Sunday Snippet: Bad Chemistry

Final day of November and it's cold and windy outside. We're due for some snow in the next day or so. I'm kind of not prepared. It's been a long week.

Had to prep for the colonoscopy on Monday and I can now commiserate with anyone who's gone through the process. It's not fun. Seriously not fun. By the time I got to the surgery center, I was completely spaced out, which maybe didn't hurt. I have a major phobia of being put under and I was in full freak-out mode. Thankfully, everything went well and even though it was a holiday weekend, I got the test results back and all looks okay. Whew!

Had a full slate of work projects also. I'm a little behind because, honestly, while I should have bounced right back from the procedure, I ended up being out of it until Thursday. I have a copy edit I have to finish up today then I'll have a little breathing room.

I literally watched one of my normal slate of shows this week. I'm hoping to get back on track, but even with breathing room, I've got a busy week ahead. We'll see how it goes.

I did get an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries in. It was a fun episode that I enjoyed the first time around.

I started an episode of Foyle's War but haven't made it all the way through yet. I'll probably pick up with it this week and finish out the round of my usual shows.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Bad Chemistry, the opening book in the speculative series about an uncivil revolution.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lex Durban and Charlotte McIntyre do their best to survive in new world hierarchy, each with a different kind of target on their back. But when they have to undertake the dangerous task of moving refugees to a new location, Lex wants Char to stay behind so only one is in danger, but Char has other ideas.

And a sneaky peek…

Charlotte McIntyre shoved her fist against her mouth and bit back the scream that wanted to come roaring out. Charlie Miller—immediate superior, mentor, friend—dead, cut down too soon. She couldn't grieve; she didn't have time. She had to stay clear, focused, and think. 

If the board had Charlie killed, she couldn't be far behind. "He made no secret I've been his right hand and know everything about Project Hope." What she wouldn't give to be blissfully ignorant right now.

The true intent of the project had been leaked. By Charlie. He'd gotten the word out, let his contact know Project Hope had the power to wipe out a large portion of the world's population. But global annihilation didn't happen to be on the agenda. Not yet.

"It'll start at home, in our very backyard."

Targeted disbursement would take out the malnourished and indigent. Half a city's population could waste away to nothing and die with no traceable reason. Okay, half might push the numbers, but the demographic range of homeless, low-income families, and drug abusers made up a large portion of residents. The board decided if they could remove the load on the social system, it would ease everyone's burden.

"And by everyone, they mean the upper echelon of global corporations."

Her gaze scanning the lab, she looked for something, anything, she could easily carry as a weapon. Her sight landed on an array of syringes. She dashed over and grabbed a handful. It wouldn't help much, but it could slow down anyone who tried to pursue her.

The sound of running footsteps had her crouching low against the wall. She had to get out of the lab … down more floors than she wanted to think about and out the gates of the complex. The elevators had security cameras so no way would she use them.

The stairwells had the stupid things, too, but one of Char's soon-to-be-former coworkers had found a way to stay hidden from them. Thank God the woman had an insane sex drive and a penchant for taking willing participants to the nearest landing for quickies. And a mad desire to overshare about her exploits.

That unwanted knowledge might just be the thing to save Char's life.

She made it halfway down the eight flights of stairs before she got busted from behind.

"Charlotte McIntyre! Hold up." A burly security officer called out. "I've been instructed to keep you on the premises until further notice." He hustled down the remaining steps to the landing.

Char stood still, keeping her hand in pocket of her lab coat and worked the cap off one of the syringes. She knew this guy. Not terribly bright and he didn't demand she show him her hands.

A mistake. When he went to grab an arm to secure her and Char lashed out … jabbing the sharp needle into his neck. His eyes blinked rapidly and he tilted his head to one side.

She didn't think the solution worked at first, but he finally went down, collapsing in a heap.

Char dashed the rest of the remaining four floors, stumbled out into the parking garage, and sank to the floor. She dragged in a shaky breath and willed her heart to slow down. She had to get moving or lose her life.

Forcing herself upright, she took a wobbly step forward only to shrink back against the wall when a motorcycle came roaring up along the exit.

The helmet visor popped up, and her eyes met the clear blue of the rider's.

He held out a gloved hand. "Charlotte McIntyre? Name's Dom. You need to come with me."

She stood, mouth hanging open, wondering how he knew her name.

He grabbed another helmet off the back. "Lady, if you wanna survive, get on. Now." He tossed the spare and revved the throttle.

Char did the smart thing. She strapped on the protective cover and settled in behind Dom.

He sped out of the parking level and headed for the main gate. "Hang on!"

The words, shouted loudly, gave her warning. Char risked a peek over his shoulder and gripped him tight around the waist. Her eyes slid closed, and she groaned. Dom planned to ram the panel blocking the garage exit.

