centexhairysub

JJ has always been someone that I was just waiting to blossom into his own person and he seems to finally be coming into his own. I actually think that he may be more than a match for Mary Ellen. I still don't think that he and Alex are the happily ever after that some people seem to be expecting types... Great work as always Mark, and we all know and understand that you do have a life outside of the CAP and Bridgemont universe... Having said that, don't expect us not to beg and whine if the break becomes to much to bear....

" Margo Channing: Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night! " was the quote that came to mind when I first read the chapter, especially the last part but what really fits better is a much longer one that I could see being a conversation between Mary Ellen and JJ instead of Eve and Addison... " Addison DeWitt: What do you take me for? Eve Harrington: I don't know that I'd take you for anything. Addison DeWitt: Is it possible, even conceivable, that you've confused me with that gang of backward children you play tricks on, that you have the same contempt for me as you have for them? Eve Harrington: I'm sure you mean something by that, Addison, but I don't know what? Addison DeWitt: Look closely, Eve. It's time you did. I am Addison DeWitt. I am nobody's fool, least of all yours. Eve Harrington: I never intended you to be. Addison DeWitt: Yes you did, and you still do. Eve Harrington: I still don't know what you're getting at, but right now I want to take my nap. It's important... Addison DeWitt: It's important right now that we talk, killer to killer. Eve Harrington: Champion to champion. Addison DeWitt: Not with me, you're no champion. You're stepping way up in class. " I could really see JJ and Mary Ellen having this conversation. Mary Ellen has definitely underestimated JJ and I am not sure a few other people haven't as well. I could see this turning into a prize fight and I am not sure that Mary Ellen is really in JJ's class. I have to admit that I already sort of wondered how well the Duke and Nana would hit it off, this could be a little bit of fun for all involved. I do think that Alex is about to find himself in the middle of more than he ever bargained for. The scene with Brad and Marc in the gallery was just spot on. I have been around people like that, who believed that they were so important that each announcement from them had to be treated as manna from heaven. Brad handled it perfectly. I still think JP is right and Marc is more vulnerable still than anyone, maybe even himself realizes. I still can't decide how I really feel about him and Brad... Great job Mark, can't wait to see where you take us next....

I, ugh, well..... DAMN......

Much like a fine wine, a new chapter of HMS Valiant must be allowed to breathe and savored. I have already enjoyed this chapter twice but have decided another reading must wait, maybe I will find a small nugget that I missed on the first readings... I so admired how Granger handled the situation with Nelson. He did as ordered but in a way that both those that sent him and Nelson could understand what he was suggesting and why. As we all know, the talk really did not work much; but damn it was written so well... Probably the best thing that could happen to Eastwyck under the circumstances; plus he will get some exposure to Nelson, and that can only help him... So glad that we may get to see Kingsdale some more; I have really missed him. I find him a very interesting person. Can't wait for the next chapter but will savor this one another time or two and await with growing need the next installment.

I still don't like the turn this book is taking but having said that; this and the last few chapters have been exceptionally well written. I think we are forgetting something really important here; JJ has never been portrayed as gay. JJ has always indicated that he was equally interested in men and women, he just got to the men first. I don't think anyone that has been following the story long term really expected JJ and Alex to be forever partners. JJ can't come out and be with Alex as long as he is in the skating world and Alex has to marry and produce an heir. I would have hoped for someone more appropriate than Mary Ellen but she does have enough money to make it work and she grew up in a very blue blooded family in Virginia which along with Massachusetts is about as close to British aristocracy as you can get in the US. I am really surprised that Elizabeth did not take into account that Nana would have to be the one that is involved. I definitely think that Elizabeth is up to something but unsure what it is at this time. I think that the Duke and Nana will probably get along just fine and find a way to work through this if that is what is going to happen. I still hope the marriage will not take place and I guess that Mary Ellen loses the child in some manner, because I don't see the marriage not taking place as long as she is pregnant, unless somehow someone can prove that Alex isn't the father. I sort of hope that JP comes back to help facilitate the meetings between the Duke and Nana. His wisdom and insight is always valuable. Plus, he could give a perspective on how a successful three way might work... LOL... I wonder if Alex will tell the Duke about JJ??? Keep up the work Mark, and in the end; you have to take the story the way your muse directs it to go. Even with a few bumps and twist; in the end, we will all stay faithful to the series....

