Sunday Snippet: Follow Me (Scorched Galaxy book one)

I seriously can't believe I'll be moving my daughter into her dorm in three weeks. It's coming up fast! She's very excited and I think I have almost everything she needs to be prepared for the daily masking, temperature taking, and hand sanitizing she's going to have to do.

On a super-positive note, I found an app that will let me not only brainstorm but will translate the long-form handwritten brainstorming I've done into text! This is true game changer for me. I'm so, so, so excited.

Had a semi-slow week for watching shows. I made some serious progress on getting my office cleared and organized. I'm almost ready to add a bookcase or two. I've been a little light on work projects so this is a terrific time to get the tedious sort, sort, sorting accomplished.

I did get to watch another episode of Peak Practice. I'm about midway through the second season and I have a sneaking suspicion someone will be leaving at the end of this one.

Also rewatched the second episode of Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. I truly love this spinoff.

Caught "The Sontaren Experiment" episodes of Classic Who. It's a lot of fun to visit Sarah Jane way back when. I miss Elisabeth a lot.

Watched episode four of Picard. I'm trying to figure out what the captain's deal is. All of his holographs are versions of himself? I kind of love it but also really wonder about it.

Got a few more episodes of Danger Man in, both ones I didn't remember. I thoroughly enjoyed each.

Also watched another compilation of Cirque du Soleil shows. I honestly can't fathom how the performers do what they do. I'm always, always amazed at their ability. And the costumers and makeup artists along with the musicians pull everything together. It's mind-blowing.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Follow Me, an epic space saga with two sequels and a bonus short-form prequel.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A 'will they' or 'won't they' wager spurs Molly and Sloan to see how long they 'can' without getting caught.

And a sneaky peek…

Sloan sat down, crossing an ankle over his knee to put the lost sock on his foot. "I don't know about the clothes, Moll, but I do know we're down to three minutes to get out of here." He scanned the room looking for his shoes and fought the urge to just walk out without them. "I also know I do not want to be here when the commander returns." Molly picked her pants up and thank you divine entity, Sloan found his shoes. Damn good thing because he didn't look forward to coming back at 0500 without them.

He didn't look forward to coming back at 0500, period.

Sloan looked up to find Molly gazing at him, one leg in the pants, the other poised to enter. "Commander, huh." She shook her head, slid her leg in and pulled the material up over her hips. "Sloan … he's your father."

Like he needed the DNA update. "Exactly. My father … who just walked in on his son having mind-blowing sex with someone he considers a surrogate daughter." Shit. Did he really say mind-blowing sex out loud? Sloan grimaced and risked a glance at Molly. He could tell she wanted to laugh. She bit her lip to hold it back.

Heaving a sigh, he finished tying his shoes. "And you wonder why I have to think of him as the commander right now?" He rose and pulled on his shirt. Maybe she'd let the whole mind-blowing sex thing slide.

Molly sobered then nodded. "Right." She tilted her head, a questioning look on her face. "What was that about the sex?" She sat, sliding on her socks but cocked an eyebrow.

"Molly … we have like two minutes to get out of here…" Sloan smiled ruefully, knowing she'd grill him about it later. "Let's continue this train of thought after we find someplace quiet while we wait to report back." Dammit … he should have known she'd zero in on the sex thing.

He chalked his blunder up to trying to shake the creepy feeling of getting caught in post-coital bliss by his dad. Sloan didn't think he'd been as embarrassed since his father had walked in on him that time … he stopped the thought. No use going there right now. He'd left his teenage years in the past … where they firmly belonged. With a quick shudder, he walked to the hatch.

Molly laughed softly, knowing exactly where his thoughts were and clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Is this where I should point out that finding somewhere quiet is what got us into this in the first place? And about the only thing that would save our ass right now is if the enemy showed up in full force." She grabbed her shoes and jammed her feet inside. "We'd never be that lucky."

She had a point. About everything. "Okay … quiet place in public." She stooped down to tie her shoes, her russet hair falling forward to frame her face and it hit Sloan. She's beautiful. He held the thought for a moment before brushing it away. They were friends. Period.

Okay … not period. They were friends who'd just been busted for a drunken romp in the dark. "Make that a quiet place … in public … with the lights on."

She turned her head sideways, giving him an over dramatic eye roll.

He chuckled. "You know, just to play it safe."

