Sunday Snippet: Yank the Chain

It's very sauna-like outside with muggy weather and lots of humidity. Makes me want a pool in a big way. Went down a big rabbit hole researching what's available that won't break the bank and discovered some genius ideas. It won't happen this summer, but I have a new goal for next summer!

Hit a wall on my great cleanout project. But I'm determined to get back on it this week. Even if I only get a little done each day it's something. I'm thinking I might make a chart and log increments of time spent. If I see the forward progress it helps.

Ended up having a super busy work week. Several projects came back at the same time and a new one started. It's been a plate-spinning couple of months with so many different things stacking up against each other. I love the variety and I think that helps keep me from losing my mind.

I did end up having a great viewing week. I did a full round of shows and got to include the two I tend to keep on the back burner when things are jammed.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm almost through the first season and this is total comfort viewing.

Watched another episode of Art Detectives and I'm really enjoying this show. Shazia is a lot of fun and the mystery with Mick's dad is intriguing. Looking forward to more.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise. Love to see Selwyn with his daughter. The mystery ended up being excellent and the resolution had a nice twist.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I'm kind of fond of the episodes that don't have murders. This one was kind of madcap and that's always fun.

Watched the season four premiere of Elementary. Watson being ready to kick the shit out of the Holmes patriarch is awesome. I loved her interaction with one of the stooges. And the first glimpse of Holmes the Great? So incredible. Excellent choice of actor to play him. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered, and I enjoyed it. Terry and Max are a great team.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks and definitely plan to stick with this one. Even when I'm annoyed by some of the character bits, it's a fun watch.

Got to get the season ten finale of Peak Practice viewed. Interesting to have Kate back, especially since Will is kind of ready to move on. The vehicle accident played out with lots of tension and the two little girls with Tom ended up being better than I thought it would be.

Last but not least, I got to watch another episode of Reacher. This show, man. It's so good. And that ending. Wow. Reacher's big feet keep stepping in steaming piles. Just saying.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yank the Chain, a novella where a couple get to put a superior officer in his place.

Here's the miniblurb:

When pilot Riley Wang refuses to cave in and sleep with an arrogant major, she ends up in hack a week before graduation from flight school. Moss Mordecai bails her out but keeps her from going after her superior officer. If Riley wants back on the roster, she needs a plan and spending more time in the brig isn't a good one.

And a sneaky peek…

Well, fuck. Did not see that coming.

Riley endured the colonel's kiss for several moments then broke away. "Um, I've got someplace I need to be." She ducked her head to hide a grimace and swallow down the bile rising in her throat.

Cabella cleared his throat. "Fine. But don't forget our agreement. And don't be late." He snarled the words.

Turning, she shot a comeback. "Don't forget what has to happen." She headed out of the office and swiped the back of her hand over her lips. "Bleh." Then she slammed into Moss's hard body.

He steadied her, his grip going tight on her bicep. "Cabella is going down. Now." He started toward the office.

Riley shook her head. "No. That's not how we're playing this." She grasped his hand and tugged him away from the door.

Moss stopped and pinned her with his gaze. "Are you all right?" He scanned her face with narrowed eyes.

She suppressed a shudder. "I'll live. Let's go." She started forward, swallowing bile again.

Moss caught up to her. "Back to quarters." He put his arm around her for the short distance.

She preceded him into the bunk area then turned and hauled him close. She didn't have to tell him what she needed. He tilted her chin and caught her lips with his. He backed her up against the wall and the kiss spun out and deepened.

When she finally got the taste and feel of Cabella out of her mind, she eased away. "Thank you for reminding me what a great kiss is like." And wiping away one that sucked balls.

Moss rested his forehead against hers. "Any time, Riley. Ready for the next phase?"

The civilian news team wanted confirmation of her name back on the roster.

She gave a nod. "It's the only reason I stopped you from going after him. He has to follow through or that farce of a lip-lock was for nothing." And she couldn't stomach the thought.

Moss grunted. "Yeah, sorry about that. I wanted to throat punch the asshat." His hands clenched into fists.

Riley made a solemn promise. "If my name isn't where it should be, you can get in line behind me to follow through on that action."

So happy with how this story is coming together. Riley and Moss are setting a huge trap and it's going to be fun to write that scene.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yank the Chain

Whew. What a day. But I had a great week. I'm getting ready to start a very exciting new project and moving along on another one. I also got to spend three days with one of my friends at a gorgeous Airbnb not far from where I live.

Actually stayed pretty much caught up on my regular viewing schedule—watching ahead a little definitely helped.

Started a new Classic Who arc and kind of enjoyed the storyline. Looking forward to seeing what happens this week.

Watched another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. This one had Devil's Playground as the title and it kind of fit based on the anecdotes.

Caught the second episode of Moon Knight and enjoyed it. I like the series so far and look forward to another episode.

Enjoyed another episode of Harrow. I have two episodes left and I'm pretty interested in seeing how they play out. I loved the mention of the two big bads from the earlier seasons. I'm glad someone finally kind of connected those dots.

Watched another episode of Blue Heelers and things took a turn I didn't expect, which is always fun. Looking forward to the next episode.

Completed another MasterClass with Roxane Gay. She focused on research this time and, again, I got some good ideas from her lesson.

Caught another episode of The Babysitter's Club. I like the new girls and I love how much growth Christy showed. Actually, all the girls showed some growth and it's terrific to see.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. Oddly, they were very Angelica-centric which I didn't remember.

Watched an episode of Chicago Med and enjoyed it, even if it ended up being a little soap-operaish. I did like the way the storylines played out.

Finished up the opening epsiodes of Batman: the Animated Series. Looking forward to really diving back into this series.

Started season three of Driven, a Passionflix original series. Terrific premiere episode. I'm excited to see where things go from this point.

Also caught another episode of The Snoopy Show. This one had a great mix of the characters and each vignette had great humor.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

When pilot Riley Wang refuses to cave in and sleep with an arrogant major, she ends up in hack a week before graduation from flight school. Moss Mordecai bails her out, but keeps her from going after her superior officer. If Riley wants back on the roster, she needs a plan and spending more time in the brig isn't a good one.

And a sneaky peek…

Moss adjusted the volume on the hand-held unit. "Stay on task, Riley. Don't let him throw you." He witnessed everything from a good angle via the camera she had attached to her uniform and the small unit above the window over the door.

His blood boiled when Cabella confirmed he'd revoked her privilege. What an asshole.

Riley kept her cool and walked through everything as planned. "Look, I apologize. I should respect the rank." She stood at ease, but had her hands folded behind her back.

Moss snorted. "Even if you can't respect the man." But … as predicted, Cabella puffed out his chest and grunted an agreement.

Riley moved ahead with the script. "And I want to be clear. I'll be back on the roster if I agree to sleep with you?" She made it a question, hopefully to get a verbal confirmation.

Cabella gave her a leering look. "I'll consider reinstating you, yes." He used a smug tone.

Riley shook her head. "Not good enough." She'd prepared for a sneaky maneuver. "Here's my suggestion. We arrange a date of time for our assignation, but I want to see my name on the schedule for the day after." She lifted her chin. "If it's not there, I won't show."

Moss leaned forward, intent on the small screen in his hands.

The major's lips thinned to a flat line, but he gave a nod. "Fine. But we're not going to drag this out. I'm free after 1900. I expect you at my quarters by 1915." He folded his arms over his chest, indicating he wouldn't budge on the timing.

Riley balked. "Then I expect to find my name on the roster no later than 1600. If it's not there, I'm not meeting with you." She didn't flinch and she didn't look away from Cabella.

Moss smirked. "Way to go, Riley. Nail that bastard down." He fist-pumped the air.

Cabella gave her an oily smile. "It'll be there." He reached out, grasped her shoulder, and moved her close. "Time to seal our little bargain." His face moved forward and he clamped his mouth over hers.

Moss almost dropped the hand-held. "Oh, fuck, no." He barely restrained from barreling out of the arms locker and into the briefing room.

He couldn't blow Riley's cover. No matter how much he wanted to punch the colonel in the face.

I love how this story is coming together. Riley and Moss make a great team and they're so much fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yank the Chain

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. It's rainy and chilly in Ohio and a nice day to stay in and be pampered. A few quiet hours alone is on my agenda today.

Had a solid television watching week. Since I watched so many penultimate episodes last week, this week ended up putting me in the finale zone. I started with the final episode of Underbelly: Razor. I'll admit I ended up being pretty satisfied with how things turned out. Kate and Tillie ended up living to ripe old ages for the times and Nellie, oddly enough, had an ending that rather suited her. Big Jim definitely got his due as did Phil the Jew.

Caught two more episodes of Midsomer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed both. I do like John and his wife along with their dog Sykes. Also watched two more episodes of Peter Gunn.

Started a new show from the CW. In the Dark ended up being more than I expected and, honestly, I enjoyed it. The heroine is messy and prickly and I like her flaws. The supporting cast is excellent. I'll watch more and see how it goes. It's been renewed for another season so I hope I like the rest of this one.

Watched another episode of Blade and remembered most of this one. There were a few bits I missed the first time around so it's nice to have those blanks filled in.

Also caught two more episodes of Classic Who and finished out the time meddler episodes. If memory serves, this is really the first sighting of the Master. Kind of like his origin story.

Watched the finale of Strike Back and I'm happy to say everyone I lived that I wanted to see still standing at the end. With the exception of Wyatt's marriage, which I have a feeling didn't survive. I can't wait for the final season now.

Caught Chicago Fire and enjoyed the episode. I'm not sold on Grissom being an okay guy yet but here's hoping they go in that direction. I really don't want to see Severied used as a pawn on the chessboard so I'll be pissed if that happens.

Iron Fist had a decent episode. Danny and Colleen are walking a very fine line and I'm hopeful their relationship can withstand the coming nightmare of dealing with Davos. Joy and Ward had some personal growth and Mary's storyline meshed well with the others. Davos is Davos and I'm still struggling to find some kind of empathy with him. It's not working.

Caught a great episode of Arrow and thoroughly enjoyed. I'm not a big fan of Diggle and Lyla keeping big secrets but I'll hold back from judging too much. Really loved Oliver and Laurel's reckoning with past sins. I love Oliver the most when he's pushing to be better than his parents.

Watched the finale of Murdoch Mysteries and, whew, I'm so glad things worked out the way they did. Miss Hart should probably watch her step and I'm kind of hoping she ends up becoming a good character. Nice to see where everyone is at the end, mostly in great places with their personal relationships.

Caught another episode of The Murders and I'm really loving this show. I'm excited to find out who is messing with Kate and I liked seeing Nolan not dealing with his personal life. Also loved having Kate back him up.

Watched the finale to Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries and, wow, I truly hoped the stupid superintendent would get what he deserved. Of course, he didn't and Peregrine might have lost her edge with him. We'll see what happens… if there's a second season. The chemistry between Steed and Peregrine is so delicious.

I'm nearing the end of my Painkiller Jane rewatch and I completely missed the episode I caught the first time around. Glad I got it in. I think there are two episodes left in this season, but I can't remember for certain.

Started another new show for me, Durham County. It's dark and twisty and I think I'm going to like it a lot. The first episode had a good mix of creepy happenings along with some good exposition. Looking forward to more.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Yank the Chain, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of creating a scene or story set around being in the brig or jail a week before a big event.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When pilot Riley Wang refuses to cave in and sleep with an arrogant major, she ends up in hack a week before graduation from flight school. Moss Mordecai bails her out, but keeps her from going after her superior officer. If Riley wants back on the roster, she needs a plan and spending more time in the brig isn't a good one.

And a sneaky peek…

Riley Wang blinked and shook her head. "Excuse me, you want me to what?" She couldn't have heard the major correctly.

Major Anton Cabella folded his hands on his desk. "You heard what I said. Don't pretend you didn't." He got up and came around to stand almost toe-to-toe with her. "I'm thinking between nineteen hundred and nineteen thirty." He trailed a finger from her shoulder to her forearm. "Uniform isn't necessary." His eyes narrowed, no doubt while his brain pictured her out of said uniform.

Riley fought back a shudder. This seriously couldn't be happening. She'd fought hard to get into the expanded training program and worked her ass off to prove she had the chops to become one of the elite pilots in the newly formed squadron. Her better half, Moss Mordecai encouraged her to apply and become a member of the new unit he'd joined last year.

Riley edged backward. "You do know I'm in a relationship, right?" One she didn't want to fuck up.

Cabella shrugged. "We're not meeting for a date, Lieutenant. I require no more than a few hours of your time." He pinned her with his hawk-like gaze. "Surely you can find some excuse for Lieutenant Mordecai to let you have an evening to yourself." His eyebrow quirked.

As if she needed Moss's permission. She didn't. He'd never ask her to explain an absence. Not that the major needed to know.

She eased a little further away. "It's not about that. I have no interest in spending any kind of personal time with you. I'm definitely not interested in sharing your bed." Her brain rebelled at even thinking about it.

Cabella smirked. "I guess I'll give your spot on the roster to someone else then." He reached behind him and pulled her fit rep.

Red hot anger flashed behind Riley's eyelids. The fucker wanted to ground her? Because she had zero desire to sleep with him.

She exhaled slowly, fighting to keep the rage at bay. "You're not serious." No way would he follow through. "You can't ground me. My stats are better than anyone else's." She'd bet her next pay grade they were better than his.

The major sneered. "Numbers aren't everything, Lieutenant." He grabbed another file, a thick one, and flipped it open. "You're not exactly known for keeping a low profile. I'm pretty sure I can find a reason to revoke your active status. One that'll hold up unless you make the right decision here." He closed the folder and tucked it under his arm.

Using her past transgressions as a threat pissed Riley off. She worked hard to clean up her act and keep it that way. Revoking her flight status over something trumped up? She didn't think so.

Riley didn't fight the urge anymore. The right decision? She'd give it to him…

Right now.

She hauled her arm back and punched the smug bastard in the face.

Riley's actions have repercussions but she's got a good guy in her corner… but she'll have to convince him she's not sliding back into bad habits.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yank the Chain

Ugh… we're going to hit the fifties this week, meaning my sinuses are going to go on a full scale revolt. LOL

So, I enjoyed the first two episodes of The X-Files and look forward to the remaining four. :D I could totally get behind short-term revivals of my favorite shows.

My general rundown of my weekly must-sees starts now. Skip ahead if you're not interested. The Flash turned in a great episode. Looking forward to seeing if I'm right on a few things. I do wish Harrison wouldn't turn out to be a bad guy this time around, but I have a feeling I'll be disappointed.

Arrow had a terrific show with Felicity battling her old self. I love the subtle nuances in this show sometimes and having her let go of the angry, young woman she once was and accept her current incarnation juxtaposed so well with the underlying theme of accepting her current circumstances and it did it without getting completely maudlin. I love this show!

Legends of Tomorrow amped up the repercussions of traveling through time, but still delivered on the witty banter between the characters. I do have concerns about the show devolving into gimmicky shtick when they're in a different era, but so far, I'm loving what they do.

Agent Carter… Love this show! I have so many theories and ideas of how things will play out. I really, really want Jack to get his head out of his ass and see how easily he's being manipulated. I think it's going to happen, but who knows. I love how much Peggy doesn't hesitate to call Jack on his shit. Seriously, good stuff there.

Even though Teen Wolf feels so discombobulated, I like where everything seems to be headed. I don't know, the flow is choppy and maybe that's being done on purpose, but I'm a little cranky about it. I do love having some familiar faces popping up again though.

I have a new show I've started to binge watch, X Company, a Canadian offering which I'm thoroughly enjoying. I might not rank it up there with Murdoch Mysteries, but I'm only three episodes in. LOL

And that's it for my viewing pleasure rundown this week. The Walking Dead returns soon and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Tonight's post is from Yank the Chain, a novella that got its start with a prompt from another writing community. I seriously owe a lot to those comms and the wonderful ideas they spark.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When pilot Riley Wang refuses to cave in and sleep with an arrogant major, she ends up in hack a week before graduation from flight school. Moss Mordecai bails her out, but keeps her from going after her superior officer. If Riley wants back on the roster, she needs a plan and spending more time in the brig isn't a good one.

And a sneaky peek…

Riley hopped up off the cot and moved to watch Moss enter the outer hub of the brig. Finally… she could get the hell out of here. He stopped to hand over the personal recognizance form.

Lance Corporal Sam Shriver flashed a smile. "She'll be glad to see you, Sir." He stamped the form then split the page, handing Moss his copy and filing the other one.

Moss huffed out a harsh breath. "Right. Maybe not. This is the last time I'm getting her out of hack." He followed Shriver into the holding area.

Riley frowned, especially when Moss wouldn't meet her gaze.

Sam held up a hand. "Riley got locked up because she decked the major." He leaned in, keeping his voice low. "Hear her out, Sir." Her turned and gave Riley a commiserating glance.

Moss grunted. "Yeah and she calls me to save her ass. Again." He turned toward the cell. "Someone always seems to yank your chain and I'm the one who gets stuck bailing you out." He nodded and Shriver went to unlock the door.

When the bars swung open, Riley stomped past Moss but turned and faced him. "Not someone, Moss. Major Cabella. The god damned asshole tried to have me grounded." And she didn't need Moss being all judgmental right now.

Moss quirked an eyebrow. "What did you do to piss him off?" He followed her to the guard station.

Sam rolled his eyes and handed Riley her personal belongings. "You'd better fill him in, Riley. Tell him what the major tried to pull on you. And don't leave anything out." He handed her the clipboard to sign for her stuff.

Riley initialed the appropriate spots and shoved the papers back toward Sam. "I will, Sam. Thanks for calling him." She walked to the hatch and exited into the corridor, not really caring if Moss followed or not.

They did need to talk, but his attitude stung more than she expected it to. Moss said his farewells to Shriver and finally fell into step beside Riley.

He waited a moment, then asked. "What's going on, Riley? What did you do to the major, aside from punching him in the face?"

Riley shook her head. "It's what I didn't do. Or won't do." She risked a glance in Moss's direction.

Understanding flared in Moss's eyes. "Are you saying"—he broke off and glanced over his shoulder before lowering his voice—"he revoked your flight status because you won't sleep with him?"

Riley snorted. "He's not after sleep, Moss. But yeah, that's what I'm saying." Riley strode forward but only got a few feet before she stopped. "Wait… you said revoked. He actually filed the papers?" The son of a bitch.

Moss caught up with her before answering. "He must have. You're not on the roster for the rest of the week." He tugged her arm and ducked down an empty causeway. "He's playing it smart, Riley. You turn him down. He goads you into a physical altercation. You cool your heels in the brig and he goes through with pulling your quals. You get out and either do what he wants, or don't fly. Either way, he wins." The last part came out as a snarl.

Riley growled. "That's not smart. It's fucking abuse of rank. And no way in hell will he win." She spun around and charged down the corridor.

Moss grabbed her shoulder, yanking her back. "Uh uh. No way. You go after him again and it's not just brig time, it's court martial and hard labor on some remote planet with no amenities. No flying, no freedom, just digging and mining for crystal ore." He pinned her with his gaze. "Is that what you want?"

Riley wanted to scream, but refrained from doing so. "I want his balls in a vice. And a hard labor might be worth it." Not really, but if it came down to putting the major on notice, she'd consider anything.

Moss winced and swallowed hard, but recovered quickly. "No, it won't. You need a plan, Riley. You can't be the first he's tried to coerce. Expose the major and he can't do it again." He folded his arms over his chest and blocked her path.

Riley narrowed her eyes. Leave it to Moss to nail the problem's solution on the first try. She relaxed and let the wheels turn in her head, a plan formulating right away. "You're right. I think it's time for someone to yank the major's chain." She lifted her gaze to meet Moss's. "I'm gonna need some help. Think you could bail me out again?" Only this time not from the brig.

Moss cocked his head to one side. "Do you even have to ask?" He reached out, grasping her hips. "I've always got your back, Riley."

She smiled for the first time in two days. "Good. You can start by scrubbing it in the shower. I wanna wash the brig stench off so I'm in top form when we plan."

Moss dropped a kiss on her head. "I can definitely do that."

The major isn't going to know what hit him when Riley and Moss get through. Gotta say, this one is a lot of fun.

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

ML Skye