Sunday Snippet: Domestic Partners

We're entering week … eh, I'm not even sure … of the social distancing and I'm truly hoping we start to see the case numbers come down. We're doing what we can to stay inside and away from others. We do try to order from our local restaurants a night or two a week to help support the establishments.

Had a slower than normal week of television viewing. I started out by finishing up Strike Back's third episode. I'm very excited for the rest of the season. I also caught the declassified short for this episode.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers and hope to finish it this upcoming week. So far, I'm truly enjoying this show.

Watched the end of a Gargoyles episode and got two more in. I don't remember Xanatos being such a cheesy villain when I watched this show with my oldest. Man, he is one though.

Started the first season of The Witcher. Gotta say I'm intrigued. Here's hoping the rest of the season measures up.

For fun, I watched the blooper reel for Dirty, Sexy Saint and laughed out loud a couple of times. I love how much behind the scenes Passionflix shares with its members.

Caught another episode of Arrow. I'm not sure if it's because I know it's ending or if the writing has just kicked it up a notch but I can honestly say I end up getting all choked up with tears in every episode so far. We're getting to the home stretch so I don't expect that to change.

Also watched another episode of Murdoch Mysteries and thoroughly enjoyed it. Having the ladies take center stage was much appreciated. I'm a little intrigued by Violet showing her sharpened teeth, which probably won't bode well for William and Julia in the next two episodes. That said, I'll be happy if Miss Violet Hart ends up going down in flames. I'm not a fan.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Domestic Partners, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tabby and Hale pretend to be domestic partners to keep the man who killed her husband from getting his hands on her. But when they're forced to live together, sparks and tempers fly, because Tabby broke a promise she made to Hale and he's not going to let her forget it.

And a sneaky peek…

Hale nuzzled her. "We don't have to worry. We can get by for at least a few months on our small stipends." His voice drifted toward sleep.

Tabby couldn't live that way. Growing up hand to mouth, she needed to earn a steady paycheck. Accepting the trifling amount the exploration corps allotted for their recruitment classes, didn't sit easily with Tabby. And, even if the explorers called and accepted them into the actual program, it would be three months of hard mental training and lots of studying.

Hale had the brainpower to pass anything. Tabby didn't have the same confidence. And if she failed … what then? A contingency plan. One she already had in place by signing on to work the mining colony.

At least until they knew for certain about the explorer unit, which could take three to six months. Waiting games weren't her thing at all. Not knowing if the corps would call the next day or hundreds of days from now drove her crazy.

But … she hadn't told Hale about the possible job. And her gut screamed she'd get a summons within the week. The colony always needed workers for the mines. The pay sucked, but the take home doubled what the corps meted out for recruits.

Turning onto her back, she stared at the ceiling. She'd cross that chasm when necessary. Why make an issue of something that might or might not happen? Because Hale deserves to know. Yeah, he probably did. But, dammit, they'd fight again. All because she wanted more from life and didn't want to wait.

Am I being selfish? Hale didn't really have a clue what growing up without a safety net did to a person. Love and support were second nature for him. For her? They equaled hard work. Something she didn't fear, but the niggling thought Hale would be better off without her dragging him down popped up in her mind a lot.

She'd worry later. If and when a call came through.

This one is moving along at a very slow clip. I know all the beats but the sages are being particular about the details. Here's hoping I get some time to dive in and really connect to the story.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dodging Reality

Gotta say, the whole limiting of physical distance and having my youngest's senior year pretty much cancelled is both easier and harder than I thought it would be. I have three people in the house who are pretty much deemed essential workers. One is in food production and the other two are grocery workers. If the reins get tighter on limiting movement, I'm pretty sure they won't get a break.

For me, as someone who's worked from home for the past decade or so, it's business as usual for the most part. I have more interruptions than usual but otherwise, my routine hasn't changed overmuch. There's something comforting in that.

Had a semi-decent week of watching television. I finished up the Heart Guy from last week and I'll give it a go. I have a feeling this one is going to have messy relationships and I always like train-wreck shows.

Also caught another arc of Classic Who. It's always fun to see the effects from the late sixties and early seventies. Doctor Who isn't any better or worse for shows of its time.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I'm finally starting to get into the relationships and getting to know the villagers. I love the scenery in the show.

Caught the livestream of the Dropkick Murphys concert on St. Patrick's Day. Terrific show and highly entertaining. I hope to catch some of the Broadway shows that are available for streaming also.

