Sunday Snippet: Set the Record Straight

A low-key week finally. Didn't have a ton of running around to do and got a lot accomplished. Finished up a developmental edit for an author and two full copy edits. I'm thrilled with the productivity!

Not a bad week in television. I rewatched the premiere of Wynonna Earp because it was soooo good. Also caught another episode of Canal Road and The Dresden Files.

Finished series twelve of Midsomer Murders and caught a few episodes of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries on Ovation.

Started a rewatch of Babylon 5, one of my all-time favorite shows. Caught volume one of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Also caught another season two episode of The Sarah Conner Chronicles. I seriously forgot how much I loved that show. And it holds up pretty well, too. Finished Constantine and I'm ready for more John on Legends of Tomorrow.

Got an episode of Pensacola: Wings of Gold in and had mini-marathons of Murder, She Wrote and In the Heat of the Night.

Also watched the next episodes of Wynonna Earp and Killjoys. I'm gutted by events in Wynonna and Killjoys kicked ass in ways I thoroughly enjoyed. Seriously, Syfy, please give me more of shows like these. Please.

Got started on a few other shows but didn't have time to finish them yet. An update on those will come next week.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Set the Record Straight, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of rewriting a scene from a favorite television show. I chose one from Battlestar Galactica and a new story was born.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Keegan Brimm and Warner Misona check their feelings for each other at the spaceport airlock and have a knock down fight before they finally drag out all the baggage between them to set the record straight.

And a sneaky peek…

Keegan Brimm cleared the dishes from the table. "I'm really sorry Damien wasn't here for your visit." She dumped the plates in the sink.

Warner Misona got up, grabbing the takeout boxes and putting them in the trash. She gave him bonus points for helping. Damien never bothered with the small everyday stuff. Hard to believe his best friend did and without a single prompt from her.

She snagged a couple of beers from the fridge and handed one to Warner. "Thanks. Nice of you to help out." Popping the cap, she tilted the bottle and took a long drink.

Warner laughed. "You'd never know it, but Mrs. Jones actually made Damien and I clear the table and do dishes when we were growing up." He opened his brew and followed her into the living room. "She would also kick Damien's ass for not telling you he'd made plans."

Keegen choked down her recent sip. "Damn, busted. I didn't a crappy job of covering for him, didn't I?" She liked Warner… a lot.

He chuckled. "You did fine. I've known Damien too long and his lack of remembering important details is legendary. As is his tendency to blab about everything else not important."

Oh, hell. Warner probably knew every gory detail of her sex life with Damien. She should probably be pissed, but couldn't do more than be embarrassed.

And the next two hours and four more beers a piece proved Warner had a gift for conversation. He blew her mind with the wide variety of topics they touched on. She treaded in dangerous territory. If Damien didn't already have her locked in, she'd be very tempted by Warner. Hell, I already am tempted. So not good.

He got up and carried the empty bottles into the kitchen. "I'd better head out. Let Damien know I'll catch up with him the next time I'm in town." He propped his shoulder against the arch separating the rooms. "And thank you for being so gracious. You didn't have to let me barge in and disrupt your evening."

Keegan got up, the effects of five beers making her relaxed and fanciful. "I gotta say you've been a terrific guest. I can see why Damien considers you the second best man on the planet." She moved forward, heading toward the front door.

Warner laughed. "Him being the best, no doubt." He followed behind her, his presence at her back sending a tingle of awareness down her spine.

Keegan slid a glance over her shoulder. "Well, yeah, of course." Damien definitely didn't lack confidence.

Probably one of the things that made their personalities clash sometimes. She didn't lack confidence either.

Warner's lips curved in a wide smile. "The guy never changes." He gave her a quick hug. "Thanks again for having me." Then he eased back to lean down, probably to brush a kiss over her cheek.

Keegan turned her face and instead his lips met hers.

What the hell am I doing?

This doesn't quite go where the end of the snippet suggests but it's definitely a sparking moment between Keegan and Warner.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Security Risk

I'm coming off another busy week. My youngest is finally doing her driver's training classwork and driving with the instructor. She also had her first week of summer band camp so the back and forth driving to and from kept me busy.

