Sunday Snippet: One Last Chance

The Olympics are almost over and we'll be back to regular television viewing again. I'm looking forward to my shows being back on the screen.

I thoroughly enjoyed Legends of Tomorrow 's take on Groundhog Day. The end definitely intrigued me. Looking forward to seeing how that plays out.

I finished up another episode of The Punisher and I'm really trying to figure out what's going on with Lewis. I'm not very familiar with the comics versions of Frank's story so I like not having any information to pull from.

Caught several more episodes of Chicago Fire and I'm getting close to the end of season four. Oddly enough, I wasn't all that upset to see Chili go. I did like the reach out to Severide even if that particular thread got rushed.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from One Last Chance, a sexy short exploring the need to take one last stab at making something work.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Uma Banks, a natural born pilot, fails everyone she loves. But her biggest catastrophe is Fitz Winterson, a lifelong friend who should be more. Uma has one last chance to make things right… if she doesn't blow it again.

And a sneaky peek…

As the last transport lifted off, Uma Banks stood, watching the black smoke roll off the burning piles of rubble. She couldn’t say she'd be sorry to see the end of the new settlement… an outpost called Chancery on a now-disputed planet called Homah. Not with what she’d been through… but she didn't want to face returning to the Helix either. It didn’t seem to matter where she went… a path of destruction always followed along behind.

Uma couldn’t seem to escape it. Even now. The last one off the planet, their fucked up new home, she looked down at the surface and muttered a final good riddance. It didn’t matter she’d had nothing to do with the Cessians showing up and claiming ownership of this area of space. To her, it just showed she failed at everything.

The settlement failure only added one more thing to the list.

Because she’d failed before landing on the planet.

Way before.

For as long as Uma could remember, she’d let the people she loved down. Nothing she did ever measured up. Or proved to be never enough.

She constantly screwed up.

Her mother.

Biggest disappointment of the woman’s life.

Uma's father, Darmot Banks, bailed three days after Uma's third birthday and Ursula Banks placed the blame firmly at their daughter's feet. Uma got daily reminders at home with cruel words and random injuries. Until she went to school and discovered not all children suffered like she did. But… Uma didn't have clothes that matched or the latest everything and being different took on a whole new level of horrible. Uma wouldn't care if the other kids made fun of her, except she desperately wanted to belong to something.

Then, on the playground at school, she found a friend. Fitz Winterson. He didn't care if her hand-me-downs were several generations old. Or about the fact her comm device lacked the bells and whistles of the most recent models. Fitz treated her like she mattered and Uma finally came out of her shell and opened up about her homelife. How her mom blamed her for Darmot leaving. Put the fault of their divorce solely on Uma's head.

Fitz leaned in and told Uma a huge secret. "You know what? Parents fight and split up, but not all of them blame their children." His gaze focused on the gyroscope spinning two girls around at a slow speed. "My folks just got a divorce and my mom blames the military. The constant moving and change of station never let her put down roots." He met Uma's gaze again. "She doesn't blame me, but she crawls inside a bottle every night and stays there." He lifted a shoulder, shrugging. "At least she's not screaming at Dad or me anymore."

"What did you do when she got mean?" Did he hide under the bed like she did?

Fitz shrugged. "I lost myself in books. It's like the words on the page drown out the noise."

Uma wrinkled her nose. "I don't like to read." Not like her mom would buy books anyway.

Fitz nudged her shoulder. "So find something else. What do you like to do?"

Uma considered the question for a few moments. "I love to draw. And play rickett." The sport tested hand and eye coordination where a fist-sized ball had to enter a six-inch hole to score.

Fitz flashed a smile. "There you go then. A way to escape." He gave her a wink then got up and joined a holo-ball game.

Uma's mom wouldn't do things like take Uma to practice, so for now, she could count rickett out. But she picked up a pencil and drew on whatever she had handy. Sometimes she snuck into her mom's room and searched for loose change. A notebook didn't cost much and Ursula rarely missed the small amounts Uma stashed away in her backpack.

And Fitz had it right. When Ursula got mean, Uma could hide away in her closet and get lost in her pictures. If she stayed quiet and out of the way, Ursula would settle down and leave her daughter alone. A small cache of MREs and a jug of water meant Uma didn't even have to leave her room until her mom passed out or fell asleep. She got lonely sometimes, especially after Fitz had to move again, but she never forgot his kindness or advice.

She couldn't count the number of notebooks and sketchpads she went through, but the lifeline they provided throughout her primary school years kept her sane. And out of the Casualty Department. She even gained some acceptance from the other students when her sketches were featured in the primary school art show.

Exited the transport, Uma spied Fitz leading a group to the intake station. He met her gaze with a brief, icy stare then focused his attention anywhere but on her.

She sighed. She'd give anything to go back to primary school and have the kind of easy relationship with Fitz again. A single chance to have him look at her with friendship instead of cool detachment.

Way too much baggage between them now. And most of that luggage belonged to her.

I'm liking this one. It's gone several different directions but seems to finally be settling into the story it needs to be.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: One Hot Mess

Slow week in television due to the Olympics, but that's okay. I enjoy being a casual viewer of the coverage and there have been some terrific events. Watching Virture | Mior during ice dancing is such a joy. They're unmatched by anyone else.

Legends of Tomorrow returned on Monday and while I'm kind of "meh" about the move to a new night, I did love the episode. Nice to see the group dealing with Firestorm being gone. Also kind of cool to see Mick step into something of a leadership role, even if he'd never own doing it. LOL

I had the chance to catch up on my period dramas. Murdoch Mysteries is having some fun with Julia's pregnancy and I kind of like how she's dealing with everything. Frankie Drake Mysteries keeps getting better. I love the varied types of cases Frankie and Trudy get involved in.

Also caught another five episodes of Chicago Fire. Season four is diving into things on a much deeper level and I like where the characters are right now. It's been fun watching Severide pull himself back up from his demotion. I even sort of enjoyed Patterson figuring out what really matters at fifty-one. Not sure I'm totally down with him becoming a battalion chief but, yeah, I can live with it. LOL

I didn't get the chance to watch more of The Punisher, but I'll be catching some episodes this weekend. Also still need to watch the latest Riverdale before the show returns after the Olympics.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from One Hot Mess, a novella that started with an idea of a character waking up next to someone and not remembering how they got there. Oh… and they're naked.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Eva Twine and Van Jefferson have a very friendly rivalry when their teams compete for the galaxy championship. But when Van questions what Eva will wear to the celebratory masquerade, she decides to rock his very foundation.

And a sneaky peek…

Eva soaped up her skin, the hot steam of the shower easing her aching muscles. Her foot throbbed and she kept most of her weight off that side. Made the shower go must faster than normal.

She lathered up her hair and shook her head. Leave it to Van to assume she'd show up as a Sky Hawg poster girl. And okay… that might have been her original plan, but not anymore.

Something about the sexy smirk on his face made her want to wipe it off in a spectacular fashion. "Oh, Van, you think you know me… but you so don't." Eva let several ideas roll around in her head.

She had to find something killer to wear for the costume ball. A dress. A gorgeous one. Ugh… and heels. She didn't wear them often, who liked to torture themselves? But her legs looked kick ass great when she did.

Hopefully her foot didn't have any broken bones. The universe would not be that cruel. She had a point to make. Her team might have lost the battle, but she had a chance to beat Van by proving his expectations so very wrong.

She laughed. "How effing awesome? Kinda like kismet for the big loss."

Shutting off the water, Eva quickly toweled off and pulled on some clothes. She had to check in with the infirmary doc and see what the x-ray showed. Head still full of ideas, Eva started down the corridor, oblivious to anyone else passing by. She favored her injured foot, but cut a quick path through the throngs of people and burned a steady trail toward the lower level. Making her way down the steps, she made a quick decision to do the heels even if her foot had broken bones. At least until Van got a good, long look at her. Grinning wide, she made the turn and entered the infirmary.

She couldn't wait to get the all clear… "Geez, it's been years passed since I've actually wanted to go shopping." The exorbitant amount she'd spend didn't irritate her either.

She firmly decided not to examine the reason why Van Jefferson inspired so much competitiveness she'd go to great lengths to show him up. The challenge of rocking his world a fun one she deserved after taking one for the team.

Laughing, she sat up on the exam table and waited for the doc. "Poor guy won't know what hit him."

Eva and Van are on the path to something more… who knows if it'll work out but they'll have fun testing the waters.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Off the Hook

February 11, 2018

Greetings! Ohio has crazy weather patterns rolling through the state again. I'm at the point with winter where I'd be happy if it made up its mind and either stayed cold or got warmer. The back forth is hell on my sinuses.

Great week in television. The Flash had a good episode and I'm interested to see where things go now. In all honesty, the slow reveal of evil plans is getting to the point of annoyance. Get on with it already.

Black Lightning, on the other hand, is staying on form. I like the world building of this show. Keep on keeping on.

Riverdale is going down another dark road and I like it. I have to watch this week's episode but I caught up on last week and Archie continues to fail in spectacular fashion. I love all the bad decisions he makes.

Arrow did not go where I thought it might and I'm happy about that. I'm thrilled with the left turn the plot made. It's always the quiet ones people need to watch out for.

I'm moving along on Chicago Fire and I've started season four. I'm slowly but surely getting caught up to the current season. I love having the crossover episodes on the DVDs and following the storyline all the way through. Nicely done.

