Sunday Snippet: Sibling Rivalry

Hope everyone had a terrific US holiday and a terrific week if not in the US. I got to spend time with my oldest and youngest kiddos and enjoyed being able to do so. I think I have two more gifts and maybe some odds and ends to pick up and I'm done with holiday shopping. Fairly pleased to be a little ahead of my usual last-minute rush.

Had a good week of television viewing. I watched another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. This show continues to make me so happy.

Got a two-part Silent Witness watched. This is one I didn't remember and I'm glad I got to watch it.

Got a full arc of Classic Who in and started a new one. I've discovered a couple of episodes were almost an hour in this season, which is actually kind of cool.

Started a new series with Mysteries of Apollo and the first episode focused on the Apollo 13 mission and some of the in-depth history of that experience.

Began season five of The Muppet Show and watched four episodes. Gene Kelly, Loretta Swit, Joan Baez, and Shirley Bassey were the guest hosts. Final season of the original.

Caught two episodes of Fantasy Island and I'm still thoroughly enjoying the show. I think I have one left in this first season and I'll look forward to the holiday episode.

Started season six of Peak Practice. Great episode that moved the timeline ahead a little. Being at the halfway mark of the entire run is a nice accomplishment.

Enjoyed another lesson of MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. Some great tips on housebreaking that I hope to put into effect after I get my downstairs area organized.

Season two of Glitch started out with an interesting twist. This show is very twisty and turny and I like that. Looking forward to getting more information on how everything works and finding out if Sarah is another one of the risen. If so, poor James. Two women in his life? That's a lot.

Remember when I thought I finished the first season of Star Trek: Discovery? Yeah, not the case. I had two more episodes. Watched the penultimate this week and, wow, what a mix of highs and lows. This show. Just saying.

Started season three of Chicago Med. I like how they moved the timeline ahead and seeing where everyone ended up. Conor breaks my heart. April breaks my heart. Wil and Nat make me happy. The horrible new surgical resident irritates the life out of me. So far, so good. LOL

Watched another episode of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. I really love the dynamic of this show and the mystery this week ended up being terrific. Also love the overarching mystery of who killed Jean's husband. Interesting show.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Fayne Cartier falls for his brother's flight instructor, Rumor Child, he has no idea how difficult dating will end up being when his brother shows signs of not having the chops to qualify. Rumor won't cut him from her class thinking the sibling rivalry may be just what the younger Cartier needs.

And a sneaky peek…

Rumor stretched and rubbed at the kinks in her neck. She finalized the notes and separated her student files. She'd have a full class starting in two weeks. She couldn't wait … the beginning of a new class always excited her.

The aroma of spicy beef hit her nostrils and she glanced up at the same moment her stomach growled. Fayne Cartier stood by the door, dangling a bag of takeout between his fingers. The heavenly smell had her mouth watering.

As did the man.

He looked good enough to eat, clad in fatigues with a tight black T-shirt that hugged his muscles. Fayne definitely hit her hot buttons. Along with the hunger pang, she ended up with an entirely different kind of twinge in her nether regions.

She arched a brow, but said nothing. She'd leave the opening salvo to Fayne. And she didn't doubt they'd be having parry and thrust conversation … either about his brother or Fayne's reason for dropping by.

He took a step into the room. "I figured you wouldn't mind if I brought dinner. You have to eat sometime." He sent her a lopsided grin.

She didn't mind. "That's true." She waved him in.

He set the bag on her desk and pulled a chair around. "Of course, I'm part of the package. Hope you don't mind."

She chuckled. "I doubt it would matter if I did." She paused a brief moment. "But I don't." Sitting down, she opened one of the containers. "Ahhh. Smells heavenly." The spicy blend wafted out into the room.

Fayne had a very pleased-with-himself look on his face. He grabbed another box and flipped the top up to reveal buttery noodles cooked to perfection.

They didn't talk much while they split up the food between them or while they polished off half of it. The atmosphere companionable, Rumor wondered how long it would last. She might find Fayne incredibly attractive but…

Fayne swallowed a bite of food. "So … think my brother will pass the written?"

And there it is.

Rumor sat back and folded her arms over her chest. "Is this why you brought me dinner?"

He shook his head. "Not at all. I do have an ulterior motive, but it doesn't involve Renner." He leaned in. "I find you attractive and fascinating, especially since you pretty much handed me my ass earlier today. I have to get to know you better."