I have to say that I really don't see this wedding happening. The more that Wade insisted it was, the more I felt that something would prevent it from occurring. As a couple of others mentioned, it would not be that hard for those with the wealth, intelligence, and positions that several of those present to make sure that the pregnancy did not continue even if that is what Mary Ellen wants and frankly if she ended up barren as a result of their efforts all the better. I mean with a grandmother like Elizabeth, this child could be the Anti-Christ; you know more than one show as shown him to be British... While I do believe that Elizabeth can and will do anything she can to force this marriage, don't forget that Brad, Stef, and JP could bring an equal measure of influence and power to stop it. JP is already well acquainted with the Duke and I would bet that in an international realm that Brad, Stef, JP, and Isidore could bring as much or even more influence than Elizabeth. JP with the Duke, Isidore has powerful family ties to the French government, and Brad and Stef are both billionaires and major international figures, as well as having ties to the US government as well. While Elizabeth has friends in the US government so do all of them, I don't know that they would come together to oppose this marriage but if they did, I think because of the British connection they would win out... I think the question is will they come together to oppose the marriage and a lot of that depends on how and what JJ and Alex decide among themselves. Brad can keep Darius where he is safe and for the person that truly believes someone in his position couldn't keep him out of the Seals, grow up... Will should be able to realize that with the influence that Brad, Stef, and JP have that should be able to keep Darius as safe as anyone that goes into the military can be; then he can calm down some and realize that for Darius this really does make sense in more than one way. Great chapter, this story just keeps percolating right along; maybe a terrorist attack on the wedding a la Dynasty with the bride being killed? Great job Mark, and can't wait for the next chapter....

Not sure why anyone is that surprised by any of this, although it was very well done... It was obvious that Mary Ellen was going to end up pregnant, although if Alex is the father might be open to question; especially since Matt obviously knows something about Mary Ellen's statement that she had not been with anyone else since June... Anyone that did not know that Darius was going to be joining one of the college ROTC programs obviously also lives in a dream world. I just can hope that we don't lose him to this completely senseless war that is about to begin... If something happens to JJ, Alex and Mary Ellen might as well kill themselves now because Brad and even JP have had people killed for a lot less than the life of one of their own....

Loved the chapter but I had a pail waiting for someone to start singing Kumbaya and I was just going to throw up.... Now that everyone is on an even keel, when does the shipwreck start?

Great chapter, I really like the pacing and the writing; both were top notch. I think the session was very realistic and really honest in the way that each side was portrayed. I am glad that Zach has Will. This was a first baby step toward maybe getting to the root of the problem between Zach and Wally and Clara; one that I hope works for all concerned. I was glad to see that Clara at least made a move in her attitude toward Zach and Will during the session. I have always thought her biggest issue was trying to stand with her husband rather than her own feelings on the matter. Keep up the great work, Mark... Hope your New Years is off to a wonderful start....

JJ is a top?!?!?! With everything about this chapter, I think this is what threw me for the biggest loop; you can tell where my mind is... LOL... I just really enjoy all of the scenes with JJ and Alex and that group or when they are with the others. Like the new counselor and can see him making some progress with Zach and Wally and Clara; and I really agree with him about the issue with bringing Will to the session if he does decide to do that. Still having trouble warming up to Marc, I don't know but for me he is trying just a little to hard. That being said, glad to see Brad in such a happy place; when he is happy he isn't as controlling and as much of an ass as he can be otherwise. Hope you and yours are having a great holiday and enjoying your time together Mark and team....

A great gift for Christmas, a chapter from one of Mark's stories... I really loved the scene on the plane and I think that JP is spot on. Zach is going to have to decide how important it is for him to have Will in his life. His parents are going to have to know at some point or they will blow it for him down the road. Keep up the great work, Mark...

I second those comments that hope a speedy and full recovery is in Mr. Eastwyck's future but could see Granger really enjoying the fact that Perkins is around again. I hope that Granger does not get involved in the Irish question in any way at all. Even today, although progress has been made; the issues in Ireland are still far from resolved. Granger choose not to ask questions of Donegal and needs to just accept his past actions and move on, which I hope he does. I believe that Nelson did have some health issues about this time; but the main issue clouding his life at the present was his affair with Lady Hamilton. I don't envy Granger having to find a way to bring it up and deliver the message from the Lords of the Admiralty. I am sure that Granger will find the best way possible to do so but even so... Keep up the Great Work, Mark, and hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season and that you are enjoying your break...

I just really love when we get a blast from the past; they usually are so interesting... I have a feeling that the dinner on Tuesday will be too much fun... I really cannot believe how little Wally and Clara seem to understand where Zach is right now. I am not sure that this would damage Zach as much career-wise as some people think but it will hurt him emotionally and mentally more than he realizes at the moment. He is just too close to being eighteen for their threats to be effective and the fact they don't understand that says so much... I hope that the encounter in the gallery leads to something for Marc. It would be so good for his ego and recovery to get a little success with his passion and career right now... Hmmm, Brad took enough time when walking into the middle of Will and Zach having sex to notice how sexy Zach's thighs looked when straining???

