Sunday Snippet: Covert Heart

New television started for me this week. Gotham kicked off with a pretty solid premiere. I like Gordon playing bounty hunter. He's definitely got enough escapees to keep him busy. Really interested in where things go with Bruce and OtherBruce (aka Dude Who Looks Like Bruce).

Missed the premiere of Agents of SHIELD, but I'll catch up before the second episode. Looking forward to seeing how the team moves ahead.

Caught the second half of Van Helsing and I'm in for now. My fear is this show will be similar to Hunters where the first few episodes were good but things unraveled from there.

MacGyver ended up being better than I expected. As one of my favorite early adult shows, the original will be hard to beat. Then again, if the updated vibe continues and darker themes are explored, I could get behind the new reboot. Fingers crossed.

Needed some lighter fare, so started Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries again. I'll get back to Strike Back soon. Can't leave Stonebridge and Scott hanging for too long. LOL

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Covert Heart, a novella built around putting my main characters in an impossible situation and exploring how they handle the conflict of doing their duty when it means destroying the incredible life they've planned.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An impossible task. A couple sworn to carry it out or die trying. One big test of the depth of their courage and love.

And a sneaky peek…

Another week went by before she confronted him, or, well, he confronted her. She'd give him credit, he didn't break cover. Instead he put on a flawless performance, walking into her office, a grim look on his face. Apparently her very quiet probe into his background hadn't gone unnoticed. He dropped the asshat persona and the man she'd caught a glimpse of earlier emerged. Sharp, intelligent, and keenly aware of her mistrust, he closed her door and settled himself in the empty chair beside her desk.

Emma barely kept her jaw from dropping when he asked one simple question.

"Why?"

Fully expecting a full blown meltdown or interrogation, she had a list of answers prepped and memorized. Members of the same security team did not run background checks on each other, but she'd come up with several plausible excuses if she hadn't covered her trail. Her only problem? None of her replies could answer such a supremely vague query?

Emma quirked a brow. "Are you asking me why I think you're an egotistical pain in the ass?" As a cover it stuck very close to the truth. "I can give you the rundown in numerical or alphabetical order." She met and held his gaze. "Which do you prefer?"

Rick barked out a laugh. "Great answer." He rose from the seat. "And we'll leave it at that… for now." He crossed the office and opened the door, looking back over his shoulder. "I do strongly suggest you refrain from any more hacking until this detail is over." He left without another word.

Emma's eyes widened. By rights, he should have reported her to the chancellor and she wondered why he hadn't. His amusement puzzled her, and she didn't trust him enough to not be wary. He also hadn't quite convinced her there wasn't more to the walking, talking asshole image he presented either.

Curiosity piqued, she followed him for two days before he turned the tables on her. Again. She returned home after losing him in the throng of people outside a gala art show only to find the man sitting in her living room, drinking her best liquor.

Emma had her weapon drawn and aimed within seconds.

He raised his glass. "You've got excellent taste." He drained the contents. "And you can put the gun away. I'm not here to hurt you."

She snorted, but slowly lowered the sidearm, keeping it in her hand. "What are you doing here?"

Rick's lips curved in a half smile. "Why are you following me?" He leaned forward and poured another drink.

Emma shrugged. "I don't trust you. There's something you're not telling me and it's my job to know everything about the upcoming event." She raised a brow, daring him to deny her words.

Rick considered her for several moments. "You're smarter than you look." He kicked back, making himself comfortable.

Emma bit her tongue to keep from saying the first insulting thing that popped into her head. Instead she asked, "Meaning I look what? Stupid?"

Rick smirked. "No, not stupid. But getting past the tits and teeth to see the intelligent woman probably isn't something most men do."

She didn't whether to be insulted or complimented. "Never let the package fool you. You'll prove yourself to be the utter prick everyone thinks you are."

He laughed. "Touché. And very well said." He took a long sip of the alcohol. "You've got a meeting with Chancellor McBride at 0900 tomorrow." He finished the drink. "I strongly suggest you not miss it."

Emma narrowed her eyes. "Care to tell me what it's all about?" She'd definitely make the meet, but wanted to see if he'd give anything away.

Rick placed his glass on the table. "Just be there." He rose and strode toward her front door. "And play down the beauty queen angle. The chancellor gets easily distracted." Pulling open the door, he gave her a farewell salute and left.

