ReaderPaul

We had dogs and cats when I was growing up. I own no pets at present. Where I live there is a leash law for cats as well as dogs. Cats don't do well on a leash.

Another question, @P. E. Knapp. In the prologue or an early chapter, the term "stanyear" or "stanyears" is mentioned. Does that mean the length of the year on the planet where humanity originated (in this universe, it is variously identified as Earth, Terra, Tellus, Gaia, third planed of the Sol System, and so on). Or does stanyear mean some other term of time?

Excellent, James. You pack more into a very short story than many authors pack into 15,000 words.

Fascinating chapter. I agree with @akascrubber and @VBlew in their evaluations of the chapter. I can also see how Marc's experience in the asteroid belts gives him an advantage over most, and that the training in the belts he has given to Thorp and Janek gave them an advantage over most of the others. Now to something lighter and funnier. I have mild dyslexia and something was on my glasses, so I read Lt. Astray as "Lt. Ashtray" when I first saw the name. A few chapters back, I mentally pronounced the name Knippel as "Nipple." Sometimes my dyslexia causes me to read names and words strangely. I've learned to laugh about it -- it rarely bothers me anymore to realize I was wrong when reading something. One of several significant passages in this chapter: “Let’s look at what I did and how I did it to each of you. And for the record. The time I spent with Thorp and Wojact made them two of the harder targets today, but the only one I had to truly work for was Lt. Astray.” I said with a nod of respect to him as I turned to highlight our plots and probe data.

Well, at least you did not change Hamilton to Hambelton -- which in some parts of the United States is pronounced exactly the same as Hamilton. The first time I saw Hambelton I pronounced it HAM-belt -uhn -- and was immediately corrected. I don't care if you have six characters in the same story named Bryce or Brett or Thelma or whatever. Please, just keep writing good stories as you have been. Please, @quokka -- also consider continuing your Deep Space series.

So when is part three coming? This is a split from the original posting. Enjoyed reading this section again. but....

I agree with @akascrubber -- Janek will be surprised. I like the way Marc learns very quickly.

Great Chapter again. The brother has the message for now -- but how long will he retain it? I predict it will be retained for some time. Looking forward to the further adventures of Marc and as many others from this story as we may see in future chapters and stories.

Great Chapter. One thing I am not totally certain about -- the meaning of the word Sa. Sometimes it seems to mean the equivalent of Sir; sometimes it seems to have additional meaning. Could you explain it, @P. E. Knapp?

I know -- since you said earlier you were writing somewhat backwards regarding the stories in this series, you have an idea or ten on what will happen to Janek and Marc, but maybe you can say whether Marc will be a prominent character in the next three stories? Good chapter with sad elements.

I'm glad you "let it out of the box" so to speak. It is fascinating and enthralling.

An excellent chapter and good story, @P. E. Knapp. Looking forward to reading more in this story and the series of related works.

Perhaps Marc cares more about Janek more than he thinks he does. Let's hope Gloria and Fran can find out the info Marc -- and others -- need to know.

Marc need to listen to himself more and Rachel less.

It will be interesting to see who else Marc dances with in addition to Bryan.

Very Good Chapter. I am enjoying learning more of Marc and his training.

Getting more and more interesting.

Fascinating. Looking forward to more.

Thank you for clearing that up, @Myr. Good to know.

The start intrigues me. I am going to read some more. This is a rare case where the TITLE induced me to read the story.

I agree with @chris191070. Thanks for these, @Myr One of the funniest and most enjoyable ones on this list is found in the Surreal Comedy. All could laugh and enjoy the short story by @wildone I notice that some stories are listed as having "Temporary Hold" or "Long Term Hold" even though the author has posted with some regularity -- just not every week. How do the "holds" come off? Is it a system assigned designation and system assigned removal? Are all of the genre and sub-genre designations for a story chosen by the author? Or does the system assign some?

Wonderful chapter. Looking forward to seeing Joseph and Benjamin at times in some of your future stories.

Looking forward to the bonus chapter.

Absolutely wonderful chapter. Both Joseph and Benjamin will have cultural adjustments, but it will be doable. Kevin and Ian will make great parents, with the help of The Major and Christian and Andy. Well done, @Mancunian and @raven1.

A wonderful chapter. Looking forward to seeing Benjamin get to the UK as well. As for Techsperts, that is the name of a technical expertise company which has been in business more than ten years. (Techsperts LLC) But this was the first time I had heard the word. The definition has been around for several years as well, according to more than one source.