Date: January 02, 2021 09:06 pm Title: Saddle Up
This was a chapter well worth the wait. Starting right away with Jim nearly soaking Griff with his own urine. Hopefully he'll take a lesson with the near miss there.
Man, you really gave us a lot of gifts here, between Pete being okay and ready to fly again and them winning the Silver Star and the DFC both. Things were going so well for them I was honestly pretty nervous for a while - maybe I've seen too many movies, but the conversation about their future plans with Pam and Penny between Jim and Griff set a lot of alarms going off in my head.
As always, the work you're putting in on the research comes through clearly and pays off here. It's very easy to feel like I'm right there inside the cockpit with them. And you can really feel (and share!) their frustration lifting now that they can finally escort the bombers all the way through.
The newsreel was a nice touch - and Jim named the Mustang Andromeda? You slay me. Truly, really good work here.
Author's Response:
Glad you liked this one. This was the turn of the tide in the European airwar. We'll get more into that later but yeah, the frustration is gone and the hunt is on. Good things for fighter pilots.
Sorry to add any stress with thinking the rug might get pulled out with all the good things going on. After a few harder Jim chapters I wanted this one to not be that.
Really glad you like the bit with the newsreel. I was a little worried about how it would land, but that worry seems groundless now. Glad you like the new name for Jim's fighter as well.
Date: January 02, 2021 07:10 am Title: Thoughts of the Future
I'm all caught up just in time for your next post - but maybe can sneak in first chapter of This thing Called Life first (and continue with adventures - yes been reading that too sorry haven't left reviews but enjoying it as I do all your stuff.)
Anyway, this was a nice little breather chapter - no worrying about the emotional turmoil of war for Jim (I know/hope you would never harm him, but the emotional seems to be doing enough - war is hell) even though we had to deal with that awful Danny Cordray.
Nice that Pam and her family are spending Thanksgiving with the Halperts -true spirit of Thanksgiving and family alive here.
The inclusion of the Pam's artwork is a lovely touch and enjoyed how you snuck in "I'm sorry what was the question."
So how long do I have to wait for the next update?
Author's Response:
Glad you got caught up. It's a long story so thanks for taking the time to read it all. Yeah Danny's not great. Hopefully I have Pam in a good place to deal with all of that.
The artwork is fun to add in, along with lines from the show. Shouldn't be to much longer before an update.
Date: January 01, 2021 04:46 am Title: October Rain
On the show the Danny Cordray character really got under my skin and now he's burrowed into it like a rash that is beyond irritating. On the outside he seems charming and attractive but really he's swarmy and sleazy.
Very much sign of the times they'd be slapping him and throwing drinks in his face so you've done well staying true to the era. On a personal note that jumps eras and stories if Beth were there she'd have lost 50 points here.
The letters and lists as always great to read and I like how you slipped Kevin in here.
Of course he's her new boss. This will be interesting.
Ps the letter from the future was one of my all time favorite Jim pranks. I snorted out loud when I first saw it (had I been drinking coffee I may have made a bigger mess than Dwight and Stanley) so i was tickled you worked it in here.
Author's Response:
Yeah never a fan of Danny either. He always seemed like the opportunistic smooth guy to me. So that's how I'll unapologetically write him.
Glad you like the letters. They're one of my favorite parts too. Especially since I can use them to add in more from the show.
Date: December 31, 2020 01:19 pm Title: Black Thursday
Forgive me as I read this chapter in two separate sections so my review may seem disjointed too.
You have a way will fitting the show dialogue and scenes into this story that seems so natural, never forced and that's adds to the story. Like Andy's punching the wall which takes him out and puts Ryan in.
And of course Ryan's getting shoved into the closet.
Plus you bring it all into real history and get at the emotions that must have been swarming around these brave young men.
I salute you for that.
You've got me waiting for the eventual Roy Jim clash. Right now Roy seems like a decent enough guy and close enough with Jim. I guess without Pam in between them there wasn't much reason for them not to get along. But I can't wait for that tension.