Not a bad week of television viewing. The return of Wynonna Earp and Killjoys topped the terrific stuff. I'm so excited to have both shows back on my screen.

Other than those, I got another episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold in along with the second episode of Lexx. The latter is such a trippy kind of show. I'd forgotten how off the wall it could be.

I caught a Garage Sale Mysteries episode, "A Case for Murder". Not a bad little movie series. Enjoyed my first experience with the Hallmark show.

Also caught my military shows, Band of Brothers and Strike Back. I'm close to finishing up both seasons of each show.

Caught two DVD viewings of Batman: The Brave and the Bold, with season two's first part. I'm kind of looking forward to the second part of season two if only to figure out the whole star-shaped villain thing.

I'm two-thirds of the way through Chicago Fire's sixth season. I'm going to miss Gabby in a big way. I'm almost afraid of what Matt's storyline is going to become. I'm also close to the last episode of Sense 8's first season. Looking forward to the holiday-themed movie that's next up and launches the second season.

Watch some classic television on the Pluto app for Roku. Fun stuff there. I've also been hitting some nostalgia by watching old episodes of Murder, She Wrote and Heat of the Night. I used to watch both shows when I lived with my Gram. We lost her this past March and it's been kind of wonderful to stroll down memory lane by revisiting these two shows.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Security Risk, a novella that got a start as a fan fiction many, many moons ago. I reworked the concept and developed new characters to play with.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Quinn Kavanaugh and Izzy Nance, military intelligence experts, are tasked with keeping the peace during a planetary summit. But when they act on their attraction for each other, they have to check their feelings at the door or potentially become a security risk.

And a sneaky peek…

Izzy didn't like his solution, but it would have to do. "Right. Major security risk protected by a lame ass document and protocol." She sighed. "I'll add another full contingent to them." That meant she'd have to pull a team from someone else, but if it kept anything from blowing up in their face, she'd do it.

Reaching forward she dragged a roster out from underneath the pile of papers on the table. "It's gonna be a problem, though." She flipped through the pages looking for a team she could spare. "Everyone is full up on the schedule." Izzy looked up. "If I have to go through this list one more time, I'll go cross-eyed." Her gaze scanned the names anyway.

Not a single unchecked ident slot. She'd have to redo the entire thing.

Throwing the file across the table, Izzy rubbed at the bridge of her nose. "God, my head hurts from this crap."

Quinn's hand grasped her shoulder. "Okay. Come on." He nudged her off the stool and tugged her toward the door. "Let's go for a stroll around the grounds."

Izzy snorted. "You mean the lovely and highly touted gardens that are cultivated by the fake sun?" She wrinkled her nose.

Quinn scowled. "Fake or not, it works. And it takes real water to grow all those plants." He pushed the door open. "And you have to admit, the Quad looks pretty damn good." He lifted a brow and held out his hand. "Coming?"

Izzy sighed. Anything would be better than looking at that stupid schedule.

"Yeah, yeah. Fine." She brushed past him and looked back over her shoulder. "And the Quad may look great, but it's a massive pain in the ass to keep secure."

Quinn shook his head. "Do you ever just enjoy something without thinking about it?" She opened her mouth and he held up his hand. "No. Don't answer. Just turn your brain off for five minutes, okay?" He made a quick turn and led her through the double glass doors. "Please."

Izzy rolled her eyes but capitulated. "Your wish and all that."

The strangled sound he made could have been laughter or choking at the thought of her actually granting his every wish. She decided to not worry about it. Quinn knew better than to dream the possibility would ever happen.

I truly love the interactions between Quinn and Izzy. They're so much fun to write!

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Sabotage

Whew. Crazy-busy week. I spent much of the past seven days brainstorming a new business idea with one of my closest friends. We're close to making a decision about moving forward or not. I'll keep everyone posted.

Not a bad week for television. Got in more Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Decent episodes but I'm always thrown by Batman not being Kevin Conroy. Ah, well. That's how it goes.

