Sunday Snippet: You're Welcome

June kind of flew by in a rainy, chilly, dreary kind of way. I'm kind of looking forward to July. Not the heat so much, because it did finally get hot, but mainly in a new month clean slate deal.

Not a bad week for television. I'm staying somewhat caught up on everything. Started out with an episode of In the Dark and I'm happy Murphy and Dean are on speaking terms again. I also love how much Max messes up with her.

Watched another episode of Classic Roswell and enjoyed it a lot. I'd forgotten Michael became an emancipated minor in the first season. For some reason, I thought that happened later.

Caught Frankie Drake Mysteries and loved this one. I thoroughly enjoy seeing historical characters woven into the storyline. I also still want the detective and Mary to hookup but have a feeling Frankie is in his sights. Bummer.

Man… Riverdale truly embraces the batshit crazy. And I love it. I still want Hiram to go down hard. And Alice… oh, Alice. What the hell happened to you? I guess I better keep watching to find out.

Watched an episode of Arrow and it's one I've been looking forward to. I enjoy the future flashes almost as much as I loved the flashbacks. How awesome is having Nyssa train Mia? Seriously.

Caught the next episode of Krypton and didn't really see Brainiac possessing Seb coming. A cool twist though. I'm also quite enjoying having the multiple storylines unfold. So glad to see Lyta's mom back on the screen.

Painkiller Jane had a solid episode even for a clip show. Series television doesn't do those much anymore, which isn't a bad thing, but when they're done well, it's fun to watch.

Watched another episode of Durham County, the first season finale, and wow. Kudos to the actor who portrays Ray Prager, Sr. Watching him unravel was seriously compelling. I'm so curious about the actual… original… serial killer though. Maybe that line will be picked up again?

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and I'm still enjoying this one.

Also watched the next episode of Midsomer Murders, which ended up being terrific. The mix of themes with Romeo and Juliet and Sleeping Beauty worked out better than expected.

Got two more episodes of Peter Gunn in and also two more of Classic Who. Not a bad way to round out the week.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from You're Welcome, which is probably going to be a working title for this sexy short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dalyn Harris spends a lot of his time keeping his significant other, Shauna Drake, out of hack. When an old, forgotten prank catches the executive officer by surprise, Dalyn scrambles to keep Shauna's part under wraps—he has no desire to spend their anniversary in a brig cell.

And a sneaky peek…

Shauna Drake tested the lever holding the shelf in place. "That oughtta do it." She stepped down the ladder and grabbed the can of paint mixed with a generous amount of water.

"That's a really bad idea."

Shauna jumped and almost spilled the contents of the bucket before whipping around to face Dalyn Harris. "Geez… a little warning next time. You scared the hell out of me." So much for being alone.

Dalyn quirked an eyebrow. "Which is exactly why you should rethink this terrible plan." He held the ladder steady while she climbed back up.

Shauna shot him a sideways glance. "Why would I do that?" She placed the bucket on the shelf then carefully backed down the ladder.

Dalyn frowned. "Because the practical jokes are getting out of hand. You know the next person caught is gonna end up in hack." He moved aside so she could carefully fold up the ladder and put it inside the storage locker.

Shauna eased the door closed. "That's the beauty of this one. Nobody comes down here. It'll be ages before my little surprise is discovered." She dusted off her hands then faced Dalyn again, narrowing her eyes. "Why are you down here?" Hoping he'd specifically come for her, she placed a palm on his chest.

They'd been dancing around each other for almost six months. She wanted to see what happened at the next level. Their friendship proved to be rock solid, something she needed in a potential significant other.

He grasped her hand. "Two reasons." He tugged her closer. "Number one… my gut instinct said you were up to no good." His arms went around her waist.

Shauna grinned. "So you had to come down here? How did you know you'd find me?" She had a good idea but wanted to see what he'd say.

Dalyn chuckled. "Oh, I have my ways." He lightly bumped his forehead against hers.

Shauna smirked. "Hmmm. I see. Should I be worried about these mysterious ways?" She loved the playful side of their relationship.

