Sunday Snippet: Zulu Delta Niner

Whew. What a week. We have some actual fall weather, and I love it. Who knows how long it will last. Pretty sure we'll have at least one more heat-up before December and the official start of winter.

Had another busy work week because I'm still playing catch up from being under the weather in late September. I finished a very challenging copy edit of a 95k-word manuscript. Great story with a lot going on.

Update on our doggo. She's doing so much better. She's still a little congested, but she finished her round of antibiotics and the steroid seems to be helping also. Of course, she's drinking a ton of water, which means we're going out for potty breaks about two times her normal rate.

Had a very slow viewing week. The challenging copy edit required a lot of focus. But I did make it most of the way through my regular shows.

Started again with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Enjoyed the episode because it's one I remembered and loved on my original run through.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War and enjoyed watching again. I'd forgotten some of the key moments in this one. Sam sure struggled a bit to find another place to stay after her rooming house got bombed.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Really glad to see Mervin figure out his mom's murder and also so happy to see Mr. Sterling Fox get his walking papers. Smarmy jerk.

Watched another episode of Poirot. I always enjoy when Miss Lemon gets involved in a case. Watching Hasting completely destroy her filing system—after she told him not to touch anything—made me laugh out loud. In his defense, he'd already halfway trashed it before he spoke to her.

Elementary had another solid episode. It's very interesting to watch Sherlock interact with Moreland. So much trauma to unpack between them.

I didn't get to check in with Batman Beyond or Lower Decks this week. I'm hoping to get a full run this upcoming week.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Zulu Delta Niner, a novella about a couple that meet under tenuous circumstances.

Here's the miniblurb:

In a war-torn galaxy, Nell Watkinson works to save lives on the front lines in the battle arena. When she returns home, she meets Jerrick Haight, a man who's not afraid to fight if his number is called, but he vehemently opposes waging war when it spreads resources so thin their own people suffer. On opposite sides of a moral dilemma, Jerrick's actions put him in danger and Nell uses everything at her disposal to save his life.

And a sneaky peek…

Jerrick clasped Wayne Prewitt's shoulder in a hard grip. "Dammit, we're not supposed to start anything physical." He jerked Wayne back before the man had a chance to throw a punch at a police officer.

Prewitt whirled around. "Keep your damn hands to yourself. You don't tell me what to do at a protest. I'm making a point and taking a stand." He spat the words out on a growl.

Jerrick shook his head. "You're an idiot if you start an altercation in the front yard of the Ministry of War. The security here is more than police. Home Guard is on hand at every corner on the ground and on the roof. If you start throwing down, they'll shoot you. This wouldn't just be a simple arrest." Hammersmith didn't have to warn Jerrick about the dangers of protesting at the MOW building.

But he should've laid out the facts for Wayne.

Prewitt rolled his eyes. "You're full of shit. We're allowed to voice our opinions. Sometimes that means getting physical." He balled up one hand and smacked it into his open palm.

Jerrick stepped back, ready to let Prewitt learn the hard way. "You really need to brush up on our articles of federation." A tap on his shoulder had him turning around.

A uniformed military police officer arched his brows. "Is there a problem here?" He patted his sidearm in a chest carrier.

Jerrick lifted both hands. "No, sir. We're just exercising our right to free speech." Movement along the left side of the building drew Jerrick's gaze.

A woman in a medic uniform, flanked by two officers, headed for the back entrance of the building. Why would a medic be needed at the ministry of war's headquarters? Very interesting.

The MP cleared his throat. "Did you hear what I said?"

Jerrick met the man's gaze. "Sorry, no. I'll assume it's something about staying peaceful and not making trouble?" The standard party line.

The officer frowned. "No, I said clear out. Showtime's over. Almost curfew." His hand gripped the handle of his weapon.

Jerrick narrowed his gaze. "Since when is there a curfew?" He slid his gaze to Prewitt.

Wayne shrugged. "Don't look at me. I didn't know about this."

The MP jerked his head toward the building. "Brass enacted the civilian curtailment item of the protest resolution. You've got ten minutes to vacate the area or suffer the consequences." An oily smile curved the man's lips.

