Sunday Snippet: The Lottery

Well, it's kind of fitting that my last blog post for 2023 is on the actual last day of the year. I'm taking that as a good vibe to carry into 2024.

Had a semidecent week. Finished up a couple of things that needed attention and started to get my website updated after a very long dry spell. I'm also very close to launching the new endeavor I've been working on for several months.

Did pretty much a full run-through of my usual slate of shows. I have a whole lineup of holiday stuff I want to watch also. I know it's weird to wait until after the holiday is over but I've been very Scrinch-like the past couple of weeks, mainly because of the yucky cold.

Started out with My Life Is Murder and enjoyed the episode. I will say I still get a little put off by how prickly Alexa can be. I'm sure that's by design, but it annoys me.

Agatha Raisin kind of crushed me a little. I love Agatha and James and having them kind of end things breaks my heart. But I do love they ended on a soft goodbye instead of a harsh one. Looking forward to the next episode.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and I'm kind of surprised how things played out. Did not expect the new guy to have such a dark secret. I love that he exposed it himself. Can't wait to see how this ends.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise and it's one I'd seen before. Meeting Humph's dad explains so much. I love how this episode played out. Looking forward to starting Beyond Paradise to see if there's more of Humph's family.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Loved diving into Joan's previous life a little. I'm very intrigued by her and having glimpses into her former profession is always fun.

Finally continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. This episode had some great moments even if it ended up being heavier on the cylon lore. Hoping to catch another episode in the near future. Also need to backtrack a little and watch the webisodes and movie.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. I actually remembered this one because Alfred ended up being a lot of fun. I love it when he steps out of his comfort zone into his former life.

Caught an episode of Classic Rugrats. I have vague memories of this one, especially Angelica trying to be silent. In all fairness, she got robbed for once.

Watched another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I have one more left for the first season. So far, I'm enjoying it, but I'm glad I have season two ready to go because I have feeling the first is going to end on a cliffhanger.

Finished up my episode of VIP from last week and started a new one. I forgot I didn't get all the way through the episode because I remembered how it ended.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Lottery, a novella that creates a dilemma for an established couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

A devastating illness tears through a space colony and repopulation is paramount for continued survival. Veronica Fine and Garrett Delroy think they'll be exempt from the lottery which will match up prime candidates for procreation, but word comes down all members of the colony have to participate, even members of the military. When they're matched up, both suspect some behind the scenes maneuvering from the planetary leader.

And a sneaky peek…

I hate it when he's right. Veronica hadn't prepared for a cagey back and forth. She'd pretty much relied on her righteous anger to make the chancellor see the error of her ways.

Biting back a sigh, she muttered, "So much for that." She followed Lydia into her inner sanctum.

Veronica took the time when crossing to the desk to shift gears and strategize. Garrett quietly closed the door and joined them.

Lydia gave each a bright smile. "I have coffee available and cold drinks in the cooler. Would you like anything?" She raised an eyebrow.

Garrett shook his head, but Veronica played a hunch. "I'd love some coffee. You have the best around, so the scuttlebutt says." Put Lydia in the subconscious role of serving and catering to them all while adding compliments about her taste.

Garrett's lip kicked up in a small grin. "Nice." He voiced the word in a low tone.

Lydia turned and made her way to the coffee pot. "My assistant Josie gets all the credit. She's got very specific ideas on what makes for a perfect pot of coffee." After pouring a mug for Veronica, she sent Garrett a questioning glance. "Are you sure I can't get one for you?"

Garrett gave a nod. "You've sold me on trying. I'll take a cup, thank you."

Lydia returned with both coffees and retrieved a carafe of water from the cooler. Taking a moment, she retrieved a large glass and set it beside the pitcher. She also took time to pull her chair out and get settled.

She poured some water then pinned Veronica and Garrett with her gaze. "Vying for the advantage is fun, but let's get right to the reason you're here. You don't want to participate in the lottery, is that correct?"

Veronica blinked. "Geez. You don't ease into anything, do you?" She might be pushing their luck, but if the chancellor wanted plain-speaking, Veronica would provide some.

Lydia wielded her answer with blunt force. "No. Not when the fate of our survival depends on me." She dropped the pretense of domesticity, got up, and leaned forward. "It depends on you also. Everyone has to do their part." Straightening, she added, "Including you."

