Sunday Snippet: Differences Settled

We had a crazy week of weather. Rain, rain, rain, followed by wind, wind, wind. Lost power for a couple of hours and returned some of the neighbor's stuff that ended up in our backyard. Something tells me we're going to pay for a fairly mild winter with a chaotic and wild spring. Can't wait.

Good week on work projects and I finally made headway with clearing out my inbox on my old PC and I'm starting the transfer of files to my new computer. I can't wait to get this project done so I can go back to having one desktop instead of two in my workspace. Up next, tackling my laptop to see if I can get the graphics card to function again. Or, the issue could be related to a Windows update. Either way, I'm hoping I won't have to invest in a new laptop. Fingers crossed.

Not a bad week of television viewing. I didn't get quite as much watched as I did last week, but I got a few shows in.

I finished up the Classic Who episode I started last weekend and I'm kind of interested in how this one plays out. Hoping to get to the next part this week.

Watched the season twenty-one opener of Silent Witness. Nice to see some fallout from Nikki's Mexico trip. Jack is a little off and I'm curious to find out why. Love to see Clarissa out in the field because she's become a favorite character and shouldn't always be relegated to the lab.

Enjoyed another episode of Strangest Things. The items they discuss are always interesting and I love the speculative aspect when they really don't know exactly what they have.

Caught another episode of The Mandalorian. Bo Katan's introduction piqued my interest. I like how a different sect of Mandalorians are out there giving a different perspective.

Watched another episode of Only Murders in the Building. Thoroughly enjoyed discovering the building has secret passageways and tunnels. Loved the introduction of Lucy. I haven't changed my theory quite yet on who the killer might be, but we'll see what happens. Also nice to see Oliver show up for his son. Much needed character growth there.

Got to return to my Battlestar Galactica rewatch this week. While the episode doesn't rank as one of my favorites from season one, it's still a solid watch. Frankly, season one doesn't have a bad episode. It's probably the best first season of television I've watched.

Enjoyed another episode of Pennyworth. A few unexpected twists turned up and I'm here for those. I'm quite enjoying the slow discovery of how Alfred became Batman's butler. There's not a wasted moment on the screen.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Differences Settled, a novella that puts the characters in a tenuous situation and gives them the opportunity to see what their relationship can be.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Regan Tiedt and Finn O'Kellen are transferred to a new ship under difficult circumstances and find they have to settle quite a few differences with their new crew mates … and their commanding officer.

And a sneaky peek…

Leaving the quartermaster's office, Regan compared her berth assignment with Finn. "We're in the same bunkroom. That works to our advantage." If they didn't have to find places or reasons to meet, they'd get more done.

Finn gave a nod but waited until they entered their quarters before making a comment. "And we've got the bunk area to ourselves. Wonder if Craig did that by design? You know, keep us isolated from her crew until she has a read on us…" He dumped his rucksack on one of the racks. "Not that I mind not having four other people to trip over."

Regan cocked her head. "Huh. You might have a point. With the whole competition thing, it makes sense she'd keep us out of the thick of everything until she decides where we'll fit best." Which shouldn't really be her purview.

Finn snorted. "Or where we can do the most damage to the norms." He yanked a locker open and started unpacking.

Regan dropped her bag to the deck and settled on the edge of the berth opposite Finn's. "Huh, yeah. Once she gets a feel for our skill sets, she can drop us in wherever she wants to rattle cages." Not exactly standard operating procedure.  

Finn grunted. "Been thinking about how to approach this whole thing. After meeting with Craig, I've got an idea that should get us headed in the right direction." He closed the locker and sat across from her. "One of us should move up the food chain quickly and the other should screw up a lot and get left behind." He stood again and unfolded his bed linens.

Regan turned the idea over. "Who does what?" She got up and started unpacking.

Finn paused, holding a pillow in one hand. "You've got more flash and flair. You should be the mover and shaker." He slid the case over the fluffy square and dropped it on the bunk.

