scrubber6620

We learn of a test case of the power of Mithras. and keeping the proper balance. A village, New Toledo, gave up the ways that helped them survive and prosper. New Toledo did not sacrifice a youth and honor Mithras and the inhabitants did not respect the Gnos and the resources of the planet. Only 35 people were saved after a perilous trek to New Boston. Ned in New Boston understands what is happening and how his village stays strong. Meeting the old Gnos leader who brings in the New Toledo survivors deepens his appreciation and affection for him and the generosity of the Gnos who are needed by the earth settlers. You have given us a solid, understandable, credible backstory to the sacrifice and fleshed out wonderfully some of the key characters. Thank you.

This is another comforting chapter as both guys become closer and in sync. They are going to have their own place. Where will Armand paint outside of school? He might want to create painting for their new home. I agree that both the club and this restaurant will have paintings or maybe a mural on the walls .Collin will want one for his club. The Italian restaurant owner will love having a painting of his village. His restaurant will become even more popular like the cafe, He might need more staff and be able to let his son work at the club. I can see big changes for the club with new rules about proper behavior. Since the club is private, Armand''s painting will not be seen by many people but those who see it will likely be well off might want Armand to pain for them, too. He could get customers. BTW, I am glad to learn that the cafe owner is protecting his painting by Armand.

From Quora on Google Question: Are Ice Bullets practically possible? Answer: No, not in the slightest when it comes to traditional firearms From a ballistics perspective, Ice bullets are way too fragile to even be considered as a choice for a bullet. The pressures from gas and heat involved with your traditional smokeless cartridge alone with deform, melt or even shatter the bullet before it even left the barrel most of the time. From range it would be scientifically impossible to make an accurate shot with one, even if it managed to leave the barrel of the gun in one piece. It would be so malformed that the initial aerodynamic shape of the bullet would likely create a tumble. When also taking air friction into account, the bullet would continue to melt over a distance. The only logical way that a bullet *might* be able to hurt someone is if it were fired from a very powerful Air Rifle. Even then, it would have to be at close distance with roughly the same FPS rate as an actual bullet. Then, you also have to take into consideration the material that the ice would be hitting, and whether or not its more likely to crush itself into harmless snow after impacting the target, likely not even piercing the skin.

Wow, there was a hidden motive by Sonez to disrupt the activities, His people claim and want Andra. He sought to get Essell and Garjah to start a fight to stop the treaty which was not signed yet. Sonez failed but may not yet give up. Our intrepid trio still has to get off planet and alarms sounded as they started in their shuttle. Will their heated exchange with Sonez be truthfully known or will Sonez spin a tale that makes him look like the victim and our trio the villains and kill any treaty? I am very surprised that Essell's parents and the ruling body did not know about the counter claim for the planet and how this effected Essell along the way. Essell's mother's uncaring actions helped him separate from his family. Essell is now fully on board making a life with Garjah and not involving his past. Bouncer is a natural gem. I am waiting for him to say something.

How will Jake be seen as the victim in the furure? I hope that is the outcome. I am dreaming up some possible efforts. Will Meg at some point come clean that she made the stuff up to show how powerful and revengeful she can be. It could be her crowning glory. She will be so proud that she can't keep it in and has to tell just a few very close friends. I hope Meg is done in by her own devices. A supposed friend who she hurt could send out her comments copied by a smart phone. Or, will people see problems or inaccuracies in her texts and she looks shady as she changes her reasons in order to smooth out conflict. Her statements are out of context and wrong. Oh, what a tangle web we weave when first we practice to deceive as the poet said. How is a girl like Meg who is so outspoken and mean get a date to the prom? Will guys see that she could turn on them? Will she lash out at other guys? Will Jay put together a short set of counter texts and send out to show some of her inaccuracies? Jake does have one friend or ally who is making him feel good. You have to love Nic. He can see clearly and knows what matters and knows Jake, "For the first time all day, Jake cracked a smile at that. “What changed your mind?” “You’re just not the type,” Nic said simply." And then they had sex.

Itumak is a mess after having sex with a guy he does not know he met in a bar. He is sadly seeking unfulfilling relief outside the palace. Aaron has just learned he is close to being SOL and deposed if the Queen dies . Dowager Finley speaks his true mind and tells Aaron that he hates him and all werewolves. Finley knows Lord Sarin and tells Aaron that Sarin won't give up the throne and will push Aaron out. Aaron knows now he has to change the law which is hidden by not yet being enforced. All werewolves will be threatened when the law is enforced. Aaron knows he has to get the law cancelled or repealed The Queen could be on the road to recovery. It will take some time to find out if the cancer spread beyond the tumor. If she has enough time, she will need to help Aaron repeal the law and stop a civil war. The sides are defined now and the legal path to resolve the potential conflict is clear. Aaron still has to become a better friend to Itumak and be trained to be a wise ruler.

