Sunday Snippet: Vice

We're still in the grips of cold and snow. Not a ton of accumulation but the temperatures? Ugh… it's cold. We had a full day of single-digit weather this past week. The local school system had Monday and Tuesday off for the Columbus Day holiday and a staff training day, then had the rest of the week off due to icy roads. Fun times.

Light week in television again. I finished up episode two of the second season of Penny Dreadful. Also watched the season finale of Wynonna Earp. Man… this show. It's so, so good.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and watched an episode of Underbelly Razor. Also caught some Babylon 5 and The Sarah Conner Chronicles.

I'm finally catching up on Arrow and "The Demon" did not disappoint. I wondered what happened to Talia and it's probably good she survived the island. I also watched an episode of Blade the series.

I had some binge marathons of some classic television with The Saint and 77 Sunset Strip. I love both shows and it's nice to have them on in the background when I'm working.

That's about it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Vice, a novella that started with a writing community prompt to write something, anything about sex. I'm down for a challenge like that.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mercy Flynn and Bishop Hiller, two of Space Station Titania's brightest employees, have many vices, but the biggest one for either? Each other. They have to live and work together and avoiding the temptation to take things into personal territory wears on each, making the thin line of professionalism very blurry.

And a sneaky peek…

Bishop strode into his quarters and secured the lock. "Damn her." Mercy Flynn drove him insane sometimes. "Security agents are supposed to log their whereabouts on station at all times." But she liked to flout the rule whenever possible.

He never had to look hard to find her. The pleasure domes. Her penchant for virtual fantasy living would catch up to her someday. So why haven't you reported her or had her reassigned? Because she got the job done. Always.

When given a choice he'd request Mercy. And it had nothing to do with how attractive he found her. And, damn, she hit every single slot when it came to his vision of a perfect woman. Namely, she isn't too perfect.

Nope, Mercy pushed boundaries and Bishop had a healthy respect for people that didn't follow standard operating procedures all the time. Critical thinking skills could save lives, especially in the field. So, yeah, her off-book use of the pleasure domes would get a hand-wave. A few flaws only added to the allure for him.

Besides, he had secret too. One he didn't exactly want anyone looking into too closely.

Bringing up the information on the delegate, he shook his head. "We'll have our hands full with this guy." Not exactly the ancient balding tram-needing type.

Nope. Delegate Lemig ranked as the youngest elected official from his homeworld. Two years into a six year term, he recently started a tour of the solar system. Unfortunately, not a lot of intelligence existed on Lemig yet.

Bishop sighed. "An unknown entity. Could be super easy to deal with or a huge pain in our ass." Either way, Mercy would roll with whatever Lemig threw their way.

Another reason he loved working with her. She didn't get bent when the client had a full schedule or decided to add stops to their itinerary. She also didn't lose her mind if they only wanted to visit a spa and spend the rest of their time in quarters.

Mercy wore the same lopsided smile either way.

He chuckled. "Even if she's making a sarcastic comment about some of the odd requests the security team received." Like the time a famous galaxy drone athlete asked Mercy to bathe his balls in an ice bath after taking a hit to the groin.

Bishop wished he could've been there when she promised she'd handle it personally. Then she crossed the room and placed an order for delivery. When the attendants arrived, they filled a tub with her requested items and she called the athlete in. She waited until he disrobed then gave him a hard nudge into the frigid water. While he sputtered and gasped from the shocking cold, she calmly listed the clause in his contract about no fraternization or fornication during the playing season. He signed on the dotted line and she wouldn't be responsible for possibly costing him his annual bonus of five million credits.

Chances were anyone else but Mercy would've turned that scenario into a full-blown incident. Or they would've risked censure by taking the athlete up on the veiled attempt for a liaison. Part of the job included protecting their charges from themselves and Mercy took that aspect of the work seriously.

Bishop snorted. "And nothing else, including personal log time." What he wouldn't give to discover what her fantasies were.

Maybe someday. Then again, he'd probably have to reciprocate and, well… not a good idea.

"Because Mercy on her knees in front of me tops the list."

And, damn, now he needed to go take the edge off before he met her for the briefing.

