ReaderPaul

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.

Wonty -- a word meaning mystical or mysterious; one who strives for a deeper understanding; also can be the name of a boy or girl, though rare as such.

@Krista -- Very well thought out. Readers read what types of things they wish to read, as well. As you pointed out, authors who interact with readers in the comments and forums are more interesting -- and sometimes more fun -- than those who publicly bristle at almost everything.

Fascinating. Lots of possibilities upcoming in the next chapters. I get the distinct feeling that Mark and Sawney like each other and are attracted to each other.

@R. Eric, I partially agree. I love Peter Pan peanut butter. I was raised on Welch's Grape Jelly (sometimes apple or peach). Bama jelly was available and good, but dad usually brought home Welch's from the store he worked at.

Just looked it up on the Bing search engine. Fascinating! For a good unicorn story, there is

I notice that the town of Adelaide River had a population of 353 in the 2016 census. Probably there is a minimal number of police officers in the town. The duty officer may have been away from the office. But calls to other agencies -- a good idea.

Absolutely wonderful story. I wanted to comment her on something from chapter 11. Others were of unknown variety, resembling the casks in which wine was shipped, or having long filaments - gray in color - that looped and turned among the other growths. A third variety was tall and spiked in appearance, and looked as if the tips were quite sharp; however, the plants were taller than a man, and their impaling ends remained safely overhead as the group pushed their way slowly through the growths. Jamie frowned as he gently pushed the stalks aside to pass; they felt not at all like normal plants, but somewhat clammy to the touch, and nearly flesh-like in texture. They had stopped hacking their way along after Dorf had smacked one of the cask-like plants with the edge of his sword, only to have it explode, sending a cloud of spores jetting outward from the fracture. Only quick thinking by Jamie had saved them from possible harm. He called up the knot for a wind funnel - in small form used to help start fires for forges - but used the new skin upon his right hand to turn the funnel into a cyclone that blew the spores away from them. Jamie had learned enough in his reading to know that some molds and fungi were dangerous to humans, especially if their propagation spores were inhaled. They could not risk an illness among them for which they might have no antidote. "Interesting," Snave remarked, as the cloud of spores was carried away. "The nether creation upon your hand worked well to bolster the strength of the wind funnel." "I just tried it, without even thought on the matter," Jamie returned, a little wonderingly. He was thrilled that the nether device had worked to intensify something other than the magick of translocation. But just because it had worked for the wind funnel did not mean that it would work for all magicks. "More experimentation is called for," he decided.... I don't recall any other magicks except translocation which the special glove/skin boosted in the story. Perhaps in some future story we might learn if there are more magicks able to be boosted? What do you think, @Geron Kees?

Looks like Struan and Sawney have new problems. I suspect someone on the train has been in league with the villains., or possible a couple of the police departments have "moles" who are associates of the villains.

Wow, Preston, you've got us wondering -- way to go!

Wow, @R. Eric great chapter! I will be interested to see if Wayne takes the franchise. I am guessing he will, but you have surprised us before, R. Eric. Now I look forward to another chapter or two of Ark II.

What is the meaning of SM in this context?

@astone2292, form the interest this is generating, one of your author questions could be -- "What are your favorite types of gravy, and your least favorite types of gravy?" LOL.

Exactly. But many restaurants have milk in their sausage gravy, at least in my area. UGH!