Ok. I think I managed to get away for a bit. I don't know if that dummy I made out of pillows, broken CDs, and leftover meatloaf will fool them for long. They may consider it an upgrade.
On an unrelated note, it's a lot easier sneaking out of one of "those" places if you can get your hands on a lab coat and a thick file folder. It also helps if you don't giggle hysterically each time you slip past another guard. Instead, it may be a good idea to glance through the file and mutter phrases like, "...Increase dosage to 10 liters of Thorazine...needs another lobotomy...increase voltage to 1,000 volts..."
As far as Book 2 is concerned, it's growing. It's hurting my head. I have a new "villain" that I really like. It's a symbiotic organism, which makes writing its dialog a challenge. There are some new characters, a problem with time, and arguments over philosophy and string theory.
By the way, have you ever tried to really understand String Theory? I love how physicists say, "To put this in simple terms..." The explanation that follows is anything but simple and involves several pages of formulas that look like cave drawings. I also love the way they argue with each other over variations in their theories. Their professionalism and maturity reminds me in a way of some of the discussions upstairs.
Anyway, I'm starting a new project at work in a couple of weeks which will change my available time (again). I have missed my time in the Coffee House and I hope to spend more time here in the future.