Regan did a slow nod. "Okay. What will you really be doing when I'm burning up the chart to the top?" And, no doubt, stepping on toes with her size eight boots.

Finn gave her a point-blank stare. "Snooping around and gathering intel."

He did have an uncanny ability to get people to open up, usually by keeping his mouth shut and his ears open. But he flew like a dream and his numbers couldn't lie. The data wouldn't support Finn being a fuck-up.

Regan lifted a shoulder. "Not sure it'll work. Your record speaks for itself." She started making up her bunk. "You'll never pull off being a screw up or that you lack skills." Then again, she'd be worse at even attempting the idea.

Finn hand-waved the objection. "Okay, so maybe I'm not a complete screw-up. More floundering in a new situation and struggling to keep up." He settled on the bunk again. "But if you quickly fall in and keep the focus on you, it'll give me the freedom to work behind the scenes."

Regan pondered. "Okay, let's see what happens." She finished getting her rack in order and closed her locker. "We should hit the mess and start putting the plan in action." Crossing the deck, she undogged the hatch.

Finn grabbed her arm. "Reg, you're gonna push a lot of buttons. Piss off a lot of people."

She nodded. "Yeah, a skill I've developed over the years. Comes in handy sometimes." Especially when they needed to bring a pilot in line—she almost always played queen bitch to Finn's affable buddy.

Finn held her gaze. "The difference here is no one knows you on this ship but me." His hand slid down to grasp hers. "I've got your back."

Her lips curved, because she'd never doubted that fact. "Figured you would." She squeezed his fingers then exited into the corridor.

If she could count on one thing, Finn would be it.

This one has been a lot of fun to write. I enjoy the fish out of water scenario and bit of a slow burn attraction that might just heat up fast.

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

ML Skye 

Sunday Snippet: A Day in the Life

It's been an eventful weekend. On Friday night at my daughter's university campus, an individual fired multiple shots at a baseball game. Thankfully—and it pains me to say this at all because it shouldn't be anyone—only one person, a player for the opposing team, and the alleged target of the shooter, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect is already in custody and has already been charged by the county prosecutor for attempted murder and felonious assault, both charges have firearm specifications. I'm very happy no one else was physically injured and I'm terribly sorry for the opposing team's player and their family. It's a lot to endure.

It's a lot to endure for everyone. The university staff, baseball team, students, the local community, and the opposing college, their staff, team, and students now have a shared experience with, unfortunately, too many others. I'm so happy my daughter wasn't anywhere near the baseball field when this occurred and I'm very happy the other players are okay. Like I said, an eventful weekend.

On top of that, I had a full week of work projects and made good progress on all of them.

I also got some television in. I didn't have a chance to do my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica, but we're on the schedule for next week.

I did finish up The Mandalorian. Ended up enjoying the episode a lot.

Also watched Only Murders in the Building. I have a working theory on who the killer will be and I can't wait to see if I'm right.

Caught another episode of Pennyworth and I like how this show is coming together. Looking forward to finishing out the season.

Started Wednesday, based on recommendations from a bunch of my viewing friends. Loved the first episode and look forward to more.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats and I think I actually watched on I missed during the thousands of times we watched this when the kids were growing up. Kind of happy to have that happen.

Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders. Loved this one and laughed out loud a couple of times. I guess one more episode to finish out the season.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I'm at the midway point for season nine and getting more familiar with the new faces.

Started a new episode of Classic Who and should finish it up later tonight.

That's pretty much it for the life updated this week. Tonight's post is from A Day in the Life, which will hopefully end up being a companion read to Shyler: Finding Home at some point.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Alphie is a kick-ass droid who assists Inspector Shyler Lumen when she arrives on Furlough 99. He's also not afraid to offer unwarranted advice.