I'm having a lot of fun with this one. Mercy and Bishop are a joy to write.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Viable Options

Whoo boy… winter arrived with an icy drizzle followed by some major snow. I'm very glad I have no place I need to be that involves travel. Ugh.

Another slower week for television. I had a project that needed some solid focus and I used music as my background noise for less distraction. Oddly enough, it was a New Year's Eve playlist. LOL I also had some outside things going on; lunch with my daughter and cousin and a lengthy concussion assessment for my middle kid. Okay, he's not really a kid anymore since he just turned twenty, but he needed to have someone with him while they did the tests and I'm glad I was there. Turns out he's probably had a concussion for at least a couple of years. Epic fail on my parental duties there.

I did catch the finale of Strike Back. Kind of liked the way it ended but I'm used to a little more closure. I'm definitely looking forward to the new season in the next week or so.

Watched an episode of Chicago Fire and—thank whatever rules the universe—the stupid deputy commissioner appears to be out. Who knows for how long, but man, I hate that storyline. Also saddened that Severied lost his dad. Really thrilled Benny came through in the end though.

Caught an episode of Luke Cage. Actually kind of liked watching several relationships implode. Almost to the end of the season then, sadly, won't have any new to look forward to. I'm so excited for Punisher's second season but I'm hitting up Iron Fist and Dare Devil first.

I watched some behind the scenes stuff from Passionflix. If you're not a subscriber, check it out if you love books made into movies. Had time to finish up the web planet arc of Classic Who also.

I finished out the week with an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. This show continues to make me happy and hasn't fallen back on repeating storylines yet. After twelve years. That's amazing.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Viable Options, a novella that started with a prompt of "your characters are stranded or left behind by the rest of the fleet."

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…

Jay Shaliman lowered the binoculars. "What the actual fuck is going on?"

Huge mushroom clouds rolled up into the sky. From his perch, atop Mount Jarmingo, he couldn't see the devastation wrought by the nuclear explosions. But his military knowledge filled in every blank.

Sick bile churned in his gut. "Damn… we're fucked seven ways." He ducked into the cavern he'd spent the night in.

Gathering his gear, he paused when he grabbed the med kit. Popping the lid, he retrieved an ampule of antiradiation medication. Closing his eyes, he jabbed the vial into his thigh and winced. Shit, those buggers hurt.

Hefting the rucksack over his shoulder, he exited the cave and surveyed his surroundings. In the high elevation, he'd be okay for a while, but he couldn't stay. Not when the world as he knew it pretty much no longer existed.

What a time to be on a solo mission. Scouting areas to altitude training for the imminent war that seemed to always loom on the horizon, he'd been gone for close to two weeks. What the hell did I miss?

Apparently, the beginning, middle, and end of the damned war.

Well, screw that. He started the descent down the mountain with a loosely formed plan to get the hell off the planet.

If any spaceports were open or usable.

If there weren't… well, he'd face that possibility only if he had to.

He'd have approximately three or four days to find out. After that, he'd be out of antirad meds unless he discovered another supply. And he needed to be down the mountain before the rains started. Otherwise, he'd be stuck and mired in mud.

With his eye on the skyline, he trudged forward. "Gotta keep moving or die trying."

Hopefully, he'd find some way off the planet and not meet his death at the bottom of the mountain.

When Jay meets Karlin, he'll pretty much decide they're done for… a far cry from what he's feeling now.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Veracity of War

Man, what a week. Sixty-one degrees one day and twenty-two the next. Ohio is crazypants sometimes. Yesterday, it snowed and, since it's the first significant accumulation we've had this winter, everyone forgot how to get around in the white stuff. It is rather nice it waited until the weekend. Monday's commute should go smoother. LOL

Had a light viewing week for television shows. Caught another episode of Underbelly: Razor. I thoroughly enjoy getting a feel for Australia in the twenties. It's a very different vibe from Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and I like that.

Also caught another episode of Babylon 5. I've also been tuning into Comet occasionally to catch up there also. Also got to finally catch The Flash's 100th episode. Gotta say, the messing with the timeline gives me a headache. I'm invested in the characters though so I'll keep watching.

Watched the second part of Blade's pilot episode. I liked this series when it aired but never got to watch it all the way through in order. I'm looking forward to having the chance now.

Started season fourteen of Midsomer Murders. The changing of the guard from Barnaby one to Barnaby two is fun to watch. I didn't get to see that episode in its original run.

I'm almost finished with season one of Pensacola Wings of Gold. In all honesty, I'm not sure I'll stick it out for the other two or three seasons. It sometimes irritates me when they scrap an entire cast and almost start over.

Caught another episode of Lexx. I really forgot how cornball some of the series ended up being. Still… it's a great nostalgia thing. Back when Syfy was SciFi and I watched the channel almost exclusively. I miss those days.

Tried to watch Gotham's fifth season premiere and my app decided to crap out. Not sure what the problem was so I'll try again later this week.

And that's it for television. Tonight's post is from Veracity of War, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "it's over". I opted for something I hoped would be a little different and didn't make it about a relationship ending.

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…

Emerson stood back while the team—shit, his team for the time being—filed out of the transport. They gathered at the edge of the hangar deck and the cold grip of reality kicked him in the gut. They had to debrief and needed him to take the lead.

"I can't do this." Numb and dazed, he wanted to grieve now that they'd made it back to the ship.

No time for that. Gotta move ahead.

Sheena broke away from the group and came to his side. "You ready?" She held his gaze, steady and true.

Her voice touched the core of strength he kept in reserve. "On we go." He strode toward the unit with Sheena in step beside him. "Let's get to the briefing room for our after-action reports." Moving into the corridor, he propped his rucksack against the bulkhead and entered the space but stopped short when the ship commander rose from the front row.

Colonel Owen Marshall greeted Emerson with a terse nod. "Gamble, a moment before we get started?" His head jerked toward the small office to their left.

Emerson followed the colonel and stood at attention when they got inside. "Sir."

Marshall waved, indicating his wish for informality. "You've had a shit day. Relax, Gamble." He cut to the point. "With the loss of Marx, I'm issuing a field promotion and giving you command of the unit." He stuck out his hand. "Congratulations, Captain."

Emerson blinked, trying to absorb the news. "Uh, thank you, sir. I assumed I'd have a temporary spot until a replacement for Captain Marx could be brought out." Not in a million years did he expect a bump in rank.

Colonel Marshall retrieved a box from the small desk in the room and flipped it open. A set of pips with a star in the center of crossed rifles sat inside. Owen pulled one out and motioned for Emerson to remove his current rank pins.

The colonel affixed the new brass to Emerson's collar. "We're not getting replacement officers right now. The current wave of thinking is to move officers up through the units. No one has the experience we do out here. Sending inexperienced personnel will make us lose ground." He paused and met Emerson's gaze. "And we don't have any to give. If we can't hold the line here, we might as well surrender to the Amborites." He stood back and folded his arms across his chest.

Emerson blew out a breath. "For once, I can't argue with their logic. But I hate to get a promotion that isn't based on merit." Marx's death would hit everyone hard.

Marshall's eyes widened. "Gamble, you earned this. Maybe the circumstances aren't ideal, but it doesn't matter. You're more than qualified to lead this team."

The vote of confidence bolstered Emerson even if it rang a little hollow. What else would the colonel say? The enemy wouldn't relent and Marshall needed soldiers to put boots on the ground.

Owen started toward the briefing area. "Give your group some time to grieve but have them ready for another operation within forty-eight hours." He stepped out into the larger room. "Attention, soldiers. It's my privilege to inform you Captain Gamble is your new commanding officer effective immediately."

A round of subdued congratulations went through the group. Emerson took a spot behind the podium and Marshall gave a nod before he exited the room. Sheena quirked a brow but took a seat in the front row. Geez, they definitely had a lot to talk about after the briefing.

Pausing a moment, he looked out at the assembled unit. They'd walked and fought through hell more than once and came out a stronger, better team. He'd put this group up against anything the Amborites could throw at them. They couldn't let losing Marx tank morale.

Emerson cleared his throat. "Seven pm, obs deck. We'll give Captain Marx his due." With a bottle of something strong and potent.

All eyes in the room focused on Emerson. Heads nodded and low mumbles of agreement went through the group. Emerson sought Sheena's gaze and when she met his, she gave him a wide smile.

Putting her thumb up, she quietly said, "A proper send off and passing of the torch. Good choice."

Her seal of approval pushed him into action. "Okay. Let's debrief and get the after action reports filled out and filed."

This one is plotted out in the loosest terms. I have a feeling Emerson and Sheena are going to insert their ideas into the mix. LOL

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Unlawful Acts

Welcome 2019! I can honestly say it's been a weird week. The whole having the new year start on the second day of the week throws me off. Even more so than if it started on Wednesday. I have no idea why, but there it is. LOL

I started some new shows this past week. Caught the first episode of Blade and I'm looking forward to actually watching this show in the correct order. If CW Seed doesn't pull it. I didn't get to finish Birds of Prey and it irritates me.

Also watched part of the second episode of Roswell but I'll be switching to Netflix for this one or maybe another streaming service. DustX only has it available as a marathon and, frankly, it's too much of a giant pain to fast forward until I get to the episode I need.

Also watched another episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold and Lexx before the end of last year. I'd forgotten the prison ship episode and end up enjoying it more than I thought I would.

Caught the next to last episode of Strike Back season five. So thrilled to see familiar faces and experience the passing of the torch, so to speak. Looks like those familiar faces are in the last episode, too. I'm also super excited for the new season with Jamie Bamber taking over the CO. I can't wait!

I watched the last episode of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and truly wish there had been another season. I fell in love with the characters. I'm rather glad it didn't end on a massive cliffhanger, only hinting at what the characters might face in a new season.

Caught another episode of Luke Cage and loved having Danny turn up. Nice to have another mention of Claire too. I'm actually thrilled with Missy's arc and I'm kind of disappointed we won't see more of her development after this season ends.

Chicago Fire disappointed the hell out of me by having the stupid deputy commissioner back again. Not sure why the conflict irritates me, but it's the same thing that happened with Chicago PD. I think it's because it feels forced and not something that happened organically even though both antagonists were introduced well before they became the actual pains in the ass they are. Eh… whatever.

I watched the Passionflix holiday Quickie Caught Up In You; obviously after the actual holiday. Such a sweet little tale! More of these, please!

Murdoch Mysteries had a terrific episode but I'm honestly still trying to figure out what the hell happened in the last one. LOL

Watched several episodes of Classic Who. I'm still on the web planet arc and it's kind of a fun run. Also started Doctor Who's "Demons of the Punjab" but still need to finish that one. Also can't wait to see the New Year's special.

Started season two of Penny Dreadful and, wow, Vanessa is a true magnet for all things evil, no? I'm very interested in Ethan's story and not so much in Frankenstein's. I'm honestly kind of pissed off with his actions lately.

Caught most of Wynonna Earp's second to last episode of the season. I had a sneaking suspicion Charlie would end up being something other than a cool new dude. And this show loves taking crazy twisty turns and Charlie's real identity is definitely a solid effing twist. LOL

Started a rewatch of Painkiller Jane but didn't have time to finish the first episode. I rather like this show when it originally aired and I'm looking forward to seeing it again.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Unlawful Acts, a novella that started as a writing challenge for reworking a scene from a favorite television show.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Effy Carmichael, an up and coming officer, wants the job of alpha team leader and deserves it, except she's a few years too young to hold the position. When the spot goes to one of her oldest friends, Jonah Kirkland, Effy has to swallow her pride and welcome him even while she fights the powerful attraction between them. Hooking up with Jonah is against regs, but it may be worth committing an unlawful act to finally realize one of her most closely held desires.

And a sneaky peek…

"Son of a bitch."

Someone could've given him a heads up.

Jonah Kirkland dropped a stack of files on his desk and walked over to the supply closet. Maybe the former commander kept an extra riot helmet on hand? He yanked open the double doors and started rifling through the contents.

He had maybe an hour to throw something together. If he could find a damn cover. Office supplies, extra forms, a box of party favors from some type of luau, but no helmet.

It really would've been nice for someone to clue him in. No. Not someone. Effy should've told him about the long-standing tradition of this unit. Instead, he'd had to overhear some of his new team predicting his imminent fall then follow up by reading a sticky note on the after action reports.

How could she still be pissed about the job? It wasn't his fault the position of Alpha Team Leader was a sub-commander billet. She might have the skill and the respect of the team, but she didn't meet the age requirement and the brass wouldn't relax the standard.

