Sunday Snippet: Differences Settled

Another bonkers week of fighting a cold and lack of sleep while trying to keep a lot of plates spinning. I have another week of tracking some things down that I really don't want to put off any longer and, honestly, I always forget how much time it takes to this stuff sometimes. I'd love an extra four hours in a day so I could stay caught up.

The weather is doing its usual back and forth thing, plus we're at that stage of spring where it's full-on construction season. I have to laugh because some of the detours have detours. It's bonkers.

Really good work week. I've got several projects in flux at the moment and if the timing goes well (spoiler alert: it rarely does), I'll move two off my plate and add two more. I did put a final checkmark on one of my developmental editing projects. I had a lot of fun working on that one.

Had a pretty solid viewing week. I made it through my usual list of shows and kind of added an extra one because one of my streamers is being a pain and wanting an upgrade for immediate access to new seasons. I'm not okay with paying more so I'll play the waiting game.

Finished up the fifth season of My Life Is Murder and I'm very happy with where all the characters are. I love Madison's growth and Will choosing to stay on the straight and narrow makes me smile. This group would be so much fun to hang out with.

Caught another behind the scenes bit with Foyle's War. I'm always interested in how they pull things together and this one had several segments about makeup, wardrobe, and sets. I think I have one more before the next season.

Watched another episode of Poirot and finished up the sixth season. From what I remember, there's a five-year break before the beginning of the next one. Stay tuned to see if I'm right.

Started the new season of Death in Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed the opening salvo. The commissioner is back. Darlene is gone and will be missed. A new sergeant is in the mix. Seb is still Seb. And DI Wilson has a clue that his half-brother is a terrible, no-good, awful person. Catherine and Naomi are the glue that holds everything together.

Elementary had another terrific episode. I really like where all the characters are right now, and I love Sherlock kind of going out on a limb for Shinwell. Looking forward to seeing more on this plot point.

Started a new to me series with Young Justice. I've seen a few of the episodes, but I've never seen how the series kicked off. So far, I'm enjoying the ride.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and quite enjoyed the adventure. Always lovely to see special guest stars and this week we had George Takei. Such a fun episode.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Differences Settled, a novella that puts a duo undercover and they end up becoming a couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Finn turned and planted his feet on the deck. "What's this all about, Ewan?" He'd purposefully taken the lead to throw the man off balance.

Taylor narrowed his gaze and glanced between Regan and Finn, noting the swap in roles. Regan rolled her shoulders and leaned against the bulkhead. A sure indication she had no objection to Finn asking the questions.

Ewan folded his arms over his chest. "I want to know what you two are really doing on this ship." He stared both officers down.

A tense moment followed.

He and Regan hadn't had a chance to discuss how they'd respond if confronted. Finn's gut said Taylor would land on the side of right, but Finn wouldn't do anything to jeopardize Regan's position with Craig or put Regan in danger. He slid a quick side-eye her way. Regan nodded, giving Finn what he needed to proceed.

Finn shrugged. "We were sent in to find out how serious Craig's abuse of her command is." He left it there, giving Regan an opportunity to add more if she wanted to.

She pushed away from the bulkhead, moving to stand by Finn's side. "We've got a good start but nothing solid." She wouldn't provide details until Ewan laid his card on the table.

Taylor gave a slow nod then reached into a hollowed-out cubby in the side of a locker and withdrew a thick file. "I've got exactly what you need." He opened the battered folder. "Been waiting a long time to turn this over to someone." He pulled out a report then handed it to Finn. "When our XO went missing, Craig listed him as UA." Taylor's face took on grim lines. "But he's not absent, unauthorized or anything else. He won't be coming back, or for that matter, found." He turned the page over and tapped a photo. "Craig sent him out an airlock."

Regan glanced at Finn, her eyes wide with disbelief. Finn let out a low whistle. Did they really have cold, hard proof of murder and a cover-up?

Regan gave Taylor her full attention. "Where did you get this?" She spoke quietly even though no one else could hear them from outside the locker.

Taylor lifted his chin. "I took the picture." His lips twisted in a wry smile. "There was something a little off when Craig escorted Batton to the launch bay." One shoulder lifted. "I trained for a while in military intelligence so I'm naturally suspicious."

Finn scooped the report and picture into the file and tucked it under his arm. "Needless to say, you just gave us everything we need to take back to the flagship." He met the other man's gaze. "You'll be in the clear and protected." He slid a glance toward Regan.

She'd retrieved the secure comm device and started a message to Admiral Grant, but she looked up at Taylor. "In other words, no blowback." She finished typing the encrypted communication then waited on a response.

Taylor snorted. "I don't care if there's blowback. It's gonna be a bloodbath no matter what happens." He shook his head. "If there's a court martial and I need to appear, I'll be there."

Finn grunted. "Until then, no one knows where this came from." He tapped the file.

