Sunday Snippet: Wounded Birds

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, mentors, and father figures out there! And if this is a rough day for anyone, please find peace and joy where you can.

Seriously busy week and I didn't feel the greatest. Heading in for an annual physical soon and hope to nail down why I'm kind of down right now. My guess is my sleep schedule is horrible at the moment.

Somewhat good progress on work projects. Friday and Saturday ended up being challenging days because of not feeling well. I'm a little behind on two and hope to make that up in the next couple of days.

Spent a couple of days doing tedious personal life stuff, but I made it through my standard slate of shows this week. I'm considering a new addition to the lineup but haven't made up my mind yet.

Enjoyed an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The plot's twisty turns are fun and it's nice to see the tentative partnership with Jack and Phryne taking root.

I totally lied when I said I caught the season twelve finale of Death in Paradise. It had one more episode, which I ended up enjoying a lot. I'll be starting thirteen this week.

Caught another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. This one had some twists but it was fun for Poirot to have a case in his own backyard … or building as the case may be.

Started a new series called the Art Detectives and liked the first episode. The leads have great chemistry and I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Watched an episode of Elementary and enjoyed Sherlock coming to terms with being friends with Alfredo and not just sponsor and sponsee. Joan was really great in this episode also.

Enjoyed another episode of Batman Beyond. It's fun when Terry has to be a big brother and I love how he handles Tim. The big bad was also interesting.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both were new-to-me vignettes and I liked them. The one with DeeDee's college class was a lot of fun.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wounded Birds, a novella that forces a couple into isolation after a big goof on their part.

Here's the miniblurb:

When weeping sickness hits a space carrier hard, pilots Minka Kovak and Channing Santclar are two of the first to go down, which creates a problem since the fleet relies on them to keep the planes in the air. But when the duo gets through the worst of the virus—without killing each other—they end up working from their isolation alcove to shuffle the schedule and fill the flight roster.

And a sneaky peek…

Minka finished the next flight rotation schedule and closed the file.

Her eyes narrowed when she glanced up to find rolling privacy panels being wheeled to surround the iso chamber.

She slid her gaze sideways toward Channing. His head remained bent while he pored over some after-action reports. How did he not notice the commotion going on outside?

Or did he…

Minka got up, planting her hands on her hips. "What the hell is going on?"

His head lifted and he cast a quick scan around the now enclosed space.

Minka arched a brow. "Don't keep me in suspense. What did you do?" No way would Nameth think to give them some actual privacy.

Channing gave her a wide grin. "Me? I didn't do anything more than work a little magic." He got up and held out a hand. "We've got eight hours of downtime." Clasping her hand, he nudged her toward the beds.

Her eyes went wide. "What? How?" She settled on the edge of her mattress.

Channing rolled a shoulder. "Remember when we got the schedule all straightened out?"

She nodded. "Of course. We saved the day." And then some.

He sent her a smug look. "I used that as a bargaining chip to get some privacy and some quiet time." The lights dimmed. "Right on cue." He reached out for her and patted his bed with his free hand. "Come join me."

She couldn't believe he pulled this off. She got to her feet and crawled onto the bed with him. He scooted over and brought his legs up onto the surface.

She turned sideways and snuggled in close to him. "Okay, how did you manage this without me knowing?" They literally lived in each other's pockets.

He smirked. "I used a comm panel and put a request in with the XO. Told him we'd worked hard to solve the flight schedule and didn't deserve to be a public spectacle anymore." His lips curved. "The XO forwarded my comments to Nameth and the doc messaged me. Called me a pain in the ass but figured we'd finally suffered enough."

She laughed. "About damned time." Her fingers worked the buttons of his shirt loose. "This is amazing, and I'm duly impressed." She'd had no idea Channing put anything in motion.

What a surprise!

Minka and Channing got themselves into a mess but they're figuring things out as they go along.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wounded Birds

Had a much calmer week and got caught up on almost everything—including laundry. I can honestly say that hasn't happened for a long time. Multiple work projects are churning along and I'm also getting some writing and creative endeavors accomplished. I've been sleeping a lot better and I'm pretty sure that's playing a big role in lighting the spark.

Or the planets are aligned in a specific pattern and helping me along. Either is possible.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. I got two MasterClass with Roxane Gay lessons viewed and I really like listening to her. She's got some terrific things to say.

Finished up the first season of the Babysitter's Club and thoroughly enjoyed watching. I'm glad there's another season to dive into.

Caught another episode of the Ready Room. Ethan Peck had some great things to say about playing Spock and I'm excited to see him on the new Trek.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med and hope to finish watching a crossover episode to find out what happens.

Enjoyed another episode of The Snoopy Show. I think I have one more for the first season and then I'll start on the second.

Finished Signora Volpe and loved the first season. I really hope there's more of this show. If not, at least I like where they left things.

Watched the beginning of a Silent Witness two-parter. Loved the setup on this one. Looking forward to finishing up the second half.

Started season twenty-five of Classic Who. The daleks are back and we'll see how things play out in this arc.

Caught another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. Weirdly, I'm not horrified by any of those locations after this week. Living in my own house is scary at the moment.

Watched another episode of The Mandalorian. I loved this one. Smart heroes make me happy and Mando is very smart. I also enjoyed a few laugh out loud moments and that's a bonus.

Harrow had an interesting episode and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet. I hate that Harrow has been betraying Nichols and it's going to bite him on the ass. I really like the growth they've had over the past two seasons and I'm not going to be thrilled if they trash that.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers and finished up a two-parter. I liked the conclusion and the way they resolved the hostage situation.

Also enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats, both had moments I'd forgotten and I loved catching little details.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

When weeping sickness hits a space carrier hard, pilots Minka Kovak and Channing Santclar are two of the first to go down, which creates a problem since the fleet relies on them to keep the planes in the air. But when the duo gets through the worst of the virus—without killing each other—they end up working from their isolation alcove to shuffle the schedule and fill the flight roster.

And a sneaky peek…

"Where are they?"

Minka winced at the tone of their commanding officer. Shit. We're in for it.

Colonel Gordon Trask entered the alcove wearing a mask. "I want to know how you two brought back a highly contagious bacterial agent thought long eradicated." He pinned both Minka and Channing with his gaze.

Minka stepped up. "Sir, it was my fault." After explaining what happened, the CO made a garbled choking sound.

Minka grimaced. Yep, he's less than thrilled. She wisely kept her mouth shut and didn't share her observation.

Channing made an effort to shoulder some of the responsibility. "Look, sir. We didn't make the best choice down there, but we were allotted thirty minutes of downtime for every two hours of data retrieval."

A good point. But probably not one Trask wanted to hear about right now.

The colonel waved a hand. "So, you two can't keep your hands off each other and used your break time to hook up. Great." He flung his arm outward. "And where did it land you—possibly the whole ship—exactly?"

Minka sighed. "In the shit, sir." No doubt about that one.

Trask snorted. "You're damned right." He glanced up when a masked Doc Nameth poked his head into the alcove. "Everything ready?"

Nameth lifted his chin. "It is. We can move them now."

Trask motioned for Minka and Channing to precede him out of the alcove. A med tech, in full hazmat gear, led them down the empty corridor. Nameth fell into step with Trask behind them.

Trask asked a terse question. "What happens now?"

Nameth had a ready answer. "We get them into isolation, decontaminate the ship to minimize the outbreak then see where we are in twenty-four hours." He paused then added the bad news. "But the contaminate is going to have an effect."

Trask heaved a sigh. "You can't stop it?"

Nameth shook his head. "No. It's going to have to run its course through whoever ends up infected."

Minka turned. "No meds?" Another notch of guilt pierced her conscience.

Nameth snorted. "Oh, yeah. Antibiotics could clear it up but it's not fatal, just a pain in the ass."

The CO gave a nod. "And if you administer antibiotics to the whole crew, there's a chance we'll run out if we need them."

The doc grunted. "Exactly." He shot Minka a look. "You two can suffer without aid, no matter what. Anyone who ends up with severe symptoms will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis." He shrugged. "We'll use what we have to, but not unless it's absolutely necessary."

The med tech stopped outside and isolation chamber and the CO ushered Minka and Channing into the unit.

He stayed outside while the tech sealed them in.

He folded his arms over his chest. "Since you're already down for the count, you'll share this area. Get comfortable. No one is coming in or out until you test negative." The CO rolled his eyes. "Shouldn't be a problem since you like each other so much." Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Minka shot Channing a sideways glance. He immediately grabbed a box of tissues and pulled several out then hopped up on a bed. His eyes were red, his face blotchy, and tears gathered on his lashes. She had no doubt she looked as bad or worse than Channing. Grabbing another box of tissues, she climbed up on the other berth.

Channing rested his shoulders on the upright portion of the cot and turned away from her. Minka didn't blame him. She'd gotten them into this mess … and she regretted talking Channing into getting hot and heavy on the outpost.

It's going to suck being stuck in here with no recourse.

I have a couple of stories where the main characters are stuck in isolation and I love writing them. Something about taking away outside influences and making them face each other and consequences makes me happy.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wounded Birds

It's been a busy, busy week. I've got a new long-term project in a new to me genre and I’m excited to get started. Also finished up a couple of copy editing projects that were fun to work on.

About normal television viewing. I finished up the rewatch of Roswell, New Mexico. I'm serious when I say this show is kind of consuming me right now. Also caught the newest episode and it's everything I expected as to the reveal of the fourth alien but it also surpassed my expectations in so many ways. I don't know if there's going to be a triangle with Michael, Maria, and Alex but I actually like where things are right now. I'm not a huge fan of triangles but this has potential to be really interesting.

Caught another episode of Underbelly: Razor and really liked where things went. Wally leaving Kate came at just the right time and I'm interested to see how she fares without him. I'm also excited to see where Tillie and Nellie end up. Probably not in the best circumstances.

Watched two more episodes of Peter Gunn. This is such a great show for inspiration when I want to write something with a flair of noir. It's moody and stylish and the mix of grim and dark with humor is excellent.

Caught an episode of Strike Back and my heart goes out to Wyatt. At the same time, I'm totally down with Coltrane going rogue. It's such a section twenty thing to do. And the responses from the team? Perfect. I'm kind of hoping Katrina sees used-to-be Pavel as the evil force he is and switches allegiance again. We'll see what happens.

Watched another episode of Chicago Fire and loved how the group came together for Foster. Doctor Asshat definitely got the message. At least I hope he did.

Iron Fist had a great episode. I love watching Ward try to navigate through emotions. Joy, I'm not so sure about. I can't quite decide if I understand and sympathize where she's coming from or if I want to write her off the way I've written Trish off in Jessica Jones.

Caught an episode of Classic Roswell and Alex and Liz broke my heart all over again. I did love, love, love the way they took Topolski down though.

Watched an episode Murdoch Mysteries. The reporter lady drives me nuts but I loved how she handled getting William and Julie to recognize how much George contributed to their book. The murder case also entertained.

Caught the second episode of The Murders and I really like the partnership between Nolan and Kate. I want to know more about both characters.

I started Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries and I'm excited to see how this show stacks up to Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.

That's pretty much it for TV this week. Tonight's post is from Wounded Birds, a novella that started with a writing community prompt to write about sickness. Sounds like a weird concept but it ended up being fun.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When weeping sickness hits a space carrier hard, pilots Minka Kovak and Channing Santclar are two of the first to go down, which creates a problem since the fleet relies on them to keep the planes in the air. But when the duo gets through the worst of the virus—without killing each other—they end up working from their isolation alcove to shuffle the schedule and fill the flight roster.

And a sneaky peek…

Two hours later, Channing rolled his shoulders and tilted his head from side to side. "Ugh. Okay, break time." He glanced at the stack of panels they had left. "We've got what? Maybe two years of information left to scan and send?" The tedious work had his muscles all kinked up.

Minka jumped off her stool. "Finally!" She came around the counter and leapt on top of him.

He caught her with both hands, but crashed back against the neighboring shelves, sending a bunch of sealed glass beakers crashing to the floor. Minka stilled in his arms, glancing over his shoulder. He followed her line of sight to the growing pool of rainbow colors mixing on the floor.

Minka swung her gaze back to his. "Oops. Sorry about that." She wriggled out of his grasp. "Think we better clean that up?" Her eyes shifted back and forth, no doubt seeking something to mop up the spilled liquid.

Channing shook his head. "Why bother? No one's coming back here once we get those panels uploaded." He reached for her, grabbing her hips and pulling her flush against him.

Her lips curved in a sexy smirk. "Hmmm. I think someone wants to get down and dirty more than cleaning stuff up." She rubbed her groin into his. "And I'm totally here for that idea." Her hand worked the button of his fatigues loose while she toed off her boots.

Lowering his head, he nibbled the column of her throat. "I'll admit I'd rather be buried balls deep in you than swiping a mop across the floor." Licking a trail along her jawline, he brought his mouth close to hers. "Any objections?" His lips hovered barely a breath away.

Minka flicked her tongue out. "Hell, no. I've spent the last two hours waiting not so patiently for some fun." Her fingers lowered the zipper on his pants and she fished her hand inside to grasp his cock.

Her warm fist made a poor substitute for what he wanted. He kicked his boots off.

Easing away from her, he yanked his shirt over his head. "Fun sound good." He pushed her shirt up, his palms gliding over her skin to cup her breasts.

Minka let go of his dick and shed her tee and bra. "It always does, especially with you." Her pants hit the floor and she shoved them aside with her foot.

He dropped trou and stepped away from the fatigues pooled around his ankles. "Hard and fast or nice and slow?" His fingers wrapped around his hard shaft.

Minka licked her lips. "How about both?" She turned away from him and stuck her ass out. "Gimme hard and fast first." She crooked her finger and wiggled her butt.

His mouth watered and a moan rumbled up from his chest. Her sculpted cheeks would tempt anyone to gaze and stare. And appreciate.

Minka snapped her fingers. "Channing. Don't make me wait." She braced a hand on the counter and used the other to delve between her legs. "I'm hot, wet, and ready."

He moved forward and guided his dick between her slick folds, nudging the head inside her core. "Feels good, Minka." He flexed his hips, sinking deep, her warmth an enveloping perfection.

He only waited a second before drawing back and sliding forward again. He gripped her hips in his hands and set a rapid staccato of retreat and return.

Minka groaned. "Yeah, it does. It feels incredible."

I'm actually having a lot of fun with this. Minka and Channing are about to learn a lesson about using caution when they're off the ship.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wounded Birds

Happy 2016 to everyone!

I'm looking forward to a new year filled with reading, writing, and blogging. And, of course, sharing fun commentary about my favorite televisions shows.

Speaking of… I have the Sherlock special on tap to watch in the near future, hopefully tonight. Can't wait to tumble back into the wild world of deduction and keen intelligence. Also caught A Very Murdoch Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed the extra-long episode. Nicely done!

Agent Carter is starting in a few weeks and I'm crazy excited. Also waiting patiently for Arrow and The Flash to return. It's finally getting cold in Ohio and I want some hot shows to kick back and relax with.

Tonight's post is from Wounded Birds, a novella written from a theme prompt challenge, in this case sickness. I love trying to see what happens when I'm given a word or theme. Sometimes the results are terrific!

Here's the mini-blurb:

When weeping sickness hits a space carrier hard, pilots Minka Kovak and Channing Santclar are two of the first to go down, which creates a problem since the fleet relies on them to keep the planes in the air. But when the duo gets through the worst of the virus—without killing each other—they end up working from their isolation alcove to shuffle the schedule and fill the flight roster.

And a sneaky peek…

"Minka, cut it out. We're supposed to be gathering data and scanning it to the computer on the Delphius." Channing Santclar would much rather be getting hot and heavy with his fellow pilot, Minka Kovak, but orders were orders.

Minka squeezed his ass with both hands. "Yeah, yeah, okay. But it's boring going through the outpost logs. We should at least take advantage of being away from the ship, right?" She uploaded another file. "You know, a reward for doing stupid troll work a bot could do, but we're stuck doing it instead, because this outpost is so damned old, the bots aren't compatible with the comm systems." She yawned and cracked her neck.

Channing didn't disagree. "Fine. We finish our scans, find a semi-comfortable location, and achieve a mutually satisfying conclusion." Definitely a good reward for getting shuttled down to do stupid tasks.

Minka snorted. "Why can't you just say we'll have wild, hot sex? Because you and I might define mutually satisfying in completely different ways." She scanned several more panels.

Channing's lips quirked. "What makes you think we define wild, hot sex in the same way?"

Minka smirked. "Because any way we have sex is hot and wild." She waggled her eyebrows.

Channing rolled his eyes. "And mutually satisfying doesn't mean the same?" He loved pushing her buttons.

Minka huffed. "No. Because self-pleasuring provides a mutually satisfying conclusion, but it's not sex." She stuck her tongue out.

Channing scoffed. "Details." He waved a hand. "But I'll give you that one."

Minka paused in her scanning, reached over and palmed his erection. "But I want this one." She rubbed her hand over the stiff ridge of flesh.

Channing leaned close and nuzzled her neck. "Later, Minka. I'll give it to you later." He bit down on the column of her throat.

Minka shuddered. "Damned right you will." Blowing out a harsh breath, she went back to work.

This one is actually coming together nicely. Can't wait to finish up and see where it ends.

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

ML Skye