And yeah, it sucked. But he didn't make the damned rules.

He went where the bosses told him to go. Always had. If he'd known he'd be stepping into a pile of shit, he might've thought twice about accepting this post. But Effy had a post with Alpha Team and he thought working with her would be awesome.

Jonah really needed to start paying more attention to scuttlebutt. If he had, he wouldn't be fighting tooth and nail for the respect of this team. Or battling for control.

Against one of his oldest friends.

The bitch of the situation? He got it. He completely understood where the team came from. They looked at him as the outsider riding herd on a well-oiled machine. They knew each other inside and out.

He didn't know any of them. Except Effy.

And she'd proven to be the toughest to crack, and so far… the team followed her lead.

She might still treat him as a friend, even commending him on a recent change he'd made to the roster. But she held back her full support and… Jonah didn't understand why.

Well, okay. The job thing. But something more had come into play. If he figured that part out, he might actually find his place in his new unit. He never thought she'd back away, not after they got stationed in the same location. Stupid him… he'd thought they might spend time together. Hoped they would. She'd never hesitated to meet for a drink or share a meal when they were home at the same time. In fact, the last time he'd seen Effy with new eyes. He'd always held a little back, always seeing the childhood friend, but he realized he wanted her.

But then he got the call, the promotion, and now the headache. His grand idea? To test the waters, gauge her interest, and if any, maybe figure out a way around the regs. Maybe have a discussion about working together and making tough choices. The weird thing? That challenge didn't seem insurmountable. Effy pushed him to be better and he challenged her to be more. They could prove to be the exception. Would he make a tough call? One that could put her in danger? He did a gut check and, yeah, he could. Besides… Effy would have his balls in a sling if he tried to do something stupid like protect her from harm. She worked her ass off to achieve the best scores. She could, and would, handle herself.

And if finding a way around the frat regs should prove easy, why couldn't giving him a chance to actually be a good commander? Did she not trust him to do the job? His brain wouldn't wrap around that idea. But something had her off balance.

So… what had Effy all twitchy and on edge?

He sat behind the desk and dug through the drawers. He'd asked her to grab a bite to eat a couple of times. She'd turned him down. He tried getting her out for a drink or two and she'd blown him off. All he'd wanted was conversation. He'd stressed that. Anything more could create drama. She was subordinate to him and they'd both have trouble if anyone thought they'd crossed the line. Even if he didn't think they'd have trouble with the regs, others might not agree. And until he had the chance to figure his new team out, he couldn't push anything too far.

What would she think if he'd asked her to make it more than a casual thing?

He should know, dammit. Shouldn't have to wonder. But they'd grown apart. He got a much different vibe from her lately. Not job related, that one he understood. No, Effy seemed to be waiting for something. From him. Not the first time he'd felt that coming in his direction, but definitely the longest lasting. Somewhat hostile, but not pissed. Frustrated.

About what? He'd gone out of his way to keep up their usual habits. She'd shut him down. It kinda punched him in the gut. Normally she'd be all frosty for a few days then hook up with a new guy and get over it. Not this time. And it bugged Jonah. Being closer to Effy played a large part in why he accepted the new post.

Being separated from her for the last five years, only seeing her sporadically, made him appreciate the huge role she played in his life. Always there, never in his face, but hovering in the background, she provided a solid, steady presence. When she left, a piece of him had gone missing. He didn't like it.

He missed her. More than he probably should.   

He tugged the bottom drawer, but it only opened halfway. Looking down, he gave it a hard yank and pulled free. Success! A beat up, out of date helmet sat all the way in the back.

He lifted the old relic out and placed it on the desk. The visor had a long, jagged crack running diagonally across its surface. Good thing they didn't need the thick plastic. He snapped the pieces off and tossed them in the trash.

The bulk of the pressure off, Jonah contemplated why Effy had been acting so damn strange. Her behavior not only irritated him, it kicked him in the teeth. The realization freaked him out. When did he develop such strong feelings for her? Actually, he pretty much knew. It had been the day they met and she fell out of a tree, landing on top of him. From that day on, he'd watched out for her.

A longer than usual peek and I'm not completely happy with it; probably too much internal monologue but I like what I have to start with and can always judiciously cut out the nonessential parts.

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

ML Skye