Flip-Flop

Well it seems we are all learning the skills needed for orx hunting/fishing and the equipment and vessel to do so. The table talks at lunch about the grouping of the orx and siffle creatures being unusual and possibly be a "smart' reaction to the skills of the hunters, struck a wild thought, It reminded me of the movie "Avatar", where the alien settlers came with their advance technology to ravage the resources of the planet. The people, creatures, and planet learned how to resist and fought back. Not in the same way, but the monsters are banding to defend and their nature is to attack. See, @weinerdog is not the only one who can toss out possible theories. 😇

Wow, such beautiful writing and intense emotions. Loved all the characters (except for ass-wipe Tommy). Thanks for sharing this couple's loving story. Eryk was truly Mikey's knight in shining armor. I was totally caught up in the whole experience, great job. Would love to see what the future holds/held for Mikey and Eryk. Hint......More please.

Benteen seems to provide a tough life for its settlers, but they have endured for 500 years now. They have no choice now that they are on their own without outside support, or a way to leave. As Jem had been told, "This was a world to be endured, not conquered." This planet contains scary creatures and difficult climates. There is a mystery at sea in the orx fishing grounds of a destroyed fishing vessel with no survivors, and unusually great massing of these scary but delicious monster fish. Yep that is where @Geron Kees is taking us, along with his very likeable cast of characters. Hold on to the railings as this ride leaves the safety of the port. A great start for another adventure. Always happy to ride along with this author. 😃 🐋 🦖 🦕

Mr. Black knows his customers. He said he detests the trade of farm workers and maids, but his greed provides his false justifications for his own actions. He knows where the big money can and is being made. I am looking forward to hearing Andy and Robert's future discussions about what Andy's thoughts are, and what he might have learned from what he had witnessed. Did it justify the risk he took? I may be wrong but I feel the business card given to D will provide the store line as to where this story will go in the future. I had expected problems but, the action in this chapter was much smoother and tamer than I had expected. I am so intrigued by this story and worried about Matt's future, but also realize that it will all play out on @Mikiesboy's time line. I am very anxious for more of this tale to be told about this ugly human trade.

I can understand this statement from being with family at passing. The body is just the vessel that held the light of the one that we loved.

Curiously there was no dog around, or traveling with him. Maybe he just ran away? Or was a victim of a dog napping?

Life sure piled a load of crap on Keven over a short period of time. Drunk driver, mass shooter, and add the usual stage-4 cancer. Boyfriend, father and mother are now gone, and his failure at school is understandable. Lee did not dwell on details but he apparently had little to no support. and was faced with being homeless. This groupie idea of his, while immature, was his lifesaver. There has to be un-dealt with emotional trauma, and more possible suicidal thoughts and actions, that could be triggered by what happens next. Sadly, he should still be considered a very fragile young man.

Happy for a new story, but Kevin's current state of mind really saddens me. Let's see where this goes?

Agree, and can accept A HEA ending, although I expected fallout from the deception of facts by the various characters {Johnny, Billy and Clay). Ed's actions changed the whole dynamics of this story. I have learned that @chris191070's stories do not always follow the way I feel he appears to be steering me towards. A bit unpredictable is often the case with what I had anticipated to happen. Looking forward to more stories from this author.

An effective chapter that was heart warming, but yet reflected the tension and fear of the unknown that Andy will be facing. The chapter seemed longer than it was, but that was because my need to pause and take in the characters and the what, how, and why they were facing this undesirable future. I was also surprised that Andy's book was pretty much finished but he felt a great need to include the process he was intending to witness. The fact that should the worst happen, and that he wanted Robert to include the outcome and complete the project speaks volumes as to his courage and character. Well done @Mikiesboy The somewhat calm is over and will the storm now begin?

Happy to see another chapter of this addictive story that contains so many relevant story lines and evokes many memories from us older readers. So many things are happening in which each character has their own deep interest in, but also has concerns about how to help the others. Excellent writing, and a unique blending of so many issues. Thanks @Ronyx for sharing your writing abilities.

