Sunday Snippet: Hard Call

Yeesh. Still dealing with the tire issue but have an appointment to get the replacements on Tuesday. I can't wait. But … we now have to get two new tires for my husband's vehicle. It's like dominoes falling … one thing after another.

Had some seriously cool temperatures this week. Also rain. Rain. Rain. Rain. We're supposed to have clear weather for the beginning of the week but more rain from Thursday through the weekend.

Work projects were pretty smooth this week. I finished up the wild ride copy edit and completed a proofread that had a few issues but overall ended up being great. Still working on the evaluation and making good project. I have another back burner project I'm hoping to get to this week.

Had a solid viewing week. I made it through my usual slate of shows and got to binge Death in Paradise a couple of days.

Started with Marple again and enjoyed the mystery. There were a lot of twists and turns with a resolution that ended up being sad but excellent.

Finished up the first season of Britain's Most Scenic Counties. Thoroughly enjoyed visiting Kent and look forward to the next season and new location.

Caught another episode of Return to Paradise and enjoyed it again. Reggie reminds me of Margo from Beyond Paradise. Both are filled with local knowledge and wield their power when it counts the most. Great mystery also.

Watched another Poirot and liked the twists and turns. Very interesting to hear all the discussion of the upcoming war and having three mysteries instead of one ended up being quite fun.

Elementary got a little freaky. The possible serial killer struck very close to home, and I really hope things don't go in an obvious direction. Can't wait to watch the next episode to see if they do or don't.

Enjoyed an episode of Young Justice and loved seeing the young team dealing with being the grown-ups in the room. Kind of interested to see what happens with the stolen bit.

Ended the week with an episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and totally loved the call back to the original series. Fun episode with plenty of weird thrown in for good measure. I'm going to be very sad when I finish this one.

That's the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hard Call, a novella that mixes family dynamics with the mantle of command.

Here's the miniblurb:

Wiccam Kidder commands a space cruiser and wears the mantle of command with reluctance. When he makes a hard call and orders Valor Glynne to what may be a certain death, he wants to give up the burden and walk away. But Valor returns, and Wic is faced with knowing she'll follow wherever he leads.

And a sneaky peek…

Target removal confirmed. In Valor's voice.

The relief hit hard and fast. So much so, Wic didn't question the how. He didn't care. He closed his eyes then opened them to find the hard gaze of his father on him. Cray held the stern look, giving Wic a terse nod before turning on his heel and exiting the command center.

Wic would get an earful later. He could read his father's body language far too well. And, yeah, he'd take whatever venom his dad spewed and live with it … because Valor would be returning to the ship.

Wic's officers visibly relaxed when the admiral left. A few of the crew members pumped the air in a show of enthusiasm. But Wic couldn't yet, too keyed up to kick back and celebrate the successful mission on two fronts instead of one. He needed to see Valor, witness her hale and whole, before his tension would ease.

He nodded toward a senior lieutenant. "You've got the comm, Escaba." He handed off the reins to his capable officer.

Striding from the command center, Wic slowed his pace, emotions churning in his gut. He didn't want to sort through them. He wanted to act on instinct, for once. To forget why he avoided going too deep into future thoughts.

He entered the hangar deck to find Valor coming out of the ship. She stopped when she spotted him and everything faded away when his gaze locked with hers. The noise from the deck crew dissipated into nothingness. He focused completely on Valor.

The moment stretched out, the connection growing stronger when their feet carried them to meet in the middle of the hangar floor. Wic cupped her face, stroking his thumb over her cheek. Valor leaned into the touch, her eyelids sliding shut but not before she could hide the weariness and hurt from him. His heart twisted and his brain filled with questions. He wanted answers to all of them.

Wic found his voice. "Come see me when you're showered and changed." He could wait a little while longer.

Valor nodded, her eyes brimming with moisture.

They had a lot to talk about.

I really love how this story is coming together. Wic and Valor have a long history and will hopefully have a long future also.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hard Call

I sometimes wonder if time is speeding up. The week flew by. Then again, I have multiple work projects going right now and they're all at different stages.

Had a decent week of television viewing. Not quite as heavy as last week but I got through a full round of my current shows.

