Sunday Snippet: Viable Options

October 25, 2015

WooHoo! Halloween is almost here! I love the fall holiday and even plan to decorate my all-year-round tree with some cool lights and creepy ribbon. I'm even planning to do a Thanksgiving themed tree if time doesn't get away from me. LOL

Television round up this week… not bad overall. I totally stayed away from discussing The Walking Dead, mainly because I didn't want to spoil anyone and I couldn't talk about the show without going into detail. I'll take a moment to say I LOVE how this season is kicking off and leave things there.

As always, I'm thrilled with how The Flash and Arrow are progressing. I thoroughly enjoy the alternate Flash and I like how Thea's time in the pit is being handled. Really interested to see how Sarah's resurrection plays out. (Hint… she'll be fine… eventually).

Agents of SHIELD continues to intrigue me. I have several theories floating around in my head about how things will play out, and I'm actually loving how many different storylines are being addressed. Keep it up!

Gotham and Sleepy Hollow are on my catch up list. Last week's schedule went off the rails so I'm watching both shows on demand.

Lost Girl and The Murdoch Mysteries are also staying excellent. And I started a new show called The Romeo Section that has me very interested. I'll keep everyone posted on how I fare with that one.

Finally, Doctor Who… eh. Seriously, I'm seeing so many people rave about the new season and I'm really not feeling it. The fandom theory that Ashildr will end up being Missy and the Doctor created the Master doesn't work for me. However, there is one way I could get behind the concept… Missy isn't a regeneration of the Master, but she decided to play the role. That might be an interesting twist.

Anyway, TV update for the week is over.

Tonight's post is from Viable Options, a novella where my main characters are pretty much stranded and left to their own devices.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Karlin Hex and Jay Shaliman are trapped high in the mountains when their planet is attacked and left for ruin. Karlin decides plan A is to find a ship, get off the planet and find their way to the military fleet or a viable spaceport. Jay finds the notion admirable, but wonders what her back up option is. That's easy—plans B through Z are the same as plan A.

And a sneaky peek…

Karlin Hex held the headphone to her ear, her mouth hanging open in shock.

The Hendragon Galaxy is under attack. Evacuate to the nearest outbound ship. Incoming ships should report to the nearest fueling station, load up, and wait for coordinates. Repeat. The Hendragon Galaxy is under attack…

What the hell had happened? Had she missed something? Coded chatter that warned of the mass attack? No. No way. She took her job seriously and always manned the comms whenever anything came through. The remote outpost picked up verbal traffic at the farthest reach of their charted space.

There had been no advance warning. Nothing to indicate a full-scale bombardment of nuclear weapons.

The fact didn't ease her guilt. Not when more transmissions followed the horrific news, reporting the location of the largest hit areas. Bombs were hitting every major city on the planet and its surrounding moons. Evacuees scrambled to find seats on any available ship, even the taxi hoppers that did short jaunts between the five populated moons and the planet. They'd have to find bigger ships to hook up with, but at least a few more lives would be saved.

Her gut twisted. Early warning systems didn't work when the enemy remained silent. And planned well. They'd pulled off the impossible and caught the rest of the galaxy with their pants down.

Karlin's location in the foothills of a majestic mountain range would give her a few days to figure out what the hell to do. And how to accomplish anything with the limited supplies she had on hand.

But at least she had something of a safety net… even if it wouldn't last long.

This is pretty much in the beginning stages, but it's so much fun to write.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Veracity of War

I can't quite believe half of October is over. Yeesh, time flies in a big way. LOL

My usual television ramblings will get underway after a brief pause to let everyone know I'm still not feeling this season of Doctor Who. The reason behind the 'repeat' face, so far, is beyond lame. I'll have to watch the conclusion to see if I still feel the same way.

I finally watched the last two episodes *ever!* of Strike Back. I can safely say I'm thrilled with how Stonebridge and Scott's story ended. YAY!!! Now I'll have to start a rewatch of the entire series. LOL

Arrow and The Flash are keeping me glued to the screen. I love both shows so much. And Agents of SHIELD isn't doing too bad either. I like where things are going there.

Gotham and Sleepy Hollow are maintaining solid episodes. Looking forward to seeing where Gotham takes the Bruce in Training story. I'm also really excited to see how Gordon keeps all the plates spinning in his life. On a side note, I am a little sick of Barbara but I have a feeling her story might pay off in a big way. I'll keep watching.

