Sunday Snippet: Questionable Vision

Washing machine update. The new washer got here and I'm happy to say the mountain of clothes is now a manageable pile. It's amazing!

Coffeemaker update. The new one arrived and it's a combo single cup or full pot. I love it. Here's hoping my caffeine habit doesn't trash this one in under a year.

Another crazy-busy work week. I finished up the mystery and the romance copy edits and started a cozy mystery. Also continued with novella edits. Had a couple of calls about two or three new projects. I'm excited! I also managed to get some good writing in for myself. A good week!

I didn't get much of anything watched on my viewing schedule. I did a LOT of social media scrolling, especially after Biden stepped aside and endorsed Kamala Harris for the democratic nomination. That's unexpected and exciting. Also spent a lot of time shaking my head over the GOP nomination for vice president. It's going to be an interesting couple of months.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Questionable Vision, a novella with a bit of a dark premise.

Here's the miniblurb:

Park Danielson doesn't want to fight anymore. Stuck in a warzone, he has one burning question. Why bother sticking around? Darby Young has the answer. He's not allowed to leave.

And a sneaky peek…

Darby stopped breathing for a moment. "What do you mean … you didn't want to come back?" She couldn't have heard his words right.

The very concept of Park opting out hit her hard. They had so much left to do. So much left to explore. But first, they had to get the hell out of their own way.

Something neither she nor Park had been able to do. Yet. They always seemed to end up on opposite ends of the spectrum and had to build bridges to meet in the middle. If Park stopped meeting her halfway, her world might just crumble.

His gaze slid sideways. "It means what you think it does." He moved his eyes straight ahead again … to stare at the top of the bunk.

Darby got up. She needed to move, to think, to digest. "Wow." She paced back and forth. "I have no idea what to say to that." Her head couldn't process the idea of Park Danielson not being in her life anymore. By choice.

She whirled around. "Actually, I do. What. The hell. Park?" She paced again. "You're serious, aren't you?" She shook with reaction.

Wanted to shake him for causing her world to tilt on its axis.

Universe be damned.

She punched back with words. "Did you think about what losing you would do to me?" She hadn't … until now.

And she'd be lost without him.

Thoughts cascaded in her mind. "What about your dad? You're all he has left." Did Park not realize how much he meant to his old man?

Park's lips twisted in a grimace. "And that matters how? He all but ordered us on a suicide mission. You know damn well the odds were slim we'd make it off that ship alive."

Darby winced because Park could be right about what their chances might have been … but the op fell apart so…

She started pacing again. "Okay, point made. But remember why he chose us. We're the only two people—"

Park cut in. "He fully trusts. Yeah, doesn't help." He sighed. "I'm tired of everything being twisted and bent. Up is down. Forward is back. And everything spins around like a whirling dervish. Why, Darb? What's the purpose? The end goal? Is there one?" His voice rasped harshly with each question.

Darby paused, a lightbulb moment washing over her. "I honestly don't know. You're putting voice to questions no one wants to ask … because the answers aren't easy." She resumed walking back and forth. "And they change on a daily basis. So … we do the best we can with what we have, which is shit on a good day and something indescribable on a bad one." She tried to imagine what Park had gone through in what he thought were his last moments. "You're out of sync right now and I don't think anyone would blame you."

But … what could she do to get him back on track?

This started out as a bit of an experiment to see if I could write a something that started out dark and give light and hope by the end … and keep it under ten thousand words.

We'll see if I pull it off.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Questionable Vision

Wow. The month is half over already. October is flying by. Not complaining because I'm super busy with work projects and that makes me happy. I'm also making steady progress on the whole clean and organize project.

Had a solid week of television viewing again. I watched two lessons of Master Class with Brandon McMillan. I got more valuable insight in dog behavior and I hope I can translate that to working with my doggos.

Caught two episodes of Gilmore Girls: Year in the Life. Winter and spring were each enjoyable. I didn't know how they'd handle Richard's death, but I like what they did. I'm very curious how summer is going to play out, especially with Loralie's therapy deal.

Enjoyed two specials about Cher. Artist to Icon and Life in the Spotlight both had great footage and details. I remember watching Sonny and Cher and her solo show on television when I was a kid. I sometimes miss that type of variety show. I'm so not into the idols and voice-type shows.

Watched another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. I thoroughly enjoy how the plotlines are playing out. I have to admit I really didn't think they'd go where they went with the Tyler storyline but I love that they did. Took me back to Farscape a little bit.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med and liked both. Rhodes keeps growing on me and I like how he stumbles every once in a while. I need to go back and do a crossover watch at some point also.

