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: Differences Settled

We had a crazy week of weather. Rain, rain, rain, followed by wind, wind, wind. Lost power for a couple of hours and returned some of the neighbor's stuff that ended up in our backyard. Something tells me we're going to pay for a fairly mild winter with a chaotic and wild spring. Can't wait.

Good week on work projects and I finally made headway with clearing out my inbox on my old PC and I'm starting the transfer of files to my new computer. I can't wait to get this project done so I can go back to having one desktop instead of two in my workspace. Up next, tackling my laptop to see if I can get the graphics card to function again. Or, the issue could be related to a Windows update. Either way, I'm hoping I won't have to invest in a new laptop. Fingers crossed.

Not a bad week of television viewing. I didn't get quite as much watched as I did last week, but I got a few shows in.

I finished up the Classic Who episode I started last weekend and I'm kind of interested in how this one plays out. Hoping to get to the next part this week.

Watched the season twenty-one opener of Silent Witness. Nice to see some fallout from Nikki's Mexico trip. Jack is a little off and I'm curious to find out why. Love to see Clarissa out in the field because she's become a favorite character and shouldn't always be relegated to the lab.

Enjoyed another episode of Strangest Things. The items they discuss are always interesting and I love the speculative aspect when they really don't know exactly what they have.

Caught another episode of The Mandalorian. Bo Katan's introduction piqued my interest. I like how a different sect of Mandalorians are out there giving a different perspective.

Watched another episode of Only Murders in the Building. Thoroughly enjoyed discovering the building has secret passageways and tunnels. Loved the introduction of Lucy. I haven't changed my theory quite yet on who the killer might be, but we'll see what happens. Also nice to see Oliver show up for his son. Much needed character growth there.

Got to return to my Battlestar Galactica rewatch this week. While the episode doesn't rank as one of my favorites from season one, it's still a solid watch. Frankly, season one doesn't have a bad episode. It's probably the best first season of television I've watched.

Enjoyed another episode of Pennyworth. A few unexpected twists turned up and I'm here for those. I'm quite enjoying the slow discovery of how Alfred became Batman's butler. There's not a wasted moment on the screen.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Differences Settled, a novella that puts the characters in a tenuous situation and gives them the opportunity to see what their relationship can be.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Leaving the quartermaster's office, Regan compared her berth assignment with Finn. "We're in the same bunkroom. That works to our advantage." If they didn't have to find places or reasons to meet, they'd get more done.

Finn gave a nod but waited until they entered their quarters before making a comment. "And we've got the bunk area to ourselves. Wonder if Craig did that by design? You know, keep us isolated from her crew until she has a read on us…" He dumped his rucksack on one of the racks. "Not that I mind not having four other people to trip over."

Regan cocked her head. "Huh. You might have a point. With the whole competition thing, it makes sense she'd keep us out of the thick of everything until she decides where we'll fit best." Which shouldn't really be her purview.

Finn snorted. "Or where we can do the most damage to the norms." He yanked a locker open and started unpacking.

Regan dropped her bag to the deck and settled on the edge of the berth opposite Finn's. "Huh, yeah. Once she gets a feel for our skill sets, she can drop us in wherever she wants to rattle cages." Not exactly standard operating procedure.  

Finn grunted. "Been thinking about how to approach this whole thing. After meeting with Craig, I've got an idea that should get us headed in the right direction." He closed the locker and sat across from her. "One of us should move up the food chain quickly and the other should screw up a lot and get left behind." He stood again and unfolded his bed linens.

Regan turned the idea over. "Who does what?" She got up and started unpacking.

Finn paused, holding a pillow in one hand. "You've got more flash and flair. You should be the mover and shaker." He slid the case over the fluffy square and dropped it on the bunk.

Regan did a slow nod. "Okay. What will you really be doing when I'm burning up the chart to the top?" And, no doubt, stepping on toes with her size eight boots.

Finn gave her a point-blank stare. "Snooping around and gathering intel."

He did have an uncanny ability to get people to open up, usually by keeping his mouth shut and his ears open. But he flew like a dream and his numbers couldn't lie. The data wouldn't support Finn being a fuck-up.

Regan lifted a shoulder. "Not sure it'll work. Your record speaks for itself." She started making up her bunk. "You'll never pull off being a screw up or that you lack skills." Then again, she'd be worse at even attempting the idea.