Emma sank down on the loveseat and shook her head. "Dickhead." Pouring a healthy amount of liquor in Rick's empty glass, she gulped it down.

She hoped her meeting with Chancellor McBride solved the enigma of Rick Mannix.

She had no idea how hard that would bite her on the ass.

This started as a short idea built around the one scene, but it's taking on a life of its own. I'm perfectly okay with that. LOL

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Command Authority

Whew. The Last Ship had one of the best finales I've seen in a while. I'm so thrilled season four and five are already on tap and we'll get more of this terrific show. I'm honestly excited to see where things go with Tom, who's so broken right now, the Greens and their new family, and the rest of the crew of the Nathan James. Gonna be a very loooonnng wait for 2017.

Still need to catch up on Dark Matter so I haven't seen the finale yet. Hopefully next week I'll have some final thoughts on this season.

I think Gotham starts this week and I'm interested in where things will end up. With so many disturbed and unbalanced people on the loose, Gordon and company will have their hands full.

Fall television will be in full swing soon so there might be more shows added to the roundup.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Command Authority, a novella that started as a sexy short but matured into something else. Still sexy, but with more depth.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Addie Varns and Neal Columbo are thisclose to having everything they want, namely each other, when Neal gets promoted to commander. Used to being on equal footing, Addie needs some time to adjust to the new chain of leadership. Neal gives her some space, but if need be, he'll invoke his command authority.

And a sneaky peek…

Addie Varns wondered if the upheaval and turmoil of the last three months might finally be over. Neal Columbo, promoted from captain to commander a full month ago, certainly appeared at ease during the morning briefing. So did his group of officers. A vast improvement over the previous three months.

War did horrible things to people and surprise attacks, when every military branch got caught with their pants down, threw everything and everyone into a tailspin of reaction. Trying to get civilians to safety and pull all their asses out of the fire while fighting a battle against a relentless enemy had everyone on edge. But they had to keep it together or lose everything.

Addie listened intently when Neal briefed the command officers on the day's schedule.

"First dog watch needs two additional crewmen on comms." He directed his attention to the shift leader. "Make that happen, but don't use anyone who pulled duty yesterday."

Decidedly less formal than Admiral Ames, Neal opted to have everyone seated comfortably on the plush furniture, arranged in a u-shaped configuration, in his quarters. It made a palpable difference to have the commander sitting right among his group of officers instead of looming behind a huge table. Where Ames ignored opinions differing from her own and ruled with an iron will, Neal encouraged independent thinking among his officers and respected what they had to offer. That sense of camaraderie had won over the entire crew.

Addie let her mind wander. She knew the briefing notes upside down and sideways. Had worked with Neal long enough to not need them. Instead, she pondered the difference in command style. She'd respected Admiral Necia Ames, but the peril of war had taken its toll, pushing the novice admiral beyond the limits of sanity.

By the time Ames made the rendezvous—six months after the initial attacks—a third of her crew had been lost. She'd executed her XO for countermanding orders and by doing so, lost the one buffer she had against her questionable grasp on reality. Tim Braddox had done his level best to be her voice of reason.

His replacement, Colonel James Trask, did nothing to dispel Ames's method of commanding by fear and intimidation. He encouraged it to further his own nefarious agenda, but Addie didn't want to think about Trask at the moment. Still broke out in a cold sweat when she did.

Ames's ghost no longer lingered in her former quarters and the bloodstains were long gone. But the shadow of the admiral's harsh tenure had long tendrils. If Addie hadn't overheard the conversation between Ames and her XO Trask, she wouldn't have believed the words flowed from the woman's mouth. But Addie had a prime listening spot, directly behind the admiral in the formerly hidden compartment the woman used to record her strategy sessions and private meetings—a major bucking of protocol.

The discussion continued to haunt Addie.

Ames had a feral smirk when a young private entered, carrying a tray with coffee. "Trask, I think I'm going to have my contingent of marines act as my enforcement squad."

Trask raised an eyebrow. "Do you think that's wise, Admiral?" The man could give two shits, but always played the game the way Ames preferred.

She'd given him a long, sideways glance. "Of course. After all, they did an outstanding job of interrogating the crew to find sympathizers." Her gaze shifted to the young man.

Ethan Janisay. Private, first class. Victim of multiple interrogations.

Trask's lips twisted in a knowing smile. "Whatever you feel is best, Admiral." He shot a quick look at the private. "Although they might need to brush up on how to break the holdouts."