Thoroughly enjoyed an episode of Midsommer Murders. Old school in so many ways with being trapped on an island and having the case be about tabletop gaming. All in all, an excellent episode.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness and started a new two-parter. Great to have Leo back in the morgue and out on cases. I also remembered how much I love Nikki and Harry's bantery conversations.

Started season twenty of Classic Who and, hello, Tegan's back. I watched two four-episode arcs and actually loved both. The second arc brought the Maya back and I'd forgotten they did that sometimes in the original series.

Began a new series with UFOs Over Earth. The first two episodes were fun. Fayetteville and Bucks County were the areas MUFON investigated. I've seen bit and pieces about both sightings but got some new information about each. Always enjoy when that happens.

Watched two episodes of The Muppet Show. Dudley Moore and Arlo Guthrie were the guest stars. I'm enjoying season four so far.

Started the fifth season of Prime Suspect and I'm pretty sure I remember how this one plays out. I love how fallible Jane is and watching that unfold on screen.

Got another episode of Peak Practice watched. This one ended up being a lot calmer than the last one. I'm really enjoying the trio of partners.

Watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. The first season has so many great moments and I love revisiting them.

Also got in another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries and finished up season four. I'll be starting season five this week. I still truly love this show so much. I miss Jared a little but I think he might be in at least one more episode and I'm hoping to actually get to meet Roxy at some point.

That's pretty much it for the weekly television update. Tonight's post is from Questionable Vision, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Park Danielson doesn't want to fight anymore. Stuck in a warzone, he has one burning question. Why bother sticking around? Darby Young has the answer. He's not allowed to leave.

And a sneaky peek…

The conversation with Park left Darby shaken. Recriminations pinged in her brain. And maybe a little guilt.

"I've led Park on a merry chase." Up, down, forward, back, and hell, sometimes sideways and upside down. "No wonder he'd given up hope."

She needed to own part of the responsibility. She always taken it for granted he'd always be there, hovering in the background. She … they … didn't have to rush things for that reason, right?

But she'd misread all the signals. And damn near missed the forest for the trees. Well, she sure had a fire under her ass now. Whatever Park needed, she'd find a way to make it happen. And that included her.

She shivered a little. "Even though commitment terrifies me." Okay, a promise of time didn't bother her. She'd signed on the dotted line for military service.

Letting someone in, really in, freaked her the hell out. After watching her mother pine for a philandering man, why wouldn't she have concerns? The guy loved them, but couldn't keep his dick in his pants and every affair, each one-night stand, broke her mom's heart a little more until only a brittle shell remained.

Darby vowed she would never love someone enough to make putting up with affairs seem like a normal thing. She couldn't be like her mom and beg for any scrap of love her dad might be willing to share. But would she really have to?

Park represented the polar opposite of her wayward father. Honest, sometimes too much so, loyal, honorable … Park didn't have it in him to cheat like her old man had. Shouldn't she consider making a leap for him? He'd always, always been there. Good, bad, ugly … didn't matter. Park came back for more and usually gave as good as he got.

Darby snorted. "Considering I dish out bitch pie on a semi-regular basis and he still sticks around … well, maybe that should tell me something."

And maybe she should listen and pay attention to what mattered most.

I love writing Darby and her internal journey to what matters most. Park might need to get prepared for some amazing revelations in the near future.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Questionable Vision

June 10, 2018

My youngest kidlet is back from her trip to Disney and it's so nice to have her home. It's also terrific she had the opportunity to visit every theme park in Disney's repertoire. She had such a great time. On a proud parent note, she enjoyed Epcot the best and it makes my entire year because that was my favorite when I went to Disney many, many moons ago. I'm resisting the urge to plan a full-on Disney vacation… mainly because I don't have the time. But it would be so much fun!

Had something of an off week in television viewing. I'm battling a nasty cold / allergies / upper respiratory "ick" that's kicking my teeth in. But… I did get quite a bit watched.

I started a new-to-me Australian show called Canal Road and it's rather good. I'm two episodes in and I'm hooked. I also got to finish up Archangel and thoroughly enjoyed it.

In my classic rewatch, I caught Midsomer Murders and several episodes of Classic Who. I finished up the Dalek episodes and started the new arc. I'd forgotten what a shifty guy the first doctor can be. I also caught another episode of The Sarah Conner Chronicles.

