On Sat, 30 Aug 1997, Todd Hill wrote:

[sad story snipped]

I have more reason to believe Twister on this than anything Hitomi may say.
 (Absence tends to point to guilt)

	Well.. as I've spent more than a little time trying to get Hitomi
to come back to the list, I feel I should say a few things. Take them for
face value, and don't read anything deep into them.

	First... as far as Hitomi being a facade for Chris, well.. I
personally don't care. Hitomi's writing skills exceed my so much, it's
terrifying. I want Hitomi back for his/her writing skills, and as for
mis-representation? I could care less.

	Why? Folks, as I noted in a chapter of my own fic, I'm a washed up
worthless old soldier, and a (mostly) harmless hack writer. I've
re-created myself on the net to a certain extent, and while I haven't told
any lies in doing so, I can sympathize with Hitomi. After all, after an
encounter with a piece of shrapnel, I have a face that could make Godzilla
go 'ick'. I don't mention that, I actively _avoid_ mentioning it. A lie by
omission? yes. But it helps me to get around on the net without being a
social cripple.

	If Hitomi want's to recreate herself, that's fine with me. At the
same time, if others find that offensive, I can understand that, too. But
isn't this a forum for writers? If Hitomi can write, and write skillfully,
then what else matters?

	I've been judged too many times. I cannot find it in myself to
judge someone else. If doing this much counts as taking Hitomi's side,
then I'm sorry.

	WhiteWolf? I'm sorry if this counts as spam, and I'll accept any
punishment from tempban to permban as you see fit. But after being spat
upon for reasons ranging from being Hispanic ('Dirty Spic!') to being
Native American ('Filthy Indian!') to being a soldier ('Babykiller!') I
can't find it in my heart to blame Hitomi for chosing to deceive me.

	Foolish, perhaps.. but then I've always been a fool.

	Guess that's all I have to say. I've been in a grim mood since Mom
passed away, and today, fate saw fit to kick me in the testicles again.
Momma's favorite pet, her cocker spaniel, Abe, died yesterday. Simply laid
down and went to sleep and never woke up. That's three times in three
months that a part of my family has died, and I'm feeling pretty bleak
right now. 

	If I've offended anyone, I'm sorry.

	Sgt Edward Anthony Becerra, late of the US 2nd Armored Cavalry.

	Fortuna bless and keep you.