Jerrick didn't like the gleam that entered the officer's eyes. "You'd like to arrest us, wouldn't you?"

Wayne snorted. "Are you kidding? I'd bet he lives to zip-tie protesters."

The officer grunted. "Wanna find out?"

Jerrick shook his head. "Not today, man. Defeats the whole purpose of organizing against the deplorable living conditions we live with every day." He gave Prewitt a warning look.

Wayne huffed out an angry breath. "This is bullshit." He turned and stomped away.

Jerrick started to follow but glanced back toward the MOW building. The woman's head angled around, and she met his gaze for a long moment. The wind gusted and pulled several strands of her hair loose from her sleek ponytail. Jerrick grinned when she started to tuck them behind her ear then decided to leave them framing her face.

Definitely not standard operating procedure. He liked that she didn't seem to care if she met regulations.

But he also wondered why she entered the building with the other two officers.

Pretty pleased with how this one is coming together. Jerrick is walking a fine line, and he'll face bigger challenges soon, especially with Prewitt stirring up trouble.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zulu Delta Niner

Had a bit of a rough week and felt under the weather for most of it. I did make progress on two of my work projects so not a total loss.

I didn't quite get all the way through my full streaming schedule, but I got a decent amount of viewing completed.

I started the second season of Ted Lasso and quite enjoyed the first episode. I'm interested to see where things go with the psychologist.

Caught another Agatha Christie Hour and loved the cloak and dagger aspect of the episode. Very twisty and turny and an excellent resolution.

Started season six of Endeavor and enjoyed the first episode. Not sure I like the new DCI but I'll see where things go. I don't like not having all the guys together but a shake up now and then is probably good for the show.

Watched another episode of Silent Witness and had no idea Clarissa had a husband. Good to see how they interacted. Interesting premise and I can't wait to see how it plays out.

Started a new arc of Classic Who. It's a bit spooky and I liked the first episode. Looking forward to seeing where this one goes.

Sci Fi Science had a fun topic of traveling to a parallel universe. I like to see how a theoretical physicist puts ideas together that could one day possibly happen.

Enjoyed another episode of Ms. Marvel. This group of characters is a joy to watch. I love the way Kamala interacts with everyone and the show nails the entire awkwardness of being a teenager pretty well.

The finale of Only Murders in the Building did not disappoint! I'm so excited to start season two because I have to know what happens next for our trio of characters.

Started season four of Blue Heelers. Nice to see Roz again even if the circumstances were sad. I'm a little disappointed I won't have new episodes to watch after this season unless I want to jump to eleven.

I'm in the middle of an Umbrella Academy episode and should have it finished up later today. Things are really spiraling and that's not a bad thing.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

In a war-torn galaxy, Nell Watkinson works to save lives on the front lines in the battle arena. When she returns home, she meets Jerrick Haight, a man who's not afraid to fight if his number is called, but he vehemently opposes waging war when it spreads resources so thin their own people suffer. On opposite sides of a moral dilemma, Jerrick's actions put him in danger and Nell uses everything at her disposal to save his life.

And a sneaky peek…

"Take care, Rod. I'll stop in if I can before I ship back out." She squeezed his hand before leaving the transfer unit.

Making her way through the emergency department, she shook her head. On the ride from the airport to the base hospital, shock filled her at the desolation and horrible conditions people were living with. The ED looked like the warzone she'd left behind out in the black.

"What the hell? I've been gone three years, not a dozen." How can things be this bad?

She exited the hospital and found an escort waiting to take her to the ministry of war.

Rolling her eyes, she addressed the ranked officer. "My old men set the goon squad to provide shuttle service? Am I supposed to be impressed?" The two-man team had her dad's name written all over it.

The lieutenant gave her a grim smile. "There have been a lot of protests lately. He wanted to make sure you made it to your meeting safely." He opened the back door of the SUV. "And he wants you there right away." He swept an arm forward, trying to usher her inside.

