ReaderPaul

It would appear Christopher has a very reasoning-resistant reality in his version of logic.

I see talented authors on these lists -- @Mancunian, @Mark Arbour, @Bill W, @D.K. Daniels, @Ronyx, @Mikiesboy, and more I'm sure I would like if if I can find to read some of their stories.

Unfortunately, children sometimes end up as pawns of the parents. Statistics show that fathers who get to see their children as the court has ordered are much more likely to pay, and regularly, and on time. I know one guy who was often getting hauled into court for back support and he got to work and caught up $14,000 of back child support in two years. THEN, the authorities started going after the ex-wife for keeping his son and daughter from him in the first place. Another guy had to pay child support 12 months a year, even though he had the kids 2 and a half months in the summer every year. Eventually the pain and stress got to him, as his ex was married to a multi-millionaire who would fund any lawyer SHE wanted, and he committed suicide. So much rings true to life in this chapter, and I am glad Quinn got up the courage to talk seriously with Orion. Aiden helps the situation.

I went to a rural elementary school and a bookmobile came around and I discovered the science fiction of Robert Anson Heinlein, Andre Norton, and Alan E. Nourse (later I discovered Nourse was a medical doctor and surgeon, so any medical-related happenings in his books were extremely realistic). My dad and I were avid readers; mom and older brother -- no. Some really talented authors in the listings above in the Weekly Wrap Up, and I am sure more authors that I have not yet tried. Thanks, @wildone.

Most US fast-food restaurants give free refills for those eating inside the restaurants -- McDonald's, Wendy's, Arby's, Burger King, Freddy's, Culver's, etc. However, during the 2020 Pandemic, most fast food restaurants closed their inside facilities to the public and all had to use the drive-thru lanes. Now, drive-thru customers are preferred by almost all fast food chains -- because the drive-thru customers don't use the restrooms, make messes or spill things in the dining room, track in rain or dust or dirt, require a person at the front counter to wait on them, etc. Often, a customer is almost ignored at the counter while those going through the drive-thru are helped. This seems most obvious at McDonald's. Customers at the counters are made to seem most welcome at the front counters of Arby's, Freddy's, Culver's, and some Burger King stores, and some of the fast food chains which feature chicken. Could someone from the UK and also from Australia tell me if drive-thru or car lanes are now preferred in those countries?

I read this story again after several years, and I appreciate it much more now than I did the first two times I read it. I enjoyed it then. but it struck me even more positively this time. So many small nuggets of observation and sometimes wry wisdom are in this story. It covers quite a few years of the main character's life, demonstrating some ways friendships (and sometimes more) are formed. Geron has packed so much of one way life can happen. The different phases of the life of Griffin Ballard are well covered in spite of being covered in brief. The friends he makes; the challenges overcome -- all work together to make a really good story.

A great story, Craig and Terry. The story rings true with me, as I have spoken with some who have volunteered at shelters over the years. Sensitive, well-written, and good message. Well done.

From how you have presented the stories at this time, @P. E. Knapp, I thought the stations and possibly the ships have some type of artificial gravity. By that time in the future or in a parallel universe, as the case might be, artificial gravity is probably possible. @Al Norris -- The Isaac Asimov short story had a 60+-year-old man from Earth and a 20s or 30s Lunar woman falling for each other on the moon. The woman had tried sex with an Earth male before, and his Earthly muscles were too powerful for her to be comfortable, and they bounced a lot in the 1/6th G Lunar gravity. To the best of my knowledge, no nation which has sent humans into space has admitted to intercourse being tried in space. It makes for interesting speculation, however.

Divorce can be hellacious for kids and fathers. Even though most states are supposed to consider rights of both parents -- the reality is females get more rights in child custody than men in most cases. I think Caleb was not trying to be malicious. But he is wondering what's going on.

HMMMM. Great pun, @P. E. Knapp In one of his short stories, Isaac Asimov pointed out that sexual activities would become much more complicated it low-G environments, and zero-G environments. Our bodies are used to reactions stemming from one-G or near one-G gravitational forces. Another author (I wish I could remember who) said that in zero-G, sexual intercourse might be best performed in a large netting-type "bed," with three connecting ropes for stability so the participants don't float around bumping into things, and so they do not "uncouple/come apart" from the thrusting action, perhaps strapped together with gentle flexible stretchy restraints. Makes for interesting contemplation.

Good chapter, @P. E. Knapp. I think there are interesting times ahead.

@quokka -- Looking forward to the next chapter. When will it appear?

Humor and more in this chapter. Marc and Camile and Roman are having fun with this relationship. Marc and Tom and Rachel having fun and profit mining. Very much indeed to like and love with this chapter.

I have greatly enjoying this story and look forward to reading the epilogue tomorrow.

Fascinating. I have only read a few stories where diving is featured. The amount of understandable detail in this story is better than any other I have read. Did you write diving manuals at one time? Sounds like Quinn has matured a lot in several years.

Good chapter @Mancunian and @raven1. When I got my copy of "Cant Stop the Music", featuring The Village People, I had a DVD player with both stop motion and the ability to zoom in to any section of the view. I had fun zooming in on the shower scenes and finding the members of several guys in the shower scenes and examining them larger and in stop motion at the same time. Harry possibly needs a push to talk to Charlie and Michael. Michael seems more likely to stay long term, but Charlie might if Brad were to move in, as was suggested above.

I have some chuckles with this chapter. I wonder if Fran will get involved investigating Christopher further? I look forward to seeing Marc introducing the twins to Janek and Rory, as well as the parents.

An excellent story with much happening. I'm glad Janice and Missy were able to come to the party also.

Intriguing beginning. I have known some persons with various types of compensation for being short. One person memorized over 600 yearbook pictures of kids in his high school so he could call them by name and help incline them toward friendship to him. Another became a quiet brainiac who would quietly help persons with their understanding of schoolwork, with the understanding that they would help protect him if necessary. I have know a few others who became belligerent and ended up driving away many who could have been good friends. I look forward to seeing the interactions of the persons introduced thus far in the narrative.

Interesting start. Wanting to read more.

Ah, so the ego of the Australian Prime Minister was greatly bruised by not being able to break the news theirself. Typical of a politician, so he takes it out on Susan Henderson. I wonder if the visitors from our neighboring star system expected that?

Several authors I like and admire in these lists.

I liked this chapter on several levels: Max and the others defending Liam; the supervisor defending Liam; Harry being so caring toward Michael and Charlie; the goodness and joy of having Janice and Harry as neighbors; Brad and Charlie getting to be together in a casual setting. Lots to care about in a positive way in this chapter.

@Anton_Cloche -- does ASA mean Armed Security Agant?

I had a hunch someone would share things best not shared. But as Benjamin Franklin said in Poor Richard's Almanack -- "Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead." Brett and Hugh and Joyce and Susan are in for interesting times ahead.