Sunday Snippet: The Lottery

Hello, October. We're getting into the fall season and that means the rest of the year is going to fly by! The beginning of October always marks the start of the holiday season for me. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas / Yule. I'm excited!

The Last Ship had a decent episode. I was so hoping Giorgio got blown up but, alas, not the case. Here's hoping he meets with a satisfying ending sometime in the near future. His whole family can go up in flames and I wouldn't shed a tear.

I haven't watched Teen Wolf's finale yet. I'm not quite ready for its end. But it's going to be terrific. I have no doubt.

Got a few more episodes of The Defenders in. I really didn't see Alexandria's end… if it's an actual ending. You just never know with the Hand.

Hawaii Five-0 said goodbye to Max in a great episode. I'm about halfway through the season and still enjoying.

Gotham's second episode ended up being excellent. I love how everything is coming together. Interesting to see Barbara back on the screen.

That's it for television this week. Looking forward to more of my favorite shows being back soon. Tonight's post is from The Lottery, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt of creating a story built around a repopulation need. I thought it would be fun!

Here's the mini-blurb:

A devastating illness tears through a space colony and repopulation is paramount for continued survival. Veronica Fine and Garrett Delroy think they'll be exempt from the lottery which will match up prime candidates for procreation, but word comes down all members of the colony have to participate, even members of the military. When they're matched up, both suspect some behind the scenes maneuvering from the planetary leader.

And a sneaky peek…

"Enlistment is up by twelve percent. I don't think we'll have to institute a draft to replenish our losses." Garrett Delroy handed the statistical report over to his father, the commandant of the Colonial Guard.

Michael Delroy glanced at the report, scanning the numbers. "Fifteen to twenty would be better, but I agree. We can hold off on making service mandatory." His fingers rubbed the bridge of his nose. "We've lost so many; it's getting difficult to coordinate with the civilian government."

Garrett didn't doubt the headache his dad probably lived with on a regular basis. The Council of Twelve issued decrees almost daily, trying to regulate everything to speed up the repopulation of the planet. The new vaccine finally stopped the spread of the virus, but the death toll left the populace scrambling to survive.

A series of sharp raps sounded behind Garrett.

His dad frowned. "Enter."

A private came through the doorway and stopped at the edge of the commandant's desk.

Michael quirked an eyebrow. "What is it, Private Jansen?"

The young man cleared his throat. "Apologies, Sir. I'm here to deliver this to Captain Delroy." He held out an envelope with the Chancellor's official seal.

Garrett glanced at his dad. "Any idea why the chancellor is sending me something?" He took the missive and turned it over, seeking any clue.

Michael heaved a sigh. "You're dismissed, private." He waited until the young man exited the office then directed his attention to Garrett. "I've got a very good idea and you're not gonna like it." He gave a pointed look at the document in Garrett's hands.

Garrett's stomach dropped to his toes. "Oh, no. Seriously?" His dad lifted a shoulder in a noncommittal gesture.

The paper suddenly burned against Garrett's skin. Dread filled him. He stared at the seal, official and binding.

Michael cut to the chase. "Just open it, son. Staring won't change what's inside."

Right. But a few more moments of ignorant bliss might be nice.

Garrett met his father's gaze and broke the seal. Sliding his fingers along the edge of the paper, he opened the letter—a set of orders, really—and scanned the details.

Once finished, he gave his dad a hard look. "How long have you known about this?"

Michael nailed his prediction on the head. Garrett is not happy. LOL

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

ML Skye