Got caught up on Haven. I'm really going to miss this show when it's gone. I love the every quirky thing about it. The same goes with Lost Girl. I'm dying to see how Bo's story ends, but I'm savoring every moment I get to watch.

And that's the TV wrap up this week.

Tonight's post is from The Veracity of War, a novella where my characters have to keep the relationship fires burning against some pretty big odds.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The veracity of war takes a toll when Emerson Gamble assumes command of a military outpost after his captain loses his life. Sheena Tram wonders if they'll be able to maintain their relationship when the burden of responsibility always gets in the way.

And a sneaky peek…

"It's over." Emerson Gamble slumped against the outcropping and dragged air into his lungs.

Sheena Tram couldn't speak, too exhausted to form words, but she reached out and grabbed his thigh before sliding down into a crouch.

They'd done the unimaginable. Ass-deep in enemy-held territory, they'd driven the marauders back and gained back some of their ground. Fighting side-by-side with Emerson always proved to be an advantage. They worked in tandem, reloading each other's weapons and picking off targets one by one.

If she had to live through a war, having Emerson in the thick of it with her made the strain bearable.

His fingers gave her hand a squeeze before he expelled his empty clip and reloaded. Just in case.

"Gamble! Get over here!" A medic motioned Emerson over.

Captain Marx, their CO, lay on the ground, his color ashen and pale, his breathing labored.

Several wounds seeped blood and red pools formed on his clothes.

Marx blinked his eye open and met Emerson's gaze. "Gamble. Assume command. Get the unit to the extraction point." His voice rasped and rattled and talking took a lot of effort.

Emerson kneeled down. "Sir, let's get you patched up and we'll move out." He rifled through the supplies lying around and found a compression dressing.

Sheena glanced toward the medic. A quick shake of his head indicating the captain didn't have a chance. Remorse over losing a good man didn't stop her from what needed to me done. She would mourn the dead later.

She laid a palm on Emerson's shoulder. "We need to go. And you need to lead us out of here." He might not want to face Marx's imminent death, but he had to.

Emerson nodded, looking a little shell-shocked. His head bent forward and he inhaled, slowly letting the breath out before he squared his shoulders and stood up.

He gave a general order. "Pack up and be ready to move out in five." He waved off a barrage of questions. "Lock it up. Get your gear and any spare ammo loaded up. Now."

The unit obeyed the directive, holding their silence. Emerson glanced in Sheena's direction. She quirked a brow, answering his unasked question—whatever he needed, she'd make it happen. She had his back.

He cocked his head to one side. "McCabe, Reilly, Tram. You're with me." He moved away from the group. "Start digging. I'm not going to leave Captain Marx out in the open for the enemy to abuse." A sad fact they'd encountered on too many occasions. "I'm staying with Marx. He shouldn't die alone." He returned to the CO's side and crouched next to the man.

Sheena gave a nod and she, McCabe, and Reilly got the plot dug and ready for the captain. She walked over, stooping beside Emerson. The medic had cleared the debris and joined the others. Emerson heaved a sigh, picked the captain up, and carried him over to the freshly dug grave. Laying the man to rest, he helped fill in the plot then gathered his gear and strode toward the soldiers. Sheena didn't hear what Emerson said, but the unit started fanning out into the forest, heading toward the egress location.

Hefting her pack over her shoulder, she shook her head. "Why do I have a nasty feeling it's just beginning." The memory of Emerson's claim of the battle being over seemed like a lifetime ago.

Following McCabe and Reilly, she fell into step beside Emerson and fought the sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach.

Her comrade in arms and her lover had just become her commanding officer.

Yeah, Sheena's going to have trouble wrapping her head around the chain of command / love of her life balance. LOL

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Unexpected Surprise

Okay… getting right to the television part of my post.

The Flash and Arrow premiered!!! Both had excellent season openers. I kind of love where everything is headed and can't wait for this week's episodes. *EEP*

And I'm totally NOT freaking out over whose graveside Oliver and Barry were standing beside. Nope. I'm not. I know who I'd kind of like it to be, but I'll hold off and not speculate too much. LOL

Gotham and Sleepy Hollow had terrific episodes, too. I missed the opener for Sleepy Hollow and still need to watch, but the second ep has me intrigued already.

