CincyKris

For me this chapter was all about growing up, all the girls put on their big girl panties! Well maybe not Uyen, hers are still literally and figuratively little girl's, but she's thinking about it! Felicity has definitely left Robert on the beach, remembered but never to be heard from again. Ashlee finally told her mother, and got a non-mother haircut to seal the deal. Sarah seems to be back on track, with a team of handlers to guide her. Good luck to them! I genuinely think she's worth it, but oh boy, what a handful!

Thomas is kind of like a grown up version of Brian's Toby. But more concerned about the human aspect than the earth aspect. I live in the American Midwest, and even though the internet has allowed the world to reach everywhere, my area is not what you could call a hotbed of progressive social policy, not dissimilar to where the guys live in England. It takes people like Thomas to educate and effect change. He's succeeding with Keith. Hopefully Keith's expertise will boost his self confidence. Intelligence comes in many forms.

Things were going so well when all hell broke loose! I'm guessing that "guard" was up to no good and was incapacitated by Kieran. Was he a spy for the mining company? How deep is their influence? This whole affair is probably going to have farther reaching changes than just approving or canceling a mining project.

Maybe we need to get Edna, of the mischievous vanilla scent, back to earth as a Chronos translator.

I just realized we might be putting the cart before the horse. We haven't even met Ollie's mom yet. We seem to be assuming that she is not good enough to raise Ollie. Our author is not discouraging us, so perhaps we are correct. I hope so, I think our guys would be great parents. And no diapers to change!

While it’s not my thing, I recognize there are many different types of D/s relationships. I think consenting adults should be able to do as they please. My issues are with non-consent and humiliation. I don’t see either of those as a possibility with River and Kenji. River is still finding himself. He left his smother as soon as he graduated, then went a little wild (as is common with kids of restrictive parents). Now he is reaching that settling down phase, which is different for everyone.

Andre really came through as brave and caring! Telling his story for only the second time to police takes guts! I'm looking forward to all the positive changes the boys will be experiencing. I'm also hoping the evil bastard gets what is due to him.

I will paste you’re quote: I have written/am currently writing every genre I wanted to write, so let me think about my options here... I believe Fantasy is next on my list. The thought of going deep into world building leaves me nervous. I'm not the best at detail tracking. Such subterfuge and misdirection! You should write a spy novel next!

Keith is finally out to everyone that matters to him. Outside of Den, who doesn't matter anyway, the guys are treating him just like they used to. I think using those couple of weeks just together with each other will help to let all the recent changes settle. Keith is living his new normal, and it's better than his old closeted normal.

I like idea of Realm trees in important locations in Australia, the guys will have more options to move around quickly. They just have to worry about being found out as they are becoming more well known.

This chapter had a real feeling of reflection, accomplishment, and contrast. I was impressed with Owain's and Colin's engagement discussion and struck by how far Colin has come. His baby steps have become leaps. Mhairi has grown tremendously as well. I agree with my fellow readers, these characters are too well developed to abandon forever.

Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us. I wanted to reiterate that I love your story and those messed up complicated girls!

If RMW was the killer, he would never have involved Jamie as a protector. Also, why would the clones be after him? I keep wondering about the purpose of the killings. They are reacting and playing defense against an opponent that can create monsters. They need to figure out who is doing this, but if RMW has this info, he is not sharing it with Jamie.

Poor Ollie, I wonder also how old he is. If I remember correctly, Andre was 11 or 12, I think he was rejected for getting too old around 13 or 14. Sex offenders usually have a specific “type”. As bad as Andre must be feeling right now, maybe telling the cops and testifying against that piece of crap predator will allow him to move on. There are probably other victims out there that will start coming forward once his arrest becomes public. How Ollie’s mom reacts will determine whether he will ever have a healthy relationship with her. It will truly be a make or break moment.

Their banter was one of my favorite things about this couple. I remember River wearing a choker with a lock much later in their relationship, I'm pretty sure they were monogamous at that point. I am enjoying this window to their beginning. It feels like we must be getting close to Alec going to his hometown.

Thanks! I missed that part. I think I focused on the “title”. Too bad they didn’t actually use it!

I need a clarification. I thought that Joe’s scene was his grandad and great grandfather, nothing regarding Nathan. Yes?

I'm so happy Colin finally agreed to move in with Owain! He's planning for the future instead of going through the motions and just getting by. I look forward to Joe's scene being performed.

I liked the comfortable intimacy between Keith and Thomas. I tend to agree with Thomas' viewpoint regarding missionaries and charities as modern-day colonialists. It seems the more technologically advanced a nation or region is, the less cohesive the family unit is, though there are lots of exceptions. There does seem to be a correlation between "keeping the old ways" and connectedness. I say this as someone who is a "mutt" and has no "old ways" but lots of cousins with which I have little to no contact. No hard feelings, just not close.

Didn't we have a pineapple on pizza debate amongst the Krew? Mushrooms--YES, gross salty little fish--NO! Ankle biters-- they have their place, not on a pizza of course!

I wonder if the therapist who get these two will just sit there stunned or look at it as a great challenge.

I'm going to ignore the last line for a minute. I need to process. So we know where Ashlee gets her OCD from! The contrast between the Chincoteague family scenes is immense. We have the lists and over planning for a 3 day visit with Ashlee's family (although her dad seemed cool) and the warm, relaxed chaos of Felicity's family. Her mom and dad were wonderful and so obviously in love. At the welcome center we finally had some honest communication and compromise. Ashlee agreeing to much needed therapy is huge. And then the last line. Wow. I hoped that Robert could rest in peace. I fear for Felicity's mental and physical health. How Ashlee handles this will be vital.

A lot of new info here, I'm going to quote Dave: Dave said, “I’m so fucking confused. Every single hour we go on and on and on and learn new things, but so many more questions. SO MANY QUESTIONS! AHHHHHHHH!” I loved the return of Athani-Edna, but then you took her away! I hope Grey's grandma makes a reappearance in his life.

This was a short but influential trip to the realms. It looks like we are next taking a trip to the Capitol. A group effort will be needed to coordinate and execute the huge gathering. What will Morrison, Harris, et al make of the protest?

I think I'm with @drown, there is a distinction between disclosing the paranormal goings on and his own personal powers. Disclosing any of his work with RMW would not only be wrong, but dangerous. If the info got out, the shit wouldn't just hit the fan, it would hit a tornado. But his own powers presented prior to his official association with RMW, and after all, it's his own body. I think the conversation with Mike in this chapter shows that Mike would be able to accept Jamie's powers and his need for secrecy regarding his work. But perhaps it would not be as easy for Jamie. Maybe the internal struggle with ethics over following regulations is an indication that Jamie needs a black and white boundary, rather than a gray line of distinction. Regardless, he seems to be in a better state of mind after the conversation (and the sex), hopefully the nightmares will cease.