Got a couple episodes of Constantine in. I'll have one more to watch to finish up the season. Also caught the first episode of Lexx. I remember the original run but didn't get to watch everything from start to finish. Looking forward to seeing the entire story.

Watched another episode of The Coroner. It fits in well with my other mystery shows. Got two episodes of Midsomer Murders and Endeavor in. I'm caught up as far as I can be with Endeavor. Have to wait for season five to become available for binge-watching.

Watched a Hallmark movie, The Art of Us. I had the pleasure of editing the wonderful book from Tule Publishing. The movie turned out really well.

Caught my military shows with one episode each. Band of Brothers and Strike Back. Also followed up with an episode of Chicago Fire.

Sense 8 had another terrific episode. I'm always blown away with the seamlessness of the cluster interactions. I can't wait to watch more of this show. Started The Dresden Files with the first episode. I enjoyed this show when it originally aired. I'm up to episode seven of Canal Road and the twisty turns keep on coming. I'm very invested in seeing how the show plays out with regards to Spencer's wife's death.

I started a classic series in black and white called Medic. There are only twelve episodes available on the app, but I'll see how the second one is before deciding to continue or not.

Finally started the second season of The Sarah Conner Chronicles. I so wish there had been more of this show. Things really jelled in season two.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Sabotage, a novella that started with a prompt of writing a scene about sabotage. I loved it enough to title to manuscript the same.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sapphire Naught and Gifford Fell are tasked with finding a saboteur and neither is allowed to fly until the culprit is apprehended. The cat and mouse game of tracking and luring their prey into a trap takes its toll on their relationship but ends up making them see new sides to each other.

And a sneaky peek…

Sapphire made a garbled choking sound. "What the hell are you talking about?" She straightened, almost ready to send her chair flying again. "We're not—"

Giff grabbed her arm. "Don't, Saph." Don't deny. Don't dig a deeper hole. Don't piss off Commander Berkley. "The correct answer here is we'll do whatever's needed to make the Hyperion safe." He squeezed her bicep.

Sapphire settled down, her head of steam spent. "Right. Giff's right. Whatever you need, Sir."

Satisfied, Berkley opened the file again. "Good. Moving on." He handed each another page. "I've outlined where I'd like you to start, with the deck crew since they have almost constant access to the planes. But… I'll consider other tactics if you have suggestions."

Giff glanced toward Sapphire and she lifted a shoulder. He didn't have to ask to know she'd have a couple of other names to add, too. The commander ran a tight ship, but he didn't catch all the negative feedback buzzing throughout the crew.

Giff met the man's gaze. "Can you give us forty-eight hours to go over the information? I think we'll need to add a few names to your list."

Sapphire agreed. "I can think of two already, Sir. And forty-eight hours gives us time to come up with a plan to eliminate the suspects." She paused. "You do want this to be covert surveillance, right?"

Berkley frowned. "Of course. You've got your time. I'll expect a briefing at 1400 hours the day after tomorrow." He stood up and came around to perch on the edge of the desk. "Whatever requisitions you need have to come through me. I don't even want the XO to know about this operation."

Giff gave a terse nod and Sapphire lifted her chin, acknowledging Berkley's order.

The commander rose. "Good. You're dismissed."

This one is so much fun to write. I'm excited to see how the rest of the story unfolds.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rewarding Experience

Ugh. I love fireworks but my dog… not so much. Seriously, July is a rough month because various places around where I live have events and they're within hearing distance. The poor dog just shakes, trembles, and pants like it's the end of the world. Oddly enough, thunderstorms don't tend to bother her much. When they're really severe she gets a little antsy and won't settle down, but she doesn't tremble and shake. Here's to getting through the midway point of the month when the last show is scheduled. Whew.

Had a decent viewing week for television shows. Caught Endeavor and Midsomer Murders. The mystery shows are always a treat.

Caught the second part of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Started season five The Batman and it's terrific.

