ReaderPaul

@Wombat Bill, @Summerabbacat, and @NimirRaj, I thought I had already commented on this chapter. So DANIEL got arrested? That is interesting. I wonder what Rani thinks of that. What does the acronym DOG mean in NSW (New South Wales)? While I know that FOMO is Fear Of Missing Out, and ICYMI means In Case You Missed It, that DRE means Digital Rectal Exam, and that B&B can either mean Bed & Breakfast or B&B can mean Blow and Bang, and YDKM means You Don't Know Me (said to someone who thinks they know what proverbially makes you tick, but they really do not), I don't know DOG. The more I see of Edward, the more I like him. Again, well done, Wombat Bill.

So glad to see this here, Geron. Will we at some point learn what is in the belts? If not in this tale, possibly a future one? Can the zap pistols be configured such that only one of the three humans can use them, to prevent someone else grabbing them and using them against the guys? The translation ability, I predict, will be very valuable. We know from the last tale that the guy's internal communication system can interface with Difris, Nyf, and Brik, as well with each other. Can the transfer station archive mind and the infirmary mind also speak to the guys, if necessary? What a wealth of possibilities in the tales of the doors!

Thomas has a very unusual qualification as a campaign manager. The qualification is: He has never been in politics before, so he will take nothing for granted. Related to that, he will probably not be inclined to take things at surface value, but will look below the surface on almost everything. Mr. P and Jared need to pay attention to Bernard Johnson. As @Summerabbacat mentioned, Bernard probably knows more than he is saying, and, the fact that is normally very possessed of a closed mouth means, that if he is not happy with his new position that Watson assigns him, Bernard could be a proverbial explosive element in the future. On the other hand, if Bernard has felt abused or insulted or demeaned or feels taken for granted by Mr. P, he may be relieved to no longer be the driver. This could go in several possible directions. I predict that @Wombat Bill will inform us when it is time for us to learn more on that subject. Thomas is no fool. Jared -- and Justin -- will be carefully watched by Thomas for some time. I would predict that Thomas will quietly enlist Craig to unobtrusively watch Justin -- and Jared -- to learn more of what is going on. Perhaps Edward's skills of observation might be useful in addition to the people already mentioned. Thomas could also well think about asking around to see if someone knows more about Nathan. @NimirRaj might have other thoughts of interest. Edit: While I was getting ready to post, @NimirRaj posted his comments. Excellent observation about Jared, Mrs. P, and the condom. I had not thought of that angle. However, I would have expected that some condoms would be discretely be located in Virginia's room, for convenience.

I am going to have to wait and see on the results of the recent happenings. I have been right more often than I wanted to be on upcoming revelations. I'd like to be wrong for a change. Reasonable analyses of the situations has been performed by @NimirRaj and @Summerabbacat I look forward to the soon arriving chapters.

Excellent comments, @NimirRaj and @Summerabbacat. It may be yet some time before we know more of the truth. In the mean time, I intend to enjoy the story. I am wondering if Nathan might appear again. If he becomes a regular, fine. If he makes a cameo appearance once in a while fine. I am good either way. Please, @Wombat Bill, do not become like Charles Dickens, who is said to have introduced more than thirteen thousand (13,000) different characters in the total of his work. We do not really know what happened to Jared in his work with the SAS. Eventually, more of that will come out and could help or hurt his personality and/or character. I was fortunate to have a good father and a good relationship with him. Many men are not so lucky. Brenden was one of the worst fathers someone could have. Good chapter, @Wombat Bill.

@Wombat Bill, I agree with @Summerabbacat. You do not need to apologize for creating momentary discomfort in your readers. Sometimes real life is not comfortable. @Summerabbacat -- I reacted on the responsibility issue because I have seen, in American Courts, defense attorneys trying to minimize or explain away the horrific acts some persons have committed end up making the defendant sound almost like a poor, innocent saint who cannot possibly be guilty because of the abuse suffered and a child and therefore cannot be responsible for anything even if guilty. I have seen too much of that lately, and it has jaded me a bit. I agree Brenden's childhood helped create the person he became.

The problem with victimization is that, eventually, a person must be assigned responsibility for their own actions. One cannot blame victimhood for all reprehensible actions. True, being a victim may explain some of a person's actions. Brenden indeed was a victim in multiple ways. But the same system which victimized him also held the seeds of responsibility for his actions. I think we are mostly in agreement here. Whatever happened, from the beginning of Brenden's life to the end, has happened. It is time to pick up the pieces in the lives he so strongly affected and begin moving on. And yes, I do know that is not always easy. Some aspects will continue to affect lives for months and possibly years to come. Your comment about Brenden not being believed about his own abuse, @Summerabbacat, is right on. I know of at least two cases of abuse where the person abused was not believed, or in another case, one parent refused to admit that the other parent was capable of abuse, even though she knew of it happening. (And later admitted it.) Abuse is a terrible thing.

Jared's calm and reasoned response makes me even more suspicious that Jared directly or indirectly arranged the breathing stoppage, interruption of life, apparent suicide, timely (or untimely) death, or whatever terminology one might use. His military training would allow him to school his emotions in such a way as to appear not have considered the possibility of arranged death in prison. But, we shall see. Our favorite @Wombat Bill may have something even more surprising up his sleeve, along with his arm!

I feel the analyses offered by @chris191070 and @Summerabbacat are interesting, but I feel that "The Fixer" may have had something directly or indirectly to do with Brenden's death. This would explain some of the mystery over that call, and Justin's reactions. I notice Justin did not gloat about the savings to Australian taxpayers by not having to maintain Brenden for a long time in prison, but he may feel that emotion at some point in the future. I think that Justin will take some time to "come down" from his elation over Brenden's death. Jared sounds like he is trying to calm things. Eventually, things will settle down again. soon we can get back to the Jonathan drama, the Virginia-and-Desmond drama, the Edward various dramas, find out what Jeremy and Brett are doing, what is going on with Dean, and so on. I'm loving this story, @Wombat Bill.

