This is another well written story from Vince. The dialogue part is very appropriate and was handled very expertly. The theme of the story is based on a universal truth that underscores the fact that we humans are all bundles of possibilities. A well done job, Banks. My vote is yours. I wish I could do that more than once.

Indeed we all live in a world that is very dynamic and so one must not base the judgment of people's character and potentials on static parameters. Anything can happen, especially instability of wealth that is subject to the vagaries of economic depression, wealth transfer and reversal of roles. I could feel the dramatic and situational irony in the way the table turned when Chase turned and looked with incredulity and said " Sparky, it that you?"
Of course, no one knows tomorrow!

I have intercepted your signal, and your transmission was clear and free of static! My favorite character was Sparks, and I believe he might be a good robot. How else would he know how to make money in today's market? ;)
If you wish, please intercept my own signal of cryogenic poetry. Feedback on my command files is greatly appreciated, since you appear to be an accomplished writer/poet.
Good luck!
robottina

Thank you for your comments and your vote! Half of the time when I write a character, I just allow the name to come to me and then I go with it. I'm a certified SciFi geek in every way/shape/form but I didn't think of Stark Intnl...Sparky (Sparks)- just like his lighter, is a man with great abilities (fuel)waiting for the write moment to shine (the right "spark")

We're all variations of "Sparky" in several ways - we don't know when we'll be blessed, but believe me WE WILL BE BLESSED!!

God bless!

Tyrone

ANOTHER EXCELLENT STORY FROM AN EXCELLENT WRITER. FRROM THE BEGINNING, SPARKS BECAME A HERO TO ME, AND CHASE THE VILLIAN! STEPHEN SPARKS IS A CHARACTER WHOSE BACKGROUND IS SIMILIAR TO MANY OLDER MEN IN MY COMMUNITY. GREAT JOB TYRONE, OF COURSE YOU GET MY VOTE!

P.S "SPARKS INTERNATIONAL", WAS "STARK INTERNATIONAL" ON YOUR MIND? (I'M SUCH A NERD.) LOL!

Tyrone, I enjoyed reading your story tremendously. In just a few pages, you managed to establish Sparks as an endearing protagonist, so the "feel good" ending is a nice reward to the reader. :) I also like the fact that you didn't bankrupt Chase, as that might have been a bit cliche...the way you handled it made your story more credible (oh, was that name a play on words with the bank/credit card?). I can definitely learn a lot from you in terms of crafting a story. Thank you very much for sharing!
PS--just out of curiosity, did you envision Sparks as being "rejuvenated" at the end?

Believe me, if I found a winner on the stock market - I'll let you know!! Thank you for reading!

Thanks Sandra!

I enjoyed reading this. Keep up the great work. =-)

That was hilarious, Tyrone! I'm coming to you for some tips, not only on writing, but on the market! ;)

Very clever, indeed! Petra :))

I enjoyed the book. It was well written adn flowed nicely. I was entertained by each character.