Endeavor continues to make me happy. I also got another episode of Constantine in and I'm quite excited for the character to make the move to Legends of Tomorrow. I started a show I only got to watch sporadically when it originally aired, Pensacola Wings of Gold. I actually hope I can catch other late 90s early 00s shows. I missed so much back then.

On DVD, I finished up The Batman's third season and started the fourth. I also caught a few episodes of current seasons of Chicago Fire and Blindspot. Gotta say the whole Hurst arc is turning out to be kind of exciting.

Band of Brothers and Strike Back gave me my military show fix. I continue to be blown away by the casting in Band of Brothers. So many good choices.

I'm five episodes into Sense8 and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to watch this show. That said, I can binge the entire thing and see the finale in one go so there's that bit of good news. Fearless's third episode kind of broke me a little. It's a dark, dark show.

Krypton's first season proved to be pretty awesome. I have no idea where they'll go for the second season, but the end was kind of chilling. Jana called the whole General Zod ruling over Krypton thing and I'm truly hoping Lyta is now regretting her choice. If she isn't that character is dead to me. Just saying.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Questionable Vision, a sexy short that explores coming back from a tragic event.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Park Danielson doesn't want to fight anymore. Stuck in a warzone, he has one burning question. Why bother sticking around? Darby Young has the answer. He's not allowed to leave.

And a sneaky peek…

At least she'd taken him seriously. And, yeah, more serious than she'd ever know. She didn't have a front row seat to the destruction. Didn't watch two squadrons merge together to destroy a common enemy then turn on each other and open fire. No, she escaped that particular drama and landed in the middle of another one. The order to take out the opposing commander.

If the charge hadn't been rescinded, he'd have lost her. And he should've been there to have her back. They always watched each other's six, even when they sometimes couldn't stand the sight of each other.

Park swallowed, forming his words with difficulty. "Why do we do this, Darb?" His question could be interpreted a myriad of ways.

Why did they push each other? Why did the world always seem to implode on a regular basis? Why did they never end up on the same page long enough to pursue the megawatt chemistry between them?

Darby stopped pacing. "I don't know, Park." She moved to sit beside him again. "Fear. Self-loathing. The utter uncertainty we live with every day."

He shot her a look. She'd basically answered every question in the universe.

She narrowed her eyes. "Oh no. Unacceptable, Park. You don't get to use that. And you don't get to leave me. Not that way."

He elected to remain silent. Arguing with Darby gave him a headache on a good day. And he hadn't come close to having a decent twenty-four hours in weeks.

She grabbed his hand. "Is that what you really want?" Her voice lowered to a whisper. "To get away from me?"

Park swallowed again. How did he answer the question? He loved her. Hated her. Laughed with her. Fought with her. He counted on her. She'd become a lifeline in the harsh waters of war.

But even life-preservers were short-term solutions. "Darb, some days you're the only thing that keeps me upright. Other days, you're the one pushing me down." He slowly met her gaze. "When does want and desire get to trump pain, confusion, and utter despair?" His throat clogged with more words he wouldn't speak.

Darby stared at their entwined fingers. "So, basically, I add to this whole equation, don't I?" She loosened her grip but kept their hands joined. "You and me, we're hot then cold, back and forth, pretty much all the time." Her gaze met his again.

She'd hit on the underlying issue… in a big way. Progress of a sort. But maybe not enough.

He kept his gaze steady on hers. "Where and how do we move forward? Is it possible?" Uncertainty didn't make a great foundation to build anything on.

Darby didn't look away. "Honestly? I don't know." She placed her other palm over their joined hands.

He finally looked away. "Yeah, I figured as much." Dejected, he pulled free of her grasp.

Darby didn't let him off the hook. "You'll get back on track, Park." Her hand cupped his face. "Moment by moment, day by day, you'll improve." Leaning in, her fingers traced along his jawline. "And I'm willing to talk about everything… after you recover. So do your damned physical and get cleared for active duty." Her lips brushed over his and she eased away.

Park snagged her arm and tugged her close again. "Is that a promise?" She wouldn't go back on her word if she gave it.

Darby didn't hesitate. "I said it and I meant it. So, yeah, it's a promise."

For the first time in a long time… something seemed right in the world.

I'm not sure where this one will end up going, but I'm having fun with the challenge of writing something a little on the somber side.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Questionable Vision

October 27, 2013

Greetings!

