels are still as good with Lee Child co-writing the books with his brother, Andrew Child. And to quote from the interview -- Pastrami on rye, with yellow mustard, 3 inches high, extra bread, of course. Once had it at the Carnegie Deli in NY. Nothing else comes close. That is a lot of yellow mustard! Unless -- possibly they meant the pastrami was three inches high.

Absolutely right, Chris. Thanks, @Myr. When it comes to military fiction, it is challenging have such great and enjoyable authors as @JamesSavik, or in some of the other categories, authors such as @Mark Arbour or @dkstories or @Mark Ponyboy Peters, and certainly including @quokka and @AC Benus. Well done, authors.

I think Joel and Hank should take the Brazil leader into the supposedly contaminated area that was created, and see how long it takes him to start talking.

Lots of good stories this week.

And CAVU stands for what?

Love this chapter. The following quote reminded me of something -- **“A happy mate, a happy life.” He laughed. As I lifted my arm and Liam slotted himself under it and leaned into me. This reminded me of the old quote, not always true, of -- "Happy wife, happy life." A truer quote is -- "Happy spouse, happy house." But the one which applies best here seems to be -- "Happy mate, happy fate."

It is necessary to change the display name? Perhaps @Cia could give guidance on how to establish copyright when using a pseudonym or different form of name than one normally uses.

Some really good stories and authors here. Hard to beat @Geron Kees, @P. E. Knapp, @Myr, @astone2292, @W_L, @dkstories, @Aditus, and more.

When I googled the word "frivol" -- one of the meanings in the Merriam-Webster dictionary was: to flirt to show a sexual attraction for someone just for fun. The example sentence was -- "My friends warned me not to frivol with that guy, as he was likely to take me seriously."

Fascinating chapter. I look forward to your account of the dinner -- or will that come from the viewpoint of Liam and Marc Adam? Also want to find out more about the Tech III+.

In my times of visiting an all-male, over age 21 only, resort, I have met some guys who did not like anal sex for one reason or another. Some only liked slender members up them. It is an individual preference, unless one has been with an insensitive clod who was abusive or violent. This rings true.

With such talented authors as @P. E. Knapp, @Laura S. Fox, @dkstories, @Headstall, @Mark Arbour, @astone2292, @kbois, @Mark Ponyboy Peters, and the others, it would be hard to go wrong. Thanks, @Myr.

I do not often see ethics in deception. Interesting idea.

So that seashore seafood restaurant -- is that by chance named Sandy's Superb Seashore Seafood Shack? LOL. Name offered freely for any authors to use.