Dalyn lifted a shoulder. "Worried, no. Because when I know what you're up to I can keep you out of the brig and off the XO's report." Pretty much what he always did.

Considering it brought them together, she wouldn't give him any grief.

Shauna gave a slow nod. "Okay… what's the second reason?"

Dalyn's lips curved in a sexy grin. "Wanted to make sure we're still on for dinner later?" His hands grasped her hips, tugging her a little closer.

Shauna tilted her head to one side. "Definitely. And after dinner? Do we have plans?" God, she hoped so.

The wait and anticipation were at peak limitations.

Dalyn brought his palms up and cupped her face. "We absolutely do. Don't expect to see the inside of your rack until first bells." His mouth caught hers in a hot, steamy kiss.

Shauna's toes curled and she melted against him.

The next three hours couldn't go by fast enough.

Shauna is a fun character and Dalyn gives her just enough room to be who she is without tromping all over her. I like writing that kind of couple dynamic.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yellow Fang

It's been a crazy week. Our county had severe flash flooding in the far eastern end and many of the people affected are still trying to dry out. Then there was a terrible barn fire that took three teenagers, most a little younger than my daughter. And to top it off, a beloved coach and teacher lost his battle with cancer. So… yeah. Rough and crazy week. Also… it can quit raining whenever it wants to.

A little light on television fare, but I did get some shows watched. Caught an episode of Durham County and, honestly, it's insane how dark this show goes. Not in a bad way either. But it's super-twisted and seriously messy. I can't wait to see how Ray Prager, Sr. tries to keep the upper hand he gained this week. I also can't wait to see him go down really hard. Please make that happen.

Midsomer Murders had a great episode featuring astronomy. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and figuring out the why and how.

Watched two more episodes each of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. I'm nearing the end of the first doctor's tenure and should be starting Two's in the near future.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and enjoyed it. I like the episode the first time around because it opened up some questions about whether all neuros really needed to be chipped. I think this show was a little ahead of its time.

Blade had a decent episode where Krista needed to detox and Blade had to find a serial killer vampire. Not a bad hour's worth or so of entertainment.

Started another episode of Blue Heelers. I'm still enjoying this Aussie drama.

Watched another episode of Banshee. It took me three days to get through the entire episode due to several interruptions and a number of work deadlines. But I loved this one from the original watch and didn't want to miss anything.

Caught Chicago Fire penultimate episode of season seven. Excellent showing. I kind of love where all the characters are right now… which means they'll all be upended in the finale. LOL

Started Daredevil's third episode of season three. I'm really liking this final season. I'm so disappointed with all the consolidation and shifting of assets and how it affects terrific television. I'm not a huge Disney fan because they keep snapping everything up.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Yellow Fang, a novella that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Yancy the Yellow is Palmer Gump's only childhood friend—a stuffed toy from her dad. Missing and presumed killed in action, an auction is held for Palmer's personal items. When she returns, she gets everything back… except for Yancy, which leaves her feeling a little lost and unsettled, until it finds its way back to her via Dannon Bennett.

And a sneaky peek…

Dannon couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that gnawed at his gut. He had to take one last stab at getting Palmer to change her mind about the mission. Every instinct screamed this would turn into a shithole situation.

He entered the ready room. Made a silent promise to stay calm. Settled into the seat beside her.

He grasped her hand. "Palmer, you're not ready. I'm not trying to be a dick when I say that either." When she tugged her palm free, he didn't try to get it back.

She challenged him. "Would you say the same if we weren't sleeping together?" Her voice stayed low but had a hard edge.

He took a moment to consider the truth. "I wouldn't order you to do this even if we weren't." But a small seed of doubt wormed its way into his tone.

He'd never tried to maintain a relationship with someone under his command. Doesn't matter. She's not ready. No one is.

Yet… he couldn't say why. He didn't have anything tangible he could take to their CO. And if he went in with nothing, Colonel McKara would assume the worst—that Dannon didn't want his bed warmer too far away.

And maybe he didn't.