And a sneaky peek…

Alphie pinged the moment Inspector Sweetie entered the elevator with Mr. Galactic Mogul. The ride down in the lift would be quiet, just the two of them. Shyler's body language all but screamed she needed space.

Marshton gave it to her. He seemed to sense she didn't want idle chit chat or friendly banter. He stood back and away from her, owning his corner of confined space. She stood up close to the door, tapping her hand against her leg, no doubt impatient to see if Spider had worked his magic.

Which he had. Alphie had several messages for her.

Shyler moved quickly after the exiting the lift and strode directly to Alphie—her favorite porter, he hoped—and scanned her creds. His eyes blinked several times while he shifted from observation mode into animated stature.

"Inspector Sweetie! How lovely to see you again."

She ignored the stunned look on Mr. Galactic Mogul's face.

But her lips twitched just slightly when she responded. "Uh, yeah. Same goes." She actually bit back a grin. "Got anything for me this morning?"

Alphie tsked. "Girl, do I ever. What do you want first?" He produced a portable media device and handed it to her. "You've got three messages—two marked urgent."

The inspector pondered a moment. "Please play in order." She squared her shoulders, almost like bracing for impact.

Alphie shifted his gaze toward Marsh. "First is eyes only, priority flag."

Mr. Gray stepped away and told the inspector he'd go rustle up something caffeinated.

Alphie would swear her face softened a little. Interesting…

She shook her head and focused on the screen.

Alphie could resist nudging her. "He's got it bad for you, Inspector Sweetie."

Shyler rolled her eyes. "Just play the damn message, will you?"

Alphie cackled. He scored a hit with that one. But he ran the info as directed.

Shyler sucked in a breath. Twelve more survivors had succumbed to the toxin, but someone named Glib hung on by a thread. The docs estimated he had a thirty-six-hour window before he also would be past help.

The information didn't make her happy.

Not a lot of time to save her friend. Alphie hoped the next two messages put her in a better frame of mind.

He could tell she really wanted a save for this Glib fellow. 

Alphie ran the next message without a command.

Spider's face appeared on the screen. "I hack— Er … dug deep as you suggested, not so gently the second time … and relayed my findings to the guild members. They've all agreed to use non-lethal methods when they find Dr. X."

Spider couldn't see Shyler, the message being pre-recorded message, but he answered the question that no doubt popped in her head.

"Uh, yeah, Dr. X is the code name we've given him. I've got kick-ass security and it would be a bitch to hack my system…"

Alphie didn't need to see the video to know Spider's brain whirred with information.

"But this dude is smart. It's a precautionary measure in case he finds a way to have ears on our communications."

Shyler stared at the screen and her shoulders relaxed. Alphie did a quick scan and almost laughed. Spider sat back in his seat. His space looked messy and chaotic, with posters of hot chicks in scanty clothes mixed in with image files of known criminals or people of interest. Shyler smiled and Alphie suspected she'd liked the hit of normal.

Spider shrugged. "So yeah, I'll update when I have something for you. Late."

She grinned while the screen blipped and changed.

Spider's face popped back into view. "Inspector, they tagged Dr. X. I tried the swank digs, but you were gone already."

Alphie would never reveal how Spider knew where she'd spent the night.

His voice lowered a little. "They're bringing X here, to the hall. Coordinates are listed on the lower screen, if Mr. Moneybags isn't sure where to find us. Time—" He glanced at his monitor. "0850. Out."

The inspector noted the location and checked the time. 0855. Spider had almost literally just transmitted the message.

Meaning the timing couldn't be better.

Shyler gave a nod. "End playback. Thank you." She handed the media device back to Aphie.

He tucked it into a side pocket. "Sure thing, Inspector Sweetie. Go get him." He winked at her. "And snag the other one when you're done. He's a keeper."

Shyler laughed, drawing Marsh's attention as he returned with two beverages.

He handed one to her. CaffCola.

"News?" He waited until she'd taken several nice long sips before asking.

Smart man.