I'm caught up for the most part on Murdoch Mysteries. I loved the cooking competition episode. One of my favorite things about Murdoch is taking a modern trend and making it a trope in the show's setting. And it's always fun to have the spy versus spy episodes.

Need to catch up on Frankie Drake Mysteries and I might have time later today. Legends of Tomorrow returns this week and I'm excited to see what's next for the legends.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Off the Hook, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of writing a scene about a character's crash.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Esti Warf's relationship with Wyatt Corben is tested when she agrees to give his younger brother a chance to pass basic flight. Wyatt knows in his gut his brother doesn't have the chops, but he can't get Esti to budge on her decision, especially when his old man pressured her into accepting Wilton as a cadet. Both are on the hook, trying to keep peace in the family and still maintain their bond as a couple.

And a sneaky peek…

Esti glanced up when knocking drew her attention from the entrance exams. Wharton Corben stood, one shoulder propped on the door jamb. Esti placed the tests aside and waited for her superior officer to state his reason for being there.

Wharton entered and closed the door behind him. "Lieutenant, how's my boy treating you?" He took a chair across from her and settled into it.

The closed door clued Esti in about which son he wanted to discuss. Wilton. The youngest, the one who'd failed his entrance exam into flight school. Granted, he'd missed the mark by two points, but he hadn't passed and Wharton would have problems with the fact. Besides, the elder Corben had no reason to doubt his oldest son's treatment of Esti. They'd had dinner with Wharton last night.

Esti cut to the chase. "Since Wyatt and I saw you less than twelve hours ago, I'll assume the small talk is perfunctory. You're here to discuss Wilton's test, aren't you?" Thankfully, she didn't bear the responsibility of giving him the failing grade.

Wharton nodded. "I've always appreciated your ability to cut through the niceties and get to the point." He leaned forward, resting his forearms on her desk. "I want you to accept Wilton in your basic flight class." He met and held her gaze.

Esti blew out a slow breath. "Permission to speak freely, sir?" She settled back, feigning a relaxed stance she didn't feel.

Wharton waved his hand. "As if it's necessary to ask. Granted, Lieutenant." He didn't give an inch, electing to stay leaned in close.

More or less directly in her face.

Esti shook her head. "I don't think you've thought this through. Putting Wilton in my class is going to set the scuttlebutt off the chart." Not to mention put her in the universe's most awkward position. "It's one thing to pull strings to get your son into basic flight after he missed the mark on the entrance exam; it quite another to drop said son into the class of your other son's significant other." She hesitated a moment. "You're setting both of us up to fail." Maybe a little harsh, but she'd be on the hook for Wilton's advancement.

Wharton narrowed his eyes. "You're suggesting I don't know what's best for Wilton?" Phrased as a question, his meaning still came through.

Put Wilton in her class. If she didn't, there would be repercussions. When it came to his younger son's flying or not, her relationship with Wyatt wouldn't protect her.

Esti shook her head. "I wouldn't presume to do so and you know it. But you're putting my career on the line, not to mention Wilton's and yours. You'd better be damned sure of this request, because you're not giving me room to say no." He wouldn't appreciate her harsh tone, but he'd given her leeway to speak plainly.

Wharton relaxed his stance. "I'm confident you'll give him a fair shot and that's all I care about. From experience, we both understand the entrance exam isn't foolproof. Sometimes it weeds out good candidates." He settled back in the seat. "Wilton doesn't test well. He never has. I want him with someone who believes everyone deserves a shot. I want him with you." Their conversation over dinner last night took on a whole new significance.

The crafty bastard well and truly set her up and nailed her to the wall.

Esti inclined her chin. "So be it, then. I'll add him to the class roster and issue an acceptance letter this afternoon." She reached for her stack of tests, ones where a command officer wouldn't be able to pull strings if the cadet didn't make the mark.

Yes, the gesture basically dismissed the superior officer. Yes, it probably pissed Wharton off. Esti didn't care at the moment. She had a job to do and Captain Corben's interference just made it one hell of a lot harder.

The scrape of the chair legs on the floor didn't pull her from her task. Wharton walked to the door and opened it. She breathed a little easier. She could vent some serious frustration when he left.

"Esti."

Of course he'd go personal before he made his exit.

She glanced up, tapping her pen on the page in front of her.

"Thank you."

She held his gaze. "Don't thank me, sir. As you know, there're no guarantees he'll pass."

He gave her a brusque nod and left her office, his footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Esti growled and flung her pen across the room. "Dammit."

The next six weeks are going to suck.

