Flip-Flop

I find it hard to believe that Andy and Robert would allow Maeve to be alone to receive the delivery of Matt? Is it possible one or both are nearby or even elsewhere in the house? If this was not part of a preconceived plan, I would be truly shocked and disappointed that they would allow this situation to occur. I was very worried that Matt was going to attempt an escape into the rough sea, to get away from his keepers. He was close to freedom but was totally unaware. Glad he was discovered by the crew. There is enough drama going on now and I am happy @Mikiesboy choose not to go in that direction.

LOL, I assume that this represents Larry, before his big make-over?

The quote was part of my chapter comment made on chapter 17 (before the chapter 18 split). I think it is still valid here and now. What a Wunnderful!, Wunnderful! Story!

Yes he does, because it is a bit of a live and learn process, and can result in regrets. I believe Red was trying to express that to him earlier, as to not falling in love right off the bat.

This is Ricky's attempt to gain some control over any aspect of his life. His every decision has been made by others, Music, schedule, time, contracts, travel, wardrobe, haircuts, ect, have all been made by others. This will take time to find what fits and works for him, because he is a virgin at decision making. That is why he came to New York with almost nothing. He was a famous and talented performer but sucked at being himself. He is building control from the ground up. I wish him luck and and am anxious to watch him on this path to find a "Ricky" that makes him happy and successful. This is an unusual premise and great start for Chris's story.

@Geron Kees said that he made a last minute decision to split the final chapter. Right, I believe that. I am sure he he did not really intend to leave us hanging on the side of this cliff at this pivotal point. I smell a "pup tiger turd" about that!

I believe that Ahmet also used Matt when he was most vulnerable. He was Matt's warden when he was Kanaan's sex slave and a long term devoted employee of this monster. In Matt' state of mind of course, he would latch on to anyone who showed the least bit of kindness. Any hint of a contact between the two would result in brutal justice from Kanaan and result in death to both. I also can not see Robert helping this desire to unite again, in any way. Matt needs time to heal both mentally and physically from his repeated abuse.

This chapter was filled with such soul searching drama by the characters. Maeve's reaction was very encouraging, and her help will definitely be needed. Andy's mother needed time to process and the shower scene reflected surprising insight, but her mother's insight (for Matt's mom), seems to have won her battle of mixed emotions. Andy is filled with regret over involving those he loves and Robert as expected, is standing with his son in his time of need and direction. Kanaan showed some mercy by letting Ahmet suffer a lifetime of living between a rock and a hard place, at least for now. Poor Matt has been undoubtedly very abused, and is clueless to what the future will hold. All this human drama stuffed into a well written and heart felt chapter. Another great job done by our author.

From chapter 9:

Perhaps Vespris and Chregar, Could help to stock their ship with the game fish, that Bzup seemed to enjoy on his visit?

That is a great list. I could add more questions and take it to letter R or letter S. Right now, readers could fill out the a complete alphabet list of our questions quickly. And god forbid we get all the science/physics guys going. Geron will wrap this up in the next chapter, put his bow on it, and I believe we will be happy with his gift. It is always a great ride when you travel with @Geron Kees! I wouldn't object to another visit, 😉 Just saying.

Why Jem. What was there about Jem that caused him to react and or relate to Jem so much. I thought maybe he had observed Jem "learning" his new ship duties and thought that guy is good at this learning ability. I will pick him to try to teach and learn communication

Are we now at the doorway to find answers to our many questions? Bzup has said repeatedly that he could not or would not speak for his kind. Everyone is there for one purpose. Could it all be as simple as was stated by our new alien friend? Before this story ends I would like to learn, why Jem?

For Roger to move far away in order to get away from dealing with Phil in any way, speaks volumes. It would be best for Phil to simply move on, I would think Allen would have been more active to gain information on Phil, when the power of attorney rights were transferred to him?

This was another great chapter. I too was happy to see Phil taking more interest in his future, then his past. There are a lot of moving parts in his story now, and he is gaining a brighter outlook and looking forward with added resolve. He also needs to move past Roger and meet with his grandson Allen. Gary's interest is reminding Phil as to what living a full life means. Yes, things are finally looking up for him, and he is ready to meet them head on now, with the help of his new support group of friends.