@Wombat Bill -- I agree with you. Sometimes I think something or some things are very hilarious, and others just look at me and say, "Why do you find THAT funny?" So far, @Summerabbacat and I often seem to see the same humor in your writing. I further agree that he could be a very good author.

While the probe sounds intriguing, passing a total of 8 kidney stones over the last few years (which put some small tearing into my urethra), and with some slight scarring from radiation which fought my prostate cancer, I don't think I will ever try sounding. But I do have to admit, the descriptions above sound the best of all I have heard. It must be a chore to become a licensed celebrant in Australia. (Or at least in NSW.) It is New South Wales in which the story takes place, or am I incorrect on that? I agree with @chris191070 on all of his comments, including the phone call to the Fixer. I also wondered about the function room possibly being bought or rented by Edward. Personally, I hope he buys it, so he has virtually total control. Who or whom in Australia are legally allowed to perform weddings? I know in the USA that requirements vary for each state. @Wombat Bill, I appreciate the bits of Australian culture we are learning from you and from @Summerabbacat. You are educating us in the proverbial "easily digestible bites," so we are not overwhelmed. Please continue the good work and good writing.

It came back on line sometimes this morning, Central Daylight Time.

@Summerabbacat -- I really need to be able to use at least two emoticons to express my joy and pleasure at reading your comment. I love it and I laughed and I saw the serious parts as well. You expressed many of my own thoughts, and very eloquently, as well. Our beloved @Wombat Bill has provided an example of mixing maximum thought with maximum fun and magnificent plotting.

Okay, that went rather better than I expected. But I'm glad it did. Next question -- does Jonathan have any serious enemies at this point you have not told us about, @Wombat Bill? And the teaser for the next chapter looks fascinating!

I don't trust Jonathan. He is too used to getting his own way, with sometimes throwing crumbs or bait to other people. Virginia is more refreshing and honest, or at least seems to be at this point. HOWEVER, she may be more aware than she seems, and be playing the "I don't know much about what is going on card" for future leverage at a time of her choosing. Being back with Desmond is teaching her to look at things in ways she has not done previously. I believe she will become more observing, as well. Jared and Thomas have some interesting times ahead as Virginia and Jon do the competitive pulling over Thomas. Virginia will not let him go without a struggle. Also I agree with my fellow CWB groupie @Summerabbacat that Virginia is at least somewhat clueless about the relationship of Thomas and Jared. I am wondering if, perhaps, Thomas may end up using advice from Andy about Mr. P -- but perhaps not. On the other hand, Jonathan is right about one thing. Sometimes being a member of a political party can be stifling to politicians as well as the public. (I just erased the rest of what I was going to say because this is NOT the place for a political discussion.) By being an independent Jonathan can be more true to his own ideals. Jonathan may also underestimate the real expenses of a successful campaign when one does not have backing from a party.

Something is afoot. I'm not too sure yet what is going down. @chris191070 may well be right. But the Price part of this drama is still ongoing for some time, I predict.

The background info was good. I can identify with more than some might be able to, since I had a stroke in September of 2020. There are still some things which are challenging to do, although I was very fortunate because I got help quickly. A friend drove me to the hospital; I told them I thought I was having a stroke; they were doing a scan in ten minutes which revealed I was bleeding on the left side of my brain, and they apologized for taking ten minutes to get me to the scan, because someone was already in the machine! Then the local hospital flew me to a stroke center in another state, because the closest ones were too full of Covid-19 patients! I still have balance issues. I have a continual burning in two fingers of my right hand. I almost always walk with a 4-prong cane now. But I am blessed and lucky. I identify with Eric's frustration on having to re-learn some stuff. Good work, R. Eric.

Oh, that was good! Loved Brett and Jeremy negotiating for the rent. Loved the reaction of Prentice. It looks like Edward might be just a bit out of practice. But it was still good.

At first I thought you were going to chase several rabbits, but you wrapped it up quickly, and in a much better summary that I usually see from the -- what I might call -- "well-known theologically high and mighty." I am thinking of several men in the last few years who, having a lot of -- influence in so-called theological circles who have been caught in less than ideal situations. The insinuations and somewhat veiled insults flying in this chapter sounded quite real to me. I have seen this in real life in more than one situation. In some situations I could tell something was not quite as it should be, but realized what it was at a later time.

Loving it! You are progressing the story in a reasonable way, a logical way, and a fun way -- all at the same time.

I have no cats now. Where we live now, both dogs and cats have to be on a leash, and cats don't do well with a leash. It has been more than 30 years since we had a cat.

Okay, @Summerabbacat or @Wombat Bill, enlighten us on "The Big Merino" and the others you mentioned. And what is the third image?

Oh, this is GOOD!

Great chapter. And some great questions Justin asked. Love it!

I know what you mean about fake musicians-- at least as far as piano goes. I play piano. I don't play well, but I know enough to be able to tell when someone is really playing, or they are using the hands of someone else. In a movie, I'd rather they hide the hands entirely if the actor can't play. I can pretend better that way than if they try the "hands showing without the face and/or body." Did you mean Carmine or Carman? I'm familiar with the late Carman (who died in February of this year), but when I figured out that some of the words in a few of his songs are anti-gay, I became saddened and disgusted. At that time I was attending a church where the pastor was very anti-gay -- but accepted transsexual persons no problem! (Go figure.) Eventually that pastor left and was replaced by one that loved gays.