Anton_Cloche

Cliffie Alert. At the lead-in to this chapter, @quokka dropped a Spoiler Alert 🚨, if you will. Get your rock climbing ropes and crampons ready... 13 - Lucky for some... Last Chapter of Book One. Book Two will follow sometime down the road... Q "Sometime down the road" is about a vague as you can get Preston. Care to drop some hints, like before the next 'Blue Moon', or before St. Swithun's Day, or next Equinox? Have you, like all good authors do (or should according to Rowling), already completed Book II and sending it out for Beta and Eds* to review, revise, suggest and polish? Outline only and waiting to colour inside the lines? Your muse(s) went out for coffee and haven't returned? Enquiring minds want to know. * As an Ed, this can be a daunting task. It's not just grammar, spelling, punctuation etc. Continuity plays a major issue in fiction, perhaps more so than non-fiction writing. Looking forward to Book II, plus whatever else is pending.

So, so powerful. And so true just weeks before another crucial vote. And yet, as we the readers decide whom this politician is or might be, (and there are more than a handful who fit the description stated in this story), based on their years in politics, please note I did not say "years of service". In reality, as with the aged politician represented in Requiem, "Service for the People" did not occur. The reality, after perhaps the second re-election to office, is that "for the greater good" falls by the wayside, replaced with "for the good of myself", which the 'good book' refers to as greed and avarice. NB: Few realize that when FDR's Securities Exchange Commission was signed into law in 1934*, (* https://www.loc.gov/resource/hec.37720/) that while the intent was to recover from the Stock Market collapse caused by speculation and insider trading of stocks, a loophole was created for Members of the House and Senate to receive advance information on upcoming stock offerings (ostensibly "to oversee and prevent unscrupulous insider trading".) However, since 1934 many sitting politicians have become millionaires, using this advance "information" of IPO's to buy stocks "low" and sell "high". The 1951 22nd Amendment put 2 Term Limits on Presidents, but House and Senate refused (then and to this day) Term Limits. So elected career politicians, like in Requiem continue to benefit (aka line their pockets and purses). Requiem is a powerful story @C James that deserves and needs re-telling until things get fixed, “For the sake of the many, not of the few, we must remember history, and learn its harsh lessons well. For the sake of the many, we must remember".

I'm 10 years "WAY LATE to the party" to coin a phrase, in terms of commenting on this story @C James and its' fantastic predecessor, but Jim teaching Eric how to ride a "bike" in order to evade the dreaded Paps is almost doomed from the start. Unless ... Hopefully Jim has training in addition to simply being an '81' rider. At a minimum, Jim is, or has been a 'Defensive Riding' Instructor. The first thing ANY competent 'Defensive Riding' instructor tells students is: "Assume you are invisible, and that EVERY vehicle (car, truck, SUV, lorry etc) is trying to kill you. Why? Because the first thing EVERY driver tells police after every incident (collision) involving a motorcycle is: "I didn't see it." The second thing a good 'Defensive Riding' instructor will warn riders against is 'Lane Splitting' or driving between and (darting) around vehicles, even if it is legal (in some jurisdictions). At low speed, lane splitting between moving vehicles and those parked at curb is the risk of being "doored." Literally a driver opens a car door without checking the mirrors, and the motorcycle (and bicycles) hitting the door with often deadly results. At high speed (highway, motorway etc), 4+ wheel vehicles changing lanes without checking mirrors (Hello? Those bright, shiny, relevtive things on outside of doors?) virtually always means death to a motorcyclist. Just an FYI.

An even better question is why Devin doesn't morph into Bear and communicate with the little dog (if that's possible), if Mac takes him out for a walk when the Beotch is walking the little dog, and learn if Louella is harming it?

I will just say 'Acting Special Assistant'. 🤔

Interesting chapter @quokka, especially the kerfuffle at the UNSC. BTW, all Ambassadors, HoS, Foreign Affairs Ministers / FAM (aka Secretaries of State /SoS) and others VIP normally have armed bodyguards with them (even though they are "technically banned" inside the UNSC. I previously was ASA for a FAM). The sudden appearance of Brett aka Terb Sua, would have had weapons appearing. Not surprised at knee jerk government reaction to Foreign Minister Susan out and without AFP support, especially after her efforts to disclose the Amixorpian plan to save Earth. Expect to see her receive kudos at some point, even if nor at home. Would Bob Hawke reacted differently?

I'd rather enjoy the 🍺 from which the leftover 'brewers yeast' creates this 'edible' byproduct.

