RE: Echoes of Tommorrow's Past - Part 19 (My Original Novella)
Standing ovation all around. This was an A+ series, brother! Beat by beat, all of the chapters were gold. I just want to take a brief moment to pat myself in the back. It was a few chapters ago, but I did comment that wouldn't be awesome if Dr. Grey turns out as a good guy just trying to help James out, and that the end goal was to download his brain digitally so that it could live on.
I don't know which chapter, but a while back it made me think of that Black Mirror episode titled San Junipero. In a weird way, taking him out of the reality is the best course of action to "keep him alive." With the final outcome, James and Dr Grey get wins, but ultimately leaves Dolores as the only loser. Sure, there's a silver lining knowing her husband is still alive and well, but she would always have his comatose body anchoring her down. It's a shame since she's come a long way as a character, and this was arguably more her story than James'.
I like the ending that you went with, brother. The journey to get here has definitely paid off and I commend you for sticking to your guns. You deserve all the upvotes for this one, and I just know that you will receive your due. I'm amazed that I was able to leave a lengthy comment despite me still going on standing and clapping for you. Take a bow, brother. Take a bow.
Now, look. I know this may come across as a little forward, but I couldn't care less right now... I've known you long enough by now... "I LOVE YOU, MAN"!!! There, I said it!!! Now it's stuck on the Steem blockchain forevermore... And I'm all the more glad for it. :)
But really, bro! You and I share such similarities when it comes to orchestrating and developing works of fiction, it's downright uncanny. I remember clearly when you made that remark about Dr. Grey. Very well perceived! Man, what a rush to be able to empathise writing on that level with someone else. It's truly exhilarating and has transformed my experience on Steemit from a "great" one to a "legendary" one!
Yes, the Doctor was genuine in trying to treat James. It would have been too clichéd I felt if I opened up some dark and sinister plan for him. He was just a regular guy who wanted to help, but now realising it was all too late, had thought up the next best practical solution. Observe and research him, examine the findings and see if any "good" can be salvaged from the god-awful mess he foresaw coming.
As for Dolores, I felt her role in the story was up in the penultimate chapter. It is to be assumed from that moment forth, the Doctor will calm her down in another room, explain to her exactly (and literally show her) what has happened to James and how his attempt to save him (the hardfork)was concluded as fruitless. As to her reactions after hearing the news and how she deals with that going forward, is left up to the readers imaginations.
We are also to presume that James will be cocooned within the empowerment of his subconscious until the day he dies. Though whether or not he could actually have been saved had they worked on him in time, will now never be known. His subliminal mind has created an "idyllic" world using his own memories gathered from stored images on the blockchain. Thus imprisoning him in the best way possible, if there's such a thing. To such an extent, in fact, that James prefers it to the actual existence he was living in the "external" world. Possibly wanting to find other ways of improving his "perfected" environment whilst fully aware of what is happening to him.
I loved putting this one together. When I returned to posting on "Steemit", I released my short work "Bitbaby" (A glimpse into James's beginnings) but never thought it'll expand into what it has. So happy with the outcome, bro! And thank you for all the awesome and heartfelt support along the way. So appreciated, you'll never know.
You're a star, man. And may we both continue to flourish here on Steemit and reach even higher still.
Bless... :)
Yeah, I remember Bitbaby quite clearly and connected the dots early on. I didn't want to mention it out of fear that it might spoil something in the story. I remember you telling me that it was a prelude to a future story, and when I saw that the lead male here was James, I immediately knew it was the eponymous Bitbaby haha!
Man I'm so torn about making assumptions. When I get it right, I of course feel some sort of accomplishment, but then I empathize with the writer and put myself in that situation, then I feel awful. It's so gut-wrenching when someone speculates close to what I intended to write, so I apologize for that, brother.
What happened to Dolores after is just begging for a one-off tale! It would be interesting to see if the reader's vision fits with yours? Or, is it better fit as a contest where we would be able to write our interpretation. It's just so rife with potential!
This has been truly a labor of love, and the effort you put into this shows. I'm so happy that this series averaged more than a hundred dollars! You're truly getting the rewards you deserve :D
Yes, bro! It was indeed a labour of love so I'm over the moon at how it was received.
But please don't apologize for your excellent skills of perception! After all, we can all theorize and speculate about plot points, character arcs and possible outcomes but at the end of the day, until it's physical written down and confirmed, anything goes!
And yes, I didn't want to put it out there too early, but I have already penned an albeit very vague, but solid outline to a sequel. The wheels are in motion, though whether or not that ever comes to be is another matter entirely. I've so many other projects I wished to get under way here on Steemit.
But yes, I've done OK and hope to continue to do so (in conjunction with you as well, brother). The future is open so let's make the most out of this incredible opportunity. :)
As much as I want to, I earn only a small fraction of what you earn, and at this point it's so far fron being sustainable. One of these days something has to give, and I fear that my time on Steemit is on the losing end haha No matter how much I try to make light of the situation I find myself in, unless I can prove that my time is leading up to something valuable, I'm afraid that I'm on borrowed time here haha It has been a fun ride though no matter how long it'll last :D
Those days of minuscule rewards are over, bro. If we must, let's compare our payouts at present. You are making a little under what I do (which could swap around at any time remember, there are no guarantees on Steemit). After HF19, even my payouts have dropping substantially, but also recall a few months back when it was considered a home run if you got $20+ for a post? It's all relative, my bro.
You've built up a good following built upon hours of time, effort and perseverance. You have just scratched the surface of your potential and have so much more to offer us all in terms of creativity and talent. I can only speak for myself, but I pray that you remain and grow on this platform as Steemit is finally starting to spread it's wings.
You're a treasure to us on here. It's just the plain truth. Always bear that in mind, my bro. Never sell yourself short. :)
Yeah, no, don't get me wrong, brother. I'm very hopeful for the future. You make a good point about it used to be that $20 was already considered a home run. I wouldn't say I make "a little under" what you make as $20 is significantly less than hundreds of dollars hahaha! But yeah, I didn't mean to sound like I was ranting. I am truly grateful for the earning and support that I am receiving. Appreciate it to no end, for sure! :D
I do need to justify my time here though, especially now that my resources are dwindling. In the coming days, I would need to assess if what I could potentially make here is worth the time I spend here, or if the time would better be served for more important things. With the surge of new people, my absence wouldn't be even felt that much anyway, as I feel that I'm on the negative end once Steemit spreads its wings. We'll see. I do appreciate your support, brother :D
I understand, bro. And won't push the matter, of course. I can only impart my honest feelings at the end of the day, but my "full" support is one thing you can always count on. You were an invaluable factor in keeping me on my toes when I fell on bad times on Steemit and that, for me, goes way beyond any dollar figure.
Whatever you choose, know that I got your back every step of the way. :)
I know, brother. What we have here is a friendship that goes beyond Steemit. I appreciate all that you've done and continually provide :D