Sunday Snippet: Raid at Midnight

Wow, half of July is gone and I'm trying to get my office organized and figure out how we're going to get my daughter moved into her dorm. If she can even move into the place. The clear out and organization is going better than expected. I ordered several types of smaller bookcases and some drawers to help corral all the crap I've had surrounding me for close to a decade. It's way past time.

I didn't get a ton of television watched this week but I do have a few updates. First, I'm still having feels about Arrow's final episode. There might be more coming about the series as a whole at some point.

Caught Roswell, New Mexico and honestly truly enjoyed the episode, "I'll Stand by You." The entire cast got some solid screen time and that makes me very happy. Special kudos for Michael and Isabel's arc and I loved Kyle telling Liz she's family because he gets what she means now. I'm starting to truly appreciate the complexities of the characters' interactions. So good.

Watched the penultimate episode of Strike Back and, damn, the cast brought their A games. Seriously, every single moment had me on the edge of my seat. The crazy fight between Coltrane and Wyatt topped the list because the size difference is almost comical but the entire point wasn't lost on me. The trio needed to clear the air and that was the best way to do it. And I'll freely admit I absolutely loved Chetri's journey. I love that she pretty gave a giant middle finger to her captors and that her end didn't happen before the team arrived. Another huge eff you to the antagonists. Excellent viewing. Seriously.

Started another new episode of Blue Heelers and this one is off the charts crazy. Different from the usual and I like that.

Began a rewatch of Hollywood Dirt, a Passionflix original. I love the chemistry between the actors and I also appreciate the fact that the casting department will go back to actors who are terrific.

Caught several episodes of Danger Man and both were ones I don't remember watching. Each ended up being terrific.

That's pretty much my week in a nutshell. Tonight's post is from Raid at Midnight, formerly known as Under the Black Hawk Banner, which became the series title. I've done a little research and decided I need to make a change for the series and it's tentatively going to be Under the Black Raven Banner.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Verity Jones joins an elite group of civilian protectors in a battle-torn land. She's the daughter of an ace fighter pilot who tore up the skies in the first epic war. Emory Cavendish is the lead pilot and his crew pulls off amazing feats, largely thanks to Verity, which drives their commanding officer mad to the point of putting Verity in danger.

And a preview snippet…

Emory quelled the urge to stare at the newest member of the group. Whitcomb already set a terrible standard with his lack of welcome. Emory didn't care who worked on their planes as long as they flew.

He led Specialist Jones down a darkened corridor then withdrew another set of keys. "We'll be heading to the east wing. No one is currently housed there, but it's kept clean and ready." After unlocking the door, he motioned for VJ to precede him.

She stepped through the doorway and paused. "This isn't going to cause problems, is it? Only having one person in the entire wing?" Her eyes squinted when he pressed the lightswitch.

Emory's lips curved. "Not at all. We're not fully staffed, but we do have a group that comes in to clean and air out the unused sections of the manor once a week. We have a cook that stays here full-time and his wife does the bulk of the cleaning and laundry. I'll introduce them to you…" He paused and tilted his head. "What do you prefer to be called? We're fairly casual around here since we're a civilian outfit." Only Whitcomb really adhered to rank and structure. "Do you go by your initials?"

His companion lifted a shoulder. "Sometimes. But Jones is fine. I'm used to being referred to by my last name." Her gaze darted away from his.

He shook his head. "We have two other Joneses. Do you mind if I ask what the VJ stands for?"

She frowned for a moment. "Uh, Verity is my first name. The middle name is Jay, as in J-A-Y." She rolled her eyes. "My dad's got a thing for family names and every generation's firstborn has that middle name."

Emory stopped at a set of stairs. "Up this way." His curiosity compelled him to ask more questions. "So, the firstborns are usually male then?" Her lips quirked and the smile reached her eyes.

She gave a nod. "Got it on the first guess." Her gaze raked over the landing when they topped the stairs. "Wow. I'm going to be the only one here?" A slight echo bounced off the walls.

Emory lifted his chin. "For now, yes. Whitcomb, no doubt, thinks you'll go stir-crazy not having any kind of company and you'll ask for a transfer straight away." He paused and caught her gaze. "But you're not gonna give him that satisfaction, are you?" He arched a brow to let her know he hoped she wouldn't.

Verity grinned. "Probably not. I tend to stick to my guns." She sobered. "And I will prove my worth." Her tone held a ton of conviction.

Emory flashed a smile. "I have no doubt…" Making a quick decision, he added, "Verity."

She blinked, showing her surprise. "Um, okay. I appreciate the confidence." She glanced around then met his gaze again. "Do I take my pick? I'm a little out of my depth here."

Emory shook his head. "Me too. And, yes, choose a room or rooms, whatever you'd like. I'll see if Mrs. Bainbridge can sort out a kettle and maybe a hot plate for your use." He pointed down the hallway. "There's a loo at either end of the corridor and you can do some washing in the one on this end if you need to."

He waited while Verity poked her head into a few of the rooms then chose one. A good choice. The window looked out over the hangar and the runway would be in full view.

Once she placed her rucksack at the end of the bed, he gave her a full briefing on the planes and upcoming missions. She asked intelligent questions, not surprising given the credentials and signatures she'd brought with her. But she completely threw him when she asked for details about a damaged rudder and the degree it affected the yaw. Only someone who flew would really think to ask something that specific.

Intrigued beyond measure, Emory started piecing a few bits of information together. First and foremost, the home office finally sent someone who could maintain their small fleet of planes and really understand how they got used. Secondly, she had a ton of pull if the president and prime minister endorsed her presence. And, finally, whether she liked it or not, he had a pretty good idea where her intrinsic knowledge came from. And Whitcomb is going to be dead in the air if he thinks he'll run her out of the group.

He wanted to verify his gut instinct, but if it proved correct, Verity Jones would be a valuable asset to the Black Raven program.

Female or not.

I love this series! I think I've finally got a handle on how everything is going to play out. There might be a few tweaks here and there, but the alternate reality thing is so much fun to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye