Sunday Snippet: Therapeutic Recuperation

Big cold snap with a little bit of snow this week in weather. I'm getting much better about making sure I have layers on even if it's just a quick trip outside with the doggos. I also haven't had a major cold yet this season and I hope I didn't just jinx that fact.

Semibusy work week with finishing a proofread and working on two copy edits. I'm hoping to have some projects to work on over the holiday break. I'm not great at having a week or two off then trying to gear back up into work mode.

Fairly decent week of viewing. I'm trying to decide what new show to add to my usual slate of viewing fare. I'm leaning toward Beyond Paradise, but I'm not completely sure yet.

Caught another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I hadn't seen much if any of this episode and I enjoyed it. I think I have a handful of episodes left before it'll be time to switch to another show.

Watched another episode of London Kills and tensions are running high. The case ended up being very interesting and Viv and Rob are pushing the line by investigating David. Looking forward to more of this one.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Part one of a two-part arc and the lead-in to the show's one hundredth episode. Loved seeing Camille at the end and can't wait to watch the next episode. I've seen almost all of it and loved it.

Finished up season two of Elementary. I still think Mycroft is an ass even if I get why he did things the way he did. I'm a little on the fence about where Sherlock and Joan left things. I'll be interested to see where they pick up with season three.

Started the two-part series finale of The Batman. I don't remember if I actually watched this before or not but it was a good episode. I think I might move on to Batman Beyond after this.

Also watched another episode Classic Rugrats. I hadn't seen either of the vignettes and enjoyed both.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Therapeutic Recuperation, a novella that brings a couple together after a major explosion.

Here's the miniblurb:

An accidental blast on the hangar deck lands Nadine Hewes and Hall Pullion in sickbay. The ship's doctor gets them stable then puts them in the same alcove so they don't drive everyone else nuts while they recuperate, leading the pilots to discover all kinds of interesting things about each other.

And a sneaky peek…

Year 3952

Base Recovery Room 219

Day 5

Nadine groaned. "Physical therapy sucks huge heavy balls." She made her way slowly into the recovery room and barely got up on the bed, near tears. "I feel like a raw, open wound." After someone poured salt into it.

Hall scooted his wheelchair over and reached out a hand to reassure her.

She stopped him. "Don't, Hall. Please. Just don't. I hurt so bad right now if you touch me, my reaction will be punching you in the face." And then weeping from the effort that would take.

Hall dropped his hand. "Damn, I wonder if I can look forward to that tomorrow?" He made a low scratchy sound in his throat.

Nadine's eyes popped open. "Seriously? I hope not. It's like a gigantic pain bomb exploded under my skin." She moved, wincing. "I wouldn't wish this feeling on my worst enemy, which you are not." The physical therapist on the other hand…

Hall flashed a smile. "So … who is your worst enemy?"

Nadine snorted. "I have no idea. You could probably do a quick check and find out who lodged the most complaints about me." That could be a fun endeavor.

Hall didn't let her off the hook. "C'mon, Nadine. I can't check anything from here." He rolled over to the supply cupboard and got some ice for her.

Nadine gingerly placed the pack on her shoulder then mused and named off several crew members. "The best would be Flat Foot actually filed a grievance because I called him out for leaving his gear in the cockpit." A huge no-no. "And Beehive lodged a complaint because I turned her in for being hungover." Not even Nadine tried to fly after imbibing too much. "And the list goes on…" She pushed boundaries but didn't cross the line.

Hall's lips twitched. "You're not exactly high on any of the deck crew's list either." He obviously enjoyed her tales of potential enemies.

Her eyes narrowed. "And I think you're having a little too much fun at my expense."

He smirked. "Maybe. But how do you feel?" He arched his brows.

She tilted her head. "Better, actually. The ice helped." And the distraction didn't hurt either.

He nodded toward her feet. "Can you handle a massage?" He wiggled his fingers in the air.

She gave a low moan. "Ah … you're gonna spoil me. What am I gonna do when we get out of here?" She lowered the bed a few inches to make it easier for him to reach her.

Hall gave her a leer. "Dream of my magic fingers." He warmed his hands by rubbing them together then started on her calf muscle.