Garrett took a sip of his coffee. "Does doing our part include being manipulated into producing a kid? Because there's no way some behind-the-scenes shenanigans aren't involved here."

Veronica wanted to kiss him.

Lydia's shoulders twitched. "I did make sure you and the lieutenant were matched. It's a perk of being the chancellor." Her tone lacked remorse.

Lydia started to doubt how much of a hand the elder Delroy could have in this situation. Her heart sank a little. She really did get Garrett's uncertainty now.

Lydia propped her hip on the edge of the table. "Let me explain how all this works." She placed a flowchart on the surface. "You have six months to conceive a baby, or you can opt for egg-sperm fertilization." She pointed to the two-pronged approach. "Either via carrier or via Veronica."

Veronica tsked. "I'm not down with that. I hate the idea of tubes and equipment making a child." She should know.

She'd lived the experience of having no parents because she'd been conceived via a test tube.

But she also couldn't get on board with being forced to copulate with Garrett. Not because she didn't find him attractive. Hell, she wanted to jump his bones on a regular basis … but not to have a kid.

Lydia frowned. "I'm presenting your options. You can decide how you'd like to proceed with Captain Delroy. I only mentioned outside fertilization as part of the plan."

Veronica shot back. "If you can game the system, you can keep us out of the loop. Being presumptuous isn't a license to wreck the status quo. And you were casting a long line with the assumption Captain Delroy and I would welcome this intrusion … at this time … in this way." The low boil of anger started rolling again.

Lydia quirked an eyebrow. "Would you rather take your chances to match with others?"

Garrett growled low in his throat. "Not a chance."

A kick of something primal settled in Veronica at his forceful answer. "What he said." The very idea of Garrett hooking up with someone else pissed Veronica off.

Lydia clasped her hands together and placed them in her lap. "Then we could explore harvesting an egg and using Captain Delroy's sperm to fertilize and implant into a surrogate."

Veronica popped out with a harsh "No fucking way." She jumped to her feet and leaned forward. "Will you make me do this."

This story is coming together in an unexpected way and I'm happy for that.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Lottery

Happy Valentine's to those who celebrate. We're supposed to get blasted with more snow but I definitely won't gripe about it because I have family and friends in Texas that will no doubt have it so much worse.

Semi-busy week again with a new work project. Things are picking up a little and I'm grateful and happy to have work still coming in.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers and have a feeling it's going to be an interesting one. I love getting slice of life glimpses into the town and how it operates.

I finished up the first part of Silent Witness's last two episodes of season eight. I'll be starting the second part this week. Then it's off to season nine.

Caught another episode of No Offence and I'm still liking the show. I'm not a big comedy fan, which is probably evident in my weekly recaps, but I will give dramedies a shot. Glad I stuck with this one.

New seasons are starting of show I normally watch but I'm so far behind. I haven't been in the mood or the right headspace to really absorb some of them. Maybe I'll get there during the blizzard that's supposed to be headed our way.

I also caught my usual fare of mystery shows this week, but that's pretty much it for television. Tonight's post is from The Lottery, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A devastating illness tears through a space colony and repopulation is paramount for continued survival. Veronica Fine and Garrett Delroy think they'll be exempt from the lottery which will match up prime candidates for procreation, but word comes down all members of the colony have to participate, even members of the military. When they're matched up, both suspect some behind the scenes maneuvering from the planetary leader.

And a sneaky peek…

Veronica nodded. "Damn straight. And that opens up a barrage of other issues. Who's going to babysit? Shit, parent, whatever? Neither of us has plans to muster out. What do we do with a kid?" Geez, her brain spun with questions.

Michael held up a hand. "Valid concerns, but I'm not the man with the answers here." His frown said more than his words.

Of course not. Only one person had the master plan. Veronica narrowed her eyes, wondering if the commandant and the chancellor's personal lives would end up in the deep freeze because of this lame idea.

Garrett pushed back at his dad. "What about the logistics? Did the chancellor give any thought to those? How do we maintain a duty roster when officers are tied up either trying to create life or care for it once it arrives?" He paced back and forth.

Again, Michael shook his head. "Look, I don't disagree. Why don't you two go straight to the source of concern for answers?" One side of his mouth twisted.