I also need to watch the double dose of Haven so I'm caught up on that one, too. I've started watching the final episodes of Lost Girl and Strike Back. Two shows I wish didn't have to end. *sniffles*

The conclusion to Doctor Who's two-parter didn't exactly cement the show as awesome for me, so we'll see how things continue. It's still good television so I'll still watch.

But… the best thing of the week? The Walking Dead premieres!!! So looking forward to tonight's episode!!

And that's it for TV. I thought I might do a rambly post about Arrow and The Flash, but you know, they would get a little too spoilery if I attempted to do so.

Tonight's post is from Unexpected Surprise, a sexy short that's on its way to becoming a novella, where my main characters sit back and wait to reveal some big news.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Roma Dobbs and Case Havensworth, two soldiers with a long and storied history, finally tie the knot, but keep it very low-key and don't tell anyone. Case's dad shows up without warning on their second wedding anniversary and gets an unexpected surprise—a not so new daughter-in-law.

And a sneaky peek…

Case Havensworth clamped his lips over a taut nipple of the hottest woman he would ever know. Roma gasped and made a low hum in her throat. He'd worked her tank top off and had a decent start on her pants, his hand dipping under the waistband and skimming over her belly.

Roma's fingers dug into his bare shoulders, her short nails biting into his skin. He didn't care. He loved making her lose control. Flicking his tongue over the pebbled tip of her breast, he dragged her fully beneath him and settled between her thighs. The hard ridge of his cock nestled firmly against her groin. She bucked her hips, amping the friction and Case wanted to be inside her. Now.

His hands cupped her ass cheeks before moving up to start inching down the fabric of her pants.

Roma lifted her butt and let out a moan. "Mmm. You're hard and ready, aren't y—"She broke off mid-word when the front door burst open.

"Case? You home."

Shit. His dad.

Roma groaned and scrambled out from under him, fishing around for her shirt. "Didn't you lock the door?"

Case answered his dad first. "Yeah, Dad." He moved to block Roma from view. "And yes, I locked the door. He's got keys." Booted footsteps sounded in the short corridor leading to the living room.

Cal Havensworth stopped short when entered, his gaze going from Case, shirtless with his pants halfway undone, then over to Roma who had what she needed covered. Case had no doubt his dad figured the obvious—he'd interrupted a hot and heavy, this-close-to-being-naked moment.

Cal planted his hands on his hips. "So… it's true." He rocked back on his heels, but straightened again.

No way would Case take the bait. His dad loved to go fishing for information.

Case quirked an eyebrow. "That I'm sexually active?" He nodded toward the side chair, indicating Cal could sit if he wanted. "Yes, Dad. I have been Tanya Betts seduced me at the lake on my sixteenth birthday."

Cal paused mid-stride and shot Case a sideways glance. "Didn't need to know the exact date or the who." He continued on and settled in the chair. "And you damned well that's not what I'm talking about." He pinned Case and Roma with his gaze. "You two are married."

Roma shot Case a quick glance. "You owe me fifty bucks." She dropped down onto the couch and tugged him beside her. "Told you he'd find out before our fifth anniversary." Case draped an arm around her and hauled her close. Roma tucked her feet under her thighs and snuggled in.

Cal blinked. "You're amused by this situation?" He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees.

Case rolled his eyes. "There's no situation, Dad. We filed all the paperwork and got the dispensation to get married." And jumped through a few flaming hoops to boot.

Cal growled. "Again, not what I'm talking about. There'll be a situation when your mother finds out."

Case sobered. "Oh. Right." He and Roma avoided the subject of Miriam Webber nee Cutshaw, nee Havensworth.

Out of sight, out of mind. Miriam rarely made contact with Case unless she wanted something or had a family event she wanted to trot him out for.

Cal straightened and leaned back against the chair cushion. "When, exactly, did you plan to tell her?"

Roma snorted. "About the time we present her with her first grandchild… around ten years from now."

Case thought they might wait even longer… if he could find a way to do so.

Cal shrugged. "Not the worst plan." He held no illusions about his former wife. "So, how long?" He glanced back and forth between them.

Case shifted under the scrutiny. "Two years today." He pinned his old man with a glare. "We were just getting the celebration underway."