Watched my military shows, Band of Brothers and Strike Back. I'd forgotten how crazy Strike Back gets about midway through season four. I'm looking forward to seeing if season five keeps the frantic pace alive.

I'm almost finished with season one of Sense8. I love the interactions of the group and how the fallout from those is super awkward sometimes. I'd love to have a little more information about the whole conspiracy angle but I'm truly thrilled with how the first season unfolds.

Got another two episodes of The Sarah Conner Chronicles in and, seriously, that was some awesome television. I miss the show a lot.

I only got to episode four of Mutant X before the app pulled the show. Now I'll have to find it somewhere else. Pensacola Wings of Gold had a good episode but I'm not glued to it the way I thought I'd be. I'm almost finished with Constantine. It's a bit of a struggle to stay attached to the episodes but I want the backstory when John joins the Legends lineup.

Last but not least, Canal Road is such a great show. I'm totally invested in Spence's mystery and I want to smack Olivia for telling him to not watch the video on his wife's laptop. I'm certain he'd have the proof his wife and son's death was murder. GAH!

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Rewarding Experience, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of creating a scene that shows how much fun delivering a reprimand can be.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When an explosion rocks a deep space mining expedition, injuring Trixie Bell, she realizes how much she wants and needs Jock Tennyson by her side. The grueling hours and physically exhausting work makes the couple cranky and edgy, but Trixie decides to show Jock how rewarding a simple reprimand can be.

And a sneaky peek…

Jock Tennyson fisted his hands at his side. "What did you just say?"

Trixie Bell repeated her last statement. "I said, maybe you should try shoving your dick up your ass because it'd be easier than what you're asking me to do here." Trixie didn't mince words, not even with her direct superior.

Jock's mouth thinned to a harsh line across his face. "You wanna tread lightly, Trix. I take a lot of shit from you, but there's a line and you're close to crossing it." He spun around, slamming his hand on the desk. "I'm not the one demanding more gammite ore. The company is."

Trixie sighed. Not like she didn't know where the upped quota came from. But the company bigwigs didn't work the mines. She and Jock did.

Okay, had worked the mines. Now they'd moved up a level and, boy, did she regret accepting a supervisory position? Hell, yes.

She stalked over to the desk and perched a hip on one end. "Look, we can't hit the new numbers. It's not possible." They didn't have enough trained personnel for acid mining and the gammite hid behind several feet of solid rock.

Jock shrugged. "I asked for more workers trained in AWM, but they sent the pickers we asked for last quarter when philium was on their shortlist."

Trixie growled. "Doesn't matter. We got the quota for the philium because it's easier to work around the clock with axes and hammers. Acid wash is dangerous, especially when we don't have enough people trained in the painstaking process." Cave-ins were a definite go if the math didn't get calculated just right.

Jock countered. "We do dangerous work regardless of the process. Everyone knew that when they signed on." He pinned her with his gaze. "You knew that." When she accepted the supervisory position.

Yeah, she had known. What she hadn't counted on? The weight of possibly sending workers to their deaths because greedy assholes wanted more, more, more.

And their voracity pissed her off.

She wouldn't put more people at risk… not without trying to help. "You know what? You're right. I did know." Straightening, she planted her hands on her hips. "You know what else? I'm going in. Maybe I can train some of the workers while we mine the gammite." At least she'd make an effort.

Something Jock obviously forgot how to do.

I thoroughly enjoyed writing this scene and hopefully got both sides of the conflict fleshed out.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Relative Chemistry (Uncivil Revolution book three)

July 1, 2018

Wow. We've officially completed half a year. Where does the time go? Seriously, it doesn't feel like half the year should be gone already.

Kind of a busy week, but I stayed pretty much caught up on my current slate of shows. I caught the Wonder Woman movie and it was pretty terrific. Looking forward to the next one.

Caught two episodes of Sense8. Really loving this show. I'm looking forward to watching the whole thing.

Also caught two episodes of Mutant X. I'd forgotten how much wardrobe reminded me of La Femme Nikita. I miss the fashion of the late 90s sometimes.

