Anton_Cloche

CHIMERA: · A composite creature made of different parts. · In genetics, an organism (mitochrondrial, cellular, human being ? etc.) with tissues composed of cells from different donor individuals (or species). · Individual, organ, or part consisting of tissues with diverse genetic constitutions. This can occur through natural processes like microchimerism, where cells from the mother (egg) , from the bio-father(s) sperm, or siblings surviving in the body*. · Generally, anything that is wildly imaginative, implausible, or dazzling. What we know of 'History of Joshua 'Josh' Thomas Quinn, and can surmise: 🔸Rachel Carrington / CIA, was "partnered" for 17 years with Garrett Lindsey also from CIA and close friend with Julian Parks, of CIA. 🔸Was Rachel the egg donor, impregnated by partner Garrett and implanted via IVF and delivered Josh 9 months later? 🔸Fake name and 'adoption of record' to protect Josh from being discovered? 🔸Was IVF handled by Julian Parks as a 'Special Project' of Walter Green at CIA? 🔸Joshua Thomas Quinn is 16 years old, injured in crash of Rachel's Cadillac with a male passenger (Garrett) both burned beyond recognition. 🔸Theoretically with "muscle memory", "mental memory", "experiential memory . * A genetically engineered aka "Test Tube Baby" with the egg from a "mother", combined with sperm from one or more donors, and prior to implantation into the womb, with additional "genetic material" to alter the likely offspring. Already done successful in animal breeding, with possible (?) human testing. A direct offshoot from Louise Brown (born July 25, 1978, Lancashire, England) as the first human conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF)

"But the moment didn’t get to last. Because standing just ahead, near the edge of the parking lot, half-shadowed by the floodlights overhead, was the one thing that could snuff out my glow in an instant. Ryan McConnell. His arms were crossed. His jaw was set. And even from a distance, I could see it, he was not happy. Not even a little". When did @Jeff Burton decide to drop my unauthorized biography? That's how scary real this is! Been there, done that and bought the merch shirt, (like a dozen!) Change 3 names, and OMG! (Excuse me while I chastise myself: "You're an Editor, restrain yourself"!) Next ... ? To quote Neil Diamond in his iconic 'I am, I said': "... except for the names, and a few other changes, if you talk about me, the story's the same one."

Editors are not surprised when authors act / react surprised at something they wrote. Like they didn't know it was coming. (Unless, like some "famous" well-known authors who shall remain nameless, they claim it was "another" in the driver's seat). To readers, it comes across as a 'H'uh' or 'WTH' moment or "is the author just messing with us". Not saying any of that is at play here, because the Kildare's have had enough drama in their lives, mostly Jonah. But so far in this story it seems @irivera has decided to play "Tag, you're it" with Calvin? Hopefully, not dravin (driven 🙄*) to make that come true. * misread my calendar. Thought it said today was Pun Day.

Follow the plan Grasshopper. Wax On, Wax Off, and Wax Eloquent. Can't believe how easy it was to "go there" @Jeff Burton. 😆🤣 But speaking of Josh and all things encrypted , where are you with Uncle Greg paying a visit to Josh Quinn at his temporary home? And we WILL see how quickly Daniel, Claire and the whole Kincaid foster family closes ranks to protect Josh. Oh, and living in Grandfather Kincaid's prohibition-era custom built home, you just know that there are rooms, secret passages etc. that Fibbie Uncle Greg (and the CIA) may not know about. Just staying. 🚪 ⛔ 🚫 🚨🚨🚨

Oh great, 😒 another nifty story that sucks. Chock full of nuts, tropes, and memes. Wake me when it's over. Oh wait, 🦇 🧛‍♂️are "undead", so never really "over".

Wow, I can't believe no one has commented yet on this well-written chapter, @FV2112. And only 13 emoji reactions? While authors may have access to tracking ('clicks') information to see how many people read chapters (and stories), as an editor I know how important it is for authors to have feedback from readers. I want to take a moment to pass on a few thoughts. On "free" sites like GA (and others), feedback is often the only compensation authors receive. Feedback helps sustain authors and encourage them to keep writing, through praise, constructive critiques, and/or suggestions. So I encourage readers to take a few moments and pass along their thoughts. In summer, peoples lives are busy and recent horribly tragic events have most of us very much saddened and distracted. 💔 My heartfelt thoughts go out to all those affected. ~ ~ ~ @FV2112, Damien's metamorphosis is slowly making changes to him that he desperately needs; emotionally, physically and yes sexually (although at a rate slower than a 🐌) . His crush on muscular older men (Bears? Daddies?) in the form of school teachers is likely to cause even more problems than those he's experiencing with the jocks and cheerleaders, especially during lunch. Candy is certainly not "sweet", but we catch a glimpse at the pressure she's under, after an intense exchange between herself and Damien: "Damien pushed his way past Candy and walked away from her as fast as he could. As he rushed down the flight of stairs, Candy couldn’t help but look onward in abject sadness, knowing that the few times she did try and speak out in Damien’s defense, she’d find herself on the receiving end of similar cruel treatment and ridicule. “You think I haven’t tried!? It’s not that easy, Damien.” Looking forward to the coming chapters.