Meg dropped the atomic bomb of lies on Jake. Her tweets went through school like a cat 5 hurricane, and everyone seemed to accept her charges as truthful , She laid out supposed facts by manipulating his texts and deleting her tweets which egged him on. It was in black and white and just had to be true, they guessed. Jake is seen as a two-faced cad, an uncaring womanizer and backbiting schemer and hurtful person behind his friendly, popular nature. He had to be a sociopath. People at school look at him with disgust. Only Nic saw through the mess. He knew Meg was a bitch. He knew Jake broke up with her, not the other way around. Jake wanted to have sex with him, not Meg. The chapter ends with them getting ready for more sex. He pointed out to Luke that the letter to him from Jazzy--that Jake never saw-was not something he would write. Plus, he knew her description of his cock shape was wrong. I am surprised others did not know Meg was a nasty, bitch who would lash out. Her multiple charges were so outrageous that I hope people will start thinking about them as time progresses as they know their relationships with Jake and see things do not add up. Jake and others have to find one of more falsehoods and her web of lies will untangle. Luke might mention that the note doesn't sound like Jake( as Nic said} to others. He can suggest Meg made it up. Heck, the guys on his rugby team might see or joke to see as was tweeted at some point in the locker room that his cock is not hooked. Meg will not give up, I bet. She will go too far and get too absurd. But, Jake is going to be in turmoil and worried. I wonder what surprises are next.

Justin is eventually goes missing. I think he is part of the hooked five Neil mentioned. From the Prologue West says...."Justin’s really rubbed off on me, hasn’t he? If you’re listening to this, wherever you are now, I miss you, buddy. We all do."

Margaret is a wise, caring loving mother. Karl is really her adopted son who she is very concerned about and wants to convey all the wisdom and perspective she can to help Karl cope. He has an update on all but George and has been given too much advice in a concentrated letter that it will take him a long while, if ever, to understand and accept it. He knows, though , he can write short letters and what ever he says will be fine. he will try to find meaning in all this death and pain. "If he had to die, then death would have to wait. There were so many things he needed to do and figure out before he left this world. Things that would be meaningless once he was dead, but which he still needed to do while he was still alive." So, he is motivated and will seek out answers from people he knows on base. He may learn that there are no good answers. This letter is especially poignant with what is going on in Ukraine in the news. The attack on Ukraine was wrong, but combat still goes on with brave actions people defending their homeland. Legalities are not enough to stop fighting. I see so many mindless deaths of a whole range of innocent people on TV and they continue. War is so cruel and people will seek answers and can be helpless pawns.

Aren't these the complications you would like to have--a beautiful, appealing gift unexpectedly worth a fortune that brings in more customers ( and needs to be insured) ? Armand was so generous saying he would create another painting if this one was stolen. The boys are getting closer and happier. Armand is reminded his works are worth a great deal.

So, this is a transition chapter-The future West looks back to this high school time and says things will happen fast now. He does not mention what Neil's status is in his future time. Sex continues to bind West and Neil. Neil holds out his sexual favors and any gay sex play from West which creates a yearning he wants fed. Neil still maintaining his str8 orientation wraps West into getting blow jobs next to him from hungry girls in the school restroom. West really wants to blow Neil and it's been too long. Right now, West can only hope and rely in Neil taking the initiative after remembering that he received his best by far blow job from West. Neil lets West know 5 people at the school have been hooked by the gang, including 2 teachers. More will be draw into the gang's clutches. It looks like Justin is one of the addicted students. West has a tough time getting his friends to be careful and proceed slowly. They think he is too close to Neil, but they do know about the girls being pleased and so they aren't suspicious of any gay sex going on. They want Neil to tell all his secrets which might cause him to lose his life, if he isn't careful. Neil will help as he can and wants to be part of the collective basketball group that is known to the public. He thinks it will connect them and help them move within the gang environment and friends. West has just introduced the " Jivin Five" name to his friends. Playing basketball games as the five should be needed to cement the name. West, his friends and Neil are probably going to be undertaking serious, risky efforts as they proceed to face the gang at school and the children's orphanage. So much is unknown. I am really looking forward to reading how you report on the major issues ahead and handle the cross currents and unexpected surprises. Under extreme pressure and as things become messy and unrelenting. West and Neil might return to more fulfilling hot sex for a needed release.

