Sunday Snippet: Holly's Masquerade

Well, we're almost to the end of another month and I'm trying to contemplate what the final two months of 2020 is going to be like. Frankly, I can't do it. LOL And we still have a full moon to get through in October.

Had a slower than normal week for television. I'm honestly not in the mood to watch much and have been catching marathons on regular cable for the most part. Hallmark started their holiday fare and one of the books I copy edited is featured as a new movie this year. Last year, another book I copy edited had a premiere. That's always so exciting!

I did catch an episode or two of Silent Witness, but other than that, I mainly watch Ovation. I'm crossing my fingers they don't have a major programming change anytime soon. That happens so frequently for me. I fall in love with the line-up and all of a sudden, some new honcho comes in and effs it all up. I'm looking at you HGTV, SyFy, and BBC America. Or, I lose access to a channel that usually has classic stuff I really enjoy. Sigh.

Tonight's post is from Holly's Masquerade, a Specter Station novella. It's also a loosely themed holiday story.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Roman Holly can't believe how smoothly the transition to his new base of operations on Specter Station is going, but he has Isis Tango, his uber-efficient admin, to thank. She moves halfway across the galaxy to stay by his side and he's not quite sure why. But Isis will reveal her reason at the holiday masquerade and it will blow Roman's mind.

And a sneaky peek…

Roman Holly surveyed the exterior of the place he'd be making his new base of operations—Specter Station. "Soon to be home sweet home." His private transport made a banking sweep and smoothly docked inside the landing bay in one of the spots reserved for Holly Galactic Group.

His new partner, but one of his oldest friends, Maddox Specter assigned seven bays for Roman's fleet of spacecraft.

"Maddox always goes overboard." Roman would maybe use two, three at most. "Unless I figure out a way to be in different places at the same time, I can only be on one ship in any given moment." He snagged his bag and disembarked to zero fanfare. "Huh, not what I expected." Pausing at the end of the ramp, he looked around for his ever-efficient admin, Isis.

Maddox skidded around the corner and stumbled to a halt. "Roman, you're a little early." His breath rasped out and he made an effort to straighten his tie.

Roman laughed. "And you were obviously otherwise occupied." He looked past Maddox's shoulder to see Juna Newberry—the station's head of security and Maddox's newly minted significant other—breezing down the causeway in the opposite direction.

Maddox smirked. "I can neither confirm nor deny that accusation." He chuckled and thrust out his palm. "Welcome to your new home, Ro. I'm so glad you're here."

Roman clasped Maddox's palm and pulled him into a side-arm hug. "Me, too. We should've done this years ago." His gaze went to the corridor that led to the main hub of the station.

Still no admin. Why isn't she here? Isis Tango made punctuality a fine art. Not like her to miss his arrival. Maddox led the way toward the main hub and kept up a running commentary. Roman listened with half an ear, concern over Isis making him distracted.

Maybe the move got to her and she hates it here. A stab of guilt hit him. He'd basically assumed she'd be okay moving across the galaxy to keep working for him.

"Maybe I should've asked her first?"

Maddox paused outside the lift leading to the office suites. "Ask who what first?" His eyebrow arched.

Roman shook his head. "Eh, nothing. A little worried Isis isn't with you." Then again, considering what Maddox had been up to, might be better—

Maddox smacked a hand on his forehead. "Aw, damn, totally my fault. I was supposed to stop by and let her know before I came down." A sheepish look crossed his face.

Roman lifted his chin. "Don't blame you for getting off track. If I had someone like Juna nearby, I'd probably never get any work done."

Maddox snorted. "Are you kidding? Isis puts Wanda to shame and Wanda isn't human."

Maddox used an advanced AI computer to keep him on target, his schedule organized, and pretty much run his life on the station.

The doors opened and they entered the lift.

Roman grinned. "Isis does have superb skill. And she's much nicer to look at than Wanda." Not that the life-like droid could be called unattractive.

Maddox nodded. "True. And, no doubt, Isis is buried in all the details for the Holly Masquerade you're throwing to launch the holiday season and celebrate your new venture with yours truly." Maddox keyed in the code for Roman's new office suite.

Roman inclined his chin. "You're probably right. She does get lost in making certain everything is crossed, dotted, and signed for." His stomach rumbled and he crossed to the panel beside the door. "Think I'll order in some dinner and surprise Isis." He glanced up. "Want to join us?"

Maddox smirked. "Thanks, but no. I'll be otherwise occupied with my head of security." A wide grin spread across his face.

Roman snorted and entered in an order to be delivered to his office. At the same time, he tamped down a niggle of concern over the move and how it affected his admin.

If all goes well, I'll be able to release this series next year. Yay!

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hedging Bets

Wow, how can half the month be over already? Time either seems to fly by at the rate of insanity yet it often feels like it an entire decade exists within a twenty-four hour period. It's trippy.

Had a bunch of projects land in my inbox this week so television ended up being on the short end. I finished up a Blue Heelers episode and have another one ready to go.

Also made it through two-thirds of Silent Witness's fifth season. Two interesting cases. Looking forward to finishing up the last two episodes.