Another interesting chapter @wolfwriter as well as some interesting comments (and perhaps suggestions about "your process"). I generally feel any author, whether a newbie, or someone who has "published" in a different format, benefits from having a good beta reader or two along with an editor. In addition to finding spelling, grammar and/or other "oopses",they can check for continuity, and also be a sounding board for ideas and suggestions. My experience with an editor of a major publisher often said the same, when she spoke at universities and at conferences. She summed it up once by saying: 'Even the most renowned authors, including those who proffer themselves as "doing it all by myself" have to rely on a team at some point'. Looking forward to meeting the girls, the trip back 'home' to Miramar, and changes.

Actually, in most jurisdictions, Child Protection Services (or other titles), may do so if (a) Parental Rights have been terminated (incarceration, death etc.), and (b) a parent has named suspected parent (or donor) for paternity, and (c) if "time is of the essence" whether for medical or other needs. Although circumstances may vary. As for this chapter @wolfwriter, there is another instance of a portion repeated (albeit with an additional sentence). Just an FYI, not a criticism.

An interesting start @wolfwriter to this book, (as an editor I did notice a few things, but nothing a re-read wouldn't catch or improve). Is Surprise Valor a prequel or a sequel to this story? Afterall, there is mention of both a 'Chase' (Lt. Johnson) and 'Jason' in 'Uncommon Valor'.

A very interesting story from "back in the day". I only wish my Doctor's waiting room stocked this kind of reading material from @drsawzall instead of old Readers Digest and NatlGeo. Looking forward to coming chapters. (especially as fall seems to be arriving far too soon in the Northern Hemisphere). Your title however reminds me of this: It was a dark and stormy night. Suddenly, a shot rang out! A door slammed. The maid screamed. Suddenly, a pirate ship appeared on the horizon! While millions of people were starving, the king lived in luxury. Meanwhile, on a small farm in Kansas, a boy was growing up. Charles M. Schulz, It Was a Dark and Stormy Night, 😀 😉

You mean aside from getting their knickers in a twist, or needing a "change" when they get back on Terra Firma? As for getting either the entire U.N. Security Council, or just the 'Ambassadors' thereto to attend a private "in camera" meeting with an 'outsider' not accredited to U.N. is nigh on impossible. (Based on first hand knowledge as an NGO Rep). Brett 'beaming' in, will have guns drawn. Better the Amixorpians take unilateral action, perhaps with ships 'cloaked'. I think both Brett and Hugh are going to have AFP in their lives soon. And NOT for the better.

Thank you @Connectwriter for this story, thus far. It was very well written (and edited), with careful attention to details. Your decision to add an Epilogue (perhaps as an introduction to characters in related or a continuation of this story), is a very good one, especially as "set 25 years later." As a reader, editor and sometime 'ghost', I am a strong proponent of epilogues, when they are well 'crafted' (like artwork). One that takes everything into consideration and creates a completely believable conclusion. "Set 25 years later" we will see many changes. Likely the sad departure of a beloved and wise Severin, and with that, the "passing of the baton" and ownership of his 'boring' company into the hands of his "nephew" Lukas and his partner Christoph. Perhaps Luke's father Hans is the proud 'Opa' of a grandson named 'Hans Severin' and granddaughter named after his late wife (?), both with undergraduate business degrees in Vienna but now attending Columbia University with 'HS' going for a law degree, and granddaughter studying (at Vagelos) to become a doctor / surgeon like her Opa Hans. The future looking bright, with both of Luka and Christoph's children honouring his pledge to Hans of: "I’ll do everything I can to keep our family together, here and in Austria". Looking forward to this!

Will Christoph get a surprise when he gets home from work? A bed for starters? Will that be the 'key' to a relationship?

I too caught this reference to the kitchen dinner (Abendessen in der Küche) with Lukas and Severin: "At one point during dinner, Severin held his stomach, but just for a brief moment. Lukas asked him if he was OK, and he replied, “Oh yes, I’m fine, just a bit of…I think…indigestion. Maybe I’m just nervous thinking about our call.” Frau Marchuk seemed to give him a stern look" My late father had a heart condition, and indigestion was one telltale sign of a looming problem. Severin as head of a large (tunnel boring) company, has the resources and perhaps access to a private plane, to get Lukas' surgeon father to Vienna, or for Sevo and Lukas to "air ambulance" to U.S.?

