Sunday Snippet: Adventures in Nugget-Sitting

Hello!

Okay, gotta say it. I totally didn't see the finale for Sleepy Hollow coming at all. I had a working theory that the sheriff would somehow be a descendant of Crane's. The sin eater? Not so much. Good crap, I love this show.

Let's see, what else? Arrow rocked it, per usual. I've seen a number of 'meh, this felt like a season one episode' on twitter and tumblr, and that's cool, but I like the episodes that slow down a little and focus on, or spotlight, specific characters. I completely see how others can consider it a hot mess of an episode, but I almost always find something interesting that comes into play later or a seemingly insignificant moment that ends up being big later. So yeah, I kinda love what I've come to call 'groundwork' episodes. J Arrow writers… you just keep doing what you're doing.

Banshee still has me looking forward to Friday nights. Lost Girl is changing up the game with everyone and I kinda love it. I also gave Bitten a whirl and well, I'm in. Didn't know if I would like the premise, but oddly found myself thinking about the episodes at random points during the day. Always a sign I'm hooked. J

That's it in television news. Writing has been good this week. Maybe it's the weather, with six to nine inches of snow, the sweeping, shoveling, and blowing gives me time to ponder storylines. LOL Tonight's post is from Adventures in Nugget Sitting—absolutely a working title until the 'real' title reveals itself—and features one of the main characters finally getting a clue about how their behavior affects the other main character.

Here's the tagline:

Isla Sands, an excellent poker player, loses a card draw and has to babysit the drunken newbie pilot. Between the endless questions, throwing up, and clingy behavior of her charge, Isla takes time to wonder why Riggs Marvelton always does the same for her. And why he never attempts to just kill her and put both out of their misery.

And a sneaky peek…

Isla groaned. If Brad threw up one more time she'd find a way to put him out of his misery. Quietly, and preferably without a firearm. A pillow could work. But she'd totally go for the gun if he kept it up.

She sank back against the wall, sliding down to sit beside Brad. He had to have expelled everything in his guts, right? Her head thumped the cool tiles behind her. Doubtful.

"La La?" Brad lifted his head. "Am I going to die?"

La La? "Not from puking." She rolled him over onto his back. "But if you call me La La again, there's a good chance you won't see daylight."

He gave her a sloppy smile. "Okay, La La. You're taking really good care of me."

Isla growled and slammed her head against the tiles one more time then got to her feet. Leaning down, she grabbed Brad's hands and hauled him upward. Tucking her shoulder under his armpit, she started for the door.

Brad draped an arm around her shoulders, his hand dangling over her breast. Trudging forward, she got a better grip and half dragged him, his feet shuffling on the deck. His palm dropped lower and his fingers brushed over her boob.

She jabbed her elbow into his side. "Hands off the goods, Berenza." Death by suffocation started looking like a distinct possibility.

He grunted and rubbed his ribs with his free hand. "Owww. Come on, La La, that hurt." He stumbled but didn't go down.

Good thing, she might have left him if he had. "Yeah, yeah. You're lucky I didn't knee you in the groin, buddy."

Copping a feel? She should've known Berenza would try a stunt like that. An image of her hands palming Riggs's ass took up space in her head. Geez, she had zero room to get pissed.

Propping Brad against the wall, she undogged the hatch to the bunkroom and shoved it open. Grabbing his arm, she hauled him inside and dragged him to his rack, thanking whatever ruled the universe he had the first berth inside the quarters. Nudging him into his space, she bent down, lifted his feet, and pushed them up onto his mattress.

Blowing out a harsh breath, she collapsed on the nearest chair and slouched down. Geez, babysitting nuggets sucked balls. How much longer before he passed out and she could finally be done? Propping her feet up on the table, she kicked back in the seat and closed her eyes.

An image of Riggs hauling her ass to and from the head flashed in her mind. Cripes. How many times had he pulled 'Isla Duty'? And why in the hell did he keep doing it?

"Hey, how's it going?" Riggs popped his head inside the bunkroom.

