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