If conscious but in a vegetative state, could 'live' a long time, but would escape death penalty. IF becomes more aware of herself and surroundings, and able to "communicate" visually (blink yes or no), could "live" trapped inside body for years. However, not likely to be tried since State (and Federal law kidnapping of Joey) say "accused must be able to actively participate in their defense". So jail or other "facility" for life. Abel transferring his inheritances, (plus house sold, bank accounts, investments, 401K and other assets), to the children MAY be subject to federal 40% Gift Tax, but there is no GA 'Gift Tax'. (IRS can waive tax for "special circumstances"). Those funds will cover care and education of Jill, Steve and Nick through college, university and possibly retirement funds. BTW, current (2024) value of 1 acre Tybee Island "waterfront" property averages $5+ Million. 😀 For those unfamiliar with 'The Book of Genesis' in the Bible, Abel and Cain were the first two (of 3 ?) sons of ... Asp me no questions, I'll tell you no lies. 😉

Great comments so far @quokka for this interesting change of themes. With the LOOMING asteroid on a collision course with 'our' moon, and the short time frame for when Earth authorities will become aware, I have to wonder if Terb (Brett, backward) Sua could use the help of some Earth enterprises already heavily involved in exploration of this planet and its' oceans, and experience dealing with the United Nations. Alex and Lang of Lloyd Family Corp and perhaps Zander of X.D.S.I. as well. Hint, hint. I'm also trying to imagine the (over) reactions of a certain former U.S. President and his USSF - United States ... being "briefed" on this interstellar event. But I immediately relaxed when I remember his Generals saying: "He doesn't reading briefing books ". Phew!

Interesting work colleagues may be an understatement, especially when Ralph lives above the shop. As for work lunch choices, anyone with IBD/S knows diet plays a huge (unforgiving role), where "tikka boom" is common. The new client Iverson's website featuring minimalist male swimwear, and the models Ralph may face (😉😉) may be less 'Aussiebum' and more Aussie bums 😋. What are the chances Ralph's daughters may be more "gay friendly" than Ralph is comfortable with, and that 'Mommie Dearest' aka Therese De Vile will get more bent out of shape than wire clothes hangers? @Robert Hugill has written another enticing story as these first two chapters draw readers in.

So, "smartphone", operator ... fingers too big? 😉 At least Herr Otto Korrect wasn't at fault (🤔). ICYMI, a well known overseas online "presenter" (name hidden to protect the inane), who for years touted AI as "the new future", now says AI does not mean Artificial Intelligence, but rather "Arsehole Inventors". Reporter suing popular EV maker after "Full Self Driving" AutoPilot drove off the road into a building at high speed. He was allegedly "napping". @Lee Wilson, this chapter was riveting to say the least. Learning that the child found inside the hole, 10 year old Joey Keys, was tortured, manacled and buried alive, by POSrents, was horrible. Any 'saving grace' was that Joey was unconscious when buried and not terrorized more in his final moments. As for his father, a good and capable lawyer should be able to get his attempted murder charge for shooting Kathy Taft reduced due to "temporary mental incapacity" which is a recognized defense in that State (§16-3-2).

Deep breaths (in through the nose, out through the mouth), CBD/spliffs, alprazolam, diazepam, dark chocolate and red wine. Any or ALL of these may calm nerves and reduce anger. Ask your doctor.😉 Where are flaming torches that accompany pitch forks? As for @Summerabbacat, history says Salem's Lot used drowning, hanging and burn the "witches", long before the term "trifecta". 🤔 @Al Norris added: Some States will now send the child sex offender or child abuser into special protective areas to try and prevent their death. So the Epstein Suite with extra 'Housekeeping'?

Teleportation, like being sucked up into a Dyson vac and hoping the particles can be reassembled in the proper sequence? Or this?

Oh wow @quokka, some interplanetary misappropriate sexual activity? Are 'Harold' and 'Charles' gay? And does the concept of homosexuality even exist where they are from. (Sounds like a lot of alien 'probes' abductees refer to). Now that Hugh has literally stumbled upon what happened, can Brett risk disclosing any information to Hugh? Will hugh think Brett's lost his mind and report him? Then there's the issue of Brett agreeing not too tell anyone on earth about his connections to really illegal aliens? BTW, is it just me, or does Alf resemble ... You know ...

You only have a "World"? Not a "Universe" like other "super" entities? 😀

The 'person' side of me is taking time to consider an appropriate comment, other than to say I'm apoplectic (in large part because 'this' happens to children far too often, around the world). The 'editor / 'ghost' side of me is putting words out quicker than I can write or type. What I can say with a high degree of certainty, is that "Life in prison" for 'incubator', 'ejaculator' and 'auntie' will be extremely short and extremely painful once 'Gen Pop' learns of their arrival inside the walls. Not even PC will keep them safe. An epic chapter @Lee Wilson.

So instead, let's introduce her to Evan the evil skinwalker. (Are they meant for each other?). Or is she bad enough to scare the bejesus out of it, and send it running back to from whence it came?