Gah! What a week in television. Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D got interesting, Sons of Anarchy kicked several plots up a notch, Arrow continues to WOW me, Haven had a kick ass episode and Walking Dead still amazes and creeps me out all at the same time. J I already miss Strike Back, but hopefully a new season will be announced, if it hasn't been already.

Shifting gears, tonight's post if from Questionable Vision, which oddly ties into the game changing theme of my TV shows this week. Park goes through an experience that has him questioning everything he believes.

Here's the tagline:

Park Danielson doesn't want to fight anymore. Stuck in a warzone, he has one burning question: Why bother sticking around? Darby Young has the answer: He's not allowed to leave.

Here's the sneaky peek…

Park Danielson drifted in space, ensconced in the eject seat from the cockpit of his plane. His vision filled with nothing but a raging battle, silent explosions, and bursts of light—quite a show, watching the death dance unfold and it begged a single question in Park's mind. What was it all for? At one time, he thought he knew… but the events of the past few days were proving him wrong. Or maybe he'd just been living a lie and could only now face the fact. His list of regrets had been safely stored away since the day of the attacks, but they occupied space in the forefront of his mind now.

 Not like he hadn't added a few mistakes recently—he had—but he'd looked at the end of the world as something of a clean slate. A way to hold on to the basic principals of duty, honor, and leadership, forging ahead, while leaving behind things like regrets, recriminations, and failures.

 Witnessing the wanton destruction going on around him made Park realize he couldn't completely excuse himself from anything. He could shove it all to a dark corner and ignore it, but nothing ever went away. It wasn't how things worked.

 With each new flash of battle, an internal war raged within him. As the violence escalated in every direction he could see, Park couldn't hold back the feeling of despair that had been eating at him for days. The disappointment and dissatisfaction closed in on him as he drifted silently in the vast nothingness of space.

 Why?

 The word echoed in his mind, drowning everything else out. Why were they fighting? Why was it okay to assassinate a military officer… on anyone? Why did he agree to follow the order to do so? And why did he think, for however brief a period, that he could make a difference after the attacks? That he could walk away from his old life and begin anew?

 He couldn't.

 He couldn't change the mind of his father or the president. Hadn't even tried, really. And he agreed to follow orders because Darby asked and trusted him to have her back. Neither duty nor honor motivated him into saying yes. Loyalty did. Loyalty to Darby made him agree to do something not only illegal, but morally wrong. He couldn't claim to have never done anything that skirted the moral boundary… God, he had. But it left him with the sad knowledge that they truly fought for…

 Nothing.

 Park couldn't face it anymore… a future of never ending battles with the enemy while humanity slowly destroyed itself. Wouldn't it be better to let it all end? When he discovered the tear in his flight suit, the answer suddenly seemed very simple.

 Stop fighting. Let go. Concede the battle.

 He would die with regrets, about Darby, his father, every past mistake… but he wouldn't regret dying. The feeling of drowning in the macabre spectacle raging around him would soon fade and he'd finally find peace. Quiet for his soul. A place to rest.

 Park let everything go as he breathed his last breath… drifting toward that imagined haven. In his last moment, with the last beat of his heart, he truly accepted his readiness. When fate intervened and brought him back, the shock turned into something deeply profound.

 And he couldn't seem to come to grips with being alive. He felt all wrong—out of place and off kilter. And he didn't want to be there.

 When Darby said they should just be glad they both came back alive… he told her the truth.

 "That's just it, Darby. I didn't want to make it back alive."

~:~

Darby stopped breathing for a moment. "What do you mean… you didn't want to come back?" She couldn't have heard his words right.

The very concept of Park opting out hit her hard. They had so much left to do. So much left to explore. But first, they had to get the hell out of their own way.

Something neither she nor Park had been able to do. Yet. They always seemed to end up on opposite ends of the spectrum and had to build bridges to meet in the middle. If Park stopped meeting her halfway, her world might just crumble.

His gaze slid sideways. "It means what you think it does." He moved his eyes straight ahead again… to stare at the top of the bunk.

Darby got up. She needed to move, to think, to digest. "Wow." She paced back and forth. "I have no idea what to say to that." Her head couldn't process the idea of Park Danielson not being in her life anymore. By choice.

She whirled around. "Actually, I do. What. The hell. Park?" She paced again. "You're serious, aren't you?" She shook with reaction. Wanted to shake him for causing it.

God damn.

So, Park throws Darby for a loop and she doesn't like it one damn bit. :D

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

ML Skye