The bike picked up speed and Char bit back a scream. The splintering sound of smashing through the gate hit just before the screech of tires when Dom rounded the sharp curve that would lead them away from Coburn Pharmaceuticals.

Char had no idea how he kept the bike upright let alone how she managed to avoid flying off. She held tight, leaning to the side when he did and hoped like hell he had some kind of plan.

Because she sure as hell didn't.

This story keeps me on my toes. I have the general plot hammered out but I also have to sprinkle in some seeds for the other two books. These characters are a lot of fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Bad Chemistry (Uncivil Revolution)

I hope everyone who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful one. We're always low-key. We head to my dad's, eat, converse for a while then head home to nap in a food coma. We definitely had a good time.

The weather is crazy weird again, which is actually kind of typical for the end of November. It's usually a little colder and the question of whether it'll snow or not. Now it's more like up and down temperatures that go back and forth to drive anyone with sinus issues to the pharmacy to stock up on meds.

I finished up the episode of Ted Lasso I started and thoroughly enjoyed. I'm iffy on Jamie's redemption but hopefully it'll continue and stick. I honestly hated that character so much last season.

I also spent the week watching a large chunk of Batman: The Animated Series as mentioned in last week's post. I started with episode seventeen of season one and continued through episode thirty. I'll be watching more this week with a plan to finish out November with my memorial to Kevin.

One of the things I love most about revisiting this series is finding overlooked gems in the rewatch. There were a couple of episodes I'd completely forgotten about and it's nice to see them again.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Bad Chemistry, the opening novella in a three or four-part series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lex Durban and Charlotte Martin do their best to survive in new world hierarchy, each with a different kind of target on their back. But when they have to undertake the dangerous task of moving refugees to a new location, Lex wants Char to stay behind so only one is in danger, but Char has other ideas.

And a sneaky peek…

Lex stood at parade rest, in front of former General Mulroney.

"How's it looking out there, Lex?" Fit for his age—at least sixty, by Lex's guess—the general split open a sunflower seed with his teeth.

"We're low on supplies, but the base is secure. My attachment of men went above and beyond to make certain, Sir." Several skirmishes to make their point had been necessary.

Mulroney shot Lex a swift glance. "Lose the 'sir', son. It's not necessary here."

Old habits died hard. Lex nodded. It would be easier if he didn't respect the general as much as he did.

Mulroney leaned forward. "Glad to hear you're secure. Because I need all but two men for another location." He spit the seed shell into a metal bin on his desk. "And don't worry. We'll restock your supplies before you leave." Mulroney popped another seed. "I hate to pull the men, but District Four needs them." He nodded toward the lone chair, opposite his desk. "Have a seat and I'll brief you."

Lex sat, feeling oddly out of place in the informal setting of the general's hunting cabin. Not exactly a place he ever imagined as a base of operations for military excursions. Then again, he never dreamed he'd muster out and sign on with a covert, underground campaign.

But he had. And became a better man for it.

He leaned forward, ready to listen.

The general got right to the point. "I got a call from Jack Cooper two days ago. District Four is his former constituency—or part of it—and they've got more refugees than they can handle."

"The Sector Police won't let people into the cities?" They'd seen more and more of the larger cities go on lockdown.

The general shrugged. "We're not sure. Cooper's trying to get intel. I'm sending in two units to help keep the peace and transport folks out to your location." Mulroney pinned him with his gaze. "Can you handle it?"

Lex nodded. "I'll handle it, Sir." He tapped the file on the desk. "If you get me everything on the list, we're good to go." He'd deal with it, even if they didn't get the supplies, but the general didn't have to be told. The man picked Lex for a reason—he got the job done.

Mulroney's smile spread across his face. "Expect incoming within two weeks, maybe sooner."

I'm hoping to have this series plotted out and ready sometime next year. The ideas fly fast for a period of time then the sages get tired and need to focus on something else for a bit.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Bad Chemistry (Uncivil Revolution book one)

Boo! It's the month of Halloween and creeptastic treasures! I love October. That said, it's also the time I need to start thinking and doing my holiday shopping. I do not want a repeat of last year when I waited way too long to get stuff done.

Had a busy week driving all over the place with my daughter. We had a college visit on Monday. I picked her up from the district tournament for golf on Wednesday. And I picked her up from her band competition because she needs to be up and out early in the morning. I forgot how much windshield time driving gives me. LOL

Not a bad week for television. I haven't started any of the new seasons of my faves yet. But… I did finish up Peter Gunn. I have a few ideas of what to replace that slot with but haven't landed on a specific one yet.

I caught two episodes of Blue Heelers. I'm still at the beginning of season two but I love this show. It has a great cast.

I started season nineteen of Midsomer Murders. I can honestly say I took the death of Sykes really hard. Seriously. Which is actually kind of sad but, man, that was one cool dog. The new one, Paddy, is also fun, but I had years' worth of Sykes antics to enjoy. Anyway… I like the new DS guy but I miss Charlie. I'm watching an episode with Jones in it and it kind of makes me nostalgic.

