My fear was realized. It
was Philip. My primary concern was that he was going there with the intention to stop them, having found out somehow what Max was planning. I think this scenario is even worse though.
On the one hand I want to strangle Philip for going along with the society as far as using people and basically approving the (possible) life long rape of women. Especially in regards to someone he's known since she was a little girl! I get that there are heartless people and psychopaths out there but sometimes I think the full-bloods take it to an entirely new level.
On the other hand he basically warned Max when he didn't have to. He's trying to pull Max back in to "walking the line" before he can no longer provide protection for him. I doubt Philip wants Max to be "re-educated" but at the same time if it's a choice between that and a death sentence, it's easy to see why he would vote in favor of that.
It's also interesting that he's known about Max's "infatuation" with Liz for so long. Obviously he probably didn't care about it too much or give it too much weight given that Max was always a "good boy" in their society. Plus with all the girls that Max has supposedly dated he probably figured that Max's infatuation would eventually wear out. But after all of this started happening (and after he's obviously tried to cover for his son) you have to wonder if he's yet to realize that Max won't give her up. Isabel realizes it. Max knows he no longer can. And I imagine that (even if Max tries to hide it) Philip realizes the same thing. Maybe he sees the "re-education" as a way of him being able to save Max from the danger that is Elizabeth Parker.
Even if they managed to separate the two of them I wonder how long Max would have to be "re-educated" before he would be "willing" to move on. Just how difficult would it be for them to make him submissive again to the point where he would (one day) start a family with someone and pass on the healing ability? Obviously I don't think they'd succeed it Max and Liz were able to double-bond but if
that happens what then? If Max were to try and run he'd be hunted by his own kind. I can't imagine they would do anything less if they discover Max is still violating all their laws.
You're going to enjoy this... I actually don't have a clue yet as to how Max and Liz are going to get themselves out of this situation even
with a double-bond. (If such a thing is possible.)
Honestly, at which point does Philip finally turn his back on his son for the "honor" if not outright survival of the rest of his family? And Max can't allow himself to be taken away and "re-educated" because then Liz is defenseless and will very likely be killed. Regardless of what they'll do to him, if he's gone and they realize what happened (and what she knows) then she's as good as dead. So how do they stay together against an entire society who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep them apart?
Beyond the fact that a double bond will (hopefully) make them stronger how do you manage to take on an entire society so set in their ways? Even if they manage to get some kind of exemption or special status for being bond-mates instead of just bonded there are still those who aren't going to be happy (Sean and the Sgt. come to mind). Plus any other military members who might now feel threatened that they could potentially lose their gaea-human. And what does that do to the Evans' family social standing? In the military branch having a gaea-human gives you a boost. So it would seem to be even more so for Max and his family given that they'd be the first ones to
have a gaea-human being with a healer and then the fact that Max and Liz would be bond-mates on top of that would also greatly increase it. Yet the underlying g truth is that it basically put the entire community at risk during the process.
And lastly, as far as the Max/Liz dilemma goes - how in the heck does Liz come out of this with not only her memories in tact but also accepted by the society? Every human thus far has to be accepted by the society or (I imagine) their mind is wiped and the alien or hybrid has to find someone else. Given that she's only sixteen, gone along with breaking their rules, obviously isn't married to Max and is the cause of all this upheaval... How does all of that get dealt with so that they bring her in as a member? Of course that's the easy part to solve. If she does manage to overcome all of that to take her (rightful) place by Max's side, how does she accept
them? How does she find peace in living within their rules and restrictions - many of which
are necessary for their very survival - without growing animosity? Especially if she and Max have children (which, even if
she hasn't thought about it until Philip mentioned it, Max had to have - even if only after their connection was formed and he realized her feelings for him).
My goodness, Jo! Could you write a more heart-wrenching chapter? (And, NO, that is not a challenge!
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
)
Every time Liz has been in pain Max has immediately done what he can to help her, to alleviate that pain. And now that he's in pain (by the words his father spoke and everything they meant) she's stuck in a closet unable to run to him and comfort him. His very life is being threatened and she can't do anything to make it better. He might not have ever liked his alien heritage but it was the only place where they knew of his genetic makeup and weren't scared of or repulsed by him. They
honored him because of it. And though he had to have an idea that they were starting to turn against him, to hear it so bluntly cuts to the bone. And if it hurt Liz that badly to her all of those things leveled at Max, I can't imagine what it fully did to him.
Dear lord, let them not fight in the next chapter. When their emotions run high it tends to boil over in anger. Let's have it boil over into something else instead. Because at this point they're both basically "dead" tomorrow anyways - even if just mentally and emotionally. Unless you have a really big magic card up your sleeve. Like glowing and bond-mates and lord knows what else.
And, lest I sound ungrateful,
thank you for posting the very next day! I knew you couldn't ignore the cries of many. We'll have to remember that for next time.
EDIT:
Mezz sometimes I think we share notes or something. The thought crossed my mind about Philip warning his son while at the same time playing a very dangerous game of politics to keep him safe.
And I think with the emotional tensions running at an even more extreme high their bonding will be even stronger now. (If we assume, according to a hint that Jo left in feedback, that real emotions create a stronger bond then false or forced ones.) So
technically Philip showing up (whether on purpose knowing Max would be there or not) created a perfect scenario for a stronger secondary-bond between M/L.