Both guys are becoming closer and more comfortable with each other. Collin and Armand had the right instincts about what was right and wrong at the club and the bad behavior of the girls. Others agreed later. Armand was very thoughtful and generous to the cafe owner and painted a wonderful work that brought tears to his yes. But, by signing the painting and frame Arrow's work will be very valuable and noticed. The owner might have to add protection ( like a special glass cover used in museums for precious paintings). get more insurance, move the painting from behind the register to an area where it could not easily be stolen or maybe later eventually sell it to fund his retirement.

They are wonderful together and love being active and testing their physical limits. They play well together. But, it seems Loren doesn't get close to a guy or let him get close to him. Loren let things go to a point and then seems to be using at the end his standard ways of pushing a guy away. Jay read him well and thinks/hopes that Loren sees more in him and them as a pair. He is willing to play the long game. He knows he cannot reason with Loren and a frontal assault on his rationalizations will fail. He decides to let Loren stand alone as he sought and drive away and let Loren decide if he does miss him wants more with him. Will absence make his heart grow fonder? Time will tell if Loren will reach out to him as Jay wishes. Ok, Loren is set up as ignoring Jay and makes him come to him. I am surprised Jay has not studied Loren and his social media activities. Should Loren be offended that Jay is incurious about his professional life. Jay's stance on body revealing would be an attack on Loren if he knew what Loren was doing and showing. Loren has set up his sucess on line with certain body exposing expectations . BTW, Jay seemed to love looking at Loren when his shirt was off in public areas hiking and rock climbing. Is there a clock ticking on either of their careers that may influence them to begin preparing for their next life cycle of relationship changes or next employment phase ? Not many NFL's players are like Tom Brady who have around a 20 year career. Even a 10 year career is exceptional. Bodies do wear out. I am unaware if influencers have a normal career life span and, if so . Loren must be aware of his limitations/expectations and how to reinvent himself to maintain/modify his career and sponsors and audience. Could Jay on a future posting with Loren?

Wow--very touching, very emotional. The boys were wracked with guilt and connected strongly. They found peace at the end after the sacrifice of Peter. You explained the steps the humans and Gnos followed, told us the God appeared to them as real and comforted them that what they were doing uplifted their community. Peter accepted his fate and helped his knife wielder do what was required. They saw Mithras with Peter. The Gnos leader told to Ned he would find Peter after he died and crossed the river. It would all work out in the end. Peter was told that great things were expected of him in the future. This chapter tied things together and answered most of my questions about the ceremony, the consequences for Peter,Mithras , the Gnos's role and that they added a sacrifice at the same time and what happens afterwards. Thank you.

Interesting developments--Armand and Collin are announced as boyfriends to Collin's parents and his friends. Collins parents accept his sexuality and Armand. The conflicts arise with Collins friends, especially the girls who lack an awareness of personal space and hygiene. Armand is shocked. Collin realizes his activities at his club are not healthy and leaves with Armand for a good restaurant. The ramifications from their public outing and club activities are going to be new stresses and unforeseen by them, I bet. However, the good side is that they both seem compatible and happy and look like they can weather any storms. I wonder if the uptight religious person will get involved. Armand is still on his path for artistic excellence and his gay relationship will not impair his professional respect.

Karl is asking a powerful question. What is love? Is he in love? He is getting advice from people he trusts and still is confused about love and his situation with George. Heck, most people are perplexed by love, too. He thinks he is in love with George and wants to know if it is true and what the consequences are for love and sex. Could George be the one for him? He has other people in his life and thinks about them--in a non-sexual way so far. Karl wonders if he is in love with George, but he has not really asked if George is in love with him. It could be a one-sided relationship which will be doomed to failure. Can he move on to another, more compatible person? Can he find that special one who loves him as well he loves, too. He is so young and living in a wartime environment with limited people relationships. He is earnest and wanting answers and thinks he can get them. He is on a rocky journey.