Nell frowned. Not even time to get cleaned up and refreshed with a shower from the flight in? Too bad, Dad. She'd get one before she met with the old man.

She didn't make a move to enter the vehicle. "Look, you're following orders, I get that. But I'm not dancing to my father's tune here. I'm going to demand we stop by my apartment." When it looked like he'd argue, she played on his sympathy. "Please. I haven't been home in three years and I want a hot shower and a fresh uniform before I meet with the colonel." She stopped short of batting her lashes at the officer.

He exchanged a glance with his counterpart, a junior lieutenant. The other guy shrugged. Nell checked their name badges. Hoyt and Montell, Hoyt being the higher ranked.

Hoyt sighed. "We really shouldn't…"

Nell squarely met his gaze. "It'll take me no more than ten minutes to freshen up and we can be on our way. I live less than five blocks from here." She leaned in a little. "I'll take the heat for this. My plan is to inform the colonel that we got stuck in protest traffic. You can back me up or not, but there's your out." She had no qualms about lying to her dad.

He'd lied to her more than once.

Montell broke his silence. "It'll be easier to let her do what she wants. We're already losing time standing here arguing." He popped the front passenger door open and slid inside the SUV.

Hoyt jerked his head toward the back. "Let's go. I hope you're accurate on the time. If we're more than thirty minutes late, he'll send an entire team out looking for us."

Nell scrambled into the back. "You're welcome to time me." She pulled the door shut and pondered his warning.

Is he serious about my dad sending a team out for us? Why the hell would he do that?

Traveling the short distance to her apartment, she paid careful attention to the empty storefronts and operating businesses that had bars on the windows. The park a block away from her building had tents pitched in semi-neat rows with burn barrels and cooking fires strewn throughout. The SUV pulled up to her apartment complex, a huge brick dwelling with eight floors.

Nell had the door open before the SUV rolled to a complete stop. Montell got out and tried to follow her, but she waved him off.

Angling her head around, she called out. "There's a clear line of sight to the door. I'll be quicker if you just let me go alone. I'm on the fourth floor and the windows face the street. You'll know if anything happens." Not waiting for a response, she ducked inside and hit the steps at a run.

True to her word, it took less than ten minutes to freshen up with a quick, hot shower and a clean uniform. On her way back down to her waiting escort, her heart dropped at the disrepair her complex had fallen into. While not as bad as some of the buildings along the route, the walls needed new paint and the steps had tracked mud and dirt all the way down.

Heading outside, she quickly got back inside the SUV. "All set. Let's go see the colonel." She definitely wanted a conversation with her dad.

This one is going down some paths I didn't expect and I like the detours. Nell and her dad are not going to see eye to eye on much of anything.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zulu Delta Niner

Ugh! August is fast becoming the craziest month I've ever had. This past week I filled my gas tank up on Monday and by Wednesday, I only had half a tank left. For perspective… a full tank of gas usually lasts about two to three weeks for me. Does that say anything about the week I had? LOL

Seriously, though, a lot of back and forth travel several times a day did give me lots of windshield time. It also gave terrible drivers and a buttload of construction but that's a whole different rant for another day.

I did end up having a highly productive week workwise, which means I didn't have a lot of time for television. I did hear the news of Krypton's demise unless another network picks it up. Here's hoping that happens. I really do love the characters.

I've been rather disappointed that my once favorite network is no longer in the running for my viewing time. I either watch on demand via the app or not at all. It makes me sad that Syfy has fallen so far. I literally used to watch the channel almost exclusively way back in the day.

As much as I love the convenience of streaming shows, I miss having a wide variety of stuff to choose from during the day on regular cable television. I have been enjoying the local channels' digital offerings. MeTV, Decades, Comet, Charge, This TV, etc. has some great classic stuff. That's what I've been having on in the background. I'm also a big fan of Ovation right now.

I did get to watch a few more episodes of Peter Gunn this week but that's about it.

Tonight's post is from Zulu Delta Niner, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt. Right now, this is a working title, but it's kind of growing on me.

Here's the mini-blurb:

In a war-torn galaxy, Nell Watkinson works to save lives on the front lines in the battle arena. When she returns home, she meets Jerrick Haight, a man who's not afraid to fight if his number is called, but he vehemently opposes waging war when it spreads resources so thin their own people suffer. On opposite sides of a moral dilemma, Jerrick's actions put him in danger and Nell uses everything at her disposal to save his life.

And a sneaky peek…

"This Haight guy shouldn't be here. He's on the draft roster."

Jerrick straightened when his name got mentioned. He glanced around to see who had a burr up their ass about his attendance at the preliminary protest meeting. A tall blond guy pointed in Jerrick's direction.

"Excuse me, are you Jerrick Haight?" The protest leader, John Hammersmith, made his way to Jerrick's location.

Jerrick stood and gave a nod. "I am. Is there a problem?" He met the cold gaze of Mr. Blond Ambition.

John shook his head. "No, not necessarily. Wayne over there thinks you're a military plant, a spy to carry back our plans to the base." Hammersmith jerked his head toward the head table.

The name and face clicked together in Jerrick's mind. Wayne Prewitt. Loudmouth hot head who liked to get arrested for protesting the unending series of wars their planetary council pursued.

Jerrick shifted his attention to John. "Mr. Hammersmith, I'm here because I believe in this cause." All eyes in the room turned in Jerrick's direction. "Yeah, I went to military school. I know the ins and outs of how to wage a campaign against an enemy. But I'm not a spy." He shot a heated glare toward Wayne. "We have a war to fight right here at home. Our own people are dying due to lack of resources because they're spread too thin. That has to stop."

Moving in a circle, he gauged the reactions of the assembled group. Most nodded in agreement. Some grumbled under their breaths about the state of politics and the uselessness of their elected officials. He warmed up to the group, already feeling like he fit in.

Jerrick continued his explanation. "Look, I'm not afraid of combat. When my number gets pulled, I'll go where I'm ordered. But don't think I support the ceaseless war. I'm sick of the constant spread of violence, especially when it's to the detriment of our planet's people." Turning to face John, he made a vow. "If you'll have me, I'm going to protest until I have to fight."

The room erupted into applause… with the exception of Prewitt. Big deal. So Jerrick didn't have a fan in the hulking blond agitator. He could live with that.

Hammersmith gave Jerrick a level stare. "Keep your head on straight and you'll do fine here." He stuck his hand out. "Welcome to the cause, Haight."

Jerrick shook the man's hand and settled back down into his seat. He ignored the exaggerated eye roll Prewitt gave when John made his way back to the front of the room. Prewitt did more harm than good with his big mouth and skirmishes with the military police.

But maybe he kept the heat off everyone else? Jerrick didn't quite have the lay of the land there yet. He'd be smart to pay attention and keep an eye on the situation.

Hammersmith called the meeting to order. "First up, we'll be marching at the rally next week, but we need a presence at the Ministry of War building tomorrow. Some high-level meetings are taking place and we want to make our voices heard." He lifted his chin and pinned Jerrick with his gaze. "Can you be there?"

Jerrick nodded. "Let me know the time. I work at the hospital and it's only four blocks away from the location."

Hammersmith's lips curved. "See me after the meeting. I'll give you the details."

Jerrick sat back and let the satisfaction of finally doing something fill him. He finally had the chance to make a difference right here at home.

I'm pretty pleased with how this story is shaping up. I started the outline for this one almost over three years ago and it's weird how much relevance the details have at the moment.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zulu Delta Niner

Just in time for the weekend, snow showers in Ohio. LOL Considering I was still wearing shorts and flip-flops in October, I won't gripe anymore. J

Update on the gimpy kid… she'd made huge strides over the last week, going from her splint down to a boot and now easing into a brace. She's doing therapy and it's making a huge difference. She won't be ready to jump hurdles before the end of track season, but she's mobile and crutchless for the most part. *throws confetti*

Sad there isn't a new Walking Dead, but also a little relieved. I'll give next season a quick go then decide if I can deal with Negan or not.

The Magicians is almost to the season ender and I'm kind of excited to see what happens. Bitten is also two episodes away from its finale and I'm kind of sad there won't be any new episodes to look forward to.

No new The Flash, but Agents of SHIELD had a terrific showing. I rather like how the deep division seems to be setting up Captain America: Civil War.

Arrow… wow. I'm actually kind of shocked at who we lost. That said, never say die in a show based on a comic series. There's a solid chance we'll see the one we lost again.

Legends of Tomorrow put a good episode together. I really love the complicated mix and relationships portrayed. I will admit, I'm actually kind of tired of Savage constantly having the upper hand. I'd like to see a serious blow dealt to him and maybe an introduction of some other villains.

Still need to watch Banshee, but I have the eps ready to go. And the first episode of Wynonna Earp proved awesome! If the second ep is as good, I'm all-in. Kind of looking forward to The Hunters and hoping it holds my interest.

That's it for TV this week.

Tonight's post is from Zulu Delta Niner, a novella built around the challenge of writing a story set in a specific time period. I put a little spin on the idea, opting to write with Kent State 1970 in mind, but maintaining my sci-fi / speculative romance flair.

Here's the mini-blurb:

In a war torn galaxy, Nell Watkinson works to save lives on the front lines in the battle arena. When she returns home, she meets Jerrick Haight, a man who's not afraid to fight if his number is called, but he vehemently opposes waging war when it spreads resources so thin their own people suffer. On opposite sides of a moral dilemma, Jerrick's actions put him in danger and Nell uses everything at her disposal to save his life.

And a sneaky peek…

Nell Watkinson smoothed her hand over her patient's forehead then checked the readout on the thermostrip. "Your temperature is staying down, Rod. That's good news." She noted the degree on his chart.

The flight hit turbulence when they entered inner-atmo and she feared the bumpy ride would jar his slow-healing injuries.

Rod gave a weak smile. "How'd I get so lucky to have my nurse travel all the way home with me?" Another pocket of air and a rough dip made him wince.

She shook her head, cursing the storm, the pilot, and last but not least, her irritating father for dragging her home. Dragging some rolled up blankets, she tucked several around Rod, hoping to add some stability to his remaining journey.

Glancing down, she smiled. "Rod, I'm not a nurse. You know I'm a ranking medic in the combat medical corps and you're stuck with me because I got called to come home." She checked his fluids and pulled out another bag of saline to replace the almost depleted one.

He watched her work. "How long?" He snagged the empty pouch when she hung the new one.

Nell frowned. "How long what?" Her focus split between too many things, she didn't have a clue what he meant.

He chuckled. "Since you've been home?"

She cleared up the debris, doing a quick calculation. "Hmm. Three years, give or take. Shipped out as soon as I made rank and had a choice. Haven't returned since." Too many reasons to get into, even on a longer than normal flight.

But running fast and far topped the list. Quickly followed by the intense need to decide her fate without anyone else's input. And, of course, saving as many lives as she could while war waged out in the black put her training to good use.

If she had her way, she wouldn't be here now. Too bad her father's pull far exceeded hers. But she'd dutifully show her face in his presence and dance to his tune.

For a very short period of time.

Then the gloves would come off and she'd demand he leave her alone again.

Rod cleared his throat. "You must be excited then. Coming home."

Nell held a bottle of water with a straw to his lips. "I'll be thrilled to land." And not because she couldn't contain her glee with being back.

But she wouldn't bring Rod down. His stay would be permanent. He wouldn't return to his unit, the damage to his leg too severe. But he'd live to a ripe, old age, something way too many men would never see.

When he drank his fill, he settled back down and his eyes drifted shut. Good. He needed sleep and plenty of rest. He'd survived a brutal battle that wiped out most of his platoon and the physical scars might fade over time, but she worried over the hidden ones, the mental and emotional toll of war.

Oh, yeah. She definitely wanted a chance to give her dad a piece of her mind.

The introduction of Nell ended up being fun to write. Looking forward to sharing the intro of Jerrick sometime in the future.

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

ML Skye