That seemed to go well, but just added more intrigue to this tale. The alien form of communications was not a pleasant thing for the crew ears and they could feel the effect within their bodies. What did Mikulsa feel after viewing his alien counterpart protector? What is Bzup's status with his kind? This mystery contains so many paths to be explored. Just as it should. Now we need to find and question the Chregar crew, and see if Bzup can enlighten us as to the current situation.

Don't understand the science, but this could become relevant if a worst-case scenario comes to be?

What was Andy's reasoning for writing the book in the first place? Was it to expose the on going human trafficking problem or was it an effort to try to enforce a change to the reaction to the problem? The police at that time said "tell us something that we don't know," but were unable to act. Andy reacted when the opportunity presented it's self on impulse, and now gains a new responsibility. It may appear a small effort when viewed at the over all problem, but this will be life changing or life saving for Matt. Andy was very wise to seek out Robert's counsel on how best to proceed.

If I had a crystal ball I would tell you this: I feel Mikulsa is playing nice for a selfish reason. He needs the ships crew to help him to get information and cooperation from Bzup to get an upper hand for a preconceived plan of his. He is not about to let these people tell him how to do a job that he has been doing successfully for so many years. It will be for their own good, Like it or not. After all, he is the "Protector."

I like Ana also. I can also see the point of the people feeling safe in their home environments and the quantity of known and unknown species that inhabit this land. Funds are limited, and the sea studies were not a priority and that seemed acceptable, until maybe, right now. Perhaps they now feel a threat that the monsters of the sea can be turned into weapons, and are clueless as what other creatures besides orx, that could be controlled in similar or even different ways. Varin Mikulsa is still a bit of unknown until we get to know him better. Kel a relative, has been a source of some information as to how he can be rude and can stir up things at family gatherings. Being a "runt", he may have a chip on his shoulders? Time will tell, but no one on the ship will let him treat Bzup rudely.

Happy to see Keven was returned to the stage since Alex failed to live up to expectations and was booed on stage. Kevin performed better than last time, and stuck in there despite having food poisoning. The band appears to have gotten over any fall out from his stage fright and skipping out. Not easy probably but I guess getting booed on stage seemed much worse. On to the next venue for Lee's traveling road show.

I have great confidence in Master Terpin at this point due to his experience and knowledge of the rules, aided by senior crew members. Nita has done very well with the somewhat limited equipment available to her. Jem has shown that he has many natural abilities and wisdom in his many new roles aboard ship and is respected and appreciated by the Master and crew, along with Nico, in what is considered a "special package" asset. Our new friend Bzup is learning to communicate very quickly and should enlighten us with needed insight of what to expect and learn about his fellow members of this newly discovered race. The mystery of siffle pack behavior could just be evolution because they are no longer the top of the food chain, or not. But I hope we will get to address that question in due time, We are in the future, and the vastness of space and also this planet Benteen, contains many unknowns to the settlers and us readers, and I love this ride @Geron Kees is providing for us. ❤️

What a Wunnderful!, Wunnderful! chapter! Bzup is learning the language and true communication is starting to occur. We now have alternate ideas about Chregar's fate that Master Terpin wants to investigate. The visitors will arrive shortly, but I hope they will end up on an investigative ship ride, to search for further clues. There could be drama, but my money is on Master Terpin with his crew and of course, Bzup. We will soon see what wise ideas the visitors are bringing with them.

The mystery of the Chregar is still an unknown and may be the key to the attack on the Vespris. Could the Chregar have done something to provoke hostilities, or was it the victim of them. I think we need to know the facts about what was likely first contact between the two races. How and when that could be found out, I have no clue. But I believe we will find out. I enjoyed Til and Bzup's visit and can see that Til has a more open mind towards Bzup now. PS ....We also get Lawrence Welk reruns every week on two PBS channels.

Every one I know, like, and love are imperfect, and I definitely include myself. That is a real world truth. What I meant is he has to make sacrifices if this is his true desire. I did not want to imply he is hopeless. He just needs to put his priorities in order.