Sunday Snippet: Viable Options

October 25, 2015

WooHoo! Halloween is almost here! I love the fall holiday and even plan to decorate my all-year-round tree with some cool lights and creepy ribbon. I'm even planning to do a Thanksgiving themed tree if time doesn't get away from me. LOL

Television round up this week… not bad overall. I totally stayed away from discussing The Walking Dead, mainly because I didn't want to spoil anyone and I couldn't talk about the show without going into detail. I'll take a moment to say I LOVE how this season is kicking off and leave things there.

As always, I'm thrilled with how The Flash and Arrow are progressing. I thoroughly enjoy the alternate Flash and I like how Thea's time in the pit is being handled. Really interested to see how Sarah's resurrection plays out. (Hint… she'll be fine… eventually).

Agents of SHIELD continues to intrigue me. I have several theories floating around in my head about how things will play out, and I'm actually loving how many different storylines are being addressed. Keep it up!

Gotham and Sleepy Hollow are on my catch up list. Last week's schedule went off the rails so I'm watching both shows on demand.

Lost Girl and The Murdoch Mysteries are also staying excellent. And I started a new show called The Romeo Section that has me very interested. I'll keep everyone posted on how I fare with that one.

Finally, Doctor Who… eh. Seriously, I'm seeing so many people rave about the new season and I'm really not feeling it. The fandom theory that Ashildr will end up being Missy and the Doctor created the Master doesn't work for me. However, there is one way I could get behind the concept… Missy isn't a regeneration of the Master, but she decided to play the role. That might be an interesting twist.

Anyway, TV update for the week is over.

Tonight's post is from Viable Options, a novella where my main characters are pretty much stranded and left to their own devices.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Karlin Hex and Jay Shaliman are trapped high in the mountains when their planet is attacked and left for ruin. Karlin decides plan A is to find a ship, get off the planet and find their way to the military fleet or a viable spaceport. Jay finds the notion admirable, but wonders what her back up option is. That's easy—plans B through Z are the same as plan A.

And a sneaky peek…

Karlin Hex held the headphone to her ear, her mouth hanging open in shock.

The Hendragon Galaxy is under attack. Evacuate to the nearest outbound ship. Incoming ships should report to the nearest fueling station, load up, and wait for coordinates. Repeat. The Hendragon Galaxy is under attack…

What the hell had happened? Had she missed something? Coded chatter that warned of the mass attack? No. No way. She took her job seriously and always manned the comms whenever anything came through. The remote outpost picked up verbal traffic at the farthest reach of their charted space.

There had been no advance warning. Nothing to indicate a full-scale bombardment of nuclear weapons.

The fact didn't ease her guilt. Not when more transmissions followed the horrific news, reporting the location of the largest hit areas. Bombs were hitting every major city on the planet and its surrounding moons. Evacuees scrambled to find seats on any available ship, even the taxi hoppers that did short jaunts between the five populated moons and the planet. They'd have to find bigger ships to hook up with, but at least a few more lives would be saved.

Her gut twisted. Early warning systems didn't work when the enemy remained silent. And planned well. They'd pulled off the impossible and caught the rest of the galaxy with their pants down.

Karlin's location in the foothills of a majestic mountain range would give her a few days to figure out what the hell to do. And how to accomplish anything with the limited supplies she had on hand.

But at least she had something of a safety net… even if it wouldn't last long.

This is pretty much in the beginning stages, but it's so much fun to write.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Veracity of War

I can't quite believe half of October is over. Yeesh, time flies in a big way. LOL

My usual television ramblings will get underway after a brief pause to let everyone know I'm still not feeling this season of Doctor Who. The reason behind the 'repeat' face, so far, is beyond lame. I'll have to watch the conclusion to see if I still feel the same way.

I finally watched the last two episodes *ever!* of Strike Back. I can safely say I'm thrilled with how Stonebridge and Scott's story ended. YAY!!! Now I'll have to start a rewatch of the entire series. LOL

Arrow and The Flash are keeping me glued to the screen. I love both shows so much. And Agents of SHIELD isn't doing too bad either. I like where things are going there.

Gotham and Sleepy Hollow are maintaining solid episodes. Looking forward to seeing where Gotham takes the Bruce in Training story. I'm also really excited to see how Gordon keeps all the plates spinning in his life. On a side note, I am a little sick of Barbara but I have a feeling her story might pay off in a big way. I'll keep watching.

