ReaderPaul

Very interesting! Being a Starparent could be interesting. I am a bit surprised of adding Rory to the mix, and look forward to hearing about Uroda's reaction. I think it likely Marc will find a good captain for his mining ship.

@Al Norris -- When do we get Chapter One of "Al's Twists on Quotes, With Sources That Inspired Them," here on GA and C Roland?

I am predicting Joyce Tibbet (Ecyoj Tebbit) will play a key role in persuading Minister Henderson (Nosredneh) of the urgency. Women are often (though not always) more adaptable than males to new situations. Looking back at chapter 2, the offworlders say they are explorers from another galaxy, but in chapter 3 they say they are from Alpha Centauri B, which is almost as close to Earth as Alpha Centauri C (also know as Proxima Centauri, since it is actually the closest star to earth at this point in time). The triple star system Alpha Centauri A, B, and C are the closest stars to Earth at this point in time. So Brett and Hugh might end up in another galaxy eventually? Wikipedia has a very informative article about the makeup of the Alpha Centauri triple-star system. Since the aliens describe themselves as coming from Proxima, they are from from the planet Proxima b, also known as a Centauri Cb, since it is in the habitable zone of that red dwarf star. Proxima b was discovered in 2016. The Wikipedia article is titled "Alpha Centauri". Fascinating story, @quokka.

Great chapter, @Mancunian. Lots to like and love in it.

I agree with @drsawzall and @Al Norris. Just let us peek at their lives from time to time.

What is Vebnesite, mentioned in one spot as nearly filling a mining canister? And regarding Sa Henderson -- some persons need sharp words or they will attempt to pull the same shenanigans again.

Addendum to my comment above about having an extra satellite phone or two -- waterproof pouches are sold for cellphones. Some of them also float. Years ago we sold them in a store where I worked. They were popular with people going out on the local lakes, @P. E. Knapp.

This was a fascinating story. I read the original, considerably shorter version on another site. The expanded version answered a lot of questions suggested by the original, which was also an excellent story. @drsawzall has a winner in both versions.

Loved the story, as is. Here are my thoughts about more. 1. If you continue the story, great. If you don't continue the story, great. 2. If you revise and expand the story, wonderful. If you leave it as it is, wonderful. 3. If you write a story about Amanda super! If you don't, still great. Well done. And if Eric and Logan do more sailing -- I bet they have an extra sat phone or two stashed on the boat.

When I saw the title "Dances With Whales" I thought, since a "whale" has been used at times for someone rich, someone powerful, or someone very influential, or any combination of the three -- someone is getting involved with the rich and/or powerful. Looks like I was right. Eric will not let this slide. Eric also knows Logan is not after him by making himself look like a stranded person in the ocean -- it would have taken too much planning and coordination to pull that off. I really like Amanda. We need more info on her.

Excellent chapter. Very thorough comments, as well.

On the hypothermia, the inflatable would have helped -- a little -- at keeping him slightly warm. What is the AIS you mentioned, @P. E. Knapp, at one point?

By saying saying "does the size matter" and "Not a double entendre" calls attention and makes it a triple entendre! LOL I rarely see open carry where I live, but I see other things which can make me nervous. I have seen more than one person high on drugs, requiring police and/or firefighters to exercise extreme caution in apprehending. Very good and enjoyable chapter.

This was an excellent chapter. From reading the other stories, getting Judy mad is NOT something one with even a smidgeon of brains wants to do. Add Gary to the mix, and it was not good for Dr. contaminated s***. I am hoping Charlie and company can easily fix Harry's door and related damage. Craig, your writing has been the mark of a true storyteller since the beginning, but adding Terry as editor/beta reader has improved it to a whole new level. The two of you are working very well together.

Late to the comments and reading of this story, but am working chapters in around real life. It shows real caring in developing the characters and the bringing-in of characters from the previous stories. Well done, author @Mancunian and editor/beta reader @raven1.

Marc's business sense is showing. Good to know he isn't going to be a pushover. More information on Rhasta soon, please?

Great story start.

Okay, @P. E. Knapp -- can you explain the term Link? I am going to guess that the communication is through some kind of hyperspace, subspace, interdimensional, nonspace portal, or scientifically magical means, since there seems to be no speed-of-light lag on distance transmissions. Also, Link or link seems to be able to transmit commands as well. Please comment here or in the talking place for the series.

How can you be so sure that Michael is hopelessly straight? Perhaps he is like me -- bisexual and able to appreciate wonderful and shapely persons of both the male and female variety. I'm hugely enjoying the story, @Mancunian and @raven1. But real life has been in the way, preventing most comments.

Something I just noticed -- Kilmeny could be pronounced as "kill many". @P. E. Knapp -- how do you feel about how to pronounce the name?

Confession time here -- I like science fiction. Not all of it -- but this type which has a great blend of adventure, romance, unfolding storylines, related but not always obvious at first, and good characterization. The depth of training Marc Alexander has becomes obvious as the story progresses; yet he retains a tremendous ability to think outside the normal boxes without it seeming ridiculously fantastical. I can think of only a few authors who can have that achievement. There is a forum which sometimes answers questions relating to characters, customs, titles, and more, without bogging the story down. Looking forward to quite a few stories in this series.

Okay, @P. E. Knapp, you are setting up several things, and thanks for giving Hugo a last name. Sounds like Marc's father can plan and maneuver also.

Sounds like a bang-up start. I think Janek and Hugo and Rory Thorpe probably have the best guesses.

Good end and good setup for more stories. I have greatly enjoyed this story, and look for more stories from your fertile imagination.

For those who might not know, NIMBY is an acronym meaning "Not In My Back Yard!"