Sunday Snippet: Haven't We Met Like This

Wow, August kind of flew by. I'm always amazed how fast the week slips away, which probably means I need to go outside and get some grounding time in. I'm going to blink, and it'll be the holiday season. Just saying. Maybe I'll moon watch this week with the blue supermoon happening.

Had a busy work week. I'm finishing up an extended project and working on a new manuscript copy edit. Also gearing up for a new developmental edit and a new manuscript assessment in September. Looking forward to working on new books in these two series.

Had a decent week of viewing television. I still haven't watched the final episode of Peak Practice season nine. I needed good vibes this week and didn't want anything to bum my mojo.

I actually caught two episodes of Suspects. I finished out the first season and started season two. The second season is four episodes but they're both two-parters. Looking forward to seeing what happens. I'm a bit bummed that I can't watch all five seasons of this show … unless they become available on the streamer I'm currently using.

Finished the first season of Cannes Confidential. My choice for the big bad was correct and that makes me happy. I'm so hoping there will be a second season of this show.

Caught the second half of Silent Witness's two-parter. Ended up enjoying the twists this one took. A great cast of guest stars really added to the storyline.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. This show makes me happy, which might seem weird because it's always about a murder. The cast is amazing and that's why I love it.

I'm on the fence with Fantasy Island. I enjoyed the episode but I'm not here for having angst solely for the sake of having angst. No thanks. We'll see how the season ends.

Finally continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. "Sacrifices" ended up being such an interesting episode even if it shortchanged a couple of characters. One of the critiques I have about this show is not digging into the storylines when they should have. The previously on Battlestar Galactica does a lot of heavy lifting in seasons two through four and it's not necessarily a good thing.

Watched another episode of The Batman. This one introduced Penguin and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Aunt Miriam made another appearance as did the McNulty's.

Restarted the Agatha Christie Hour and enjoyed the episode. I have one episode left in this series and then I'll have to decide if I want to dive into another Christie series or find something new.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Haven't We Met Like This, a novella that brings a couple together after being casual friends with benefits for an extended period.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Hallie stood beside the ramp of the transport ship, waiting on her last passenger.

"Hallie Todd. If I'd known you were flying me to my dad's retirement gala, I'd have made an effort to be on time."

Alec Hennessey caught her up and hauled her into a hug.

She squeezed him hard. "And you still would've been late." She laughed. "It's good to see you, Alec." She glanced behind him. "Where's your better half?"

Alec stepped inside the transport. "On bedrest. She's due in two weeks." He grinned then sobered. "Which means my workload is double right now."

Damn, seven years brought a lot of change. Alec had failed his finals for flight, but he excelled at code breaking. Happily married to his sweet cryptologist, they were expecting their first child. Hallie hadn't realized quite how soon.

Hallie nodded to the copilot seat. "Might as well have a front-row view." The other two dignitaries aboard flashed grateful smiles.

Transport ships weren't designed for comfort.

Alec took his seat and fastened the harness.

Hallie radioed the Bartholomew. "Bartholomew, transpo five-six-niner will be outbound and docking in twenty-three minutes." She nodded to the landing signal officer and waited for checkers green.

Alec put a headset on just in time to catch the response.

"Transpo five-six-niner, you're clear for landing in bay seventeen. A reminder you're to report directly to the brig after passengers have cleared the hangar."

Alec slid her a sideways glance, his mouth hanging open.

Hallie launched the ship and headed out into the black.

Alec, per usual, couldn't help himself. "What did you do this time?" He'd flipped to internal comms so they wouldn't be overheard.

Hallie's lips quirked. "I got into a heated argument with the XO and called him a superior dickhead." She huffed out a breath. "Earned a three-day rip for insubordination." The man pushed her buttons on the regular and she hated the idea of serving under him without the elder Hennessey acting as a buffer.

And, thankfully, she wouldn't have to.

Alec narrowed his eyes. "Then what are you doing flying transpos?"

Hallie chuckled. "Apparently your dad is a big deal. The ceremony has so many arriving guests and dignitaries, I had a two-hour window to help get them all on board." She made a banking sweep away from Gibraltar base and headed for the ship.

Alec grunted. "He does have a lot of friends in high places." He settled back.