Addie didn't know the history, but she witnessed the final chapter when the lowly private ended the admiral's reign of terror—he shot her after delivering her morning coffee. Janisay barely escaped with his life. Trask had his sidearm drawn and against the kid's head before Addie could blink. But with her mission scrapped, she went against orders and revealed her position to the XO.

With a surprising calm, she exited the compartment, her weapon drawn. "I wouldn't dig myself a deeper hole by shooting him, Sir, but please feel free to do what you want."

I'm looking forward to seeing how this one turns out. Hopefully in early 2017.

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Here Often

Well… it's kind of fitting the finale for The Last Ship is on the anniversary of 9/11. I have no doubt the end of season three will blow my mind. The previous episode has so much packed into it. Chandler knows what's happening on US soil. And it's not what he expected. The Greens were FINALLY reunited. If Blonde Ambition tries to do anything to their kid, I'm going to reach through the television and bitch slap her. Just saying. Pretty sure she'll focus on Chandler's family instead. Which means I'll still want to bitch slap her. LOL

I missed the double header of Dark Matter so I'll be playing catch up this week. I hope. I've got a crazy schedule through the end of the month so who knows.

No time to work on recaps of Killjoys season one. Maybe next week. I did get to watch a few episodes of Strike Back and should finish out season two soon. Might have to add recaps for this one to my list also. There's so much to love.

That's it for now. Should have few new shows to chat about soon.

Tonight's post is from Come Here Often, a novella showing what happens when two military types finally get to choose their future.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Neely survives a war but not without considerable emotional damage. When Ace offers her everything she's ever wanted, she turns him down, believing they can't pick up where they left off. Ace aims to prove they don't have to.

And sneaky peek…

"We are under general armistice. Peace has been achieved. Those with the requisite number of points are free to see their CO to muster out or re-up."

Neely Jays took a break from her task of rewiring a communications console. "And do what?" She went back to weaving wires and threading them through contact points.

Once she completed the panel, she slid out from under the station. Sitting up, she looked around to see animated discussions and lots of chattering going on around her. She wrapped her arms around her knees, resting her chin on the bent surface. Joining in on the excitement would be premature. At least for her.

Her commanding officer and the upper level brass might not let her go. Or they could make her wait out the standard six month stint after being held behind enemy lines. After all… she could have been programmed to seek and destroy from the inside. She sure as hell didn't have a clue what happened to her. A complete memory wipe did that to a person.

A big body settled next to her on the deck. Ace Buchanan stretched his long legs out in front of him and braced his palms on the floor. He studied her for several long moments, long enough for Neely to get a little uncomfortable.

Ace nudged her shoulder. "They'll let you go, Neels. If you want out, you'll be allowed to leave."

His uncanny ability to get insider her thoughts unnerved her.

She angled her head toward him. "How can you be so sure?" Especially when she had serious doubts.

Ace shot her a sideways glance. "Because you've gone above and beyond for the cause. You've earned the right to choose your future."

Her future. Six months ago, she didn't think she'd live to see the next day. Now she didn't know if she'd turn on her fellow compatriots. Ace's confidence bolstered her flagging spirits.

She certainly hoped he'd called her options right.

I'm having fun with this one. I love the idea of dropping two people into totally new circumstances and watching what unfolds.

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Back to Me

Holy crap! The Last Ship only has two more episodes left and I'm dying to see both yet dreading the long wait for season four. ARGH! We got a favored familiar face last week and lost a new favorite. We also got to see one major enemy get his due. Now we just need to see Blonde Ambition get what's coming to her and hopefully find out if Jacob the Asshat reporter, who turned into a decent dude after all, met a terrible end. A LOT happened last week. Just saying.

The Killjoys finale rocked. We got some answers and spawned new questions. And, of course, one third of the team is separated from the other two. I wouldn't mind that being a thing for each season finale. I'm so interested in seeing how things play out for season three and look forward to the recurring characters maybe getting a little more backstory. And hey, if Rick Howland can start recurring, bonus points for that. Hat's off to Michelle Lovretta and her team for creating such a kick ass show.

Dark Matter is also weaving intriguing ripples. Yeah, ripples can't really be woven together, but this is science fiction so *blows raspberries*. I kind of loved the whole android / hologram dealio. And I'm kind of hoping we get some development / clear answers on the corporation thing. I'm all for murky waters and all, but I wouldn't mind some concrete motives either.