Another well done chapter. That got me in the feels as well as made me laugh.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much. It's a challenge to repurpose those lines and scenes, but it's a lot of fun to be sure. I'm glad you liked it.
I wanted to explore how Jim and Roy might have acted had Pam not been between them. They actually have a lot in common so it feels like there would be a way for a friendship to form. Not the close brotherhood Jim and Griff here share, but a friendship nonetheless. Thanks as always for your comments.
Date: December 24, 2020 03:58 am Title: Summer's End
So wondering what got Pam/you thinking about Dear john letter but I like how that foreshadows and bookends the last part of the chapter. I will say not unhappy, except for the pain it causes William - you've conveyed that well with the image of the tear (that brings images of Jim in casino night and tugs at my heart in the same way) - as this Helene quite frankly sucks (the character, you've done a great job writing a different kind of Helene) ... and whew if that isn't the most awfully constructed, run-on, comma-spliced sentence ever written I don't know what is.
Enjoyed more baseball imagery and sad that part will be over. But I guess that's why they call it the boys of summer (and in this case the girls).
Ooo, what's going to happen when Jim/Pam finds out its Roy going on about his girl back home. Very intriguing.
Still enjoying the way the dialogue gets repurposed...We’re not dating, We’re engaged and I can't.
Sweet touch with the morse code I love You
Nicely done.
Author's Response:
The whole "Dear John" letter came about during the research for this chapter. I found out that if a lady is sending a letter and addresses it "Dear whoever" it was often seen as a sign of the dreaded "Dear John," break-up letter. So the salutation that wouldn't be a "Dear John" letter would have been something like "My Darling whoever," or similar. I didn't realize that until this part of my research so there you go.
Yeah, Helene's not the best here. There's a point and purpose I assure you. It also makes it more of a challenge to write so that's kind of fun too.
Glad you're liking the repurposed dialogue and well done on getting the Morse code.
Thanks as always for the review.
Date: December 22, 2020 02:56 pm Title: Thoughts of the Future
Oh boy. That interaction with Danny is all sorts of awkward... I have a feeling that them working together is not going to be smooth sailing.
Aww, Jim’s family inviting Pam and her family over for Thanksgiving is very lovely. Given the change in circumstances, it would have been harder for them to be at home.
I know I could ask Google, but where’s the fun in that... What’s the significance of the flag in the Halpert window? Do the blue stars mean that there haven’t been any fatalities in the family during the war?
Wise words from William! Although, given the letters between them, I think this version of Pam and Jim are actually pretty good at communicating with one another. Hopefully they can maintain that when they’re back in the same space!
Author's Response:
Jenna! Wonderful to hear from you again! You're right in that there's going to be some storms to navigate with Danny. Should be fun to explore. It was fun to have Thanksgiving with the Halperts this time. Last year, (in the fic that is) we focused on the Beesly's so figured I'd switch things up.
You are correct about the blue stars. Mothers would hang those flags in their windows to signify they had sons (nowadays also daughters) who were serving in the military. A gold star on the flag meant their son had been killed while serving. Tom, Pete, and Jim are all in the Army so Betsy hangs a flag with three blue stars.
Thanks for the comment on William and the letters. I'm very glad to hear you say they're communicating well. Thanks as ever for the review.
Date: December 17, 2020 08:33 pm Title: Songs from Home
Ahhh the Karaoke of the 1940s. This was a great chapter
Apprediated the wink you gave to your readers with the instant kinship line.
And Gareth versus Dwight was good fun that was reminiscent of the Andy Dwight meeting of season 3.
blood on the risers is kind of a sick song. Worries me a bit for Jim's brother, Tom but for now it was nice to have their reunion complete with their trio in song.
And I loved your tribute to Jenna Bennett which I recognized right away. So fun that you tied that in.