Actually started and ended the week with Classic Rugrats. I'm currently watching season five and it's weirdly missing Susie Carmichael. Maybe there's more of her in the later episodes.

Finished up the second season of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Ended up fairly pleased with the resolution of Jean's stalker. Very glad and hopeful we don't have to see more of her.

Caught another episode of Cannes Confidential. I seriously love this show. The cast is amazing and the chemistry with all of them is terrific. I have a very sneaky suspicion one of the main characters is going to be a bad guy and I'm actually kind of here for that if it happens.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice. I have two left in season nine and it's going to be kind of heartbreaking because I know what's coming. Also, Andrew is seriously annoying right now and I'm not sure if he'll improve or not.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Scar." This is another one of my favorite episodes even if, like "Black Market," there are some big flaws with development for later episodes. One of the best conversations of the entire series is in this episode.

Finished up a two-part Silent Witness. The culprit was indeed one of two characters I thought it might be. Such a great episode.

Started season two of Death in Paradise. Good opening episode with some familiar faces in the guest stars. I love catching my favorite actors in other roles.

Enjoyed an episode of Fantasy Island. So cool to kind of see how Elena assumed the role of host. I'm very curious about Ruby's mystery woman. I have a theory about her and I hope we get some answers before the end of the season.

Finished up season two of Strangest Things. I'd be interested in more episodes, but I won't hold my breath. The combination of Discovery and HBO Max is the stupidest thing ever and I'm honestly not sure I'll even continue trying to find show I want to watch.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hard Call, a novella that sees one half of a couple put the other half in a precarious situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Wiccam Kidder commands a space cruiser and wears the mantle of command with reluctance. When he makes a hard call and orders Valor Glynne to what may be a certain death, he wants to give up the burden and walk away. But Valor returns and Wic is faced with knowing she'll follow wherever he leads.

And a sneaky peek…

One level from the bottom Majah stopped. "This is as far as you go." She held up a hand to block Valor's path.

What the hell? She's wasting valuable and precious seconds.

Valor frowned. "We don't have time for this. Get moving!" She shouldn't be ordering her superior officer around.

Majah planted her hands on her hips. "We're making time. I'm ordering you to head back. You've got time to get clear." She gave Valor a dead-eyed stare.

Valor's mouth dropped open. "No way. This is a two-person job. We can't fail." Too much rode on the outcome of blowing this damned place to nothingness.

Namely giving the two most important people in her life an edge.

Majah dropped her pack to the floor. "We won't." She retrieved a spear gun and shot a dart into the wall then hooked a D-ring onto the rope. "I've got this." She carefully removed the protective covering from the explosive device, which had been covered with a framework of netting.

Valor blinked, the sheer genius of the solution kicking a measure of respect for her XO into gear.

But something didn't smell right.

Valor cocked her head. "Why didn't you mention this brilliant maneuver during the planning?" They'd run through a ton of simulations.

Majah's shoulders tensed for a moment but then she shrugged. "Only figured it out last night." Her tone all but dared Valor not to let the excuse slide.

Valor wanted to call bullshit but something in Majah's gaze—a desperate determination—stopped Valor.

Instead, she straightened. "Why?" She needed to understand.

Even though the clock ticked and burned through those precious seconds.

Majah squared her shoulders and met Valor's gaze head-on. "Because I lost a piece of myself here. They broke me, and planning this op made me realize I can't go back." She looked away. "I'm done. I can't live one more day constantly fighting to be the me I used to be." Her eyes closed for a moment then opened, clear and determined.

Valor couldn't find words to argue or counter the XO's clearly thought-out decision.

Majah shot another dart into the bulkhead beside Valor. "Go. Now." Keying in the launch code, Majah climbed on top of the crate and slowly hefted the explosive device into position. "I can get the rest from here." She started lowering the bomb down to the last level.

Valor opened her mouth, but Majah arched her brows and Valor gave a brief, terse nod instead.

Snapping to attention, she saluted. "Godspeed, sir."