Watched quite a few episodes of Classic Who this week and ended up about halfway through the Aztecs arc.

Two episodes of Canal Road also. I'm finally getting a better feel for the characters and who they are. Really great mix of storylines.

Caught an episode of Midsomer Murders, Endeavor, The Sarah Conner Chronicles, and Constantine. Also watched Pensacola Wings of Gold, Band of Brothers, Strike Back, and Chicago Fire. I love the mysteries and military shows.

Caught part of the first season of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. I've seen several episodes of this show but hadn't been able to see the first season. It's fun but nothing will ever top Batman the Animated Series.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Relative Chemistry, book three of the Uncivil War series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

In a nation torn apart by an uncivil war, Wallis Canton is allowed to live if she keeps the men at a covert human trafficking location sated and satisfied. When Etta Morgan is brought and held for sale to the highest bidder, Wallis finds a kindred spirit and rediscovers her will to be free. When Dom Marinelli arrives on the scene to save Etta, he almost takes out the one man, Perry Norris, who didn't abuse and degrade Wallis. With Perry's help, the four escape the facility and live to fight another day, and Perry helps Wallis navigate life on the outside, showing her good men do exist and love can flourish from tragic circumstances.

And a sneaky peek…

Parsons grabbed Etta's hair in his fist and yanked her head up. "Etta, love, it's so nice to finally have you on your knees before me." He sneered and grasped her chin in his free hand. "I've got big plans for you, babe." His fingers dug into her skin but only for a moment.

No doubt he didn't want to bruise or mar her face.

Etta met his gaze and rolled her eyes. No way would she give him any kind of satisfaction by cowering. He could kiss her ass before that would ever happen.

The sting of his hand met her cheek. "You bitch. We'll see how hard you roll your eyes when you're back in the bosom of your family."

Etta snorted. "That's your big plan? Ransom a Morgan to line your pockets." She licked her lips. "You're an idiot. They wrote me off when I didn't fall in line with their greed mongering. They definitely won't add to your coffers. You're pretty much…" She searched for the best description. "Shit out of luck."

 A calculating gleam entered his gaze. "Good thing I have a backup plan." He leaned in close, bending at the waist to do so. "You'll have to earn your keep." He let go of her hair and cupped her face in his hands. "I always said a beauty like you will fetch a nice price." His lips twisted in a cruel smirk. "Men will pay a shit ton of money to bang a former society bitch like you, Etta. And the irony is delicious. Instead of getting to name your price and keeping a hefty percentage… you get nothing but the demands of the clientele and whatever I see fit to give you." He straightened and let go of her, strutting about like a goddamned peacock. "I finally win."

Etta bit back the bile rising in her throat. Parsons had the upper hand for now. But he'd have a hell of a fight on his hands if he tried to sell her to the highest bidder. Over and over again.

A knock sounded on the door and Parsons yanked it open. "What?" A lackey slid his gaze over Etta's bound and nude form then whispered something in Parsons's ear.

Etta kept a close eye on the muted discussion. Parsons snarled a couple of curses then turned around and stalked back over to her.

Grabbing her upper arm, he hauled her to her feet. "Looks like you get a bit of a reprieve." He got behind her and marched her to the doorway. "You're heading to one of our training facilities where they'll give you a thorough medical exam then start you on a regimen to learn how to please your new customers." He leaned in, putting his lips next to her ear. "I can't wait to watch you in action." He cupped his crotch with one hand, lewdly rubbing his dick.

Etta wisely kept her mouth shut. Why give him more fodder for his deviant dreams? An unbidden image of Dom popped up in her mind and she almost stumbled, but Parsons's grip kept her upright. Thinking of Dom now… hurt. Her heart slammed against her chest and she ached to be back in his arms.

Determination filled her. Whatever it took, she'd find a way to escape Parsons. And when she did… she'd find Dom. Then she'd confess her deepest secret… she loved him. Now and always.

I didn't get too much into Wallis's part of the story yet, but it's coming. Etta will be meeting her very soon.

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

ML Skye