Flip-Flop

The unequal class structure between roadies and artists is clear but complex, and leads to gossip and infighting. Danny has his own "get out of trouble free card" from his dad. Chris was viewed by Jason as hard working, but was also trouble, and now was being seen as a vicious and dangerous queen. The job is hard work, long hours, and at times unforgiving. Not the glamorous lifestyle that some may assume. It would be best for Kevin to travel and hang low with Joe, for the time being, and try to avoid as much trouble and drama, if at all possible. On with the show, is what must be the group's focus.

The thrill of the hunt was replaced by the unusual ease of the capture of two of the creatures,which was unlike what anyone had experienced before. It appears that they had not captured the orx, but simply had taken the bait of a complex and coordinated attack plan. This was not a plan to gain food, but a mission to destroy the hunters, The prey had now become the predators. What caused the first two orx to be the willing bait in this game? What and how has this occurred? They are moving to safer open waters where they can better defend themselves and get a better idea, as to what is causing this major change of behavior of the orx. Jem's natural instinct and logic has been noticed indeed, I am also astounded by the advanced technology and tools that this ship possesses. They will need every bit of it to survive this change in the battle of the sea. Could this also lead to a change in the battle with the land creatures? We shall see.

Progress is being made. but it may take a while for my desired outcome to happen. With Phil living in the ground floor mother in-law suite. Colin and Jason in the master master bedroom, with Stanley and Susan in the other bedrooms. Hopefully this house could regain its once happy life again , with visits by friends and families. A fellow can only hope. Now where can we fit in Gary with this plan? 🤔 Yes, my plan is now in motion, but will @Ronyx be able to fulfill my desire? ,,,,Get that pool ready for therapy and fun.

Being a bit of a night owl and retired, I appreciate restful naps and power naps at my leisure. Enjoy yours. With the hot and humid days of late, a siesta is often required. Enjoy it guilt free. PS----I have really appreciated your current stories, they are excellent writings.

This chapter left me with a mix of emotions, with the only good ones being that Andy made it back to shore safely and has the reliable and experienced force of Robert to assist him. It will take time to try to emotionally recover and learn how to properly deal with the aftermath of what he experienced. He is very fortunate to have a man like Robert as support. Matt's experience leaves me with nothing but despair for his current situation. This dark side of reality will take such a heavy toll from him.

Looks like @Paladin and I posted similar opinions a minute apart. 😀 I knew he was a wise man.

I get the feeling that this is no more than a lack of communication, and roadie gossip. I didn't detect any deceit from Eric. He went out of his way to make Kevin his personal roadie assistant, and made sure Kevin was hired on, for the full tour. He also made sure to introduce him to the other band members and tried to control their teasing of Kevin. They both had a long and busy day and this should get cleared up after a bit of unnecessary drama.

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.