I watched a lot of the morning mysteries on Ovation again. I enjoy having those shows on in the background, especially when I’m shredding a ton of old paper files.

Looking forward to hopefully finishing up Picard and catching up on Riverdale and Roswell, New Mexico. As I mentioned, this is probably my last season of Riverdale. I literally can't stomach Hiram and I’m pretty sure he won't be going anywhere when the new season premieres.

That's the short list for television this week. Tonight's post is from Hedging Bets, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lettie and Thane have issues that are getting in the way of their work and are thrown into separate cells for being insubordinate to a superior officer. Their commander decides they can stay locked up—in the same cell—until they work their crap out or one of them calls for a body bag.

And a sneaky peek…

Thane kept his distance behind Lettie when the security team came to escort them to the brig. "Stupid to get sucked into another argument with her." The guy beside him gave a rude snort.

Thane ignored him. He didn't care what the marine thought. The guy probably figured Thane would spend all of five minutes in the brig before his dad got him out.

"Damn, I hope the old man doesn't step in this time." He kept his voice pitched low so no else heard.

Thane could fight his battles alone. After all, Thad Sorenson made sure to teach his son how … then promptly removed any and all barriers from his path. Shaking his head, Thane frowned. Thanks, Dad.

He didn't ask to be posted to his dad's ship. When the call came through, Thane actually requested a different assignment. No such luck. Random draw, right set of skills, report for duty.

Thane rolled his eyes. "Random draw, my ass." But he'd reported as ordered.

And ran right into Lettie Lang's bad attitude. Argh!

They made the turn down the corridor leading to the brig and Thane's anger kicked up another notch. Lettie waved to the lance corporal behind the desk. Of course she's friends with him.

Thane snorted. "She's in here often enough." He glanced up to find Lettie giving him a pointed look.

Shit. He shrugged and said nothing else while the lance corporal logged Lettie in. She slid her gaze forward again then a wide smirk curved her lips.

Stepping back, she made a show of looking around the empty containment area. "Corporal Gaff, is my favorite cell available?"

He glanced up. "Uh, which one's your favorite?"

Lettie gave him a sweet smile. "Whichever one is the farthest away from Sorenson."

Gaff rolled his eyes then came around to undog the hatch and lead Lettie through. He put her in the first cell then returned to the desk.

He sighed then motioned Thane forward. "All right, Sorenson, you're up." He started typing then paused. "Huh, this is your first visit here." He met Thane's gaze. "Might wanna take a seat. Processing you will take a few."

Thane bit back a growl and took the proffered seat. Gaff pecked around on the keyboard and started entering information. Thane settled back and crossed his arms over his chest then risked a quick look at Lettie. She paced back and forth in the cell, her mouth going nonstop.

Probably a good thing I can't hear what she's saying.

I love writing this couple. The whole enemies because, otherwise, they'd jump each other trope is fun!

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Healing the Wound

Well, it's been a wild and bumpy week. My husband ended up with the flu in the middle of a pandemic. Not a lot of fun for him. The rest of us are trying to take any and all precautions so we don't end up with it also. Bleh.

Finished up a work project and had a little downtime before my next one begins. I'm actually kind of thrilled to have a bit of a break. I normally work every day of the week and having a couple of days off is lovely.

A so-so week of television. I finished up season four of Silent Witness and started on season five.

I also caught another arc of Classic Who. I'm on the second season of Four's tenure. Finishing out the "Terror of the Zygons."

Other than that, I mainly caught some Mystery Alley marathons on Ovation. I needed some background noise while I did a ton of shredding.

Other than that, I'm hoping to finish up Picard this week and maybe get back to Riverdale and Roswell, New Mexico.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jenna Creed loses the love of her life and blames Thorp Waggoner. She needs to stop living in the past and Thorp wants to be the man she moves forward with, which means Jenna has a very big problem.

And a sneaky peek…

Thorp's back hit the wall. "Oomph." He'd called the need for backup.

Handler had a keen desire to punch Thorp's ticket. Twice, so far, Jenna stopped the brutality of Mick's advanced maneuvers. Thorp didn't know how much longer she'd be able to use the strategic stalling.

"Handler, what the hell? Did we not just talk about using diversionary tactics?" She planted her hands on her hips.

Mick huffed out a breath. "Putting him out of commission is faster."

Jenna rolled her eyes. "Are you trying to miss the point? Your score is lower when you don't use your brain." She marched forward and showed Handler the panel with their tallies. "If you don't cut the aggression out, you'll be off the shit list and actually in the steaming pile." Her voice left no doubt it would totally be his fault, too.

He growled. "Fine. What can I do to bump that mess up?"

Jenna handed him a mock-up of several improvised explosive devices. "Study this for ten minutes then defuse the five bombs. You get extra points if you don't rush." She jabbed her finger toward the work table.

Thorp pushed away from the wall. "Thanks. Not sure why you're acting as the buffer, but it's appreciated." If only he could appreciate her more … like off campus and maybe in a bed somewhere.

