ReaderPaul

When I first read these chapters on GA, I read at one point Seeri called Wanda "Aunt" instead of grandmother. Now I don't see it. And since the other website where this has been posted so far is way behind GA in posting, and THERE Wanda is called Seeri's "twice-great aunt", it was not there where I read it. However, that is such a minor point I don't worry about it. In some future sequel to this story, might there be a chance of Seeri being mentioned again?

A continuation of @Mancunian answering some of the acronyms one might see on GA. I have seen (as best I recall) all of those acronyms on GA. They are also used in the gay, bi, and straight communities and in IMs (Instant Messages) or PMs (Private Messages).

@lawfulneutralmage, common acronyms you might see include not only BIL, but SIL = Sister-in-law; MIL = Mother-in=law; FIL = Father-in-law. DRE = Digital Rectal Exam PSA has two common meanings -- PSA = Prostate-Specific Antigen (a blood test which can indicate prostate cancer) PSA can also mean Public Service Announcement IMO = In My Opinion IMHO = In My Humble Opinion IRL = In Real Life DNF = Did Not Finish (applies to reading a story, or to racing cars) DNF can also = Do Not Forward or Do Not Fax or Domain Name Finder

@Ivor Slipper -- any prediction as to when you will continue this fascinating story? Thanks, from Paul.

That was -- different.

@Bill W-- same two people, same pose. If you look closely at the pic originally posted in the thread, it looks like a magazine photo has been put over part of the original cover. Look at the edges of the meat part of the photo which seems out of place. In the cover of the book shown on Amazon, the couple is looking at some kind of photo album or "coffee table" book. (When I worked in a bookstore, we called large format books designed to be looked at "coffee table" books.)

Looking up that 1982 book on Amazon, either the cover has changed or the picture above has been doctored.

Sounds like an interesting story.

I would love to see another Deep Space story. Or, a spin-off from Deep Space of what happened to the boy, Oscar, when it was discovered that he was telepathic by Maenyl Lenegan. I hope he kept that quiet, and perhaps went to work with representatives of the URP who also are telepathic. It could be a good career move for Oscar.

@Anton_Cloche, thank you for the concise analysis of the story. Good summary. @quokka, I quite enjoy your stories. Is there a chance more Deep Space stories are coming soon? Perhaps by the end of 2023?

Wow, somewhat of a surprise ending. Good chapter.

Wonderful chapter, @R. Eric. Cancer can be terrible. My brother-in-law is undergoing cancer treatment now, with chemo and radiation. What he has is too large a mass to operate on. Looking forward to future chapters on all your open stories.

Wow, Struan must have a LOT of money to be able to do all of that! Sounds like more adventures might be possible in the future.

Exciting and good chapter, @quokka. It would be such a shame (cough, cough) if the two villains did not survive being shot....

Thanks for the updates, @wildone.

This is one of the best chapters yet, @R. Eric. I really like the philosophical discussions which would make many persons uncomfortable -- because they don't want to think about challenging things. I agree with Joel that the Ark II crew must be aware of possible attacks, surveillance, outside observations, and so on, from humans and/or aliens.

You know, I think it would be good if the Brigadier assigned the Colonel the personal responsibility to supervise, in person, the removal of the signage, blocking barriers, and big solid gate from blocking Struan's property, and remain in the field until all is removed and as much of the ecological damage is repaired as is possible -- OR -- the Colonel has to personally take over the excess work he has assigned Captain Kenrick, PLUS oversee the removal of the other items.

Hooray for the Brigadier!

@Geron Kees -- Something I noticed about the following passage, providing ANOTHER possible hook for a future story -- and possibly some humor. Seeri raised a forefinger and tapped it against her chin, her eyes growing thoughtful. "Have you a girl who likes you, Jamie?" Garvin moved closer at that, to stand beside Jamie. But he remained silent, awaiting Jamie's answer. Jamie smiled, and reached over and took his friend's hand. "I have Garvin. He is my one love." Seeri blinked in surprise at that announcement, obviously not expecting that particular answer. But Garvin looked elated at Jamie's words, and moved closer to bump against Jamie, and Seeri didn't fail to notice that. She watched them together a moment, and then gave a little sigh, and smiled wistfully. "I guess that's all that needs saying, then." "Yes." "I only asked, as I have a younger sister. I think she would have been enchanted with you!" Jamie laughed. "Matchmaking is a pursuit I'd expect from your Grandmother Wanda. It wears less well on someone as young as yourself." The woman smiled at that. "All things are fair, in romance, young man. I'm sure you'll learn that, someday." Sir Dorf leaned forward, just a bit. "All things?" Seeri's smile turned his way. "Well, most things, Sir Knight. To be fair, conscience has a role that cannot be denied." "Aren't we drifting away from the topic?" Geert said then, doing his best not to look impatient. Perhaps in a future story, the sister of Seeri could pursue Geert. We don't know yet if Geert likes guys, girls, or both -- like Dorf implied about himself in a previous chapter.

Better than Wilty.

Control.

The name Wonty is most common in a few eastern coastal countries of Africa, and not very common there.

As I suspected, the Army is causing trouble. I suspect they have more tricks up their proverbial sleeves.

As I said, "also can be the name of a boy or girl, though rare as such."

If the Australian Army is as political as the United States Army can be, I would not be surprised if the Army buys property right next to Struan and makes a training area there, to pressure Struan and remove his privacy, for all practical purposes. Too many persons know about his property now, with the four military visitors just hosted.