Sunday Snippet: Uniform Differences

Whew. It's been a week. I'm under the weather and not enjoying that at all. I'm behind on my two work projects and we're getting a buttload of snow at the moment. Also … I'm on cold medication and it's making me loopy. Fun times.

I made a video for Tip Jar and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. I'm excited about this new endeavor and hope it gets some traction.

Really slow week for viewing. Between being under the weather and everything else going on in the world, I didn't have the spoons to really dive into my shows.

I didn't end up finishing the episode of One Lane Bridge. I'm hoping to get to it this week.

I did watch the finale of London Kills and it ended up being pretty thrilling. I have a behind the scenes episode to watch and then I'll be starting the next season.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise and enjoyed it. I'm liking Neville a lot more this season. Very interested in how things play out with Florance's under cover job.

Started an episode of Beyond Paradise and should finish it today. I ended up sleeping a lot over the weekend and just didn't have a chance to get the whole episode in. I did get a chuckle that Humph named his duck Selwyn because that's the commissioner's name from Death in Paradise. Not sure how I missed that before.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Uniform Differences, a novella that brings a couple together by focusing on their differences.

Here's the miniblurb:

When it comes to respect, Tegan Gruss and Ellsworth Boshuk have a few uniform differences when defining how to show it. Ellsworth is tired of her constantly busting his chops—he's her superior officer—but Tegan doesn't care about rank when someone isn't worthy of her time or effort and Ellsworth is very worthy.

And a sneaky peek…

Ellsworth rolled a shoulder. "Look, I've been thinking. I rely on you too much." He paused a moment. "And to be honest, it borders on an abuse of power." Letting out a sigh, he owned the truth. "Because, to further blur the lines, I've let my attraction for you get in the way and I should know better." He did know better.

Her eyes went wide. "Wait, do you honestly think I give a crap about the regs? No one pays attention to them." When he quirked a brow, she backpedaled a little. "Okay, let me rephrase. Regs get broken a lot out here. It's not blatant and we police ourselves." She folded her arms over her chest. "What do you expect?"

Probably a good question. What did he think happened in remote outposts? Far from the stern eye of the admiralty. Of course, things were less rank and file.

He grunted. "I don't expect anything from you." He folded his arms over his chest. "From me, I expect to not put you in a position where I can take advantage of you." More than he already had by relying on her and letting their chemistry make things murky.

Tegan rolled her eyes. "As if I'd let you. Well … I actually would if it involved a hot romp on a lazy afternoon." She got up close and personal with him. "And it would most likely go something like this…" Her mouth hovered close to his, a sly twist to her lips.

Then she leaned in and caught his lips in a sizzling hot kiss. He didn't think twice when her tongue invaded then plundered. His arms unfolded and he brought his hands up to cup her face, tilting her head to take the embrace deeper.

When a low moan rumbled up from her chest, reality slapped against his brain. He ended the lip-lock, way more slowly than he should because he wanted to remember every detail to replay later. In vivid color and on loop in his mind.

Easing back, he brushed his thumb over her cheek. "Yeah, no. This can't happen right now. Not when I'm trying to get my feet under me." Even if he'd rather have her there.

She gave him a sexy smirk. "Fine. I can live with that." Trailing a finger down his uniform shirt, she flashed a smile. "Let's see how long you can."

Turning, she did a slow walk to the exit giving him ample time to watch her incredible ass on the way.

I am having so much fun with this story. Tegan loves to push buttons, and Ellsworth enjoys her efforts to thumb her nose at protocol.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Uniform Differences

Another heavy workload this week followed by some snow and really cold temperatures. Of course, we're supposed to be in the seventies by Thursday, which means my sinuses are going to hate me. Fun times.

Had a slower viewing schedule this week with television. Needed to focus on one of my projects to get it finished up in quick fashion.

I did get quite a few of my regular shows watched. Caught two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. One featured information on Europa and the other on Venus. I'm quite enjoying the mix of sciency goodness with the antics of the Peanuts gang.

Started a new-to-me show with Cuffs and liked the first episode. This one should be interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Got two episodes of Silent Witness in, finishing up a two-parter and starting another. I'm very curious about how this will end as the next show will be the season sixteen finale. I'm a little worried about Leo.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Who. I'm kind of dizzy with the loss of Peri and a new companion rolled into the overarching main story. I'm still a fan of how this season is playing out though.

