Sunday Snippet: Escape on Equinox

April is almost over and it doesn't feel like we should be moving into the summer months. Seriously, the weather is still chilly, there's a pandemic making everything seem more lopsided and crazy, and it really just feels like we're still stuck in 2019, right?

Anyway, slower than usual week in television, but I did get several things watched. I started out with finishing up the Roswell, New Mexico episode and it ended up being pretty solid. I really want Maria to know what's going on with everyone. Make that happen soon, dammit.

Caught another episode of The Heart Guy and, seriously, this show is growing on me. I'll have to recommend this one to my brother, another fan of Aussie dramas.

The main reason I didn't get a lot of my regular shows watched is because I got completely sucked into the Battlestar Galactica marathon on Syfy. It was so much fun catching up with cast members and seeing them reminisce about the show. The marathon also made me long for the old days when Syfy used to marathon shows on a daily basis. I miss those days so much. I literally loathe the crap they show during the day now. Ugh.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice, the final one for the first season. A familiar face popped up, the man who plays Brackenried on Murdoch Mysteries. That was fun.

Watched two episodes of Danger Man for some background noise. Both were episodes I didn't remember seeing in my initial viewing of the series.

Also caught another arc of Classic Who. I have one more arc left with Three then will be moving on to the fourth doctor.

Watched another series of Cirque de Soleil shows. The talent the performers have amazes me. And the theatrical costumes and plot also blow me away.

Started the second episode of Picard, but the streamer kept crapping out with error messages. Frustrating as that seems to be happening a lot lately with various platforms. With so many people trying to stream shows, I guess that's to be expected.

Same thing keeps happening with Strike Back. I'm almost finished with the fifth episode, but it's taken my three days to get that far. Very annoying. But patience is a good thing.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Escape on Equinox, a Capital City Seasons novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jim Hodges, an elite officer in a specialized tactical unit, finally meets a woman with a sweet disposition and a naughty sense of humor. But when she's taken hostage and his team is called in, he's determined to make sure a quick resolution takes place, which won't be easy because he's ordered to step aside and let his fellow members handle everything.

And a sneaky peek…

Jim tucked his shirt back into his waistband. "Uh, not to be stupid, but why me?" He glanced toward her with a sideways look.

A fair question. And he deserved an honest answer.

Roz straightened her scrubs after slipping her feet into her clogs. "Jess told me about you two. How you almost hooked up." What a story!

Jim's gaze skidded away. "Yeah, not my best moment."

Roz shook her head. "Actually, I disagree. It sounds like a really good moment where you put her emotional state ahead of what your dick no doubt wanted." She leaned back against the counter. "I don't know many guys who wouldn't try to take advantage in a situation like that—especially after Jess practically had you on the edge." Hell, Roz's previous experience with Walter would've ended very differently than Jess's with Jim.

He rolled a shoulder. "She needed a friend not a hard-on." His lips kicked up in a half-smile.

Roz reached out and planted her hand on his chest. "And that's why you. I needed the opposite today—which, ugh, makes me sound like I just used you for a hard body. But Jess trusts you and, well, I saw you and remembered what she said about how you were with her, and—" She stopped talking for a moment. "God, I'm making a mess of this." If he walked out and never wanted to see her again, she wouldn't blame him.

Jim grasped her hand and curled his fingers around it. "No. I get it. You had a terrible day and wanted to push that aside but needed someone to help out. Who better than a guy who almost hooked up with one of your best childhood friends." He paused and grimaced. "Shit. Now I'm the one messing up. What I mean is—"

Roz laughed. "I know what you mean. You nailed it. The rest of the guys on your team? Uh-uh, no way. They're a great bunch but I couldn't have hauled any of them into this closet without it getting out less than five minutes later. I'm not worried about that with you." She gripped his shirt and leaned in close. "Besides, you're beyond hot and the sex was spectacular." Her lips brushed over his. "Thank you."

Jim gave her a sheepish grin. "Happy to help out." He nodded toward the door. "I'll check, make sure no one's around out there."

She appreciated his thoughtfulness.