Watched the rest of season one of Danger Man. I'll be starting season two in the upcoming week.

Started episode three of Strike Back. Nice to have a familiar face back in the fold. Also, Chetri is really growing on me. She's got quite a personality and interacting more as an equal with the rest of the team. I love that.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Dodging Reality, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Take a reality show set on the front lines in space, add a brash reporter who wants the down and dirty secrets of the crew—and will stop at nothing to get them—and mix it up with a couple fighting their attraction while protecting their pilots from the ratings hound. Stir in a little backstabbing from the camera man and the outcome is Dodging Reality.

And a sneaky peek…

"I can't do it. I can't find the trap."

Captain Caro Williams watched her normally excellent pilot bring her bird down with a horrible crunch—so much for talking Lorraine "Jazz" Jazinski through the landing. Caro held back the string of expletives that rolled through her mind when the bent craft lowered down from the landing bay to the hangar deck.

She'd save the ass kicking for later. Maybe a good verbal lashing would snap Lorraine out of the funk she'd been in. Whatever the case, Jazz had some major explaining to do … if she hadn't been injured in that total crap landing.

Caro dashed out of the LSO's station and took off at a run. A film crew followed, hot on her heels.

Not an embedded crew who knew to stay out of the way when the ship came under fire. The ones who usually made award-winning documentaries about life in the military. Nope. The team her people got stuck with loved nothing more than asking lame-ass questions at inappropriate times—only to spin the answers into something unrecognizable. Led by a harpy of a woman reporter, Monique Presley, they seemed to be on it twenty-four seven.

Whoever thought making a reality show during a time of war a good idea oughtta be shot. Not that any of the top brass would ever own the decision. Caro figured they should all face a firing squad for the complete act of stupidity. Better yet, they could come out to the front lines and fly the damn missions with a camera shoved in their face. See how they liked it.

The cameraman almost caught up to Caro.

She snarled under her breath. "Catch me if you can, moron." Her face twisted in a grimace.

Caro started down the stairs to the flight deck and braced her hands on the side rails, sliding the rest of the way down, bypassing the last ten steps. She hit the ground running and figured she'd at least have a little bit of a head start before the camera crew caught back up.

Jazinski's canopy opened and the pilot slowly got up and removed her helmet. She had a scrape above her brow line but otherwise didn't appear to be too banged up. 

Caro let loose. "God damn, Jazz. What the flaming hell was that?" She signaled the waiting medics so they could treat her pilot.

Lorraine threw her helmet on the seat and glared down. "That. Was a shit landing. Where the hell was the trap?" Her gloves came off and she tossed them over the edge of her bird.

Caro growled. "Right where it always is. You missed it, Jazz."

Lorraine swayed slightly when she reached up to remove her collar. Caro narrowed her eyes. Something's off. Jazinski had a vacant look in her gaze. She's wired on something. The realization hit the same moment Lorraine bounded over the side of her ship and launched herself down the ladder.

She came flying toward Caro. "It wasn't there. The trap was not there!"

Jazz took a wild swing and Caro ducked, sending the pilot spinning around in a wild circle. The CAG, Vic Albright, caught Jazz from behind, restraining her arms, and Jazinski went crazy. She kicked out, catching Caro with a solid blow to her shoulder before she could grab both legs to keep Lorraine still.

Caro met Vic's gaze, ready for the question.

"What the hell happened out there?" Vic struggled to keep the pilot under control. She bucked and twisted, trying to break free. "Jazz never misses. Why now?"

"Because it wasn't there. I'm telling you. It wasn't there!" Jazz shouted and fought against her superior officers.

Caro yelled at the medical team. "Get over here. We gotta get her to sickbay now." The camera crew had caught up and the last thing anyone needed would be to have Lorraine's total meltdown on film.

The medics wheeled the cot up close and Vic heaved Jazz's upper body up onto the surface. Caro followed, holding her legs until they got her torso strapped to the mattress.

She nodded to Vic. "Check her pocket. Whatever this is, it's not natural."

He flipped up the scratchy opening and fished out a bottle. "Stims. God damn stims."

Caro sighed and worked her way around the cot to block the view of the camera crew. "This is not good."

Vic glanced over at the team filming everything and lowered his voice. "No. It's not. From the looks of this bottle, she's been taking these for a while." He groaned and Caro looked up to see Monique sauntering towards them, a huge smile on her face.

