Sunday Snippet: Explosive Situation

I'm a little surprised May is at an end and I shouldn't be. Then again, I spent the entire week getting days mixed up so there's that.

Pretty decent week of television viewing. I started out by finishing the Roswell, New Mexico episode and, frankly, loved it. I like that Maria didn't let Liz off the hook. I'm so glad she knows what's going on now. I also hope she gets over the betrayal and becomes an ally for the alien side. I'm very cautious about Cameron's appearance. Something tells me she's going to be doing a lot of backstabbing but for a good reason. I don't for a moment believe Jesse is as bad off as he makes out to be and we'll be seeing his evil ways rear their ugly heads again. And, finally, Isabel. What a terrific episode for her. I enjoyed the way her connection to Max was explored and explained. I'll look forward to more of this type of storyline for her.

On a fun note, I got to watch my daughter's graduation via YouTube. I can honestly say it was rather nice to sit in a cool house to see her get her diploma rather than sitting in a hot stadium. The circumstances might not have been ideal, but the school put a ton of effort into making the graduation special and I appreciate their work.

I started an episode of The Heart Guy and, well, didn't finish it. The show isn't grabbing me the way I'd hoped. I'll probably come back to it later.

Also caught another episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. For a show that's well over twenty years old, some of the storylines are very relevant to today's circumstances.

Caught the beginning arc of the fourth doctor on Classic Who. Four has a long, long run for the show and I'm excited to get started on his tenure.

Watched one episode of Gargoyles and it's another one I didn't remember from my initial viewing. Pretty decent episode with some cat and mouse maneuvers.

Was able to get in another episode of Strike Back and quite enjoyed it. The team now knows what's going on with the blood vendetta and I'm excited for the final three episodes. Can't wait to see how the series ends. The declassified behind the scenes also ended up being really enjoyable.

Caught another episode of The Witcher and I'm getting sucked deeper into the mythology of the show. I thoroughly enjoyed all three storylines, two of which converged together in this episode. I'm interested to see what happens next.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. I'll be starting a new Passionflix movie sometime later tonight and look forward to seeing the first part of Gabriel's Inferno.

Tonight's post is from Explosive Situation, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hadley and Tab are the go-to people for explosive situations. They work in tandem and haven't lost anyone, or each other, yet. When Tab gets caught in the crossfire on their latest mission, Hadley digs deep to save him and finally faces her feelings.

And a sneaky peek…

Tab settled against the pillows in his berth. "Wonder what crawled inside Hadley's head earlier?" She'd gone a little pensive on him.

Grabbing a book from his shelf, he flipped it open to the page marker. After reading the same page three times, he put the tome away and folded his hands behind his head. The whole situation with Hack took up the ready space in Tab's mind.

He'd meant it when he said he'd make a career change, but he'd start with a transfer. "And I'd ask to stay with Hadley if I did." Of course, he didn't speak that part out loud. "Because it should be a known fact." They had a good rapport, worked well together, and their teammates from other units meshed with them with little acrimony.

So not the case with Aldus's four-man crew.

Tab snorted. "Then again, Hack struts around like he owns the world and expects recompense for gracing it with his presence." Seniority didn't equate to being a good leader.

Tab tried to give the man the respect due to a senior member of the negotiating team. Hacksure had fifteen years in when Tab came up the ranks and started in the unit. Fresh out of training, Tab hoped to learn and hone his negotiating tactics from Aldus.

Tab rolled his eyes. "Instead, Had and I got an up-close and personal view of how to not do shit." And Aldus didn't like how much their team got called in for sensitive situations. "Maybe if he didn't always revert to blazing guns and head bashing, his team would be the go-to instead of the last resort."

Tab got how much of an ego blow it would be to have a young team come in and usurp the honors and accolades. Then again, Aldus did nothing to change the status quo. He fully expected to have the plum assignments simply because he'd been on the job the longest.

And because he cultivated powerful friendships.

Tab frowned. "I swear those relationships are the only reason Hack is still around." Anyone else would have been shuffled to another department or a remote quadrant of the galaxy that didn't require much in the way of negotiations. But Hack's friends in high places kept him in the thick of things.

A niggle of concern for Hadley settled between Tab's shoulders. "Maybe that's why she went a little quiet earlier." She'd be looking in shadows for the unexpected for a while.

Unless Tab had spooked her with his ready and willing comment.

He shook his head. "Nah. I think we're pretty clear it's a when not if thing. It'll happen when it's supposed to." And neither would let a personal thing get between them and their work.

Settling down, he punched his pillow and turned off the lamp. "I'll catch her tomorrow and make sure she knows I've got her back with old Hack."

 

I like writing Hadley and Tab. They have a great rapport and I always enjoy kind of letting readers in on the fact a couple have been dancing around their attraction for a long time.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Excelling Anger

Another crazy weather week in Ohio. Warm, chilly, cold, hot. Seriously, I'm not putting anything seasonal away this year … just in case.

Not a bad week of television viewing. I'm almost finished with the Blue Heelers episode I started last week. I like this one. It's got some twisty turns in it.

Watched the Thanksgiving episode of Riverdale and got just a wee bit misty-eyed by the end. Anything to do with Fred and his presence on the show makes me happy though. The dinner from hell Cheryl and company hosted will go down as the most creeptastic but ultimately hysterical I've ever watched on television. Betty and Jughead's Charlie Brown Thanksgiving entertained me even if the cat and mouse with Brett and Donna didn't really shed much light on the situation at the prep school. I spent another episode wishing for Hiram to join Cheryl's family in whatever circle of hell will provide the most torture. I seriously hate the character. Time will tell if I can stomach next season with him in it or not. Chances are … not. Which is unfortunate.

Caught three more episodes of Danger Man. I needed a good background noise show and this one works well. I had several graphic images I needed to work on and it's nice to take a small break when needed and watch the action.

Started an episode of Roswell, New Mexico. This is a show where I enjoy the cat and mouse going on. I'm to the point where Maria discovered Rosa and thinks she's completely lost her mind. Really happy to see Cameron back and I hope she's not going to be some kind of double agent working the alien camp for intel to give to Papa Main. I'll be a little pissed if that's the case. Alex might have bitten off more than he can chew regarding his dad. I'll get more into my thoughts on Isabel next week. I kind of miss Kyle and hope he makes an appearance or has screen time in the next episode.

I also began something a little new but also very old. Listening to soundtracks while I work. Bear McCreary's music is awesome to have playing while writing or editing. I blew through the second and third season soundtracks for Battlestar Galactica this week.

Last, but not least, I finished up the Strike Back episode from last week. I had a feeling while writing my reaction in the last post of what would come but didn't want to dive too deeply into it because it hadn't happened yet. Yes, I'm being cryptic but I don't want to spoil anyone … and maybe I'm not quite ready to face the reality of being one character down. All I can say is stellar acting by every single character. Seriously.

The Strike Back: Declassified episode ended up being funny and poignant. Getting the reactions from the actors and hearing how they prepared ended up being a soothing balm after the gut-wrenching episode. Kudos to shows who do the behind the scenes interviews. I really miss that with Roswell, New Mexico this season.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Fallon and Rook are pilots who excel at many things, but they've turned being angry with each other into a fine art. When they have to confront their issues, they rediscover how working together can have excellent results.

And a sneaky peek…

Rook shut his duty locker but didn't turn around. "Wondered how long it would take for you to pop up." Arms slid around his torso and he grinned.

Fallon gave him a tight hug and backed away. "A heads-up would've been nice." She tilted her head to one side when he faced her. "Your hands don't look injured. You can't call? Or send a back-channel message?" Her teasing tone eased the pinch of guilt he'd had.

He'd been ordered not to let her, or anyone else, know prior to the official notification.

Rook rolled a shoulder. "Where's the fun in that? Thought you liked surprises." She did when they'd served together before … especially when he got off shift and crawled into her rack.

Fallon glanced away. "Surprises aren't really a thing on Gamner's ship." She frowned but brightened immediately. "But seeing you is definitely great." Her arm swung out. "Nice new digs befitting your new role. Lots of space to move around." The newer ship gave the CAG single quarters.

Rook cracked a smile. "Lots of privacy too." He moved forward, grasping her hip with one hand. "Changes the dynamic a bit, yeah?" Their standing arrangement usually didn't afford actual alone time.

Fallon's lips curved in a wide smile. "Is that an invitation for me to give you a proper welcome later?" Her hands slid up his chest to wrap around his neck.

Rook dipped his head. "Proper welcomes are important, don't you think?"

Fallon tipped her chin up. "Absolutely. As are previews for the coming attraction." Her mouth ghosted along his jawline before meeting his lips.

Rook savored the contact. No one kissed the way Fallon did. She drove him crazy on a regular basis, but this … they always got the physical side of their relationship right.

And he'd never have another person like Fallon in his life. Someone he'd grown up with, who knew him as well as he knew her. A blessing and a curse but nothing he'd change.

Fallon ended the embrace. "Whew. Been a while. I'd almost forgotten what locking lips with you can do to a person." She fanned her face.

Rook pulled her flush against him. "I can say the same." The evidence of what their kiss did to him nudged against her belly. "I've missed you, Fallon."

She cupped his face and eased away. "Me too." Turning she headed for the hatch. "So … later? After midevening watch?" Her eyebrow quirked upward.

Rook nodded. "Sounds perfect. Until then."

She gave a jaunty salute and exited his quarters.

Rook grinned but sobered quickly. He didn't expect smooth sailing with this transfer. Tonight might be the only night they had before they landed on opposite sides.

Nothing unusual for them and maybe he'd be proven wrong just this once.

I'm excited about where this story is headed. I have the broad strokes mapped out and most of the details nailed down. Now for about five more hours in a day to really focus and write.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Everyone Has a Skill

Well … my youngest is pretty much officially a graduated senior. She got to walk outside—the weather cooperated—and received her diploma in a socially careful ceremony. The entire thing will be shown next week on the scheduled night of commencement. I'm scared and excited for her future. Times are weird, what else can I say?

Semi-decent week of television viewing. Still haven't finished up the third episode of Picard but hope to get to it this week.

Caught an episode of Gargoyles and remembered this one. I like it when they dive into the mythology of the show.

Watched four episodes of Danger Man. I'm enjoying the longer format of the second season. I also really like the black and white episodes. I think the show moves to color in the next season.

Caught another episode of The Witcher. I love this show! The fluid timeline can be a little confusing but I'm staying pretty clear on what's going on. Based on what I've read, by the end of the season, the timelines converge. Here's hoping that's actually the case.

Finally watched the season finale of Murdoch Mysteries. I'll honestly say I'm pleasantly surprised by the way everything unfolded. Not sure I'm keen on Violet getting a second chance but I'll see how things go. I do believe the moral quandary of not always being able to go by the book comes through in a terrific way. It's also quite nice to see William understand things can't always be firmly put into one column or the other. I so love this show!

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers but didn't get very far before I had to pause. I'll try to finish it up this week.

Also in the middle of a Strike Back episode. Quite happy with how they've moved the timeline forward but we still get to see what happened to Mac play out. That was a massive cliffhanger at the end of the previous episode.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Everyone Has a Skill, a bonus scene featuring the characters from All Jacked Up.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A bonus scene where our heroes are trapped behind enemy lines and only one paid good attention during survival training. The other had more fun memorizing the armory's weapon selection.

And a sneaky peek…

"I'm not leaving you, dumbass." Lita North crouched behind the overturned vehicle and laid down some covering fire. "Get the fuck out from under that rack and get moving. I'll be right behind you." She emptied her clip and reloaded.

Oliver Tulver growled and grasped onto one of the rungs on the back of the Humvee. "Dammit, Lita. Our window for exit will close soon. We'll be stuck behind the line." He grunted and hefted himself out from under the twisted mass of meshed steel.

Lita moved back to his side. "Yeah, well, no one expected an ambush for this operation. We're supposed to be under a truce." Hooking her arm under his shoulder, she helped drag him clear of the rubble.

The shooting stopped and Ollie's gaze scanned their surroundings.

Lita took the opportunity to scrounge through the scattered supplies. She grabbed a first aid kit, several boxes of ammo, and two backpacks. Carrying them to Ollie's location, she dumped the items then went back for more.

Ollie started filling the cases. "You should've left me." He flinched when she tossed a radio unit at him.

She sent him a scathing look. "Well, I didn't. Get over it." She pointed to her left. "Safe zone got moved. We've got five clicks east and another ten north to get back on our side. Make yourself useful and try to get a message out before they jam the signal." Grabbing more supplies, she clenched her teeth to keep from blasting him more.

She stomped back to Ollie and dumped the rest of the equipment at his side. "Give me your leg. Let's see if you need a quick triage." She snagged his boot and shoved his pant leg up.

An angry red gash covered three inches of his shin and the surrounding muscles swelled with a contusion. She flushed the wound with some water then doused it with antiseptic. The sharp hiss from Ollie filled her with perverse satisfaction. Served him right for being a dick about her staying behind.

She wrapped the wound with a pressure bandage to keep it from bleeding then stood up and helped him finish packing up the backpacks. He maintained stony silence and Lita let him brood. He had to suck it up and get with the program but he didn't have to like it.

Gonna be super chilly at night with no fire and a cold man to deal with.

Yeah, well, better a pissed-off Ollie than a dead one.

Grabbing one of the packs, she slid the straps over her shoulders. "You gonna be able to carry one and keep your weapon handy?" She tucked the radio into a side flap, not that it would do them much good.

Ollie got to his feet, wincing when he put weight on his injured leg. "I'll manage." He hefted the backpack up and unholstered his sidearm.

After giving her an inscrutable look, he headed east, shoulders squared with rigid tension. Not even the limp ruined his perfectly executed, nonverbal fuck you.

Lita sighed and fell in behind him. "And he thinks I'm a pain in the ass."

I like this duo. They're fun to write because neither is afraid to call the other one out. Or do what's for the other even if it lands them up shit's creek.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Every Last Drop

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I'm having a low-key day, which is kind of nice. The past week has been crazy with weird weather—we had snow yesterday … in May—and a lot of uncertainty about how safe it is to start getting back out there and mixing with people.

Had a semi-decent week of television viewing. I'm finally caught up on the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover and, yeah, I'll save my thoughts on it for last.

Otherwise, I caught a few more episodes of Danger Man. Again, these were two I don't remember in my first run through of the episodes. I really love this classic.

Speaking of classics. I finished up the third doctor's run in Classic Who. I thoroughly enjoyed Jon Pertwee's portrayal. Up next, is the fourth doctor and I'm ready to dive in.

Caught another episode of The Heart Guy and liked it. I have to say it's kind of odd how much I like Hugh because he really is a bit of a dick. But there's a good heart, pardon the pun, under his arrogance and immaturity. I actually had a moment of intense dislike for his boss when she spent the money he cajoled out of Nathan for an MRI on regular supplies. The jury is still out on that situation. I think it was a major smack and her level of smugness irritates me on the regular. Then again, she's dealing Hugh so there's that. My last thought on the show for this week is really hoping the sister-in-law doesn't do anything stupid like hook up with Hugh again. I don't hold out much hope because that's a hard trope to ignore and the messy fallout is hard to resist.

Also caught the opener of season two Peak Practice. I kind of like where Will is right now. I'm a little weirded out by the whole trying to pray a daughter's asthma away plot line but overall a good episode.

I got to watch another Cirque du Soliel performance with Zed. This one ended up being the whole show from start to finish and, wow, what a show. I'm going to try to catch it again later this week. There's always so much going on I miss stuff.

Started episode three of Picard but CBS All Access is crap for streaming at my house. I have no idea why, but I literally struggle to get episodes watched. Very frustrating.

Last but not least … Crises on Infinite Earths. I give the whole thing a ten out of ten. Backtracking a little, losing Oliver in the opening episode? Bold choice. I can honestly say, I loved everything about the Supergirl portion of the crossover even if it broke my brain.

Following up with Batwoman, what a kick-ass episode. I loved the additional cameos and throwbacks and mash-ups. Having Kevin Conroy as a live-action Batman, albeit a broken one, rocked. Anyone who's a huge fan (um … definitely me) of Batman the Animated Series should have enjoyed the voice actor in this role. I liked the bonding Kate and Kara did too.

Moving on to The Flash, again, thoroughly enjoyed the episode even if, by this point, I decided to have a full box of tissues next to me. I think because I knew what to expect everything hit harder emotionally. I loved the way they brought the Black Lightning 'verse into the fold; a solid choice with Barry and Jefferson bonding over shared circumstances.

The Arrow episode almost did me in. I won't lie. I spent most of it in tears. And they were actually good tears even if I ended up ugly crying for a lot of it. Part of the reason is because Arrow is the first, the show that launched it all and the one I've followed from the very beginning to the very end. I've caught the others, watched a good bit of The Flash and Legends, a little of Supergirl and a smattering of Batwoman, but Arrow is my Arrowverse show. I'm truly, completely in awe of Stephen's performance not only in the crossover but also over the eighth season so far. There's a lot of nuance to his acting and I'm impressed.

The falling action in Legends of Tomorrow didn't stop the flow of tears but the much needed lightness interspersed with the final battle ended up being a good mix. By the time they held the memorial I was literally laughing while sobbing. Not a good look for me but for the crossover an excellent ending. Seeds have been planted and it'll be fun to see how everything shakes out. I'm actually excited by the Earth Prime concept and I loved the voiceover from Oliver kind of laying the groundwork. By the time Barry unveiled the table and with it the hint of a Justice League story I was raring and ready for another crossover. Even if it'll be super weird without Oliver.

So … those are my random thoughts on what ended up being an emotional week of television viewing.

Tonight's post is from Every Last Drop, a bonus read featuring Effy and Jonah from Unlawful Acts.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A bonus scene where the last cup of coffee can make or break someone's day … depending on who gets to it first.

And a sneaky peek…

Effy exited the tiny bathroom—the type found in airplanes—and settled back down in her seat.

Jonah smirked. "Coffee goes right through you." He adjusted the camera angle on the second monitor.

Effy rolled her eyes. "Never been so glad not to have to leave the van to answer the call of nature." The recording unit kicked on and she picked up headphones, but placed them back on the small counter. "They're bitching about their takeout order."

Jonah noted the time in the logbook then turned to face Effy. "So … you're saying it was a good idea to hold out until the commissioner agreed to adding the head, right?" He'd gone to the mat to have the extra feature outfitted on their new mobile observation unit.

Effy shrugged. "Sure, it gives you some extra points." Her shoulders slumped. "Actually, having the shower included really bags you the bonus score. That's a nice bit of icing on the cake." Kicking back, she reached into her duffel and pulled out a deck of cards.

Jonah narrowed his gaze. "Should I be insulted?" Up until now, they'd been keeping up a steady stream of conversation.

Effy waggled her eyebrows. "Nope. Thought we might make things a little more lively." She nodded toward the empty thermos. "We should keep the full one in reserve or we'll both be ready for a nap before our shift ends." Shuffling the cards, she stacked them on the empty space between them. "What do you say? High card strip?" Her finger tapped the top of the deck.

Jonah hedged. "I say we've been really lucky. So far, no one is wise to our extracurricular activities … yet." He glanced at the cards, weighing the odds they wouldn't get caught in a compromising position … because their game wouldn't stop at taking clothes off. "We'll run a heavy risk if we engage at work." Again … the first time they hooked up had been in the locker room at the precinct.

Effy nodded. "You make a good point, but let me counter with this…" She turned over a two of clubs and placed it in front of him. "We've got proximity sensors around the van and outside the entrances of the townhouse…" She flipped another card over—a king of hearts—and shook her head. "We'll get an alert if anyone shows up outside here or at the residence." Her fingers edged the fabric of her T-shirt upward. "What do you say now?"

Jonah's lips curved in a wide smile. "I think unlawful acts are becoming the norm for us." He motioned with his hand for her to shed her shirt.

Effy grinned and yanked it over her head. "Thought you might get with the program." She dropped the garment on the floor and snagged another card.

The ace of spades.

Looked like he'd be losing an item of clothing this time…

I have a lot of fun writing bonus scenes. Sometimes revisiting characters at a different point in their relationship can be a nice little window into their status.

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

ML Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Event Horizon

Well, May is starting out fairly chilly and gloomy in my part of the country. It's been quite a while since we've had true spring weather and we're definitely getting it so far. I'm hoping it doesn't rain on the weekend my youngest gets to have her drive-up graduation. We're still not risking anyone's health by having a full-blown commencement ceremony.

Slower than usual week in television. I finally got to finish Picard and Strike Back; also got Strike Back Declassified in. I love those behind the scenes moments and interviews.

Finished up a four-part arc on Gargoyles, watching the last two episodes this week. It's weird how the voice actors are enemies on this show and their characters are allies on Star Trek TNG.

Watched another episode of The Witcher. This show has me very intrigued. Definitely glad there will be another season. At least I think there will be.

Caught several episodes of Danger Man, most being ones I didn't remember. I might have to rewatch The Prisoner when I'm done with this series.

Watched the first episode of Crisis on Infinite Earths with the Supergirl episode. I'll do more this week but I needed a moment to wrap my head around this one. I loved the cameo appearances and look forward to more of those but I'm already crushed by the events in this opening episode. Good stuff. That's all I'm saying.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Casey meets Oliver on a transport flight to celebrate his dad's retirement. They hit it off, but Casey has a big secret … she's the reason Oliver's brother didn't pass the flight test and she doesn't want the old man to find out.

And a sneaky peek…

Casey Black got her bearings and looked for the closest mess hall to her departing hub. "At least this stop is on a military station. Took me forever to find the food station at the civilian outpost." She started down the corridor to concourse eight.

Fingering the envelope in her hand, she pondered the reason she'd received an invite to Orin Stephas's retirement gala. Why would he want me there? The few interactions she'd had with the senior military officer had been taut with tension but also interesting. She'd give her dad kudos for teaching her to stand her ground at an early age.

Her lips quirked. "Bet the elder Stephas didn't count on that." Why would he?

Her lowly flight instructor status wouldn't faze a commander of a warship. Throw in his legendary escapades as a pilot and she probably ranked way down on the man's radar. But Casey rarely let anyone else's skill or rank intimidate her, not when she ran the class and held the responsibility of her students' life in her hands.

Orin Stephas could bluster and blow as much frothing smoke as he wanted. She listened to and respected his opinion then did what she thought best. Even if it meant his younger boy wouldn't wear the wings of a pilot.

Casey's step faltered a little. What if he'd dug a little deeper into his younger son's grades? Orwen struggled during flight school and she'd—

No. She wouldn't think too much about her choice there. She'd stand by the way she handled the situation. It ultimately worked out best for Orwen. For her … there could be repercussions.

Lost in thought, when a hand landed on her shoulder, she jumped. A foreign reaction for her. She usually took pride in being alert and ready for anything.

She turned, ready to throw down, but met a familiar gaze. A much younger version of the elder Stephas, but too chiseled and mature to be the youngest. Must be the only Stephas she hadn't yet met.

Quirking a brow, she tilted her head. "Let me guess, Oliver Stephas?"

I really enjoy playing with family dynamics. Oliver and Casey get to navigate some interesting moments with his dad and brother.

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

ML Skye