Shyler nodded. "The guild has Baj. They're escorting him to the hall. I've got the location."

Marsh's mouth settled into a grim line. "Let's go."

Shyler's next move rather surprised Alphie.

She laid a hand on his arm. "You don't have to, you know."

Even Alphie caught the flash of worry that leapt into his eyes before his resolve kicked in.

Marsh looked down at her hand but didn't comment on the gesture. "He's my brother. I let him push the envelope too many times. So yes, I have to." He shifted around, keeping hold of her hand. "I might also be of use during the interview."

Alphie's circuits cringed. Oh, dude, not the right thing to say.

The inspector's back went up, but Mr. Mogul didn't let her jerk her hand away. "Listen to me. I know what you're thinking, and this isn't a dig at your impeccable skills." He turned at the next junction, leading her along with him. "I can be useful. Unless you hold an honors degree in chemistry?"

Alphie switched to observation mode to follow the conversation.

Shyler snorted. "Right. Honors degree in Chemistry. I haven't forgotten."

"Then let me help. I can get Baj to tell me everything." He stopped their progress, turning her toward him. "I promise you this. Please, trust me."

The inspector considered the bizarre idea, and slowly nodded. "Okay, but here's the deal. I want Spider's people posted outside the room in case Dogo tries to take a runner. And I'm going to be watching, listening, and if necessary, coaching you."

Alphie switched back to porter mode. Inspector Sweetie had Mr. Galactic Mogul well in hand.

It's so much fun writing this companion story! Alphie is hilarious and just what Shyler needed in her life while on Furlough 99.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dance with Destiny

Very busy week with work projects and client calls. My youngest was also in the UK over her spring break for a study abroad program. She's back in the States today.

Weather is all over the place, which is typical for March. We had sunny and warm followed by chilly and rainy, followed by brrrrr! and some flurries. I can't wait to see what the next two or three weeks brings to the playing field.

Had an okay week for television. I didn't get back on my regular schedule, but I did get a few things watched.

Started out with some Classic Rugrats. Only watched one episode but enjoyed it. I always like the episodes where Angelica is bested by the babies.

Watched another episode of Midsomer Murders. I'm kind of bummed Barnaby's degree in psychology isn't a thing anymore. I enjoyed that aspect in the first few seasons of John's tenure.

I finished an episode of Endeavor and enjoyed it. Glad to be back into this show. I'm a few seasons behind but I'll get caught up eventually.

Caught another episode of Classic Who. This one started a new arc and I'm excited to see where it goes. There might have been a hint about Ace's mom and I want to see if pans out.

Completed season twenty of Silent Witness. Really liked how the episode played out and I'm interested in how Nikki and Jack deal with the fallout of their trip to Mexico.

Watched another episode of Strangest Things. A couple of interesting features in this one, especially the bat bomb that destroyed an entire air force base.

Also started a new episode of The Mandalorian. I'll finish it up later today while I prep for the new season.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Dance with Destiny, the second novella in a trio of books.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A prophecy discovered leads to a dance with destiny. Quillan and Jeb have to find their way back to each other and might just tempt fate to do it.

And a sneaky peek…

Quillan Jaymes headed back to quarters after the shared-grief moment in the memorial hall. "Nice to be there for the old man." And, well, Jeb's dad kind of returned the favor for her.

She hit her rack and let the exhaustion finally claim her. Started to nod off when an odd feeling hit. A warm, comforting presence.

Her lips curved a little. "Reminds me of when Jeb would wrap his arms around me in the middle of the night." She smiled sleepily and drifted deeper toward slumber, thinking how people, namely her, took comfort in the strangest things.

A moment … or a minute … or an hour later, she jerked awake and could almost swear she'd heard Jeb call out her name. He sounded far away, but she'd know his voice anywhere.

Shaking off the weird feeling, she rolled over and tried to fall back asleep.

But … she heard it again. Louder this time.

"Quillan. Quillan."

Her eyes drooped and she burrowed into the pillow.

"Quillan."

The voice came again, but she didn't let it pull her from slumber this time.

"Quillan!!" The impatient tone Jeb used when he got cranky cut through.

She lurched upward and cracked her head on the rack above hers. "God dammit. I'm going insane." She swung her legs over the edge of the bunk, intent on finding Doc Marsh or a medic, hell anyone, to score some sleeping pills.

"Quillan. Talk to me, dammit."

She shook her head, disbelief settling in. "Doesn't it just figure."

Holy hell. Jeb Paldino had come back to haunt her.

She had to be insane. Her captivity had finally caught up to her—the only explanation she could deal with at the moment. Her head spun, her vision blurred, and Quillan took the only option left open. She tumbled sideways and passed out cold.

This story is coming together in a weird way, but I like where it's going. Quillan and Jeb are fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Damn the Torpedo Flu

March entered the room with some wild weather, which isn't a big surprise. Still having the back and forth chilly then warm and lots of rain and wind. I expect nothing less from my birth month.

Got a lot accomplished on my work projects. I have a new one coming in sometime in the next week or two and I'm looking forward to jumping into another new one this week.

Didn't get a lot of television watched this week, but I got a few episodes in.

Finished up The Mandalorian episode I started and thoroughly enjoyed it. My brother used to be obsessed with the sand people so it's fun to see them in action in this episode.

My Battlestar Galactica rewatch continued with "Act of Contrition." So many great moments in this episode and the acting is stellar. For a show that came out twenty years ago, I have vivid memories of watching this for the first time.

I also caught another episode of Only Murders in the Building. I kind of love where they're taking things at the moment. It'll be hard to top the first season for me, but I'm excited to see how this plays out. I'm really hoping it holds up.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Damn the Torpedo Flu, a sexy short that explores how a friends-with-benefits relationship goes much deeper during an outbreak of the worst flu possible.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When the torpedo flu hits the space station, Paisley and Dale are practically the last ones standing. Working through the crisis will bring them closer together, if they don't kill each other first.

And a sneaky peek…

Dale nudged Paisley back a little. "We'd better get some shut eye. Gonna be rough for a while." An understatement.

Paisley arched a brow. "My rack or yours?" She scooted off his lap and stretched.

His lips curved. "Mine." Rising, he chuckled. "See, you're already exhausted." Even if they only slept, he liked having her tucked against his side.

She bit back a yawn. "True. It's been a day and the shitty new didn't help." Walking to the hatch, she paused a moment. "I'm hoping to keep on most of the pilots in line and in the air." Crossing the threshold into the corridor, she waited for him to dog the door. "Maybe we should recommend they steer clear of the miners."

Dale fell in to step beside her. "That won't happen, but we can make the suggestion." The causeway didn't have much traffic and they made it to quarters in good time.

Paisley stopped by his bunk. "You don't think we can keep our crew from mixing with the civilians?" She stepped out of her fatigues.

Dale huffed out a breath. "Two squadrons of twenty each? The damage is probably already done." He shucked his pants, dragged his shirt off, and ducked inside the berth. "But we can minimize the fallout by making it clear contact should be kept to a minimum from this point forward." He held the blanket up for Paisley.

She finished undressing and crawled in beside him. "Dammit. I hate that you're right. Between the galley crew exposing one half and the civilians mingling with the other half … we're in for some dark days." Rolling into his side, she put her head on his shoulder.

Dale cupped her chin. "We work well in the dark." His mouth slanted over hers for a quick kiss. "But not tonight. Let's grab sleep while we can."

Paisley shuffled around, putting her back to his chest. "Right. We hit the ground running in the morning and find time for something more maybe later…"

Dale wrapped an arm around her. "Definitely."

This is a sweet moment before the ugly hits hard. Paisley and Dale will have to get creative to avoid succumbing to the nasty bug on the station.

 

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

ML Skye