Krista-dear, I think it is a tribute to your storytelling skills that
the fire has not died out in the interim between Parts 17 and 18. I was
immediately swept back up into the story after only a few paragraphs.
(Once I got over my confusion at what the hell was happening with Ranma
in the opening scene.) You have given us a thrilling installment that
ups the ante for the finale with each new scene. I'm sure you're up to
the challenge! :)

Mindful that I have nothing but glowing praise for your storytelling, I
do have a few minor nitpicks, and they aren't
spelling/grammar/punctuation. 

1. Ryoga's titanium umbrella? The thing is supposed to be *heavy,* heavy
enough that Furinkan students couldn't pick the thing up. Titanium is
extremely light, much lighter than steel, and its alloys only slightly
heavier than aluminum. (Hence its favor in aircraft construction.) If
you want an alloy that is strong and heavy, try Nickeladium
(Nickel-Vanadium Steel), Inconel (Nickel-Chromium-Iron), or Osmium Steel
(used in surgical application for it's strength, corrosion resistance,
and low toxicity). 

2. Not a nitpick, but a little friendly advice on "Dirty" Nabsy: A .357
Magnum shot from close range would probably shatter Cologne's shoulder
blade. She will not be able to use her right arm, and the bone fragments
will cause extreme pain and internal hemorraghing in the muscle tissue
around the wound, possibly even causing damage to her right lung. I'd
say that unless Cologne has any sorcery left up her sleeve, she is
effectively a non-combatant at this point.

3. This one is directed to the Mailing List in general: As to why Nabs
didn't put her first shot into the center of Cologne's chest? How easy
do think it is for woman who never resorts to violence in anything to
suddenly, violently, and deliberately *kill* someone, even a bitter
enemy? Nabiki herself was in no direct danger; she's smart enough to
know that if she doesn't want a piece of Cologne, all she has to do is
stand there and look frightened. Then only way I can see Nabs installing
that new skylight in Cologne's head with that heater of hers is if her
life is directly threatened. Otherwise I think she'll just continue
taking Cologne apart piece by piece until the old hag runs out of
useable limbs. (Perhaps I say this because I would *prefer* it if Nabs
blasted large holes through Cologne's body and let her die slowly.)

Well done, Krista-dear! Are we looking at rounding this out with an even
20? 25? 50?
Jamie
-- 
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|---------------J. Austin Wilde and Bridget Ellen Engman---------------|
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| Super Critical Reactor Axe Man.    | Proofreader, Fission Park Press.|
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