When I spent a semester abroad in England I was surprised to know how early the pubs closed down. Wonder if that was the case in 1940s England too You had to go to the clubs if you wanted to keep the night going. But in any case i had a vivid picture of the men all singing together while swinging their pints. Arms together as brothers no matter from where they were from or what their service rank was. Good stuff.
Ps Jim plays guitar like he always aspired to. Nice detail.
Good stuff here but I'm missing Pam as I'm sure Jim is.
Author's Response:
Glad you liked this one. Like I said it was a favorite chapter to bring to life. You're not wrong about "Blood Upon the Risers." Though gallows humor like that has long been a standard way to cope with stress in the military.
I honestly have no idea how long pubs stayed open in 1940's England. I just need a place off base for them to all unwind so created "The Bullpen," as that place. Jim playing the guitar was another one of those fun details to put in too. Yes Jim is very much missing Pam,and she him. We'll continue to explore some of that as we go on.
Glad you liked this one. Thanks as always.
Date: December 15, 2020 07:35 pm Title: Fortress Defense
Way to scare the $@*# out of me with jammed gunned and the enemy on him. And apologizing to Pam. I knew you wouldn't but still felt the tension there.
What a coward and FRAUD Ryan is. But liked to see his comeuppance.
Taking the scene with Dwight and Pam from the job and twisting it around here to be Dwight and Jim that was clever. But really clever was bringing in the shorter English lad, Tim. That was unexpected but great fun. As I'm sure having Andy will be.
As much as I enjoyed this reading lines like of the 10 on the bomber only 2 leapt and pulled their ripcord. Makes you think about how many brave men we lost. Really hits me.
Let's see where we go with this story. I'm still waiting for Roy to learn about Jim with Pam. Also hoping that we get to see Griff become mor of a brother to Jim i.e. See his relaTionship with penny more. Don't know what you have in store for them but hoping.
Author's Response:
That was entirely the point of having the guns on "Ghost" jam like that. Also something that would happen with P-47's so a touch of realism there too from the research I've done. Clearly I'm not a fan of Ryan so it's fun to do stuff like that.
Glad you liked the scene with Dwight. I'm having a lot of fun re-imagining scenes from canon. I'm not sure if you're aware, but the character of Jim Halpert is based on Tim Canterbury from the UK version of The Office. I figured since the Americans are over in the UK it would be fun to bring in some of the UK Office characters. We'll see more of Tim in the next chapter as well as going forward.
The 8th Air Force lost more men in combat than the entirety of the Marine Corps during WWII. Hard numbers to deal with, especially on the bombing mission in this chapter. Those men were beyond brave.
Don't worry, we'll see more of Roy and Griff going forward. Really hope you like the next chapter. It was one of my favorite things to write for this story.
Date: December 07, 2020 07:56 pm Title: Who's On First
Another fun chapter.
Baseball it's definitely a thinking man's game or in this case thinking woman's. I've been to enough of my son's travel baseball ball games to know that it takes more than a powerful bat and good glove to win. Baseball is 90 percent mental, the other half is physical. Nice touch to show that through Pams thoughts. I'm curious, did you play?
Michael's comment about getting under balls. Where's the Twss? Implied for sure. I guess sometimes we don't actually need to hear it said. We just know it's there in his head.
Ok the baseball signs Michael does. How approriately Michael. A great visual.
And Wham bam thank you Pam I can't believe we never heard him say this on show. Or did we and I forget. Either way spot on Michael.
I really liked the secret language in the letter which I caught onto before you had it explained later but liked explanation why they set it up. Seems smart.
Holly! Very fitting for her to do the Who's on First routine and you are right it is great fun, every time.
Author's Response: Glad you liked the baseball chapter. I did steal a line from a great baseball movie for this chapter. "Think, don't just throw," comes from "For Love of the Game," just to let you know. I played baseball from T-ball through 9th grade then got cut. It was always a lot of fun though. It's a lot of fun to have Michael be a baseball manager. Which means some new baseball inspired nicknames and crazy dugout signs.