He popped the door a little then opened it up wide. "Coast is clear." She left the closet first and he followed.

Making a quick decision, she stopped by her car and dug out her phone. "Can I get your number? We still need to get coffee or something." She'd really like to build a friendship with him.

Jim took her device and punched his contact info in. "I'd love to hear from you. Call anytime." Giving her a salute, he turned and headed for the emergency center doors.

I love this series and Jim's story is one I'm excited to tell. I had fun with him in Midwinter Crises and couldn't wait to find someone for him to fall for.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Drink Me

April 19, 2020

Crazy weather in Ohio this week. Warm, then cold and rainy, and then a little slushy snow mix thrown in. I can honestly say I'm kind of ready for spring to get here in full. At least having the option to go outside and enjoy some sun breaks things up a bit.

Not a big week for television but I got a few shows watched. I started with an episode of Arrow and I'll be getting ready to start the Crisis Crossover soon.

Caught the penultimate episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm sad about the death of a character I liked. I loved George's side story. I have no earthly clue what Julia is doing but I'm rolling along with the character arc to see where things go. I do like seeing the ups and downs of William and Julia.

Watched an episode of Riverdale and, wow, the batshit ramped up to double digits, which I love. I still hate Hiram with the burning passion of a thousand suns and gotta say the character kind of ruins the show for me. We'll see how this season shakes out but I honestly can't stand it when he's on the screen. I'm not sure how I feel about the Charles / Chick development but we'll see how that one plays out also.

Had a virtual watch party with a good friend and we rolled out The Rise of Skywalker. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie to bits. I'm hoping we'll get more of those in soon.

Started the second episode of Roswell, New Mexico's new season. So far, I'm enjoying but I really want Maria to finally be aware of the aliens. The fact she isn't really bugs me. So far, I'm not a huge fan of having Rosa back either.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Drink Me, a free read / bonus scene featuring the characters from One Hot Mess.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A bottle of alcohol takes on the role of perpetrator in a couple's romp-filled weekend. Both would swear the damn thing dared them to drink every last drop.

And a sneaky peek…

Eva tilted her head to one side and studied Van. "I'm surprised you bailed on the shindig." He didn't seem like a rule-breaker.

Van's lips kicked up in a half-grin. "Eh, the boss said we had to show up. He didn't specify how long we had to be there." He poured another round.

Eva gave a nod. "Quite the crush of partygoers. Hard to move around let alone have fun." She didn't enjoy the atmosphere when she couldn't breathe.

Van rolled his eyes. "Yeah. I'm not into the whole crowded room with loads of people I don't know thing. Sucks the life right out of me."

Something in common. Aside from the competitive streak they had. Eva like him.

Okay, she always had. But their rivalry tended to keep them at cross purposes. Actually, their bosses' were mostly responsible for that.

She drained the glass he'd refilled. "You know what? You're right. Much better to hang out with you. You're not half bad when you're relaxed and having a good time." She gave him a saucy smirk.

Van laughed. "You mean when I'm not all business and in your face?"

Eva snorted. "Exactly. We need to get away from that more often." Seriously, leaving the animosity and acrimony in the locker room sounded blissful right now.

Van paused with the tumbler close to his mouth. "Ditching the teammates and sneaking off? I could be down for doing that sometimes." He chugged the vodka.

Eva topped off the shot glasses again. "Good." She nodded toward the alcohol. "Drink up. The night is young and we're semi-incognito. Nobody knows we're supposed to be enemies in here." She tossed back the liquid again and loved the little burst of glee warming its way through her system.

Van toasted the air. "Here here." He made a satisfied hum when he set the tumbler back on the counter.

Man, he's hot when he makes that sound.

Right. The alcohol definitely dropped the blinders she normally wore around him.

And she didn't care one bit.

I love writing bonus scenes for stories. Eva and Vic are a lot of fun and writing the lead up to their morning after is a joy.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Down and Dirty (Scorched Homeworld Companion Read)

I think we're starting to get used to our state of affairs. For me, it's not a huge change. The household still has three workers deemed essential and one who can work depending on the weather. Financially, we're feeling a pinch but not a hard bite. We're still trying to show support for the restaurants and local businesses to help ease their concerns.

