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: 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: A Day in the Life (Shyler: Finding Home companion read)

What a weird weather week. Of course, it's March in Ohio so not exactly uncommon. We had beautiful spring-like temperatures at the beginning of the week and by Thursday it got chilly again. A little bit of snowy flakes and brrr! degrees outside.

Finished up a big project and another one on the smaller side and also started a new one. Needless to say, I didn't get a lot of television in this week.

I watched the last Midsomer Murders that's currently available. I rather hope they do another season. I love this show.

I also caught another series one episode of Peak Practice. I'm enjoying this series quite a lot.

I started the eleventh series of Classic Who and loved the introduction of Sarah Jane. I'm so sad Elisabeth isn't with us anymore. She made Sarah Jane such a great character.

I've watched about eight more episodes of Danger Man. John Drake is definitely a pre-Bond character study. The first season is a lot of fun so far.

Caught two more episodes of Gargoyles. The second season is quite a mish-mash. Not to say it's not good but a lot is going on.

Started the second episode of Strike Back's final season. This show. I'm going to miss it when it's gone.

Hmm. Maybe I watched more television than I thought. But that's it for this week. Tonight's post is from Day in the Life, a companion read to Furlough 99's Finding Home told from the droid's point of view.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Alphie is a kick ass droid who assists Inspector Shyler Lumen. He's also not afraid to offer unwarranted advice.

And a sneaky peek…

Alphie made himself as unobtrusive as possible, but listened in with a keen ear.

"Do you have rooms reserved?"

Marshton Gray certainly cut to the chase. And he'd caught their inspector off guard.

"Wasn't sure what I'd run into once I got here." Shyler took a long swallow of her CaffCola. "I was assured a single room wouldn't be an issue." Her eyes narrowed in thought. "I didn't expect to get tangled up with you, but I doubt it'll be a problem."

She couldn't be more wrong. Marshton could and would be a problem for Alphie's prickly inspector.

The galactic mogul didn't understand either. "What won't?"

Shyler crumpled up the crisp tray. "You staying with me in a single unit." Her eyes scanned the area until they landed on the trash bin. "I'll go find a porter and book it now." Hopping up, she tossed the refuse then turned and waited for him.

Alphie readied himself to be of assistance. Shyler got as far as swiping her card before Gray intervened with an alternative suggestion. Apparently a single occupancy unit wouldn't work for him. 

And why should it. The man had an entire suite in the luxe quadrant. Alphie wondered if he'd actually convince Inspector Sweetie to share the space with him.

"May I offer a suggestion? An alternative choice?"

Shyler frowned. "To what?"

Alphie had to applaud Marsh's brutal honesty. "Extremely cramped and uncomfortable accommodations."

Shyler raised her eyebrows. "What's wrong? Can't deal?"

Oh ho. Inspector Sweetie scored a point for that one. Gray needed a moment before he could speak.

He blew out a calming breath. "Why should I have to? I've got a suite of rooms in the luxe quadrant." She opened her mouth to blast him but he forestalled her. "I said rooms. You can have your own and not even have to see me." He added on for good measure. "Or hear me for that matter."

Shyler shot back. "Do you snore or something?"

The corners of his mouth turned up. "Not that I've been told."

An odd light crept into her eyes and Marsh gave her a considering look. Alphie decided Miss Sweetie might not be as immune to Mr. Galactic Mogul as she claimed.

Interesting.

Honestly? Writing the story of Shyler and Marsh from Alphie's perspective is so much fun. This one will eventually be a free read once I get the final touches added.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Day in the Life

Happy Halloween Eve! Our small town always has its annual trick or treat several days before the actual holiday. On Thursday, it was brisk and chilly, but we had a whole host of costumed kiddos strolling the streets. So much fun!

On the television front, Gotham had another great episode. I'm happy with how things are going on that show. Here's hoping the consistency holds through the end of the season.

The Flash and Agents of SHIELD pulled out some surprises. The new director guy on AoS is actually kind of fun and hopefully not evil. LOL I'm not gonna hold my breath on that score.

Arrow keeps making me happy. Diggle is out of prison, but who knows what'll happen next with him. The new team suffered some shake-ups. We'll see how that all shakes out.

Legends of Tomorrow delivered again. I like the new guy. And Mick is fast becoming another favorite. Brutal honesty goes a long way with this group and he's definitely not afraid to embrace the truth. LOL

MacGyver's episode might have been the set up for introducing Murdoc. I guess we'll see if the ghost pops back up again.

The Walking Dead… I skipped the premiere and watched The Talking Dead instead. I honestly couldn't see the point in watching when I couldn't bear watching any of my favorites die. I'll be watching tonight's episode… I think. LOL

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Day in the Life, a tie-in, free read for my Furlough 99 story, Shyler: Finding Home.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Alphie is a kick ass droid who assists Inspector Shyler Lumen. He's also not afraid to offer unwarranted advice.

And a sneaky peek…

Several hours later, Alphie had some quiet time. He got started on a scan of ISP personnel logged on transport flights to Furlough. He wanted to know the inspector's name.

Bingo! Shyler Lumen, Inspector, first grade. He scanned for everything he could find on her. She had a long list of collars for Mars Planetary Police and now with the InterStellar Police. Looked like the inspector almost always got her man.

And what was this? Girl volunteered all over the place. With BAWs—battered and abused women, food distribution shelters, and two different half-way houses.

When did the woman sleep?

Ah… another interesting fact. Shyler had no romantic connections. No past marriages or multiple living occupancy requests on file. The inspector appeared to be a loner.

She was either very careful or had been burned in the past. He dug a little deeper. Nothing on file so she was careful. Smart woman.

More than a match for Marshton Gray. Alphie had a feeling he'd see more of both.

His circuits almost singed at the potential for fun.

Alphie went into quick shut down mode and transmitted data to the Guild. The group of bounty hunters ran a tight ship on Furlough and Spider Smith, their very talented hacker, made sure he received any and all pertinent information. An ISP inspector counted as very pertinent.

Transfer completed, Alphie blinked several times, bringing himself back online. He remotely connected to the security camera closest to the Den and set a facial recog program to ping him when Inspector Lumen entered the bar. Alphie wanted to keep track of her progress.

I'm looking forward to finally putting the finishing touches on this one and getting it out there for a free download. Fingers crossed that happens soon.

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

ML Skye