A bit shorter as I didn’t want to get too far into the weeds here. The twins are fighting, again and always, but the reason this time is rather rude to Graf’s wife. Pai steps in to correct some misperceptions. Graf does raise a good question: where did Henry get the idea “Auntie” was not real?
Continue reading “Civil Wars 2, 8”Author: Clayton Barnett
Former engineer, current husband and father, layabout Pharmacy Technician, aspiring writer.
Civil Wars 2, 7
Moving on and briefly back with his family, Graf has a bit of a “road to Damascus” moment. Not sure it will take, but we’ll see. Pai could instantly tell something was different. She is likely reaching out to her uncle, Balthazar, who is Russian Orthodox, for more information. I cannot imagine her hostile to a possible emergence of her husband’s faith; still, this is a complex subject and I will proceed carefully.
Next, we will meet this branch of the Hartmann family. I bet at dinner; I love dinners.
Continue reading “Civil Wars 2, 7”Civil Wars 2, 6
Very tiny installment as it wraps up the Houston hospital arc. The next will have this odd family back together, with an introduction of Istvan and Llaura Hartmann and their infant son, plus a bit of a shock to Graf. Looks like a Thursday update.
Continue reading “Civil Wars 2, 6”Civil Wars 2, 5
Longer segment, but it really didn’t lend itself into being broken in two. Had I, a good point would have been when Pai was about to decapitate Robert for what he called her husband. But things moved on fairly quickly. At the end, I included a bit from a homily at my church Sunday before last; to wit: listen. You never know when you’ll hear.
If you’re curious as to why Robert’s left arm and leg are artificial, there’s something you can read. And the references to Graf’s gift/curse as well as Luce (pronounced loo-che) are from here.
Continue reading “Civil Wars 2, 5”Civil Wars 2, 4
A bit of clarification of the last segment. I don’t want Graf or the readers to think he has some kind of super powers, so Pai gives him a little background.
After their convo with Robert, things take a complicated turn. I have much to think about this weekend.
Continue reading “Civil Wars 2, 4”Civil Wars 2, 3
Speaking of medical matters, on my day off was up at 0630 to drop off a dog for teeth cleaning. The estimate was $700-900. TF? I told my wife “next time buy a damned toothbrush.”
A rare Tuesday update, I wanted to wrap up Graf’s foray into the park across from the hospital. I also wanted to re-point out what Pai calls his gift; something he nearly considers a curse. I’m too good a writer to get into “Mary Sue” territory, so things will happen shortly to keep him on a short leash.
For those who know my works, you’ll recognize the scraggly gal Graf sees in the background for just a moment.
Continue reading “Civil Wars 2, 3”Civil Wars 2, 2
A quiet, transitional moment. I work PRN in a hospital and know how important it is to get patients out of their damn beds. With the shock of the moon attack in the past and his new throat installed, Graf also is ready to get out of his room and out of the hospital. I understand completely.
The next few segments will ease a reader back into their odd three-way relationship, with, of course, Robert Hartmann on the way; that’s likely in the segment after next. I do think Pai feels guilt for letting her husband get shot, but she’s not only hiding that from him, she’s hiding it from me. I’ll see what I can find out.
Continue reading “Civil Wars 2, 2”Civil Wars 2, 1
Another small delay as I tried to die again. Was at hospital Emergency; apparently the overpriced bellhops who call themselves “MDs” never got round to mentioning that taking lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, should be stopped after 5-8 years. When the ER doc found out I’d been on it for 11, I thought he would take a swing at me. Anyway, another angioedema attack and some IV meds followed by four days of prednisone. Slowly recovering. Again.
Recovering enough to get back to writing. As the Prologue started “in the middle,” as all good stories should, what will be the start of chapter one, below, backtracks to catch readers up on politics of the imperium and the Polar Alliance. There is an interesting backhanded mention of the main character.
Continue reading “Civil Wars 2, 1”Nazca, 6, End
As I warned, sorry to end on such a downer. Then again, IRL I am ill again and don’t feel like a happy ending at all.
Sometimes we write the stories we’re told to. I’ll try for something lighter, next time.
Continue reading “Nazca, 6, End”Nazca, 5
Things get rather grim from here on out; there is a war going on in the background, after all. And I hope some of you get the joke about the llama’s name.
Doe tries to help, but is not military-trained.
Continue reading “Nazca, 5”
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