The code in the letters was a lot of fun to come up with too. Glad you caught on. Holly was fun to bring in too. One to foil Packer, and two to play off Micheal. Thanks as always.
Date: November 28, 2020 04:49 pm Title: Into the Fire
Another great chapter - which had me thinking a lot so here I go: first the intensity of the first scene - OMG - very nerve wracking even though I knew you'd never kill off Jim I was worried for some of the others- even Griff. The whole clenching of the controls and the breakdown on the tarmac later on really hit home to me that these are really just young men - some even boys not quite sure how old all are supposed to be here thrown into war and situations that are just so intense and important and how that must weigh on them. That plus fear for themselves, their metaphorical brothers and those they've left behind. That really came across to me reading this part.
I like the pairing of Pete and Jim on tarmac - I always wanted to see more of these 2 together on show - Jim had a lot to offer young Pete and I like seeing them in tandem here.
You may remember I have a lucky penny reference in The Gift of time - a very different reference as it was an inside story about my son at around 4 which I attributed to Jim -anyway it's a long winded way of saying reading lucky penny no matter what the reference is always something I'll smile at.
However, I like how you subtly had Alex (great way to tie him in BTW) say his rendition of a portrait may not be a true as it should be - I get it I get it - Roy would otherwise recognize his Pammy's sister - likewise how Jim names his plane Ghost and not Pam - and you must be saving that reveal for later - I imagine it will be a good one.
All the Dwight stuff was great - I've got to wonder had you ever had a situation like that where someone pulled rank and you had to tell them to get out of the way so you could do your job.
I could see Jim at the mirror at the end trying to wash away all of the day - Pam's letter was a blessing to come when it did. Perfume reference (and I still think of it from Grease but it must have been a very common thing in the day).
Another great read but I'm hoping a little levity is coming in next chapter - a little wound up here.
Great job.
Author's Response:
Thanks for this epic review. War is hell and there will be hardships to be faced. Especially these men at this point in the war. Glad you found the more intense scenes realistic. While I've never been in combat, I am more than aware of the feeling of pushing everything to the side in the middle of a hard situation to be hit with the adrenaline rush afterwards.
Pete's a fun character to bring into this story. I always liked him so it's fun to bring him in more. Glad you liked the Lucky Penny reference. Same with Alex. Good catch with Alex's portrait ability. That is exactly what I was going for.
I've never really had anyone try to pull rank on me. Mainly because usually when I show up on a scene I'm in command of all things medical and thus a lot of times I'm the top dog on scene so there's no one who can pull rank on me. Also when I get on scene I tend to follow the quote from another WWII figure. Admiral Chester Nimitz. "When you're in command, command." I've had to order bystanders to get out of my way before or ask cops to get them out of my way. That can get kinda fun actually.
Pam's letters are going to a big thing holding Jim together. They're turning out to be a lot of fun to write. Yes there is some levity coming up.
Thanks as always for your review.
Date: November 27, 2020 06:11 am Title: Pitches and Pictures
I really enjoyed this chapter - for a while spent a lot of time at baseball games when kid played travel ball and the details of the game brought me right back to it.
What I love about your stuff is the attention to details in descriptions that can carry you away and the little touches that add a bit more. the thing about the colors not being one of the school teams so to be neutral was just one of those little things.
Always appreciate a well placed That's What She Said.
Nice nod to the movie dialogue - especially with the Kit and Fastballs line
Nice way to keep Cathy in character - having her encourage Pam to cheat as if it's OK. And the jealousy even though she doesn't even know Jim but the idea of him.
It was very sweet the way Jan was so encouraging and praising of Pam's talent. Very Season 2 Jan and I like how it came together that Pam worked for her ex husband.
Up to the prologue in next chapter - looking forward to catching myself up.