Kind of a slow week for television, mainly because I've been feeling kind of blah. When the weather goes from warm to cold then back again twice in one week, I react poorly. My sleep schedule is way out of whack right now. Bleh.

I finished up Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. I loved it!! The conclusion ended up being perfect with a callback to the series and Phryne's biggest fear. And the movie let Phryne stay in character so to speak. I won't spoil anything but the romance ended up being exactly right for Phryne and Jack.

I also got to check out the behind the scenes footage and a Q and A with Essie Davis. Fun stuff. If you get a chance, check this movie out on Acorn.

Watched the penultimate episode of season one Peak Practice. I'll finish up the series this week coming up. I can quite decide if I like Will or if I think he's a complete prat. Or … if I actually like him because he's a prat. LOL

Caught the Death to the Daleks arc of Classic Who. I'm not sure how many episodes are left in season eleven, but I'm looking forward to revisiting the fourth doctor in the next series.

I decided to see if I can catch some musicals and concerts that are streaming right now. I watched an amalgamation of Cirque du Soliel, featuring Amaluna and two other shows. I'll be watching another one later this week and then searching for a musical or orchestra concert to watch.

I'm doing a trial with CBS All Access and watched the first episode of Picard. I'm intrigued. The reviews were mixed but I can safely say I kind of want to know what the hell is going on with the Romulans and the Borg and the federation and AIs. I'll be tuning in for another episode for certain.

Caught episode four of Strike Back. I'm very pleased one of the characters got to live to see another day. I love how much Chetri does on the down-low. I also love how Coltrane does what he thinks he should do but changes on the fly when loyalty comes into play. This show … I'm going to miss it so much when it's over.

This week's Strike Back Declassified ended up being really good. Seeing into the thought process is always fun and hearing how they shoot things in long takes amazes me.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. I'd forgotten how much Demona annoyed the crap out of me. I'm getting a crash course during the rewatch. LOL

Caught episode two of The Witcher. Again, this show intrigues me. I'm following along fairly well and I like having the three storylines playing out on the screen. Looking forward to the next episode.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Down and Dirty, a free read that shows how the pool got started in Follow Me.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The tale behind how a certain pool gets started that put Sloan and Molly in the hot seat. And how Specialist Neve Campbell thought she might have caught them in the act.

And a sneaky peek…

Sloan moved with purpose when Molly exited her wounded bird. "You pulled a hot dog move after I ordered you not to." His voice rose with each word. "And what happened, Lieutenant?"

The fact Sloan reported directly to his father didn't faze Molly in the slightest. She held a place of importance in the commander's life, too.

She rolled her eyes. "I cut it a little close. So what?"

The captain made a strangled, choking sound. "A little close? You're insane." He lowered his voice. "Any closer and the deck crew would be welding on new wings, Lieutenant."

Molly looked away and shrugged. "Yeah, well. I told you I needed to let off some steam."

Sloan exploded. "Only crazy people do barrel rolls when the landing bay doors are closing.

Molly's eyes snapped back to his. "I got in, didn't I?" Her face dared him to counter the fact.

Sloan snorted. "Barely, Lieutenant. You barely got in. And you will make the repairs to the landing struts."

Molly's nostrils flared, but she held her temper. "Whatever. Doesn't mean I have to like it."

Sloan snapped. "Fine."

Molly mimicked. "Fine."

Each stalked off in opposite directions.

Neve shook her head. They should just lock themselves in a supply closet and be done with it.

Chief Douglas shot her a look and Neve realized she'd said the thought out loud.

She blushed. "Er, sorry, Chief." Her mouth always seemed to get ahead of her brain.

Keegan cocked his head to the side. "Actually, Specialist. You might be onto something." His eyes followed the CAG's angry progress toward the office. "They're either gonna screw each other or kill each other. Hard to say which."

