Palantir

I think this is one of those problematic situations where no matter what is done there will always be different views. The number of 'likes' doesn't really matter - you adjust your use of them accordingly. if there aren't enough you become more discerning (or apply them retroactively on a day when you're not quite so active).

Stone the crows!!! Which day did Trevor and Shane visit Healesville? They coulda dropped in for a cuppa. Lol. Healesville is my hometown and we're rather proud of our Sanctuary. One of the most spectacular displays is called 'Birds In Flight' where you watch hawks and falcons flying close. The heart-stopper is having a mighty wedge-tailed eagle with a three meter wingspan come stooping only a couple of feet over your head. One of the keepers visits my home and not long ago she arrived with a baby black wallaby in a day-pack (artificial pouch). Totally neat. It had been taken to the Sanctuary after it's mother had been killed by a car and required feeding every two hours, day and night, so couldn't be left unattended at the care center. Echidnas occasionally wander through my block and every morning at sunrise the resident family of kookaburras gives me a wake-up call.

Greetings to you Wildheart.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TREBS! Hope you're continually blessed with the things that matter.

Bad Moon Rising! Gods, that's a powerful song. TNX Arpeggio!

Yay! The Cape Otway Lighthouse - longest functioning lighthouse in Australia - thousands of people turned up for the decommissioning when it changed to modern style lighting. There is an historic tour and I listened in disbelief when the guide said the whole thing is built without mortar - just incredible skill on the part of the stoneworker. They were sure cruising through dangerous waters here - hundreds of people drowned in numerous wrecks close by.

Thanks DD. It's neat to know that people are enjoying the story.I went to Monkey Mia a few years ago, saw the dolphins there and learnt how amazing they are. The Dreamtime Concerto is a construct for the story. I probably should have checked to see if a real one exists - but I doubt it.

Thanks again Steve. Yes, they're going to Earth. It's another example of the characters (in this case Sonic) taking over and introducing an unexpected element (from the author's pov)to the story.The comet is a figurative one - Sonic's reaction to the idea of flying through space at speed.

ATTUNGA PART 12. “I feel like a Dead Dingo!” Wirrin and Thom plonked themselves down beside Calen. They were all tired from the momentous day, but after all his energy and effort it was no wonder Calen was extra exhausted. “Do you want to go to sleep or can you wait for the special meal Thom's got planned?” “I won't sleep. My brain's going round in circles.” Normally that would draw rude remarks but at the moment Wirrin and Thom were rather in awe of Calen. “No wonder. What was it like

Have a great day Bill!!

Have a great day Cia.

Wow! Thanks for your kind words, and yes, something will have to happen soon.

Hi Steve,And thanks again. I'm delighted you enjoyed the chapter - it was a hard one to write' lol - as I've said before - it's the characters who are wicked when they come out with unexpected things.

ATTUNGA PART 11. *** Awed and awkward, Wirrin stared at the standing crowd in front of him, over 1200 witnesses gathered to meet Sonic in person. Sitting comfortably in front of such an august group, with Akama next to him, and on his other side an empty seat then Thom and Gelar, all on a slightly raised dais, was distinctly uncomfortable, but it was Akama's plan. Attention coming from all those important eyes was disconcerting. Thank goodness for the quiet comments from Akama, giving friendly

Congratulations to the USA and NASA for the inspiring and successful Mars landing of Curiosity. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

With an Australian setting and hopefully a few smiles, I hope you'll continue to enjoy the story.

ATTUNGA PART 10. “What's going on?” “I'm wrecked.... Totally!” “We know that. But why?” “Sonic's a slave driver. I can't keep up with him.” Wirrin was astonished. He'd never heard Calen say one word against Sonic, ever, and his surprise must have shown because Calen laughed as he collapsed onto the grav-sofa. “He is not really a slave driver. He's just got too much energy and he's so excited about everything he does that he keeps going till it's right. I think I'll start taking a double do

Yo Kiltie! Have a good one!

Wow! Thanks for this information about CNET. I hate it when something that's been reliable turns unreliable without warning.

I've been happy with ZoneAlarm for years. It uses Kaspersky as the engine for it's anti-virus function.

A few suggestions- Tanya Huff - the 'Blood' series and maybe the 'Smoke and Shadows' series - you'll soon know whether they're to your taste. Robin Hobb - 'Tawny Man' series. E E 'Doc' Smith' - 'Skylark' series - a blast from the past space opera but the evil guy plays a pivotal role. James Schmitz - 'Witches of Karres' - nothing dark about this one but there's a wonderful quirkiness about the story. - once again you'll soon know whether you like it or not. Raymond Feist - Enjoyable as George Martin's 'Game of Thrones' is , it's left in the dust by 'Magician' and some of the follow ons.

Hi Hillj69,Thanks again. It's great having this regular feedback. All the main character's names are taken from First Australian culture. For example, 'Attunga' means 'a high place'. Except for the dolphins and I took a great liberty and used the names of special dolphins currently living at Monkey Mia.

Hi there Wolflady,I'll have to say, it's much appreciated getting these nice reviews. Yes, Akama quite surprised me with that statement. The characters in this story seem very prone to introducing new and unexpected elements - lol - makes the author's job somewhat complicated.

Hi again Steve,Thanks for the kind review. The Monkey Mia dolphins, targeted for their links with Attunga,are now safe. The remaining Earth dolphins aren't.

ATTUNGA PART 9. *** Akama left the skimmer and spoke quietly with Warrigal, but that only lasted a moment because Sonic popped to the surface of the pool and gave a general invitation for everyone to join him. It was quite strange to hear the electronic voice of the translator, as the trio rarely used it. Calen didn't need it at all and Wirrin and Thom had discovered early on that they learnt new dolphin words better from Sonic and Calen. Akama looked really pleased and dived straight in. Tho