Sunday Snippet: Adventures in Nugget Sitting

It's so weird to be in the last week of the month. Sometimes it felt like August would never end and other times like it flew right by. I'm actually looking forward to September.

Busy week with work projects but I did get some shows watched. I started a new episode of Blue Heelers and so far enjoy the second season.

Caught several episodes of Peter Gunn. There's a marathon next weekend I'll probably end up watching also.

Watched the Tomb of the Cybermen episodes of Classic Who. I'm bummed there aren't a lot of the second doctor's episodes available for viewing.

Also caught another Midsomer Murders episode. I like the new guy. I also need to figure out when they started working for Midsomer Constabulary instead of Causton CID. Probably way back in a previous season and I just missed it.

I'm in the middle of a 77 Sunset Strip marathon. This is one of my favorite classic shows.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Adventures in Nugget Sitting, a sexy short that got a start in a fanfiction writing community.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Isla Sands, an excellent poker player, loses a card draw and has to babysit the drunken newbie pilot. Between the endless questions, throwing up, and clingy behavior of her charge, Isla takes time to wonder why Riggs Marvelton always does the same for her. And why he never attempts to just kill her and put both out of their misery.

And a sneaky peek…

"Oh, no, I'm not letting you have any more alcohol, Berenza." Isla Sands snagged the bottle from the table and tucked it under her chair.

Brad widened his eyes then narrowed them, trying to bring her into focus. "Why the hell not?" He swayed in his seat.

Isla snorted. "Because you have no more brain cells to lose and even though you're having a suck-ass week, what with getting dumped on your birthday and all, you're not blowing off steam anymore." She pinned him with her gaze. "You're taking the rest of us on a whiplash-inducing hopper jump through an asteroid field." She glanced around the table. "Consensus? Anyone disagree?" Okay, the hopper jump ride might be something of an exaggeration but, geez, not by much.

Foley grunted. "Nope. Kid's had enough. He's looking a little green."

Maston backed away from the table. "Damn straight he does. Better call it a night." He scooted down to the next seat for good measure.

Isla groaned. Berenza did appear to be feeling the effects of the alcohol. She should've cut him off earlier.

Not like she couldn't recognize the signs… she'd been in his position more than a few occasions.

And you had a personal savior every one of those times.

She shot a quick look toward Riggs who shook his head when Berenza tried to stand and crashed sideways into the table.

Riggs grabbed the junior pilot by the bicep. "Easy there, Bopper. Better stay put until we get a handle on everything." His gaze scanned everyone in the room, clearly stating what needed to happen without words.

Isla sighed. Figured. Someone would need to be on nugget-watch.

Foley grumbled. "Who gets the honors? An adventure in nugget-sitting isn't at the top of my list of fun things to do." He shuffled a deck of cards, cutting them then doing it again.

Riggs shrugged. "I'm out." He slid a sideways glance toward Isla. "I pulled it last time." The twitch of his lips took the sting out of the comment.

Isla feigned offense. "Hey… I haven't been a nugget for a long time." Which actually didn't mean jack all right now and made benders somehow worse.

Because she should know better.

Riggs smirked. "Which means I should be exempt the next time someone gets stupid drunk, too."

Isla rolled her eyes. "Whatever. But fine. You can sit this one out." She looked toward Foley and Maston. "High cards win? Low card gets stuck with Berenza detail?" When both nodded, she made a grab for the deck of cards.

Foley snatched it up first. "Uh-uh. Let Maston do the shuffle. And he gets to draw first." He waggled a finger in her direction. "You're going last because your luck is a little too on the nose when you shuffle." His quirked eyebrow dared her to argue.

She couldn't. Because she did have an uncanny ability to draw the highest card when she picked first. Which isn't my fault, but whatever.

Her shoulder slumped. "Fine. Let's get this over with." She drew a card after the other two took their picks.

A wide grin spread across Foley's face. "King of hearts." He flipped the card around to show it.

Maston hesitated but showed his. "Ten of clubs." He raised both eyebrows. "What do you have, Sands?"

She heaved a sigh. "Three of spades. I lose." Dammit.

The guys high-fived each other and whooped in glee. Riggs shook his head but stayed silent. Isla nudged Berenza who lifted his head from his arms to give her a bleary stare.

She stood up. "Come on, Bopper. Let's get you headed to the bunkroom." She got a good grip on his bicep and helped him stand.