Palmer rolled her eyes. "Bullshit." She got up and planted her hands on her hips. "And the colonel outranks you so you're trying to influence me to buck the order." She leaned in close to him. "Don't. Your dick doesn't make me jump through hoops like a magic wand." Straightening, she flicked her gaze to the incoming group for the briefing.

Dannon hissed out a breath and got to his feet. "You'll regret going out solo. Mark my words." He started for the back of the room.

Palmer called out. "That's not the only thing I regret. Sir." Her arms folded across her chest and the pointed stare and arched eyebrow left no doubt to what she meant.

Dannon tossed back a biting reply. "You and me both, Palmer. You and me both." He sat down, hard, in the first seat of the last row.

The gaze of every pair of eyes in the room pinged back and forth between Palmer and Dannon. Luckily, no one jumped into the heated space between the two. McKara entered the room and the taut moment snapped with everyone scrambling to get seats.

Dannon listened with half an ear. He couldn't be one hundred percent certain about anything.  He didn't doubt Palmer's skill. But he also couldn't shake the feeling the enemy waited for this opportunity. The chance to pick off one of the best soldiers in the unit.

No one's ready for solo recon. But the damage had been done.

Palmer pinned Dannon with her gaze when she addressed the room. "I'm looking forward to bringing back some great intel. No matter what anyone else thinks."

I'm actually excited to finish this one. I like where the story is going and need to fill in the blanks and get it finished up.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yelling in Vain

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, father figures, and mentors out there. The weather has been wet and chilly and, honestly, I'm okay with that. When it's ninety in October and I'm complaining… remind me how the temperatures were in June.

Not a bad week of television. Had some deadlines to meet so a little lighter than usual.

Caught Banshee's fourth episode and loved the interaction with Job and Hood. Also liked entire theft scene and Carrie's rescue of Lucas. Very cool visuals there.

I've watched about three more episodes of Blue Heelers and still enjoy the show. I'm a little frustrated with Roz and finding a job. First, she did the mobile beauty thing, which was terrific. Then, when she lost her license, she was offered a job with a cosmetics firm but turned it down to supposedly take a job in the city. When Wayne got shot, she decided to stick around and now she applied for the office staff job at the station. I'm aware that's how things work sometimes, but it's a little whiplashy for me.

Caught Chicago Fire and loved the episode. I've got two more left of season seven and I'm really excited to see where things go. I'm very interested in how the situation with Casey and Brett plays out.

Episode two of Daredevil delivered another solid viewing experience. Again, my favorite parts were with Karen and Foggy. But I enjoyed Matt's story a lot more this week.

Watched another classic Roswell episode. I'd forgotten how funny Max and Kyle were in the episode where Liz gets to go on a blind date with someone else. And I'd also forgotten how terrific Maria sounded when she finally got to sing.

Frankie Drake Mysteries had a good episode. I'm glad Trudy is sticking around and I loved Mary and Flo's road trip. Also like the mystery this week.

Caught another episode of Riverdale. Gotta say Gladys might be even crazier than Hiram. And, honestly, I'm this close to being done with Hiram. The best part of the episode was Archie and Fred and FP and Jellybean and Jughead. Seriously, loved those scenes. I also loved, loved, loved Betty and Ethel teaming up to brig-break the creepy sisters' home.

Watched another episode of Arrow and, I'll say it again, I'm going to miss this show so much when it's gone. No one does flashbacks and flash forwards better than Arrowverse.

The premiere of Krypton's season two ended up being awesome. I missed this show! Colin Salmon truly seems to be relishing his role as Zod and he's quite good at being smarmy yet evil. I like that about his character. I'm so excited to see what else happens.

Also caught In the Dark. Man… talk about a crazy episode. It's seriously messed up when I'm rooting for the drug dealers to win the day, right? Yeah, I love this show. LOL

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Yelling in Vain, a novella that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After an accident that takes the life of a fellow cadet, Lora Seaves falls back on her combative attitude to keep it together. Jestin Warbly has to decide whether or not Lora is cracking up or okay to fly. He's got one big problem… a powerful attraction for the rookie pilot clouds his judgment.