Her breath hitched. She already dreamed of those fingers and what they might be able to do. The only good thing about physical therapy? The aftermath left her so tired she didn't dare try to discover how much pleasure Hall could wield with his hands or any other body part. But her mind loved to conjure images while she slept.

He finished the rub down and wheeled over to his duffel bag and grabbed his shower kit and a crutch. Tucking the container under his arm, he used the crutch to start back across the room.

When he got to her bed, Nadine snagged his arm. "Thank you." He helped ease the agony from a torturous physical therapy session and helped take her mind off the discomfort by with the art of distraction.

A charged moment passed between them. He had to know what her thoughts were. But he didn't push. Instead, he put his hand over hers for a moment then excused himself to grab a shower, walking slowly and carefully into the head.

Nadine drifted off, fully aware she'd dream of Hall and his gorgeous hands and not minding one bit.

I'm enjoying this one. Nadine and Hall are a fun couple to write while they try to recuperate from their injuries.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Therapeutic Recuperation

January kind of flew by for me and I'm not quite ready for February yet. That said, I did establish a few new habits or routines and I'm a little thrilled I kept them up for the entire month.

Had a very solid week of television viewing. I kind of let the housework slide to stay caught up on work projects and had a chance to cycle through a bunch of shows.

Ended up getting in three episodes of Chicago Med. I'm almost finished with the third season and I'm still thoroughly enjoying this show so much.

Watched three episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. These little shorts are fun and quick to get through. Nice to have something that works as a timed break when it's needed.

Finished up The Madame Blanc bonus episodes and eagerly await another season of this super engaging mysteries series.

Ended up catching three episodes of Silent Witness. The "Fear" two-parter ended up being really terrific and I don't remember watching it before. Looking forward to the next two-part episode.

Enjoyed the final two episodes of the Classic Who arc with Two and Six. Kind of fun to revisit the former doctor, especially since many of Two's episodes are lost to time.

Got two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle in. One focused on a lost flight and the thunderbird legend and the other about Mount Hope and a possible secret base, which had remote viewing involved and that subject fascinates me.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppets. I'm still finding my way with this show. It's entertaining but really lacks the charm of the original.

Finished up Fosse Verdon. Even though I knew how things ended, I still felt like someone punched me in the gut when the final moments aired. Hat tip to the cast of this terrific limited series.

Caught the final episode of Peak Practice season six and started season seven. Sad to see Erica no longer with the practice but looking forward to some new interactions with whoever takes over for her.

Watched two more lessons of MasterClass with Bill Nye. I have a bonus episode to watch then I'll start a new class. No idea what I'll pick up next but look forward to diving in.

Enjoyed a couple of extras for The Witcher. Started out with the making of season two and then caught the characters of the continent special. This week I'll probably dive into the beasts and monsters they deal with.

Caught a couple episodes of Classic Rugrats. Season two ranks as probably my favorite overall. That might change as I get further along, but right now, I'm remembering how many of my faves are in the second season.

Watched another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I like the new guy even if he's not quite as quirky as Breen. As always, it's fun to see recurring characters pop up in the course of the investigations.

Star Trek: Discovery continues to amaze me. I'm enjoying the red angel saga and how intertwined everything is. Nice to have Hugh back even if he's not quite himself. Should be fun to see how that plays out.

Started the second season of Queens of Mystery. I'm rather disappointed that Matilda and Daniel aren't anywhere close to being together. Miscommunication can be a blessing or a curse and I'm hoping it ends up being a blessing. We'll see how the season goes.

That's pretty much it for the television update this week. Tonight's post is from Therapeutic Recuperation, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An accidental blast on the hangar deck lands Nadine Hewes and Hall Pullion in sickbay. The ship's doctor gets them stable then puts them in the same alcove so they don't drive everyone else nuts while they recuperate, leading the pilots to discover all kinds of interesting things about each other.

And a sneaky peek…

Year 3952

Base Infirmary

Day after the blast

 

Nadine woke up, groggy, throat dry, and connected to an IV. She shifted and gasped. "Damn." Her voice sounded like broken glass lodged in her throat.

A cool hand touched her wrist. "Hello, Lieutenant. Glad you decided to rejoin us." Layne Walsh, a med tech, jotted a note on a chart. "Doc Masters needs the bed." She reached for a glass of water and held a straw to Nadine's lips.

Nadine blinked and took a long swallow of the blessedly cool liquid.

Layne pulled the cup away. "You've got a sprained wrist and elbow. A bunch of bruises. And we think you might have some damage to your shoulder but it shouldn't require surgery."

Nadine closed her eyes. "Aw, crap." I'll be out of commission for a while. "Hall? The chief? Did anyone die?" Geez, it hurt to talk.

Layne filled her in. "Hall is still out. Sedation to help him heal. Chief will recover, but he's got a long road ahead. Two deck hands died." She busied herself rearranging the pitcher and cup.

Nadine absorbed the information, very happy about Hall, glad about the chief, and sad for the loss of life. Too many mistakes. Look where they ended up.

Doc Masters entered and checked her over. "You're going to be moved to a recovery room. Pullion's already there. Any objection to sharing space with him?" He raised his eyebrows.

Nadine shook her head. "No, we'll be fine." If she had to pick someone to recuperate with, she could do worse.

Masters grunted. "Good. Didn't care if you had a problem, but not having one makes my life easier." He scribbled notes on her chart.

Nadine rolled her eyes. "You've got such a kick-ass bedside manner, Doc." Good thing his skill made up for the lack of good grace.

Masters smirked and hung the clipboard on the end of her bed. "The only class I failed in medical school."

She had no problem believing it. "No shock there."

Masters nodded to Layne and she released the brake and started moving Nadine out into the corridor. A little woozy, Nadine didn't encourage conversation and Layne stayed quiet until they entered the recovery room.

She eased the bed up close to the bulkhead. "Okay, Lieutenant. This is your home away from home for now. I'll have a physical therapy schedule for you by tomorrow." The commotion of getting her hooked back up to the IV woke her roommate.

Hall, still loopy from the sedatives, slurred his words. "I'm glaaaa you okaaaay. How's e'rybody else?"

Nadine gave him a brief smile. "I'll fill you in later."

Layne checked Hall's vitals, got Nadine settled, and then exited.

Nadine took stock. Her heart ached for the lost souls. She hoped Ben wouldn't be out of commission too long. Glancing to the neighboring bed, she smiled. As far as roommates went, Hall would be a good one.

Yawning, she eased back on the bed and dimmed the lights. With the door closed, only muted sounds carried through the bulkhead. She might as well get some rest while she could.

I like Nadine and Hall being assigned to the same space. Gives me all kinds of ways to let them get to know each other in a new capacity.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Therapeutic Recuperation

Well… we're almost to November and I'm really not ready for the month yet. Seriously, I'm wondering where 2018 went. Then again, it's been a bit of a bum year so maybe getting to 2019 sooner rather than later won't be a bad thing.

Had a busy week but got some good television watched. The Last Ship had a great episode. If they end up going where I think they will, the last few episodes could get interesting. Doctor Who's "Rosa" ended up being better than I thought it would be. I read an interesting article about the music of the new incarnation and while I appreciate the opinion of the author, I kind of miss Murray Gold's audible cues. Then again, I'm very much drawn in by musical cues in television shows.

I finished up Driven on Passionflix. I'll be honest, I'm not thrilled with where they left it. I totally get it had to end on a cliffhanger because there are two more books being made into this limited series. So… I'm ready for more. Looking forward to the holiday movie Mr. 365 when it launches in November.

Murdoch Mysteries had a fun episode centering on Henry's wedding. Also caught another episode of Peter Gunn's first season. Penny Dreadful revealed how Vanessa became embroiled with Sir Malcolm and, wow, dark waters run really deep in that relationship. I'm in the middle of a Midsomer Murders episode that usually keeps me company when I'm folding laundry. LOL

Arrow pulled off another amazing episode. I'm truly ready for Diaz to go down. That said, I'm totally onboard for the never-thought-it-could-happen team-ups of Dinah and Laurel and Felicity and the FBI agent chick. I'm also really wondering what the hell is going on with William and Roy. Legends of Tomorrow had a great premiere. This show is just fun, fun, fun. Yet it's also balanced with serious issues. If you're not watching you should be. Just saying.