Once again Dr. David McLavic Sr is off on another archeological adventure. Years ago he had an unfinished and interrupted journey. Then a successful 'dig' uncovering treasures in Peru. Now, hopefully a return to Egypt. In search of a missing Pharaoh? If you've seen one pyramid you've seen them all. Or have you? Will Dr. McLavic find the supporters, financial backers and the 'team' to make this expedition a success?

And there it is... “Jock-boy wants to see you in shorts.” Sloane said from the couch like a Cheshire cat. I groaned. “It’s not like that. He’s fucking straight.” “Uh huh.” Ry's crush is Sky (since Ry is as straight as 'Bachelor' Colton Underwood in 2019. Uh huh. His 'Tight End' practiced but never dressed for game play with Chargers, Eagles or Raiders. He just 'hung out' in locker rooms😮). And Gabriel? 6' 3 and heaven sent to add more Catholic angst to Skylar? Three HOT saints, Sebastien, Michael and now Gabriel (“Yeah, but I don’t blow trumpets,”) Who's next to enter Sky's personal purgatory? The swim team captain who winked at Sky? Is his name Jude, (Patron Saint of desperate situations and lost causes)? Holey cow!

This chapter, and Joel's trip "home" to get his belongings raises a few more issues for Joel and Trace to deal with. Joel being thrown out of his home is bad enough, but living two counties over, AND in the rival school district? This could cause Joel to lose his scholorship eligibility, not to mention university scouts not bring able to find him, video him and open up potential drafting opportunities. There is a chance Joel's current high school, could waive his 'residency' requirement, but he still needs to be able to get to school, baseball practice and games. Oh wait, his dad fixed the broken fan belt on his Grandfather's truck and it's good to go. (and his father tried to give him the keys). At the next weekend, Trace can take him to visit Cody AND get Josh's pickup truck at the same time. There's the issue of Joel's saving account at the bank, which Trace can help Joel stop his mother from taking the money. Finally there's brown-eyed Grady Roy Mason that Joel runs into at the shoe store. Will Roy spill the beans about the bridge and gun incident? Or will smoldering eyes lead to a different resolution for Joel and Roy?

This is a well written tale @Krista, with believable characters in unfortunately all too common situations and circumstances; whether in fiction or in real life. Both in the here and now, and in decades gone by. In Joel"s case he is torn in many directions after being outed by his older brother to his fractured family. His father Phil, a mechanic when his own father 'lost' the family farm, selling it off piece by piece, becomes 'less' due to an overbearing, bible-thumping harpy, who rules the roost, and refuses to envisage a good son turning gay. Lisa's hate not only gives her 'permission' to throw Joel out, but rewards her action even when she learns Joel planned to kill himself with his grandfather's pistol, if not for fate having Trace Connley be on that county road bridge due to an accident on the main highway. A diversion that has him arrive in time to stop Joel from making a huge mistake. Is hate a choice? Far too often it can be a 'learned' attitude and behavior. It can be self hate as a result of learned experiences. The old argument of behavior being a question of nature vs nurture, comes to mind. Or to paraphrase John Connor in 1991's 'Terminator2: Judgement Day': "No Hate but what we make for ourselves."

Speaking of Tropes ... Pat's 1980 single, came from her album 'Crimes of Passion', which seems sadly appropriate given that Darnell Mayer's killing of convicted and 'Registered' pedophiles, could have been argued by any competent defense attorney as "Crimes of Passion resulting from PTSD", following the rape of his teenage son Nigel by Ian Braun, the first "Offender" he 'took out'. The bullying of Nigel by his "schoolmates ... already (thinking) Nigel was gay", and Nigel's suicide by drowning days after the bullying at school only added to Darnell's PTSD and his need to make the guilty pay. "Needless to say, Darnell was incensed". The final "Straw that broke the camel's back", (so to speak), happened the day after Nigel's body was recovered in the reservoir. "... the loss was too much for his wife to bear. She was found in her bathtub after having bled to death". Darnell Mayer should have been found "Not Guilty by Reason of PTSD-related Diminished Capacity". He would likely have been sentenced to prison with a requirement for counselling. But not for "Life". However, the "survivor's guilt" Darnell would be dealing with, following losing his entire family, would likely have resulted in him tragically taking his own life. Sorry for veering away from your story line @Lee Wilson, which was very well written. I think Gennaro will reappear sooner than we think. (Perhaps with the discovery of Darnell's apparent suicide in prison)?

Fed up with boring police work, 'flat foot' Gennaro decides to roll the dice and be a private eye 🕵️‍♂️ aka 'gumshoe' (so called for moving stealthily in quiet rubber-soled shoes). Will he stick with the new job, or will a lack of generous paying clients see him try to return to his old beat? Enquiring minds want to know ... Everything!

Does Skylar's mother's 'evil exorcism episode' clip her wings and deny her passing through the Pearly Gates? Does it earn her a 1st 'Crass' ticket on the Stygian Ferry to an unhappy eternity in a place with no A/C, constant hot flashes and bars that only serve really warm 🍺? If it does, she won't have to worry about where to sit, as Beelzebub's Bar has quadrupled seating using bar stools in this orientation: As partially demonstrated by MTB and part of her cohort: Ooh 🙄 😳

Used GA's GIF search for "Warhol's Campbell Soup" et voila.

Troubles downundies? Don't mistake Wombat 'cubes' for 'Petit Fours'. 🤣

One can be smart, educated, etc. (ie being in AP classes) and still make dumb decisions and/or do 'dumb' things. Synonyms for 'dumb' include 'idiotic', 'Dim Witted' etc. There are too many examples in the news where someone with a 4.0 GPA, speeds in a car while texting, crashes, and kills or injures themself or others. Acting like an idiot in public by intentionally being dumb. People also often confuse 'Dumb' with ' Stupid'. The latter, (not Ryan?), are most often referred to as 'Unintelligent', 'Dense' or 'Ignorant'; however with the right motivation, tutoring, inspiration etc, they can succeed (to the surprise of many). Labels are for cans of soup.

SNAFU 😉

Hmm, a diversion from 'Encryption' as that pot boils (because it's waaay past 'simmering') on the back burner, waiting for more tasty ingredients? How many chapters has "@Inkognito" planned? Summer diversion reading is best done in Moderation ... a small town with excellent beaches, vinyards and wines to "enjoy, in moderation". 😅 🏖️ 🍷

As my late grandmother from Crookston would remind us, Minnesota has 4 Seasons that are unlike those in other places. In MN, Winter is the longest Season (your 'hibernation' comment applies), followed by Mosquito Season (aka Spring), then Deer & Horse Fly Season ('Summer'), with the insects a main event in a state whose slogan is "Land of 10,000 Lakes" and finally Fall. Enjoy your 'Summer' respite 🚣 🏊 🚴 🏕️ 🎣 or just relax. 🙂

In June 9th @empath said: "Don’t worry, I’m coming back to this story soon! Promise! ❤️" Okaay, but is "soon" being used as an acronym a famous author (name withheld to protect the ?) once opined as: Sorry Out Of Notions * 😳 * Notions as in 'ideas'. Otherwise, take care of yourself, be well. 🫂. We'll keep hanging on. 🙂

A remarkable chapter @FV2112, revealing not only Desmond's questions about himself, but also segreti di famiglia (family secrets) that most Italian families would "take to the grave" than talk about ... to anyone. Dezzy has learned so much about his late Uncle Jonny while revealing himself to his parents, and hopefully neither his Mom or Dad conclude by saying "now let's never speak of this again". 😥 Looking forward to the next chapter, but I am rationing myself to one chapter every few days, because your writing is so good that I'm tempted to "binge read".

Maybe the "All you can eat buffet" restaurant needs to hire a 6'4" (1.93m) Bouncer who will say if you go back more than twice for refills: "that's ALL you can eat"! 🤣 Another wonderful chapter @Bill W, but it poses more questions. Despite being soon to graduate college, Devin hasn't learned patience. That impatience combined with his stubbornness may soon put Mac, himself and their families at risk. Speaking of 'risk', what is going on with Prof. Preston and all this questions? Seems it's more than a passing interest. Does he have a connection to the stalking "evil skinwalker"? Dr. Jekyyl meet Mr. Hyde.

As Mathew and Jules begin their new life in south Florida (the Conch Republic being as far away from a "Sanctimonious" guvnor and his flooding 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Everglades), perhaps their altar egos Warren and Elliot find a similar welcoming community with a ministry in search of LGBTQ+ friendly Ministers. @drsawzall mentioned the Episcopals, but there are others in South Florida such as the Presbyterian Church, United Church of Christ, Unitarian and the nondenominational Metropolitan Community (MCC) Church in Key West (and other South Florida locations). MCC is also known for its outreach to anyone in need, including those affected by natural disasters, homelessness, hunger (especially children), etc. Perhaps "resigned" Ministers just need a 'sign' in the right direction, and find it down south? FYI, not a member of any aforementioned ministries. "To each, their own"

In more ways than most suspect. The Kincaid's inherited wealth and status may make them a target for many things. I would imagine a 'hardened' black Suburban may be in their garage soon (whether from Uncle Greg at 'Fibbie' or Walter at Spook Central). As to the gated stately home passed down from Grandpa Kincaid? A house with an imposing 'presense', that was probably built in the 1920's and survived both Prohibition Era in the U.S., and the Cuban Missle Crisis, most likely has 'special' features that became 'multi-purpose' rooms. An October 1962 bomb shelter becomes a wine cellar with extra thick and strong walls, floors, and ceiling to provide insulated temperatures to protect 'wines' and a bank-vault like door that is a novelty. Or is it a 'safe room' if things go sideways? Did Grandpa have a secret ways out of the house and off the property during Prohibition? Does Uncle Greg remember all the secret hidden places he, Dan and their siblings played in as children? BTW, my comments on the last chapter 'A New World' are still being edited before posting. Finally, Josh's PTSD reaction to being in another Black-on-Black Cadillac is not at all surprising. And really? A saddle / tan leather interior goes a long way to easing negative thoughts), ⌛

Bad days on Jersey shore for Desmond, then and now?