Cal blinked and leaned forward. "Two years?" He shook his head then slumped back in the chair. "Okay. Rewind. And start at the beginning."

Honestly? This one has been more fun than I can say to get started. Here's hoping the rest falls into place the same way.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Understanding Truth

Happy October!

So, after going off on a tangent last week about my 'blah' feeling for the new season of Doctor Who, I can't say my impression has changed, but I did enjoy this week's episode better. So there's that. *grin*

Gotham is kicking some big time butt so far. I like the rather darker edge it opened with and actually can't wait to see this week's episode. I missed the Sleepy Hollow premiere, so I need to catch up on that one ASAP.

And the best news! The Flash and Arrow are back this week!! And I truly hope nothing tries to get in the way of me and my TV those two night. LOL

So… probably a long ramble about television next week. But on to tonight's post.

Understanding Truth is a novella where my main characters discover their version of normal is just fine.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Perdix Plane and Brock Halliwell are soldiers who finally understand a few simple truths. They're not normal people, they don’t follow standard operating procedure, and they'll never have a conventional relationship—and maybe that's perfectly okay.

And a sneaky peek…

Perdix Plane burst through the door of the clinic fronting for an arms depot and crouched low to the ground, her weapon drawn. "Interstellar Police. Everybody stay where you are." A quick heartbeat later, her gaze took the scene in. "Well, son of a bitch."

Her team had just busted in on another unit trying to take the terrorist cell down. The brief distraction provided enough time for the targets to regroup and claim an advantage.

Perdix dived behind a cabinet, seeking cover. She quickly found the ringleader in the fray and fired off two shots. Too late, she realized someone else had jumped up to do the same. Her second bullet caught him in the shoulder, sending him flying forward.

Her heart tripped in her chest. "Brock!" She scrambled forward, keeping an eye on her target, slumped against a metal cabinet.

She didn't know whose weapon took him down, but she didn't care at the moment. She needed to make sure Brock would be okay. Reaching his side, she found him clutching his hand to his shoulder, applying pressure to his wound.

He glanced up. "What a cluster fuck this turned into. What the hell is your team doing here?" Wincing, he shifted over onto his side.

Perdix shot her arm out. "Whoa. Don't even think about moving, Brock." She nudged him and he didn't fight, collapsing back down onto the floor. "As for being here. Well, when they say go, we go. Had no idea your undercover unit was on scene." And her team should have known.

Yet another reason she regretted moving to tactical with the new command changeover. When she'd been on a regular beat and worked undercover ops, they always coordinated with the elite squads. Now they were lucky when they didn't get in each other's way.

Brock blew out a breath. "The pissing contest between Chapper and Greggs is going to get someone killed." He closed his eyes and slowly inhaled. "Why did you think it was a good idea to move units again?" The blood from his wound seeped through his fingers.

Perdix flipped open a pocket on her vest and pulled out a gauze pad, pressing it against his shoulder. She didn't answer right away, because each knew the reason she'd pulled out of U-Ops. Too many arguments over too many senseless things that made it difficult for them to work together after breaking up.

But they worked better together than apart. The simple truth hit her hard and she rocked back on her booted heels with the weight of the realization.

An emergency medic tapped her on the shoulder. "Perdix, we got this." She nodded toward the main target. "Looks like you've earned a ride along with the alleged ringleader." Stooping down, she eased the gauze away from Brock's wound. "Ugh. I'll bet that hurts like a bitch, doesn't it?" Her hands went into action, ripping sterile bags open and bringing out stuff to start an IV.

Perdix rose and backed away, but not before meeting Brock's gaze. She wanted to tell him to take care and that she'd see him later, but she didn't really have the right to anymore. Instead, she blinked, breaking the moment then turned to follow their wounded prisoner out of the clinic.

Climbing up into the ambulance, she made sure the medics secured his feet to the cot and had him strapped down before cuffing one hand to the railing. She settled down onto the bench seat, her palm on the butt of her sidearm. Whitton Jonesett had a reputation for being wily and inventive when it came to escaping justice.

No way in hell would he get through her.

Not after she'd shot Brock in the crossfire to get Jonesett.

He'd have to kill her first.

Perdix is not taking any chances with her collar, but her biggest challenge follows after he's in custody.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Under a Crescent Moon

*sigh*

Sit back and get a little comfy. I'm going to blather on about my disappointment in the new season of Doctor Who, which feels almost sacrilegious, but necessary. Maybe if I purge myself, I'll enjoy the show more.

So… as mentioned before, I'm not a huge fan of Capaldi as the Doctor. This has nothing to do with his acting. I enjoy his work. But… here's the thing… I just can't get past the fact he's been two other characters besides the Doctor in the Whoverse—Caecilius in The Fires of Pompeii and John Frobisher in Torchwood: Children of Earth. But wait! What about Eve Myles? She played a character in Doctor Who before being in Torchwood. Why doesn't that bother me?

One simple reason. The character she played in The Unquiet Dead, Gwyneth, by rights, could have been an ancestor of Torchwood's Gwen, so… my brain has no problem wrapping around the idea. But Capaldi's characters? Not so much. Wanna know why?

Because THE DOCTOR doesn't have ancestors on earth. Even if I bought the idea Caecilius could be John Frobisher's ancestor, I can't buy the idea they're somehow related to the Doctor. EVER. It's just a big, fat NOPE.

Do I take this Whoverse stuff way too seriously? Oh, hell yes, I do. LOL But… I miss the continuity of the earlier Davies seasons. The sweeping emotional arcs we got in a single episode sometimes. And Moffat is more than capable of writing that way. I mean Blink is one of the most emotional roller coaster episodes I've EVER watched on TV, so he's got the chops to connect with me on that level… when he's not trying to be too quirky or clever or whatever the hell he's trying to be with the gimmicky shtick he's been throwing out lately, especially with the two opening episodes of this season. They were disjointed and messy and I'm honestly not sure what I was watching, but it's not the Doctor Who I love.

And no worries if anyone vehemently disagrees with me. I'm totally okay with the rest of the planet loving the Doctor as much as they always have. I'm just not quite there yet—maybe I never will be—but I'm hoping Moffat rises to the challenge of keeping me as a viewer.

Whew. I feel WAY better now. Thanks for letting me vent. LOL I think I'll rant a little more on my sister blog, or you know, copy this and post it there, too. :D

I could go on about having new episodes of Lost Girl to watch, but I'll save it for a later post.

Moving on… Tonight's post is from Under a Crescent Moon, a sexy short where my hero needs to make amends.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tyra Blanc, a top military pilot, harbors a secret love for classic old romance movies. When she's not paying attention during a briefing, her superior officer, Dev Dravenish, reveals her weakness and Tyra is caught between wondering how he discovered the information and how to deal with the all-out ribbing coming her way.

And a sneaky peek…

Tyra Blanc moaned. "Mmm. Yes, Dev. Right there." Her orgasm hit and she rode it out, planting her hands on Dev Dravenish's chest.

He bucked his hips. "Right behind you, Tyra." His fingers dug into her thighs, tightening when he found his release.

Tyra slumped forward, goose bumps breaking out over her skin. The chilly recycled air doing its job of cooling her down after extremely hot sex. Dev wrapped his arms around her, ghosting his palms over her back. She shifted sideways and he tucked her into his side.

Her head lolled on his shoulder. "Geez, Dev. We can't let a whole week go by without sex anymore." Her eyes grew heavy. "Three times in one night is a personal record."

For her anyway. She had no idea if Dev had ever topped that many times.

His arm tightened around her. "Yeah, two times is my usual limit. At least it is during one night." He shifted to his side and met her gaze. "A full twenty-four hour period is a different story."

Her lips curved in a grin. "Meaning we could continue this in the morning?" She draped an arm around his waist and palmed his ass cheek.

Dev chuckled. "Would love to, but…" He caught her lips in a quick, hard kiss. "Briefing starts at 0600 and my schedule is jammed until after 2030." Maneuvering his arm out from under her, he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bunk.

Tyra groaned. "Dammit, Dev. It's after one a.m." She rolled onto her back. "Early briefings suck balls."

He glanced over his shoulder. "Yeah, yeah. I know. You're not a morning person." He fished around for his boxers and jammed his legs through. "But sometimes you gotta deal and drag your ass out of bed." He stood up and shot her an amused look. "Do I have to come and douse you with cold water in four hours?" He yanked his t-shirt over his head.

Tyra squeaked out a protest. "Don't even think about it." She lifted her head and punched the pillow. "I'll be there. Won't enjoy it, but I'll be there." Her head dropped and she yawned.

Dev ducked back inside the bunk enclosure. "I'll buy you all the coffee you need after the briefing." His mouth brushed over hers. "Love you."

He straightened and made his way across the floor, crawling up into his berth. Tyra sighed and closed her eyes. They rarely had the senior quarters all to themselves and she didn't regret taking advantage of the alone time. But, ugh, she'd definitely be sluggish and out of sorts when she had to get up in less than five hours. Dev would probably be awake within two, if he held to his habit of going over the briefing notes and checking in with command deck for last minute changes.

She hated his ability to exist on a few hours' sleep. But, oh, she loved what he could do to her in the same time span.

Snuggling into the mattress, she smiled. She could manage to get her ass up, right?

Ha. She'll manage, but it won't be pretty. LOL

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Top Honors

Hmmm. As much as I love Doctor Who, I have to admit to being underwhelmed by the season premiere. I'm not a huge fan of Missy in any way, shape, or form. I love the concept of a female Master, but eh, not thrilled with the storylines she's been featured in. We'll see how the rest of the season goes.

I have been enjoying the new season of Longmire. I like to move to Netflix and, so far, all the episodes have been pretty solid. I think I have two left before I'm done.

I wish I had more excited for the new fall season but nothing is really sparking my interest with the new slate of shows. I am looking forward to my faves returning so at least I'll have something to rave about each week. LOL

Tonight's post is from Top Honors, a novella where my characters have some family issues to overcome.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Katie Beal and Hilton Hillion have a very messy breakup after she fails him from basic flight. Two years later, Forbes Hillion bumps into her at Hilt's graduation from the academy and sparks fly, but Katie won't go down the same road again… after all, her career can't withstand another setback from Forbes's dad.

And a sneaky peek…

Katie Beal entered the commandant's office and stood at attention.

Colonel Nathan Jones met her gaze. "Lieutenant Beal, your status as a flight instructor is hereby revoked and your pay grade lowered to O3. You'll report to the base hangar deck at 0600 first thing Monday morning for new orders." He glanced away. "If I had my way, I'd keep you on. You're the best instructor we've had come through here in a long time." Clearing his throat, he looked back in her direction. "My hands are tied, Katie. I'm sorry."

The use of her given name took some of the sting away from being dismissed. But she needed to be stoic and not crumple under pressure.

Katie gave the colonel a terse nod. "I understand, Sir. Thank you for the opportunity." She met his gaze again. "And for being the best commanding officer I've ever had." Her voice wobbled and she slowly drew in a deep breath.

The anger set in and helped keep any stupid tears from forming behind her eyelids. She blamed no one but herself. Getting tangled up with a student ? Never ended well, as her affair and subsequent break-up with Hilton Hillion proved.

And Walsh Hillion made sure he drove the point home by working behind the scenes to protect his baby boy's name and do his damnedest to muddy up hers.

The colonel sighed. "This business with Hilton isn't your fault, Lieutenant. The kid didn't have the chops and you did what you were supposed to do."

Katie's lips twisted. "Not according to his dad. Apparently I should've passed his son, regardless of the fact he'd have never made it through the board quals."

Colonel Jones shook his head. "I'm aware of the cadet's shortcomings. He entered flight school later than most, charmed his way into your heart, then blew every opportunity you gave him." He met Katie's gaze. "But Walsh Hillion is a damned fine officer, one who wields a lot of power—rightfully so in most cases—just not in this one." His shoulders slumped forward.

Katie gave a quick nod. "I meant no disrespect, Colonel. I hope you know I don't hold any ill will towards the admiral." And therein laid the bitch of her entire situation.

Admiral Hillion had a reputation for demanding excellence. She respected his drive for distinction and merit. But she didn't have to like the man or his tactics. Her anger over his machinations would pass. Her disappointment with her stupidity would linger for a long time.

Colonel Jones stood up. "Lieutenant, if I ever have the opportunity to bring you back as an instructor, I'll do so. Keep your credentials up to date." He came around and walked her toward the door. "And stop in when you can. I have no doubt I'll be seeing you on base from time to time." He gave her a kind smile.

Katie made her lips turn upward. "Thank you, Sir. I'll look forward to seeing you." She turned and started down the corridor.

Once clear of the educational building, she leaned against the outside wall. Dragging in a few deep breaths, she exhaled slowly and lifted her chin. Walsh Hillion could use his rank like a blade, wielding his mighty sword to fell a lowly lieutenant. Katie would soldier on, keep her head down, and wait out the storm.

She didn't envy Hilton at all. He'd started flight school later than most, almost a full two years behind the average age. He'd held out, going to college for two years before applying for the basic course. Katie asked him about it once and he'd mentioned not living in his brother's shadow. His sibling made top gun status within the first year of graduating so Hilton held out… until his old man pushed hard to add another pilot to the family roster. Hilton caved and did okay in the basic course. He faltered once he got into her advanced training program. And when he realized he couldn't bluff his way through her classes, even though they were romantically involved, he did the smart thing and told her to fail him—after they broke up. Too late to do much to save her post as an instructor, but she'd take the hit there. She could've done the smart thing and rebuffed him.

Katie shook her head. Hilton had a keen intelligence and he'd go far in the military… just not as a pilot. Hilt needed a position where he could analyze details, project outcomes, and use the bucket loads of charm he oozed without trying. Something like military intelligence. Katie would bet her next pay grade the spooks and spies would recruit him before he graduated.

Maybe his old man would back off then. But she wouldn't bet on that one.

This one is so much fun. Katie's got a good head on her shoulders and once Forbes steps in, the admiral won't know what hit him.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Threshold

So… The Last Ship? Probably one of the best season finales I've seen in a long time. I love this show! Now I have a whole year to wait for new episodes. *sigh*

Not much else on the television front. I'm patiently waiting for my superhero shows to return and watching a lot of new stuff on Netflix. The new season of Longmire is now streaming and I'm two episodes in. I love where things are going so far… stay tuned to see if that changes. LOL

New Doctor Who episodes start the weekend. Can't say I'm super excited to have a new season, but I'll watch and hopefully be surprised. After investing so much time, I'll have to keep current with what's happening.

I also started a beta read on a great story for an author friend. Looking forward to finishing it up this week.

Tonight's post is from Threshold, a novella that's kind of close to my heart. I love the concept of this story and how it's coming together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Satin Welch takes one look at the gorgeous Blade Killian and has to have him. She purchases his slave contract and grants him freedom. Blade doesn't trust the beautiful woman or her idea to make him a partner on the Threshold, a pleasure ship traveling throughout the galaxy, but he can't quite resist the chance to make his own choices after a decade of sexual servitude.

And a sneaky peek…

"The Court hereby grants Satin Welch the sum of one hundred and fifty million credits and the deed to the cruiser class ship, Threshold." The magistrate glanced up from his order. "By the decree of this Court, the title is free and clear of lien and Madam Welch can use the ship in any way she sees fit." He slapped the gavel down. "So ordered on this date, year, and time."

Satin let out the breath she'd been holding and resisted the urge to shout with glee. Instead, she rose with as much grace as she could muster and walked out of the magistrate's chambers with her shoulders squared and head held high. Her family could no longer touch her, control her, or bring her to heel.

Or use her to garner favors from their debauched and depraved friends.

Nine years of being whored out by her own blood for anything from settling a gambling debt to gaining a seat on a corporate board, she finally got her freedom. Thanks to her great-grandfather who had promised she'd never have to service another rutting cock or salacious couple, unless she chose to do so. He'd kept his word and she now had the means to do whatever she wanted.

And she had just the plan to get underway.

Stepping out into the atrium of the galactic judicial building, she dug her howler out of her inside pocket and dialed a series of numbers.

Her recipient answered on the third beep. "Yeah, Manilow."

Bart Manilow served as a mercenary for hire and she'd grown up with him. His father ran her dad's security service. Bart got along with his parents about as well as she did with hers.

Satin's lips curved in a smile. "Bart? It's Satin. I have a major opportunity for you and five of your closest friends."

Her dream of putting an end to the sex worker slave trade finally within her grasp, she said a silent thank you to her great-grandfather for making it happen.

Satin is so much fun to write. This may end up becoming a full series if the ideas keep pinging in my brain.

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

ML Skye