Hallie chatted with Alec, fighting the urge to ask about Reese. He and the old man rarely saw eye to eye, and she wondered if Reese would show up for the ceremony. It had been two years since she'd seen him—they had a very casual relationship, both focused on their careers—and she didn't ask when they'd spoken a month ago. She'd had other things on her mind during that call.

Alec volunteered the information, mentioning a photo op with their dad. "Someone dug up an old snapshot of the three of us standing in front of a falcon." His lips twisted. "They all realize I don't have my wings, but they want to repeat the staging for the old man's retirement." He perked up. "At least I'll stand out in my spiffy dress uniform." He did a chair waggle.

Hallie laughed. "That you will. I mean, was there ever a doubt? They broke the mold when they made you, Alec." And she wouldn't have him any other way.

The rest of the flight got her caught up with his life. Alec and Jenvie had names picked out. They were moving into a new housing unit on the base. And Jenvie made it clear Alec would not be getting their kid addicted to fudgy brownie cakes.

By the time they landed, Hallie's sides hurt from laughing. She'd needed the reprieve. Alec could be a pain in the ass, but he always brightened her day.

Hallie exited the transport and grabbed Alec's shoulder. "Say hi to Reese for me." She hugged Alec and headed back to the brig.

Less than eighteen hours and she'd be free and clear. And never have to deal with the XO, Colonel Dickhead, again.

This story is finally coming together and I'm excited to get it finished up.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hart's Masquerade

Had a very busy week with work projects and family stuff. I'm kind of exhausted but not in a bad way. My sleep schedule is somewhat all over the map and that doesn't help. Insomnia is a definite pain in the butt.

I had a pretty solid week of viewing television. I got another full round of shows in and might be adding one or two in the next week.

I picked back up with Suspects and enjoyed the episode. This show is a little chaotic and I like that. I also rather like the characters.

Caught another episode of Cannes Confidential and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have one episode left and I'm not ready for the season to end. I truly hope there's more to come from this show. It's so good!

Watched the penultimate episode of Peak Practice season nine. I'm bracing for impact for the finale. Then it's on to season ten!

Started a new two-parter of Silent Witness. Very interesting episode and I'm not sure where part two is going to go. This isn't a bad thing.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. This is such a fun show even if there's always a murder to solve.

Caught another episode of Fantasy Island and, yep, my biggest pet peeve happened. Take a couple and tear them apart for stupid reasons. I'll finish out the season and see what happens, but I'm cranky now and that probably means I won't watch anything else if it has another season.

Started a rewatch of The Batman. I rather liked this series. I might also be able to finish my rewatch of Batman: The Animated Series. For whatever reason, it seems to be available again.

Watched another Classic Rugrats episode with two eps I'd forgotten about. Season five seems to have quite a few of those.

Missed watching Battlestar Galactica this week. My viewing partner had a family commitment and we're picking up again this week.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Hart's Masquerade, a Specter Station novella that features a precious gem dealer and an accomplished jewel thief.

Here's the miniblurb:

Wicek Hart deals in precious gemstones throughout the galaxy and he's the premier wholesale supplier for jewelry boutiques. Nettie Strand is an accomplished jewel thief, but only because she's trying to reclaim her family's stolen property. Wicek smells a setup when Nettie applies for the job as spokesperson for the gala event to be held on Specter Station, his new base of operations, during the Lover's Holiday. Nettie knows the business inside and out and Wicek takes a chance by hiring Nettie, if only to keep a very close eye on her actions.

And a sneaky peek…

Nettie Strand arrived for her interview five minutes early.

Entering the reception area of Wicek Hart's office, she gave a nod. "Nice setup." Airy and intimate—not an easy combination to pull off, especially on a space station.

She clocked the video feed and security sensors hidden from view close to the display areas. She moved through the space mentally casing the area. Wicek Hart wouldn't make it easy for anyone to remove merchandise from his office.

Her lips curved. "I hope his stores are equally impressive." Based on what she'd seen so far, they would be.

The soft snick of a panel opening drew her attention. She turned and bit her tongue to hold back a gasp. Holy shit. Blown away by his striking features, Nettie didn't think the holo images did Wicek Hart justice. No way. Dark hair, an impressively tailored suit that enhanced instead of hid an impeccable physique, and a rugged countenance that didn't keep her from imagining him being comfortable in high-end salons or on a planetary excursion to find rough-cut gems.

