A lot of people noted the similarities between this story and Homunclus, although I notice them, there is a huge contrast between the main protagonists, and I love the wide range of emotions from the characters in both stories.

Dave strikes me as more passive than Ray. The big difference being, Ray had some legal leverage in knowing his family couldn't just flat out  murder or maim him without some consequence. Dave though, risked being murdered at any moment and no one would've known. And Carolyn had even less cards in her deck than Naomi.

Personally I liked Homunclus more because Ray had more attitude to him and made several attempts to fight back (figuratively speaking as he'd say) and even got the upper-hand for short durations. But, obviously Ray's situation as I noted gave him more leeway to act out.

Overall I also connected to Ray more since we got more insight into his life before living with the Daltons, his emotional attachment to his family at Spectrum, and felt his pain of him being legally forced to stay with the Daltonsm for life, as well as being GenetiTech's lab-rat.

The suspense though is what this story's strongest strength is in my eyes,  Carolyn was prone to snapping at any moment, her overall delusional frame of mind that she's being a kind owner, Eddie's descent into madness, the betrayal aspects, of not only Linda, and Eddie, but Dave for picking Randy to die.

I also loved the sense of unity the group developed later on, especially of Mr. Nichols ( my favorite character) who came off as the most unlikeable at first, to being the most sensible and self-less, willing to stay behind because he thought he'd slow every down.

I couldn't stop reading in the final escape attempt and feel sad when everyone ( save for Dave and Julie) started to die one by one. Masterful work yet again.

amazing story

Author's Response: Thanks!

Always did like seeing your name pop up in the recent updates. Lengthy and interesting just like Homunculus. Not the happiest ending but well justified. I was hoping Chad would make it but I guess a party of three is one to many. :O

I can't wait to see your next work.

Teary Eyed ;.{
Beautiful work of art.

Author's Response: Thank you! I was starting to wonder if I'd ever get the [EXPLETIVE DELETED] thing finished...

Dave is right. It sounds like they crawled out of the frying pan and into a pile of still-smoldering ashes!

This was a great story, never-the-less. And, I thank you for sharing it with us. :-)

No! Not Tubby!

Author's Response: I know! I miss that pedantic little bastard!

Aw, crap! Another sadistic cliff-hanger.

Day-um!  I found myself cheering at the end!  Excellent chapter, Cayce!  Bravo!

Once again, you truly bring the characters to life man, especially Carolyne. She was a raging goddess that didnt give a [EXPLETIVE DETAIL] about anything in the beginning of the chapter, and now shes a feeble woman who also has her own problems.

Great story man, appreciated the quick update compared to the others. 

Goodness, where to even begin... In the past I've always waited until a story was completed before I submitted a comment. But to do that, I feel, would be doing you a great disservice Cayce.. Because what you've accomplished here is nothing short of amazing... Your story is both enjoyable and compelling to read. Heck, I'm sure I'm not alone when Is say that it's because of your writing that I've found myself constantly coming back to this website. So hey, maybe the wait is a little longer than we would all like. But it's WELL worth it in the end. :) So please don't give in to the preassure, take your time. And do so with confidence that there are a great many of us who deeply appreciate your efforts.

Author's Response: Thanks, Theodous! You know, this story has been read 66,000+ times and has received around 40 comments. I used to find that kind of demoralizing, but I realized I really owe it to those of you who take the time to comment to see this thing through. Thanks again for reading the darned thing and for letting me know =)