The comm unit chimed and Regan read the screen. "Grant's on his way." She nodded toward the hatch. "You'd better find somewhere else to be."

Taylor huffed out a breath. "Right. I'll leave you to it then." He crossed the deck but turned back. "I have a feeling about you two." He didn't say more before he undogged the door and slipped out into the corridor.

Finn met Regan's gaze. "Gotta say, I didn't see this coming." He poked his head outside and made sure they could leave without being seen.

Regan moved to his side. "And from fucking Taylor. For once, his timing is perfect." She chuckled and stepped outside.

Finn's lips twitched, and he followed her out.

But he quickly sobered. Their time on the Wellingstone would end, and he had no idea where that left them or their current intimate status. How would they navigate their relationship when they returned to the Holyoke?

I'm excited about this one. I love a game of cat and mouse and seeing how it pays off.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Day in the Life

What a wild week. We're back to almost winter temperatures with freeze warnings this weekend and the first part of the week. My cold is sorta kinda over, but the crazy weather probably won't help.

Had a pretty decent work week. I'm in flux on a number of projects but the work is moving steadily along. I'm happy to stay busy.

Pretty good viewing week also. I finished up a rewatch and have to pick a new show to watch on one of my streamers … and I have no idea what I want to choose.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and it was so fun to see a regular in one of the shows I watch do a guest turn in this episode. Can't wait to watch the finale this week.

Caught another behind the scenes episode of Foyle's War and enjoyed it. I have one or two more before starting the next season of the show.

Watched another episode of Poirot and loved the mystery. Hastings completely falling for the girl ended up being very interesting along with Poirot kind of lending a helping hand. Very cool.

Started the new season of Silent Witness. Jack's new look is … okay? Enjoy them being in a new city, and I'm liking the vibe of the characters.

Elementary, as usual, didn't disappoint. Such an interesting case and having Sherlock go out on a limb for Shinwell was rather cool.

Finished up my Batman Beyond rewatch and, honestly, the show holds up. Not sure what I'll pick next, but it might be DC universe adjacent.

Watched another Star Trek: Lower Decks. Kind of fun to have a one-off character come back and not end up being an actual hero. I like the risky maneuver there.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Day in the Life, which is a companion piece to Shyler: Finding Home.

Here's the miniblurb:

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 searched his database for news on Baj Dogo. "Well … that's an interesting end to the saga." Mr. Mogul not only put the fix in on a deal … he also enriched the Guild.

Alphie snorted. "Wonder if Inspector Sweetie handled that with her usual good grace?"

Somehow, Alphie doubted she did.

But … he didn't find a notification of the Furlough investor's death, so she must have come around to his way of thinking.

An incoming ping altered Alphie to a transmission from the hangar deck.

Rolling his eyes inward, he put himself in standby mode to answer the call.

Shyler's face appeared on his internal monitor.

Alphie gave a surprised chortle. "Inspector Sweetie! I didn't expect to see you again." His circuits buzzed at doing so.

Shyler's lips quirked. "If you're up to date, you know I'll be disembarking soon." She shivered a little. "I'm waiting on this…" She glanced around. "Very well-appointed machine to launch and, well, I'm not really a fan of space travel."

Alphie wisely didn't laugh. "Aw, you might change your mind with the upgraded accommodations." He pulled up a schematic of Grey's ship and couldn't help but be impressed.

Shyler snorted. "I doubt it. But you never know." She leaned forward a little. "Look, I pinged you because I have to say thanks. You were instrumental in helping me out and I appreciate it." She huffed out a laugh. "I realize that might sound strange. But you read me and gave me exactly what I needed. Droid or not, that's a skill a lot of humans don't have." She lifted her chin. "So, thank you. If I'm ever back on Furlough, I hope you'll greet me with the same persona." Leaning back, she gave him a wave then cut the transmission.

Alphie blinked and brought himself back online. His circuits zinged with the compliment, and he looked forward to having her back on station. And he didn't need kickass computing skills to know she'd be back. Not with the way she and Mr. Galactic Mogul looked at each other.

All in all, Alphie perked up and decided to give everyone who needed help a little extra boost. A job well done gave him a satisfactory feeling and if he earned more kudos … droids might just have to be elevated on the social chain.

I'm hoping to polish this up and get it ready to release as a free read for the Furlough 99 series.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dance with Destiny

Bleh. I've been fighting a yucky cold all week and I'm feeling a little better but not quite 100 percent. I'd be happy if the coughing could be a wee bit less.

Weather has been steadily warming up. We've dipped back down a couple of times but thankfully it's been gradual without the wild forty-degree swings in twenty-four hours. Been getting a lot of rain, which is causing high water and some flooding. Combine that with ongoing construction and the onset of tree-trimming and getting anywhere is something of a challenge. It pays to leave early.