Finn hand-waved the objection. "Okay, so maybe I'm not a complete screw-up. More floundering in a new situation and struggling to keep up." He settled on the bunk again. "But if you quickly fall in and keep the focus on you, it'll give me the freedom to work behind the scenes."

Regan pondered. "Okay, let's see what happens." She finished getting her rack in order and closed her locker. "We should hit the mess and start putting the plan in action." Crossing the deck, she undogged the hatch.

Finn grabbed her arm. "Reg, you're gonna push a lot of buttons. Piss off a lot of people."

She nodded. "Yeah, a skill I've developed over the years. Comes in handy sometimes." Especially when they needed to bring a pilot in line—she almost always played queen bitch to Finn's affable buddy.

Finn held her gaze. "The difference here is no one knows you on this ship but me." His hand slid down to grasp hers. "I've got your back."

Her lips curved, because she'd never doubted that fact. "Figured you would." She squeezed his fingers then exited into the corridor.

If she could count on one thing, Finn would be it.

This one has been a lot of fun to write. I enjoy the fish out of water scenario and bit of a slow burn attraction that might just heat up fast.

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

ML Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Differences Settled

Yeesh, it's practically winter again. We had a bit of sun, rain, and snow today. Crazy. But I got to meet up with my two high school best friends for our last excursion before we hang back and wait to see what the global pandemic ends up doing.

Had a lighter than normal work week and got some cleaning done. I had some decent viewing also. Started out with finishing up the second episode of Strike Back. It ended up being a darned terrific episode. I have a nasty feeling how the series will end. Anytime a blood feud is mentioned … just saying.

I caught several episodes of Danger Man, putting me about halfway through the first season. Really like this show.

Watched an episode of Arrow and thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Russia. Also loved how John brought Roy back into the fold. I should be getting close to the big crossover event.

Got the Halloween episode of Riverdale in. Gotta say the whole Jason thing really creeps me out. Mr. Honey also creeps me out. I'm a Reggie fan even though he can be something of a douche canoe. I loved the Archie and Veronica storylines. But the best probably had to be the Betty and Jughead bits. Stonewall or whatever the hell the name of the prep school is has some dark twisty people. And, of course, Betty's ordeal with the prank phone calls ended up being well done. I'm not sure what the hell Charles is up to but here's hoping it's not something truly crappy. The little end caps with the flash forwards keep me intrigued.

Also watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. Loved the clip-show angle and revisiting the Meyer / Clegg rivalry. I had a true suspicion Clegg wasn't actually dead. That said, I'm not sure I like the fact he's not. Just saying.

Started a new series for me … The Heart Guy. I'm giving it a test run to see if it's what I want to dive into now that I've reached the end of Midsomer Murders for now.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Differences Settled, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Regan stuck the last of her personal possessions in her rucksack. "Are you okay with this whole setup?" Getting close to Finn or pretending to his lover wouldn't be hard … but she had some reservations.

Finn quirked a brow. "Which part? The admiralty trying to cover its ass for making a potentially bad decision? Or the part where we've got a rubber-stamped pass to fuck up as much as we want?" His attempt at humor fell a little flat because both worked hard to be the best.

Regan pulled the drawstring taut. "Neither. I'm talking about the me-and-you thing." She cared for him and counted on his friendship.

And if they became more one day … well, she probably wouldn't fight against it all that hard.

Finn paused in his packing. "You're concerned?" He turned to face her, giving his full attention.

She shrugged. "The mission could affect our friendship. Not that it would be hard to playact with you." Might be a little too easy, in fact.

Finn's lips twitched. "So … it won't be a problem to be, um, affectionate toward me?" His eyebrows waggled.

Regan laughed. "Not showing it, no. Won't be difficult at all." She sobered. "But I could easily fall for you and that would beg trouble once the operation is over." Lots of trouble.

Finn's head dipped a little. "Because when we get back the frat regs would be applied again." At least she didn't have to spell it out for him.

Regan nodded. "If I'm being honest, yes. It'll be hard to go backward if we start something. At least for me it would be." And she'd bet her next pay grade he'd feel the same.