Thanks for a wonderful chapter-The bad guys were arrested and taken to jail without much trouble. Shadow mages make great cops that is for sure. Vincent saw more of the shifter world at EC HQ and now has more incentive to travel and increase his speed as his teacher suggests. Two terrific, fulfilling love making scenes resulted with greater commitments. Stacy and Dave are on the track to be mated. Stacy is still thinking about how far she will go. I loved the spontaneous, heartfelt request for marriage. Vincent and Mason will be married. Hooray !

Now that turn of events was very unexpected. Domogarov has sought asylum and CJ is requested by him and will only speak to him. I am suspicious why CJ is being requested and also if Spike is telling CJ the whole story. What a stupid question really. He is CIA and doesn't reveal all he knows. Their network of extended friends once again ties them into a bigger operation. CJ is respected by Spike and trusted to do the right thing with skill and balance. Cj is surprised to learn of his broader support in the embassy and how little is thought of his boss" Steve" as Spike gloriously calls him. A good cover story is made up for a trip to DC. It will surely burn Northman who will see CJ as getting favored treatment for a personal matter. Will he grouse to others in social settings outside his job ? Will a wrong person overhear him? Owen should be worried until they get into a safe place in DC. The Russians. as we see on the news today. are ruthless and can be killers ignoring civilian casualties. They have had two weeks to get people ready in Mexico. I can see an attack on a car or small convoy on the way to the airport or a bomb on the plane. Spike should be taking good precautions, though.

A pleasant interlude with Colin and Armand getting closer before the next exciting event--Mother will see her naked son on a large, expensive painting. How will she react ? Her husband loved this painting of his son by a famous artist. Will she be excited or very upset? Will she ask Armand to add something to her son's body to make it less explicit? Hopefully, Colin's and Armand's friendship can grow openly. At least, Armand has a large check and a new baseline for his painting prices.

Wow, I did not expect this back and forth. Both guys had uncertainties and crossed assumptions about each other's motions. I thought Maddox would be the firm one with a goal of having a boyfriend. Now, he is also worried Jonathan finally told him after prodding about his bad boyfriend and Maddox learned why he was reluctant. That threshold issue was identified and only led to more complications. Both guys talked to their friends about their growing connection. I can see leaks to the campus rag coming with pics of the kiss made in public. Maddox, though, was most upset. Rusty left him with the feeling he was just into Jonathan to fuck him and then walk away--or he would be gay. Maddox avoided Jonathan the next week worrying about what they really mean to each other. If they fuck, he considered that might be the point in which they broke up and he was concerned. Both guys were challenged. They made a Saturday night date and both agreed that Maddox would fuck Jonathan. Jonathan is now thinking this will end their deal and he can leave and go out and find a proper long time lover----not a hookup. Maddox finally now thinks he wants Jonathan long term and considers that his fucking Jonathan will be so wonderful for both of them that Jonathan will want to stay with him. I bet they both will have built up their expectations so that they won't be met. They need more dates........ I enjoyed how you wrote about their worries and angst and used friends as sounding boards. Life isn't a straight line for them. I am waiting for a curveball or two. This experience felt real.

Arrow is on his way to having love be part of his life. It will make him a more substantial and full person. His new boyfriend could really influence his art, too . I am impressed his art is worth so much. Now his professor knows Armand is Arrow. His secret is revealed.

Wow--a Sonny and Cher reference--Hilarious Bouncer acts like he is fully aware of what is going on and he is needed to protect Essell

Arrow is becoming a good hearted, well-regarded young artist with a painting now at a famous art gallery. He wisely is seeking more education in higher education and by visiting museums. it was encouraging to see how he has learned to present his criticisms in positive ways. His teacher at Yale notices him and has featured his work, His prominence could cause jealousy if he is not careful.

What a great chapter--Essell and Garjah are successfully concluding an agreement and have selected what sounds like a good ambassador. Essell has not kept track pf him for two years, though. Sonez is a stupid, officious bully. He tried in essence to capture Essell and disrupt the negotiations. Now we and others know he demanded sex from Essell. No wonder he ran away to make his name on his own. I hope Essell sees that the vid is broadcast. Why is no senior military official stepping in the handle Sonez? What will Essell's mother say? She is overhearing this exchange. No matter, it looks like a snarling, poison claws opened and ready Bouncher knows Sonez is threatening Essell and is ready to jump on him with deadly consequences. I bet Sonez will run away fast in disgrace. I hope Essell and Garjah can live the live they expect now.

A very pleasant interlude--so enchanting and rewarding--like a fine confectionary Arrow is developing his skills and insights and maintaining his generous, kind nature. He is no prima donna and is not self-important as his talent is praised