Valor took one last look at her superior officer then turned and booked it up five levels, using minimal-range comms to radio ahead to the scout transport for a pickup. Her brain spun with Majah's revelations, but she couldn't take the time to unpack any of it right now. She dashed aboard the small ship and waited until they cleared the detonation zone. Twenty seconds later, she verified the explosion before radioing back to the ship. "Hathaway actual, scout two. Target removal confirmed." Cheers broke out on the other end of the comm.

She broke protocol by making the call. It should've come from ECO. But she wanted the Kidder men to know she'd survived.

Thanks to the sacrifice of a very troubled officer. Valor's gut clenched with the knowledge Majah shared. Valor finally understood the former XO a lot better now.

Unfortunately … a little too late.

I have a lot of love for this story. Writing this scene ended up being so much harder than I thought it would be, but I'm very happy with how it came together.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hard Call

September 20, 2020

Kind of a crazy week. Honestly, 2020 can hurry up and be done. Thankfully, only a few more months.

Not a bad week for television. I finished up the first season of Silent Witness and got a running start on the second. I'll have it finished up this week.

I got to catch the behind the scenes video for Dirty, Sexy Saint. Really enjoyed the actors in that movie.

Also started a series of videos about casting runes. It's a topic I've long been interested in and I'm having fun learning about the practice.

Last but not least, I finally got to watch the series finale of Strike Back. There's so much I want to say about this episode! First and foremost, a heist. Seriously. That was actually a lot of fun. The double cross was also a nice little wrinkle. Breaking things down from the beginning. I loved how Coltrane got out of the gulag. Having Wyatt there and their banter was so awesome. I mean, who else but Coltrane would take a detour during a carefully planned escape? And horses! Excellent. Having Novin take on the entire casino security force also proved to be a wild ride. I'm going to miss her a lot. Loved the beats between the characters when she got back to the apartment and almost took out Wyatt.

The heist itself ended up being an awful lot of fun, with the exception of Gracie getting shot. The boat ride out ended up being beautifully filmed. Then, to find out the big reveal about the, well, I guess it's not really a double cross for the section twenty team, more a double cross of the Russians and Albanians and I love the double meaning behind the comment, "They'll never stop looking for us." Anyway … probably in my top five moments is when Coltrane blithely takes Arianna out then strolls nonchalantly past the pool boy. But my favorite moment is at the very end when the trio heads out to go their separate ways. I mean there can't be a heist episode without the going-off-in-different-directions pan out. Very reminiscent of shows like Leverage or Hustle. Good stuff. Seriously good stuff.

Some final thoughts … the only thing I would have loved as much as the actual ending would have been Coltrane finding Zarkova and / or Wyatt and Novin heading out for lots of adventures. The shipper in me will definitely let my imagination run wild on that front.

Also thoroughly enjoyed the Strike Back Declassified for the series end. I love shows that put behind the scenes or inside looks together for their fans. Having those extras is always a lot of fun, especially when the characters have become like second family.

And … that's pretty much it for television. Tonight's post is from Hard Call, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Wiccam Kidder commands a space cruiser and wears the mantle of command with reluctance. When he makes a hard call and orders Valor Glynne to what may be a certain death, he wants to give up the burden and walk away. But Valor returns and Wic is faced with knowing she'll follow wherever he leads.

And a sneaky peek…

Majah snapped to attention. Valor and Wic didn't. If Cray wanted formality, he'd have announced his docking.

Wic shot his dad a glance. "Got anything better, old man?" He'd like to hear it if he did.

Cray kept his gave level for a moment before meeting first Valor's and then Majah's gaze. "Give us the room." His gruff voice echoed in the small room.

Majah gave a crisp salute before scurrying out.

Valor opened her mouth, but Cray jerked his head. "Don't even." He waved toward the door.

Wic stayed silent, a tactic he'd learned from the elder Kidder. His dad would speak when ready and not before. Besides, Cray would look at the sims and realize they had no other option. They'd run every possible scenario and—

"Wic." Cray's voice cut through the fog. "Find someone else." A note of desperate resolve snuck through.

Wic shook his head. "There is no one else, Dad." No one who had the skill and knowledge and ability to get into the cramped, confined area to plant the bomb.