She laughed. "You might not like what you discover." Reaching over, she tapped on Renner's file. "Your brother passed the written exam. Not that I'm surprised at all."

Fayne quirked an eyebrow. "Really? Why?"

She shrugged. "He's grown up around ships and pilots. He'd have to have at least a basic aptitude. The written test isn't going to faze him." And that wouldn't be what concerned Fayne.

He proved her right. "Doesn't change the fact he shouldn't be in a cockpit."

Rumor didn't discount his sentiment. "Maybe, maybe not. But I can't grade him on your gut feeling. You're too close to the situation." But she respected him for caring.

 Fayne sighed. "I get that. And I am too close. Renner's always had this thing about pleasing Dad, even if it costs him more than he can give."

Rumor winced. "Speaking from experience?"

Fayne rolled a shoulder. "Not recently. I learned to walk my own path. Becoming a pilot had nothing to do with Dad." He paused. "Check that. I've been interested in flying since I was little and that did come from my father, but I took the time to make sure it's what I wanted. Does that make sense?"

She nodded. "It does. If you didn't love it you would've walked away." She could see him doing exactly that.

He agreed. "Yeah. But I don't think Renner will."

Rumor tilted her head. "Then let me make a suggestion. Give your brother a chance to figure it out on his own. You never know … he could have the chops." Only time would tell if he did.

Fayne made a noncommittal sound.

Rumor pushed a little more. "Look, there's nothing like a little sibling rivalry to drive mediocrity to extraordinary. And you two have rivalry in spades." Almost like an art form, no doubt spurred on by their dad.

Fayne nudged back. "And what if that doesn't work?"

A good question that deserved an answer. "All I can promise is not to pass if him if he doesn't earn it." She wouldn't be swayed by anything but the merits.

So far, this story is coming together nicely. I like the interaction between Rumor and Fayne and how each has a good point about the situation and they kind of agree to disagree and let the chips fall.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Set the Record Straight

Okay, we're a week before Thanksgiving in the US and I'm happy to say I've got the bulk of my holiday shopping done. I need to get a few more items then it's time to put a bow on the whole package and be done. YAY!

Had a pretty solid week of working and watching television. A new project crossed my desk and it's going well. On the television side, I started with Classic Who and watched a four-episode arc then hit a two-episode arc. Both were enjoyable.

Caught the last two episodes of Roswell: The Final Verdict. Really enjoyed this six-part series. Not sure what I'll pick up with next, but probably something else UFO related.

I watched four episodes of The Muppet Show and finished out season four. The guest hosts were Doug Henning, Andy Williams, Alan Arkin, and Diana Ross. Season five is the final run of the original show and I'm not sure what I'll watch next. Maybe some of the movies.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Fantasy Island. So far, I'm liking the new premise and how things from the past are blended into the current incarnation of the island. Based on what I've read, there's going to be a holiday episode. I'm a total sucker for stuff like that and can't wait.

Finished out season five of Peak Practice. Did not expect it to end with a house burning down, but it happened. Looking forward to starting season six. I'm at the halfway point. Yay!

Watched two more lessons of MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. He's got some great methods and I'm hoping to try some out on my furry mutts soon. I've already incorporated a couple of things and they've worked well.

Completed the first season of Glitch. I didn't see a couple of things coming and I love the twists. Looking forward to starting the second season this week. I gotta say I really feel for James and this show is like catnip because of the love triangle that isn't really a triangle and the fact that no one is a bad guy in it. That's a trope I thoroughly enjoy.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and have a feeling it's going to be one of those odd ones where the heelers are on opposing sides. Not sure how I'll like this one.

Finished the finale of Star Trek: Discovery. Man, what a ride the first season ended up being. I can't wait to see what the breakdowns will look like on The Ready Room.

Caught two more episodes of Chicago Med. I'm almost finished with the second season and looking forward to the third. Gotta take a moment to appreciate the episode titles. This show makes them fun.

Started a new show with The Madam Blanc Mysteries. So far, I'm hooked. I loved the first episode. Looking forward to seeing more.

Finished the second episode of Silent Witness. I have vague memories of this one and how it played out. Kind of a twisty tale.