Author's Response:
I liked this one too. It was fun to finally get into the baseball stuff. Trying to keep everyone close to character in a new setting can be challenging but it's fun. Don't expect to many lines from ALOTO as this is an Office fic, but it's nice to add in some here and there.
Thanks for the comments about the details. Sometimes I get worried I'm getting to into the weeds with those so it's nice to get some feedback on them. Always glad to hear from you.
Date: November 24, 2020 07:06 pm Title: Pointblank
I should have seen it coming with the Pammy. Roy, oh no, did he not get the message that she was done with him. That he'd been replaced. It will be interesting to see what you have in mind for Roy and especially with him an Jim in this setting.
I love the little things I learn reading this fic, like that the life jackets are called Mae Wests (now that's descriptive) and how the pilots are instructed to write on their hands to keep important information from getting into enemy hands.
Of course I loved the re-connection of Jim and Dwight and the scene repurposing. Good fun stuff.
Author's Response:
Well explore things with Roy more and more as we go on. It's one of the things I wanted to explore. How would Roy and Jim interact if the tension of Pam wasn't between them?
It's a lot of fun putting in all those historical nuggets. Glad you're liking them.
Told you Dwight would be back. We'll have some fun with him too. Thanks as always for your review.
Date: November 22, 2020 10:43 am Title: Thoughts of the Future
Every update is gold.
Author's Response: Short but sweet, thank you. Glad you're still enjoying the story.
Date: November 21, 2020 10:36 pm Title: Thoughts of the Future
Ugh. Trust Danny to be an expert on gaslighting a full year before the film Gaslight even came out (and yes, I had to Google that). I love that you have him literally still showing the effects of his encounter with Pam and Penny - do not mess with a Beesly. And Pam showing her spine in this encounter is fantastic. She's right, Jim would be really proud of her.
The comic allusion to the horrors of canon in Jim's letter definitely got me chuckling - especially since apparently poor Tim Canterbury hasn't gotten nearly as lucky. Definitely clocked the idea about them visiting Australia together, too. And I love how powerful and important their connection is to each other even with all the miles and months separating them. Plus - the bickering about the collie was great. Hope we get to see what Jim's been up to again soon.
Not going to lie - mildly concerned that Pam's relief at seeing there are no gold stars on the flag is foreshadowing for Tom or Pete.
Very interested to see where you're going to take the Helene subplot next - feels like you've got a lot of room to maneuver with it. But at least William's getting some relief around the holidays.
Great update!
Author's Response:
Thanks for the great review darjeeling. Yeah, Danny's not the best here. Had Pam met him before getting involved with Jim and baseball I'm sure she would have fallen for his tactics. Now after being encouraged by Jim, not a chance.
The letters are some of my favorite things to write in this story. Since they're seperated its the only way they can keep up their banter about things like the collie and the like. Also good catch with Tim.
Glad you're still liking the Beesly sub-plot. There's a ryhme and reason for most everthing here I assure you.
Date: November 21, 2020 05:48 am Title: Family History
Chat ended early last night so I had a little more time for reading.
Another insightful chapter...I now know more than I ever thought I would about whisky-making, but nope still don't want to drink it. But I do enjoy the detail you put into describing your scenes.
The backstory of Helene paints more of the picture but I still am not a fan of this Helene - but that's what gives this story more depth. It is interesting how you've switched the roles of Helene and William. A very nice twist.
Oh and the stubbornness lessons was a great line.
Likewise, the gentle nod to jinx was a nice touch.
Looking forward to seeing what Jim is doing.
Author's Response:
Write what you know and writing is easier, thus all the whiskey stuff.
It's kind of hard for me to write Helene too. Sometimes I have a hard time getting into her headspace. Espcially here since it's more of a departure from canon.
Glad you're still liking everything.
Date: November 18, 2020 07:18 pm Title: A New Diamond
Where to begin? Of course the title nice little double entendre.