Completed the last episode of The Alaska Triangle and rather enjoyed the focus on a haunted fairground. I wouldn't mind seeing more from this region of Alaska.

Finished up The Muppets and have to admit I really ended up enjoying the season. I'm not sure if I'll start a new muppet series or move on to some of the Marvel universe shows.

I started season two of Harrow and, wow, it got off with a big bang. I'm very intrigued about how the main mystery is going to play out. I like having a case of the week mixed with the background intrigue of who wants Daniel dead.

Enjoyed an episode of Peak Practice and like the sort of slow burn going on with Andrew and the receptionist. I have a feeling that could go to some interesting places.

I watched two MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. I love her ideas and insight into putting huge projects together by starting with small-scaled ideas. This shouldn't be confused with the ideas being small, more like imagining them in miniature scale and then creating a huge piece from that.

I watched the last episode of Paranoid and ended up loving this series. The ending wrapped up everything and the evildoers got theirs. Can't ask for more.

Snuck in two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I'm close to finishing up season two and need to decide if I'm going to move up to three or switch over to new Rugrats. Stay tuned.

Caught an episode of Chicago Med and I really, really dislike the new chief of the ED. The guy is a complete ass. Here's hoping he'll get a big helping of something not nice in the near future.

I finished up Queens of Mystery and loved the final episode. Lots of new threads to explore in the next season, which I hope is soon. I even ended up not hating the fiancé by the end. I hope if she'd in the next series, she's a lot less obnoxious.

Started a new series with Aliens in Alaska. I'm not quite ready to let the big state go. So far, I'm enjoying the show and look forward to more.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers and got a kick out of Hugh Jackman guest-starring as an attorney. Honestly, he hasn't changed much in the thirty years since this show aired. Amazing.

Also started Young Wallander based on a recommendation from my brother. I'm almost through the first episode and, so far, enjoy it. Season two came out recently so I have some good stuff to look forward to.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

When it comes to respect, Tegan Gruss and Ellsworth Boshuk have a few uniform differences when defining how to show it. Ellsworth is tired of her constantly busting his chops—he's her superior officer—but Tegan doesn't care about rank when someone isn't worthy of her time or effort and Ellsworth is very worthy.

And a sneaky peek…

Tegan Gruss narrowed her gaze when her commanding officer strolled into the briefing room in a full-on strut. "What the hell…" She glanced toward the lance corporal three seats down.

His mouth hung open so, yeah, her eyesight didn't need checked. Another quick look showed most of her unit in similar states of shock and confusion.

Logan Tipton with a bounce in his step defied belief.

Tegan sat a little straighter, not quite sure what to expect but preparing for anything.

Tipton bellied up to the podium. "Good, wonderful morning, unit seventeen." His hands grasped the sides of the metal holder.

Where are his notes? He always has notes.

Tipton had a wide smile on his face. "I'm happy to inform you your new CO will be arriving on base within the hour and I'll be moving on up to executive command." He tapped his pips. "I'll be sporting lieutenant colonel brass later today."

The room erupted in congratulations and several sighs of relief.

Tegan blinked at the news. How long had she and Tipton waged their back and forth battle? He refused to move forward with the times and she poked holes in his reasoning for not doing so.

The soon-to-be colonel quieted the room down. "Uh, I know everyone is going to miss my morning briefings"—he sent a pointed look in Tegan's direction—"but the new guy, Major Ellsworth Boshuk, will have the enviable fun of keeping you all awake now." He cracked another grin then launched into the regular briefing.

While he droned on about the schedule, whispers started with speculation about their new CO. Ellsworth Boshuk. What kind of name is Boshuk? Where is he from? Wonder if he'll be as stodgy as Tipton?

Tegan wrapped her head around having new blood and hopefully new ideas. Her unit sat atop the base roster. They drilled regularly and had a good rapport—despite Tipton's attempt to muck everything up. She rather liked the idea of having a new commanding officer.

By the time Tipton dismissed them, the notion of change settled in exciting waves around her.

She got up and the lance corporal quickly fell into step beside her.

He leaned in a little. "You looking forward to breaking in a new unit commander?"

She lifted her chin. "Are you kidding? Hell, yes." She paused outside the door. "But maybe not right away."

The lance corporal frowned. "Why not?"

She grinned. "Because our new CO's arrival means Tipton the toad won't be the first face we see every morning."

The frown deepened. "And that's bad why?"

She rolled a shoulder. "Come on, there was something reassuring about Tipton's craggy countenance standing behind the podium every day."

The guy's eyes widened. "You're joking, right?"

She laughed. "Absolutely." She lowered her voice. "I, for one, can't wait to see the back Mr. Stick-Up-His-Ass."

I have this story plotted out and like where it's going. Tegan is a fun character to write and Ellsworth will keep her guessing, which she does not like.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Uniform Differences

December 30, 2018

I hope everyone who celebrates had a terrific holiday. Mine ended up being lovely; very low-key and quiet with family. The days after have been filled with catching up with friends. I got to spend time with my two best friends from high school last night and we had the best time. So nice to catch up after such a long time.

It's been a slow week for television. My focus is off right now and background noise gets distracting sometimes. I did catch some Classic Who while catching up on the dishes and doing some cooking. I'm into the web planet episodes right now.

Started the Thanksgiving episode of The Flash. Really hope to get caught up on my CW shows soon. Watched Midsomer Murders's final episode of series thirteen. Nice to see how Barnaby the first retired.

I also caught another episode of Babylon 5. I'd forgotten about this one and it was nice to see Dr. Franklin fight a moral dilemma. Also watched an episode of The Sarah Conner Chronicles. As a standalone episode, it worked well.

And that's pretty much it for my light week of viewing. Tonight's post is from Uniform Differences, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "respect me".

Here's the mini-blurb:

When it comes to respect, Tegan Gruss and Ellsworth Boshuk have a few uniform differences when defining how to show it. Ellsworth is tired of her constantly busting his chops—he's her superior officer—but Tegan doesn't care about rank when someone isn't worthy of her time or effort and Ellsworth is very worthy.

And a sneaky peek…

Ellsworth flung his hand out. "Respect me, Tegan. Me. Not the rank, not the uniform. But the man inside it." Not too much to ask, right?

Her brows knit. "I do, Ells. Why would you think differently?" She shook her head.

He made a garbled choking sound. "You disobey orders, berate my decisions, and ignore protocol. How can you possibly respect me?" If she defined respect by those actions, he needed a new dictionary.

She sighed. "Look, Ellsworth, do you see me doing any of that with Tipton?" She waited a beat. "No. And why don't I?" A rhetorical question because she continued. "Because I have zero respect for the man and could give two shits if he gets anything right." She got up and moved closer to Ellsworth. "Everyone knows how I feel about him. So think about it, Ells. Why do you think I give you crap?" Her eyebrow arched.

He started to get a general idea. Didn't mean he agreed with her analogy.

She poked him in the chest. "I do it because you're worth my time and effort." Holding his gaze, she finished. "Tell me you get that."

Ells thought about it for a few moments. She made a good point even if it sucked balls. She didn't give Tipton anything more than she had to and avoided interacting with him unless necessary. His promotion didn't sit well with her but she couldn’t do anything about it.

Ellsworth conceded. "Okay. I guess I do understand. But, geez, Tegan, can you tone down the obnoxious stuff?" He lowered his voice. "Seriously, we don't have to butt heads all the time, do we?" Maybe five times a day instead of a dozen.

Tegan shrugged. "Can't make any promises, but I'll attempt to be less abrasive." She added one small concession. "Especially when I don't have to be."

Ellsworth cracked a smile. "And when would that be? I think I'd better nail down some specifics so we're not hitting this wall again." He made a show of reaching behind him to get a notepad.

Tegan waved a finger back and forth. "Uh-uh. You know I can't be pigeonholed into a commitment. I work on the fly." Her laugh bubbled up. "But nice try."

Ellsworth joined her mirth. "Hey, at least give me points for the attempt."

She sobered. "I don't have to. You're already off the charts." Her breath hitched a little. "And you can forget I said that."

He could… but he wouldn't.

This poor story sat neglected and forgotten for the longest time. I haven't even featured it on the blog yet. Welcome to the universe, my friend.

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

ML Skye