"Well, well, well. A little mishap on the landing from what I hear. Care to comment?"

Caro spun around and marched toward the reporter. "No. Get your crew out of here. We've got an injured pilot and she doesn't need this."

Monique craned her neck, trying to see past Caro. "Looks like she's okay, except for that nasty scrape." She made a move to get closer, wanting to ask questions.

Caro blocked her. "I said get back."

Monique huffed out an angry breath. "We're allowed on the hangar deck. You can't stop me." The medics secured the cot and started to move away.

Caro seethed. "I can if it's gonna negatively impact my pilot." The lead camera guy tried to move in for a close up reaction shot while they wheeled Jazz to sickbay. "Get that god damned camera out of my face." She balled up her fist and drew her arm back, ready to punch the guy in the gut.

Vic interceded. "Ms. Presley. They're taking Lieutenant Jazinski to sickbay. There's nothing more for you here." He gave Caro a look and she lowered her arm.

Presley jerked her head, indicating the crew should follow the med team. "Major Albright, I will interview your lieutenant. You can't stop me."

Tired of hearing that phrase, Caro let loose. "Listen, you raving bitch—" She grabbed the other woman's arm ready to forcefully haul her out.

"Caro!" Vic's voice cut through the rage. "Captain Williams. That's enough." He jerked her away from Monique. "Ms. Presley, you're welcome to see if Doctor Lohan will allow an interview." He nudged Caro toward the bent bird. "Go. Get started on the after action report."

Caro sneered in the other woman's direction but followed the order.

Monique gave Vic a rueful smile. "She's a bit hot-headed."

Caro grabbed some deck gear and pulled out a clipboard, keeping her gaze on Vic.

He flicked his eyes toward her but shrugged. "She thinks you're a menace." His gaze slid back to Monique. "And she's concerned about her pilot."

Monique inclined her head, acknowledging his point. "And you?" She trailed her manicured fingertips down his arm. "What do you think I am?"

Vic's face went flat. "Too smart to make more out of this than you should." He turned away from her. "Have a nice day, Ms. Presley."    

Caro bit back a grin. Way to go, Vic. The skill he had to shut people down with little more than a dozen words never failed to amaze her.

And the sour scowl Miss Hell in Heels sent toward Vic's retreating back made Caro's entire day.

Score one for the good guys.

This one is getting close to being finished. I have a few more scenes to nail down and get down on paper. I'm having a lot of fun with this couple.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Differences Settled

Yeesh, it's practically winter again. We had a bit of sun, rain, and snow today. Crazy. But I got to meet up with my two high school best friends for our last excursion before we hang back and wait to see what the global pandemic ends up doing.

Had a lighter than normal work week and got some cleaning done. I had some decent viewing also. Started out with finishing up the second episode of Strike Back. It ended up being a darned terrific episode. I have a nasty feeling how the series will end. Anytime a blood feud is mentioned … just saying.

I caught several episodes of Danger Man, putting me about halfway through the first season. Really like this show.

Watched an episode of Arrow and thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Russia. Also loved how John brought Roy back into the fold. I should be getting close to the big crossover event.

Got the Halloween episode of Riverdale in. Gotta say the whole Jason thing really creeps me out. Mr. Honey also creeps me out. I'm a Reggie fan even though he can be something of a douche canoe. I loved the Archie and Veronica storylines. But the best probably had to be the Betty and Jughead bits. Stonewall or whatever the hell the name of the prep school is has some dark twisty people. And, of course, Betty's ordeal with the prank phone calls ended up being well done. I'm not sure what the hell Charles is up to but here's hoping it's not something truly crappy. The little end caps with the flash forwards keep me intrigued.

Also watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. Loved the clip-show angle and revisiting the Meyer / Clegg rivalry. I had a true suspicion Clegg wasn't actually dead. That said, I'm not sure I like the fact he's not. Just saying.

Started a new series for me … The Heart Guy. I'm giving it a test run to see if it's what I want to dive into now that I've reached the end of Midsomer Murders for now.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Differences Settled, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Regan Tiedt and Finn O'Kellen are transferred to a new ship under difficult circumstances and find they have to settle quite a few differences with their new crew mates … and their commanding officer.

And a sneaky peek…

Regan stuck the last of her personal possessions in her rucksack. "Are you okay with this whole setup?" Getting close to Finn or pretending to his lover wouldn't be hard … but she had some reservations.

