Sunday Snippet: Promise to Keep

Finally over the ick of the flu and a cold on top of it. Feeling so much better and happy about that. Got a good catch up on work projects and I'm relieved to be back on track.

Had a decent week of television again. I caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries and kind of missed Jared's presence. The episode ended up being pretty good and I enjoyed a twist I didn't quite see coming.

Watched both episodes of Silent Witness and actually remembered most of the plot line. Finished up season twelve and should get started on thirteen this week.

Caught two arcs of Classic Who. The first one didn't really thrill me but the second one ended up being better than I hoped. I'm liking the trio of companions.

Enjoyed two episodes of UFO Conspiracies. The first one had a series of stories about swarms of UFOs. The second had a series about footage caught on camera. Both were pretty interesting and I love seeing how military units in other countries handle sightings.

Ended up watching four episodes of The Muppet Show. Roger Miller, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Lynn Redgrave, and Cheryl Ladd were the guest stars. I loved the Lynn Redgrave episode and the Robin Hood enactment.

Started a new season of Prime Suspect. I have vague memories of this one and look forward to the second half when everything pretty much blows up for Tennison.

Caught the first episode of season five Peak Practice. Andrew is back and Will's significant other had their baby. Pretty good beginning to the new season.

Enjoyed another lesson of Master Class with LeVar Burton. He talked about his storytelling heroes and I appreciated the insight he gave.

Watched another Inside the Episodes: The Witcher. This one took a look at episode six where everything goes to hell for Geralt. Very cool to get some insight into how and why things happened the way they did.

Caught another London Live. This one featured Kelly Clarkson and I enjoyed the songs chosen. Still like Berlin Live better.

Enjoyed an episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Mudd returned and the repeating of the thirty minutes entertained me. Loved how many characters ended up being out of their comfort zone even if Burnham was the main focal point.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med. This one kind of gutted me and I loved it. So glad I'm finally getting to see all of this show. I've said that before, right?

Started the next season of Midsommer Murders. I've kind of been putting it off because it's only two episodes with a few more starting this month, I think. Loved the first episode. I've missed Winter's facial expressions so much.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Promise to Keep, a novella that got a start with a writing prompt from a friend. I'm not completely sure where it's going to end up going.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Two elite marines try to forge a relationship during a time of war. But when a worse than usual dangerous situation ups the ante, a promise is made and must be kept, regardless of the personal toll. After all, the marine motto is anytime, anyplace, always ready.

And a sneaky peek…

The recently rescued detainees were all assembled, listening as Tiffen outlined the plan of action to get them the fuck off this rock.

One small glitch. They were counting on two battle cruisers.

Mathison hated to break it to them … but she did. “No Perseus. Just the Gibraltar.” And yeah … that got the resistance leaders’ attention.

Rosh peppered her with questions. “Why? Why no Perseus?” Her sharp glance was also tinged with concern. “What happened?”

The former president asked her? A marine following orders. “Don’t know, sir. Way beyond my pay grade.” But damned if that question didn't ping in everyone lower than an XO’s mind before they separated.

This plan had to be fucked at best, doomed to fail at worst. Being a marine, her training meant she followed orders and she didn't indulge in questioning the wisdom of their commanding officers. Often.

Unless she ended up sitting with Gunny in an empty mess, a bottle of amberline on the table between them. Grabbing what might be the last moments they’d spend together, their conversation naturally fell to debating the pros and cons of their respective missions.

Gunny would head out with the Perseus and the remaining fleet. She got tapped for the new world mission with the Gibraltar. Her assignment to protect the synth officer so she could make contact with the insurgence leaders.

Orders were orders … and she and Makepeace would follow them.

But not until Gunny had to catch the last transport out for the Perseus.

So they drank. Slowly. Knowing when the bottle reached empty it would be over. Neither really sure what it meant, but finding out wouldn't exactly be an option now.

Duty called.

When the last drop disappeared, Gunny stood, ready to make tracks for the hangar deck.

His face solemn, he betrayed nothing. “You take care.” His eyes held everything … the regret of not knowing.

Mathison gave a curt nod. “Will do.” She kept her own gaze level … expressing her disappointment in running out of time.

They weren’t in uniform as each snagged downtime until they lit out for their respective posts. And they both held the same rank, but he still snapped off a salute, indicative of his respect for her.

Then he truly surprised her by stepping forward and leaning down to plant a quick, hard kiss on her lips.

Not one to beat about, when he made to pull back, Mathison fisted her hand in his shirt and yanked him into a much more heated embrace. Rising from the chair, lips still meshed with his, she backed him up against the bulkhead deepening the kiss as they went.

Not to be outdone, Gunny switched their positions, trapping her hips with his before lifting her up to gain access to her throat, scorching a line of kisses down to the collar of her shirt.

Wrapping a single leg around both of his, Mathison kept him pressed against her, letting the heat flare between them a moment, before regretfully dropping her foot to the floor. Neither spoke as Gunny snagged the empty bottle from the table and backed out of the mess. Too bad they couldn’t take things further … they didn’t have the time.

But it was a helluva goodbye.

The original version of this didn't have a happy ending. I'm now reworking because I think I found a way to give the characters the send-off they deserve. Here's hoping!

 

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

ML Skye