Sunday Snippet: Fail Me Now

The end of June came a lot quicker than I expected. This month flew by, and I'm not sure I got as much accomplished as I hoped to.

The weather is still fairly mild for June but the heat index for the upcoming week makes me want to weep. It's going to be so, so hot.

Continued to have a busy work week. Several new potential projects are waiting in the wings and I'm excited about them. One is a fiction project with a really intriguing concept. Two others are memoir life-story projects. I've been working on quite a few of those and they're a nice change of pace. I continued working on the developmental edit, pulling a few more files into the master document. Also finished up a copy edit and started a new one.

Had a less than stellar viewing week. I felt a little bit off all week and couldn't focus on viewing new stuff. I did several binge marathons of early seasons of Death in Paradise for background noise. I also got a considerable amount of writing done because the sages were banging on the door in my brain.

I did watch another behind the scenes bonus episode of Foyle's War. This one showed a day in the life of an episode. Some great interviews with the cast and crew.

Also caught another episode of Tales from Irish Castles. This one explored tower houses and it seems like there are a bunch of them dotting the landscape. Really love getting an inside look at some of these castles.

Started an episode of Silent Witness and made it about halfway through. The subject matter is really tough to view and, honestly, hits a little hard. I don't know who is writing the show at the moment but, man, they're dead-on with the stuff that makes people flinch.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fail Me Now, a novella that explores how a couple finds their way into a relationship that balances work and life.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tate Emerson has no desire to fly fighters—he's worked too hard to get out from under his father's thumb. But when enemy forces attack, Indi Best comes calling with a special invitation from the elder Emerson—join the fight or get left behind. Tate hatches a plan to do his part but not have to take orders from his father.

And a sneaky peek…

Indi pushed away from the bulkhead to pace and forth a little. Waiting on Tate to finish up with the quartermaster to get his billet assignment for permanent quarters gave her too much time to think about the past couple of days. She hadn't considered how being in close proximity to him on the regular would affect her.

She fanned her face. "Whew. Dangerous man." She still thought about their first meeting when sparks zapped around.

I'm attracted to him. Which, duh. And, yeah, probably a bad thing.

But she might risk her heart to see if he proved as good as her gut thought he would.

Changing direction, she walked to the end of the corridor and bumped into Teague coming around the corner.

His lips briefly curved upward, and he grasped her elbow to steady her.

Indi winced on the inside. "Uh, hello. What're you doing here?" As if she didn't already know.

Teague glanced down the hallway. "I'm on my way to see Tate." Determination filled his gaze. "Forty-eight hours is long enough."

Indi attempted to keep her voice neutral. "Sir, I don't think it's a good idea." What could she do to dissuade him?

Tate arrived and let her off the hook. "What's not a good idea?" He lifted his chin. "Hello, Commander." Closed off—eyes hooded and not open to much or giving anything away.

Teague had a visible reaction. His face softened and his shoulders relaxed. He swallowed and schooled his features.

His head tilted forward slightly. "Hello, son."

Indi noted Tate's use of rank and Teague's nonuse, putting things on a personal level. She wished the elder Emerson had waited a little longer to force a confrontation. But he opened the door between them, maybe to test the waters to see how things would go between them.

Tate set the tone. "I'm here, old man. That's all you get." He hoisted his pristine rucksack over his shoulder. "I'm leaving a good life behind and want to make the best of this situation. For once, back off and let me do it."

The elder Emerson grunted. "I already agreed to your terms. Just wanted to see you and welcome you aboard."

Tate snorted. "Do you do that with all new recruits?" His eyes held a challenge in them.

Indi stepped in. "Actually, he does. Usually within the first twenty-four hours." She gave him a pointed look, a silent warning to stop being a dick.

After all, his dad waited two full days before seeking Tate out.

Tate, reluctantly impressed, lifted his chin. "Consider me welcomed." He glanced toward Indi. "I've got my assignment and requisite new-guy supplies. We good to head for quarters now?"