Cray sliced his hand through the air. "I'll find someone on my ship to—"

Wic cut in. "No, you won't. How's that gonna look? I won't play favorites and neither will you. Morale's already low." Any lower and they'd have a mutiny.

Cray slammed his hand on the planning table. "You're sending her to certain death!"

Wic growled. "You think I don't know that? That I wouldn't give anything to go in her place? But I can't." He couldn't leave this ship without a command officer.

Cray pitched his voice low. "I made a promise to her dad..." He trailed off, unable to continue.

Wic nodded. "I know. To keep her safe. Right before you ordered him to his death." Wic paused but pushed forward. "He was your best friend, Dad, and he knew you might not be able to keep your word." Anyone with military experience would.

Cray frowned. "You don't understand..."

Wic sighed. "Yeah, I do. Why do you think I'd go in her place? But the burden of command means I can't. Something you taught me." A lesson Cray couldn't argue with, no matter how much he'd want to.

Cray's shoulders slumped. "This isn't over." He turned and walked away.

Wic shook his head again. "Believe me, I know." He'd pay for this decision for a long time ... because it would haunt him for the rest of his days.

But at least his father's wrath would fill the huge void losing Valor would leave behind.

I have to say this story is coming together in ways I didn't see happening. I still have a lot of work to do but the bits and pieces are in place and the flow is good.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hard Call

May 7, 2017

Well, a crazy month begins for me this week. For whatever reason, May is always insane. Awards ceremonies, musical concerts, and, this year, a graduation. I'm just now starting to feel the feels about my middle kidlet ending his high school journey and getting ready to embark on his trip through adulthood. I should be more in the camp of two down, one to go and I'll get there… probably the day after we get the party out of the way. LOL

Television this week ended up being terrific. Gotham had a great episode with a few twists I didn't foresee. I'm still on the fence with the whole owl society thing, but I'm leaning toward liking where things are going.

The Flash ended up surprising me with the reveal of Savitar. I thought maybe Ronnie or Jay would end up being behind the suit, or possibly Thawne in some roundabout way. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of the episodes play out.

Arrow's episode reminded me again why I love this show so much. It's been a little uneven this season but the show always pulls everything together in ways I don't expect. I can't wait for Wednesday to get here for the next installment!

Riverdale's reveals paid off in a big way. At least for me. I have several items on my wish list for the finale and some saved back for the next season. I'm excited for the possibilities with Cheryl and where she'll go, seeing how the dynamic plays out in the Cooper household, and what happens with everyone caught in the potential crossfire. What I'm not overly excited about? Hiram Lodge. Seriously. I kind of don't care a fig about that dude, especially if he's all oily and smarmy and goes out of his way to be a dick. We'll see. I'm watching closely, CW. Don't muck this up.

My summer shows should be returning soon and I'm looking forward to watching my favorites. Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up on some of the mainstream fare I missed also.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Hard Call, a novella that started with a prompt of writing a grief sex scene that doesn’t involve losing a relative. I actually love building the tension and details surrounding intense moments so I thoroughly enjoyed thinking up scenarios for this one.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Wiccam Kidder commands a space cruiser and wears the mantle of command with reluctance. When he makes a hard call and orders Valor Glynne to what may be a certain death, he wants to give up the burden and walk away. But Valor returns and Wic is faced with knowing she'll follow wherever he leads.

And a sneaky peek…

Valor Glynne strode through the corridors of the Hathaway, a single destination in mind. She nodded to a few familiar faces. Even with a huge military, she inevitably bumped into crew she'd served with before or people that came up through the ranks at the same time.

Making her way to the end of the causeway, she stopped outside command quarters, glancing inside. "Anybody home?" The shuffle of papers and scrape of a chair greeted her before the voice did.

"Valor… come to keep me on my toes?" He popped out from his recessed alcove that functioned as a study. "Because I know all your tricks."

She laughed. He should. Wiccam Kidder grew up military, the same as she did. They learned from the same playbook. The only difference? Her dad died in the line of duty and Wic's went on to command a flagship. Valor never tired hearing about their exploits.

She grabbed hold of Wic and hauled him in for a hug. Not exactly SOP between a commanding officer and their subordinate, but Wic wrapped his arms around her anyway. They didn't stand on ceremony, not when they were off duty.

Valor eased away, getting a good, long look at her new CO. "You're looking good for someone wearing the burden of command." Her lips twitched when he rolled his eyes.

Wic shot back. "Easy job until you came aboard." His mouth curved in a sexy smile.

The one she'd missed for almost a year.

Valor couldn't resist, she notched her chin up and cupped the back of his head. "You know I always make things interesting." Proving her point, she meshed their lips together and slipped her tongue over his lower one.

Wic responded, taking the embrace from teasing to steamy. His hands skimmed along her sides, reaching around to grasp her ass. Valor swallowed back a moan, wishing they weren't on a ship in the middle of a war. She had a long list of ways she wanted to rock his world.

Vic pulled back, his movement abrupt. "Dammit, Valor. That shouldn't have happened." He put some distance between them. "You know we can't act on this thing between us. Not when there's a war to fight." His words lacked the heat of anger but held a tinge of regret.

Valor shrugged. "Seems to me it's the best time to act. We might not have an opportunity later." Because they might be dead.

They'd had the discussion before he took command. No guarantees for a long and fruitful life when enemy fire got thrown into the mix. Wic refused to build a future on shaky ground.

He cocked an eyebrow. "I'm not down with the no tomorrow concept."

In other words, they'd get their shot. Sometime.

Valor flashed a grin. "Yeah, yeah. But I had to try." She always would.

Wic chuckled. "You wouldn't be you if you didn't." He flung an arm around her shoulder. "Get settled in and be ready for the morning briefing at 0800."

I hope this all comes together the way I want it to. I love moral dilemma conflicts and Wic's got so much history with Valor not to mention the hope for a future the tension almost writes itself.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hard Call

Hello,

Argh. Super busy week so I missed the premiere of Haven and will hopefully be catching up tonight. But… I did NOT miss the opening episode of Sons of Anarchy. Holy hell. Without giving too much away, I wanted Gemma to die a slow painful death in the final frame of the series, but yeah, that's all changed. If died in the next episode it wouldn't be too soon for me. Take that as a challenge to change my mind, Mr. Sutter. Seriously.

Since I talked DC last week, I'll throw in my excitement for Marvel's Agents of SHEILD and Agent Carter. I think I'll like having Peggy take up the downtime between the two halves of AOS.

Tonight's post is from Hard Call, a novella with main characters who brave a war to get together.

Here's the tagline:

Wiccam Kidder commands a space cruiser and wears the mantle of command with reluctance. When he makes a hard call and orders Valor Glynne to what may be a certain death, he wants to give up the burden and walk away. But Valor returns and Wic is faced with knowing she'll follow wherever he leads.

And a sneaky peek…

Wic had ordered Valor to her death and she came back. He needed to prove it to himself. To make certain the apparition in his head actually had form and function. His hand shook when he cupped her face and he fought, hard, to keep it together. Every part of him wanted to come unglued, but Valor understood. She would. Probably the only one who could. His old man certainly didn't get it. The scalding look he shot Wic before returning to the flagship spoke of a long ass-chewing once the after action reports crossed his desk. Wic couldn't hold back, his mouth crushed hers and every angry word he wanted to hurl at his father translated into bruising, punishing kisses. The mixture of desperation and despair at almost losing her poured out and his hands gripped her arms, the hold tighter than necessary. Not like she'd disappear into the ether, but his heart hadn't quite caught up with his head.

Valor responded with her usual aggressive gusto. Her fingers dug into his ass and she leaned into his embrace, accepting each hard thrust of his tongue and giving back in return. She might sacrifice her life on his orders, but she wouldn't give quarter here, in a moment filled with dark hope. She'd push him right to the edge then yank him over the precipice… just because she could.

Wic usually stopped before the passion between them erupted, but not now. Not tonight. Tonight, he'd follow Valor into the abyss—gladly and with everything he had—because he craved her more than his command, more than any repercussion could sway, and more than knowing she'd take the union and walk away if he asked.

He didn't plan to ask.

I love it when one of my characters faces a moment of truth. Fun to write, especially the aftermath.

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

ML Skye