My rewatch of Killjoys season one is inspiring me to maybe do some fun recaps on my sister blog. If nothing else, I'd love to talk the mix of cast / costumes / music, because the first season nailed everything.

And that's it for television. Tonight's post is from Come Back to Me, a novella built on the prompt of "come back". I love having a word or two to get started then diving into whatever scene plays out in my head.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tania and James love each other deeply, but have a complicated relationship. When Tania has a chance to right a wrong, James has to trust she'll keep her promise to come back to him.

And a sneaky peek…

Tania Greene downed a shot of piqua and let the minty alcohol burn its cool trail down her throat. Anything to keep grief from clogging her airway. Getting bad news sucked on a good day, but it truly blew balls of space dust when she couldn't make amends for a wrong she committed.

She poured another shot, fully intent on getting stupid drunk.

"Greene, have you seen the casualty report yet?" Monica Ames stopped beside the table and waved the file back and forth.

A new stab of remorse pierced Tania's gut. "Yeah. Right after the initial list came through." Containing one name that would haunt her forever.

Monica shook her head. "Not that one." She placed the stack of papers in front of Tania. "Updated an hour ago. There's a name you're gonna want to see." Stepping back, Monica started for the hatch. "Third page, halfway down." She ducked out, leaving Tania alone in the room.

Tania frowned. She'd lost a lot of friends in the last skirmish with the Carmite settlers. Why the hell would she want to see more?

Flipping to the section Monica indicated, Tania's eyes scanned the new information. Didn't take her long to find what her fellow squadron leader wanted Tania to see. She lifted the report and brought it closer, blinking to make sure she read the update correctly.

Holy five hells. Denny Hatterson. Her gaze shifted to the status column and her mouth dropped open.

She sucked in a harsh breath. "Great gods above. MIA instead of KIA." The red star beside his name indicated a mistake on the previous version.

A wave of relief hit her followed by a kick of guilt. She had to convince her CO—and significant other—to let her run a rescue operation. The past week proved she had some unfinished business to handle.

Bringing Denny home would be a good start.

Rising, she tucked the report under her arm. "Too bad James won't see things my way."

Then again, making the only man she'd ever love understand why she had to leave him to find her ex would sound insane to anyone else.

To her, it hit right about normal.

Seriously? I don't tend to write angst-ridden fare. But I do like to dive into messy and see what happens. Maybe not your typical romance, but life isn't typical and I like to explore the boundaries of trust and the many definitions of love.

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Cockpit

The Last Ship continues to blow my mind. I love the words that come from Chandler's mouth. Is the man perfect? Hell, no. But I'd totally back whatever play he wanted to make, even if it blew up in our faces. Can't wait to see what Blond Ambition tries to pull this week. And I have to say, the whole building of a wall thing, making the regional borders permanent, haunts me a little. I'm very interested in how that whole thing plays out. And hey… I get to see a familiar face on this week's episode!! YAY!!

Killjoys stayed dark and twisty and I won't complain. I'm saddened by the loss of a character who became a favorite. I'm also really interested in finding out what the hell is up with the faux scarbacks Evil Delle has working with her. Because that's a snag I want to see play out.

Dark Matter dialed the tension back a little and I'm okay with it. I continue to be amused by the little callbacks to the Stargate 'verse—this week it was a personal shield—and hope the inside references don't get to be too much. We'll see how that goes.

No Strike Back this week, but I did finish up season two of Babylon 5. I'm taking a small break to start on some 80s movies with my daughter and I've also got season one of Killjoys on tap. I'm revisiting the first episodes to see if there are some seeds planted that I missed. J

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from The Cockpit, a novella started on the idea of a couple meeting after several years of being away from each other. I love working with reunions. J

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lark Fisher pulls R&R and hits the most happening bar on Virgo, The Cockpit. Imagine her utter stupefaction when she finds out its owner is not only an old friend, but the one who got away.

And a sneaky peek…

Lark Fisher walked into her CO's office. "You wanted to see me, Sir?" She prayed her little altercation with a fellow officer didn't warrant charges.

Colonel Belding Batz sighed. "Yes, Lieutenant. I've got some news for you." He stood up, went to his filing cabinet, and glanced over his shoulder. "Fisher, you're a pain in my ass." Pulling the drawer open, he went on. "But even my problem children deserve some time off." He yanked out file and slapped it on the desk. "You drew R and R, Lieutenant." He flipped the folder open and slid a pass out of the pocket.