Here’s Michael and he’s just as we know him. Of course there’s a reason why he’s unable to serve. Good thing too because he probably be more dangerous to his troops than the enemy.
Nice to see the other familiar faces although I could’ve done without Cathy. Surprised to see Katy on the lineup. She seem more like a cheerleader type to me.
Pretty funny that Angela always has a cat with her and love that Phyllis is crushing on the fridge guy.
Ok do I detect hints of Grease here?
I knew you wouldn’t have anything happen to Jim so even though I recognized the scene I wasn’t worried with the telegram.
So I like how you mixed the casino night confession with the weight loss proposal. What a wonderful end to the chapter.
Author's Response:
I always look forward to when you can get a new review up. Yeah, there's no way anyone would want Michael near any kind of military equipment. So he gets to stay as the Manager. Cathy and Katy are there because I needed canon characters to fill out the line-up card. Still it's fun to bring them in too. I've got to keep some canon aspects in this story thus Angela with her cats and Phyllis making eyes at Bob. Probably another unintentional reference there if you see anything from Grease. I also really liked how the proposal scene played out. There's also a bit of "Paper Airplanes" in there too. Glad you liked it.
Date: November 13, 2020 07:28 pm Title: Paperhawk
Nice to see some familiar names pop up and hear some familiar dialogue...not a big Ryan Howard fan are you?
I keep expecting Michael to show up. Way to keep us hanging?
Even though not really my thing I'm enjoying some of the history and technical elements within this.
Author's Response: No not a big fan of Ryan. He always came across as a jerk to me. Don't worry about Michael. He'll be around. I know this chapter was more technical filler, but it also helps set things up for later when Jim and co. deploy. Thanks as always for your comments.
1 [Report This]Date: November 06, 2020 04:18 pm Title: New Directions
Ah. The titular chapter. I enjoyed reading about the ceremony and the surprise honoree and the silver wings.
However it was when I got further in the chapter that I had to blink and do a double take. Even though I’m reading a story I couldn’t believe my eyes. ALOTO is one of my Desert island movies. It was kinda what I envisioned when she caught the ball bare handed and then reading on it all came together.
I can kinda see Pam as Dottie minus about 5 inches. I’m very excited to see where this goes.
Author's Response:
Yeah, I had some fun with the First Salute ceremony.
Glad you liked the twist with baseball. Like I said it was the original genisis of this story. Put the ladies from The Office into ALOTO. But then what would all the guys be doing? Most of them, serving in the war effort so there you go. I absolutly had the scene where Dottie catches the ball bare handed in mind with Pam there. Good catch. Hopefully you'll enjoy the rest of the baseball related story.
1 [Report This]Date: November 03, 2020 06:23 pm Title: Starlight
Well I'm sorry to see Dwight go, and before they get to visit Schrute Farms - although we did get to revisit much of the dialogue from the episode in which they did - good fun there.
But I'm getting ahead of myself...
I was a little surprised to see Pam tell Gould Jim was being distracting - being military and all - would she risk him losing leave or having to drop and give 50 - but I quickly saw there was no risk, she knew who she worked for.
The items from Booze Cruise cleverly snuck into this chapter did not go unnoticed. As did the Princess Bride line although we are years ahead of that movie's existence.
While not moving the plot much more than Losing Dwight, this chapter was still delightful.
I enjoyed the talk of mythology, the stars and the Sugar Moon name origin.
The picture of the intimacy was the perfect amount and I adored the final line.
I believe you mentioned there was set up for the future here so looking forward to what that is.
I guess I was wrong - not finished with Silver Wings before knowing the next POTUS - even though I doubt we'll have an answer tonight, I also doubt I will get to read another 13 chaps before we do. In any case I'll be enjoying this fic for a few more weeks it seems and looking forward to it.
Author's Response:
Don't worry about not finishing this one yet. Though as a consolation prize I now have a story here on MTT with 100 reviews thanks to you. So thanks for that. This chapter is always a favorite of mine. Not only because of the fun ways to interact with Dwight, but for, well everything else you mentioned really. Little spoiler for you, we'll see Dwight again.