Neve pondered his words, keeping an eye on Molly when she yanked her flight suit down to her waist then glanced back over her shoulder, her gaze following the CAG's progress away from the flight deck. "No. They won't kill each other. It's a matter of when or where they'll hook up."

The chief grabbed a clipboard and a fresh sheet of paper. "I'll take that action. Date and time, Specialist."

Honestly, this little scene is so much fun. If all goes well, it'll be up on my blog or my Patreon in the near future.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Domino Effect

Gotta say it's so hard to have my youngest's senior year be put on indefinite hold. So far, the musical is cancelled, which is to be expected. Prom is postponed for now. Graduation is up in the air as far as walking to get a diploma. She's handling it pretty well all things considered. I'm very proud of the level of maturity she's showing.

Not a bad week for television but slower than usual. I've been taking on as much work as I can in case the well runs dry there. Who knows how long the quarantine will last?

I can safely say I'm disgusted by the fact Hiram is a free man on Riverdale. And I'm beyond "meh" about a long-lost daughter showing up. I am very intrigued by the whole flash-forward cut scenes at the end of each episode. I'm very interested to see where those go.

Caught another episode of Danger Man, which started season two for me. I guess I didn't realize the second season went to hour-long episodes. I'm not sure I've seen any of those.

Watched the season two premiere of Roswell, New Mexico. I'll be brutally honest … I'm really not sure I'm down with the whole "let's kill Max" concept. For now, I'm trusting the creator but if I'm let down with where things go, I'll be done watching. I do love Michael's journey so far. I'm not thrilled Maria is still completely clueless about the alien angle, but I'll see how that plays out also. I love where Alex and Kyle are right now. Here's hoping I'm not completely let down by this show.

On a very happy note, I'm in the middle of watching Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears and it's so, so good. I'd read reviews that implied it didn't measure up to the series, but, in all honesty, I'm actually pretty pleased with I'm seeing so far. Considering this movie happened because fans were more than happy to crowd source the filming, I'd say the general public can zip it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Domino Effect, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Every action Frank and Katya take pushes a reaction out of the other. And like dominos, one barrier crashes into the next until nothing is left but a tangle of emotions they have to deal with.

And a sneaky peek…

They had finally let go of each other and turned for their discarded clothes. Frank hadn’t been able to coherently put words together. He rarely could when in close proximity to Katya. So he remained silent.

He feared anything he said would ruin the wonderful feeling he experienced at finally being released from the past and letting Katya in. He cast a furtive look in her direction and the utter sadness on her face almost did him in. She slowly met his gaze and he thought maybe he had imagined what he’d seen because a smile, warm but tentative, spread across lips.

She started to speak. “You know, Frank…” She stopped, catching his eyes trained on her legs smoothly sliding into her pants and she shot him a look.

He shook himself and blinked when she continued. “Sometimes we make the wrong decision for the right reason.”

He met her gaze again, and realized she was halfway dressed and he was still standing there like a lump. He nodded for her to go on, while he scrambled into his own pants.

“We can’t take it back once we’ve acted on it.” Her tanks were back on and she paused. “The only thing we can do is own it.” Her arms slid into her shirtsleeves. “Learn from it.” She shrugged the rest of the way into the fatigue shirt. “And move on.”

Not sure where she was going with her words, he paused in his dressing to shoot her a questioning glance. Her next words really threw him. “Sometimes our mind makes a choice that hurts our heart.” She moved to stand in front of him. “You’re gonna need to remember that and keep it in mind.” Then she leaned in kissed him with a gentle passion. “I’ll see you out there.”

And then she left, leaving him wondering what the hell lurked in that scary brain of hers. Cryptic words aside, there was an almost final note to her kiss that had him worried. He finished dressing with the intention of tracking her down to make sure she was alright, when another thought hit him.

He hadn’t actually said he’d forgiven her … maybe she thought he was still judging her. Or, she could be having regrets for what happened between them. If that were the case, he decided to wait until after the flight test to bring it up. She needed to be on her game for the X-Fury test flight and things were almost always volatile between them, even on a good day. He’d wait until they got back.

Except Katya hadn't returned with him.

