Poignant ending! Interesting how after case is closed, it feels more unsettling than at the beginning. James (we are on a first name basis now) is embarking on something even more terrifying than a face off with an assassin half-clone half-bot being. Discovering life again. And my question... in an alternate universe, what were some other possible endings you had considered writing, and why did you go with this one? Love it!
Love it. But I can't imagine the farmer's life will last--especially for DB. ALTHOUGH...maybe DB will find his way to a little island in the PNW where he could meet a sweet little spider droid...
Pretty good way of wrapping things up, particularly for James' personal growth arc across the story. This case was a major shakeup in his life, one that threw him into a few deadly situations that finally made him realize he hadn't been living so much as drifting along the edge of a dangerous ledge.
I still think Gerard was beaten a little too easily, but I appreciate that it was made clear that this arrest isn't a definite loss for him. He can easily pay bail, the police could still be in his pocket, and while the board might give him the boot there's no guarantee of it. It's hopeful, but uncertain, which feels more in line with the overall tone of the story.
You did a good job here, Scoot. There were some rough patches in the story, but on the whole it's a fun and well written pulp sci-fi noir that's got snappy pacing and some endearing characters.
“Here’s to whatever’s next.” - I hope it's more in this universe. The best part of the story (for me) was the bits of worldbuilding. Things like DB, or Black Zaeland's face reveal, or the interplanetary travel at the end. The world and tech took a backburner to the noir/mystery in this one (which was fine - made for a good thrill), but I'd be interested to see if/how you'd expand on the setting, possibly with other genres.
The first chapter was probably my overall favorite, followed by black Zaeland's reveal, then the final showdown with Gerard.
Overall, a deluxe story. Can't wait for "Whatever's next."
“Duel” has been part of my Saturday morning leisurely breakfast reading for a good few weeks now, thanks for taking us along for the ride!
My question: how much do you modify the story as you go along in response to readers’ comments? Like, do you have everything planned out and you stick to that, or do you add things or change things on the fly?
First one here
I honestly thought the previous episode was the “finale” but I’m glad everyone got a good ending!
Congrats, Scoot!
Wonderful finale, Scoot! My questions: is this the same universe as Sandbox Earth? Also, will James ever learn what kind of droid DB431 is?
Is it weird that I wanted Bridget to be a Mastermind that wanted to get her uncle out of the picture and was playing voy this whole time?
My thoughts exactly
Yeah, who's on the board anyway? Did we find out? Or is the Board just Bridget talking to herself?
I AM THE BOARD MOFOS!
The real Board was the friends Bridget made along the way!
This was my pet theory too!
I was kind of thinking (hoping 🤔) that might be the case!
You did a great job with this serial, @scoot. I think it was as rewarding for you as it was for us.
I hope you do another one at some time in the future.
It was a pleasure reading it.
Poignant ending! Interesting how after case is closed, it feels more unsettling than at the beginning. James (we are on a first name basis now) is embarking on something even more terrifying than a face off with an assassin half-clone half-bot being. Discovering life again. And my question... in an alternate universe, what were some other possible endings you had considered writing, and why did you go with this one? Love it!
Also, where did you get the names from?
Love it. But I can't imagine the farmer's life will last--especially for DB. ALTHOUGH...maybe DB will find his way to a little island in the PNW where he could meet a sweet little spider droid...
Crossover episode! Crossover episode!
AUNT SALLY
Pretty good way of wrapping things up, particularly for James' personal growth arc across the story. This case was a major shakeup in his life, one that threw him into a few deadly situations that finally made him realize he hadn't been living so much as drifting along the edge of a dangerous ledge.
I still think Gerard was beaten a little too easily, but I appreciate that it was made clear that this arrest isn't a definite loss for him. He can easily pay bail, the police could still be in his pocket, and while the board might give him the boot there's no guarantee of it. It's hopeful, but uncertain, which feels more in line with the overall tone of the story.
You did a good job here, Scoot. There were some rough patches in the story, but on the whole it's a fun and well written pulp sci-fi noir that's got snappy pacing and some endearing characters.
The only thing missing that I wanted to see was a final line which read: “James McElroy will return in _______.”
You created some very likable characters, Scoot. I can’t wait for their next adventure.
“Here’s to whatever’s next.” - I hope it's more in this universe. The best part of the story (for me) was the bits of worldbuilding. Things like DB, or Black Zaeland's face reveal, or the interplanetary travel at the end. The world and tech took a backburner to the noir/mystery in this one (which was fine - made for a good thrill), but I'd be interested to see if/how you'd expand on the setting, possibly with other genres.
The first chapter was probably my overall favorite, followed by black Zaeland's reveal, then the final showdown with Gerard.
Overall, a deluxe story. Can't wait for "Whatever's next."
“Duel” has been part of my Saturday morning leisurely breakfast reading for a good few weeks now, thanks for taking us along for the ride!
My question: how much do you modify the story as you go along in response to readers’ comments? Like, do you have everything planned out and you stick to that, or do you add things or change things on the fly?
I’m interested to know this too!
I sincerely hope “whatever’s next” includes James & DB in a sequel!