I had great fun bringing in the Booze Cruise items. Sometimes things just tend to fit. Likewsie the start of their weekend away was fun to write. A chance to get to know each other some more, make some lasting memories, and lets face it, who here doesn't love Jim and Pam just being in love with each other?
Thanks as always.
Date: November 01, 2020 07:40 pm Title: Thanksgiving
Love the part where William talks to Jim about being able to talk about the hard things. Good advice. In relationships it is important to be able to be open and honest even if it brings up some hard topics or less than happy memories.
Glad to see a little of what has made Helene so hard on Pam and a some resolution to that.
Jims speech toward end so in character with notes of the conversation after Jim speaks to him on the show.
Keeping the review short to get right into next chapter before I get too tired.
Author's Response:
Thanks as always. William has turned out to be one of my favorite characters in this story so I'm glad you're liking him. Yes a bit more about the Helene arc which is another fun twist.
Good catch with Jim's speech. That is exactly what I was going for. We didn't hear what Jim said in canon to William, so I wanted to write it out a bit.
Looking forward to your next review.
1 [Report This]Date: October 31, 2020 06:28 pm Title: Dying Coals
Enjoying this story more and more. Love how you are tangling the show dialogue into the story in interesting ways and restructuring full on scenes. Fun stuff.
I do enjoy the deeper look at the Jim and Mark (Griff's) friendship.
I will say I do not like Helene but I'm pretty sure that is intended and you have plans for this storyline and I'm intrigued to see where it goes.this new twist on her makes for some tension to be resolved which I do like.
I notice some foreshadowing. Looking forward to the payoffs later whatever they may be.
Author's Response:
Thank you as always for your kind and thoughtful reviews. I'm having a lot of fun putting in canon lines but in new ways with this one. Glad you like it. Jim and Griff are likewise great fun to play with. You'll see more of that bond as you keep reading. Yes, there is a point to why I'm writing Helene the way I am. Glad you're still enjoying this one.
1 [Report This]Date: October 21, 2020 07:27 pm Title: The First Letter
Just finished another great chapter. I really loved the letter. The canvas bit was just artful (no pun intended- well maybe it was). You really are doing your homework too. As a NYer who used to commute in for work before moving to the city I know that Lirr goes into Penn station and not Grand Central. (It was a pretty frustrating thing when I lived on Long Island and worked across from Grand Central).
I will say I was kind of taken aback by Helene but I was thinking it may have had something to do with the era. I am glad you explained in your chapter notes.
I'm very excited for Pam to head back to city. I miss my city so much (moved from there 8 years ago) and I imagine between tour research and descriptive imagery I'll get to visit in my mind even if a different time.
Author's Response:
I honestly don't remember if I researched that bit about the LIRR and Penn vs Grand Central Station. Still I'm glad I could add another bit of realism, especially for a NYer. I do remember researching train routes from NYC to Scranton though. I also had to go back and re-read this chapter to remember everything you were talking about. Not that I mind really.
It's been a lot of fun exploring this dynamic with Pam and Helene. It's been a challenge to be sure.
And yes back to New York for Pam. Thanks for the review as always.
Date: October 19, 2020 07:26 pm Title: Coney Island
A www what a sweet chapter but I especially liked the chapter end notes. It so touching when real life is seen into the fics.
Like how the hot sauce and pencil find their way in. Just a real nice snapshot of a great day at Coney Island. And the first kiss.
Author's Response: Thanks Maxine. I had a lot of fun with this chapter. Figured Jim and Pam could use a great weekend together to start out their relationship in this world. Glad you liked it.
Date: October 17, 2020 02:40 pm Title: Night on the Town
Ok Warrior I am loving this story - for lots of reasons...lets go bit by bit...
