Sunday Snippet: Command Authority

Wow, I can't believe January is almost over. Actually… yeah, I can. It's been a strange month. The weather is definitely not winter-like, which I'm not really complaining about. It might be nice to have snow… but maybe after we get our roof repaired.

Slow week for television as I had a few projects to get caught up on. I caught a new arc of Classic Who episodes. I'm in the tenth season and have one more to go with Three.

Also watched two more episodes of Gargoyles and finished out the first season. The second is super long with something like fifty-plus episodes. I'll gradually make my way through those.

I watched the first episode season eight's Arrow. Man… I'm going to miss this show so much. I'm excited there might be carry-on with Mia and the Dinah's and I actually hope some of the others in the 2040 version of Starling City find their way to the new show.

Caught an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and loved it. I always find it fun when they have historical figures mixed in with the regular cast. And I love the soft jabs the show takes at current events.

Watched another episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries and I have one left for the third season. I really love how they work Flo and Mary into the storylines and I'll be interested to see what season four has on the horizon. If there is a season four.

Started the Riverdale finale for season three. I'm so hoping Edgar is gone for season four and I know Hiram isn't but I at least I might get one wish to come true. Seriously, I hate Hiram with the passion of a thousand burning suns. Ugh.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Command Authority, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Addie Varns and Neal Columbo are thisclose to having everything they want, namely each other, when Neal gets promoted to commander. Used to being on equal footing, Addie needs some time to adjust to the new chain of leadership. Neal gives her some space, but if need be, he'll invoke his command authority.

And a sneaky peek…

"Hey, Addie. Did you see the new flight roster yet?" Lucia Xing called out from the shower two stalls down.

Addie frowned. She had, but didn't notice any changes.

She angled her head toward the other pilot. "Yeah, is there a problem?"

Lucia laughed. "Hell, no. Which is exactly the point. Two full months with almost zero changes, barring that last minute switch last week when Rumbleseat whacked his head on the canopy and knocked himself out."

Addie finally got it. "You want me to punch you so you know it's real?"

Showoff threw her hands up, mock terrified. "No, no. Not necessary." She ducked her head under the spray, making sure all the shampoo rinsed away.

Addie shut her water supply off and snagged a towel. Xing did the same and moved to stand beside Addie at the line of mirrors.

Addie went for humor. "You sure get excited about the most bizarre things around here."

Using her fingers to comb through her short mop of hair, Lucia shot back. "Look, when standard operating procedure is a sharp stab to the back, something like a consistent schedule takes some getting used to." She met Addie's gaze in the mirror. "But it doesn't go unnoticed. Commander's doing a damned good job." Finished with her primping, she turned and left the area to head for her locker.

Addie pondered Lucia's words. James Trask, the first replacement for Ames, had been a wheeler dealer who never thought to have a command. The bastard ran the ship the way he ran his acquisition duties. More than a few of the crew felt the bite of a double deal.

Addie had her own run in with Trask's system when she'd dropped a delivery of supplies at an outpost and discovered she'd been promised in the deal. Several gunshots and a wicked spiral fly out from the landing bay later, she'd contacted Neal on a secured private comm and filled him in. Acting as the Amalthea's liaison and Ganymead's CAG at the time, Neal kept a closer watch on the commander, observing his underhanded practices and wondered aloud how long Trask could keep it up.

The quartermaster feared for his life. Forced to be a go between, he took most of the heat when Trask kept using off log suppliers and short changed them on trades and payment. The quartermaster finally landed in the infirmary with several broken bones, after a severe beating from one of Trask's sources. Trask didn't fare as well. He ended up on the wrong side of the airlock. They'd found his body, floating in space, outside the base station.

James Trask might have been friendlier than his predecessor. He'd had to be. To further his own agenda, he mixed business with pleasure. But his double dealing hadn't been limited to the ships in the fleet. More than a few of the Ganymead crew had bite marks on their ass from his tenure as commander. And they had the scars to prove it. Considering they still double checked the duty rosters to make sure they wouldn't be caught out by a last minute change—courtesy of a trademark command payoff—the wounds hadn't completely healed.

Yet, Addie had noticed the solid, positive changes made and Neal's hand in getting it done. She should. When Neal had been assigned to be the Ganymead's liaison, he'd often sought her opinion about former command initiatives, asking her what she'd change. They'd grown very close during the time they spent deep in discussion. Okay, closer. Addie never suspected he'd be commanding the ship a short time afterward.

 But seeing the relaxed countenance of the crew made her weird uncomfortable vibe worth it. Neal had recently brokered an arrangement for supplies in trade and it went super smooth. The crew finally trusted the flight roster and had started singing Neal's praises.

