Sunday Snippet: Call to Come Home

Well, The Last Ship finally dropped another death on me. And of course it's someone I did like. That said, they weren't in my no kill zone so I'm bracing for impact this week. LOL I still think the president is a potential bad buy. There's just some slightly slimy about him, in my opinion.

Killjoys had a terrific episode. I seriously love having everyone show up, even if only briefly. I'm kind of thrilled Fancy didn't end up dying last season, and I realize this isn't the first time we've seen him, but I like watching him in action.

Dark Matter definitely has my interest. I did worry after the "meh" first episode, but since then, they've hit on all cylinders. Loving the interaction between Five and everyone else. I also can't wait to see what happens with the android.

Busy week kept me from sinking back into Strike Back, but I did watch more Babylon 5. One of my favorite things about season two is how things start coming together. Random bits that didn't seem to be important become so. I love that!

That's all for television this week. Tonight's post is from Call to Come Home, a novella that got started with a prompt from a fan fiction community. The idea was to take an established canon storyline and turn it on its head. I love reimagining different scenes.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hollace is on a mission in enemy territory to retrieve power cells to keep their temporary base station running. She bumps into a man she shares a past with, the presumed dead son of her commanding officer. When Verge refuses to leave with her, ignoring the call to come home, she takes matters into her own hands to reunite father and son… and to pick up where she and Verge left off.

And a sneaky peek…

Hollace docked at the anchorage cum base station and ran through post-flight in record time. For once, she couldn't wait to debrief. Stepping out of the transport, she ambled down the ramp and flashed a smile when Vasser greeted her at the bottom.

She clasped his hand. "I have good news, Sir." She leaned in, keeping her voice low. "Verge survived. He's alive."

Vasser's eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open. He glanced over her shoulder, looking for his son and her heart broke a little. Of course he'd think Verge had returned with her.

She bucked up and gave it to him straight. "He refused to leave."

Vasser's shoulders slumped and he turned away, heading for the aft corridor, which led to the command section of the base. Hollace wanted to punch Verge really hard and she would… as soon as the old man gave her to go to launch a recovery mission.

Scrambling to catch up with Vasser, she looped an arm around the old man's elbow. "It's not for the reason you think, Sir. He's got over a hundred survivors stationed in the Abbey of Dawnton. He wouldn't abandon them. They're relying on him to keep them alive and safe." She couldn't quite cover her admiration for his conviction.

Vasser's eyes widened. "Over a hundred?"

She nodded. "Yes, Sir. And they're all in pretty decent shape, considering what they've been through. You can be very proud of your son."

The old man's eyes misted. "Always have been. Just never told him." Regret tinged his words.

She squeezed his arm. "You'll be able to soon. Just give me the go, and I'll get a team together."

A brief smile cracked his usually stern features. "Lieutenant, you have a go."

Relief flooded her and she barely kept from fist pumping the air. "Mission parameters to you by 0500." She stepped back and started for the hatch. "With your permission?"

He jerked his head toward the exit. "Dismissed. Get some rest before you plan the op. 0600 is fine. He's survived this long down there. Another hour won't make a difference. I want you fresh and clear-headed when you get your people together."

Bone weary, she wouldn't argue. "Yes, Sir." She made her way to the hatch.

"Lieutenant?"

She turned back.

"Bring my boy home."

Offering a salute, she promised. "Count on it, Sir."

Truly having a lot of fun with this one. It's all plotted out and now I'm filling in the blanks.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Call the Ball

Another week of not losing any favorites on The Last Ship. Now I'm really concerned whoever is next will completely gut me. The Greens need to stay safe, at least long enough for a lovely family reunion. I actually fear something will happen to Mrs. Green because that's so not the obvious choice. I'll say this… if the president or Jacob the asshat reporter tries to harm her, I'll come after them. (In actuality, it'll probably be the blonde advisor—whose name I can't be bothered to remember—who does something awful to Kara, which, yeah, will add her to my list of 'deserves to die in a fire' candidates.)