I grew up very close to Mitchell Field. I don't even know the history of it so you did your research - and all the references - you are military or ex-military? Of really good at delving into research for your story?
Enjoy this moment,” he whispered. “Because you’re never going to go back to a time before you met our squad-mate Dwight.” How you brought all the little references and pranks into the story her - just delightful.
I can See Pam being affected by the newsreels - (sidenote to you if you can you might enjoy the Plot Against America -HBO miniseries based on Norman Roth book - 1st few episodes slower but gets good at end).
Swing dancing - such a nice scene him teaching her to dance and I can just hear the big bands playing. Plus the line - Because the lady is always right, that’s why.
I'm sure there's something I'm forgetting so just know it was all great.
Can't wait to go to the beach.
So glad I finally decided to dive into this one.
I will have to add the rest of my jellybeans later now that I know I only have 5 to dole out.
PS - wow I thought for sure you had made the elevator out a nod to BBT with the name and all - serendipitous coincidence I guess.
Author's Response:
Glad you're liking things thus far. That's fun about Mitchell Field. I just got my info about it off Wikipediea. It was a WWII military base near NYC so it fit for the story I had planned. I'm not military or ex-military. However aviation and military history have long been hobbies of mine so it's fun to indulge them a bit with this story.
As AU as this story is, I feel it's important to keep it grounded to the characters, lines, and situations from The Office. I'm sure you'll catch more things like that as we go on. I'll have to look into that miniseries.
The swing dancing was fun. Especially because back when I was in paramedic school, after class I'd meet my girlfriend (now wife) and we'd go swing dancing. Those were some of the cues they used to teach us.
Can't wait to hear what you think of the trip to Coney Island. Thanks again.
1 [Report This]Date: October 16, 2020 09:18 pm Title: New York, New Start
I got Pam. Ok now I'm hooked. It may take less time than I thought to catch up.
OK - thoughts.
First off, I used to commute through and work across from Grand Central and I loved your description of the constellation ceiling. Oh you brought me back - thanks for that memory. I tried to picture it in the 40's but in reality it always had a old feel to it - never really got modernized so it felt the same to me.
So is the elevator being out a nod to Big Bang Theory?-with Penny being sister's name why not take advantage of opportunity to slip that in. I'm pretty sure that's what you were doing here. Love it!
I like the explanation of how things went bad with Roy - such a classic tale of peaking too soon or finding it hard to adjust when you leave the little world where you rule to be just another person in the real one. Plus, since they were never really all that compatible, it just took her seeing him in the real world to figure it out.
So I like how Pam is somewhat naïve and not-worldly - got another flashback to my NY days as they head to a NY bar - made me think of a bar on NY side by Staten Island Ferry (can't recall the name), but the scene is the same no matter where it was meant to be. I at first expected it was going to be Kevin - but worked so much better as Todd Packer. Who's got 2 thumbs and is going to pants Todd Pack -This Guy. Hooray for Jim, the Hero.
Looking forward to reading more, Glad it's a weekend. Got some writing to do but on my breaks I'll be deep diving into more Silver Wings. Oh BTW, if you can't tell what i think - great job so far.
Author's Response:
I don't think it was intentional for me to have a parallel with the broken elevator and The Big Bang Theory here. I think at one point I was thinking I'd have the elevator be broken in order to have a little hidey hole sneak off place for Jim and Pam. Though when you put it like that I can see the parallels.
Glad the New York scenes are ringing true to someone who used to live in the area. I've only visited NYC a couple times in my life and have never been through Grand Central. Seen a few documentaries on it over the years though. I kinda liked being able to split Roy and Pam right away. My thought was that since Pam is still living at home, she'd have a better sense of perspective about Roy and come to that conclusion a little earlier.
It's always fun to have Packer get what's coming to him. And even better as a way to introduce Jim to the story.
Thank you for your own in depth reviews for this one. I love reading your thoughts on it all. I'm very glad you're liking it so far.