He wobbled back and forth but got his feet under him. "Why're we leaving? I'm still cele… um… celebrating my birthday." He staggered out of the rec room and bumped into the bulkhead.

Isla shot a look back toward the other pilots. "You guys suck." She wrapped an arm around Brad's waist and guided him to the center of the causeway.

Riggs got up and followed along. "I'll find a bucket you can use if he can't make it to the head." He turned at the next corridor, heading toward the supply locker.

Isla paused. "Thanks. Have a feeling I'll need it." Brad started to sway again and she gripped his arm a little harder. "Come on, Berenza. Time to sleep it off." She guided him around the short turn and started for their quarters.

Brad stopped, covering his mouth with his hand. "Ugh… I need to…" He gagged and his stomach contracted.

Thank the universe they'd just passed the head. "Oh, no. Not here. Let's go." She pushed the door open and managed to get Brad's head aimed in the direction of the toilet.

He expelled the contents of his stomach, heaving several times.

Isla stood back, her arms crossed over her chest. "Good thing I'm not squeamish."

I'm having a really good time writing this one. Isla seeing herself in Berenza's drunken fest will be fun to explore.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zulu Delta Niner

Ugh! August is fast becoming the craziest month I've ever had. This past week I filled my gas tank up on Monday and by Wednesday, I only had half a tank left. For perspective… a full tank of gas usually lasts about two to three weeks for me. Does that say anything about the week I had? LOL

Seriously, though, a lot of back and forth travel several times a day did give me lots of windshield time. It also gave terrible drivers and a buttload of construction but that's a whole different rant for another day.

I did end up having a highly productive week workwise, which means I didn't have a lot of time for television. I did hear the news of Krypton's demise unless another network picks it up. Here's hoping that happens. I really do love the characters.

I've been rather disappointed that my once favorite network is no longer in the running for my viewing time. I either watch on demand via the app or not at all. It makes me sad that Syfy has fallen so far. I literally used to watch the channel almost exclusively way back in the day.

As much as I love the convenience of streaming shows, I miss having a wide variety of stuff to choose from during the day on regular cable television. I have been enjoying the local channels' digital offerings. MeTV, Decades, Comet, Charge, This TV, etc. has some great classic stuff. That's what I've been having on in the background. I'm also a big fan of Ovation right now.

I did get to watch a few more episodes of Peter Gunn this week but that's about it.

Tonight's post is from Zulu Delta Niner, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt. Right now, this is a working title, but it's kind of growing on me.

Here's the mini-blurb:

In a war-torn galaxy, Nell Watkinson works to save lives on the front lines in the battle arena. When she returns home, she meets Jerrick Haight, a man who's not afraid to fight if his number is called, but he vehemently opposes waging war when it spreads resources so thin their own people suffer. On opposite sides of a moral dilemma, Jerrick's actions put him in danger and Nell uses everything at her disposal to save his life.

And a sneaky peek…

"This Haight guy shouldn't be here. He's on the draft roster."

Jerrick straightened when his name got mentioned. He glanced around to see who had a burr up their ass about his attendance at the preliminary protest meeting. A tall blond guy pointed in Jerrick's direction.

"Excuse me, are you Jerrick Haight?" The protest leader, John Hammersmith, made his way to Jerrick's location.

Jerrick stood and gave a nod. "I am. Is there a problem?" He met the cold gaze of Mr. Blond Ambition.

John shook his head. "No, not necessarily. Wayne over there thinks you're a military plant, a spy to carry back our plans to the base." Hammersmith jerked his head toward the head table.

The name and face clicked together in Jerrick's mind. Wayne Prewitt. Loudmouth hot head who liked to get arrested for protesting the unending series of wars their planetary council pursued.

Jerrick shifted his attention to John. "Mr. Hammersmith, I'm here because I believe in this cause." All eyes in the room turned in Jerrick's direction. "Yeah, I went to military school. I know the ins and outs of how to wage a campaign against an enemy. But I'm not a spy." He shot a heated glare toward Wayne. "We have a war to fight right here at home. Our own people are dying due to lack of resources because they're spread too thin. That has to stop."

Moving in a circle, he gauged the reactions of the assembled group. Most nodded in agreement. Some grumbled under their breaths about the state of politics and the uselessness of their elected officials. He warmed up to the group, already feeling like he fit in.