Indi nodded. "Sure. Let's get you settled." She looked toward Teague. "By your leave, Sir." When he gave a nod, she started down the corridor.

Tate inclined his head. "Commander." He fell into step beside Indi.

All in all, not a bad scene. Could have gone worse. She hoped the civility between the two men would last.  

I've very excited about how this is coming together. Indi and Tate are a fun couple to write.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fail Me Now

Greetings! It's been another busy week and I'm still excited about my ongoing projects. They're completely different genres and it's fun to have that variety while working.

Somewhat limited viewing week again. I've been in a place where background noise is more distracting than helpful, which occasionally happens. I notice it more on day when I didn't get solid sleep the night before.

I did catch most of Pennyworth. I have the last act of the episode to watch. This show is dark in all the ways I like shows to be. And I love getting to see Alfred actually grieve. And having Ripper be the catalyst that pulls him out is kind of a master stroke. Such a great show!

Also continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. We started season two and the first ten episodes are so terrific. The second half of the season is also excellent, but I remember so much about those first ten.

That's pretty much it for the life update. I am hoping to get some gardening in this week so stay tuned.

Tonight's post is from Fail Me Now, a novella that brings the main characters together by having one being ordered to the bring the other into the fleet.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tate Emerson has no desire to fly fighters—he's worked too hard to get out from under his father's thumb. But when enemy forces attack, Indi Best comes calling with a special invitation from the elder Emerson: Join the fight or get left behind. Tate hatches a plan to do his part, but not have to take orders from his father.

And a sneaky peek…

Indi stood in the control booth and let out a low whistle. "Damn." Getting Tate through the accelerated flight class and moving to simulators didn't surprise Indi. "Tate definitely has aptitude." But he'd just breezed through the preliminary sim runs. "How the hell did he manage that?"

A double knock sounded on the door and Indi pushed it open to admit Tate to the room.

He arched his brows. "What's my score?"

Indi informed him while she crossed behind the desk to note the numbers in his file. "You're a little too good." Freakishly so.

Tate rolled a shoulder. "I gotta confess I've been in simulators a lot. Like before I could even walk." His gaze drifted to the viewing screen and his lips turned upward.

Indi absorbed the information, not doubting Teague probably had Tate in a cockpit before he'd been out of diapers. "How long since the last time?" She bit back a smile at the image filling her head of baby Tate in a pilot's seat.

Tate did a mental calculation. "Hmm … right before I walked out on my dad, so a little over seven years ago." He gave a nod of confirmation.

She blinked. "The cockpit had a total redesign three years ago, but you adapted exceedingly well." Again, he'd blown her away.

Hell, it had taken her several weeks of practice runs to get the new configuration memorized. Tate did it in two test flights.

Tate narrowed his gaze. "If this is where you compare me to my brilliant pilot dad, I'd better leave. 'Cause I'm not interested." A dark look crossed his face.

A bit put off by the constant digs at her and the old man, she folded her arms over her chest. "I didn't plan to compare, but to compliment your skill." She bit the words out, trying to resist the urge to punch him.

Tate's head dropped and his shoulders slumped forward. "I'm sorry. That was a dick move and you don't deserve that. You're a terrific instructor." He propped a hip on the edge of the desk. "What's next?" A thread of excitement entered his tone.

The apology helped and Indi relaxed also. "In your case, even more of a fast track." She closed the file and tucked it under her arm. "If you're willing, I want to get you in a prowler." He'd only be wasting time with more sim runs.

A brief flash of eagerness lit his gaze, but he blinked it away. "Uh, fine. When?" He attempted some nonchalance by swiping at a nonexistent speck of lint on his uniform.

She fought a smile. "Last dog watch. Less traffic, more room to maneuver." She'd have to clear the usage with the LSO but didn't expect any pushback.