These experimental drug programs and studies were a constant for many years and probably still continue. I knew many people involved years after the first antiviral drugs. They were blind case studies in which you might get the new tested drug or you could be part of a control group who did not. If the drugs or combination of multiple drugs showed promise after the studies had been completed , studied, and received a recommendation, then the control group was offered it. This was not a quick fix all process, or the drugs failed to show any successful results. The stress on the unknowing participants was great, and for some it represented a last hope. Sad but true.

One thing that should be considered no matter how this story evolves. If Andy continues to live on his isolated island he would be an easy target by anyone who is unhappy with any of his actions, and that would include his possible book.

I also had the stray idea that Mr. Black could turn out to be a Ms. Black. When in doubt, never assume.

Enjoyed this chapter, and am very happy that his father, at least for now, will be around to provide his indirect support to Andy. He makes a good sounding board for Andy now, and may be his only lifeline to the onshore world. This and perhaps the next chapter, are likely to be the calm before the storm. I can feel the tension building the closer we get to the meeting with Mr. Black. Even the name Black represents the dark hole Andy will be getting into.

Northeast Ohio here, about sixty miles from Lake Erie. The Great Lakes have a big influence on our weather but we are just a little south of the primary snow belt and at the edge of the secondary snow belt. We are at a higher elevation than the surrounding counties, and many weather systems break up or go around us. The weather can be very different just 15 miles to the north or the the south of us. The weather forecasts for rain and storms are often wrong. Sorry, that might have been to much weather info 😄 lol

Wow! I have said it before but, "time can pass quickly in @chris191070's stories". Every thing I was concerned about at the end of the previous chapter is now a faint memory. I thought this could be the conclusion, but apparently not. The question I have is "where will the author take us from here? 🤔 I guess we will find out on Saturday.

Yep, a fellow Buckeye, born and raised. I'm a newer member and one of the few non-authors here. Happy to meet you also, Starry! We can share our Ohio weather woes and complaints together. I"m sure that we will have more hot spells and other strange Ohio weather, later this summer.

I'm in Ohio also and on the TV weather they said we only were in the 90s six times last year total. We just had six days in a row in the 90s this June. Looking like it will be a long and hot summer ahead.

Excellent story telling in this chapter. The conversation over food with Dante was powerful, and shared the bleak possibilities for Matt's future. Dante appears to be a very complex character as to why he is still around and still involved with this scheme? Will he stay involved with Matt or does his part end as Matt is moved to the "Market"? What an ugly world this is, and Andy will be diving right into the center of it all. He needs to be extremely careful as he will be totally under Mr. Black's control. It could easily turn into a black future for him also.

Will Johnny come clean about his identity and immense wealth or will he continue on with his John Blake charade, or make up another possible story? Ed will find out when they stay at Clay's humble home in "The Hamptons", anyway. How will the handsome farm boy from Minnesota react to this new reality? See, those filthy rich people can have all kinds of problems too.

Clay and Billy found ways to help each other, and have for many years now. Will Johnny and Bo have a similar relationship or is this just the first lesson in being gay? In the story description Chris states: This does not sound like every one is being truthful here,

Excellent chapter revealing the inner turmoil that Phil is now going through. How big is Phil's house? Sure would be great if it could accommodate Phil and Stanley. along with a nurse, a PT, and another counselor, without people feeling a lack of some needed privacy. Dwight was a partner in his father’s company and built in a very good neighborhood. Probably just wishful thinking, but who knows? Phil also needs to work things out with his family, if that could be possible.

@Mikiesboy keeps stressing hope, but now there seem to be little and very distant. What possible motive could Mr. Black have to grant Andy an interview? Surely he had investigated Andy, and knows his background. You can feel the fear in Matt and Andy, but it seems to be treated as just another day on the job, by all the kidnappers. This attitude will probably change upon Andy's arrival. I am caught up in the mystery of it all, and strapping in for what future chapters may reveal.

Well' that is a "Happy Ever After" ending to this tale, that had such a tragic beginning and a painful middle. It was a roller coaster ride that ended abruptly, but the thrill of the high hills with twisted cliffhanger turns that made it all worth it. Loved the Manny, Rocky and Bass characters, and they deserved a happy ending. Thank-you Lee for such a wild and unusual ride.