Her mouth opened then closed and her eyes narrowed. "Right." Whatever she'd planned to say lost for the moment. Nodding, she sat up and went pale, wobbling a bit. "Whoa ... the room just went black for a minute." She drew in a deep breath, let it out. "Still a little shaky I guess." When she could focus again, she glanced up at him. "Remind me to hurt the chief, badly, the next time I see him. That brew of his should be outlawed."

Sloan wouldn't argue. "Or maybe come with a warning label?" He knew what she probably thought … why else would they have thrown caution to the wind the way they had?

He might be new to the MacGregor, but he wouldn't forget Keegan Douglas's face any time soon. "I think you're gonna have to get in line. Behind me." He smiled ruefully, while waiting for Molly to gingerly make her way to the hatch.

Exiting through the hatch, Sloan pondered the swill they'd been drinking. "You know, I seriously think we could make a case for ourselves based solely on that rotgut." They made a quick turn and continued down the corridor. "What the hell does he put in that stuff anyway?" His mouth already tasted like cotton, which meant the hangover should kick in soon.

Molly made a face while she considered the answer. "I kinda don't want to know what he uses for ingredients. Besides, it's apparently a trade secret." She let out a groan. "I know I'll never be drinking that crap again." Putting a hand to her head, she closed her eyes a moment. "My head is throbbing and a corner to crawl into would be damn nice right about now. I could plot ways to do in the chief without getting caught." A grimace crossed her face when she took the next corner too quickly.

Sloan reached out to steady her, laughing. "You're swearing off the chief's brew?" He could resist a little more teasing. "No way. The mighty Phoenix, who on her worst day still drinks most people under the table? My world may never be the same again, Molls." She slugged him, hard, on the bicep when they made the next turn.

She wasn't thrilled with his amusement. "Shut. Up. It's not funny." It must've started to sink in, exactly how much trouble they could be in because she got serious for a moment. "Do you have any idea what your father … wait, sorry…" She rolled her eyes. "I mean, the commander is going to say to us when we meet with him?"

Molly loved his old man like her own father. She'd try to deny it, but if their romp affected her relationship with his dad it would kill her.

Arriving at the spot of the infamous Tripola game, Sloan shrugged and entered the deserted rec room. "He'll probably say something about how I'm the CAG and I should know better than to fraternize with a subordinate." Glancing up at the overhead lights, Sloan squinted against the harsh glare, but decided it was safer to leave them on. "And even though you're insubordinate on a regular basis, you should have known better, too." He spotted a semi-clean table, walked over and sat down.

Molly sank down in the chair beside his and nodded her head. "Right … that's probably what he'll start with."

I'm still in the process of rewriting this one. I started out in present tense and the story really needs to be in past tense. And, of course, I'm finding a lot of stuff to refine along the way.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Flesh and Bone

Wow, half of July is gone and I'm trying to get my office organized and figure out how we're going to get my daughter moved into her dorm. If she can even move into the place. The clear out and organization is going better than expected. I ordered several types of smaller bookcases and some drawers to help corral all the crap I've had surrounding me for close to a decade. It's way past time.

I didn't get a ton of television watched this week but I do have a few updates. First, I'm still having feels about Arrow's final episode. There might be more coming about the series as a whole at some point.

Caught Roswell, New Mexico and honestly truly enjoyed the episode, "I'll Stand by You." The entire cast got some solid screen time and that makes me very happy. Special kudos for Michael and Isabel's arc and I loved Kyle telling Liz she's family because he gets what she means now. I'm starting to truly appreciate the complexities of the characters' interactions. So good.

Watched the penultimate episode of Strike Back and, damn, the cast brought their A games. Seriously, every single moment had me on the edge of my seat. The crazy fight between Coltrane and Wyatt topped the list because the size difference is almost comical but the entire point wasn't lost on me. The trio needed to clear the air and that was the best way to do it. And I'll freely admit I absolutely loved Chetri's journey. I love that she pretty gave a giant middle finger to her captors and that her end didn't happen before the team arrived. Another huge eff you to the antagonists. Excellent viewing. Seriously.

Started another new episode of Blue Heelers and this one is off the charts crazy. Different from the usual and I like that.

Began a rewatch of Hollywood Dirt, a Passionflix original. I love the chemistry between the actors and I also appreciate the fact that the casting department will go back to actors who are terrific.

Caught several episodes of Danger Man and both were ones I don't remember watching. Each ended up being terrific.

That's pretty much my week in a nutshell. Tonight's post is from Flesh and Bone, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An AI that spouts philosophical mumbo jumbo, a past that may not be all it seems, and a link between both sends Peta Jones on quest to figure out the truth. It's a good thing she's got Abe Cantrell along to act as her voice of reason.