Finn confirmed her thought. "Look, it's the same for me. Getting involved with you wouldn't be a hardship, and I agree trying to fit back inside a predefined box would be more than a little hard, but let's see what happens." He put his hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "And always be open about what we feel, okay?" His eyebrows rose in question.

Regan agreed. "Yeah, definitely." Sound reasoning and easy enough to do.

So … why did she have such an itchy feeling of uncertainty?

With things being a little uncertain with regards to the pandemic, here's hoping I can get some solid writing done. I loved revisiting Regan and Finn's story.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Differences Settled

November 6, 2016

Wow, October flew by and I have no doubt November will do the same. It's crazy how fast time speeds along toward the end of the year.

The Walking Dead had a great episode. I really wanted to see where Carol and Morgan ended up. Will probably watch The Talking Dead first tonight.

Gotham keeps me coming back. Very interested in the potential twist thrown in at the end of last week's episode.

The Flash and Agents of SHIELD had great episodes. Very cool to see movement on both fronts.

Arrow, as always, makes me happy. I really like where everyone is headed and I'm definitely interested in discovering who's behind the armor pulling strings. Gonna be really disappointed if it ends up being Malcolm Merlyn. LOL

Legends of Tomorrow delivered an excellent episode. I'm kind of excited about the changes in Ray's status and situation. I love the idea of pairing him with Mick.

MacGyver had a fun episode. I love Jack's weird brand of humor. Looking forward to seeing the rivalry with Murdoc begin next week.

Finished up my rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and getting ready to start the fifth season of Longmire. Looking forward to watching Katee Sackhoff again.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Differences Settled, a novella about a couple of ace pilots who have to go undercover and are given carte blanche to do whatever is necessary to get the job done… regulations be damned.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Admiral Marshall Grant gazed at his two best pilots. "Tiedt, O'Kellen, I have a problem you two are particularly qualified to help solve." He folded his hands in front of him.

Regan Tiedt took the bait first, as expected. "You want us to whip someone into shape?" Excitement filled her tone.

Her counterpoint, Finn, shook his head. "Nah. Can't be that." He crossed his arms over his chest.

Grant quirked an eyebrow. "And if it is?" O'Kellen wouldn't take long to figure things out.

Finn narrowed his gaze. "Then it's bigger than taking a new pilot and putting them through a twenty-four special." O'Kellen referred to the time period he and Regan dedicated to bringing a transfer up to snuff aboard the Holyoke, the flagship of the Royal Andromedean fleet. "And it's not a half-cock, because our squadrons are flying like well-oiled machines right now."

Grant bit back a smile. Even seasoned pilots got a twelve-hour run-through when they arrived for duty. And O'Kellen didn't boast when he claimed no one on their current roster needed a boost.  Which made the timing perfect for what Marshall needed them for.

He gave a brief nod. "True. The problem is bigger than Holyoke pilots. In fact, it doesn't involve pilots at all." Opening a file, he tapped on the pages and a holoscreen appeared. "The Wellingstone is under the command of Candace Craig—"

Regan cut in. "The cowboy commander. She's got a rep for playing by her own rules." She frowned. "And not telling anyone else what they are."

Grant inclined his chin. "And that's exactly why I need you two to be my eyes and ears on her ship." He scrolled through several pages and stopped on a personnel roster. "As you can see, the list of injuries and reprimands is twice the normal average for a battle cruiser and the admiralty has concerns." Leaning back, he gave his pilots a few moments to scan the file.

O'Kellen broke the silence first. "What's the objective for sending us in?" He uncrossed his arms and eased forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

Grant closed the file and the screen disappeared. "Figure out if Craig is crossing lines she shouldn't be. She was fast-tracked up the chain of command and if she can't handle the mantle of responsibility, the brass wants to know sooner rather than later." Even if doing so meant breaking some rules and regs.

Finn frowned. "Basically we're covering the admiralty's ass so they don't lose face. Is that what I'm hearing?" He got up and crossed the room to pace back and forth.

Regan jumped in. "Hold up. Would we be having this conversation if she were male?" She kicked back in her seat, crossing her legs at the ankles. "I mean, all due respect, Sir, but you've been known to pull maneuvers out of your ass that aren't written down in any text book or how to kick down doors manuals." Her eyebrow arched, daring him to counter her statement.