Veronica no longer wondered if things had cooled between the commandant and the chancellor anymore. They had. No doubt about it.

Veronica snorted. "Wanna bet she won't have time to see us before we're supposed to report to the GCB?" And wouldn't that put another wrinkle on top everything.

Garrett growled. "Screw that. I don't think she checked the charter articles before she issued those orders. Unless we're at war, she can't make us report anywhere with only twenty-fours' notice." He stopped walking and almost started on another tirade.

Michael stepped in. "She'll see you. I'll make sure of it." The low snarl in his tone indicated he wouldn't take no for an answer.

Veronica slid Garrett a sideways glance. They might not accomplish anything by listing their grievances with the chancellor. But they had to try, right?

Garrett nodded. "Thanks, Dad. Can't really ask for more."

Veronica hoped to lighten the mood. "Well, we could … but we won't." She sent the commandant a wobbly smile.

Michael pushed away from the desk. "I haven't said it yet, but I'm happy for you two." He came around and put an arm around each of them.

Veronica appreciated the gesture. Their change in status came at a weird and chaotic time. The old man's acceptance meant a lot.

Garrett and Veronica accepted the congratulations but Veronica hoped their relationship wouldn't become a casualty of the population mandate.

We can survive this, right?

I'm having a lot of fun with the premise of this story. I like having a couple who pretty much just discovered they want to make a go of things then have a huge curveball thrown at them.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Lottery

Hello, October. We're getting into the fall season and that means the rest of the year is going to fly by! The beginning of October always marks the start of the holiday season for me. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas / Yule. I'm excited!

The Last Ship had a decent episode. I was so hoping Giorgio got blown up but, alas, not the case. Here's hoping he meets with a satisfying ending sometime in the near future. His whole family can go up in flames and I wouldn't shed a tear.

I haven't watched Teen Wolf's finale yet. I'm not quite ready for its end. But it's going to be terrific. I have no doubt.

Got a few more episodes of The Defenders in. I really didn't see Alexandria's end… if it's an actual ending. You just never know with the Hand.

Hawaii Five-0 said goodbye to Max in a great episode. I'm about halfway through the season and still enjoying.

Gotham's second episode ended up being excellent. I love how everything is coming together. Interesting to see Barbara back on the screen.

That's it for television this week. Looking forward to more of my favorite shows being back soon. Tonight's post is from The Lottery, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt of creating a story built around a repopulation need. I thought it would be fun!

Here's the mini-blurb:

A devastating illness tears through a space colony and repopulation is paramount for continued survival. Veronica Fine and Garrett Delroy think they'll be exempt from the lottery which will match up prime candidates for procreation, but word comes down all members of the colony have to participate, even members of the military. When they're matched up, both suspect some behind the scenes maneuvering from the planetary leader.

And a sneaky peek…

"Enlistment is up by twelve percent. I don't think we'll have to institute a draft to replenish our losses." Garrett Delroy handed the statistical report over to his father, the commandant of the Colonial Guard.

Michael Delroy glanced at the report, scanning the numbers. "Fifteen to twenty would be better, but I agree. We can hold off on making service mandatory." His fingers rubbed the bridge of his nose. "We've lost so many; it's getting difficult to coordinate with the civilian government."

Garrett didn't doubt the headache his dad probably lived with on a regular basis. The Council of Twelve issued decrees almost daily, trying to regulate everything to speed up the repopulation of the planet. The new vaccine finally stopped the spread of the virus, but the death toll left the populace scrambling to survive.

A series of sharp raps sounded behind Garrett.

His dad frowned. "Enter."

A private came through the doorway and stopped at the edge of the commandant's desk.

Michael quirked an eyebrow. "What is it, Private Jansen?"

The young man cleared his throat. "Apologies, Sir. I'm here to deliver this to Captain Delroy." He held out an envelope with the Chancellor's official seal.

Garrett glanced at his dad. "Any idea why the chancellor is sending me something?" He took the missive and turned it over, seeking any clue.

Michael heaved a sigh. "You're dismissed, private." He waited until the young man exited the office then directed his attention to Garrett. "I've got a very good idea and you're not gonna like it." He gave a pointed look at the document in Garrett's hands.

