Hello again Sparks!
I know its not one of my regular posting days but I did warn you might get an extra email from me this week, so here it is.
I don’t have much in the way of personal news since yesterday, but I can tell you that sick kids are not fun. And when you toss an unwell husband on the pile, it starts to topple. But I have taken the week off to catch up on what I allowed to get behind, and so I need to make the most of it.
This is bliss, by the way, focusing on writing instead of doing all the other things.
That said, let’s get down to business.
Oh—and I made an oops.
More like an OOPS!
You know how I’ve been harping on about Logan and Tom being 14… Well, about that…
You see in the original original, outline… When I first started writing this story and it was called something completely different, I did want the boys to be 14, BUT…
Then I thought about it, and when they’re in the mountains, being left to their own devices, and when they aren’t being made to focus on school work, and when I later introduced Cathy, I changed my mind. 😬🫣
If you’ve been reading carefully, you’ll have noticed that there’s no mention of their age in the actual story until here. But Luke does seem to treat them like young adults; letting them pilot off of Telera, little to no supervision at the cabin, very little actual parenting, and now, involving Logan in sensitive PG work that leads to a relationship with an older girl...
This makes a whole lot more sense if they were 16 when the whole thing with Misty happened.
So, dear readers, I must apologize. It is totally my bad.
Yes, I’m not as professional as I’d like to seem, and no you didn’t miss something. I did not mean for this to happen. Sorry.
Okay to business now...
I am still a little behind, so this particular unBottled Embers has to do with this particular post.
TLDR is giving me the ick, and since this examination of what came before is essentially the leftovers after the fire has burned down, from now on this section of unBottled will be called— drumroll please—
Ash and Cinders
Sifting through the ash and cinders here, we get to see Luke’s professional side. Rashak Grora, doesn’t just look like a bear—so Luke gets creative, makes a power move of his own, and reminds everyone in the room that the Planetary Guard’s leash only works because he chooses to wear it.
Tom starts to worry when he finds out Logan is head over heels for a PG girl. And while Logan and Cathy to get to know one another, as first romances often do, the friendship quickly blossoms into more. Soon she’s spending time with Logan outside of work—watching his fights, visiting his home…
When Logan shows her around, they stop by the gym for a little fun. One thing leads to another and Logan accidentally gives Cathy an inkling of how much he’s holding back.
Later they visit Elle. Cathy examines her like she’s a car she wants to test drive. (😉😏 winking at Frank.)
Before we know it a few months have passed, and Logan and Tom must decide whether or not to have the argument that’s been simmering.
Questions!
I won’t lead up, because I can’t wait to ask… Cathy seems VERY interested in Elle. Like, super interested. What do you think that’s about? (Wink, wink.) Presents? Tom calls it surveillance, Logan calls it sweet. Who is right, and what does Cathy think when she sees the little girl in a coma?
Also, what exactly is Luke doing here? Oooh! Oooh! That’s a good one for a poll.
And… Tom sees right through Cathy. Logan chooses not to. Is Tom just being the overprotective big brother? Looking out for the family by trying to keep the PG as far away as possible? Or, as is more likely, could he be jealous?
Last one, what do you think Cathy is telling her dad about all this?
Gather round fellow Nerd’s into our Nook
I’ve been wanting to do this for a while… Haha!
Introducing:
Lieutenant Cathy Morgan’s field reports
PG File: Subject - Rashak Grora / Operation - Alexandros Estate
Classification: Beta-2 (Field Officer Summary)
Date: 15/7/2312
Subject: Rashak Grora, Grismand, war criminal (status: cooperative)
Personnel: Dr Lukas McKeen (asset) Logan No’gard (support) Lt. C. Morgan (observation)
Summary of Events:
Subject sedated on arrival, chemically aroused by Dr. McKeen, Restraints reinforced with Raw Energy as precautionary measure by Logan No’gard.
Dr. McKeen conducted initial interrogation without incident. Subject became cooperative within three hours.
No resistance or security breach occurred. Dr. McKeen’s methods remain effective.
Lt. Morgan was present throughout. She was briefly incapacitated during initial phase (fainting possibly due to stress) unharmed.
Assessment:
Dr. McKeen continues to produce results despite his extended hiatus. His telepathic abilities remain at expected levels.
Logan No’gard’s Raw Energy manipulation and control is adequate for containment. No exceptional ability observed.
The estate is a suitable location for sensitive operations. Continued use recommended.
Personnel note (Lt. Morgan):
Lt. Morgan’s reaction during initial phase is noted. As suspected, a personal connection with Logan No’gard is not only possible but recommended as useful for long-term observation. No further action required at this time.
End of Report.
Well, that’s the sanitized version, the official report on what happened with the Grismand. I might show you the Top Secret version some day. (My winking muscles had a thorough workout today.)
Still one more episode to catch up. Will try to finish it this weekend so I don’t get even further behind.
Keep well friends.
—Jenny, out*
Happy speculating, till the next time, and a verry merry unbirthday to you!
New here? Don’t want to miss out -
Need more and can’t wait - check out the Bottled Embers INDEX for the rest of the story.
Yipes, you and the family are really taking a beating...hope you avoid becoming a casualty in the midst of all this!!! Speedy recovery to all!! Glad you have found a little space to clear your mind...
Lol, it is said that imitation or copying is the highest form of flattery...so I am duly flattered 😎
A very generous discussion and background questions to think about!
Indeed, Logan is certainly getting the treatment with his introduction to Lt Cathy Morgan, and Luke does nothing to discourage...in fact I think it provides him a little cover using Logan as eye candy to run some other magic tricks emphasizing his considerable talent in use for the PG. So there is multilayer dazzlement, distraction and redirection going on with Luke. A little of the "dazzle 'em with brilliance or baffle 'em with b***s**t approach. But I think Cathy is operating on multiple layers as well. I think getting recon on Misty/Elle by getting close to Logan who is obviously susceptible to being manipulated for sensitive status information or access, is her primary mission. And the Morgans already know more than they are letting on.