It has been my experience that very few counselors that come at it from a strictly religious point of view are successful. Most of them only are interested in making sure that those they counsel are conducting themselves in a manner that they view as oriented from a Biblical perspective. I think Zach is going to have continued problems with his parents either until he turns 18 or gets a legal ruling in his favor. I don't think his parents are ever going to be there for him unless he knuckles under to them completely. JP was right and so glad that Marc ended up with this group to help himself recover from the abuse he has suffered. Often the emotional and psychological abuse can be much worse than anything one suffers physically. I still am not fully sold on Marc but it is hard not to be glad that he is with a group of people that really appreciate his good qualities. I am not sure that he is the person the Brad needs in the long run, but they both are getting important avenues of support from their current relationship. Will is simply becoming a young God...

WOW, just a great chapter from start to finish; but I still feel a dread of the upcoming Thanksgiving meal... Will has done everything and more to try and get Marc to relax, and it does seem to be working. Will seems to understand Marc and his situation as well as or even better than Brad does. Thought it was just perfect that Will suggested the Marc share Brad's artist loft at Escorial. Wade and Matt are just wonderful together. I really do hope and believe that they are the couple that will be together fifty years from now... I like how they still have those moments when they seem to forget how far they come and something has to happen to remind them. Matt's description of the scene in Australia was hot but so proud of how he handled it. Keep up the great work, Mark; I can't wait for the next chapter....

About to step on a plane so not much time, loved everything about the writing for this chapter. Still not sure how I feel about Marc, and the issue with Alex and Mary Ellen just isn't over yet. Why do I feel like the " Great Thanksgiving Day Massacre " is coming???

Okay, not feeling quite as happy about Brad and Marc right now. Marc and Brad in a vacuum seems to work wonderfully but neither can stay that way. No matter how much of a connection Marc has with Brad, if Marc is as uncomfortable with Brad's kids as he was in this chapter, he will not last long. Will give him the benefit of not being around a family like this or maybe kids, although not sure that calling Will or Matt a kid makes sense; but can't see Brad staying with anyone that doesn't get along with his family. Marc maybe one of those gay men that just doesn't get along with anyone younger than them well, but if he wants to stay with Brad he will either have to learn how to do that or be left out in the cold. Great chapter, hope the next one covers more of the action in Australia...

A delicious appetizer of what is to come, and who knew Brad could play the coquette so well. Shared tragedies can often bring people together, you just can't have just that in common though.

Did not even turn on a computer yesterday, so what a wonderful surprise to check and see a new chapter of HMS Valiant. I was not expecting one so soon after the last chapter but savored this more than my meal yesterday... Granger's feelings served him well once again. If he had not taken the opportunity to close with the other ship than it might truly have been over for both ships. His direction to Clifton and Blayney were just perfect. It allowed that ship to be ready and able to defeat any that tried to board it and allowed those left to come to the aid of Valiant. I am sure that Lady Elgin survived, it would change to much history of what is to come if she didn't, but I hope she got a good scare... Granger was smart being willing to listen to Meurice. That little bit of maneuverability plus Granger closing with the Antares before they were becalmed may have made the difference. I do hope that Eastwyck survived but a wound like he suffered would make it hard for him to recover, and Jackson did not get the elixir from the old woman last time... Hope they did not lose to many men, hard to get more this far from home and it does take a lot to run a ship like Valiant. Great job Mark, and thanks for the holiday gift... Can't wait for the next chapter....

Brad's idea of getting Matt involved in checking out the investments is a sound one for all the reasons he stated. It gives Matt a chance to be involved in the company but does so in a way that there is less stress at the moment. I was glad to see that Brad realized that he was going to have to make a move to resolve this issue. I am still a little disappointed in Stef and his continuing reaction but hope he comes to understand the point JP, Claire, and Will were trying to make. I was a little surprised that Brad did not do anything to check in with Cam and find out what the issue was that drove him out of his aunt's place. Glad that Will was there to help, Cam has always been an interesting addition to the story and would like to keep him involved. Brad the Billionaire in Australia surrounded by all those hunky gay athletes, whatever could go wrong???? Great chapter and hope you have a wonderful holiday....

This was just great from start to finish. Reading this and about to have to board a plane so not much time. Will was great and I loved how Claire handled the situation as well. I still think she is going to end up JP main heir for her generation, much like Will for his. Stef and Brad are just wrong, not from a business position but with JP's past and the families past their decision is morally and ethically wrong. Alex and JJ were great together, really enjoyed their whole scene but I can't wait for the catfight between Mary Ellen and JJ at Thanksgiving. Wade's gesture was sweet but it says a lot about how far each of them has come that Wade made the gesture and Matt turned it down. Elizabeth is evil but sometimes that can be good.... Hope Hammer has some deep dark issue from his past that this will bring to light, I wonder if he will even make it to Australia period. Great job and got to run....

What a great joy this chapter has been; I feel as if I have had an old friend over for a lovely supper and drinks. It was great to see that the money that Granger gave the people he left here has been put to such good use. If you are a believer in karma, then Granger should be building up quite a lot of it on the good side of things. Even if Comstock was just a merchant captain, you would have thought that he would have known who owned the company he worked for, wouldn't you? Even if he had Lady Elgin whispering in his ear, you would have thought his sense of self-preservation would have been stronger. He would never have been able to match power or authority with someone of Granger's position. At least Granger is going to give the Elgin's a chance to move back to his ship until the next leg of the voyage. While it may have stopped some smuggling, I am a little surprised that Sir Stuart would choose to move that many men to another location during a war. I realize that with the fort, he could have held out until the British navy came to his rescue but it is rare for a commander to give up that many men during a time of war... This was truly a great gift Mark, I hope the next one is already coming down the pike...

A truly great piece of writing; this evoked so many emotions within me. Even with everything that had happened on 9/11; I was one of those that spent time and money protesting the second invasion of Iraq. We went in only for two reasons really; as payback to the first war costing the first Bush his Presidency and because shrub, that is what those in the know in Texas always called George W, let Cheney call the shots on the invasion to pay him back for getting him elected. There were never any WMD and the link to the terrorist could be tied much more strongly to Saudi Arabia than Iraq. I truly watched America turn into a second rate country during the early years of the 2000's. It does not surprise me at all that JP is taking the position that he is; and very impressed that Will not only got it out of him but understands and supports his position. I had relatives make a lot of money during this time frame because of heavy investments in certain industries but I am weird and standing up for something just strikes me as more important that adding another zero to your bank account. I think Will's interpretations of Stef and Brad are spot on and while I am not surprised by Brad, I am very disappointed in Stef. I understand that with Triton they are going to make a lot of money but they did not go into that company to profit from the coming war but will do so, that is a distinction that should mean something. That being said to become war profiteers was looked down upon during WWI and WWII when people actually had honor and saw war as a duty and a sacrifice, not just as a way to make money. I am not naïve and realize that people profited mightily during those conflicts but it was still looked down upon and something one was almost ashamed of having done, those that did it with both Iraq wars did it with glee and celebrations over the bodies of young dead Americans... Now to happier thoughts, the scene with JJ and Tiffany and the guard was just perfect. It was just that perfect touch of comedy and drama that is so hard to pull off. The follow up with JJ and Alex was nice as well, but I really do want to see how JJ reacts to the Mary Ellen situation. I think that both JJ and Alex do care for each other but there has to be some ground rules set up or there will be more drama than we would normally expect with JJ and anyone... I loved Matt's reaction to Wade's friendly kiss with Alex but the aftermath was just perfect. Matt gets so worked up so quickly but then just get's over it, so different from Wade... God, I can just see Elizabeth sacrificing some virgin on the alter to corporate greed and political expediency to get this war kicked into high gear.... Of course needing a virgin of a certain age, you know it won't be any of her family... Great job, this was just a brilliant chapter, Mark.... p.s. sorry for the rant but not enough to delete it... LOL...

There is traditionally a day between the short and long programs. Back when you actually had a figure portion you did it first, then skipped a day, did the short, skipped a day or two, and finally did the long program. With a day between, JJ taking the two sleeping pills really should not have an effect but what I am worried about is did he take some before and being upset forgot about it? I don't know something about this really worried me. I don't have as much of an issue with Alex sleeping with Mary Ellen as I think some people are because Alex and JJ have never really discussed it and set any ground rules. That being said, JJ is not going to be happy with it and Alex needs to be the one to tell him; you know something like that isn't going to stay a secret... Great chapter and wasn't Elizabeth just too nice, hell is freezing over... Keep up the great work, Mark....

Damn, you almost have to feel sorry for Hammer. I have to wonder what Elizabeth will come up with; you have to wonder if Hammer will make the trip to Australia after all??? I would have thought that Hammer would have checked into Wade a little more especially after Wade warned him the last time, but some people never learn. I do really love how Wade and Matt are right now. They are in such a good place and really do compliment each other. They understand each other and each other's family and are still willing to deal with everything. I do believe and hope that they will make it through no matter what... JJ's tears really touched me, I am not going to be happy if he gets really hurt again. I think that if Alex end's up hurting JJ, he might find that it was something that he should not have done, being a British lord will not be enough to protect him. I wonder if Mary Ellen would share, although I am not sure JJ would be... Mary Ellen could marry Alex and get the title and produce a child, while JJ could be their very close family friend... JJ would get Alex and Mary Ellen would get a title and away from her mother... This is just a great story, keep up the good work, Mark...