Having just finished the book last night, I wanted to see how we felt about the ending. We're we surprised?

My apologies to anyone that has asked this or covered this discussion, I did not see any discussion about this. Having just bought the book on the weekend - yes i'm finished reading it!!! Hey when its Clive you of course can't put it down!!

I have to say I was not surprised by the ending - far as Dirk and Loren go, since the kids have come on the scene I know that Clive would want to centre on them.
Where I was surprised was that Clive felt he needed to move Sandecker to become the Vice - President.
So my question then would be, was this a smart move far as the plot goes?

A "smart" move, I don't know, but a logical one yes. It was inevitable to move Dirk up into the control of NUMA, and moving Sandecker was necessary. I could not see him just retiring and going off into oblivion, so him becoming Vice President seems like a very good move.

The way Clive wrote the story, he was able to progress the Dirk Pitt storyline, without killing off any of the characters we have come to love. Now as it is, he can include Dirk and Sandecker in future stories, without having to re-write the entire saga.

As for the story itself, I had a feeling all along that Specter was one of the women druids, so I was not suprised in the least there.

By the way, I just finished Trojan Odyssey myself. th:

Dave
co:

I know Sandecker can play the political and bureaucratic game well to the point where he can get things done but like Dirk he is also impatient and runs roughshod when necessary. And as for being Vice President, a position of no power unless the President allows him some things to do within a certain parameter. So it is a surprise he would allow himself to be persuaded to take the position. Dirk has the creativity to be a director of NUMA because he had such an amorphous job that allowed him to be involved in more than one project at a time.

[QUOTE]

True. However, if you think about it, it may very well be that Sandecker is being his old crafty self, and sees this as just a stepping stone to a much bigger position, i.e., the Presidency itself! th:

It wouldn't be the first time Dr. Cussler has gone against the grain on what is accepted. :)

Dave
co:

I thought it was interesting. I feel sorry for Congress with Sandecker being VP! Hopefully his new position will be able to help NUMA.

I just came back from a meeting, during the meeting I had thought about my question some more.
D Bear you quote was along the same conclusion I had come too. ANd Yes i had figured that Specter was one of the Women Druid, I had that it was Fidilas but was wrong on that one.

Out of 4 Stars, I gave it a four, what was everyone else's thoughts?

th: th: th: th:

OK 4 Thumbs

4 th: up is right. Sandecker as v-p was a suprise. Moving up to the next position only seems logical. He can do so much more for Numa as priesedent. Way to go Dr. Cussler. th:

The move of Pitt to head of NUMA is perfect as it may allow for more interaction between Pitt and Austin. The logic follows the theme of fiction imitating real life.

I've got to admit, Im not quite sure. You see, I havent read the end yet th: th: th:

I thought it was about time that Loren and Dirk married. As far as Sandecker goes I see him becoming president. The best part though was the CC cameo.

Sandecker Fan good observation on the CC cameo, your right it - classic th: th: th: th:

I think we will see Sandecker President very soon, Interesting too see how that would come off - being a political consultant I wonder if Clive could use some help if he makes that turn in the plot Line?

So many possibilities! .....

I don't think Sandecker going to VP and Dirk going to director really surprised me, but I do feel badly for Rudi Gunn. He's been there a lot longer than Dirk, it seems, and knows more of the administrative procedures. I think Dirk will make a good director, I just feel sorry for Rudi.

Specter being a druid could have been a bit more subtle too, you all are right.

Sandecker as President? That could be interesting. Dirk could be HIS VP and Rudi could move into director of NUMA and then the country (and any potential bad guys) would need to look out. th:

I didn't feel sorry for Rudi, I guess because he was offered the job and turned it down. But I can see where you are coming from oswalder ;)

TO - pg 483/4
"Who takes over as head of NUMA?" asked Pitt. "Rudi Gunn?"
Sandecker shook his head. "No, Rudi doesn't want the job. He feels more comfortable as second in command."

Ahh, I missed that little detail. Nice work, Kelly.