Garrett's stomach dropped to his toes. "Oh, no. Seriously?" His dad lifted a shoulder in a noncommittal gesture.

The paper suddenly burned against Garrett's skin. Dread filled him. He stared at the seal, official and binding.

Michael cut to the chase. "Just open it, son. Staring won't change what's inside."

Right. But a few more moments of ignorant bliss might be nice.

Garrett met his father's gaze and broke the seal. Sliding his fingers along the edge of the paper, he opened the letter—a set of orders, really—and scanned the details.

Once finished, he gave his dad a hard look. "How long have you known about this?"

Michael nailed his prediction on the head. Garrett is not happy. LOL

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Lottery

I love it when characters creep me out on television shows. The marine colonel on Banshee is a total madman and takes the mantle of crazypants from the Red Bone leader Chayton Littlestone. Gotta say, he lost points this past week, but I won't get into why in this venue. I may have to dust off my Universes Altered blog and go to town on this season. LOL

Other television news… eh, not much until this upcoming week. Looking forward to new episodes of Arrow and The Flash. Hoping for some great stuff from Gotham and Sleepy Hollow, too.

Lastly, come on February. I need Bitten and The Walking Dead back on my screen. :D

Tonight's post is from The Lottery, a novella where a devastating illness turns the lives of my hero and heroine upside down.

Here's the tagline:

A devastating illness tears through a space colony and repopulation is paramount for continued survival. Veronica Fine and Garrett Delroy think they'll be exempt from the lottery, which will match up prime candidates for procreation, but word comes down all members of the colony have to participate, even members of the military. When they're matched up, both suspect some behind the scenes maneuvering from the planetary leader.

And a sneaky peek…

Veronica stepped under the hot spray of water, happy to have the head to herself. Eight hours in a cockpit sucked huge hairy ones. Squirting some cleanser on her washcloth, she started lathering up, washing the thin layer of sweat from her skin.

She moaned with pleasure. "Ah… feels so much better." She poured shampoo in her hand, ready to wash her hair.

"Lieutenant Fine?" A voice called from the locker area. "I have an urgent communiqué from the chancellor."

Veronica growled. "Dammit, I'm in the shower, can you give five freaking minutes?" She dug her fingers in her scalp and quickly got a good head of suds. "I don't appreciate being accosted while I'm scrubbing down." She stepped under the stinging spray and rinsed the shampoo out.

So much for enjoying a nice, long experience.

Twisting the knobs to off, she grabbed a towel and exited the stall, drying off with quick, efficient movements.

A young petty officer paced back and forth in the changing room. "I'm sorry, Lieutenant. My orders were to track you down no matter where you were."

Veronica frowned. She couldn't remember doing anything to piss off her superior officers lately. What the hell happened?

She strode into the changing area with the damp terrycloth wrapped around her. "Okay, Petty Officer, what's the urgent message?" A cold water drop dripped from the end of her hair to her shoulder and she shivered.

The petty officer handed her a crisp white envelope, not the usual battered manila color from the intership memos.

She opened her mouth to ask where the communiqué came from, but the petty officer dashed out the door before she could speak.

She shivered again, but not from the cold. "Well, that can't be a good sign." Turning the envelope over, she read her name in blocked letters. "Okay then… might as well see what's going on." Breaking the seal, she lifted the flap and pulled out an official announcement.

Veronica Fine, Lieutenant of the Colonial Guard, you have been chosen by random drawing to participate in the repopulation of the Genesis Colony. You are hereby ordered, upon the command of Chancellor Lydia Adams, to report to the Genetic Census Bureau within twenty-four hours to be paired with a favorable match. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your rank, privileges, and result in a mandatory sentence of servitude to be determined by Chancellor Adams and the Council of Twelve.

Veronica sank down to the nearest bench. Stunned disbelief warred with a building anger. She read the missive again, her jaw clenching against the churning fury swirling in her gut. Rising, she shed the towel, crumpled the orders, and tossed the ball in the trash bin.

She quickly pulled on her fatigues. "No goddamn way. There's gotta be a mistake." Shoving her feet into her shoes, she stormed out into the corridor, heading for the commandant's office. "And I will find out how I got called up."

This one is going to be a total blast to finish. Shenanigans are most definitely afoot.

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

ML Skye