Addie got a zing. She and Neal had always worked in tandem, tag-teaming to get things done for the pilots on the Amalthea. She missed it, working closely with him. But holy hell, it felt good to see the confirmation that their work had paid off. The Ganymead staff and crew had followed Trask because they had to… they followed Neal because they wanted to.

And okay, she'd become part of his command staff—temporarily—but it didn't feel the same. She didn't quite have her bearings yet. Completely on her. Neal treated her the same… but she saw him differently. Addie needed an adjustment period—something new and foreign for her go with the flow attitude. Threw her off-kilter and she didn't like it.

She and Neal… they had a push-pull thing. Attracted to each other, they played it fairly safe, acknowledging the heat, but not acting on it. They'd come so close a few times, but she pulled away. Neal told her to be sure, absolutely certain. Once they crossed the line, they couldn't go back.

Okay, he wouldn't go back. He'd made it very clear. Then stepped back and gave her some room to figure shit out.

Too bad hell landed on the hangar deck in the form of the Ganymead and it's whacked out crew. Who the hell had time to think when life went sideways and everything changed? Except maybe late at night, when sleep wouldn't come no matter how tired she got.

Addie had plenty of time to think then. And she knew what she wanted with Neal. But with the game-changing stuff going on, she didn't know how they'd ever pull off making a relationship work. Throw in the possible reaction from Neal's old man and Colonel Shitface and Addie wondered which ship would implode in on itself first.

I'm excited about this story. The narrative is a little different than the usual for me and I enjoy playing with the structure.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Here Often

I'm so excited! We're getting our leaky roof replaced in the very near future. I've been waiting to do a small renovation in our bathroom because I need to make sure we won't have any more water damage in there. Can't wait!!

Not a bad week for television. Caught an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries and, once again, enjoyed the four main characters and their bonding. Terrific female representation in this show.

Watched the penultimate episode of Riverdale's third season. So many revelations in this one and nothing I'm terribly surprised by. Edgar is just as creeptastic as I suspected. I do want to know if Polly is aware of Jason being… whatever the hell Jason is. My gut says Alice is not. Can't wait to find out. Veronica pulled a savage move on Hiram and I'm totally there for more of that. I literally hate that guy and actually wouldn't mind if he died in a fire. No such luck, I'm sure.

I caved and watched a season twelve episode of Peak Practice. I'll probably go back and forth on this show, catching the entire run while also sneaking in episodes with my favorite actor.

Caught the behind-the-scenes episode of Midsomer Murders and I'm ready to start season twenty-one. Looking forward to diving in next week.

I'm excited to watch the final season of Arrow in the very near future, along with the crossover event. I'm also thrilled to have some new super-hero shows on the horizon. Should be an interesting year for watching.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Come Here Often, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt. I can't explain how much I love taking a scene or word prompt and finding the beat of what I want to do then sitting down to create a story.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Neely survives a war but not without considerable emotional damage. When Ace offers her everything she's ever wanted, she turns him down, believing they can't pick up where they left off. Ace aims to prove they don't have to.

And a sneaky peek…

The whirlwind debriefing dredged up more questions than answers, and almost earned her a stint in quarantine.

But Ace had been the lone person who argued against isolating her, suggesting a normal routine would be more likely to show any signs of post-hypnotic triggers, if any were planted, and helped her reintegrate into the crew. He even volunteered to stand duty with her when no one else would. But the biggest thing he'd done? He'd given her space, accepting her wish to move forward and not look back. And he hadn't doubted her—even when proof of her "death" came to light.

And she kept blowing him off and not letting him in. Because she feared going back to what they used to be. She wanted a new page but had no idea what might happen.

Did it really matter? Probably not, but cutting him completely loose seemed like her only option.

Turning slowly, she started back down the hill. She made it several yards when a hand tapped her on the shoulder. She stopped, almost afraid to engage in any kind of conversation. It could only end badly. But she owed Ace a chance to say his piece. Lifting her head, she turned toward him.

He smiled. "Um, hi. I noticed you from up the hill a ways and I just had to make your acquaintance." He thrust his hand forward. "Name's Ace Buchanan. It's nice to meet you."

Neely narrowed her eyes, not sure what the hell to do.

Ace lifted a brow, waiting. The meaning behind his gesture dawned on her. The end of Jaybird and Buckman could be a new beginning for Ace Buchanan and Neely Jay. Her lips twisted and a laugh escaped. A very blank page lay open before her.

She grabbed his hand, squeezing it warmly. "Neely Jay. Nice to meet you, too." She fell into step beside him and began the descent down the hill. "So… you come here often?" Ace's bark of laughter made her heart warm. A new beginning with loads of possibilities. Neely could get behind the concept.

