Mark Arbour

June 8, 2002 Escorial, CA “You’re right on time,” I said to Ben pleasantly as I strolled into the kitchen. He looked as magnificent in jeans and a polo shirt as he did in his work clothes. I couldn’t help but notice the way his biceps bulged the armband of his polo. “Actually, I’m early,” he corrected. “I got here about half an hour ago to give Professor Crampton an update.” “Did you promise him that it would be done by July 10th?

There are so many words here, it's hard for me to read them all. So I'm just going to pick a few out and jump to conclusions. It seems that you're arguing that dangerous things shouldn't be illegal. Did I get that wrong?

Hornblower is a shy and withdrawn person, the kind of man that Granger would not normally find interesting but for his intellectual abilities.

I think that Hornblower and Granger have a lot in common, so it is reasonable to think that Granger could have had an impact on Hornblower. And as Hornblower's career progresses, perhaps he doesn't realize that the hidden wheels of influence may actually be churning for him.

Granger's decision to bring them aboard was the result of the same mental process you just went through. He figured it out.

Wow. Total sensory deprivation. That's intense. ;-) The decks where Weston has his cabin aren't as high. Sucks to be him. LOL. I don't see George hooking up with Clifton. They have a very good rapport, and a good relationship, but there's been no spark there. Then again, you never know...

Thanks! I referred to Cochrane's experience and modeled Granger's after his. Cochrane didn't have a problem finding a crew because of his reputation and notoriety; seamen sought him out. They would do the same for Granger, but that doesn't mean he isn't anxious about it.

I'm sorry you had problems with the review system. They're working on updates to the program, so hopefully that will make things easier. Thank you for taking the effort to write it three times! I'm so glad that the scenes live for you so vividly!

Why thank you. I'm glad you like him. I think he'll be interesting.

May 17, 1799 HMS Valiant Portsmouth, England Granger had spent the day on his new ship, and even though he still had much to do, his growling stomach told him it was time to head back to Cowes. “Mr. Hornblower! Jacobs!” Granger called. “My lord?” Hornblower answered for both of them, as was appropriate. “Jacobs, I want you to go back with Mr. Hornblower to his lodgings and help him bring his chest back to Cowes,” Granger said to Jacobs. “You c

I'm glad you like it! I waited to respond to your review until I'm close to posting the next chapter...since you figured out my pattern. I usually try to make sure I'm caught up on reviews before then.

Okay - that made me laugh. I try to keep you amused. Keeps those claws retracted. :-)

Why? Do you know something about Pedro I don't know?

The mirror.

Jason, How exciting to see you post a review and for once, to have it be completely and totally wrong. :-) First of all, the University of Chicago is currently the number 2 rated MBA Finance program in the US, and that's only because someone at Wharton blew one of the reviewers. If Matt graduates with his MBA in Finance as planned, it doesn't matter when and where he is, he'll have options. Matt should graduate in 2004 or 2005. He'll be working on his CFA designation, probably as he works on his MBA (the first exam), then finishing up after he graduates. That means he'll be learning the ropes for a couple more years. Now, looking back, 2007-2009 was certainly boring for an economic period. There's no reason to focus on the biggest economic slowdown since the Great Depression. That's certainly not a period worthy of a literary lens. Snark right back at you. XXOO Mark

As usual you're wrong about Will. How do I know? Even Maarten thought he acted maturely. :-) Boston and Chicago are both fun cities. If he were a plumber, he'd be a Cal grad. ;-)

On the other hand, sometimes if you don't chase after what you want, you won't get it.

I won't speculate on what the future holds for them, although I could, since I don't know myself. I'm glad you liked this chapter. There was a lot of maturity in it. ;-)

Thanks. I'm sure there won't be any surprises or anything. :-)

Well thank you so much. I'm quite vain and egotistical, so I love to hear those lovely compliments. ;-)

Yes. Everything is set. Just relax.

Messy? Drawn out? I would recommend you re-read "Millennium." ;-)

Thanks Miles. I think that the other factor in this thing is that Matt hates to lose.

You know you would, and you know you want to. As long as it's OK with Paya.

Happy Birthday!!!!