My car is repaired! Although now I am a full-time student, so I may settle into a once-a-week routine of updating. Anyway, here is feedback:
The_Guiscard, I am delighted that you like the opening paragraphs. To me, they are kind of tapping the keg of creativity. Without them, I can't write
anything. . . I just sit there staring at the page. Once I write them, the rest of the update comes pouring out. And I can't help purpling the prose a bit.
The purpose of the destroyer is something I've been keeping vague for awhile, but with Cutter on death's door, it seems a golden moment to provide a little bit of textboxing.
coz1, yes, one is the king, and I will reveal why in the next update, methinks.
Qorten, Sam already got the bloody whatsit from the destroyer. At this point, he just needs to give up the ghost.
demokratickid, fun for whom? Raum returns in stages and modes, and he's been more powerful each time due to being increasingly aware of the tricks of his enemies. So yes, this should be fun.
Enewald, a whore? I think I can wrangle that.
robou, the entanglement between the destroyer and the French has been left intentionally vague, but he's obviously tired of being kicked around. I also got off track a story arc I wanted to present, and using the French to hunt down Cadbury and Walter is a way to bring things back where they need to be, even if John is a McGuffin at this point.
balkanite, thank you. You're very kind.
El Pip, pride goeth before the fall and all that. The destroyer does have precious few other weaknesses, and I think I will clarify that a bit next update, if I don't bump my word count too high.
Deamon, returns to Earth with a vengeance. And congrats on 200!
Olaus Petrus, the soldiers stood as much of a chance, and died even faster. Once the scribe laid eyes on Raum, his chances went down significantly, which is pointedly and critically the major point.
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Thank you all for reading. I am grateful to all of you for your insights, thoughts, and kind compliments. There will perhaps be an update shortly, depending on how my schedule meddles with me over the next day.