And he wondered if he'd pushed her into leaving. It always seemed to play out that way with them. They'd get close to something and Frank would hold back. Not because he didn't want her, he did, sometimes to the point of distraction. He reined it in because her father warned him. Never hurt his daughter.

Frank would never intend to, but Gregor's concern gave Frank pause. Tripped him up and colored more than a few on his interactions with Katya.

The constant push pull between them created friction. A lot of friction. Mostly the good kind … but sometimes not. Katya kept Frank off balance and he needed that, yet she also pushed hard when she wanted something and they'd go at it. Round and round, up, down, back, forth, and sideways. He'd leave to cool off and she'd follow … until he stopped, shot her his 'later, dammit' glare and wham! Her mouth snapped shut and she'd back off.

Frank couldn't do that with anyone else. Take five—or, hell, thirty—minutes to pull his thoughts back in and pick up right where they left off. But the break would see both calm, rational, and in control. Thank god he didn't have to do it with anyone else.

The ability to connect with her on such an elemental level had him finally giving in and deciding he wanted more with Katya. But he wanted to speak with Gregor first, let the man know Frank wanted Katya for keeps … if she'd have him. He respected his mentor enough to lay it out, but the ball would be in Katya's court. She'd make the call.

This one is coming along and I'm hoping to find some extra time to finish it up.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Domestic Partners

We're entering week … eh, I'm not even sure … of the social distancing and I'm truly hoping we start to see the case numbers come down. We're doing what we can to stay inside and away from others. We do try to order from our local restaurants a night or two a week to help support the establishments.

Had a slower than normal week of television viewing. I started out by finishing up Strike Back's third episode. I'm very excited for the rest of the season. I also caught the declassified short for this episode.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers and hope to finish it this upcoming week. So far, I'm truly enjoying this show.

Watched the end of a Gargoyles episode and got two more in. I don't remember Xanatos being such a cheesy villain when I watched this show with my oldest. Man, he is one though.

Started the first season of The Witcher. Gotta say I'm intrigued. Here's hoping the rest of the season measures up.

For fun, I watched the blooper reel for Dirty, Sexy Saint and laughed out loud a couple of times. I love how much behind the scenes Passionflix shares with its members.

Caught another episode of Arrow. I'm not sure if it's because I know it's ending or if the writing has just kicked it up a notch but I can honestly say I end up getting all choked up with tears in every episode so far. We're getting to the home stretch so I don't expect that to change.

Also watched another episode of Murdoch Mysteries and thoroughly enjoyed it. Having the ladies take center stage was much appreciated. I'm a little intrigued by Violet showing her sharpened teeth, which probably won't bode well for William and Julia in the next two episodes. That said, I'll be happy if Miss Violet Hart ends up going down in flames. I'm not a fan.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Domestic Partners, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tabby and Hale pretend to be domestic partners to keep the man who killed her husband from getting his hands on her. But when they're forced to live together, sparks and tempers fly, because Tabby broke a promise she made to Hale and he's not going to let her forget it.

And a sneaky peek…

Hale nuzzled her. "We don't have to worry. We can get by for at least a few months on our small stipends." His voice drifted toward sleep.

Tabby couldn't live that way. Growing up hand to mouth, she needed to earn a steady paycheck. Accepting the trifling amount the exploration corps allotted for their recruitment classes, didn't sit easily with Tabby. And, even if the explorers called and accepted them into the actual program, it would be three months of hard mental training and lots of studying.

Hale had the brainpower to pass anything. Tabby didn't have the same confidence. And if she failed … what then? A contingency plan. One she already had in place by signing on to work the mining colony.

At least until they knew for certain about the explorer unit, which could take three to six months. Waiting games weren't her thing at all. Not knowing if the corps would call the next day or hundreds of days from now drove her crazy.

But … she hadn't told Hale about the possible job. And her gut screamed she'd get a summons within the week. The colony always needed workers for the mines. The pay sucked, but the take home doubled what the corps meted out for recruits.

