Sunday Snippet: Star Chasers

I'm so excited because for the first time in over twenty years—actually, maybe longer—I got some new furniture. It's kind of my holiday present from everyone in the family. A new small recliner and a new couch. I'll be adding a chaise at some point but haven't found one I like yet. The couch story is an entire saga and I didn't expect it until December 23, but it arrived Friday!

I also had a super-busy work schedule, which had me buried for most of the week. I'm definitely not complaining. I love to be busy.

Had a decent week of television but somewhat abbreviated. I started with the Madam Blanc Mysteries. I'm quite enjoying how the larger mystery arc is being woven into the weekly episodes.

I finished up the second part of Silent Witness and started a new episode. Gotta say I'm now into episodes I haven't seen yet. The first part left quite a cliffhanger. I'm a little freaked out.

I caught a full arc of Classic Who and, yes, the Master showed up. I started a new four-part arc and I think this is when we say goodbye to Five. I'll let you know next week.

Watched Mysteries of Apollo and this episode focused on NASA's first heroes, mainly the astronauts from Mercury and Gemini. Quite an interesting episode.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Muppet Show. Senor Wences and Bruce Schwartz and Debbie Harry were the guest stars. Both were fun episodes.

Caught another episode of Fantasy Island. I'm quite happy with this updated version. Looking forward to the holiday episode.

Watched an episode of Peak Practice. An interesting plot with this one. Kind of cool to get a little more backstory for Andrew.

Started a new MasterClass. The instructor is Bill Nye and I can't wait to dive into his classes.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Season two is a lot of fun with some memorable stories.

Enjoyed a holiday episode of Chicago Med. Gotta say Dr. Charles is going through it right now. Actually, both of them are. A really great episode nonetheless.

Watched another Brokenwood Mysteries. As usual, this show makes me happy. I love the characters and their interactions. Kind of interesting to meet another one of Mike's exes.

That's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Star Chasers, which will probably be a series name. I haven't settled on the title name yet.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Marnie Ritoli, a kick-ass mechanic for the premier maze-running team in the galaxy, is presented with a dilemma—choose a new mate or leave the Chasers. But Marnie knows Luce Carrington isn't dead, and she won't play second fiddle to anyone, so she does what she's best at and finds a loophole in the league rules, picking Luce's best friend … the person who backs her into a corner in the first place.

And a sneaky peek…

Marnie entered the canteen to find the Chaser's president Winton Ashcraft pacing back and forth. "This doesn't bode well." She'd muttered the words under her breath but they caught Win's attention.

He turned to face her. "Pull up a pew. We've gotta talk." He planted his hands on his hips.

Marnie parked her butt on one of the barstools. "So you said. Can't be good if we're doing this at two in the morning." She tamped down a nervous fissure, praying he didn't have bad news about Luce.

Winston gave a grunt. "Giving it to you straight. Luce isn't coming back. You know the drill. Pick someone." He shifted his stance and folded his arms over his chest.

Marnie blinked. "Excuse me. Why the hell would I do that?" No way. Luce hadn't been gone long enough to force her into a ride or die moment.

Win narrowed his gaze. "I don't have to explain how this works. When a member defaults, we've got procedures to follow."

Marnie mirrored him, folding her arms over her chest. "You are not quoting league rules to me." Win usually played it fast and loose with the regs.

Members not in good standing lost their privileges and assets and, by rights, should be cast out of the club. Luce didn't fit that category because no one knew where he'd gone. But a Chaser—especially an officer of rank—that missed more than two meetings in a row would be in default and their assets were held in escrow for six months then divvied up within the club. Mates were given a choice—stake a new claim for partner, become fair game for all, or disavow and leave the Chasers. None of those options worked for her. 

Winston grunted. "Yeah, I am." His face went dark. "I'm tired of breaking up fights. Two hours ago, I broke up the seventh fight in as many days." He fixed his disgusted gaze on her. "And it's all about you. Or rather, it's about who gets dibs on that luscious body of yours."

Marnie stiffened. Fuck. She couldn't deal with the idea right now. And damn Win for making her.

She met his gaze. "No one but Luce owns the rights. No one ever will." An ache started deep in her heart.

Winston's lips went flat. "Luce is gone. Has been for weeks. And you know the rules." His voice softened but kept its hard edge. "In ten days you pick someone or I do it for you." He paused. "Or you can leave the crew. Your choice." He leaned back against the wall, his features closed off, but his eyes held the pain of loss.

Just like her heart.

He didn't have to give her the time. Technically, she should have declared her status last week, but she didn't think she'd actually have to. She held out hope that Luce would return and couldn't believe Win would write his best friend off so soon.

But … she had to make a decision. Stay or go. She'd found her family with the Chasers and the idea of starting over somewhere without Luce terrified her. But staying under the terms of the league rules chafed. What the hell should I do? The fact she had to decide pissed her off.

She pondered Win for a few moments before giving a reply. "Fine." At least he'd given her some leeway. "Tell the ass hats to leave off with each other. I'll weigh my options and inform the crew of my choice at the next meeting." She got up to leave, the desire to smash something weighing heavily.

Win reached out and grasped her elbow. "Look, Marnie. Whatever you decide, I won't let you become space chum for anything with a dick. I owe Luce that much." Meaning, if she left, he'd set her up somewhere with a little protection.

She wanted to be grateful, but betrayal burned hot and fast at the moment. "You owe him more than that, Win. We both know why." They never talked about the sacrifice Luce made for Win and she'd keep it that way for now.

Win hissed out a breath. "Guess I deserved that. But there's no sign of Luce returning and I can't have half the crew fighting over you. You get that, right?"

Marnie shrugged away from him. "Yeah, Win. I get it." She met his gaze. "But you get this—I contribute more around here than the average ladybird. It sucks that no one remembers that fact and it all boils down to my ass being the only asset that counts." She turned and exited before he could respond.

She didn't want or need empty platitudes. Win could go hang for forcing her to comply. And for making her face a life without Luce.

I love how this story is finally coming together. The sages have been dropping ideas—out of order, of course—but a cohesive thread is weaving its way from beginning to end and a new story is forming for Win.

 

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

ML Skye