I'm almost finished with this season of Killjoys. Meeting Dutch's mom turned out to be an interesting stroll through history. I'm also totally there for the RAC shenanigans. Pree and his man mixing it up with them is terrific. I caught another episode of The Dresden Files and had forgotten how terrific Claudia Black's character ended up being. Also watched an episode of Babylon 5 and another episode of Classic Who.

Riverdale… brings the crazy like no other show I'm watching right now. My head almost hurts with how they take things to the edge of unbelievable but somehow stay just shy of actually crossing over into total no effing way. Kudos to the writers!

I watched the second episode of Underbelly Files. Infiltration featured Sullivan Stapleton in what I'd assume would be one of his first roles. Actually turned out to be a great episode. I have one more left before moving on to a new season.

That's it for television this week. Hallmark Channel is gearing up with their holiday movies and I'll probably end up getting sucked in the vortex soon. LOL

Tonight's post is from Therapeutic Recuperation, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt of writing a hurt / comfort story where the hurt—injury, kidnapping, trauma of author's choice—is only a gateway to the comfort—snuggles, talking about feelings, helping with recovery or physical therapy.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An accidental blast on the hangar deck lands Nadine Hewes and Hall Pullion in sickbay. The ship's doctor gets them stable then puts them in the same alcove so they don't drive everyone else nuts while they recuperate, leading the pilots to discover all kinds of interesting things about each other.

And a sneaky peek…

Year 3952

Base Hangar Deck

Moments before the blast

Hall handed the Chief Ben Warden a blown fuel line. "Look, I understand about needing some time for everyone to get with the program, but too many slipups are happening." He should've let Nadine go on with her tirade the other day. "Rooks or not, we can't keep having so many errors." He paused. "Someone's gonna get hurt or killed." And they didn't need to lose anyone else.

The chief couldn't argue. "I know, Lieutenant, believe me. I'm not sure who decided to send a buttload of newbs to my deck, but it sucks." He held the fuel line up to the light and shook his head. "It's not their fault. They're trying to keep up." Tossing the hose into the recycling bin, he grabbed a marker and put Hall's bird out of commission.

Hall sighed. "I know, Chief. But I'm worried about the damage if a big mistake is made." Only a matter of time until it happened too.

Ben's shoulders slumped. "Yeah, I hear you. I'm working on it, slowly but—"

A pop followed by a hiss echoed behind them. Dread seeped into Hall when his gaze tracked the sound to the compression station. A pressure valve had burst and air from the lines leaked in a visible rush.

The chief shouted. "No, no! Don't light the torch—"

Hall barely heard his name before a hand wrapped around his arm, dragging him to the deck. His gaze locked with Nadine's milliseconds before a ball of flames erupted and a deafening explosion followed. His ears ringing, Hall caught the sight of Ben ducking down but not soon enough to avoid injury. The fire singed his hair and a piece of metal lodged in his arm.

And still the chief shouted orders. Get the fire out. Cap the valve.

Hall shook off the dizziness and struggled to his feet. Pain shot through his leg and hip.

Nadine snagged his pants, yanking him back down. "Don't stand. Stay low." She crawled forward, favoring her arm.

Concern shot through him. He rolled to his belly and made his way toward her, using his arms to make progress. Nudging her shoulder, he nodded for her to grab hold of him and together they dragged themselves to relative safety.

Once clear, Hall assessed the damage to the deck and issued his own orders. "Get the chief clear and disconnect the fuel lines. And for fuck's sake, start moving the ravenwings off the deck." Deck crew scurried to carry out their tasks.

Nadine chimed in. "Get the medical teams down here." She worked herself into a sitting position. "Anyone with free hands get busy with triage. Now." She grabbed a tie line from the deck and turned toward him. "Strap my arm to my chest." She winced when he put pressure on her shoulder. "Damn. Hurts like a bitch."

He got the makeshift splint secured but his vision blurred red. Blood. From a wound?

Nadine swiped her good hand over his face, running her palm over his head. Her fingers came away crimson colored.

She frowned. "Hmm. You've got some bleeding from a nasty wound on your head." She stuck the hem of her shirt between her teeth and tore a strip away.

