ReaderPaul

Animals in my neighborhood are used to fireworks. That does not mean they or I like them being set off in my subdivision. One neighbor is willing to set them off anywhere except in front of HIS house. Our subdivision is not in the city limits of the nearest town, which regulates the time when fireworks can be set off and who can set them off. Good chapter.

Good chapter. Thanks, @Mancunian.

A story different than most I read, it is worth reading. After Logan ends up overboard, he is eventually rescued by Eric, a somewhat mysterious man who seems quite capable. It takes some time for Logan to figure out more about enigmatic Eric and also the somewhat enigmatic Amanda. Some pieces of the puzzle of these two enigmas take time to tickle the senses to gel with more understanding. The story progresses pragmatically in a pleasingly playful way at intervals which make the reading a pleasure. Starting with the dolphins as Eric spots Logan, more and more events eventually illuminate items we need to know for the enjoyment of the story. "Whales" has more than one meaning in the story, (not including were-whales, since there is no direct supernatural in this tale).. I recommend this.

Another relevant point -- at this time, I predict that the ridiculous body modesty has mostly been eliminated. Every body has parts; and pretty much the same ones. There may be variations of size, shape, and colorations, but other than that, mostly similar. I am also guessing birth control is much easier to access and use than in our present world.

Okay, the first time you mention her in this chapter it was Camila, then Camile. Which is it? If Chris doesn't realize he has been stupid, he is even more stupid than initially thought.

Most US states have some type of "Right turn on red after full stop" law. This means, after bringing your vehicle to a full stop and checking whether oncoming traffic safely allows for a turning right on red, you may make the turn -- UNLESS there is a sign at that intersection saying "NO RIGHT TURN ON RED" or a variation of that wording. Some restaurants allow patrons to remain if it is not very busy -- because a restaurant that seems busy usually attracts more customers. A few recently, however have put up signs saying words to the effect of "You may remain ONLY 30 minutes while consuming your meal. No Loitering." Wording varies, but some places have that wording to keep homeless persons from staying inside and taking room from paying customers.

I am somewhere in-between on this. If the happy ending is reasonable, I usually prefer the happy ending. On the other hand sometimes life does not have a set of happy endings. Often there is a mixture of happy, sad, and so-so endings to the subplots of life. Sometimes the is an ending which seems sad, but has the possibility of hope for a revised version of happy at some time in the future, if the plot were eventually to be continued. However, as another said, you are the author. If your beta reader does not have a good way of coming up with a happy ending that you like, do it the way you originally plotted the story.

The indeed is a lot happening in this chapter. So much good stuff. I look forward to seeing how the Christmas program goes over. I also agree about the lack of grammar skills and being able to organize a story. I was educated in the 1950s and 1960s and we were taught much about grammar and of being clear in our writing. @Anton_Cloche is correct about lower standards for grammar and writing these days. When a local high school needed to teach grammar to students, they had only one teacher out of six English teachers who had grammar classes in college when being trained. She was older than all the other English teachers at the school, and taught grammar and other English classes for two years, until she retired.

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.