I got to watch two more arcs of Classic Who. The Claws of Axios and Colony in Space. I'll be starting a new one this week.

I also plan to watch the new Passionflix movie that released this week. I'm looking forward to it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Bad Chemistry, the opening novella in the Uncivil Revolution series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lex Durban and Charlotte Martin do their best to survive in new world hierarchy, each with a different kind of target on their back. But when they have to undertake the dangerous task of moving refugees to a new location, Lex wants Char to stay behind so only one is in danger, but Char has other ideas.

And a sneaky peek…

Her rescuer drove at least a couple hours north out of the city. Char nodded off a few times, exhaustion claiming its due. She hoped they stopped before nightfall. Her ass ached from the ride and she'd kill to stretch her legs.

Okay, not the best choice of thoughts.

Dom didn't do much for conversation. He'd said nothing since he told her to hang on. Not that talking would work over the sound of the cycle. Char chose not to think about how fast they traveled along the road. Everything blurred when they flew past… enough for her to get dizzy if she tried to focus on an object.

Or maybe hunger made her feel that way.

An hour later, the bike slowed down and they turned off onto a bumpy, rutted lane. Char freaked out a little. On the back of a motorcycle, in the middle of nowhere, with a man she'd never set eyes on before. She had to be insane.

For all she knew, he could be leading her to a secluded spot to kill her. Nah. He could've stopped anywhere on the way. He meant no harm.

"You okay back there?"

Char jumped, his voice unexpected. She gave a jerky nod. "Yeah. Fine." As long as he didn't kill her.

The bike hit a deep rut and she gripped the jacket covering the man tighter. He maneuvered the cycle over to their right and the ride smoothed out. Another mile or so and he slowed down again, making a sharp left turn. Char held on and leaned with him, expecting to continue further onward. It took her a moment to realize he'd rolled to a stop.

He cut the engine. The lack of motion and sudden quiet brought on a wave of dizziness. Char swayed and Dom grabbed hold of her thighs to keep her upright.

"Whoa. Stay vertical. Just for a little bit longer." His foot kicked out the stand and set the bike. Char let go of him, less shaky now, and unfastened her helmet. She let the strap dangle and reached up, stretching her arms over her head. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head side to side. Movement in front made her eyes snap open.

Dom had removed his helmet and sunglasses, hanging both on the handlebars. He angled toward her, gaze solemn when it met hers. His hair, black as midnight, had rough, jagged waves from the protective head gear. And his eyes, cool and blue, looked tired.

Char licked her lips. "Who are you?" Stupid question, but she only knew his name… nothing else. And she really wanted to know.

Dom grabbed her hand and shook it. "Dom. Marinelli." He let go and continued. "Charlie called me. Right before—" He stopped and looked away, his mouth thinning down to a tight frown. Glancing back her way, he finished. "Charlie asked me to find you and get you to safety."

Tears pricked behind her eyelids. "Then I thank you." She reached up and removed the borrowed helmet. "Are you Charlie's outside contact?" She shoved the headgear toward him.

Dom took it and draped it over the other handle. "One of them." He eased back and swung a leg over the barrel of the bike. "But not the one he regularly leaked information to." Rising, he held out a hand.

She grasped it and all but slid off the bike in a heap. Dom caught her under the shoulders and kept her standing on two feet. She leaned into him for a moment then got her legs under her.

"Thanks. Need to walk out the kinks." She wandered around the area, taking in a tent, a ring of stones for a fire, and a small stack of something hidden under a big tarp.

Dom went over to the oil cloth and pulled out several large sized logs. Char decided to help and walked over to the tree line, gathering smaller twigs for kindling. She made her way to Dom's side and offered him her findings.

Dom's lips quirked. "Thanks." He stuffed the bits and pieces under the trio of logs.

Char crouched down beside him and her stomach growled. "I've never cooked over a fire before, but I'm willing to learn how."

And learn she did. Pretty basic stuff, they had canned stew, but Dom taught her how far to hang the pot over the flames. Not much of an accomplishment, but Char admired his patience. She worked with test tubes and samples and he seemed to understand.

After cleaning up, they stretched out by the fire and Char got lost in the flames. She mourned Charlie's loss, but said a silent thank you.

Dom broke into her thoughts. "Do you know what you want to do?"

Charlie blinked. "Honestly? No."

Dom nodded. "You've got a couple of options. You can try to gain access to one of the other sectors, seek refuge there. Or you can maybe find a spot in one of the refugee stations."

Char shuddered. "I'm pretty sure I'll have a price on my head. Coburn won't want to leave loose ends, and I'm definitely one of those." She gave him a questioning glance. "What are the stations?"