Tate's eyes widened. "As in today?" He stood. "I'll review the preflight checklist then. Can I meet you on the fight deck?"

She gave a nod and let him go.

Flipping his file open, she exhaled slowly. "Make or break time. And I have a feeling Tate isn't going to be happy when he ends up falling head over heels for the prowler." But she would be.

I'm very happy with how this story is coming together. Indi has Tate's number whether he'll admit it or not.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fail Me Now

Okay, Riverdale, you have my attention. My high hopes were met and surpassed. Here's hoping the following episodes stay the course. My sister blog, Universes Altered, might pick up a weekly recap on this show. The acting and cast are a terrific mix and I look forward to seeing what this crew does.

Gotham's follow-up episode intrigued me. I'll lay money Leigh made a deal to stay away from Jim to spare his life. We'll see how long that lasts. Having Jerome loose in the city will be chaotic, to say the least. If the origin story I think is playing out continues, I'm in. I also love the other two prongs of the cold war between Ed and Oswald along with the mama drama between Selena and Bruce. Thoroughly love how the trio of plot threads are playing out.

The Flash returned and didn't disappoint. Future vibing is kind of cool, but something tells me the crew is going to have burnt asses before it's all over.

Legends of Tomorrow always makes me happy when they visit someone famous before they're, well, famous. Having George Lucas kind of made the show. While I rather enjoyed Malcolm and Damien's team-up, I'm not sure how much fun it'll be if it's overused. I don't, however, think Mick and Stein sharing screen time will ever get old. More of that, please.

Arrow rocked, as usual. I have some doubts about the district attorney really helping Oliver, but we'll see what happens. Having Earth 2 Laurel is an interesting twist. Looking forward to seeing what happens there. Loved the bonding moment between Curtis and Rene, too.

Finished up Strike Back through season three. Holding off on four, but should start it soon. Got caught up on The Librarians, Murdoch Mysteries, and Teen Wolf. I'm thrilled to be current on all three. Whew. Missed the premiere of The Magicians and hope to catch up on that one soon.

Decided to forego watching MacGyver for now. I might binge watch after the season is over. The show just isn't holding my attention like I want it to and the cast shake-ups aren't something I'm thrilled with.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Fail Me Now, a novella that got a writing community prompt start. The prompt suggested writing a scene with the main female character being the CAG of a command carrier and the male is the captain of his own ship, then leaves to join the military during a crisis.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tate Emerson has no desire to fly fighters—he's worked too hard to get out from under his father's thumb. But when enemy forces attack, Indi Best comes calling with a special invitation from the elder Emerson: Join the fight or get left behind. Tate hatches a plan to do his part, but not have to take orders from his father.

And a sneaky peek…

Tate Emerson didn't play the odds.

He wouldn't be flying a freighter into a combat zone if he did.

His second in charge, Rance Dawkins, shot Tate a quick glance. "You have a plan, captain?" He turned his attention back to the flashing blips on the screen.

Each light represented a fighter. Some were enemies and others, allies. All were in the middle of a shooting match directly outside the nearly destroyed supply outpost Tate's ship had launched from.

Tate kept his gaze on the main viewer. "Yeah. The plan is to get through that line and make it to the other side." Getting through would test his pilot skills, but also prove a worthy challenge.

Rance choked out his response. "In one piece? 'Cause I'm thinking we'll be blown to shit if we try."

Tate pointed in the direction they were fleeing from. "We can't go back there. It's already breaking apart." He nudged the helmsman out of the way. "We're full up and the concourse is gonna need everything we can get through."

They had medical supplies, ammunition, rations, and fighter parts. The hold overflowed and the corridors were stacked deck to ceiling with crates and boxes. They were well beyond weight capacity, but Tate didn't care. He'd fly until the ship fell out of the black. Or got shot into exploding chunks.

Rance blew out a harsh breath. "Okay, then. What's the plan?" He settled into the navigator's chair and brought up the display.

Tate grinned. "Go right up the middle, low enough to avoid being caught in the crossfire and high enough to clear the asteroid field."

Rance groaned. "You're insane. You know that, right?" He settled back, not bothering to chart a course.

Tate shrugged. "Runs in my family." He hand-waved his 2IC's concern. "And you're used to it." They'd been running blockades together for three years.

Rance snorted. "Damn right I am." He glanced at the wide-eyed crew. "Strap in and brace for some chop. The captain's gonna guide us right up the ass crack of the enemy."

And Tate did exactly that.

I have this one plotted out and brainstormed. Here's hoping I can find time to flesh all the pieces out.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fail Me Now

Another long week, but at least some great TV to ease the stress. Currently watching The Last Ship, which continues to keep me entertained. The new season of Doctor Who starts in a few weeks and my fingers are crossed. Really not sure I'm going to like Twelve.

Getting ready to start season two of La Femme Nikita, probably when I completely fell in love with the show. I'm also still loving Defiance and can't wait to see where the season ends.

New and pics from Comic Con made my week. The casts from Orphan Black, Sons of Anarchy, and Arrow were super awesome and shared tons of stuff. I so enjoy it when the actors love what they do and give lots to their fans.

Tonight's post is from Fail Me Now, a novella where my hero wants nothing to do with flying fighters to help win a war.

Here's the tagline:

Tate Emerson has no desire to fly fighters—he's worked too hard to get out from under his father's thumb. But when enemy forces attack, Indi Best comes calling with a special invitation from the elder Emerson: Join the fight or get left behind. Tate hatches a plan to do his part, but not have to take orders from his father.

And a sneaky peek…

Indi strode into Tate's quarters and planted her booted feet directly in front of the exit. She folded her arms over her chest and waited.

Tate glanced up and sighed. "You seriously won't take no for an answer, will you?" He closed his logbook and set it aside.

Indi jerked her head back and forth. "Nope. And you know why I won't." She met his gaze and held it.

Tate frowned. "Look, I have no desire to train. I'm perfectly content to contribute to our war effort from here." He got up and put his logbook back in his desk. "But... we could pretend to play along few weeks and you could fail me sometime in the third." He propped his hip on the oak surface.

Indi snorted. "You don't ask for much do you?" She relaxed her posture, happy he'd finally started talking.

He waved off her objection. "Just say I have zero aptitude for flying."

Obviously he did or he wouldn't be captaining your own ship.

She quirked a brow. "You want me to lie to your old man? How'd that work out for you as a kid?" The elder Emerson didn't appreciate bullshit in any form.

Tate's lips twitched. "Not well." He heaved a long sigh.

Indi chuckled. "Exactly. His tolerance hasn't improved, take my word for it." She cocked her head to the side, studied him a moment, and decided on a different tactic. "Let me ask a simple question. Why did you become a captain?"

He glanced away and didn't answer for several long seconds. "I grew up taking orders." He slid his gaze back to hers. "I wanted to give them and earned the right to do so."

She nodded. "Hmm. Okay." She respected his reason.

She also recognized a kindred spirit and her instincts screamed he had what it took to fly combat missions.

She wanted him on their side. "Let's try this for a solution. Come back with me and give it your best. If you hate it at the end, I'll figure something out."

He huffed out a harsh breath. "You think I'm going to love it, don't you?" He crossed his arms over his chest.

She answered. "I know you will."

He shook his head. "That doesn't bode well."

Oh… you're so wrong. Guys like you and your dad win wars. She opted to not share her thoughts on the topic.

She shrugged. "Maybe not… but those are my terms. Do your best, give it everything you've got—and I'll know if you don't—and if you still want to fail… I'll find a way to make it happen."

He narrowed his eyes, but she had him, he couldn't refuse.

Tate stuck out his hand. "Deal."

Victory!

Indi won the first skirmish but she's got a long road to win her personal war.

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

ML Skye