Mark Arbour

Because you've been following me so long you've become paranoid. ;-)

Thanks MM! I actually had this specific locker room scene in mind when I started writing the story, figuring that would be a great way to bring the situation to an, er, climax.

Writing Wade is a lot of fun, especially when he's playing hockey. When he's in the rink, he's more obnoxious. :-)

Well thank you for your kind words! They're usually fun to write, especially when I can slough off real life long enough to do it!

Actually, there are some very good resources to work from. Our Colonel Drinkwater was a real person and wrote a wonderful narrative on the battle.

Well, I figured a little S&M would work for the story. In the real battle, the ships weren't split evenly, but the Spaniards were broken into two parts. The division was caused by their disorganization, though.

I'll try to do it justice.

I think bravery is appreciated no matter what the context.

How much did you read? LOL.

It's so good to have someone like Wade in a group, someone who worries about the traditions and continuity. And there is so much more to come. I think this weekend will shape up to be one of the longest in CAP history.

September 29, 2000 Escorial, CA Wade “Hey Wade,” Sean said as I answered the phone. “Hey there. Am I a rich man?” I asked. “You are. It hasn’t been easy. The bank was putting up some barriers at first, but I think they figured out they’d better not piss you off or you’ll pull all your money.” “Greed. What a great motivator,” I joked. “So what’s the next step?” “They want to talk to you on Monday. They’re going to send someone out here to meet with you. I set

Happy Birthday Riley!

Thanks. As Jeremy said in the follow-up post, it's all in fun, but I appreciate your concern. I think that it's really my responsibility to listen to all of this stuff and then write what I want to write. Sometimes these threads generate some really excellent ideas for me.

Figured I'd chime in a bit, and use Jeremy's post as a prod. I think this is a good way to look at it. They can't put Will on lock down, and I think that as he grows up, they're going to have to rely more and more on his judgment, because in the end, that's the only thing that will have any major impact. Brad likes to be in control (control freak, anyone?) and that's a tough thing to grapple with if you're applying it to your teenage son. Paternity (the theme) is as much about him as it is about Will, Wade, and Matt. I agree with Blue. 9/11 was a national tragedy. I live in the middle of the country, and didn't directly know anyone who was killed. That did not mitigate it's effect on my life. The issues are so much bigger and broader. I was initially surprised by Blue's comments, and glad that Jeremy interpreted my motives. My point was to try and show how history can impact lives. One of the things that has changed in these stories from inception to now is that my emphasis has changed to focus more on the characters and less on the events. Blue picked up on that. Still, I like to think of the events that had an impact and bring them into the story, just to remind us all of the context. No way. This would be completely out of character for JP. He'll be pissed off about the Iraq War, but he won't be pissed about the lack of student protests. Disappointed? Yes. Pissed? No. He is smart enough to understand that self-interest is a driving force here, and that without a draft, there won't be an impetus to capture buildings. But JP never was a protest rabble-rouser, and I can't see him pushing his grandsons to do something like that, ever. If they did show an interest, he might encourage them, but that's the extent of it. You have to remember that JP's passion is largely beneath the surface, and he is an analytical person at heart. I can definitely see Zach playing football, probably at USC, but I don't think he'll be terrorizing Will and JJ. Watch for the subtle changes in Zach. He's not out to hurt other people, he's simply out for himself, and only himself. Collateral damage to other people's lives as he gets what he wants really doesn't register for him.

I'm suggesting that some (or many) of your hypotheses may not materialize.

As I said in my response to your review, this was loosely based on the actions of HMS Minerve, commanded by George Cockburn (the guy who would burn Washington in 1814). In the real-life version, Roberts was inserted instead of Lieutenant Thomas Masterman Hardy, who would ultimately become Nelson's flag captain at Trafalgar. Nelson uttered the famous words: "By God, I'll not lose Hardy again!" The Minerve was able to dissuade the Spaniards without firing in that situation, and when she found herself in the midst of the Spanish fleet, she was able to sneak through unnoticed, without firing a shot. But it's more fun to have Belvidera in the midst of the confused, fog-bound Spaniards, blasting away, and it conveniently gives me a way to credit Granger with splitting the Spanish fleet into two parts, a considerable contributor to the upcoming victory. In the real life version, it was Spanish confusion that created the gap.

You assume correctly. This is a much-dramatized and altered version of the real life adventures of HMS Minerve. Minerve actually snuck through the Spanish fleet unnoticed.

February 11, 1797 “It seems we are to have company,” Nelson observed as Belvidera warped herself out of Gibraltar. Granger trained his glass across the small body of water to Algeciras, where the two Spanish 74s were getting ready for sea. Granger paused to sense the wind, feeling its strength and direction, then relaxed. “They will pose no threat to us, sir,” Granger replied with a grin. “The wind and seas would have to rise dramatically, and by then I

Wow. Not.

Status?

I think Elizabeth knows when to cut he losses. She'll probably cave on this, and just sharpen her claws for next time.

The battle is featured in Chapter 29, which is only partially written at this point. I'd expect a few more chapters after that.

I'm glad you like this story. I actually had a reader send me an e-mail, telling me that he didn't like it that much, and that I should focus on George Granger. Didn't really faze me, though, since I like this story. I'm having fun with it. Wade's an interesting character to write. That's probably because he's like his natural father, and a bit pig-headed and stubborn at times.

I'm glad! Sorry it took me a little longer to post.

Another mistake like that and you'll have to kiss the gunner's daughter! ;-)