Last but not least, I watched two more Classic Rugrats episodes. I'm trying to decide if I want to watch the holiday specials or hold off and watch as they pop up during the seasons. Stay tuned.

That's pretty much it for weekly updates. Tonight's post is from Set the Record Straight, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Keegan Brimm and Warner Misona check their feelings for each other at the spaceport airlock and have a knockdown fight before they finally drag out all the baggage between them to set the record straight.

And a sneaky peek…

Warner's brain exploded with tons of emotions. Rage over Westcroft's underhanded and possibly criminal activities. Including possible subterfuge and maneuvering behind the scenes that led to his best friend's death. Regret over not asking Keegan about it sooner. What a burden to be weighed under.

He asked now. "You've been carrying this around since his death, haven't you?" After she nodded, he continued. "And news of Westcroft's arrival kicked everything up again."

She inclined her chin. "You got it in one." Heaving a sigh, she stood up. "And I've wasted an entire week wallowing in self-pity when I should have been seeking dirt on the major." Her eyes closed and her head tilted back.

Warner rose and grasped her hand. "I have some ideas about that." He waited until she met his gaze. "Still want to find a quiet place?" His hand slipped up her forearm then down again. "Only instead of beating yourself up, we can talk about what needs to happen when Westcroft gets here."

Keegan squeezed his hand. "I'd like that. Thanks."

Warner let go of her arm. "Let's go to the library, see if it's unoccupied."

Keegan chuckled. "You mean the former supply locker that our CO decided to convert 'for cultural purposes'?" She rolled her eyes.

Warner grinned. "Hey, give Harcourt some credit. It's a good morale booster. Books, a wireless comm station for research and it's small enough to guarantee quiet." He continued extoling the virtues while they headed in that direction. "People can find a spot to make calls home or send updates without anyone interrupting."

Keegan slid him a sideways glance. "They can also get up close and personal in relative privacy."

Warner smirked. "There's that, too." She would know about that feature.

Keegan paused a moment. "You realize if we're seen going in and coming out together, rumors will fly about us, too."

Warner stopped outside the door. "That's exactly what I'm hoping will happen." He waited a beat. "Whether the gossip proves true or not is up to you." He wouldn't push Keegan for an actual relationship—not when she had Westcroft to deal with—but he'd leave the offer on the table.

He opened the door and motioned for Keegan to precede him. Securing the hatch behind them, he got a shock when he turned to find Keegan right there. As in up close and personal.

This story is so much fun. Keegan found a great partner in Warner and Westcroft probably won't stand a chance with this skirmish.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Sabotage

Well, we're finally getting November weather. It's chilly outside and we got some snow showers that really ended up being flurries flying wildly in the wind. I'm kind of excited to get into the true depth of fall.

Had a decent week of catching up on projects and doing more organizing. I also made a dent in my holiday shopping. I'm making an effort to be on top of that this year.

Pretty solid week of viewing also. I got two episodes of Glitch in. I thought I'd already watched the third episode but I hadn't. So I'll be starting episode five this week. Some crazy stuff happened and we're down two characters. I'm very interested in what the hell happened to Vic.

Caught another musical icon episode. Whitney Houston: We Will Always Love You ended up being full of stuff I didn't know or remember about the singer. I like revisiting the lives of those we've lost.

Watched the penultimate episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Definitely had a twist I sort of expected but didn't know if the show would go there. They totally did. I'm kind of excited to see the finale then dive into the Ready Room breakdowns. I kind of hope Wil loses his mind over some of the twists and turns. He's so much fun because he's such a huge fan.

Enjoyed two episode of Chicago Med. I'm almost through the second season with one more episode to go. I'm kind of sad about Robin's descent, especially because Rhodes is such a nice guy. I'm also thrilled with how Reese is coming into her own and standing up for herself. Her confidence is amazing this season.

Caught the season finale of Midsomer Murders. Really liked this one and loved the mystery. I rather hope there's another season in the works.

Finished season thirteen of Silent Witness and started the first episode of season fourteen. I'm a little iffy on whether I remember this one or not. Some of the details are pinging so I think I did watch it before.

Watched the season twenty finale of Classic Who. Thoroughly enjoyed "The Five Doctors" and seeing all the former companions back for a spin. Although Four didn't have much of anything to do, which, honestly, isn't a huge loss. He'd been the most recent anyway.

Caught another episode of Roswell: The Final Verdict and liked the deep dive into how some of the witnesses were discredited and humiliated. Everything that happened with the Roswell incident is fascinating.

Enjoyed two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Lynda Carter and Carol Channing were the guest stars. The muppets trying to be super heroes was hilarious.

Started the updated version of Fantasy Island. Interesting premise and pretty decent storylines. I'll finish out the season and see if things hold up.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. I'm almost through season five and I'm still liking the mix of partners. I think I have two episodes left before season six starts.

Watched another MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. This one gave me some good insight into how to keep my doggos from jumping. I'm going to try some of the techniques because that's a huge problem with both dogs.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Two were favorites from watching with my kiddos when they were little. This show is so much fun to revisit.

Also caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Nice to see Jared back and what a terrific case. I'm hoping the lawyer lady gets caught at some point. Because she's definitely guilty. Also wondering if the final duo will end up featuring in another episode at some point.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sapphire Naught and Gifford Fell are tasked with finding a saboteur and neither is allowed to fly until the culprit is apprehended. The cat and mouse game of tracking and luring their prey into a trap takes its toll on their relationship but ends up making them see new sides to each other.

And a sneaky peek…

"Holy shit." Sapphire straightened in her chair, keeping her eyes glued to the monitor. "Lame bird. Trouble rising." She yanked the headphones over her ears to shut out the background noise and focus on the issues scrolling on the screen and Giff's voice relaying his problem.

Topping the list, a terrible malfunction with his navigation array.

She pitched her voice low, using a soothing tone. "Flagstone, Hyperion. Sit rep."

Giff replied. "Hyperion, Flagstone. Bad hydraulic leak. Can't eject. Bird's drifting."

She glanced over her shoulder. "Launch the SAR team." Search and rescue would need to haul ass or Giff risked hypoxia.

If he couldn't eject, the backup O2 wouldn't switch over. Unless…

She rolled her wrist in a circular motion. "Switching to one on one."

Another tech took over monitoring the SAR comm traffic.

She focused back on Giff. "Why can't you eject?"

Giff explained. "Cable snapped when I tried."

Sapphire frowned. "Should've been caught on pre-flight."

Giff made a quick reply. "That's on me. It was loose, but stable. Didn't think it would be a problem."

And, normally, it wouldn't have been.

Sapphire shook her head. "Okay, look, there's a way to override the malfunction to get the backup oxygen, but it ain't pretty."

Giff made a tsking sound. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

She stayed on the line with him, calculating the minutes until search and rescue would get to him. No way they would get there in time.

She lowered her voice. "Giff, you need to start now. You can't take any chances."

He made a disgusted sound. "Yeah, yeah. Fine. Walk me through it."

Sapphire described the steps.

Giff snorted. "Right. Definitely won't be pretty."

He had to find a way to cut the cable then switch the O2 intake over to portable.

Sapphire prompted him. "Keep talking to me so I can follow your progress. Do you carry a blade in your flight suit?"

Giff shot back. "Nope. I've had too many confiscated when we go planetside." After a brief pause, he came on again. "I'm using the metal panel that covers the comm system cables."

Good thinking.

She kept him updated on the progress of the SAR bird. "They're not that far out, but it's gonna be close."

Giff barked out a brief laugh. "Ha! I got it. I'll be switching over to portable, but when I do, I'm gonna lose comms."

Sapphire dragged her lower lip between her teeth. "See you soon." Hopefully alive.

She waited for three heart-pounding minutes before the rescue team announced they had him in sight. Another two for them to mark him aboard their ship. And thirty more seconds before his voice blended in with the others.

Sighing with relief, she glanced up and frowned when see noted the commander in a one-on-one with the XO. Each wore a concerned look on their face. Setting her headset aside, she fought the roil of her stomach and ignored the niggle of worry trying to rent space in her head.

Something's not right.

I'm having a good time writing this one. I love sprinkling a little mystery into the romance for a layer of conflict.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rewarding Experience

Well … November has arrived and the weather is cooling off to true fall-like temperatures. It's pretty chilly when I take the dogs out for the final time at night. Brrr.

Had a limited work week with only one project on my desk. Sometimes it's nice to have the extra time to get things done around the house. I'm still on my great clear-out and making solid progress. I have a new couch coming later this month and I'm excited to get everything ready for it.

Decent week of television. I caught four episodes of The Muppet Show. Anne Murray, Jonathan Winters, Star Wars / Mark Hamill, and Christopher Reeve were the guest stars. I remember the Star Wars episode from childhood. My brothers and I loved that one.

Finished up Prime Suspect and actually loved the way the series ended. I don't remember if I actually got to finish the entire series when I watched the first time so I'm glad I got to complete the entire run. Really like the bookend of how it began with how it ended.

Watched two episodes of Peak Practice. As suspected, David's wife kind of went off the rails and the climax of that happened in the second episode. I'm also enjoying Paul's storyline. Nice to see him pop up about every other episode.

Caught two more MasterClass lessons with Brandon McMillan. He's very good at explaining his technique and I'm hoping I'll be able to work with both dogs to have them behave better.

Watched another episode of Glitch and this show is as trippy as I thought it would be. Three episodes in and I'm still not quite sure what's going on. James has quite the dilemma on two fronts and it's almost uncomfortable watching him juggle everything.

Enjoyed another Pop Profiles. This one featured Jennifer Lopez. I didn't learn a lot of new things about her career but I loved revisiting some of her stellar moments.

Caught two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. This show is so much fun to revisit. Had a chance to talk to my oldest and reminisce a little about how much we loved watching when he was little.

Watched a great episode of Chicago Med. I'm starting to really enjoy Dr. Latham. I also loved getting into a little more of Goodwin's story. Also really liked Reece's storyline for this episode.

Enjoyed another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I've been enjoying having Frodo pop up in weird jobs. My hope is he'll eventually end up at the Toad and Lion. He'd make a great bartender.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. This one is interesting with a rural flavor to it. I'm feeling bad for Adam. He's got it bad for Chris and she's not going there because of their age difference.

Started the final two-parter of Silent Witness for season thirteen. This is another South Africa setting. I have a very vague memory of what happened the first time I watched and I'm looking forward to the second part to see if I remember anything else.

I'm almost finished with season twenty of Classic Who. The Master did show up again in a two-part arc and that leaves one final episode left. "The Five Doctors" will round out the season and we'll be on to twenty-one.

Enjoyed another episode of Roswell: The Final Verdict. This focused on how the government went to a lot of trouble to silence witnesses of the crash. The AI found a couple of false statements and that always interests me. Looking forward to the next episode.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

When an explosion rocks a deep space mining expedition, injuring Trixie Bell, she realizes how much she wants and needs Jock Tennyson by her side. The grueling hours and physically exhausting work makes the couple cranky and edgy, but Trixie decides to show Jock how rewarding a simple reprimand can be.

And a sneaky peek…

Jock got a hard kick to his gut. He didn't like the idea of training and running production at the same time.

He shook his head. "We're not authorized to train on site, Trix." A stupid restriction, but one clearly written into the contract.

Trixie snorted. "Too damned bad. Unless you've got a better suggestion, I'm out." She started for the door.

He stopped her. "Hold up. Wait just a damn minute. I don't want my best person putting herself at risk here." He didn't want anyone in danger, but especially her.

Trixie rolled her eyes. "Again, do you have another suggestion? Because we can't make the quota unless one of us actually goes in and trains the miners." She flicked her gaze over him. "Obviously, it won't be you." Her tone implied he no longer could.

He bristled. "I've worked in the mines a long time, Trix." A full year longer than her, as a matter of fact.

She made a disgusted sound. "Yeah, right up until you became one of the suits." She sneered the last word.

He glanced pointedly at his heavy twill work pants and dusty boots. "I don't wear a suit." And he never would.

She waved her hand. "Doesn't mean you haven't become one on the inside." She turned and left.

Jock frowned. "Way to give me a shot at fixing this, Trix." Leaning back, he reflected a little on why he took the job as foreman.

He'd hoped to bring about desperately needed change. Instead, he got buried under a mountain of need this, make it happen, and keep things coming. And his biggest supporter—Trixie—ended up walking away pissed off and angry.

Tossing the pen on the files, he put his head in his hands. "I might be in the middle of a steaming pile right now, but I'll find a way to make things up to her." Including yet another call to the commission to plead their case.

I usually end up writing sci-fi romance that takes place on a ship and I'm enjoying having this set on a mining colony. Trixie and Jock are also a lot of fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye