Ready, set....

[BrassMan]

I have to agree that Herecyn is a complete jerk, but he's going to make this an interesting story!

By the way, Brassman, is there any significance to Herecyn's name?

N

To tell the truth, Neekeebee, I don't remember. I spent some time with an Anglo-Saxon dictionary, picking and choosing and blending words to make names. Hereceyn and Cymred are based on Anglo-Saxon. That's all I can tell you. I didn't have any particular characteristics in mind, as I did for Darshiell. 

[KindTrish]

If you or I were going to testify on behalf of a friend, we probably wouldn't first ask their permission. Why does she do that?

Ana asks permission because she had given her word she would disappear.  She could not testify if he did not release her from her pledge of disappearing.  It was about honor.

Ana's next appointment is at the parole hearing, her first official notice that she's "out" again. Were her reasons for doing that understandable?

I believe they were true to her character.  She felt he had saved her life and it was again the “honorable thing to do”

Before Ana returns home she makes side visits to Bob Aldridge and Scott Zimmer. She's not just saying hello--she has something on her mind. What?

Detective work regarding who tried to run her over and possibly shoot her.

We're still accumulating background at this point. What is Matt worried about with respect to the twins? When he and Ana get around to taking care of that, does it seem effective?

Revealing to the twins who Ana really is.  I do think it was effective by having them understand how it would change their lives and where they live.

[jpmorgan49]

KindTrish beat me to it:

If you or I were going to testify on behalf of a friend, we probably wouldn't first ask their permission. Why does she do that?

Ana was a woman of her word, "Literally". Ana said she'd disappear and she did.  In order for her to "return" she had to have his approval.  Honor is very important to Ana


Ana's next appointment is at the parole hearing, her first official notice that she's "out" again. Were her reasons for doing that understandable?

This follows along with Ana's Honor.  It should be no surprise that she did this.

Before Ana returns home she makes side visits to Bob Aldridge and Scott Zimmer. She's not just saying hello--she has something on her mind. What?

She wants to know who was after her.

We're still accumulating background at this point. What is Matt worried about with respect to the twins? When he and Ana get around to taking care of that, does it seem effective?

Matt knows the twins were honest and could keep a secret, but they are still kids. He's knows what it was like when Ana was a celebrity and he knows she hated it.  He's concerned for his wife and his family.  As usual Matt handled it...

[KindTrish]

This is my first book group.  I am hesitant to flesh out some of my answers because I do not want to spoil the book by revealing too many details.

What is the protocol?

Thanks

[Monica of NY]

Next, she pays a visit on her uncle, the Ambassador. What's on her mind during that visit?

Ana is very concerned that the contracts providing particle beam technology Herecyn has been involved with may pave way for military use, against Thoman law.

Before Ana returns home she makes side visits to Bob Aldridge and Scott Zimmer. She's not just saying hello--she has something on her mind. What?

She wants to share the fingerprint and DNA evidence from the two men who were after her with Bob and Scott in hopes of identifying who is after her and why.

[Anju No. 469]

This is my first book group.  I am hesitant to flesh out some of my answers because I do not want to spoil the book by revealing too many details.

What is the protocol?

Thanks

most of us answer before we read the other answers, at least I do and others have mentioned doing that in other book threads.  Just stay within the parallels of the questions and not go too far ahead, altho it is difficult to not continue to read 

[jpmorgan49]

Yes, and since I have read all three books weeks ago, I have to try and stay within the "chapters".  It's difficult when you have read the entire novel....
jp

[KindTrish]

Great - then I can be verbose 

[BrassMan]

Great - then I can be verbose 

Sure, verbose is good. So is off the topic, as when you wonder about something entirely different (like where names come from).

I missed several of the most recent posts because my computer went up in smoke Monday. It's getting fixed, and in the meantime I'm limping along on my wife's machine, begging time from her. (Not literally; she's generous.)

I'm sorry about the awkward pacing, but I see nothing to be done for it. Some have read the book already, but others are coming to it new. In a face-to-face book group, most would have read it and few would not, but the discussion would cover the whole thing, usually in no particular order--back and forth, as it were.

We have no sign-in list (not that we should have), so I don't even know how many are with us. A few probably lurk, look in once in a great while. That's fine, too. We're all relaxed here, so we'll just have fun as we march along.

I should have my dear computer back tomorrow and I'll get some topics up for the next set of chapters. Ana's going to have a nice little vacation, and then she's headed for some very hot water!

[BrassMan]

Chapters 13-16

Ana revisits some of her old friends from her earliest days on Earth, partly to give the impression that she's on the move. Well, she IS on the move.

The Del Bosques were the first people to help her hide from her pursuers. Ezekiel Hernandez was the elderly man who gave her a ride from the reststop in El Paso back to Alpine. A cancer patient then, eight years later the poor man did not remember her, and was a little suspicious of the stranger at his door. Why was she amused at the gift she gave him?

Briefly, how would you describe Dr. Sledd?

Ana passed up a visit to the Alpine Avalanche. Would you believe, the real editors of the Alpine Avalanche were not interested in taking a look at Distant Cousin? I still can't figure that out. Alpine used to be a hick town, which might explain it, but more recently it has pretensions of bigger things, since Sul Ross is now a university and there are artistes of all kinds moving in. That could explain it too. Whatever, it's their loss.

We learn at the end of chapter 13 that Dwayne and Rhoda Wiliams lent Ana a car to make her visits. How did the Williams strike you?

(Side note: I knew a ranching couple much like the Wiliams in my childhood, only they lived in Hudspeth County, further to the west. At one time they owned over 100,000 acres (156+ sq. mi.), but unfortunately without the Williams' petroleum deposits. I think rising fuel prices and lack of water finally drove them out of ranching and farming.)

After some boring business with her foundation, Ana learns something from Hleo that sends her back to visit Scott Zimmer. What does she need him to do?

In chapter 15, Ana finally returns to Barbados to visit Cheryl For, her friend from Alpine and the Olympics. Once again, however, she is forced to cut short her visit to go see FBI Agent Aldridge. What does he tell her that sends her back to Scott Zimmer?

Chapter 16 is devoted to the home front. What is Matt's surprise for Ana?

Matt and the twins spent some time telling "family stories." Have you ever heard of anyone doing that?

Let's make the next set of chapters 17-22, shall we? This is the "hits the fan" section. I'll take Monday or Tuesday as my target for the next set of disussion topics.

[Monica of NY]

Why was she amused at the gift she gave him?

I thought Ana's gift of the Thoman certificate naming Hernandez an "...Honored Friend of the People of Thomo..." amused her in two ways.  Anyone being shown the certificate may not believe its authenticity and since Mr. Hernandez had some trouble remembering Ana, he may not remember at some point in the future, even receiving the certificate at all.

Briefly, how would you describe Dr. Sledd?

Dr. Sledd is a trustworthy elder who along with his great intellect maintains youthful wonder and excitement when faced with the new and different.

How did the Williams strike you?

Dwayne and Rhoda Williams are an interesting pair.  While visually, they may appear incongruous, they are certainly a warm, folksy couple and it seems they are also humble movers and shakers within the community.

Once again, however, she is forced to cut short her visit to go see FBI Agent Aldridge. What does he tell her that sends her back to Scott Zimmer?

Aldridge tells Ana the names of the two men who were chasing her and that they are connected to the Russian Mafia.

What is Matt's surprise for Ana?

Puppies.  Matt knows how Ana feels about dogs.  I can't help but wonder if he is trying to lose husband points here!

Matt and the twins spent some time telling "family stories." Have you ever heard of anyone doing that?

I think most families have what would be considered "family stories".  I know ours does.

[BrassMan]

Chapters 17-19

We might be moving too slowly. I'll pick it up a bit until someone says "Uncle." I'll post questions for chapters 20-14 on Wednesday.

Chapter 17 is the top of the roller coaster--things take off fast from this point. Ana Darcy gets into serious trouble. Whose fault is this major mishap?

Several Klubbers have expressed some reservations about Ianthe. What does Scott Zimmer say about her at the opening of chapter 17?

