Sunday Snippet: Veracity of War

Wow, March is being its typical mercurial self. Warm up and then plunge back into the teens and single digits. The back-and-forth weather is normal but not fun.

Crazy-busy week with work projects. I'm thrilled to have my calendar filling up and excited to start some new manuscripts. Also getting more details sorted out for Tip Jar Shorts. I need to find a full day I can dedicate to getting everything where it needs to be.

Very limited viewing this week. My brain decided it needed quiet to focus on the reading I needed to finish up for one of my work projects. I probably needed the break.

I did get more of the One Lane Bridge episode watched. I might take a brief vacation from this one. There's a lot going on in this show and focus is going to be important so I don't miss anything.

Finished up season three of London Kills with the behind-the-scenes bonus episode. I always enjoy getting a deeper look at how everything comes together in a series.

Started another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm about halfway through and I like the tension in this one. Also enjoyed Neville and Commissioner Patterson being on the same page for once.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Veracity of War, a novella that explores changing dynamics in a relationship.

Here's the miniblurb:

The veracity of war takes a toll when Emerson Gamble assumes command of a military outpost after his captain loses his life. Sheena Tram wonders if they'll be able to maintain their relationship when the burden of responsibility always gets in the way.

And a sneaky peek…

"To a good man and an excellent CO. I have big shoes to fill." Emerson raised his glass. "To Captain Elias Marx."

Along with the rest of the unit, Sheena raised her glass. "To Marx!" She downed the shot and turned the glass upside down before meeting Emerson's gaze. "A speech wouldn't be remiss, especially after that excellent sendoff." She might be pushing boundaries, but she wanted Emerson to get off on the right path.

And letting the unit know how he intended to move forward would quell any uncertainty.

Emerson didn't call her out, but he narrowed his eyes just a bit before he took a deep breath. "A speech. Right." Squaring his shoulders, he directed his gaze over the entire unit. "I couldn't ask for a better crew than the one I'm with right now. We've been through the worst humanity has to offer, and we've come through that gauntlet … maybe not intact or unscathed, at least not on a personal level but stronger as a cohesive group. That's where our strength is. We function better because of each other, because we have each other's backs. If we find a weak spot, we pick up the slack together and share the burden. Marx trained us that way, and I have no doubt we'll continue to honor his memory by utilizing those lessons under my command." He picked up a shot freshly poured by the medic. "To Razor Company. Sharp and true."

Everyone toasted. "Sharp and true!"

Sheena downed her alcohol, savoring the burn of the liquid and the words of Emerson's toast. Sharp and true. Simplistic but hugely effective as a rallying cry. And that's what he'll have to be. As their new leader, Emerson would have to be sharp on the uptake and true to his subordinates. Where will that leave us? She had no answer to the question, but she'd be the first in line to help ease the transition regardless of how it might affect the personal relationship with Emerson.

Two hours later, members of the unit started heading for their racks. Everyone wanted to be as well rested as possible before the next mission operation. Sheena stayed behind to help clear up the glasses and bottles. And to spend some time with Emerson.

After stowing the alcohol in the cupboard, Emerson made his way to the large expanse of windows, gazing into the depths of space. The tension returned to his shoulders, and he heaved a sigh. Sheena put the washed glasses away and observed him for several long moments. She had no idea what kind of weight he carried with the bump in rank, but she did have a way she could help soothe his unease.

Making her way to his side, she wrapped her arms around him. "What do you see out there? Because it's not the stars."

Emerson snorted. "I'm seeing a black void that needs filled, and I'm not ready." He circled her waist. "I don't think being a good soldier qualifies me to take over for the captain."

Sheena frowned. "Marx could have picked anyone to assume command. He chose you." Her head tilted back, and she met Emerson's gaze. "Why do you think he did?" Emerson didn't lack confidence, so what had him twisted up?

He shrugged. "Honestly? My guess would be because I'd served with him the longest." Easing away from her, he clasped her hand and led her to one of the long, wide benches tucked into the alcove that faced the windows.

Sheena nodded. "Okay, that tracks. But he trusted you to get us to the egress point. That has nothing to do with how long you've served with him." She swung her legs up and motioned for Emerson to do the same. "You already acted as his de facto second in command. He delegated a lot of responsibility because he counted on you to follow through with his orders. Even the unspoken ones. You didn't have to stop and think about how he would've handled things. You didn't have to question what he wanted to happen. And you never let him down. That's why he picked you to assume leadership." The truth of that observation couldn't be denied.

Emerson shifted his position and settled her back against his chest. "Kind of like how you and I work together … perfectly in sync." His lips brushed her temple.

Sheena didn't know how much longer they would be, but she smiled. "Pretty much." She angled her head around. "And not just during battle." Her hand cupped his face, and she met his mouth with hers.

Emerson deepened the kiss and worked the buttons on her shirt undone, exactly how she planned. She had a sinking feeling their relationship would be in a for a big change, but for now, she'd tuck that concern away and enjoy being with him. Shrugging her arms out of her sleeves, she broke the embrace and quickly shed the rest of her clothes.

I like how this story is coming together. It's fun to dig in to an established relationship and see what pops up when outside factors force change.

 

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

ML Skye