And a sneaky peek…

Jestin Warbly completed a series of intricate movements in the shou dini discipline. He admired the friendly bipedal race's combination of martial arts and exercise that required intense focus. Paying attention to small details when sliding from one form to the next helped Jestin every day in his work with Earth Force Investigative Services.

The sharp ping from his comm center interrupted his final cool down. "Incoming conference from EFIS office. Are you available?"

Jestin paused, holding his position. "Answer incoming. No video." A quick beep sounded and Jestin replied, "Warbly, J. joining the conference." He released the static hold and shifted into the final stance of his workout.

"Warbly, Major Brant and Captain Collins here. We've got an assignment for you." Brant's voice boomed over the line.

Jestin exhaled slowly, finishing his routine before he let excitement kick in. "Yes, sir. When should I report for orders?" He could be ready in fifteen minutes.

Seven if they needed him right away.

Collins entered the conversation. "No need to report. You're the lead on this and we're forwarding the pertinent files to your archive."

Jestin fist-pumped the air. "I'm solo investigator?" He'd hoped to land an unsupervised investigation soon, especially since he'd graduated in the number one spot from the class of recruits.

Brant confirmed Jestin's status. "You are. You're on the fast track for promotion and you can't move up to lieutenant until you close your first unsupervised investigation." He paused a moment. "We'd like to see you get confirmed ASAP, depending on the outcome of this case."

The implied meaning he could be denied the promotion if his findings didn't match their desired result.

Jestin ignored a tinge of unease. "Anything I need to be aware of?" The pertinent details would be in the files, but he hoped to get a read on what his superior officers were looking for.

Collins gave a terse answer. "We want this done quick and clean. The subject, Lora Seaves, is a pilot cadet and word is she's brash and abrasive. Not much for team playing either." His opinion came through loud and clear.

Brant added another piece of information. "She's also got a bad attitude so keep that in mind when you're doing your interview. The files have been transferred to your archive. You can get started as soon as you've reviewed them. We want you to get to the bottom of things right away."

I really like how this one is coming together. Jestin and Lora definitely start out on opposite sides but they'll end up working together to solve the problem of Lora's grounding.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yee Haw

Got a solid week of TV viewing in because the weather has been so back and forth it's easier to not plan anything. LOL

Caught another episode of Chicago Fire and, wow, it was terrific. The whole creepy buildup to the reveal played out really well. I have some thoughts on Brett and Casey but won't hold my breath to see what I want there. Loved seeing some good interaction with Kelly and Stella.

Watched the premiere episode of Daredevil's third season. Not a bad start at all. Enjoyed Karen and Foggy the most and liked seeing Matt try to come back. I'm not completely down with him being all pissy about everything but then again why wouldn't he be?

Enjoyed Frankie Drake Mysteries third episode. I kind of miss Frankie having different guys revolve in and out of her life, but she's got chemistry with the detective… even though I'd kind of like Mary to hook up with him.

Riverdale does batshit crazy better than just about any other show out there. As much as I like Mark Consuelos as an actor, I truly loathe Hiram and seriously see nothing redeeming in his characterization. That's usually when I start to lose interest. Here's hoping that doesn't happen with this show.

Watched several more episodes of Blue Heelers. I can't quite decide if I like the detective or not. And Wayne's wife Roz annoys me sometimes. That said, I love the show. Glad I picked it to watch.

Arrow managed to surprise me with the Brothers and Sisters episode. I'm very intrigued with Adrian Paul playing a bad guy. I can't wait to find out what his connection is to Emiko… I have several thoughts about how it might tie into how Oliver spent some of his time in earlier seasons and who he spent that time with. We'll see if I'm right.

Caught the finale of The Murders and it did not disappoint. I so hope this show gets another season and, if so, it needs to have Nolan. Just saying.

Watched another episode of Classic Roswell and enjoyed it again. I like how viewers can almost see the moment Valenti shifts his perspective on possible alien residency in Roswell.

Speaking of Roswell... New Mexico added the actress who plays Rosa as a series regular for season two. I admit this concerns me. Not because I didn't enjoy the actress; more because this is already a huge cast and I'd rather not have my favorites lose screen time. Maria was woefully underused and my hope is Rosa will help bring her into the fold. If not, I might be saying "so long" to Roswell, New Mexico… which actually saddens me because the first season is still eating my brain.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and it's one I didn't remember. I liked seeing how Jane's situation ties into the whole neuro craziness while at the same time is a completely different beast altogether.

Durham County is so damn hard to watch sometimes. I mean that in the best possible way. It's such a raw emotional look at the big and little things that make people who they are. Ray senior has got to be one of the worst examples of humanity and I want to know how the hell he got to be such a waste of life. Hopefully there's an answer in the series somewhere.

Watched another episode of Midsomer Murders and it was really terrific. Sometimes, especially with a show that's been on so long, episodes feel like they're a rehashing of previous seasons. This one was definitely not.

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. There's something fun about watching black and white television. Maybe it's the nostalgia factor?

In the Dark ripped a huge band-aid off Murphy's life and, boy, did she react. Sometimes I get frustrated with her prickly demeanor but her flaws really are front and center and Jess always has the best way of presenting why it's easy to overlook some of Murphy's abrasive personality traits.

Last but not least, I watched another episode of Blade and I'd remembered it from the first go around. I can't say seeing Marcus's origin story really made me sympathetic to him but I can see how Krista got sucked into the scenario of maybe seeing some shades of gray there.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Yee Haw, which is definitely a working title. I haven't quite nailed down what I want to call this one yet.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Two new transfers upset the delicate balance of the space carrier, Mephisto, that Kellsie Eaves and Wick Fairchilds worked so hard to obtain. When the duo attempts to restore the status quo, the troublemakers go after Kellsie and she gets to school them in the art of kicking ass, with Wick as her backup.

And a sneaky peek…

Kellsie Eaves slumped further down in her seat, waiting to see how the latest dickholery from two new crewmembers played out.

Bart Samson and Eldric Mont transferred over from the Phadreus to the Mephisto almost two weeks ago and the space carrier had been reeling from the change ever since.

Kellsie swirled the liquid in her glass. "How can two guys throw everything out of orbit in such a short time?" Maybe because mutual respect and common courtesy didn't exist in their vocabulary.

Samson had a deckhand pinned against the wall. Not physically, but he'd invaded her personal space and if she didn't want bodily contact she had to stay against the bulkhead. She held her own, but Eldric had the rec room entrance blocked so she couldn't really make a break for it.

The deckhand, Sarah Minew, kept her voice pitched low. "I have a shift in fifteen minutes. Move so I can leave."

Bart smirked. "Not going anywhere until you say you'll meet me later." He folded his arms over his chest.

Sarah shook her head. "I'd rather not. You're really not my type." She kept her tone even, cordially declining a meet-up.

Eldric took a step closer. "What's a matter? He not good enough for you?"

Sarah shrugged. "It's not about that. I'm not into guys. And my girlfriend is the jealous type."

Kellsie nodded. Louelle Granger did have some possessive issues when it came to Sarah.

Bart rolled his eyes. "You're a pussy diver? Baby, you need a good poke with a hard dick." His hand went to his groin. "I've got what you need right here."

Eldric added his two cents. "And when he's done, I'll give you a work over to seal the deal. You'll never go back to sucking quims."

Sarah's face paled at the implied meaning from the two men.  Kellsie had heard enough. She pushed her drink aside and started to get up.

But another deckhand, Rimmel Jenkins, stepped into the fray. "Hey, back off. She's not interested and on this ship… that's the end of the conversation. Respect the boundaries or—"

"Or what?" Eldric puffed out his chest, fronting his tough-guy image.

Rimmel narrowed his eyes. "Or you won't like the outcome."

Bart turned to face Eldric. "Hear that? He thinks we won't like what happens." He lifted his chin. "Think we oughtta show him how we control the outcome?"

A nasty smile curved Eldric's lips. "Hell, yeah." He dragged in a deep breath. "Yee haw!" His fist drew back and landed a solid punch to Rimmel's jaw.