He quirked a brow. "Nettie Strand." He thrust his palm forward.

Recovering, she grasped his hand and smiled. "Yes. It's good to meet you, Mr. Hart." Definitely not a lie.

Wicek flashed an amiable smile. "Please, it's Wicek." He inclined his head toward another recessed area. "Shall we?" He held her gaze.

She nodded and followed him into his office. This room had weight and depth. A workspace for cutting gems, a design area with a drafting table, and a large U-shaped desk filled the rectangular room but didn't crowd the location.

Wicek led her to an open nook holding a comfortable arrangement of luxurious loveseats facing each other with an angular ottoman placed between them. He motioned for her to be seated and began the interview right away. The next thirty minutes flew by and she responded to his questions with well-prepared answers. Amazed at how well everything seemed to be going, she let down her guard, confident she'd have the job.

Until Wicek brought out a thick folder and placed it on the ottoman.

Wicek leaned back against the cushions and propped his ankle of one leg on the opposite knee. "Why do you really want to work for me?" The affable host disappeared, and a cutthroat businessman emerged.

Nettie got stuck and struggled to keep up. "I don't understand." She frowned. "You're the premier supplier of wholesale gems in the galaxy. Why wouldn't I want to work for you?" Maybe he wanted to test her?

Or … maybe she needed to sell herself more.

She leaned forward a little. "I have extensive knowledge of gems and minerals. My skills could become a valuable asset to your work and help grow your business." If all went well, she'd love to pursue a partnership.

Wicek studied her and the impression she'd failed settled between her shoulder blades. I need this job. I must have the access and status the position will give me. I can't let Grandmother down. Again. Wicek folded his arms over his chest, stretching the suit across his broad shoulders, his gaze unreadable. Nettie couldn't shake the feeling she'd made a huge misstep.

He nodded toward the large file. "Would part of using your skills and being an asset include theft?" His tone turned hard and questioning.

Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?" He can't know.

He leaned forward and flipped the folder open then handed her a list. Her heart sank, especially when he spread out the reports about stolen jewels. Dammit, he did know. How should she play this?

Wicek pinned her with his gaze. "Care to comment?" His eyebrow quirked upward.

Is he giving me a chance to explain here?

She held his bold stare for a long moment before taking a leap into the unknown. "Very thorough, Mr. Hart…" She set the list aside. "But not quite complete." Time for her to roll the dice on a man that took speculative risks.

Wicek raised both eyebrows, clearly curious.

Nettie went for broke and filled in the rest." You're missing two." There, let's see what he does with that.

Wicek's mouth thinned to a flat line, and he stared at her with a narrowed gaze for several heartbeats.

Then he shocked her to her toes when he threw his head back and laughed.

This scene came together very quickly and I'm so happy with how it turned out.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hard Call

I sometimes wonder if time is speeding up. The week flew by. Then again, I have multiple work projects going right now and they're all at different stages.

Had a decent week of television viewing. Not quite as heavy as last week but I got through a full round of my current shows.

Actually started and ended the week with Classic Rugrats. I'm currently watching season five and it's weirdly missing Susie Carmichael. Maybe there's more of her in the later episodes.

Finished up the second season of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Ended up fairly pleased with the resolution of Jean's stalker. Very glad and hopeful we don't have to see more of her.

Caught another episode of Cannes Confidential. I seriously love this show. The cast is amazing and the chemistry with all of them is terrific. I have a very sneaky suspicion one of the main characters is going to be a bad guy and I'm actually kind of here for that if it happens.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice. I have two left in season nine and it's going to be kind of heartbreaking because I know what's coming. Also, Andrew is seriously annoying right now and I'm not sure if he'll improve or not.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Scar." This is another one of my favorite episodes even if, like "Black Market," there are some big flaws with development for later episodes. One of the best conversations of the entire series is in this episode.

Finished up a two-part Silent Witness. The culprit was indeed one of two characters I thought it might be. Such a great episode.

Started season two of Death in Paradise. Good opening episode with some familiar faces in the guest stars. I love catching my favorite actors in other roles.

Enjoyed an episode of Fantasy Island. So cool to kind of see how Elena assumed the role of host. I'm very curious about Ruby's mystery woman. I have a theory about her and I hope we get some answers before the end of the season.

Finished up season two of Strangest Things. I'd be interested in more episodes, but I won't hold my breath. The combination of Discovery and HBO Max is the stupidest thing ever and I'm honestly not sure I'll even continue trying to find show I want to watch.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hard Call, a novella that sees one half of a couple put the other half in a precarious situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Wiccam Kidder commands a space cruiser and wears the mantle of command with reluctance. When he makes a hard call and orders Valor Glynne to what may be a certain death, he wants to give up the burden and walk away. But Valor returns and Wic is faced with knowing she'll follow wherever he leads.

And a sneaky peek…

One level from the bottom Majah stopped. "This is as far as you go." She held up a hand to block Valor's path.

What the hell? She's wasting valuable and precious seconds.

Valor frowned. "We don't have time for this. Get moving!" She shouldn't be ordering her superior officer around.

Majah planted her hands on her hips. "We're making time. I'm ordering you to head back. You've got time to get clear." She gave Valor a dead-eyed stare.

Valor's mouth dropped open. "No way. This is a two-person job. We can't fail." Too much rode on the outcome of blowing this damned place to nothingness.

Namely giving the two most important people in her life an edge.

Majah dropped her pack to the floor. "We won't." She retrieved a spear gun and shot a dart into the wall then hooked a D-ring onto the rope. "I've got this." She carefully removed the protective covering from the explosive device, which had been covered with a framework of netting.

Valor blinked, the sheer genius of the solution kicking a measure of respect for her XO into gear.

But something didn't smell right.

Valor cocked her head. "Why didn't you mention this brilliant maneuver during the planning?" They'd run through a ton of simulations.

Majah's shoulders tensed for a moment but then she shrugged. "Only figured it out last night." Her tone all but dared Valor not to let the excuse slide.

Valor wanted to call bullshit but something in Majah's gaze—a desperate determination—stopped Valor.

Instead, she straightened. "Why?" She needed to understand.

Even though the clock ticked and burned through those precious seconds.

Majah squared her shoulders and met Valor's gaze head-on. "Because I lost a piece of myself here. They broke me, and planning this op made me realize I can't go back." She looked away. "I'm done. I can't live one more day constantly fighting to be the me I used to be." Her eyes closed for a moment then opened, clear and determined.

Valor couldn't find words to argue or counter the XO's clearly thought-out decision.

Majah shot another dart into the bulkhead beside Valor. "Go. Now." Keying in the launch code, Majah climbed on top of the crate and slowly hefted the explosive device into position. "I can get the rest from here." She started lowering the bomb down to the last level.

Valor opened her mouth, but Majah arched her brows and Valor gave a brief, terse nod instead.

Snapping to attention, she saluted. "Godspeed, sir."

Valor took one last look at her superior officer then turned and booked it up five levels, using minimal-range comms to radio ahead to the scout transport for a pickup. Her brain spun with Majah's revelations, but she couldn't take the time to unpack any of it right now. She dashed aboard the small ship and waited until they cleared the detonation zone. Twenty seconds later, she verified the explosion before radioing back to the ship. "Hathaway actual, scout two. Target removal confirmed." Cheers broke out on the other end of the comm.

She broke protocol by making the call. It should've come from ECO. But she wanted the Kidder men to know she'd survived.

Thanks to the sacrifice of a very troubled officer. Valor's gut clenched with the knowledge Majah shared. Valor finally understood the former XO a lot better now.

Unfortunately … a little too late.

I have a lot of love for this story. Writing this scene ended up being so much harder than I thought it would be, but I'm very happy with how it came together.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hand of Fate

Wow. August snuck up on me. I need someone to slow time down a little so I can catch up. I did have a great week with work projects and I'm hoping that trend continues through the end of the year.

Had an okay week with watching television. I'm going through a weird phase where I'm feeling kind of blah about everything I'm viewing. Not because the shows aren't interesting … more because my attention is very scattered and it's hard to focus right now.

I started and ended the week with episodes of Strangest Things. Seriously, there are some truly weird and bizarre items featured on this show. People are strange sometimes.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both featured fun bits with Grandpa Lou (Lew? I honestly can't remember how it's spelled.) They also had an in loving memory of David Doyle, the actor who voiced the character. Nice reminder of his work.

Watched another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. We're an episode away from the end of season two and I'm not sure if I'm interested in whatever the creepy lady has in store for Jean or not. I'm on the fence about whether I hope there's a resolution to wrap this part up or if it should continue through season three, if there is one.

Enjoyed another episode of Cannes Confidential. This show is so much fun even with the dark theme swirling in the background. I really hope there's another season of this.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. Very interesting premise. I'm not completely sure I have this one figured out, but I think I do.

Caught another Death in Paradise, which finished out the first season. Looking forward to starting season two this week.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Black Market." I have so much love for this episode even though it has a lot of flaws. Getting action-hero Lee is kind of worth having some thrown-in plot devices.

Watched another Fantasy Island episode and, again, I'm cautiously optimistic with how they're handling the personal lives of the characters. Also really enjoyed the fantasy of the three women. Such a great episode!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hand of Fate, a novella that brings a couple together after one of the character's has a fateful injury.

Here's the miniblurb:

Ada Kurtz and Clark Wellington are great at their jobs, and either could pull off an upcoming mission. But when Ada gets injured, she's relegated to the sidelines, planning the operation and calling the shots for Clark. He has to take out an enemy satellite which won't be easy without Ada flying his wing.

And a sneaky peek…

Clark read over the mission parameters.

"Holy shit. Leave it to Ada to come up with something completely out of the box." They'd be lucky to pull it off.

The asteroid might be the size of a dwarf planet, but its surface was nothing but rock and toxic gases. Blowing the relay station to cut communications had to happen. The first two towers wouldn't be a problem. The darker side of the asteroid had limited defenses and the comm stations should be easy to destroy.

The other two? "Much more of a risk and harder to blow."

Directly on top of the outpost used as a base for mining operations, the squadron had fortified armaments to get through. The asteroid had pipelines running through at least half of its interior. The ore brought out kept the power going and the excess shipped out via heavy transport every four weeks.

Ada's crazy-ass plan relied on them selling the idea the latest pickup was a week early. Rather brilliant, and the element of surprise would definitely be on their side, but so many things could go wrong.

A pang of guilt settled between his shoulders. She blamed him for being grounded. Not really his fault, but he got why she did. Their constant back and forth kept them in a state of heightened emotion. Ada pulled a stunt—one that usually bit him on the ass—and he chastised her for it. Openly, the more people present, the better.

In the air, Ada went unmatched. Her intense skill and razor instincts pulled him and everyone else out of the fire more than once. He could man up and admit the fact.

She challenged him out of the cockpit, too. But on a way different level. Mercurial and often exasperating, he sometimes had no idea where he stood with Ada from one moment to the next. It became part of what made her an easy go-to example. She had zero fear of rank and stated her opinion whether solicited or not. A prime measuring device for exactly how far to not push the CAG.

He huffed out a breath. "But holy hell, what a brilliant mind." Ada had killer looks, but her intelligence drew him in and held his attention.

Even when she reverted to juvenile tactics, the weird mix of never taking herself too seriously combined with an uncanny on-the-spot decisiveness made for a heady attraction. Clark often wanted to peel back on the layers and reveal what she hid beneath. Something they hadn't had time for when they'd gone out for a while.

Too bad the timing sucked, and a war needed to be fought right now.

Shaking his head, Clark turned his attention back to the op specs. He pictured each parameter, watched it play out in his mind, and rewound to start over. Ada left very little room for error.

He'd be lucky to pull it off. He flew by the book. Didn't go for the seat-of-his-pants stunts the way Ada did. Her idea contained a hard mix of both and the whole thing hinged on him. Didn't help most of the crew knew Ada could jam this mission out in her sleep. Him … they couldn't be so certain of. Granted, everyone had doubts, they'd be stupid not to. But he wouldn't, couldn't focus on them. He had to get his head in mission mode. Everything else got shoved to the side.

Sort of. A niggling thought hovered and wouldn't go away. They could really use Ada out there. And Clark wanted nothing more than to have her on his wing. Made him a glutton for punishment, but they'd all be safer with her out in the mix. She drove him mad, took insane chances, but he'd never fault her ability.

His lips twisted. "Too bad she's probably got some grave reservations about mine." The thought stuck and he let it sink in.

Rising, he grabbed the file to head for the briefing. "I'll just have to prove her wrong, won't I?"

I'm getting close to having this story wrapped up and ready for launch. I love Clark and Ada so much!

 

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

ML Skye