And a sneaky peek…

Abe Cantrell studied the interrogation footage. He shouldn't get involved, but one of the marines strongly suggested Abe needed to see what went down with the AI. Danvers also added—for Abe's ears only—that he should review the scenario before he went to see Peta in sickbay.

Abe let out a low whistle. "No shit. Glad he said something." Danvers had a soft spot for Peta because she reminded him of his little sister.

Abe's connection went deeper. He'd known Peta forever. Her grandfather and his met in basic training and remained close friends until Peta's lost his life in a car accident during peace time.

Directing his attention on the monitor again, he couldn't fault Peta's technique. "She's detached, but has to work at it." Which made sense, considering she'd never interrogated a prisoner before.

She even stayed composed when the progress stalled and harsher tactics had to be used but she wobbled a little.

Abe's gut clenched. He didn't blame her for the crack in her armor. She did her duty as ordered. But even he didn't like some of the forceful methods, which bordered on torture.

"Except we don't think of it as torture when it involves an AI."

The diplomats would be debating how to classify the artificial intelligence beings that looked and acted human. And, frankly, Abe would leave the discussions to them. He had opinions but the more he learned the more they changed.

"I want to talk to you and only you, lieutenant. If you make that happen, I'll tell you what you want to know."

Abe leaned closer to the screen. The Bensalem AI spoke quietly and directly to Peta. Peta motioned for the marines to leave after they got Bensalem seated across from her.

The discussion progressed rapidly and Peta got some solid information out of Bensalem.

Abe folded his arms. "But it's almost like it's playing her." Toying with its words until it could spring some kind of trap.

The male unit kept asking Peta nonsense questions—about her favorite foods, her preference for entertainment, and finally he asked something about her childhood.

Bam!

The exact moment the snare caught. Well, fuck. Abe rewound and viewed the footage again.

The AI homed in on a random event in her childhood—and pulled a thread. Abe couldn't hear the details but he read Peta like a book. From her reaction, the AI hit a raw, jangly nerve. There were parts of Peta's past she didn't talk about and Abe rarely pushed her to do so.

"Maybe I should have…"

Peta covered with a flippant comment. "We're not here to talk about me." She set the hands on the table then folded them together, presenting a relaxed countenance.

But the male unit had broken through one of her walls and wormed its way into her psyche.

Abe clenched his fist. "God dammit, old man. You put her in there." A kick of guilt jabbed Abe.

He shared the blame. After all, he'd told the commander Peta wanted more responsibility and could handle the extra load of work. She'd more than proven she could tackle hard assignments.

But interrogating an AI?

None of them had a lot of experience trying to get information from the units.

Abe leaned in again—focusing all attention on the male—and caught the split-second warning before it made its move.

"Fuck!" He still jumped when the male slammed Peta against the wall.

His gut clawed up to his chest and even the knowledge she got out—somewhat worse for the experience—didn't calm the racing beat of his heart.

The attack—and the viciousness behind it—lingered, even after the marines blew the door.

"Glad Danvers told me to dig into this."

The pain and defeat in Peta's eyes would stay with Abe a long time. The stab of fear he could have lost her wouldn't go anywhere either. The depth of what he really felt for her caught him by the throat—the exact moment Bensalem grabbed hers. The knowledge wedged itself deep and he didn't know what to do with the realization … but he had a good idea what to do for Peta.

Shutting the monitor down, he got up. "Be there. For whatever she needs."

I need to really dig in and tear this story apart. The sages keep feeding me scenes but they're random and aren't meshing together yet. It's time to get out the storyboard and start shuffling the pieces to see where they work the best.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Five by Five

I spent the past week wondering where half the year has gone quickly followed by feeling like it's been a decade since January. Anyone else have that experience? It's kind of insane how weird this year has been.

I did get a few shows watched while I worked on several projects. I had a week where I wanted some good background noise and got multiple episodes of Danger Man in. I truly enjoy this classic show.

I also started another episode of Blue Heelers. I'm almost through the second season of the show and I'm enjoying how things get changed up. I also love seeing how rural Australia is portrayed.