Lark bit back a groan. A weekend pass on Virgonon? The rim planets didn't offer much variety. Mainly because most were still developing and building their infrastructures.

She pasted on a smile. "I don't mind going back into the rotation, Sir. If it's all the same to—"

His gaze snapped upward. "It's not." He slid the credential across the surface of the desk. "You haven't had a weekend in port for way too long. It shows." He glanced up and caught her gaze. "Trust me, you don't want to fight me on this, Fisher. I recommend you get the hell off my ship for forty-eight hours. No funny stunts." His eyebrow rose up on his forehead.

Lark slid her gaze sideways. Of course Batz would remember what happened the last two times she'd snagged R and R. She'd sold the first pass and the second she held a lottery for. She'd rather have cold, hard credits in her pocket than a permit to get into trouble.

Then again, she got in hot water on the ship, too. Hence the mandatory downtime.

Lark picked up the card. "Yes, Sir. I'll be on the first shuttle down tomorrow." No use arguing with the man.

Especially when he probably had her best interests at heart.

Batz gave a friendly nod. "You do that, Fisher." He came around the desk and walked her to the hatch. "And, Lieutenant. I recommend you take the time to think hard about what you want your career to look like in ten years. Understand?" He pinned her with a strong gaze.

Shit, the one thing she wanted to avoid.

But she faked a smile and gave a jaunty salute. "Yes, Sir. Thank you." After exiting the office, her shoulders slumped and she leaned against the bulkhead.

Ready or not, Virgonon, here I come.

I'm a huge fan of putting characters on the intersection of a crossroad and making them face their future. Lark get that opportunity while revisiting her past. LOL

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Clubbing on Space Station Delta

Well… Blonde Ambition finally showed her true colors on The Last Ship. About damned time. LOL I'm going to be really super pissed if anything happens to Kara because of Allison's machinations. I almost dread watching tonight's episode. Almost. :)

Killjoys. Wow. Took a very dark turn and I love it. The way the cast works together amazes me. There's tension, usually understated, and buttloads of chemistry with everyone. I hope this show lasts for a good long time.

Dark Matter had a very trippy episode with an alternate 'verse. The showrunners have crap tons of experience with the concept, coming from the Stargate stable. The possibilities of the blink drive makes for lots of interesting scenarios. Looking forward to seeing what they do with that.

My Strike Back and Babylon 5 rewatches took a nosedive. My schedule exploded last week and I had zero time to watch either. Hopefully I'll get to reconnect this week.

Looking forward to several new shows this fall and, obviously, my returning favorites.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Clubbing on Space Station Delta, a novella built on a prompt from a writer's group—a bunch of pilots have leave time and instead of just hitting the watering holes for drinks, they go clubbing to dance their asses off. I truly couldn't resist the pull of this one.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Macie Gunn discovers a very different side to Nix Handleman, her commanding officer, when they get some downtime on Space Station Delta. Macie likes what she sees, but wonders if Nix will keep the stick out of his ass once they return back to duty.

And a sneaky peek…

Macie Gunn slid into the last open seat right when Nix Handleman began his briefing.

"All right, people, we're docked at Delta for the next seven days." His gaze scanned twenty-two expectant faces. "We're on mandatory leave while the ship undergoes repairs. Get your gear and report to Echo Sector for room assignments." Nix closed his folder and tucked it inside the podium.

A round of cheers went up in the briefing room. Macie fist-pumped the air. Seven freaking days of rest and relaxation. Okay, not a full week—everyone would have to pull watch shifts while the ship remained in dock. Still… a four-hour stint once or twice couldn't be beat.

Nix motioned for everyone to quiet down. "Okay, okay. Lock it up or no one gets to leave." When the room settled a little, he flashed a grin. "Daily watch schedule will be posted on your panels. Make sure you check them. If you don't show up for your shift, you'll be confined to quarters or serve time in the brig when we ship out." Stepping out from behind the podium, he propped an elbow on the side of the surface. "Have a great time… but stay out of trouble." With a lift of his chin, he finished. "You're dismissed."

Another round of raucous noise and whistles coursed through the room. Macie snorted. Nix Handleman wouldn't know a great time or trouble if it bit him on the ass. She hopped up and made a beeline for Jenna Blu, one of Macie's fellow pilots and closest friends.