Another busy work week. Finished up another proofread, continued work on one, and started an assessment read through. Also finished up a read through on another project that keeps lingering in the shadows. Started a new proofread that's a lot of fun so far.

Had a decent viewing week even though I slept a lot because of the yuck. I made it all the way through my usual slate of shows and added an addition to the lineup.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery along with getting more Harry backstory. I think the next two episodes are a two-parter that makes the finale. Can't wait to watch.

Watched the first behind the scenes for Foyle's War. Kind of enjoyed seeing the process of how they do what they do to film the period specific series.

Finished up the first season of Return to Paradise. I have no idea when season two will be available on the streaming platform, but I'll look forward to it.

Caught another episode of Poirot and completely enjoyed poor Japp trying to manage on his own then having a harder time after accepting Poirot's invitation to stay with him. Fun to see Miss Lemon's sister.

Elementary ended up being very entertaining. The twisty start proved interesting and Joan's advice to Sherlock turned out to be great. I love where their relationship is at this point.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and had completely forgotten about this one. I think I have one more left before I'll need to find a new series to watch or rewatch.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and quite enjoyed learning about Tendi's pirate past. Always fun to see characters from other Trek shows pop up in the episodes and Deep Space Nine counts as a character. Just saying.

I continued to use my Kanopy tickets to watch Fleetwood Mac: The Dance. This was such a great concert film, with quite a few surprises. Glad I got to watch.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Dance with Destiny, a follow-up to An Answer to Fate.

Here's the miniblurb:

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 rapped on the hatch outside the elder Paladino's quarters. Her stomach rolled a little, because she didn't quite know how to deliver the good news to Jeb's dad.

The large metal door opened wide and Jonah greeted her. "Quillan. It's good to see you." He stepped back, indicated she should enter.

She crossed the threshold and didn't mince words. "Sir, I have something to say. It’s important and you need to sit down." The words rushed from her mouth in one breath.

Jonah Paldino gave her a very long considering look but turned and sank down onto the long sofa secured to the deck in his quarters.

Quillan paced back and forth for a moment, then opted to settle next to him.

She faced Jonah, taking his hand. "Jeb's bond is his word, right?" Starting small seemed like a good choice.

Jonah hissed out a startled gasp. "I haven't heard that phrase in years." He narrowed his eyes. "Why am I hearing it now?"

Quillan exhaled and drew in a calming breath. "Sir, you might not believe this, but I have a story to tell you."

Jonah didn't speak, but he lifted his chin, showing his willingness to listen.

Quillan started weaving the tale. "A long time ago, when Jeb was what? Ten or so? You stitched up a jagged gash along his hairline." She paused a moment. "He spent the night on the base while you took Dinah to Holly Brook." Pausing again, she tried to gauge Jonah's reaction.

Wariness entered his gaze, but he stayed silent.

Quillan took that as a sign to continue. "When you arrived on base, you woke Jeb up and explained Dinah wouldn't be going with you to Bannock."

Jonah narrowed his eyes. "That's a matter of military record, Quillan. And old history." He grunted. "What's the important part about this?"

Quillan pressed on. "I'm getting to it, Sir." She held his gaze. "Dinah had one request. She didn't want anyone to know the true reason she wouldn't be traveling with you. And that reason is the fact she inflicted the injury on Jeb that you stitched up—" She broke off because Jonah made a garbled choking sound, but she rushed to get the truth all out. "Her only request was that you and Jeb keep that secret and he gave his bond that he would. And he did … until now." Or at least until thirty minutes ago.

Jonah blinked and shook his head. "What are saying here? How can you possibly know—" He stopped speaking then pinned her with a hard look. "Jeb wouldn't … he couldn't … he would not break his bond, unless…" His voice trailed off.

Quillan nodded. "Unless he needed you to believe what I'm going to say next." She took both of Jonah's hands in hers. "Jeb didn't die. When Ashford left, he took Jeb with him and delivered him to a base on a planet manned by cyborg forces."

Jonah's shoulders slumped and relief entered his gaze. "He's alive? You're certain?" Wonder filled his voice.

Quillan's head bobbed up and down. "Yes. And there's more you should know."

Jonah settled back. "I'm listening. Give me everything you know."

Quill filled the old man in, leaving nothing out. She talked about how Jeb had access to ancient texts and books and already had a loose plan to use those to his advantage. She revealed how the hybot offered assistance. She even told him about being a telepath. And she warned him about Ashford getting ready to possibly return to the base. Obviously crushed by his former friend's betrayal, the old man mentioned being very good at bluffing.

He squeezed her hands. "And for Jeb, I'll be more than good … until I no longer need to be." His voice dropped to a snarl. "Then Ty is mine."

Quillan didn't argue. As much as she'd like to put Ashford into an air lock and release him out into space, she figured thirty years of being played by a supposed friend gave Jonah the right to mete out whatever punishment he deemed necessary.