Grant snorted. "Point taken, Tiedt. However, gender doesn't come into play here." He held up a hand when she opened her mouth to argue. "The numbers are what concern the admiralty. Bottom line, we need to determine if she's got the chops to be in command. Because if she doesn't, sooner or later, those injuries and reprimands will become deaths."

Regan's shoulders slumped and she glanced back to exchange a look with Finn. After a moment of silent communication, something they had down to a science. O'Kellen came back and took his seat again.

Regan straightened up and held Grant's gaze. "How far do you want us to take this?"

Marshall gave each a considering look. He had to give them leeway. He also had no doubt they'd push whatever limits he set for them to the very edge. They didn't operate any other way.

Again, part of why they were perfect for this assignment.

Folding his hands in front of him, Marshall gave them their directive. "As far as you need to. I want you to become Craig's newest problem pilots, filled with bad attitude and a penchant for breaking regs." The admiralty wanted results; they'd have to deal with whatever fallout came with the operation.

Finn slid a quick glance in Regan's direction then met Marshall's head-on. "That means we're going to be crossing lines, too." His unspoken implication came through.

An underlying attraction existed between Finn and Regan. But they maintained a hands-off policy and didn't mix personal and professional. Once they reached the Wellingstone, all that would change.

Grant nodded. "Like I said, whatever it takes."

He'd have their backs. The admiralty could bite the bullet and wallow in the bed they made.

Without hesitation, each replied. "I'm in."

Still working through some kinks on this one, but very happy with how it's coming together.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Differences Settled

June 8, 2014

Orphan Black. If you're not watching this show, why aren't you? LOL I rave about Arrow and Bitten, but in all honesty, Orphan Black hits every single one of my hot spot kinks for television. The writers always throw something into the mix that catches me completely by surprise and seriously, with the amount of television I watch, that's hard to do. LOL

Truly, if you're looking for something awesome to sink your teeth into, find the first season and don't look back. The acting is top notch—any show that has a lead actress who can pull off no less than nine different roles, usually at least four to five simultaneously, is worth its weight in gold. And the supporting cast is stellar. Go. Find. Watch. You won't regret it.

Tonight's post is from Differences Settled, a novella where my main characters are stuck in a tenuous situation, but eventually make headway.

Here's the tagline:

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…

Commander Craig entered her quarters and barked an order. "Lock it down."

Regan had blood trickling down her lip, but managed a crisp salute.

Craig eyed her two pilots. The CAGs—current and former.

She snapped. "Stringer, you're dismissed. Find your way to sickbay then report to the brig."

Taylor nearly snarled, but checked the action. With a precise salute, he turned and exited the commander's quarters, his back straight and shoulders rigidly tense.

Craig fixed her gaze on Ragan. "Captain, I see you held your own."

Regan nodded. The statement didn't warrant a response.

Craig lifted a brow. "Care to tell me why I'm going to be cleaning blood off my deck?"

Regan responded. "With all due respect, Sir, you won't be the one cleaning it."

Craig's lips twitched. "You're right about that, Captain. I think you'll have that honor." She nodded toward the L-shaped sectional. "Now tell me what just went down here." Her butt hit the cushion, but she didn't relax.

Regan held back a sigh. "Captain Taylor and I settled a minor disagreement." She settled down on the edge of the sofa, maintaining a rigid posture.

Craig inclined her head. "I see. Who started it?"

Regan didn't hesitate. "Mutual engagement, Sir." She wouldn't hang Taylor even though he had started the altercation.

Craig snorted. "My ass. I've known Ewan Taylor a lot longer than you, Captain." She finally relaxed, leaning back against the nubby fabric. "He goes for the throat and when that fails, he fights dirty." The commander shrugged. "He learned that trick from me."

Regan didn't react. She waited patiently for her superior officer to make her point or dismiss Regan.

Craig frowned. "I won't play favorites, Captain. When you finish cleaning up the mess, report to the brig." She rose.

Regan quickly stood and saluted. "Yes, Sir." She turned and made her way to the hatch. "I'll return with the necessary items to get rid of the bloodstains."

Craig's lips curved. "You do that, Captain. Dismissed."

Finn has a similar run in with the chief of the hangar deck and the XO intervenes. Half the fun of writing for Regan and Finn is figuring out their new crewmates should react. :D

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

ML Skye