We've seen (in chapter 9) that it takes a while for an emergency to affect Ana. How does she react to this one?

One of you was a little worried about Matt acquiring two dogs when he knew his wife didn't like dogs. How did the dogs work out?

Back when Ana did an interview (available at http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,4593.0.html) one of her questioners wanted to know why she married a "slug like Matt Mendez." What kind of husband is Matt, in your opinion?

When Scott Zimmer was in the hospital, he had two visitors, not counting the doctor. Which surprised you more?

[marianner]

Sorry I've been such a slacker lately!  Trying to get caught up here...

Ezekiel Hernandez was the elderly man who gave her a ride from the reststop in El Paso back to Alpine. A cancer patient then, eight years later the poor man did not remember her, and was a little suspicious of the stranger at his door. Why was she amused at the gift she gave him?

I think because he didn't even understand who she actually was.

Briefly, how would you describe Dr. Sledd?

Love Dr. Sledd!  I agree with Ana, he would have made a great Thoman.  He has kind of an old-fashioned formality that I love.  He makes people feel special without embarrassing them.

Ana passed up a visit to the Alpine Avalanche. Would you believe, the real editors of the Alpine Avalanche were not interested in taking a look at Distant Cousin? I still can't figure that out. Alpine used to be a hick town, which might explain it, but more recently it has pretensions of bigger things, since Sul Ross is now a university and there are artistes of all kinds moving in. That could explain it too. Whatever, it's their loss.

LOL!  That's a shame, though.

We learn at the end of chapter 13 that Dwayne and Rhoda Wiliams lent Ana a car to make her visits. How did the Williams strike you?

I like them, too.  They seem to have been quite inspired by Ana's generosity in their name.

After some boring business with her foundation, Ana learns something from Hleo that sends her back to visit Scott Zimmer. What does she need him to do?

He's going over the contracts that Herecyn has been making looking for potential weapons applications.

In chapter 15, Ana finally returns to Barbados to visit Cheryl For, her friend from Alpine and the Olympics. Once again, however, she is forced to cut short her visit to go see FBI Agent Aldridge. What does he tell her that sends her back to Scott Zimmer?

Aldridge tells her the names of the guys who were after her.

Chapter 16 is devoted to the home front. What is Matt's surprise for Ana?

Puppies!  Uh, oh, I wonder what she'll say when she gets home?

Matt and the twins spent some time telling "family stories." Have you ever heard of anyone doing that?

I agree with Monica; I think most families have "family stories" that you only get to hear once you're "one of us."

[Monica of NY]

Ana Darcy gets into serious trouble. Whose fault is this major mishap?

I think the blame lies with both Ana and Scott.  He provided the means since he let Ana know that he had the address of the two thugs then actually drove her there.  She, driven by her curiosity and naivete would have ended up there with or without Scott.  They both knew how dangerous these men were, but that knowledge did not stop them.  

Several Klubbers have expressed some reservations about Ianthe. What does Scott Zimmer say about her at the opening of chapter 17?

Scott finds her interesting and believes that there is more to Ianthe than meets the eye.

We've seen (in chapter 9) that it takes a while for an emergency to affect Ana. How does she react to this one?

After the ordeal at the Cherenkov residence, Ana just wanted to go home to her family where she broke down from the stress of her experience.

One of you was a little worried about Matt acquiring two dogs when he knew his wife didn't like dogs. How did the dogs work out?

I was really surprised at Ana's acceptance of the puppies given her strong anti-canine feelings.  I was certain Matt would be in big trouble, but she made it easy for him.

Back when Ana did an interview (available at http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,4593.0.html) one of her questioners wanted to know why she married a "slug like Matt Mendez." What kind of husband is Matt, in your opinion?

Matt is a strong, supportive and loving husband.  I don't think he is a "slug" at all.  While Ana is his wife and mother of his children, he has known, and apparently accepted, since before their marriage that she had other obligations as well.  

When Scott Zimmer was in the hospital, he had two visitors, not counting the doctor. Which surprised you more?

Hands down, Ianthe's visit to him took me by surprise more than Michelle's.  