Rimmel's head snapped back but he moved quickly to a fighting stance. Sarah ducked away from the fray and darted out of the rec room to stand just outside the door.

Son of a bitch.

Kellsie scrambled around the table and ran to break up the fight. "Lock it up. Now." Rimmel stepped back, immediately obeying the order.

Samson and Mont continued advancing forward.

Kellsie put her hand out. "Now means now. Rimmel, escort Sarah to the hangar deck." She pointed at Bart and Eldric. "You two, report to Major Fairchild's office immediately. Do not take any detours." She crossed over to pick up a comm set.

Samson snorted. "Gonna tell Major Stick-Up-His-Ass on us again, Captain?"

Mont rolled his eyes. "When are you two gonna learn to bow to your betters? We transferred from the newest and best ship in the galaxy to this bucket. We're better trained than all you backwater rim eaters."

Kellsie did a mental five count before repeating her order. "Fairchild. Now." She keyed in Wick's office number and quirked her eyebrow when the two men didn't move.

Three crewmembers got up and started crowding them toward the hatch. Kellsie gave them a thumbs-up, grateful for the intervention.

Wick answered on the third ring. "Fairchild."

Kellsie spoke quickly. "I'm sending the smarmy sunshine boys your way." She didn't have to elaborate, the nickname came from Wick. "It's time for a verbal warning. And maybe a strategy session on how to squash the slimy bastards."

Wick sighed. "This is the third incident and they've been here two weeks. I can meet after shift at 1800. Does that work for you?"

Kellsie didn't report for her next duty until 0400. "Yeah. I'll bring dinner?"

Wick signed off. "That works. Until then."

The line went dead and Kellsie replaced the comm unit. She met the gazes of the remaining crewmembers in the rec room. Each one held the same question.

What the hell did they do to deserve the worst of the worst?

This story is coming together nicely. I have the main beats outlined and lots of notes for filling in the details. Looking forward to finishing this one.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yearly Vigil

Well, hello there, June. To be honest, considering it's only the second day of the month, June isn't starting off too badly. We're actually having a spring in Ohio and it's oddly unsettling. LOL

Not a bad week of television viewing. Finished up the second episode of Banshee and started on the third of the first season. I want to search around and see if the mini-episodes of the origin storyline are available. Definitely filled in some blanks.

Caught two additional episodes of Blue Heelers and started a third. I really do enjoy this show a lot.

I'm almost finished with Chicago Fire's seventh season. I'm up to episode eighteen. I loved the focus on luck and also the interaction with Severied and Foster. Great to see Donna again too.

Gotta say, I'm actually pretty satisfied with Iron Fist's season finale. Well, I guess it's more of a series finale and I freely admit that disappoints me. That said, I'm thrilled with the potential for what could have been the third season's story elements. Misty ended up in a good place even if she's not completely certain where her career is going to take her. Joy and Walker could have some terrific potential for figuring themselves out. Colleen, quite simply, kicks ass no matter what she does. But the best part is where Danny and Ward ended up… on the adventure of a lifetime to figure out what their roles are in the big picture of life. So… I would have been thrilled and happy as hell to have a third season but I'm very okay with how the show ended this iteration of itself.

Caught the camping trip episode of Classic Roswell. I remembered this one and Kyle's snark coming out if full force was so much fun. I also enjoyed the interaction with Jim and his dad. Considering the episode is all about fathers, it was a great piece of the puzzle.

Watched the second episode of Frankie Drake and enjoyed it. The show feels different this season and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'll see how the rest of the season goes.

Caught another episode of Riverdale and, man, it's so… poignant to see Luke Perry on screen. Being behind like I am, I've had time to deal with the loss of the actor but I haven't had the chance to deal with losing the character on the show… because it hasn't happened yet.

Arrow's episode ended up being excellent! Nice to finally have Black Star's name and to know her relationship with Oliver, Felicity, and William. Have to admit, my heart kind of broke when William decided to leave with his grandparents. And… I'm going to miss this show so much when it's over!

Watched the penultimate episode of The Murders and it definitely didn't disappoint. I'm excited to see if this show returns. I'm crossing my fingers because I really love the cast and the storylines.