Killjoys had a terrific episode this week. I'm excited to watch the next episode. Really interested in finding out more about Dutch's history, but I also want to see more about Johnny and D'Av, too. Sprinkling in small details about Pree, Pawter, and Alvis along the way is always welcome, too. I'm a little less into the whole nine thing, but I could become intrigued if they play that out a little over this season and really dive into it during the next season. (hint, hint).

Dark Matter jumped up on the interest chart again. I have a sneaky feeling there's been a switcheroo regarding One and I'm looking forward to finding out if my theory is correct. That said, I'm enjoying the dynamic with the remaining crew and the newcomers. We'll see if that continues. J

Babylon 5 and Strike Back rewatches are ongoing. I'm leaning toward a Banshee binge since I'll finish up Strike Back before B5 is complete. I'm also debating whether to start a few of the Netflix series I've wanted to dive into. Decisions, decisions.

Enough TV. Tonight's post is from Call the Ball, a sexy short built around the prompt of "a grown-up version of 'seven minutes in heaven'". Too much fun!!

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gwen keeps a tightly controlled leash on her feelings for Tag, thinking if she gives up control, she'll get lost in the passion. But when a simple game throws them together, she has to take a chance to see if sparks fly and if so, how to quench the flame.

And a sneaky peek…

Gwen West put her tray in the slot for cleaning and dumped her trash in the bins. Weird how becoming a full lieutenant didn't change much of anything. She still ate at the same time, usually alone, and had the same flight rotation. Oddly, she expected to at least feel different, but no, not so much. The extra bar on her collar looked nice, but everything else stayed pretty much the same.

Okay with her, for the most part. She'd hoped she might… well… gain a little boost of confidence with her promotion. Should have known better. Self-assurance had to come from within, not from a bump in rank or an extra stripe.

Dammit, she used swagger with the best of them. One wrong move tore her bravado to shreds. No, one stupid mistake set her back and she had to suck it up and move the hell on or risk being trapped by her past.

"Yo, West. Glad I caught you."

Tag Locksley. Her heart hammered. Gwen flicked her gaze in his direction, taking in the incredible vision of male perfection. She quickly looked away. Her reaction to her superior officer served as a good reminder… of why a sharply handsome face, sexy voice, and a lean and cut body would definitely get her into trouble.

Risking another quick glance and cursing her accelerated pulse rate, she quirked an eyebrow. "Did you need me for something?" God. Stupid response, Gwen.

Tag flashed a smile. "Not yet. But later, the senior officers are meeting in the lounge." His lips curved in a full grin. "And since you're now a senior officer, you should be there."

Gwen sucked in a breath. Wow. The unofficial gathering spot for blowing off steam used to be off limits. Junior officers always steered clear and she'd been one of those less than a week ago.

Tag shot her a sideways glance. "What? You've got other plans?"

His gravelly voice sent a zing of awareness shooting through her and sounded an alarm in her head. But the incredulous tone stopped her from being completely stupid.

She shrugged. "Nothing specific. What time did you have in mind?" Excitement mixed with wariness.

Gwen wanted to experience the camaraderie with the senior officers, but being the newest in their midst had nervous tension settling between her shoulders.

Tag lifted a shoulder. "Eh, sometime around seven." He planted a hand on the bulkhead not far from her head. "Plan on a late night. We'll be celebrating your new status."

Gwen suppressed a shudder and unglued her tongue from the roof of her mouth. She so needed to get over the crazy attraction for him. Wetting her lower lip, she tilted her head to one side, studying the almost challenging glint in his gaze.

Ducking under his arm, she started toward the exit. "Seven o'clock." Sparing a quick backward glance, she nodded. "I'll make the time to be there."

Sailing through the open doorway, she willed her heartbeat to slow down and prayed she didn't trip over her feet. The last thing she wanted? To appear inane and not up to par with the rest of the officers.

Or Tag Lockesly

Having a good time with this one. Need to find a few more spare moments to finish up and make it shine.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Breaking Point

Well, The Last Ship didn't kill any of my favorites last week. On one hand, this makes me very happy. On the other, I'm now wondering when, who, and how much it will destroy me when they take out a crewmember. LOL

Killjoys continues to rock my world. I love the show so much. I also love seeing so many familiar faces from other genre shows. Same goes for Dark Matter. After a "meh" opening episode, this week's turned out to be so much better with the possibility of a few cast shake-ups. I'm a little iffy on where things are going but I'm in for the ride.

The rewatch of Babylon 5 is up to the start of season two. I'm also in season two of Strike Back. Summer is great for sinking into and revisiting old favorites.

Tonight's post is from Breaking Point, book three in the saga of Molly and Sloan. Series title is forthcoming.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Molly and Sloan are rock solid until the fleet reaches its breaking point and their relationship is one of the casualties… or so they want everyone to think.

And a sneaky peek…

Molly waited her turn. She thought she had the answer. "We still need to get someone on the inside."

All eyes looked at her now. Most held disbelief.

"What?" She walked around the tactical room. "It's not a bad plan. We get someone close… go to the big deal meeting and grab the leader. Game over."

Sloan shook his head. "It won't work. They'd never let anyone military within ten feet of that meeting."

Oscar jumped in. "If someone resigned their commission in support of this movement, they would."

Molly grinned wide. "I like the way he thinks."

Quinn considered the idea. "It's risky… lotta things could go wrong."

Sloan had a very bad feeling. He had no doubt who Molly thought would be the best. And he hated the idea. Who better for the job than a loud-mouthed, high profile pilot with a propensity for bucking authority?

He shook his head back and forth. "Don't even. Don't even think it, Molls. You are not going in."

Killian. He'd be a better choice. He had a reason to be angry. Hadn't been back very long, got left behind. Molly… too high profile, too recognizable. Utterly crazy idea.

No one would buy it.

Molly shot him a scathing look and fired back. "You did not just say that." Her glare should've singed him on the spot. "Who died and made you admiral?"

Her comeback pulled a grin from the elder MacNeill. And Sloan knew he'd lost.

Liam nodded. "It makes sense, Major. Create a big splash, grab their attention, go in hot."

He shook his head again. "No… they'll never go for it."

Molly scoffed. "Says you. And screw that. If you're not going to help, go meet with Sinclair."

Sloan sent her a chilly glance. "I think I'll do that. Admiral?"

His dad treaded lightly. "Go. See what you can find out. We'll need his intel."

Sloan gave a curt nod, pivoted, and walked out the door.

This was far from over.

I'm making slow progress on this series. The first two books are pretty much completed and the third is a little over halfway. Based on what I have to date, looks like two more will round out the series with a possible offshoot or two. We'll see how everything goes. J

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Boxing Day

Ahhh, The Last Ship makes me so very happy. And none of my favorites ended up dead in the last episode so there's that, too. I won't hold out too much hope for a death free episode tonight. Best to be prepared, right?

Killjoys came back with a bang. Gotta say I'm super happy to see it back on my screen. Here's hoping the whole season is as terrific as the premiere.

Dark Matter… eh, I was a little disappointed in the opener. That said, there are some interesting developments, especially given the ending. I'll reserve judgment before deciding if season two is a bust.

The finale for Wynonna Earp rocked. Fingers are still crossed for a second season. Some great seed were planted for future threads and I hope Syfy gives this show a chance.

Babylon 5 rewatch continues. I'm almost through the first season and so many little things I missed on the other viewings are popping up. I love when that happens.

Strike Back is also entertaining me with the same things happening. I catch small things I missed when I watched the first time.

That's it for TV this week. Hope everyone enjoys the fireworks shows if they like that kind of thing. Me? I'm happy watching them on what else… television. J

Tonight's post is from Boxing Day, a sexy short with lots of reflection of happy moments.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Aeryn Gray packs up the personal belongings of Nash Nitali and spies a pair of boxing gloves. The sight takes her back through their weird brand of courtship and she takes some time to reminisce about their long, tangled affair.

And a sneaky peek…

Nash Natali scrambled out of the training ring. Shit. He rarely lost track of time, especially when he had an early briefing. Damn. Way to get off on the absolute worst footing possible with his new pilot. One he desperately needed.

Even if she had a smart mouth to go along with her hot temper.

And even hotter body. The woman filled out her gym gear in all the right places.

Inappropriate, Nash. Get your head out of your ass and off her curves. Focus on making amends for the dick move.

He chased his lieutenant down. "Gray! Hold up." Catching up to her, he apologized. "I'm sorry I missed our briefing. I don't make a habit of blowing off my new pilots." He flashed a smile. "I've been waiting for your arrival with great anticipation for two weeks."

Her lips curved, a polite gesture. "Yeah, well, you could've fooled me." She folded her arms over her chest.

Nash tried a different approach. "Look, we can head to my office right now." He remembered his sweaty state. "Or, if you'd rather, I can grab a quick shower and meet you in ten."

Aeryn eyed him with a sideways glance. "Why not head back to the gym and you can brief me while I get a workout in?" Her gaze challenged him to refuse.

He didn't argue. "Not exactly SOP, but since you're cutting me some slack here, I'm all for the idea." Turning, he headed back toward the gym area.

She followed and grabbed a pair of sparring gloves. "I'll apologize for butting in earlier. I should have realized you were training a rookie." Stuffing her hands in the gloves, she tightened the straps with her teeth.

Nash quirked a grin. "You definitely don't hold back, do you?" He slipped a pair of gloves on also.

Aeryn gave him a sheepish smile. "Not usually, no. I speak my mind but have no problem being told to keep my thoughts to myself." She turned and started a quick jab session with the speed ball. "Doesn't always work, but I do my best to comply." A quick side eye showed the humor in her gaze.

He liked her. She'd fit in well with her shoot from the hip style.

Nash took a spot at the neighboring machine. "Can't ask for more, especially since you've given me fair warning." He settled into a steady rhythm, enjoying the camaraderie. "For the record, feel free to call me on my bullshit whenever necessary." He snorted. "Missing a briefing is definitely bullshit."

Aeryn barked out a laugh. "You know what, Sir? You and I are going to get along just fine."

He couldn't agree more. And spent the next thirty minutes giving his new pilot the lowdown on her new post.

I love this little short story. Here's hoping I can finish it up soon and launch it into the bookverse. :D

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Bomb's Away

So… premiere for The Last Ship? Everything I expected and more. I have so much love for this show. I'm also going to have a huge bar tab by the time the season ends if episode one is any indication. I almost sit on the edge of my seat hoping like hell none of my favorite characters will meet their end.

And of course, some of them do. LOL

I've got a bunch of theories about this season, which I won't share to avoid possible spoilage… but I don't trust the president at all. One specific moment in the premiere episodes turned the table with how I feel about that guy. Just saying.

Currently watching the finale of Wynonna Earp and my fingers are crossed for a second season. Have no clue if Syfy will be cooperative and make that happen or not.

Still rewatching Babylon 5 and Strike Back. I'd forgotten how much Strike Back crammed into each episode, especially during the first season. Contrast the breakneck pace with Babylon 5's slower build in its first season. I sometimes miss having a nice, long arc to settle into a show and really get to know the characters.

Killjoys and Dark Matter return soon and I'm patiently waiting to get back into the gritty realm of both. Bring it on.

Tonight's post is from Bomb's Away, a novella that starts with a bang and keeps the shots coming.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A power struggle, an explosion and communication breakdowns. Sometimes it takes a really big boom to move things in the right direction.

And a sneaky peek…

Great Maker, the carnage.

Ronan Sidwell surveyed the damage with tired eyes. When would it end? The enemy struck them. They struck back. Over what?

A tiny moon in the solar system that didn't count as habitable most of the time?

A spiritual shrine to the opposition and a resource mecca for his side. Ronan thought it would be simpler to just blow the damn thing up than continue fighting over it. Too bad he didn't get a say in the decision process.

A bomb. A fucking bomb in the complex. And the second time the compound had been rocked by an explosion, but the first one came from an air raid. What would be next… poison in the food supply?

"Captain Sidwell, Sir?" A young marine tapped him on the shoulder.

Ronan flicked his gaze toward the man. "What is it?" He read the name tag stitched to the soldier's uniform. "Corporal Wayne?"

The corporal shuffled his feet and looked down. "Um, I know you and Lieutenant Ungaro are busted up and all, but I thought you'd want to know she got hit in the initial blast." He raised his gaze, wary and uncertain.

Ronan felt the floor shift under his feet and his heart skipped a beat. "Is she—"

Corporal Wayne put out a steadying hand. "She's okay. Sorry, Sir." He dropped his arm when Ronan moved away. "Gunnery Sergeant Bennington and I dragged her out of the debris and hustled her to sickbay." He sighed. "She busted up her knee from what we could tell."

Ronan grimaced. "I'll bet that was fun. Getting her to go with you."

Wayne shook his head. "If you'll pardon me for saying, not so much, Sir." He met Ronan's gaze. "The lieutenant has definite ideas about sickbay and none of them involve going."

 Ronan cracked a smile. "She's definitely got strong opinions." An awkward silence stretched out. "Thanks for the update, Corporal. You're dismissed."

Wayne bobbed his head. "Sir." He snapped off a crisp salute and moved forward to help clear debris.

Ronan should do the same, but he turned and headed toward sickbay. Of course she'd probably be pissed he'd checked on her. He could always use the pretext of wanting to see how many pilots the explosion on Sublevel Three affected. Kiara flew for him. Maybe he could get away with sticking his head in and just making sure she didn't have more extensive injuries. Yeah, he'd do that. Or, worst case, he'd use the injured pilot fallback—anything to keep her from knowing about his worry.

Ronan and Kiara definitely start in a dark place—personally and professionally—what's a little bomb added to the mix, right?

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Baracas File

Well, tonight is the rescheduled premiere date for The Last Ship. I fully respect TNT's decision to postpone the airing and I'm very much looking forward to watching the start of season three.

Wynonna Earp's lead-in to the finale blew my mind. I'm not sure if the show will have a second season, but I'm so hoping it does. That said, I don't trust Syfy the way I used to. At least I know Killjoys and Dark Matter will be showing up soon.

Orphan Black. Wow. Seriously, just wow. While I'm incredibly sad next season will be the last, I'm also kind of excited because I know it'll far surpass anything I expect or can anticipate. As for the finale, once again, Rachel proved she's the biggest bitch on the planet. I'm rather looking forward to a major toppling of her reign of terror. I can always keep my fingers crossed that what she thinks she wants and deserves ends up being her total undoing, right?

Still working my way through the first seasons of Babylon 5 and Strike Back. Someday, when I have copious amounts of spare time, I want to get back into recapping and sharing my joy for my favorite shows. There's something fun and rewarding about interacting with other fans.

Tonight's post is from The Baracas File, a novella started from the prompt of one character is a cop and the other a reporter investigating the death of his brother / her partner. Since I love sibling stories, I couldn't resist this one.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Briggs Felderzon, an investigative reporter, will stop at nothing to discover what's in the Baracas File, the contents of which results in his brother's death. Myrrh Gold, his brother's partner in the Inter-Stellar Police, decides to help him… but Briggs isn't sure he trusts her.

And a sneaky peek…

Zell Felderzon pulled up outside Myrrh Gold's building. "You sure you've got a secure location for the file?" He nodded toward the thick folder tucked inside his partner's satchel.

Myrrh smiled. "Growing up with a safe-busting family means I've got better than average safeguards installed." She flipped the cover over her bag and reached for the door.

Zell grabbed her shoulder. "Seriously, we're walking targets while the file is in our possession. We don't know how far up this goes and if it's more than the inter-stellar police involved." The tension in his grip tightened.

Myrrh placed her hand over his. "I know, Zell. I'll be careful." She held his gaze. "We'll do this together and bring everyone involved down." Popping the release, she eased the door open and exited, walking up to her building and keying in the entry code.

Zell didn't pull away until the big glass panels shut behind her. Myrrh shook her head, but appreciated his concern. Making her way to her apartment, she inserted her keycard and waited for the entry to slide open. She immediately scanned the room, her gaze lingering on the dark corners. Once satisfied she had nothing to fear, she crossed over to the decorative tapestry hanging on the wall and unlocked the access to the hidden safe by pressing on a series of points on the artwork. The wall moved outward and her safe slid forward. After a retina scan and biometric verification, the keypad appeared and she punched in the seven digit code to open the door.

Retrieving the file from her satchel, she secured the contents in the small space and locked everything down. She heaved a sigh and rolled her shoulders. Zell had her all nervous and twitchy. No one knew they had the file. They'd taken great pains to make certain.

Didn't stop her gut from churning, though.

She and Zell were stepping way beyond their jurisdiction and pay grade by digging into the Baracas file. Myrrh headed for her bedroom sanctuary and stripped down to the skin before crawling between cool sheets. Finding a comfortable spot, she closed her eyes and ignored the sense of trepidation seeping into her bones.

Three hours later, her phone rang and she fumbled to answer. She didn't get a greeting out before the bad news hit her ears.

Her partner had been found dead in his vehicle—sitting three blocks from her residence.

I'm loving the way this one is coming together. Need to find the time to really sit and finish writing the whole thing.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Banter and Brawling and Sex, Oh My!

YAY! The Last Ship premieres tonight and I’m very excited! In other television news, it's definitely summer and I've only got two active shows going until later this evening.

Wynonna Earp is crazy good. I need to watch this week's episode, but last week's twist caught me off guard. In a totally great way.

Orphan Black's lead-in to the finale proved excellent as always. Rachel continues to grate on my nerves, but kudos to her for playing Evie Cho and outmaneuvering her with such brutal precision. And, of course, the surprise at the end made the episode kick ass awesome.

I started a rewatch of Babylon 5 and Strike Back. I know, opposite ends of the spectrum but both are terrific shows. I need to find something else to watch after these. Any suggestions… let me know.

Tonight's post is from Banter and Brawling and Sex, Oh My, a bonus bit / sexy short featuring Max and Maggie from the Top Dog Pilots series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Max Cutter always goes along for the ride with Maggie Harper. He pretty much has to… she always gets into the most interesting situations and someone has to cover her ass.

And a sneaky peek…

Maggie loved the adrenaline rush of a good brawl. Throw in a bunch of assholes picking on a lone stooge and having Cutter throwing punches right beside her and Maggie got almost giddy with excitement. Nothing like a good throw down to get her blood flowing and happy endorphins to flood her system.

More of the beefy miners jumped into the fray and the rest of the patrons either took cover or engaged in the melee. If Maggie didn't miss her guess, the regulars were probably sick of the rude and obnoxious workers swarming their favorite drinking hole. The poor guy who'd been the target tried to hold his own against three of the goons. Cutter jerked his head toward the fracas and Maggie nodded.

They'd have his back.

Making their way across the crowded floor, dodging fists, pool cues, and flying bottles, Cutter and Maggie flanked the mining official and offered some additional protection. Cutter laid one of the attackers out with an uppercut to his chin. Maggie got a little more physical, grabbing hold of the smallest of the bunch and driving her knee into his groin. When his legs buckled, she faceplanted him on the table. One man remained and he went for broke, taking a running leap and tackling Cutter to the floor. Maggie shooed the official away and lifted a chair to bust over the last man's head.

A piercing, shrill whistle rang throughout the bar. A security team burst through the doors and immediately started stunning anyone who didn't cease and desist. Cutter tossed the guy away from him, sprang to his feet, and grabbed Maggie's hand.

She didn't ask questions, following and trusting he had an escape route in mind.

He led her past a bank of restrooms then ducked out into a storage corridor, the recycled air a welcome change from the stale booze and cigarillo smoke of the bar. The safety lights provided just enough illumination for them to make their way through the maze of crates and stacked shelving units. The heavy door clanged shut behind them and the sudden quiet almost killed the excited buzz coursing through Maggie, until Cutter glanced over his shoulder and took her breath away.

The short strands of his hair spiked upwards and the glow from the overheads gave him a rakish appeal. A hot rush of lust kicked the thrill back into her night. She grabbed his arm, swinging him around to face her then tilted her chin to plant a hot kiss on his lips.

I love this couple so much. Looking forward to a few more features with them.

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

ML Skye