Esti is not going to have fun with her new class. The men in her life are going to complicate things on a grand scale.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Nugget Training

Hello, February! We've got snow and slushy ick outside today. Perfect weather for the big game I won't be watching. LOL

So… The Flash definitely got Barry out his regular cell, which is terrific. Sadly, he ended up in a much worse predicament. Nice that he got to do a good deed before landing there.

Black Lightning continues to make me happy. I need a few hours to binge watch all the eps together so I can truly immerse into the universe. Looking forward to that.

I'm behind an episode of Riverdale. Need to catch up this week before the new episode.

Arrow… wow. I have so much love for this show. The dueling teams sadden me but I like where everyone is for the moment. I have a truly bad vibe that I won't share just yet but it's going to make me really angry if I'm right. Not mad in a bad way so maybe disappointed is a better word. Stay tuned. LOL

Got through another four episodes of Chicago Fire and I'm so glad the almost lethally lame fill-in chief is gone. Nice to see Welsh do something terrific for once.

I'm almost through season one of The Punisher. Gotta say this show pisses me off to no end but for all the right reasons. I'm kind of interested and waiting to see where they take the Lewis storyline. Right now it's not meshing well with the other parts. We'll see how it goes.

Also need to catch up on my period dramas. Hopefully, I'll have something for next week.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Nugget Training, a fun little novella that started with a two-word prompt of "I'm blessed".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bonnie Bash has issues with remembering boundaries and it gets her in trouble with Taggart Allen, her immediate superior—especially when she sometimes forgets she has to respect the rank. She quickly learns why she frustrates Tag so much when she's thrust into training a group of fifteen newbie pilots, nuggets, and not one has a clue or even cares about how the chain of command works.

And a sneaky peek…

"Bash! Hold up."

She paused by the door, but didn't turn around.

"I'll only take a moment of your time… unlike the ten minutes you spent hijacking my briefing." He grabbed her arm and tugged her to the side of the room. "What the hell, Bonnie?" She'd been more of a pain in his ass than usual lately.

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "Hey, if you can't take the heat, maybe you shouldn't be leading the briefings." She crossed her arms over her chest, closing off the chance for a friendly reminder.

Fine. He could pull rank with the best of them.

He gave a terse nod. "I'll keep that in mind. Now here's something for you to consider…" He pitched his voice low to keep the pilots milling in the halls from overhearing. "You don't have to respect my methods or, hell, even me, but you do have to respect the rank. And since we're on the topic of likes and dislikes..." He nailed the issue really pissing him off at the moment. "You don't have to like me on a personal level to follow orders—"

Bonnie pushed away from the bulkhead, dropping her arms. "Wait. Hold on. You know I like you. We've been friends for a long ass time."

Could have fooled him, especially over the past two weeks.

But… "That's part of the issue, Bonnie. Yeah, we're friends and all, but you know the extra pip means you don't get to be a raving bitch when I'm going over the flight roster." Warming up, he laid everything out for clarity. "Just because you don't like to fly with Brownie doesn't mean you get to have a say. I decide who flies when. You got a problem with my schedule; you come see me after the briefing." Wouldn't that be nice?

She grimaced, silently acknowledging his point. "Not always easy to find you after it's over. And fifteen minutes until wheels up doesn't give you much time to make adjustments." Her sheepish tone revealed the reason for her earlier attitude problem.

He quirked a brow. "Then deal. You have to know I didn't just plop you in with Brownie to piss you off. We're down a full squadron. If I could've made the roster work without putting you together, I would have." He shook his head. "Seriously, Bonnie. Cutting you slack is one thing, but throwing out a well-planned schedule is crossing the line. We have rank and chain of command for a reason."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I remember the party line. It's only thing standing between us and the enemy." As they both knew well.

Tag pinned her with his gaze. "Then do me a favor and keep your mouth shut the next time you're not happy with your choice for wingman."

Her lips curved in a saucy smile. "Yeah, I'm not stupid enough to make that a promise, but I won't disrupt your briefings anymore."  She bumped his shoulder with her fist. "And I'm sorry. For being a pain."

Tag couldn’t ask for more. "Wendell's coming back in two days. He'll have the next rotation with Brownie." They could talk each other into oblivion and neither would be worse for the experience.

Bonnie nodded. "Thanks." She made a move to go past him. "If I leave now, I'll have just enough time to get some painkillers from the infirmary."

Tag frowned. "Are you okay to fly?" She hadn't mentioned anything being wrong.

Bonnie flashed a grin. "I'm fine. I'm being proactive. Trying to ward off the headache I'll no doubt come back with." Her low, husky chuckle followed her out the exit.

Taggart snorted. "Always with the last word, that one."

She'd always been that way… why change now?

I'm having a lot of fun with this one. My brainstorm notes keep me entertained and I truly hope that translates onto the page as I continue writing.

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

ML Skye