Discovered I didn't watch the penultimate episode of Painkiller Jane. I'd forgotten this had a full season of twenty-two episodes. I'm ready to see what else happens now.

Caught the third episode of Durham County and, yeah, still dark. I truly love the character dynamics and watching Mike kind of fail at holding shit together is compelling. There's a very fine line he has to walk to stay sympathetic and so far the actor is pulling it off.

Midsomer Murders had a good episode featuring Jones in a way I haven't seen him before. I like it. Looking forward to another episode this week.

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. I started the Gunfighters arc and it's not bad at all.

Watched two episodes of In the Dark and both were excellent. Good to see more of Darnell's story and I really like the detective and the bartender maybe getting together. As usual, I'm on the fence with Murphy… just when I get so damn pissed off at her, she had a moment of clarity or remorse and shows her softer side. I'm definitely intrigued and can't wait for another episode.

Caught another episode of Blade and remembered it from the first time around. Watching Krista deal with her mom kind of kicked hard and watching Chase completely screw over the pureblood did not surprise at all. Just saying.

And that's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Yearly Vigil, a novella that got its start with a writing community prompt of "write a scene at a cemetery one year after a character's death".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Venessa Broyles makes a yearly vigil to the graveside of her former lover, Hamish Blesdale, where she runs into his best friend, Hogan Baird. What starts out as an awkward stroll down memory lane eventually brings two lonely souls together.

And a sneaky peek…

Venessa Broyles sat, dry-eyed, at the side of Hamish Blesdale's grave. I'm not worthy to be here. The refrain played over and over in her mind.

But Hamish had no family. And they'd been together three years. Other than a few of the officers in his company squadron and his best friend, no one else had a connection to Hamish.

Why did I send him on that op?

Because the quick jaunt to pick up a few stragglers on a remote space station constituted as a "milk run". Hamish and his three-man team deserved a low-risk mission after spending four months on a planet with hot battle skirmishes every day.

Too bad his team got ambushed by a marauding enemy ship looking to cash-in on the decommissioning of the space station. They fought for nothing because the skeleton crew had already offloaded all the equipment and data. Didn't stop the stupid foes from following the small shuttle and eliminating the ten souls aboard.

The chaplain cleared his throat and Venessa glanced up, surprised to find him directly in front of her. He held the flag of nations and slowly held it out to her.

Venessa balked. "No, please…" Why hadn't she thought of this?

Of course, they'd think she'd want the flag of her fallen lover. But she didn't. And she hated the awkward situation.

She nodded toward the man next to her. Hogan Baird. Hamish's best friend.

He sent her a sharp look but accepted the tri-cornered flag.

Venessa got up and walked to the edge of the ground where Hamish would be laid to rest. The attendants began lowering the casket and she fought the wave of guilt threatening to consume her.

It's my fault. It's my fault. It's my fault.

A large form moved to stand next to her and Venessa closed her eyes. Hogan must hate her. The scuttlebutt made the rounds. His best friend's significant other basically sent him to his death.

A fact Venessa struggled to comprehend even now. Almost a week later.

Hogan tucked the flag under his arm and saluted when the casket found its final resting place. Venessa followed suit then turned, unable to watch the grave being filled. The sun sparkled in the cloudless blue sky, the weather definitely not fitting her mood.

A smoky bar with a dingy décor should do nicely.

Hogan fell into step beside her. "Why did you refuse the flag, Venessa?" His cool tone took some of the brightness out of the day.

Venessa sighed. He could address her by rank. They were at a military funeral. She didn't want the personal connection they shared right now.

She ignored the question and stopped by her car, hoping he'd get the message and continue on.

He didn't.

He paused by the hood of the vehicle. "It's a simple question. Why did you refuse?"

A simple question with a complicated answer. One she didn't feel like diving into.

She met his cool gaze. "Why do you care?"

Venessa's guilt is going to be a tangible thing and Hogan isn't going to let her off the hook right away because of it. I'm having a lot of fun with writing these two.

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

ML Skye