Jonah leaned back against the cushions. "Keep me in the loop with private briefings. Right now, you and I are the only people who need to know Jeb's alive."

Quillan hedged a little. "I can do that, but it might start to look weird." She didn't have a lot of reasons to chat with the base commanding officer.

Jonah considered for a moment. "How about a weekly dinner? Or however often we need it?" He shrugged. "Sharing our grief and love for Jeb won't draw attention. At least not much." Humor filled his eyes.

Quillan nodded slowly. "Yeah, that could work. There'll be scuttlebutt no matter what, but Jeb being the link can't really be questioned." Her heart danced in her chest at his show of wit.

With a workable solution for exchanging information, Quillan exited her CO's quarters, her step lighter than it had been in ages. The old man believed her. And she literally watched life take hold of him again with purpose.

Now, she only had to wait on another visit from Jeb.

I love where this story is going. Quillan and Jeb are finding their groove … again.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Damn the Torpedo Flu

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Happy regular Sunday to those who don't. After three days of lovely temperatures, we're back to mid-forties and chilly. I'll take the cooler weather because the warm-up seemed to bring the ticks out. Pulled three of them off my spouse yesterday. That's usually a May through October problem.

Got to enjoy a wonderful Friday with my daughter at an art walk. She's a project manager for a county arts council and knows many of the artists. So much fun!

Had a busy work week. Finished up a copy edit and proofread for one of the publishers I edit for. Also finished a proofread for a memoir. Continued work on two other proofreads. I have a developmental edit to start this week and hopefully another copy edit.

Ended up with an okay viewing week. I got through most of the shows I watch. I ended up skipping two because I didn't feel well and couldn't concentrate on more than one thing at a time. I did get some cleaning and decluttering done when I needed a break from work projects.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and quite enjoyed the mystery. I love Alexa and Madison's friendship, especially when Madison pushes Alexa out of her comfort zone.

Caught another Foyle's War and ended the eighth season. Loved Sam's good news and kind of felt sorry for Miss Pierce. There are several behind the scenes episodes that I hope to watch this week.

Watched another Return to Paradise and I'm almost finished with the first season. Not sure when the second will be available to me, but I'll look forward to it.

Also enjoyed another episode of Poirot. A holiday episode with a truly distasteful antagonist that thankfully didn't last long. I loved Poirot coming to Japp's rescue once the singing started. If you know, you know.

Elementary ended up being very good. I'm kind of interested to see where Joan's story goes with Shin. Also enjoyed Sherlock's chess match with Shin.

I binge-watched some Brokenwood Mysteries. The new season starts this week and I'll dive into it as soon as I finish up My Life Is Murder.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Damn the Torpedo Flu, a novella that explores what happens when one couple is the last man standing … so to speak.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

::Pass the word. A full one-third of the station has been torpedoed. Stay clear of the heads on levels five and seven. Engineering is down by nine workers, and they closed those two levels. If you gotta go, hit level six or eight. Pass the word. The outbreak has torpedoed one-third of the crew.::

Paisley heaved a sigh. "Great the head will be packed on six. No one likes the one on eight." She frowned. "It's too cold."

Dale snorted. "Maybe you should make that one your official place to hide out." He snagged the crew roster and marked off more blocks.

Paisley shivered. "No, it really is too cold down there." She glanced up. "Unless you wanna keep me warm?" She could go for getting up close and personal with him.

Dale smirked. "I can do that right here, which is where I'm staying for the duration." He nodded toward the door to the back wall. "Duck through there and the old single bathroom is usable." He inclined his head toward the long row of filing cabinets. "The last three are empty. I took up two with my gear." He leaned back in his chair.

Paisley grinned. "Are you inviting me to move in?" How interesting.

Dale shrugged. "I'm offering you a place to crash until this damned flu runs its course." He leaned forward again. "The less we interact with others, the better our chances of coming through this unscathed." He cocked his head toward his shoulder. "But the choice is obviously yours."

Paisley flashed a smile. "The easy access to a bathroom that isn't a walk-in freezer sells it." She waggled her eyebrows. "But you're a bonus too."

Dale rolled his eyes. "Shut up and go get your stuff?" He got up and fished a key from a hook on the bulkhead then handed it to her.

Paisley bounced off the couch. "I'll be back before you miss me." She brushed her mouth over his. "Thank you for this." Patting his chest, she skipped to the hatch.

Dale's lips quirked. "Yeah, yeah. You'd do the same for me." He huffed out a breath. "Right?" His tone showed his doubt.

Paisley shot him a deadpan glance. "If you have to ask, you don't deserve to know." Ducking out into the corridor, her laughter trailed behind her.

This one is shaping up to be way more fun than I thought it would be. I love writing Paisley and Dale.

 

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

ML Skye