Honestly? This story is all over the place but I love all of it. I'm slowly—very slowly—piecing the scenes together into something cohesive.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Back to Me

We're having unseasonably warm weather for January. The temperature hit seventy degrees today. I'm pretty much planning on having a blizzard during prom season and possibly during my daughter's graduation in May. Just saying.

I've had the unique experience of being project-free for a whole week. I can honestly say it's actually been kind of nice to have the downtime. It's good to catch up on mundane things like clearing my inbox and deleted items files.

Had a semi-decent week of television viewing. I finished up the episode of Frankie Drake and watched a new one. I really love this show.

Caught an episode of Midsomer Murders and finished out the twentieth series. I have a behind the scenes thing to watch then off to series twenty-one. Looking forward to starting it.

Finished the Sapphire and Steel series. I can honestly say the way ended surprised me but not in a bad way. The unique spin on how time functioned ended up being fun to watch.

Also caught the Three Doctors arc of Classic Who. Very interesting to go watch this one because I didn't get to watch during its original run.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. Started the second season, which is a lot longer than I originally thought it was. I've also discovered I'm pretty sure I missed the entire third season of this show. New stuff!!

Started a new episode of Murdoch Mysteries and I'm enjoying it so far. I feel like fans are on borrowed time because sooner or later the shoe is going to drop on William and Miss Hart will be the one to wield it. Not sure how I feel about that, to be honest.

Finished up a Blue Heelers episode and started a new one. Still enjoy this show so much. I love getting a look at how law enforcement works in another country, even if it's fictionalized.

Finally, I've been waiting and waiting for a very long time for an old British show to make its way to the streaming services. It's finally here! I watched the first episode of Peak Practice and I can't wait to watch the episodes with one of my favorite actors. Of course, he doesn't show up until the final season and it's a solid bet I won't be able to wait to watch his episodes, but I'm trying to view in chronological order. We'll see what happens.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Come Back to Me, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tania and James love each other deeply, but have a complicated relationship. When Tania has a chance to right a wrong, James has to trust she'll keep her promise to come back to him.

And a sneaky peek…

Tania Greene stood at the memorial wall on the Gretna when she caught the reflection of James Lagersall. "Incoming. Brace for impact." She didn't have the heart to do battle with him right now.

Not after losing the man she more or less called husband even when her heart belonged to someone else. The same someone standing behind her now. The one moving in her direction.

Tania traced her husband's name with her fingertips before turning to face James.

He paused less than two feet away and studied her for several long moments. Tania refused to squirm under the scrutiny… not that James wanted her to. But their complicated history usually made her uncomfortable when things got personal.

His gaze went to the wall. "I'm sorry about Denny." Sincerity tinged his voice.

And Tania couldn't deal with it. Anger she could handle. Contempt, definitely doable. But compassion? From James? Not so much.

Because once upon a time, she'd had so much more with him.

She met his gaze. "Are you really? Because his loss clears the path for you. Wanna pick up where we left off?" As if… he'd made it clear when she moved in with Denny they were over and done.

James shook his head, the flash of hurt in his eyes quickly masked. "You know what? Think what you want. You always do." He turned on his heel and started down the corridor.

Tania winced. Dammit. Why did she trash everything?

Because she didn't deserve the peace offering. Yet she needed to mend fences.

She grabbed his arm. "James, wait." Her eyes slid closed. "I'm sorry." She drew in a ragged breath. "You don't deserve my scorn and Denny certainly didn't deserve to get tangled up with me." Her face crumpled and the tears she hadn't been able to shed finally started falling. "And now I can't do anything to make up for what I put him through." Her voice broke on a jagged whisper.

James wrapped her in his arms and held her close. Tania leaned into the comfortable embrace she knew so well. She didn't deserve this either, but she'd damned well take the momentary safe haven.

This one is tricky. The goal is to show how characters often end up with someone they should be with but also keep them sympathetic. Relationships can be messy and writing the ways people grow and learn is something I thoroughly enjoy.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Cockpit

Hello 2020! I'm quite thrilled to have a clean new year to take out for a spin. We have a new puppy named Maggie Mae and she's a sweetie. Her big sister Annabelle needed a companion and so far they're settling in together very well. I'd totally forgotten how much energy puppies have. Yeesh.

Had a limited week of television viewing but got a few shows watched. I caught a full arc of Classic Who and also watched quite a bit of the Doctor Who marathon on BBC America. Sadly, I missed almost all of the episodes from last season.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. I had a long hiatus mainly because I've been catching up on laundry and had so much to fold I couldn't do it in my laundry room.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. Also had another great conversation with my oldest about watching this show when he was a little one.

Caught the prom night episode of Riverdale and, again, enjoyed the hell out of it. This show is so incredibly batshit I can't not have fun while watching.