Jerrick continued his explanation. "Look, I'm not afraid of combat. When my number gets pulled, I'll go where I'm ordered. But don't think I support the ceaseless war. I'm sick of the constant spread of violence, especially when it's to the detriment of our planet's people." Turning to face John, he made a vow. "If you'll have me, I'm going to protest until I have to fight."

The room erupted into applause… with the exception of Prewitt. Big deal. So Jerrick didn't have a fan in the hulking blond agitator. He could live with that.

Hammersmith gave Jerrick a level stare. "Keep your head on straight and you'll do fine here." He stuck his hand out. "Welcome to the cause, Haight."

Jerrick shook the man's hand and settled back down into his seat. He ignored the exaggerated eye roll Prewitt gave when John made his way back to the front of the room. Prewitt did more harm than good with his big mouth and skirmishes with the military police.

But maybe he kept the heat off everyone else? Jerrick didn't quite have the lay of the land there yet. He'd be smart to pay attention and keep an eye on the situation.

Hammersmith called the meeting to order. "First up, we'll be marching at the rally next week, but we need a presence at the Ministry of War building tomorrow. Some high-level meetings are taking place and we want to make our voices heard." He lifted his chin and pinned Jerrick with his gaze. "Can you be there?"

Jerrick nodded. "Let me know the time. I work at the hospital and it's only four blocks away from the location."

Hammersmith's lips curved. "See me after the meeting. I'll give you the details."

Jerrick sat back and let the satisfaction of finally doing something fill him. He finally had the chance to make a difference right here at home.

I'm pretty pleased with how this story is shaping up. I started the outline for this one almost over three years ago and it's weird how much relevance the details have at the moment.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Zipper Incident

August 11, 2019

August is shaping up to be the busiest month I've had in a long time. Between running around with my daughter and new projects landing in my inbox, I need about five more hours in each day.

Very limited television viewing this week. I ended up not starting the playlist listen while working. Too many interruptions.

I did watch a marathon of Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. Also caught some Peter Gunn episodes.

Other than that, the manuscript evaluations I've been working on took precedence. It's easier to review and assess when it's quiet and I don't have something else trying to pull my attention away from the material.

On a very happy note, I finished up a manuscript I've been writing for a long, long time. It's the follow up to Shyler: Finding Home, a Furlough 99 novella. The story ended up being more involved than I thought it would be and it turned out so much better than I'd hoped. Look for it soon!

That's pretty much it for television this week. I really want to get back to Krypton and finish up Riverdale and Arrow. Hopefully this week.

Tonight's post is from The Zipper Incident, a sexy short that started with a scene prompt from a writing community.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Layne Donaker makes a grave error when she mistakenly uses a super adhesive on Hyde Scarlotti's zippers—all of them, including his flight suit. Hyde is beyond done with her stupid pranks and calls her out in front of the entire crew, which Layne doesn't take kindly.

And a sneaky peek…

Hyde crumpled up his clothes and shoved them into a plastic bag. "I can't believe she pulled such a shit stunt." He dragged the bag out over the hatch and headed toward the quartermaster's office.

After ordering new… well, pretty much everything that had zippers… he let the anger he'd kept at bay off its leash.

Stomping down to the hangar deck, he made a beeline for the person responsible for wrecking practically every item of clothing he owned. Of course, being out of uniform drew all eyes his direction. Technically speaking, he shouldn't be on the deck in only a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt.

Layne paused in her task but didn't turn to face him. No doubt she sensed the simmering rage radiating off him. That and all the gazes burning holes into her back. She calmly finished her maintenance before setting the wrench aside.

Finally, she angled toward him and her eyebrow shot straight up. "Going for the casual look after getting a bump in rank is an interesting choice." She barely kept a smirk from forming on her mouth.

Hyde snorted. "Gee… wonder whose fault that is." As if anyone really did.

Her eyes went wide. "You think I know?" She eased her chin up a notch.

Hyde pinned her with his gaze. "Are you telling me you didn't glue every single fucking zippered item in my locker? Are you really going to deny it?" She'd be hard-pressed to do so.

Layne narrowed her eyes. "Can you prove it was me?"

Hyde let loose. "Are you kidding? Who the hell else would have the balls to fuck with my stuff on the very day I got promoted?" He took a step forward. "This has your name written all over it. I mean, it's pretty much a signature Layne Donaker move, right?" He planted his hands on his hips, leaning in. "Don't get what you want so you have to act out like a five-year-old."

The punch caught him off guard when it came. The uppercut snapped his head back and gasps echoed through the deck. Hyde didn't hesitate to retaliate, striking out with a right cross that connected with her chin. They each took a moment to wipe blood from the respective wounds before the deckhands crowded around them.

"Chief called the MPs. You better get your stories straight." A specialist nudged Hyde with her elbow.

Hyde grunted but didn't reply.

Layne shook her head. "I can't believe you're getting this pissy about a stupid practical joke." Her lips took on a derisive twist. "Just soak the clothes in hot soapy water. It's not that difficult." She rolled her eyes.

Hyde made a garbled choking sound. "Sure, Layne, that would be terrific. Except you used liquid solder, which means every single zipper is fused shut." His voice rose to a shout by the end of his tirade.

Her mouth dropped open but she didn't get a chance to speak. The MPs arrived and escorted Layne and Hyde to the brig; charges to be determined.

Following Layne down the corridor, Hyde wanted to dig down deep and find out why he'd become her target. Usually, Layne pulled her pranks on everyone but him. He didn't like being on the receiving end.

And he didn't like not knowing where the hell his closest confidant on the ship disappeared to… because the Layne in front of him didn't fit that role right now.

Seriously, this story is so much fun! Layne can't believe she screwed up on the epic level she did and she's not keen on explaining her position. Hyde won't let her off the hook until she does. Fun times. LOL

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zipped Lips

Whew. Long, long week with a ton of busywork stuff along with my regular workload. I sometimes get the idea that most of my family members don't realize how long or how many phone calls it often takes to make things happen. Luckily, I'm in a position where my job isn't at stake if I need to make those frequent and often time-sucking phone calls. But… bleh.

Had an even more sporadic viewing week. I'm not fairly behind on a lot of my shows. But… I did catch up on some laundry so not a bad tradeoff. I got two episodes of Blue Heelers in while folding and stacking clothes. LOL

I got a little more of Riverdale watched but haven't finished the episode yet. I might be getting to the place where I need to switch over to music. The main reason I've been light on viewing for the past few weeks is a heavy work schedule and lots of distractions from other drama.

I have so many playlists that I listen to while driving. I should probably start listening to them while working also. Maybe I'll start that this week.

Since there's not much to report, tonight's post is from Zipped Lips, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Details of intimate encounters are spilled during a rousing card game and recent hookups are brought to light, but Keavy Smart and Gresham Young have the best secret—trying to keep quiet is half the fun and zipped lips means none of the crew is the wiser.

And a sneaky peek…

Gresh made it through two more hands before the interrogation started. Figured Keavy left him on the hot seat.

He shoved away from the table. "Guys, look, I'm not interested in playing question and answer right now." Scooping up the small amount he'd won, he started to rise.

Mark snorted. "You're notoriously tightlipped. You and Keavy both." He snagged the cards and started a new shuffle.

Masha barked out a laugh. "Maybe that's the secret to silent sex…" She tilted her head to one side, giving Gresh a long, considering look. "Should I grill Keavy about your methods?"

He rolled his eyes. "Still not playing." He pocketed his winnings. "But you all can start trying to keep it down and see if you can discover the secret." Smirking on his way out the door, he whistled an off-key tune until he rounded the corner.

Breathing a sigh of relief, he hit the head. "No way am I sharing the down and dirty details of my sex life." Right… not that he had much of one right now.

Oh, he had a healthy fantasy life with his perfect woman.

Washing his hands, he glanced in the mirror over the sink. "Might help if you actually tried the real thing, dumbass." He grabbed some paper towels, dried off, and exited the bathroom.

He might have to consider testing the waters with his ideal companion.

And maybe find out if silent sex could be a thing.

Chuckling, he shook his head. "Somehow I doubt it… at least not with the woman I have in mind." She'd probably punch him for even thinking she couldn't stay quiet.

But experience suggested she'd be hard-pressed to keep the details to herself.

That tight-lipped thing, though… His curiosity piqued because he had yet to hear anything about her hooking up with anyone.

Maybe… Nah. Not possible. His dream woman probably had a marine sergeant stashed away somewhere that scratched that particular itch when needed.

He snorted. "Maybe I should find one of those."

Needless to say, Keavy doesn't have a marine sergeant stashed anywhere. Gresh needs to make his move.

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

ML Skye