[marianner]

Chapter 17 is the top of the roller coaster--things take off fast from this point. Ana Darcy gets into serious trouble. Whose fault is this major mishap?

I'd say it's Ana's fault.  Scott went along with it, but she did an awful lot of wheedling.

Several Klubbers have expressed some reservations about Ianthe. What does Scott Zimmer say about her at the opening of chapter 17?

I had to look that one up!  At the beginning of chapter 17, Scott seems kind of intrigued by Ianthe.  By the end of chapter 19, though, I think he's starting to develop a crush!

We've seen (in chapter 9) that it takes a while for an emergency to affect Ana. How does she react to this one?

Pretty characteristically - she takes care of business, but then she kind of falls apart.

One of you was a little worried about Matt acquiring two dogs when he knew his wife didn't like dogs. How did the dogs work out?

Pretty well.  She seemed to like them, maybe because they were small.

Back when Ana did an interview (available at http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,4593.0.html) one of her questioners wanted to know why she married a "slug like Matt Mendez." What kind of husband is Matt, in your opinion?

Hey, I like Matt!  He's a good guy, if a little thick-headed.  But what guy isn't?

When Scott Zimmer was in the hospital, he had two visitors, not counting the doctor. Which surprised you more?

Definitely Ianthe.  She seemed very reserved, so I was a little surprised that she went out of her way like that for Scott.

[BrassMan]

About the Williams family, the ranchers who helped Ana Darcy several times: I don' t know if it's all that clear from the story, because even in a novel all the minor characters can't be fully fleshed out, that they get along with each other with a good bit of humor. Dwayne is an impulsive rich guy, and Rhoda snipes at him occasionally, but usually in good spirits. Rhoda would have been the high school prom queen from a "good" family, and Dwayne was an up-and-coming boy friend that she married, probably in a big, local society wedding. There's no need to put that in the book, but you see the "finished product" as they are when Darcy knows them. Dwayne is a big-time lawyer of some kind, probably a real estate or banking type, and the petroleum deposits on his land don't hurt either.

Yes, Ana's getting into trouble is mostly her own fault. We know that she's determined to make sure no Thomans are bringing harm to the mother planet, and, after all, she's not from here and couldn't be expected to know just how powerful a criminal organization might be. She found out, though, and she gets a little smarter, as we'll see.

As for her loving the dogs when she feared her native dog-like creatures, first let's remember that she realized that fear was misplaced, that dogs were not really all that bad, and that she thought she might have to come around eventually. (She thought this as she returned home late one night and barking dogs gave her the thought.) Second, let's remember that these two dogs were puppies. Everybody loves puppies, and Rhodesian ridgeback puppies are exceptionally cute. I can post a photo if anyone wants to see one. Finally, third, she met these puppies when she was in a time of great emotional distress, after the horrible episode with the martial arts master. Matt did everything he could to give her a pleasant first day home--several days, actually--and the puppies, warm, squirmy, affectionate, and probably smelling of milk, fit in perfectly. Funny how things work out sometimes, isn't it?

I'm glad you all were surprised by Ianthe's visit to Scott in the hospital. We saw that she felt obligated to him, which is important to Thomans, because he had saved her sister's life, or so she thought. We also know they knew each other from the time he spent at her house earlier, going over those contracts. Me, I kind of like the understated way she made a splash at the hospital, as when the head nurse knew she was someone important, but couldn't identify her.

So now we move on into the next couple of chapters, as Ana continues to learn more about who's after her and why, and tries to find a way to deal with it. More on this soon!

[BrassMan]

Here is one ridgeback puppy, Cecily. Two would be twice as cute, at least!

[jpmorgan49]

So CUTE!!!!!

[marianner]

Awwww, sweet wittle puppies!

[BrassMan]

Awwww, sweet wittle puppies!

Sure! You can see why Darcy's heart might go out to TWO of them.

Cecily is still sweet now that she's grown. You might have seen the pictures on a pet thread of her sitting on her pal Pancho. And then there's this, not quite so sweet (although she didn't get sprayed):