She nudged Jenna's shoulder. "Seven days of freedom. Ready to get your debauch on?" Falling back on their old code word for drinking and being up to no good, Macie laughed.

Jenna crinkled her nose. "How can you even ask? I'm always ready." She glanced over her shoulder. "Think the CO will be joining us for merriment and mayhem?" Her gaze did a slow once-over of Nix. "Could be fun to see if he'll loosen up a little."

Macie rolled her eyes. "Are you serious? Nix has had the stick up his ass for too many years. No way." She shook her head. "Mingle with the masses? Uh-uh. Not gonna happen."

Jenna quirked a brow. "You might be surprised, Mace." She slid Macie a sideways glance. "Yeah, who am I kidding? You're right."

Macie smirked and exited the briefing room. "Usually am, Jenn." Too bad.

Nix Handleman, drop-dead gorgeous and a former bad boy, could melt hearts all over the station. But he'd probably hunker down and remain in his room, doing boring Nix things, for the duration of the trip. The man had uptight down to an art form.

What a waste of a truly hot man.

Yeah, so Nix might have a few surprises he'll pull out on Delta. Can't wait to see Macie's reaction.

And that's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Close Quarters

August 14, 2016

Wish I had commentary about The Last Ship. Looking forward to the new episode tonight. Where's Rachel when we need her to figure out the science? I'm actually wondering if her former flame has something to do with the green mist stuff. Can't wait to find out who's behind that.

Killjoys continues to intrigue me. I'm so excited to see where this season ends up. I love how the various factions all seem to have pieces to a puzzle but no one knows what the puzzle looks like yet.

Dark Matter had a terrific episode. Great to see Five get some screen time to remind us of her mad skills. Three and Four make a fun team. I'm interested in finding out what else is going on behind the scenes.

Babylon 5 has two episodes left in season two… I think. Can't remember if they did a standard twenty-two episode season or not. I'd forgotten how much of an impact Talia's betrayal had, even if she had no idea what happened.

No Strike Back this week. Had way too much other drama going on to be able to watch. *sigh* Maybe I'll get to it this week.

That's the TV update for this week. Tonight's post is from Close Quarters, part two of the Molly / Sloan saga. I really need to come up with a name for this series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After trying to out maneuver their crew mates who bet on whether they'd ever hook up, Molly and Sloan discover an abiding love and embark on a committed relationship. Their biggest problem? Trying to figure out how to live in close quarters without making each other insane.

And a sneaky peek…

Battlecruiser MacGregor—Command Quarters—Last Dog Watch

Liam MacNeill sat behind his massive desk, thoughtfully sipping an aged scotch. He marveled over how much things had changed, yet somehow still stayed the same. Life, laughter, love—even under trying circumstances—all were possible.

Bullet points. Sloan and Molly were a bona fide couple… and hadn't killed each other yet. Early stages of the relationship, but Liam hoped they'd stick together. Couples who spent time in the brig usually found creative solutions to anything dramatic going on.

Relaxed regs. He honestly didn't know how it would turn out. He didn't disagree with the need for the new protocol, but change didn't always settle well with folks used to certain structure. For every pro Lena Cunningham listed, his XO, Fergus Quinn, had a con. Liam thought it might be interesting to put the two of them in a room and let them duke it out. Liam would probably put money on the feisty president to come out on top. The woman got things done when she set her mind to it.

Her focus split in so many directions, but she maintained a very delicate balance between seeing to the needs of civilians, working with the military to protect their last assets, and digging deeper into the reasons the Aschen continued to give chase. Liam would give his commander pips to know the answer to that burning question. He had no doubt Cunningham would start pushing Dr. Barton for concrete data instead of pithy, vague conjecture. Now that the fleet had settled into something of a routine and had a general direction to travel, she'd start a plan to keep several steps ahead of their enemy. Or try to. MacNeill's respect for her grew with each passing day. She kept a lot of irons in the fire and maintained a quiet dignity while doing it.

He asked a lot of his crew and hoped they'd continue to rise to the challenges of protecting the fleet. He'd have to keep a close eye on everyone, make sure no one hit the breaking point. They still had a very long journey ahead.

This is the prologue for the second book. I'm hoping to maybe work in some dialog, maybe with Cunningham and MacNeill discussing the recent changes. The sages are pondering how they want to handle this idea. LOL

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye