Actually, Punx, I'm very glad to hear that Melissa's reply worked the way it did for you. I wanted it to be both awkward and funny at the same time, and it looks like I hit what I was going for. That's good news. As to the Lost Children, I was planning more about that circumstance in a short story or two on the side. It would be a little complicated to write into this story for 2 reasons.
  One, this story focuses on following Chris, and Chris can't go back to help with the Lost Children due to his exposure.
  Two, I'm nearly at 150k in word count. I can't follow the Lost Children story inside of this one unless I was trying to compete with an epic like War and Peace. I wouldn't stand a chance, so no going there.
  We must therefore take it as said that I'll make a notation somewhere in the beginning of part three which indicates the Lost Children were taken care of appropriately, but I'll probably not write much more than that in this story.

  As it stands right now, I have 2 segments left. As such, here's the second to last segment.
-------------------------------------------------


  Once the door was again closed, Chris returned his attention to Dad. Each of the tips of Dad’s fingers was pressed against its counterpart; his emerald eyes were in soul-piercing mode, staring at Chris from over his fingers. Julie was also looking at Chris, loving concern reflecting from her brown eyes. It struck Chris as odd that in any similar circumstance he might have felt an awkwardness begin to fill the moment, but this time he felt a warm comfort come upon him that quenched any feelings of unease. His observations only confirmed his recent revelation from Truug’s explanation. Indeed if he could ever call anyone his parents, it would be these two, and without any uncertainty.

  “Do you remember what kind of posture I wanted to take toward your people, Chris?â€�

  Chris shrugged. “I don’t know about a posture, but I remember you said that you wanted to be honest and truthful with them.â€�

  “Yes; exactly. The problem is that we now know of at least one group who is not being truthful or honest, or forthright about their intentions for that matter, and very likely a second one, too. And I’m not convinced that Dep:118 will be strong enough to counteract whatever they have in mind. Quite frankly, Chris, that worries me.â€� Dad took a cleansing breath. “I think it’s in our best interest, and in the interest of your people’s survival, if we put our best foot forward.â€�

  Chris cocked his head in curiosity.

  “When I was on the phone with the Office of the Empress, I asked for a meeting with the Imperial Council. It won’t happen for another month or two at least, but I want you to know my intention. Chris, it’s my intention to explain the hybreed existence to The Office of the Empress directly, and to the Empress herself, as well as whatever representatives of Imperial Departments may show up.â€�

  Though he was not educated on the workings of Imperial politics, the sudden pounding of the heartbeat in his chest informed Chris that this was a very drastic decision, filled with many types of peril. However, the increase of Dad’s gaze upon Chris made his heart pound even louder.

  “I know this is a lot to ask, believe me, but I’m going to ask it anyway. I’d like you to shift into your hybreed form at that council meeting, in front of everyone in attendance, provided you’re comfortable with the precautionary measures.â€�

  Chris said nothing, but his breathing became erratic, and he changed position in his chair several times in only a few seconds. He tried to start a comment in reply several times, but not even a syllable made it past his lips. As his disbelief finally abated, Julie continued.

  “We know it’s heavy, Chris, and you can say no if you need to, but Ray wouldn’t ask if he didn’t think it was the right thing to do.â€�

  With her comment, Chris focused on Julie for a moment, remembering full well what she was and who she represented. “What do the Brevish think about this?â€�

  “It’s not our choice; at this point we’re not much more than observers. But even from the sidelines, the major consensus is that it’s time. It’s time to test the waters at least and see how your people will be received.â€�

  “Well… can’t we… start a little smaller?â€�

  Dad smiled sympathetically before he added another point of reasoning. “Since the Empress has shown interest in the Howler, the seed is already planted. Now we just have to water it and watch out for weeds.â€�

  “Dad, this is…â€� at a loss for words, Chris laughed under his breath in disbelief. “You realize what you’re asking me, right?â€�

  “I keep trying to look at it from all the angles I can, but I think so,â€� Dad said as he nodded.

  “The word ‘ambassador’ has crossed our minds too, kiddo,â€� Julie replied. “But don’t worry; it’s not an official position, just a metaphor.â€�

  Chris nodded apprehensively, trying to take in what Dad was asking. He was asking Chris to shift into a hybreed, a werewolf, in front of the most powerful and influential people in the Empire. He was asking Chris to expose his people, elusive creatures of myth and legend, to the eyes of the Empire in one swift, undeniable stroke. The possible ramifications of this action alone were enough to make his head swim; it was a decision that Chris did not think he could make lightly, or immediately.