She helped him apply it to the gash, holding pressure with her free hand while he tied the bandage securely.

Nodding, she pinned her gaze lower. "How's the leg?"

As she'd said earlier, it hurt like a bitch.

He slumped against the wall, keeping an eye on the deck crew. "It doesn't feel right, but I’m okay for now." Now that his adrenaline tapered off, his hips throbbed and his knee screamed in agony.

He exchanged a glance with Nadine, who huffed out a short laugh. Neither had full use of their limbs. What a pair.

In unison, they spoke. "Or not."

The humor ended up short-lived. His lungs began burning with each breath and his vision swam again. His eyes dropped and Nadine's voice reached him but sounded like it came from across the deck. "Yeah, shit. The fumes. We forgot about the fumes." Her voice drifted off to the sound of her labored breathing.

Everything went gray then black and he tilted sideways.

I'm having fun with this setup. I like having a traumatic event to push a couple into facing or admitting how they feel.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Therapeutic Recuperation

Great news! Killjoys and Dark Matter will both have a second season. I'm doing my happy chair dance right now. LOL

The Last Ship appears to have delivered my greatest wish, but… I may have hoped too soon. I have a feeling a different foe will prove more formidable than those who will remain nameless for now. LOL I can't wait for tonight's episode!

I got to watch the season four trailer for Arrow and ohhhh… can't wait for October to get here. Looking forward to The Flash and Agent Carter, also.

Syfy has a couple of shows I'm going to try, but eh, their slate isn't what I'd hoped it would be. Maybe I'll be surprised, who knows.

Tonight's post is from Therapeutic Recuperation, a novella where my main characters conduct their romance in an odd place.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An accidental blast on the hangar deck lands Nadine Hewes and Hall Pullion in sickbay. The ship's doctor gets them stable then puts them in the same alcove so they don't drive everyone else nuts while they recuperate, leading the pilots to discover all kinds of interesting things about each other.

And a sneaky peek…

Nadine Hewes finished a hydraulic check on her bird, a ravenwing fighter. "Specialist Hannah? Line number four needs to be replaced before the next patrol run." She slid out from under the plane and wiped her hands off on a work rag.

Rachel Hannah checked the maintenance log and nodded. "Got it, Lieutenant. We'll cycle the repair through on the next pass." She moved on to the next plane.

Nadine got to her feet and planted her hands on her hips. Too many nitpick details were being missed by the crew. If her line had blown while on a patrol, she could've taken out two other ships.

The deck chief stopped beside her. "Lieutenant, I'll have another bird assigned to you until the repair is made." His gaze scanned the chart in his hand. "Let's go with Victor Sierra 972. She just came back from being upgraded with the new radar equipment." He shoved the clipboard under her nose. "If you'll sign off, I'll have her towed into rotation."

Nadine scribbled her signature on the line and initialed the box beside the chief's name. "Better make sure she's in tip top shape. I don't want to find anything else your crew missed, Chief."

He frowned. "I'll do the checks myself. And go easy, Lieutenant. I've got a lot of rooks working my deck right now." He motioned for two hands to hook the tow cables to the replacement bird.

Nadine bit back a nasty retort. She understood how hard the delicate balance of seasoned veterans and green newbs could be, but too many errors could get someone killed.

And she'd be pissed if it ended up being her.

Hall Pullion, a fellow pilot, nudged her with his shoulder. "Give him another two weeks and he'll have things running smoothly again."

Nadine slid him a sideways glance. "Easy for you to say. I don't see your ravenwing getting hauled off the deck for repairs." She nodded to his bird, complete with his call sign on the side. "Everyone's going to think I'm Lieutenant No Name when I'm out on patrol."

Hall snorted. "Trust me, they won't. You're flying style announces your presence way before anyone can make out the name or the designation." He crossed his arms over his chest.

Nadine lifted a shoulder. "Good point. One I can't argue with." She turned and headed toward the exit. "And since I'm flying with you later, you'll know exactly where I am."

His brows knit together and Nadine laughed. She had so much fun giving Hall a hard time.

I'm looking forward to writing more on this one. I have such a good time with these characters!

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

ML Skye