Too bad it won't happen anytime soon. No matter how hot Jenna Creed might be, Thorp wouldn't make a move. He'd promised his old man he wouldn't get down with any of his classmates, hence the reason he hooked up with any other available female.

Jenna shrugged. "Mick's gonna make a damned good soldier if he gets out of his own way." She shot Thorp a sideways glance. "He has to work harder than most."

Most meaning Thorp. He pretty much sailed through classes. Didn't hurt he'd been raised on bases all over the galaxy and could probably recite every class's texts in his sleep. Handler came from some rural backwater that had more farm equipment than military machinery. The guy had a gift with anything mechanical though. He struggled with discipline but followed orders without issue. The only thing Handler truly lacked? A military pedigree.

And that became Handler's biggest problem. The guy had a chip on his shoulder. He'd taken one look at Thorp's last name and decided to hate him. No skin off Thorp's hide. Frankly, Thorp didn't care about his last name, other than the doors it opened for him.

Under any other circumstances, Thorp could have been great friends with Mick. Probably still could be if the guy ever realized Thorp didn't have it out for anyone, and didn't use his privilege to rub anyone's face in the dirt. He tried to help people with it instead.

Mick threw his hands up and gave a shout. "Done! Peer review time." He swept his arm over the explosive devices.

Jenna fell into step beside Thorp. They moved to the work table and examined the defused devices. Every single one had been rendered safe and Mick hadn't triggered any of the alerts.

Jenna shook her head. "Geez, Mick. I think you found your calling." She ran the panel over the units, racking up his score.

Thorp slapped him on the back. "Damned good job. I've never seen anyone get a perfect score on every one." He stuck his palm out. "Congratulations."

Mick gave a shrug but clasped Thorp's palm. "Uh, thanks." He shot Jenna a wide grin. "Did I go slow enough for your satisfaction?"

She chuckled. "Yep." Coming around the table, she nudged him with her shoulder. "See … I told you taking your time can have good results." Her eyebrows waggled.

Mick laughed. "That you did." He hugged her. "Let me take you to dinner tonight. As a thank-you."

Thorp gritted his teeth but stayed silent. He had absolutely no claim on Jenna.

She gazed up at Handler. "I'd like that." She flicked her gaze toward Thorp.

He backed away, giving them some privacy to make plans. Jealousy churned in his gut, but he'd needed the reminder. Jenna Creed is off limits until the end of the semester.

Grabbing his gear, he started for the exit. "She'll probably be in love with Handler by then."

I'm excited to get a little more written on this story. I love the dynamic of this trio and I like the turn things are going to take.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Haven't We Met Like This

Welcome to October, the month with two full moons. Make of that what you will. I had a terrific week. Made a ton of progress on the cleanout and organization. Got a new set of rune stones. Met my two best friends for an evening of fun and laughter. And made headway on a work project.

Not a bad week for television. I watched a lot of Silent Witness. Finished up the third season and started on the fourth. It's shorter than the previous seasons, so I should be ready to start the fifth early this coming week.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. Apparently Nick's past has come calling. Not very far into yet but it's an interesting episode.

Watched part of the first episode of Bomb Girls. I'm excited about diving into this series. I've heard some great things about it.

I also watched a bunch of videos about rune casting again. They're very soothing, especially when I'm shredding paper.

Tonight's post is from Haven't We Met Like This, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reese meets Hallie, his brother's flight school roommate, when he bails her out of hack. Seven years later, they meet under similar circumstances on his father's ship.

And a sneaky peek…

Reese Hennesey knocked on his brother's dorm room door. Alec answered just as he hung up the phone. "Reese, bro, I'm so glad you're here. I've got big trouble."

Reese snorted and stepped inside the room. "When don't you?" Trouble had a way of finding his brother.

Alec waved off the mild insult. "I'm serious, Reese. My roommate Hal just got tagged for being out after curfew and it's my fault." He paced back and forth.

Reese rolled his eyes. "Let me guess. Fudgy brownie cakes."

Alec flushed. "Yeah and I can't leave to bail Hal out. I have to study. I gotta pass finals or dad will have my head." He raked a hand through his hair.

Reese hesitated. He'd had a long flight and this Hal person had to know what going out after curfew could mean. Then again … Reese totally got not wanting to listen to Alec complain about not having his cakes.

Alec stopped his back and forth motion and did the same thing he always did when he needed something. He whined.

"Please, please can you do it?" He grabbed Reese's arms. "Please. You know I'm not as strong as you and dad on flying falcons. If I don't get the written part at close to one hundred percent, I'm done for."

Reese couldn't deny his brother's request. Alec didn't have it wrong. Their dad would flip his shit if Alec didn't pass finals.

He sighed. "Fine. I'll go bail Hal out." He headed for the door to exit but called over his shoulder, "But you'd better thank him when he gets back."

Alec scrambled after Reese. "Wait! Hal's not—"

Reese didn't catch the rest, he'd already hit the steps to leave the dorm and find an auto-teller. His head swam with fuzziness and he wanted to hit his rack.

I'm having a lot of fun with this one. Reese is in for a big surprise when he arrives to bail Hal out.

 

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

 

ML Skye