  “But I got some time to think about it, right?â€�

  Both Dad and Julie confirmed his statement with sympathetic nods.

  Chris raised his eyes in acquiescence. “Okay, so, anything else?â€�

  “Well,â€� Dad cautiously started after a pause, “we both read your report in full. First off, about the report itself: it was a great first attempt, Chris, especially since you’ve never written a report for an Imperial department before. However, your technique was a little choppy, and kind of irregular. It sounded like you were holding a few things back, and that can be a death sentence when writing an official report. I’m sure that you have good reason for not divulging everything, so don’t get me wrong there, but I’d like you to spend some time with Shannon when she gets back. She can show you how to write the report and word things in a way that puts a spin on it, in case of Imperial Review.â€�

  Chris nodded his head slowly. He was definitely holding back information, and he had good reason. However, Dad was not faulting him for that, but was indicating that there was a way to write reports so that it did not look like any information was withheld. It was clear that his secrets would still be safe with them, whether he divulged them or not. The lack of pressing the issue made Chris respect Dad all the more, and yet the duality of withholding information from the Empire made him snicker under his breath, for some reason.

  “I know I still got a lot to learn, but I’ll learn it.â€�

  “Good to hear, Chris, thanks.â€�

  “So, what’s next?â€�

  Dad looked at Julie, and Julie took the handoff. “We wanted you to know that we’re both really sorry you had to give up the reputation of the Howler a second time; that must have been really difficult.â€�

  Chris slowly crossed his arms on the table and nodded. “Thank you for the sentiment; honestly, it doesn’t bother me that much. I think it was for the best.â€�

  “That may be,â€� Julie accepted, “but it can’t be easy to give up on something you feel so strong about. We’re also very concerned that your people rejected your request to join them.â€�

  Chris looked up and smiled. “Ah, well, you don’t have to be. There’s a ‘pro’ to said ‘con’ that isn’t in the report. It’s some of the information I was holding back, actually, but I don't want to hold it back from you guys.â€�

  Both Dad and Julie looked at him with increased interest, so Chris continued.

I got up to the end of the second to last post, and for a moment there I felt like I was watching an episode of Heroes... the suspense is killing me.  LOL. 

I love reading the dialouge you create for your characters.  It always flows so well and the things they say aren't forced for the sake of the story.  After reading this I went back to chapter three to remind myself how that part started.  I thougth to use that to clue me on what Chris would mention next.

Great, great story, Grayle!  I look foward to reading the final post to this chapter and to helping you with the proofreading.

Hehe, so when is the next story getting posted?

*Sniffles* Great *Sniffles* Segment, Grayle! Just so great! The emotion was beautifuly described and I love to see Dad tear up
I loved the ending, great last sentence, too. Such a way to end and I'm so glad I've been here every step of the way, otherwise I would have been missing out on the best story ever (no lie)
So does this mean it's all ended? All over? :'(
Well, you have to promise me one thing, I get a hardcover copy of the book, okay?

In answer to your question, Punx, It's not over.
  I have plans for at least 2 short stories in direct relation to this Dep:118 story, as well as another one from Gareth's perspective; and there's also Rachel Blackwood's adventures in the city of Chemlok (I think you have the start of that story already, Punx; it's called 'Lords of Orwin'). That's just the plans I have in waiting. Keep in mind that I ended part 3 with some big questions that were left unanswered, one of which is the exposure of the Hybreed to the human populace as a whole, as well as whatever Emmerson Crayne may be up to (See epilogue of part 3 and also Hybreed: Confrontations for more on Lord Crayne). As a result, there's plenty of room for a sequel if this story takes off in the public's demand.

Right now I'm focusing on proofreading and story conflicts; there's several things that I need to change in part 3 to make it coincide properly with parts 1 and 2. Given another couple of weeks or so, I'll be ready for proofreaders. I already got responses from Punx and SilentStrider, but if anyone else is interested, feel free to send me an email.

  Here's a thought: Has anyone noticed any of the drastic changes I need to make in Part 3 when taking into consideration what took place here in Part 2?

Will there be another part of this series?

Want me to post the revised edition of Part 3?

Feel free to shoot me an email, Strider. Just keep it on the QT - don't know who out there might be watching...


      Revised Part 3 coming soon, as well as possible other things and stuff.