Also watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm so on the fence about where they're going with William and Julia. To date, this show has never let me down so I'm hoping that won't be the case here.

Finally, I started an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. This is another show that rarely lets me down and I'm having a good time watching this episode.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lark Fisher pulls R&R and hits the most happening bar on Virgonon, The Cockpit. Imagine her utter stupefaction when she finds out its owner is not only an old friend, but the one who got away.

And a sneaky peek…

Fox Wallington replaced the handset behind the bar. "Better get ready, Charlie. Got a star cruiser in orbit." Sometimes it paid to have a high-ranking parent in the military.

Charlie Stax, bartender extraordinaire, quirked an eyebrow. "Should I break out the good stuff?" A running joke… Fox didn't serve anything but high-grade drinks.

Fox snorted. "Might wanna call in an extra order this week." They'd need the additional stock. "A contingent of thirty-five hundred crew means at least three hundred fifty R and R passes." Possibly more, depending on why the ship pulled in for orbit.

Charlie shook his head. "How do you do that?"

Fox shrugged. "I knew every military ship's complement before I could read or write." His chin went up a notch. "When my dad was climbing the ranks, bedtime tended to be more about rote and structure than happy stories." Not that Fox would complain… he made bank off his firsthand knowledge.

Charlie cocked his head to one side. "How'd you avoid getting sucked into the fold?"

Fox chuckled. "I didn't. Served eight years before I bought this place." A career change he didn't regret.

Charlie's eyes widened. "I've been working here for how long… why didn't I know you served?" He laughed. "I assumed the encyclopedic knowledge was from your dad."

Fox rolled a shoulder. "Most of it is. But I—"

"Yo, can I get a little service here?" An obnoxious asshat slapped his palm on the bar. "I'm tired of spending my hard-earned credits for shitty booze and crappy conversation."

Fox gave the guy a long once-over. "This is your third day here. Why complain now?" He held up a hand. "Wait… let me guess… you've been kicked out of every other establishment, right?"

The man straightened. "I don't have to take your shitty insults." Which pretty much confirmed the accusation.

Fox agreed. "No, you don't. You and your shitty attitude can leave… as soon as you settle your tab."

Tough guy shifted his gaze to the side. "Yeah, about that… I'm a little short at the moment."

Charlie started around the counter but Fox stopped him. "Hold up. I've got this." He directed his gaze to the loud-mouthed moron. "All right, let's see if I've got everything straight here. You've been run out of all the other venues and aren't welcome anymore." He held up one finger. "You've been here, drinking and being otherwise obnoxious for the past two days and have a good start on today." He added a second digit. "Now, you're telling me you're a little short, meaning you can't pay off the debt you've racked up." A third finger shot up. "Am I right so far?"

The guy shrugged. "I guess so. Not really in a position to argue, now, am I?"

Fox snorted. "No, man, you're not. And, if my guess is correct, this whole being a dick and running your mouth is a big front so the big guy here" he pointed toward Charlie—"will throw you out on your ass, yeah?"

The not-so-tough-anymore guy gave a reluctant nod but remained silent.

Fox shot Charlie a look. "Do you believe this moron, Charlie? What's the solution here?" Fox had a specific way of dealing with tab-jumpers.

Charlie's lips spread in a wide grin. "Well, boss, I believe it's the three-strike policy, isn't it?" He clapped his hands together and rubbed them up and down. "Which means the tab for… hold on, lemme find the name here…" He made a show of rifling through the open panels. "Ah, here it is… Banta Johnson will be settled in the ring with the boss man here at seven sharp." He slid his gaze toward Fox. "I can take bets on who'll win, yeah? You know, to cover the open balance…"

Fox tapped the bar. "Absolutely, Charlie." He directed his attention to Banta. "Should be a good match. Johnson here looks to be in decent shape."

Charlie laughed. "Yeah, until he goes a few rounds with you." He took some chalk and wrote the odds on the board.

Banta held up his hands. "Now, hold on a minute. I didn't agree to this." He started backing away from the bar.

Charlie barreled around and blocked Johnson's path. "Doesn't matter. It's in the ring or in front of a magistrate… and something tells me you don't want Virgonon's local law enforcement to get involved." Notorious for making the laws up as they went along, not many people wanted to tangle with what passed as the police force on a rim planet.

Johnson squared his shoulders. "Fine. But change the odds. I'm better than ten to one."

Charlie flashed a toothy grin. "That's the spirit, man." He met Fox's gaze. "What do you think? Seven to one?"

Fox shrugged. "Make it five. The longer Mr. Brawler here stays in the ring, the better the chance to cover what he owes." The odds didn't matter. Johnson would go down whatever they were.

Fox is a fun guy to write. He's going to have his hands full between taking down Banta and having a star cruiser in orbit.

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

ML Skye