Turning onto her back, she stared at the ceiling. She'd cross that chasm when necessary. Why make an issue of something that might or might not happen? Because Hale deserves to know. Yeah, he probably did. But, dammit, they'd fight again. All because she wanted more from life and didn't want to wait.

Am I being selfish? Hale didn't really have a clue what growing up without a safety net did to a person. Love and support were second nature for him. For her? They equaled hard work. Something she didn't fear, but the niggling thought Hale would be better off without her dragging him down popped up in her mind a lot.

She'd worry later. If and when a call came through.

This one is moving along at a very slow clip. I know all the beats but the sages are being particular about the details. Here's hoping I get some time to dive in and really connect to the story.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dodging Reality

Gotta say, the whole limiting of physical distance and having my youngest's senior year pretty much cancelled is both easier and harder than I thought it would be. I have three people in the house who are pretty much deemed essential workers. One is in food production and the other two are grocery workers. If the reins get tighter on limiting movement, I'm pretty sure they won't get a break.

For me, as someone who's worked from home for the past decade or so, it's business as usual for the most part. I have more interruptions than usual but otherwise, my routine hasn't changed overmuch. There's something comforting in that.

Had a semi-decent week of watching television. I finished up the Heart Guy from last week and I'll give it a go. I have a feeling this one is going to have messy relationships and I always like train-wreck shows.

Also caught another arc of Classic Who. It's always fun to see the effects from the late sixties and early seventies. Doctor Who isn't any better or worse for shows of its time.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I'm finally starting to get into the relationships and getting to know the villagers. I love the scenery in the show.

Caught the livestream of the Dropkick Murphys concert on St. Patrick's Day. Terrific show and highly entertaining. I hope to catch some of the Broadway shows that are available for streaming also.

Watched the rest of season one of Danger Man. I'll be starting season two in the upcoming week.

Started episode three of Strike Back. Nice to have a familiar face back in the fold. Also, Chetri is really growing on me. She's got quite a personality and interacting more as an equal with the rest of the team. I love that.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Dodging Reality, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Take a reality show set on the front lines in space, add a brash reporter who wants the down and dirty secrets of the crew—and will stop at nothing to get them—and mix it up with a couple fighting their attraction while protecting their pilots from the ratings hound. Stir in a little backstabbing from the camera man and the outcome is Dodging Reality.

And a sneaky peek…

"I can't do it. I can't find the trap."

Captain Caro Williams watched her normally excellent pilot bring her bird down with a horrible crunch—so much for talking Lorraine "Jazz" Jazinski through the landing. Caro held back the string of expletives that rolled through her mind when the bent craft lowered down from the landing bay to the hangar deck.

She'd save the ass kicking for later. Maybe a good verbal lashing would snap Lorraine out of the funk she'd been in. Whatever the case, Jazz had some major explaining to do … if she hadn't been injured in that total crap landing.

Caro dashed out of the LSO's station and took off at a run. A film crew followed, hot on her heels.

Not an embedded crew who knew to stay out of the way when the ship came under fire. The ones who usually made award-winning documentaries about life in the military. Nope. The team her people got stuck with loved nothing more than asking lame-ass questions at inappropriate times—only to spin the answers into something unrecognizable. Led by a harpy of a woman reporter, Monique Presley, they seemed to be on it twenty-four seven.

Whoever thought making a reality show during a time of war a good idea oughtta be shot. Not that any of the top brass would ever own the decision. Caro figured they should all face a firing squad for the complete act of stupidity. Better yet, they could come out to the front lines and fly the damn missions with a camera shoved in their face. See how they liked it.

The cameraman almost caught up to Caro.

She snarled under her breath. "Catch me if you can, moron." Her face twisted in a grimace.

Caro started down the stairs to the flight deck and braced her hands on the side rails, sliding the rest of the way down, bypassing the last ten steps. She hit the ground running and figured she'd at least have a little bit of a head start before the camera crew caught back up.

Jazinski's canopy opened and the pilot slowly got up and removed her helmet. She had a scrape above her brow line but otherwise didn't appear to be too banged up. 

Caro let loose. "God damn, Jazz. What the flaming hell was that?" She signaled the waiting medics so they could treat her pilot.