Have almost all of Riverdale's "Tangerine" in the watched column. Man, lots of reveals and good stuff in this episode. As much as I loathe and dislike Hiram, I kind of loved how Veronica sticks it to him. That said, I dread her storyline revolving around one-upping her dad all the time … if that's the direction the story goes in. Cheryl's situation with her mummy dearest ended up being a load of fun to watch. Archie's vigilantism biting him on the ass ended up being better than I thought it would be. Also loved Jughead finally getting to the bottom of the whole deal with his grandfather and the mystery books. And Betty … not quite sure how I feel about everything going on with her. I do have a theory about who's doing what to whom and I can't wait to see if I'm right.

Last but not least … I finally watched "Fadeout", the finale of Arrow. I have to say I couldn't have asked for a better end to the series. I'm so sad to see this chapter of the Arrowverse close but I'm also thrilled to have been a part of the experience from the very beginning. I got to watch the characters grow and change and become who and what they're meant to be. I think my favorite thing about this whole season are the callbacks to previous seasons and the cavalcade of familiar faces from the past—seriously, I don't think they missed anyone—and how they made Oliver's send-off worth its weight in green arrows. The fadeout with Oliver and Felicity in Moira's office ended up being pretty much a perfect endcap to the entire series. My glass is raised and my pile of tissues is testament to the emotional journey I took with the cast and crew of one of my very favorite shows ever.

Whew. I'm actually getting a kick in the feels all over again.

And that's a good note to wrap up television for this week. Tonight's post is from Five by Five, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Vasha Eick has everything she wants. Deke Vitali will be the cherry on top. An old rival shows up, shifting the dynamic and Vash has to stake a claim or get out of the way.

And a sneaky peek…

"I almost pulled it off." Vasha sprinted down the corridor, the thought still rolling around in her head.

Almost. But too-smart-for-his-own-damned-good Deke figured her sleight of hand out. Because of course he did.

Vasha made a quick turn, her side starting to ache from the crazy-mad run. She'd given escape her best shot, but Deke caught up just outside the head. Vasha ducked inside, breathless from the chase. Grabbing hold of the metal mesh of the lockers, she tried to catch her breath. Damn Deke and his wicked long legs.

He entered and stood with his arms folded over his chest. Between her and the exit. Well, hell. She hadn't thought a plan through at all. She straightened and slid her gaze toward the hatch. Wondered if she had enough time to get across the floor to duck back out before Deke could grab her and exact revenge.

Sensing her thoughts, he reached back and slid a wrench through the release, effectively locking them in. Shit. The man knew her too damned well.

She met his gaze and a triumphant smile edged over his features. She didn't think she quite liked his victorious grin. Deke could be scary creative when he had the upper hand. He slowly advanced toward her and she turned to face him fully. Not like she didn't deserve whatever he planned to dish out. She'd take it like the solider she'd trained to be.

Deke stopped, inches away from her.

She raised an eyebrow. "So, you caught me. Now what?"

He dropped his gaze and his eyes did a slow head-to-toe perusal. Sweaty, face flushed, she doubted her appearance looked very good. Tilting his head to the side, he studied her for several moments. Took everything she had not to squirm under the intense scrutiny.

His head straightened and he asked one simple question. "Why?"

Okay. Not what she expected. A blazing setdown for cheating, an angry blast for having to chase after her, she anticipated those.

Confused, she queried back. "Why what?"

He lifted a brow. "Naked briefing?"

A slow smirk crossed her face and she treated him to head-to-toe once-over. "You're kidding, right? If I have to explain that one to you, you're hopeless." Did the guy never look in a mirror?

He flushed, but acknowledged the backhanded compliment with a shrug. "Why cheat?"

He appeared more upset about the quick-change card thing than standing in front of a roomful of pilots without a stitch on? Wonders would never cease.

She chuckled, but dropped her gaze. "Hey, I'm just doing my bit for the female crew members." She tilted her head. "You do know they fight over who gets to shower at your usual times, don't you?"

His brows knit. He hadn't known. Of course, he wouldn't. Not in Deke's make-up to stay up to date about who lusted after him.

He shook his head. "They do? What the hell?"

Vasha's laugh came out sultrier than she intended. "Deke, you're hot. Of course they do."

He wondered aloud. "So the fact you're always in the shower at the same time?"

And again, Mr. Intelligence latched onto the one thing she'd rather he not. But whatever, she owed him an honest answer.

She admitted the truth. "I'm human. I like to look."

He grew thoughtful. "Interesting." His gaze pinned hers. "And good to know." He turned, yanked the wrench out, and released the hatch.

Leaving? Just when the conversation got good? And with zero retaliation?

She had to ask. "So … no payback?" Relief felt better than it should. He could still claim his win. "You're letting me off the hook?"

Deke shot her an unreadable look over his shoulder. "You're safe." He pushed the door open and walked through, but his voice carried back. "For now."

Vasha shuddered, a delicious shiver hitting all her hot spots. She ignored the implied threat and focused on the something different in his tone. A suggestive undercurrent, promising something more … but not what.

Or when.

Vasha had a feeling routine ship life might be a whole lot more fun in the near future.

I have so much fun writing Vash and Deke. This story started out as a little conflict-free romp but took a turn when the sages introduced the idea for a nemesis. I'm excited to see how it all comes together.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: First Time Laid Eyes on You

Well, July is off to a roaring start. Daughter's graduation party is scheduled for today and I'm hoping we have a good turnout but also spaced out over the three hours of the party. I'm filling out my blog post early and getting it ready to post beforehand.

Had a semi-busy week between work and the party prep, but I did get some solid television watched. I started out with Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. This is a rewatch for me but I love the show.

Also caught another arc of Classic Who. The four-part Ark in Space episodes. Not a bad group.

Watched another episode of The Witcher and, ouch, kind of a heartbreaker episode. I did totally love the dragons though. Looking forward to the next episode.

Caught two more season three episodes of Danger Man. I don't remember either of them so I enjoyed watching.

And that's it for this week. I should have more time next week to dive into some of the shows I'm behind on. And I have to watch the finale of Arrow. I'll have at least two boxes of tissues on hand. Just saying.

Tonight's post is from First Time Laid Eyes on You, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nadia Blunt takes one look at Bart Uppermark and decides they'll make a great team in the air and on the ground. But when Bart shows zero interest in working together—she takes too many risks for his comfort zone—Nadia pulls out all the stops and proves him wrong.

And a sneaky peek…

Nadia Blunt kicked back in her rack, reviewing the specs for the new flight simulators. "About time we got updates. We've only been flying the new birds for two years now." She skipped over the listed programs, preferring to go in blind and pick a random scenario.

She'd already scheduled an hour in the machine, but got bumped to make time for a higher ranking officer. "Figures. Some bigwig usurps my spot." Not that she could complain … she'd been lucky she held the top spot during the last qualifying runs.

She rolled her eyes. Since the sparkly units were installed this morning, she couldn't wait to get her turn and thought she'd be the first one in. Not so much.

The hatch clanged open and her bunkmate burst through the space, skidding to a halt while gasping for breath. Nadia set the manual aside and straightened, waiting to see what had Jancie in a tizzy.

Jancie held up a hand and dragged air into her lungs. "You'll never ever guess who's on base right now." She paused, sucking in more oxygen. "Your fantasy dream man, Captain Uppermark." Jancie stepped forward and shoved Nadia's feet off the bunk then plopped down.

Nadia scrambled to her feet. "Parble, you'd better not be messing with me." Holy hell.

Jancie shook her head. "Not on this. I wouldn't. Not only is he here, he's the one who bumped you. He's in the simulator right now." She pointed toward the corridor.

Nadia all but tripped over her feet to get out of the bunkroom—with Jancie's laughter following her—and down to the simulator section. Nadia's fascination with Bart Uppermark went back a long way. She'd used his record as her benchmark, striving to break his records during her time in flight school. Having him on base, and being the one to take her scheduled time, had to mean something on the cosmic scale of what could go right in the universe.

Right?

Entering the corridor where the simulators were, she grabbed a petty officer. "Captain Bart Uppermark? Which sim?" If the captain only used her allotted space, he only had fifteen minutes left.

And she wanted to see every possible moment.

The petty officer sputtered and tried to sidestep her question.

She tightened her grip on his arm. "Now, petty officer." Her impatience almost boiled over.

He pointed to the door behind. "Sim three." Jerking his arm out of her grasp, he gave her a nasty look.

She quirked a brow, daring him to complain. She outranked him and, dammit, she needed to watch Uppermark in his element. Like she needed to breathe, or fly, or eat.

She cut the petty officer a break and patted him on the shoulder. "Thank you. Sorry for getting in your face." Moving past him, she put her hand on the knob to the viewing room.

And froze. She took a long moment to try and calm her racing heart.

I'm going to watch a master at work.

And not even be the least bit upset he'd taken her time.

I like how this story is coming together. The title will absolutely undergo a change, but it works for now. When it's ready for publication, it's too much of a mouthful. LOL

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

ML Skye