Finn quirked a brow. "Which part? The admiralty trying to cover its ass for making a potentially bad decision? Or the part where we've got a rubber-stamped pass to fuck up as much as we want?" His attempt at humor fell a little flat because both worked hard to be the best.

Regan pulled the drawstring taut. "Neither. I'm talking about the me-and-you thing." She cared for him and counted on his friendship.

And if they became more one day … well, she probably wouldn't fight against it all that hard.

Finn paused in his packing. "You're concerned?" He turned to face her, giving his full attention.

She shrugged. "The mission could affect our friendship. Not that it would be hard to playact with you." Might be a little too easy, in fact.

Finn's lips twitched. "So … it won't be a problem to be, um, affectionate toward me?" His eyebrows waggled.

Regan laughed. "Not showing it, no. Won't be difficult at all." She sobered. "But I could easily fall for you and that would beg trouble once the operation is over." Lots of trouble.

Finn's head dipped a little. "Because when we get back the frat regs would be applied again." At least she didn't have to spell it out for him.

Regan nodded. "If I'm being honest, yes. It'll be hard to go backward if we start something. At least for me it would be." And she'd bet her next pay grade he'd feel the same.

Finn confirmed her thought. "Look, it's the same for me. Getting involved with you wouldn't be a hardship, and I agree trying to fit back inside a predefined box would be more than a little hard, but let's see what happens." He put his hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "And always be open about what we feel, okay?" His eyebrows rose in question.

Regan agreed. "Yeah, definitely." Sound reasoning and easy enough to do.

So … why did she have such an itchy feeling of uncertainty?

With things being a little uncertain with regards to the pandemic, here's hoping I can get some solid writing done. I loved revisiting Regan and Finn's story.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Day in the Life (Shyler: Finding Home companion read)

What a weird weather week. Of course, it's March in Ohio so not exactly uncommon. We had beautiful spring-like temperatures at the beginning of the week and by Thursday it got chilly again. A little bit of snowy flakes and brrr! degrees outside.

Finished up a big project and another one on the smaller side and also started a new one. Needless to say, I didn't get a lot of television in this week.

I watched the last Midsomer Murders that's currently available. I rather hope they do another season. I love this show.

I also caught another series one episode of Peak Practice. I'm enjoying this series quite a lot.

I started the eleventh series of Classic Who and loved the introduction of Sarah Jane. I'm so sad Elisabeth isn't with us anymore. She made Sarah Jane such a great character.

I've watched about eight more episodes of Danger Man. John Drake is definitely a pre-Bond character study. The first season is a lot of fun so far.

Caught two more episodes of Gargoyles. The second season is quite a mish-mash. Not to say it's not good but a lot is going on.

Started the second episode of Strike Back's final season. This show. I'm going to miss it when it's gone.

Hmm. Maybe I watched more television than I thought. But that's it for this week. Tonight's post is from Day in the Life, a companion read to Furlough 99's Finding Home told from the droid's point of view.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Alphie is a kick ass droid who assists Inspector Shyler Lumen. He's also not afraid to offer unwarranted advice.

And a sneaky peek…

Alphie made himself as unobtrusive as possible, but listened in with a keen ear.

"Do you have rooms reserved?"

Marshton Gray certainly cut to the chase. And he'd caught their inspector off guard.

"Wasn't sure what I'd run into once I got here." Shyler took a long swallow of her CaffCola. "I was assured a single room wouldn't be an issue." Her eyes narrowed in thought. "I didn't expect to get tangled up with you, but I doubt it'll be a problem."

She couldn't be more wrong. Marshton could and would be a problem for Alphie's prickly inspector.

The galactic mogul didn't understand either. "What won't?"

Shyler crumpled up the crisp tray. "You staying with me in a single unit." Her eyes scanned the area until they landed on the trash bin. "I'll go find a porter and book it now." Hopping up, she tossed the refuse then turned and waited for him.

Alphie readied himself to be of assistance. Shyler got as far as swiping her card before Gray intervened with an alternative suggestion. Apparently a single occupancy unit wouldn't work for him. 

And why should it. The man had an entire suite in the luxe quadrant. Alphie wondered if he'd actually convince Inspector Sweetie to share the space with him.

"May I offer a suggestion? An alternative choice?"

Shyler frowned. "To what?"

Alphie had to applaud Marsh's brutal honesty. "Extremely cramped and uncomfortable accommodations."

Shyler raised her eyebrows. "What's wrong? Can't deal?"

Oh ho. Inspector Sweetie scored a point for that one. Gray needed a moment before he could speak.

He blew out a calming breath. "Why should I have to? I've got a suite of rooms in the luxe quadrant." She opened her mouth to blast him but he forestalled her. "I said rooms. You can have your own and not even have to see me." He added on for good measure. "Or hear me for that matter."

Shyler shot back. "Do you snore or something?"

The corners of his mouth turned up. "Not that I've been told."

An odd light crept into her eyes and Marsh gave her a considering look. Alphie decided Miss Sweetie might not be as immune to Mr. Galactic Mogul as she claimed.

Interesting.

Honestly? Writing the story of Shyler and Marsh from Alphie's perspective is so much fun. This one will eventually be a free read once I get the final touches added.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dance with Destiny

March 1, 2020

Well … the beginning of my birthday week is off to a chilly start. The good news is the temps are supposed to warm up this week, which is kind of nice. I could use a little mild weather to improve my mood. The other good news is our new roof did indeed fix the leak situation. We had several days of icy rain and no drips!

Busy week on the work front again. I like having multiple projects but a particularly brutal edit made for a long seven days. I'm looking forward to the new week.

Light viewing schedule for television. I needed to focus on work in a big way. I finished up the premiere episode of Strike Back and, okay, Coltrane's attitude improved. Hmm. Maybe not improved, but at least I get why he's kind of off the rails. A terrific episode overall.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles and I think I missed both in the original run. I enjoyed viewing the new-to-me ones.

Caught another episode of Arrow and thoroughly enjoyed the somewhat insane mix of past and present in the aptly titled "Present Tense" episode. I'm looking forward to a return to Russia in the next one.

Watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and quite liked revisiting an old nemesis of William's, especially since he's been somewhat converted into an ally. I also loved the intrigue of having Brackenreid's daughter meet his wife.

Stared an episode of Riverdale and got sidetracked with work. I'm hoping to finish up soon and maybe see the end of the farmies once and for all. Fingers crossed.

Other than the above, I caught an airing of Grease 2, which is actually one of my all-time favorite movies. I even like it better than the original. I also did a marathon of mystery movies on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.

That's pretty much it for television. Tonight's post is from Dance with Destiny, book two in a trilogy I'm currently calling the Destiny series. An actual title will hopefully be forthcoming.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A prophecy discovered leads to a dance with destiny. Quillan and Jeb have to find their way back to each other and might just tempt fate to do it.

And a sneaky peek…

Jeb Paldino jolted awake. "What the hell?" Memories assailed him.

Victor's setup of Quillan. Ashford's betrayal. And everyone thinks I'm dead because of it.

He groaned. "Including Quillan." He didn't know how he had the knowledge, but she'd made it back to the fleet.

A barrage of images flooded his mind. Quick snatches showing how Quillan escaped, of Ty loading Jeb on the transport, how Quill sat in an isolation chamber with fluids being pumped into her, and how he, apparently, ended up in his current location. Shaking his head, Jeb fought a wave of nausea trying to climb up his throat. For whatever odd reason, he didn't question the information pinging in his brain.

And he believed the depiction of events.

Exhaling slowly, he swung his gaze around the space. "Not much on decoration." Plain gray walls, no windows, and the distinct lack of an engine's hum. "I'm not on a ship." He had no clue whether that even mattered.

He tried to stand but a sharp, stabbing throb pounded at his temples. "Okay, not ready for that yet." But he didn't want to recline either.

The lack of restraints indicated his captors didn't worry about him escaping. Which probably meant he couldn't, or if he did, he'd have nowhere to go. A gentle wash of a large stone structure surrounded by dense forests on all sides sifted through his mind.

 Again, a mild roiling of his stomach hit when the image faded. "Yeah, yeah, I get the message." He'd love to know how the weird form of communication happened.

For now, he'd play the waiting game. And think.

Because a traitor held one of the top ranks in the military and Jeb had to get his head wrapped around how to deal with the knowledge. After that, he could figure out where the hell he'd been taken and how to get back to the fleet.

Because he would get home. He had a future with Quillan he wanted to start living.

I truly love where this story is going and the sages are feeding me info on the third book also. My goal is to finish all three before releasing anything, mainly so I don't lose the intricacies of the plot points.

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

ML Skye