Isla dropped the front of the chair to the floor and glanced his way. "Oh my God. He's making me batshit." She shook her head. "Seriously, Riggs, why and how did you refrain from killing me every time you got stuck taking care of me?"

He stepped inside the room, his eyes narrowed. "Don't you know?"

Isla snorted. "No, I really don't. Would've been so much easier to put us both out of our misery."

Riggs studied her for several moments, enough to make her a little twitchy.

He heaved a sigh. "Look, Isla, if you can't figure it out, I'm not gonna explain." His head jerked toward the bunks. "You should have plenty of time to ponder while he's in between rounds."

He turned and exited before she could respond.

Slumping back in the chair, she crossed her arms over her chest. Well, didn't Riggs like to give her shit to think about? Then again, hadn't he always? The guy never failed to twist her brain up over something.

And yet, she sort of liked how he made her think about stuff she'd usually avoid. He challenged her to expand her horizons and stretch beyond the status quo.

Why?

She sat up, the answer hitting her right between the eyes.

I always love it when my characters have light bulb moments. Isla has more than one in this story. Good thing she's got Riggs to make her think, yeah?

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: You're Welcome

January 19, 2014

Hiya!

Whew. What a week. I've been wearing my editor hat, trying to keep up with some pressing deadlines. But I have had a little time to write on some current WIPs AND keep up with my heavy slate of TV shows.

First… Arrow returned! Great episode. Seriously, I feel like I'm watching a movie every time it's on. And Banshee did not disappoint either. Also, Lost Girl? I'm sooooo happy it's back. I love the cast to bits!

So, tonight's post is from You're Welcome. It's in the beginning stages and I'm not quite sure where it's going yet, but the snippet basically popped into my head and I had to write it down. J

Here's the tagline:

Dalyn Harris spends a lot of his time keeping his significant other, Shauna Drake, out of hack. When an old, forgotten prank catches the executive officer by surprise, Dalyn scrambles to keep Shauna's part under wraps—he has no desire to spend their anniversary in a brig cell.

And a sneaky peek…

"You're welcome."

Shauna frowned. "For what exactly?"

Dalyn walked into the room. "Keeping your ass out of the brig. Again."

Shauna blinked. "And how did you do that? I haven't done anything to get thrown in hack." She waited a beat. "Lately."

Dalyn smirked. "Exactly. Remember the small arms locker on H deck?" He dropped down onto the chair across from her. "The one you rigged to blow leftover paint… because no one ever goes down there anyway, right?" Shauna snickered. "Oh yeah. That."

Dalyn nodded. "Yes. Guess who's now wearing a lovely shade of red to go with his bloodshot eyes?"

Shauna groaned. "Oh, tell me it's not." It could only be one person.

Dalyn cocked his head. "It is."

"Shit." She shot Dalyn a sideways look. "How the hell did you keep him from coming after me?" Their 2iC loved to write her up on report.

Dalyn smiled, wide. "A trick I learned from the old man. The bait and switch."

Shauna tilted her head. "I didn't know your dad liked to fish."

Dalyn rolled his eyes. "No, Shauna. He picked this up from his Uncle Sam." He leaned in, speaking on low tones. "I nudged Bradshaw toward the newbies, Hot Lips in particular, because she's been trying to one up you for a long time now."

Dalyn's mouth curved again. "Now she'll get to find out, firsthand, how most of your pranks end…"

Shauna finished for him. "In the brig." She got up and rifled through her locker, pulling out a recent novel she'd just finished.

Tucking it in the pocket of her fatigues, she headed for the hatch.

Dalyn quirked a brow. "Where're you going?"

Shauna turned and winked. "To give Hot Lips something to occupy her time. It's the least I can do." She exited, whistling an off-key tune.

Dalyn laughed settled back in the chair.

Shauna ducked back through the hatch. "By the way." She gave him a jaunty salute. "Thank you."

Shaua has another scary brilliant idea on the way to the brig. She'd like to thank Dalyn in a much more intimate manner. Rawr!

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yee Haw

January 12, 2014

Greetings!

Well, off to a wacky weather start to the new year. Minus single digit degrees to fifty within forty-eight hours. Welcome to Ohio. LOL

TV shows are back this week, or at least most of them are. Have to wait until February for The Walking Dead, and April for Orphan Black.

But… Banshee returned Friday and, as usual, didn't disappoint. I honestly have no idea why the show is one of my must sees, but it totally is. And, holy crap, they jam a lot into a single hour, less than, actually. Caught Helix on Syfy, and it sufficiently creeped me out enough to keep watching. Lost Girl comes back on Monday, and I'm definitely up for some Bitten, which looks kind of awesome. Almost Human was pretty great, too.

Sleepy Hollow and Arrow return this week. I can't wait!! Looking for to The Tomorrow People, too.

Tonight's post is from the tentatively named, Yee Haw, a novella where the main characters have loads of fun dealing with two new crewmembers. Seriously not sure I like the title, but's a work in progress, so hopefully something pops at a later date.

Here's the tagline:

Two new transfers upset the delicate balance of the space carrier, Mephisto, that Kellsie Eaves and Wick Fairchilds worked so hard to obtain. When the duo attempts to restore the status quo, the troublemakers go after Kellsie and she gets to school them in the art of kicking ass, with Wick as her backup.

And a sneaky peek…

"Major? The sunshine boys have Captain Eaves trapped in the gym." The out of breath Lieutenant Carns stumbled to halt in front of Wick's desk. "And it looks like they're up to their usual fun and games."

Wick rose and closed the file in front of him. "Which deck?" He met the concerned gaze of his junior officer. "Lieutenant, which deck?"

She calmed and answered. "B, Sir. Deck B."

Wick rounded the desk and firmly gripped her shoulder. "Thank you, Carns. I'll handle it." He exited his office and double timed it down one level.

Bart and Eldric finally stepped over the line one too many times and Wick now had enough to bring them up on charges. They must've caught wind of his impending meeting with the commander.

The shift change klaxon sounded and he picked up his pace. "Shit." The causeway filled with crewmen and he shouted. "Make a hole. Coming through."

His path clear, he hot-footed it around the corner, making a mad, crazy dash to the end of the juncture and almost blew past the first entrance to the gym. He got stopped in time and hovered outside the hatch, listening carefully to see if he'd need backup from a security unit.

Kellsie stood in the middle of the workout area, her hands on her hips. "I wouldn't drop trou just yet, Mont. The fact either of you think you give lessons on sucking cock, shows how little intelligence you have." She tilted her head to the side. "Or maybe it speaks volumes about what you two get up to in your spare time." She nodded. "Yeah, that's it, isn't it?"

Bert grabbed her arm. "You stupid cunt. I wouldn't suck Mont's dick if somebody paid me."

Kellsie quirked a brow. "Exactly. Neither would I. And if you think you're gonna force the issue, think again." She slid her gaze toward Eldric. "Because I'd rip that little fucker off at the root before it got close to my lips." She took a step back then caught sight of Wick.

She snapped to attention. "Sir."

Bert and Eldric didn't make an effort to follow suit. They didn't move, but each man sized Wick up.

Wick entered the gym. "At ease, Captain." He stood between the two exits and almost hoped they'd make a run for it.

Kellsie relaxed, but stayed put. Wick gave a her slight nod, indicating she'd get her shot.

Bert sneered. "Gonna order us to back off, Major?" He jerked his head toward Kellsie. "And save your sweet little piece of ass?"

Wick responded. "I don't need to save Captain Eaves, Samson." He met Kellsie's gaze.  "What do you say to a little mop up session, Kells?"

Since the Mephisto had been dubbed 'the bucket' by the two newest crew members, he figured she'd enjoy the play on words. And totally understand mop up equaled beat down.

Kellsie let a slow, sly smile cross over her face. "Well, Major, I think I'd say…" She tilted her head to the right. "Yee." And then to the left, cracking her neck. "Haw."

She dove for the big one, Eldric, grabbing his ankles and jerking him off his feet. With his belt loosened and pants undone, his legs got trapped in the fatigues. Samson leaped into the fray and wrapped an arm around Kellsie's neck, squeezing hard. Wick shoved the hatch shut and drove a wrench in to keep it closed, and then made his way to the second entrance and repeated the action.

Bert glanced up, tightening his grip on Kellsie's throat. "You gonna join in, Sir?" He spat the rank like it tasted bad on his tongue.

Wick leaned back against the bulkhead, crossing his arms over his chest. "Nope. I'm gonna let my captain school you two in the art of ass kicking."

Mont bucked his hips, tossing Kellsie upward, but she hung on with one hand and punched him in the face with the other. She reared back, smashing Samson's face with her head. He yowled, blowing blood out his nose and let go to staunch the flow.

Wick's mouth curved upward. He'd taught her that move two weeks ago during a sparring session.

Kellsie dragged in deep gasps of air then got back to business. Hopping up, she lifted her foot and stomped on the Eldric's knee, the sickening crunch of bone snapping against bone made a satisfying sound. She drew her leg back and kicked him hard in the groin. He rolled to the side, heaving up whatever he had for lunch.

Wick's lips twitched. Yep, he'd taught her well. And she used every trick she'd learned.

She whirled around, dropped, and swept her leg sideways, making Bert topple backward onto his ass. Kellsie jumped on top of him, straddling his torso, landing blow after blow, alternating between his ribs and face. She kept one eye trained in Mont's direction, but he stayed down, curled up in a fetal position, taking short, shallow breaths.

Satisfied he wouldn't be a threat, she rolled to her side, dragging Samson with her. Bringing her knees up, she pushed hard, flinging him up and over to go sprawling up along the wall. She twisted around, got to her feet, and grabbed his hair, shoving his face into the bulkhead. His head slammed hard against the metal, a sharp painful grunt escaping his mouth before he could stop it.

Kellsie glanced in Wick's direction. "Have I schooled them to you satisfaction, Major?" Her words came out in a rumbly growl, evidence of the damage Bert did earlier.

Wick gave a terse nod. "Above and beyond, Captain. Nicely done."

Kellsie let go of Samson and stepped back, stumbling but remaining upright. "Permission to hit the…" She sucked in more air, "showers, Sir."

Wick undogged the hatch and shoved it open. "Granted."

He waited until she left before he coldly informed the two Phadreaus troublemakers of their fate. "I suggest you both stay down." He walked to the comm phone and pressed three digits. "At least until the marines get here to haul your asses to the brig." His lips curved in a sneer. "You can expect the standard insubordination charge, along with a detailed list of additional infractions." He spoke three words into the handset before hanging up. "I hope you boys like your food cold and your racks lumpy, because you'll be in the pit." He sent a sarcastic smile in their direction. "Nothing but the best for you two."

Kellsie and Wick set quite a trap for Eldric and Bert. The lead up is something of a thrill ride. J

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wasted Credits

Happy New Year!!

I hope 2014 is filled with everyone my readers want and, of course, lots of reading!

I'm not a big fan of resolutions, but I do love setting goals. This year, my hope is to publish at least six manuscripts and learn more about the graphic end of the business. Luckily, my oldest kidlet is something of a whiz when it comes to creating great designs, so I have a built-in tutor.

I'm also feeling a strong pull to get back into crafting and being creative. My youngest is all for this and wants to help out. I'm looking forward to the bonding time we'll have.

And my middle child is my TV buddy. We watch a lot of the same shows and spend quality time chatting and dissecting the episodes. All in all, a good time.

The husband is an avid golfer and I'm hoping we'll get to spend some time on the course together. Even when I only go along for the ride, which is about half the time, it's a nice way to relax and catch up with each other.

On the television show front, Sherlock is back!! The convergence of acting, writing, and filming just makes me so happy. New episodes of my other favorite shows start soon. Banshee returns this Friday and I'm excited and on edge just thinking about it. I have no idea why that show sucks me in, but it completely does. J

Tonight's post is from Wasted Credits and will probably feature in the Furlough 99 brand for Ellipses press. I've been wanting to explore what the miners do on their downtime and I think I finally have a story to fit the mold.

Here's the tagline:

Valora Prime can't figure out why a smart, attractive man like Hackett Barnes pays for sex. When she corners him to find the answer, his response catches her off guard and she has to make a quick decision. Let him in or let him go.

And a sneaky peek…

Valora threw up her hands. "What the hell are you thinking, Hack?" She plopped down beside him on the seating unit. "You're attractive. You could have our pick of anyone."

He lifted a brow. "Anyone? I don't think so, Valora."

Ouch. His words hit a little closer than she wanted to examine at the moment. Especially since she kept three full arm lengths between them. Still, the idea he spent his hard earned income on the sex workers of the space station rankled.

She sighed. "Why would you waste your credits? Seriously, what are you thinking, Hackett?"

He snorted. "I'm not. That's the point. I don't have to." He angled sideways. "I walk in, point out the woman I want, and hand over the fee. It's not that hard."

She growled. "But you do think about it, Hackett. It's who you are." At least it used to be.

Val didn't know this version of her co-worker. And she kinda had herself to blame.

Hackett huffed out a harsh breath. "Oh, that's right. I overthink everything." He paused and inhaled deeply. "But not this."

Geez, how could he not hear the total lie he'd just uttered. The description of his transactions showed the thought process. Whatever, she'd try a different tactic.

She nodded. "Ah. Turning over a new leaf, then."

He shrugged. "I'm trying. Why does it matter, Val?"

She lifted a shoulder. "Like I said. Wasted credits." Cripes, she sounded stupid, didn't she?

He snarled. "They're my cubits to burn. Stay out of it."

She waved a hand. "Fine. Whatever." She folded her arms in front of her chest and kicked her feet out.

If he wanted to get pissy about the conversation, she'd shut up.

Hackett kept it going. "Seriously, what's your problem?" He got up and paced the floor.

He would ask. And she couldn't answer because she had no idea.

She shook her head. "I don't have one." Not that she'd admit anyway.

He snorted. "Oh, I think you do. And I wanna know what it is." He stopped walking and faced her, pinning her with his gaze.

She glanced away. "Look, Hack. Forget I said anything. You've been acting off since you took your tumble in the mine. This just tops it, okay?"

He cocked his head. "Why? It's not like you haven't used sex to blow off steam. And it has nothing to do with the cave in."

Okay, she did like to get laid when they had rec time, but… "I've never paid for it."

He went for the jugular. "No. You love 'em and walk away."

She heaved a sigh. "It's less messy that way." At least for her.

She never allowed the thought of how her partners viewed the situation to enter her mind.

Hackett tsked. "Whatever. Paying for it keeps a kid in meds. At least the transaction has value."

Valora came up off the seating unit. "Geez, Hack. Do you hear yourself?" She paced back and forth. "Value? Are you serious? And how do you know it buys medication for a kid?" She paused, waiting for it.

He answered. "Because I asked."

Ding. Ding. Ding.

She whirled around to face him. "And you've just proven the point you're still thinking about what you're doing. Tell me you get that."

He shook his head. "Yes, I get it, but not for the reasons you think." He strode in her direction. "And you still haven't told me why it matters. Why do you give a shit who I sleep with?"

Damn. He had her there. She shouldn't give a flying fuck. Valora wisely kept her mouth shut.

Hackett stopped inches away from her. "That's what I thought." He leaned in close. "When you figure out what your problem is, come find me."

Valora's tongue darted out, wetting her lower lip. "Talk to me, Hackett. You're not this guy. What the hell happened to you?"

He threw his head back. "God, Val. What hasn't happened? Do you want the whole list or just a condensed version?"

Hackett's been through a lot and he's got it bad for Val. She'll eventually figure out she's got it just as bad for him. :D

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

ML Skye