Dom gave her a level stare. "Have you heard the rumors? About the pipeline?"

Char shook her head.

He explained. "All around the country, families are being displaced. Some are locked out of the cities by the Sector Police. Some are forcibly removed from their homes in the outlying areas because the new districts are annexing their property for water and mineral rights. And some find ways to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the districts. It's not pretty in most of them."

Charlotte supplied an honest observation. "I had no idea just how bad things were. I can't believe we didn't get stopped on our way out of Chicago."

Dom's lips turned up. "I know three different weak spots in their patrol areas. We slipped out under their noses."

Char shook her head. "That seriously makes my head hurt to ponder." She shot him a sideways look. "I don't know what to do, here."

Dom watched her for a moment. "Take some time and think about it. I'll take you wherever you'd like to go."

Charlie felt tears well. "Are you sure? You did what Charlie and asked and got me out. Everything else is above and beyond."

Dom shrugged. "I usually make my way around to the stations anyway. Check in and see who's in charge and find out if they need anything." He chuckled. "If they do, I find a way to procure it."

Char's lips quirked. "Do I want to know how you do that?" She had a pretty good idea.

Dom gave it to her straight. "I liberate things not in use or left unguarded."

Char laughed. "You're a damned resourceful man." And she truly liked him. A lot.

I honestly love this story and how it has kind of grown and spawned a few more ideas. Dom is so much fun to write the sages decided he needed his own story.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Bad Chemistry (Civil Revolution - Book One)

Hello!

Very crazy week with weather all over the place. LOL I'm kind of happy when it's rainy because I get to catch up on lots of television. Nothing like folding clothes with Stonebridge and Scott from Strike Back.

On a similar note, only three more episodes of Arrow this season. I'm truly excited to see where things end up and where they go after the hiatus. My brain hurts with all the possibilities.

And that leads me to tonight's post from Bad Chemistry, the first book in the Civil Revolution saga. I'm currently writing it under the ML Skye name, but it may very well end up switching over to Skye Ritchey. The sages aren't playing nice and keep giving me mixed signals. They can't decide if they want it set in the future on another planet, or more urban fantasy current time. *sigh* This will be one of those manuscripts that goes through a zillion revisions. LOL

But…I do have a tagline:

Lex Durban and Charlotte Martin do their best to survive in new world hierarchy, each with a different kind of target on their back. But when they have to undertake the dangerous task of moving refugees to a new location, Lex wants Char to stay behind so only one is in danger, but Char has other ideas.

And a sneaky peek…

Lex Durban surveyed his men's work, impressed with the ramshackle appearance of their new base of operations. An outside observer wouldn't think much of the structure of lean-tos constructed with galvanized steel and surrounded by several different types of fencing. He particularly loved the standard issue plank style interwoven with the chain link mesh and patched over with more of the girded metal. The place looked thrown together and had a commune type of vibe.

He grinned. Exactly what he'd been going for when they found the location. The whole thing hid the true beauty—an exterior entrance to an underground bunker facility. A mid-sized concrete building, twenty by twenty-four feet, led to the reinforced true base of operations. A former government safe location, the space transferred into military hands sometime near the end of the cold war. The huge area hadn't seen an update since the late eighties, which suited Lex just fine. The less traceable tech the better.

His fifteen man team kicked major ass. They'd pulled the exterior together in under a week. He'd head out at first light to meet with his commanding officer and give him the bullet on the readiness of their location.

Okay, General Edward R. Mulroney didn't exactly hold an official rank. His former position in the military no longer existed. But he did establish a covert, underground version of the armed forces, one that continued to protect the citizens of a country in turmoil.

The chain of command stopped at the retired general, his attachment of former officers—admirals, colonels, commanders, and captains—and an odd group of no longer elected senators, representative, and two governors. Good people who got into politics to actually make a difference. Until they realized the impossibility of the effort.

Now they put their time into finding shelter for the displaced citizens who got caught out of the boundaries of the new districts or chose to leave the oppressive environments. Lex had been ordered to scout and find a place in New to set up a permanent center. The first part of his mission completed, he had to figure out how to supply the location. If tradition held, he'd be doing a lot of compromising with the Sector Police. Not his idea of fun, but it usually proved necessary.

Letting himself into the main base, Lex scanned a critical eye around the area. He made his way to the living quarters and claimed a space to call home. He tossed his rucksack on the floor beside the bed and fell into it. Sheer exhaustion would guarantee a good night sleep and his internal alarm clock would wake him before the sun came up.

The opening of the book lays some groundwork, which may or may not work well since there isn't a lot of dialog. When I read, I often like being dropped right in the character POV and getting to crawl around in their head before jumping into lots of talking. Gives me a chance to get to know them intimately before they interact with anyone else. J

That's it for tonight's post. Catch everyone on the flip.

ML Skye