Got caught up on Haven. I'm really going to miss this show when it's gone. I love the every quirky thing about it. The same goes with Lost Girl. I'm dying to see how Bo's story ends, but I'm savoring every moment I get to watch.

And that's the TV wrap up this week.

Tonight's post is from The Veracity of War, a novella where my characters have to keep the relationship fires burning against some pretty big odds.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The veracity of war takes a toll when Emerson Gamble assumes command of a military outpost after his captain loses his life. Sheena Tram wonders if they'll be able to maintain their relationship when the burden of responsibility always gets in the way.

And a sneaky peek…

"It's over." Emerson Gamble slumped against the outcropping and dragged air into his lungs.

Sheena Tram couldn't speak, too exhausted to form words, but she reached out and grabbed his thigh before sliding down into a crouch.

They'd done the unimaginable. Ass-deep in enemy-held territory, they'd driven the marauders back and gained back some of their ground. Fighting side-by-side with Emerson always proved to be an advantage. They worked in tandem, reloading each other's weapons and picking off targets one by one.

If she had to live through a war, having Emerson in the thick of it with her made the strain bearable.

His fingers gave her hand a squeeze before he expelled his empty clip and reloaded. Just in case.

"Gamble! Get over here!" A medic motioned Emerson over.

Captain Marx, their CO, lay on the ground, his color ashen and pale, his breathing labored.

Several wounds seeped blood and red pools formed on his clothes.

Marx blinked his eye open and met Emerson's gaze. "Gamble. Assume command. Get the unit to the extraction point." His voice rasped and rattled and talking took a lot of effort.

Emerson kneeled down. "Sir, let's get you patched up and we'll move out." He rifled through the supplies lying around and found a compression dressing.

Sheena glanced toward the medic. A quick shake of his head indicating the captain didn't have a chance. Remorse over losing a good man didn't stop her from what needed to me done. She would mourn the dead later.

She laid a palm on Emerson's shoulder. "We need to go. And you need to lead us out of here." He might not want to face Marx's imminent death, but he had to.

Emerson nodded, looking a little shell-shocked. His head bent forward and he inhaled, slowly letting the breath out before he squared his shoulders and stood up.

He gave a general order. "Pack up and be ready to move out in five." He waved off a barrage of questions. "Lock it up. Get your gear and any spare ammo loaded up. Now."

The unit obeyed the directive, holding their silence. Emerson glanced in Sheena's direction. She quirked a brow, answering his unasked question—whatever he needed, she'd make it happen. She had his back.

He cocked his head to one side. "McCabe, Reilly, Tram. You're with me." He moved away from the group. "Start digging. I'm not going to leave Captain Marx out in the open for the enemy to abuse." A sad fact they'd encountered on too many occasions. "I'm staying with Marx. He shouldn't die alone." He returned to the CO's side and crouched next to the man.

Sheena gave a nod and she, McCabe, and Reilly got the plot dug and ready for the captain. She walked over, stooping beside Emerson. The medic had cleared the debris and joined the others. Emerson heaved a sigh, picked the captain up, and carried him over to the freshly dug grave. Laying the man to rest, he helped fill in the plot then gathered his gear and strode toward the soldiers. Sheena didn't hear what Emerson said, but the unit started fanning out into the forest, heading toward the egress location.

Hefting her pack over her shoulder, she shook her head. "Why do I have a nasty feeling it's just beginning." The memory of Emerson's claim of the battle being over seemed like a lifetime ago.

Following McCabe and Reilly, she fell into step beside Emerson and fought the sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach.

Her comrade in arms and her lover had just become her commanding officer.

Yeah, Sheena's going to have trouble wrapping her head around the chain of command / love of her life balance. LOL

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Unexpected Surprise

Okay… getting right to the television part of my post.

The Flash and Arrow premiered!!! Both had excellent season openers. I kind of love where everything is headed and can't wait for this week's episodes. *EEP*

And I'm totally NOT freaking out over whose graveside Oliver and Barry were standing beside. Nope. I'm not. I know who I'd kind of like it to be, but I'll hold off and not speculate too much. LOL

Gotham and Sleepy Hollow had terrific episodes, too. I missed the opener for Sleepy Hollow and still need to watch, but the second ep has me intrigued already.

I also need to watch the double dose of Haven so I'm caught up on that one, too. I've started watching the final episodes of Lost Girl and Strike Back. Two shows I wish didn't have to end. *sniffles*

The conclusion to Doctor Who's two-parter didn't exactly cement the show as awesome for me, so we'll see how things continue. It's still good television so I'll still watch.

But… the best thing of the week? The Walking Dead premieres!!! So looking forward to tonight's episode!!

And that's it for TV. I thought I might do a rambly post about Arrow and The Flash, but you know, they would get a little too spoilery if I attempted to do so.

Tonight's post is from Unexpected Surprise, a sexy short that's on its way to becoming a novella, where my main characters sit back and wait to reveal some big news.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Roma Dobbs and Case Havensworth, two soldiers with a long and storied history, finally tie the knot, but keep it very low-key and don't tell anyone. Case's dad shows up without warning on their second wedding anniversary and gets an unexpected surprise—a not so new daughter-in-law.

And a sneaky peek…

Case Havensworth clamped his lips over a taut nipple of the hottest woman he would ever know. Roma gasped and made a low hum in her throat. He'd worked her tank top off and had a decent start on her pants, his hand dipping under the waistband and skimming over her belly.

Roma's fingers dug into his bare shoulders, her short nails biting into his skin. He didn't care. He loved making her lose control. Flicking his tongue over the pebbled tip of her breast, he dragged her fully beneath him and settled between her thighs. The hard ridge of his cock nestled firmly against her groin. She bucked her hips, amping the friction and Case wanted to be inside her. Now.

His hands cupped her ass cheeks before moving up to start inching down the fabric of her pants.

Roma lifted her butt and let out a moan. "Mmm. You're hard and ready, aren't y—"She broke off mid-word when the front door burst open.

"Case? You home."

Shit. His dad.

Roma groaned and scrambled out from under him, fishing around for her shirt. "Didn't you lock the door?"

Case answered his dad first. "Yeah, Dad." He moved to block Roma from view. "And yes, I locked the door. He's got keys." Booted footsteps sounded in the short corridor leading to the living room.

Cal Havensworth stopped short when entered, his gaze going from Case, shirtless with his pants halfway undone, then over to Roma who had what she needed covered. Case had no doubt his dad figured the obvious—he'd interrupted a hot and heavy, this-close-to-being-naked moment.

Cal planted his hands on his hips. "So… it's true." He rocked back on his heels, but straightened again.

No way would Case take the bait. His dad loved to go fishing for information.

Case quirked an eyebrow. "That I'm sexually active?" He nodded toward the side chair, indicating Cal could sit if he wanted. "Yes, Dad. I have been Tanya Betts seduced me at the lake on my sixteenth birthday."

Cal paused mid-stride and shot Case a sideways glance. "Didn't need to know the exact date or the who." He continued on and settled in the chair. "And you damned well that's not what I'm talking about." He pinned Case and Roma with his gaze. "You two are married."

Roma shot Case a quick glance. "You owe me fifty bucks." She dropped down onto the couch and tugged him beside her. "Told you he'd find out before our fifth anniversary." Case draped an arm around her and hauled her close. Roma tucked her feet under her thighs and snuggled in.

Cal blinked. "You're amused by this situation?" He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees.

Case rolled his eyes. "There's no situation, Dad. We filed all the paperwork and got the dispensation to get married." And jumped through a few flaming hoops to boot.

Cal growled. "Again, not what I'm talking about. There'll be a situation when your mother finds out."

Case sobered. "Oh. Right." He and Roma avoided the subject of Miriam Webber nee Cutshaw, nee Havensworth.

Out of sight, out of mind. Miriam rarely made contact with Case unless she wanted something or had a family event she wanted to trot him out for.

Cal straightened and leaned back against the chair cushion. "When, exactly, did you plan to tell her?"

Roma snorted. "About the time we present her with her first grandchild… around ten years from now."

Case thought they might wait even longer… if he could find a way to do so.

Cal shrugged. "Not the worst plan." He held no illusions about his former wife. "So, how long?" He glanced back and forth between them.

Case shifted under the scrutiny. "Two years today." He pinned his old man with a glare. "We were just getting the celebration underway."

Cal blinked and leaned forward. "Two years?" He shook his head then slumped back in the chair. "Okay. Rewind. And start at the beginning."

Honestly? This one has been more fun than I can say to get started. Here's hoping the rest falls into place the same way.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Understanding Truth

Happy October!

So, after going off on a tangent last week about my 'blah' feeling for the new season of Doctor Who, I can't say my impression has changed, but I did enjoy this week's episode better. So there's that. *grin*

Gotham is kicking some big time butt so far. I like the rather darker edge it opened with and actually can't wait to see this week's episode. I missed the Sleepy Hollow premiere, so I need to catch up on that one ASAP.

And the best news! The Flash and Arrow are back this week!! And I truly hope nothing tries to get in the way of me and my TV those two night. LOL

So… probably a long ramble about television next week. But on to tonight's post.

Understanding Truth is a novella where my main characters discover their version of normal is just fine.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Perdix Plane and Brock Halliwell are soldiers who finally understand a few simple truths. They're not normal people, they don’t follow standard operating procedure, and they'll never have a conventional relationship—and maybe that's perfectly okay.

And a sneaky peek…

Perdix Plane burst through the door of the clinic fronting for an arms depot and crouched low to the ground, her weapon drawn. "Interstellar Police. Everybody stay where you are." A quick heartbeat later, her gaze took the scene in. "Well, son of a bitch."

Her team had just busted in on another unit trying to take the terrorist cell down. The brief distraction provided enough time for the targets to regroup and claim an advantage.

Perdix dived behind a cabinet, seeking cover. She quickly found the ringleader in the fray and fired off two shots. Too late, she realized someone else had jumped up to do the same. Her second bullet caught him in the shoulder, sending him flying forward.

Her heart tripped in her chest. "Brock!" She scrambled forward, keeping an eye on her target, slumped against a metal cabinet.

She didn't know whose weapon took him down, but she didn't care at the moment. She needed to make sure Brock would be okay. Reaching his side, she found him clutching his hand to his shoulder, applying pressure to his wound.

He glanced up. "What a cluster fuck this turned into. What the hell is your team doing here?" Wincing, he shifted over onto his side.

Perdix shot her arm out. "Whoa. Don't even think about moving, Brock." She nudged him and he didn't fight, collapsing back down onto the floor. "As for being here. Well, when they say go, we go. Had no idea your undercover unit was on scene." And her team should have known.

Yet another reason she regretted moving to tactical with the new command changeover. When she'd been on a regular beat and worked undercover ops, they always coordinated with the elite squads. Now they were lucky when they didn't get in each other's way.

Brock blew out a breath. "The pissing contest between Chapper and Greggs is going to get someone killed." He closed his eyes and slowly inhaled. "Why did you think it was a good idea to move units again?" The blood from his wound seeped through his fingers.

Perdix flipped open a pocket on her vest and pulled out a gauze pad, pressing it against his shoulder. She didn't answer right away, because each knew the reason she'd pulled out of U-Ops. Too many arguments over too many senseless things that made it difficult for them to work together after breaking up.

But they worked better together than apart. The simple truth hit her hard and she rocked back on her booted heels with the weight of the realization.

An emergency medic tapped her on the shoulder. "Perdix, we got this." She nodded toward the main target. "Looks like you've earned a ride along with the alleged ringleader." Stooping down, she eased the gauze away from Brock's wound. "Ugh. I'll bet that hurts like a bitch, doesn't it?" Her hands went into action, ripping sterile bags open and bringing out stuff to start an IV.

Perdix rose and backed away, but not before meeting Brock's gaze. She wanted to tell him to take care and that she'd see him later, but she didn't really have the right to anymore. Instead, she blinked, breaking the moment then turned to follow their wounded prisoner out of the clinic.

Climbing up into the ambulance, she made sure the medics secured his feet to the cot and had him strapped down before cuffing one hand to the railing. She settled down onto the bench seat, her palm on the butt of her sidearm. Whitton Jonesett had a reputation for being wily and inventive when it came to escaping justice.

No way in hell would he get through her.

Not after she'd shot Brock in the crossfire to get Jonesett.

He'd have to kill her first.

Perdix is not taking any chances with her collar, but her biggest challenge follows after he's in custody.

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

ML Skye