Lorraine threw her helmet on the seat and glared down. "That. Was a shit landing. Where the hell was the trap?" Her gloves came off and she tossed them over the edge of her bird.

Caro growled. "Right where it always is. You missed it, Jazz."

Lorraine swayed slightly when she reached up to remove her collar. Caro narrowed her eyes. Something's off. Jazinski had a vacant look in her gaze. She's wired on something. The realization hit the same moment Lorraine bounded over the side of her ship and launched herself down the ladder.

She came flying toward Caro. "It wasn't there. The trap was not there!"

Jazz took a wild swing and Caro ducked, sending the pilot spinning around in a wild circle. The CAG, Vic Albright, caught Jazz from behind, restraining her arms, and Jazinski went crazy. She kicked out, catching Caro with a solid blow to her shoulder before she could grab both legs to keep Lorraine still.

Caro met Vic's gaze, ready for the question.

"What the hell happened out there?" Vic struggled to keep the pilot under control. She bucked and twisted, trying to break free. "Jazz never misses. Why now?"

"Because it wasn't there. I'm telling you. It wasn't there!" Jazz shouted and fought against her superior officers.

Caro yelled at the medical team. "Get over here. We gotta get her to sickbay now." The camera crew had caught up and the last thing anyone needed would be to have Lorraine's total meltdown on film.

The medics wheeled the cot up close and Vic heaved Jazz's upper body up onto the surface. Caro followed, holding her legs until they got her torso strapped to the mattress.

She nodded to Vic. "Check her pocket. Whatever this is, it's not natural."

He flipped up the scratchy opening and fished out a bottle. "Stims. God damn stims."

Caro sighed and worked her way around the cot to block the view of the camera crew. "This is not good."

Vic glanced over at the team filming everything and lowered his voice. "No. It's not. From the looks of this bottle, she's been taking these for a while." He groaned and Caro looked up to see Monique sauntering towards them, a huge smile on her face.

"Well, well, well. A little mishap on the landing from what I hear. Care to comment?"

Caro spun around and marched toward the reporter. "No. Get your crew out of here. We've got an injured pilot and she doesn't need this."

Monique craned her neck, trying to see past Caro. "Looks like she's okay, except for that nasty scrape." She made a move to get closer, wanting to ask questions.

Caro blocked her. "I said get back."

Monique huffed out an angry breath. "We're allowed on the hangar deck. You can't stop me." The medics secured the cot and started to move away.

Caro seethed. "I can if it's gonna negatively impact my pilot." The lead camera guy tried to move in for a close up reaction shot while they wheeled Jazz to sickbay. "Get that god damned camera out of my face." She balled up her fist and drew her arm back, ready to punch the guy in the gut.

Vic interceded. "Ms. Presley. They're taking Lieutenant Jazinski to sickbay. There's nothing more for you here." He gave Caro a look and she lowered her arm.

Presley jerked her head, indicating the crew should follow the med team. "Major Albright, I will interview your lieutenant. You can't stop me."

Tired of hearing that phrase, Caro let loose. "Listen, you raving bitch—" She grabbed the other woman's arm ready to forcefully haul her out.

"Caro!" Vic's voice cut through the rage. "Captain Williams. That's enough." He jerked her away from Monique. "Ms. Presley, you're welcome to see if Doctor Lohan will allow an interview." He nudged Caro toward the bent bird. "Go. Get started on the after action report."

Caro sneered in the other woman's direction but followed the order.

Monique gave Vic a rueful smile. "She's a bit hot-headed."

Caro grabbed some deck gear and pulled out a clipboard, keeping her gaze on Vic.

He flicked his eyes toward her but shrugged. "She thinks you're a menace." His gaze slid back to Monique. "And she's concerned about her pilot."

Monique inclined her head, acknowledging his point. "And you?" She trailed her manicured fingertips down his arm. "What do you think I am?"

Vic's face went flat. "Too smart to make more out of this than you should." He turned away from her. "Have a nice day, Ms. Presley."    

Caro bit back a grin. Way to go, Vic. The skill he had to shut people down with little more than a dozen words never failed to amaze her.

And the sour scowl Miss Hell in Heels sent toward Vic's retreating back made Caro's entire day.

Score one for the good guys.

This one is getting close to being finished. I have a few more scenes to nail down and get down on paper. I'm having a lot of fun with this couple.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Differences Settled

Yeesh, it's practically winter again. We had a bit of sun, rain, and snow today. Crazy. But I got to meet up with my two high school best friends for our last excursion before we hang back and wait to see what the global pandemic ends up doing.

Had a lighter than normal work week and got some cleaning done. I had some decent viewing also. Started out with finishing up the second episode of Strike Back. It ended up being a darned terrific episode. I have a nasty feeling how the series will end. Anytime a blood feud is mentioned … just saying.

I caught several episodes of Danger Man, putting me about halfway through the first season. Really like this show.

Watched an episode of Arrow and thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Russia. Also loved how John brought Roy back into the fold. I should be getting close to the big crossover event.

Got the Halloween episode of Riverdale in. Gotta say the whole Jason thing really creeps me out. Mr. Honey also creeps me out. I'm a Reggie fan even though he can be something of a douche canoe. I loved the Archie and Veronica storylines. But the best probably had to be the Betty and Jughead bits. Stonewall or whatever the hell the name of the prep school is has some dark twisty people. And, of course, Betty's ordeal with the prank phone calls ended up being well done. I'm not sure what the hell Charles is up to but here's hoping it's not something truly crappy. The little end caps with the flash forwards keep me intrigued.

Also watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. Loved the clip-show angle and revisiting the Meyer / Clegg rivalry. I had a true suspicion Clegg wasn't actually dead. That said, I'm not sure I like the fact he's not. Just saying.

Started a new series for me … The Heart Guy. I'm giving it a test run to see if it's what I want to dive into now that I've reached the end of Midsomer Murders for now.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Differences Settled, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Regan Tiedt and Finn O'Kellen are transferred to a new ship under difficult circumstances and find they have to settle quite a few differences with their new crew mates … and their commanding officer.

And a sneaky peek…

Regan stuck the last of her personal possessions in her rucksack. "Are you okay with this whole setup?" Getting close to Finn or pretending to his lover wouldn't be hard … but she had some reservations.

Finn quirked a brow. "Which part? The admiralty trying to cover its ass for making a potentially bad decision? Or the part where we've got a rubber-stamped pass to fuck up as much as we want?" His attempt at humor fell a little flat because both worked hard to be the best.

Regan pulled the drawstring taut. "Neither. I'm talking about the me-and-you thing." She cared for him and counted on his friendship.

And if they became more one day … well, she probably wouldn't fight against it all that hard.

Finn paused in his packing. "You're concerned?" He turned to face her, giving his full attention.

She shrugged. "The mission could affect our friendship. Not that it would be hard to playact with you." Might be a little too easy, in fact.

Finn's lips twitched. "So … it won't be a problem to be, um, affectionate toward me?" His eyebrows waggled.

Regan laughed. "Not showing it, no. Won't be difficult at all." She sobered. "But I could easily fall for you and that would beg trouble once the operation is over." Lots of trouble.

Finn's head dipped a little. "Because when we get back the frat regs would be applied again." At least she didn't have to spell it out for him.

Regan nodded. "If I'm being honest, yes. It'll be hard to go backward if we start something. At least for me it would be." And she'd bet her next pay grade he'd feel the same.

Finn confirmed her thought. "Look, it's the same for me. Getting involved with you wouldn't be a hardship, and I agree trying to fit back inside a predefined box would be more than a little hard, but let's see what happens." He put his hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "And always be open about what we feel, okay?" His eyebrows rose in question.

Regan agreed. "Yeah, definitely." Sound reasoning and easy enough to do.

So … why did she have such an itchy feeling of uncertainty?

With things being a little uncertain with regards to the pandemic, here's hoping I can get some solid writing done. I loved revisiting Regan and Finn's story.

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

ML Skye