Sunday Snippet: Slip of the Tongue

I had a jam-packed week of setting up a new PC and transferring files while trying to also stay on top of my work projects. In all honesty, I can't complain about the process. Of course, things went wrong because that's how it always goes. I didn't have the right cable to connect my monitor to the tower, but I found one in my stash of never-throw-away-this-type-of-thing pile of stuff I keep for that sole purpose. And once I figured out how to configure the network, transferring files has gone pretty smooth. I have a couple of final things to work out but I can take some time to do that stuff.

Didn't watch a lot of television because I needed to focus and my desk had several variations before I got the final layout figured out.

I did finish out season three of Batman: The Animated Series. I'm happy I got it done before the great wipeout from all existence. The episodes to complete the series were "Judgment Day," which I loved, "Beware the Creeper," which I also kind of enjoyed, and "Mad Love," which seems like a weird episode to end on because it's all about the Joker and Harley, but it's actually a terrific endcap for the series, because it's also about the role Batman plays in that relationship.

I also started a Battlestar Galactica rewatch with one of my best friends. We're doing weekly viewings and we've started with the miniseries. There were so many little things I'd forgotten and a lot of iconic stuff I definitely remembered. This show had such an impact on me and I'm kind of excited and terrified to travel on the journey again. LOL

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Slip of the Tongue a novella about two word alchemists that are tasked with protecting the premier of their district, which isn't an easy assignment because one has control issues and the other isn't quite what he seems.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sylvie Brown and Holden Baker are word alchemists, creating the strongest, most intricate spells in their realm. One slip of the tongue can bring catastrophic destruction … or it can garner surprising results. Sylvie learns two little words can hold a wealth of meaning.

And a preview snippet…

 

Holden grabbed Sylvie, hauling her up. "I didn't do this." He had no idea who the hell did.

The premier nodded. "No, dear boy, I did." He glanced over his shoulder. "A simple summoning spell worked nicely." His lips twitched a little.

Boone glared. "Depends on who you ask. I don't take kindly to being yanked out of my district."

Sylvie stiffened. "But why? Why bring him here when we've worked so hard to keep him out." Her voice went hoarse on the word.

The premier squared his shoulders. "To settle this once and for all. If he wants a war, he'll be sorely disappointed. If I can pull him to me at my will, he can't hope to keep his power … not when word gets out."

Boone snarled. "I won't stop, old man. You caught me off guard once, it won't happen again." An angry glare accompanied the threat.

The premiere tsked. "I figured as much. And you're wrong…" He snapped his fingers and Boone changed into a large, gleaming crystal. "I caught you a second time, too." He reached down and picked up the purple facet.

Holden blinked then laughed. "I'll be damned. We should've thought of that." A rather genius solution to the Boone problem.

The premier glanced in Holden's direction. "Sometimes, the old ways are the best."

Holden flushed under the scrutiny. "About that, I can explain." Or he'd at least try.

The premier waved off the idea. "No need. But you do owe us recompense. I think finishing the job you began will do to start. Mr. Thargren won't be the last to try force, but we will be opening a dialog to find a peaceful solution." He turned his attention to Sylvie. "I'll be relying on you for assistance, my girl."

Her head bowed. "Yes, sir."

Holden stepped up. "If I can be of help, please count on me." He'd do whatever he could to move things toward a good outcome.

The premier held Holden's gaze for several long moments. "Won't be up to me." He glanced toward Sylvie then back to Holden. "Prove your worth, son." He stepped back inside his chambers and closed the door.

Holden's respect for the man grew by more than one notch. No wonder his grandpa liked Angus so much.

He turned and faced Sylvie. "I'll be ready, bright and early, to start on the reinforcements."

She nodded and started to walk away, her movements stiff and weary.

She got to the end of the corridor before she paused, looking back over her shoulder. "Thank you. For tonight." She didn't wait for a response, continuing away from him.

Holden watched her with a heavy heart. "I have a lot of ground to make up. And it's not gonna be easy."

Holden really stuck his foot in the mud and Sylvie won't be quick to forgive, but he'll do what the premier told him and prove his worth.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Six Degrees of Separation

Had a fairly decent week with work projects coming together and the upper respiratory yuck staying solidly in the background. I continued improving and the cough is down to a manageable level with over-the-counter meds. Whew.

I'm almost finished with Batman: The Animated Series and then I'll get back to a wider variety of shows again. This week's episodes were "Love is a Croc," "The Ultimate Thrill," "Cult of the Cat," which I go back and forth on whether I like it or not. "Critters" is not one of my favorites. I do love "Animal Act" because Dick gets to revisit his circus family and it's followed by my favorite season three episode of "Old Wounds," which shows the messy breakup of Batman and Robin and how Batgirl played a role. I have a few issues with season three and one of them is the way Bruce / Batman became a complete hardass and, quite frankly, a giant dick a lot of the time.

"Legends of the Dark Knight" is fun because it's a complete departure from the norm and explores a couple of alternate versions of the dynamic duo.

Almost forgot about "Girls' Night Out," with Live Wire and Supergirl guest starring. That's a fun episode.

I finished up with "Chemistry," which is kind of a meh episode for me. I think I have three more episodes and I'll have the rewatch completed.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Six Degrees of Separation, a novella that explores the changing dynamic between two characters.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Melick Traynor and Ramona Peartry, two Academy of Light magicians, have a single passionate encounter after Ramona nearly loses her life to a dragon. But when they navigate their new relationship status, Melick has to step down as Ramona's precept, but neglects to tell her why.

And a preview snippet…

Melick entered Ramona's alcove and found her shuffling through the ever present cards.

He stopped and announced. "You're getting up today." He lifted a brow, daring her to argue.

Ramona flicked her gaze up and back down. "Really? You got a trick up your sleeve to make that happen?" Her fingers nimbly flipped the cards over, setting up a solitary game.

Melick smirked. "As a matter of fact? I do." He moved further into the alcove but stayed close to the open door.

Ramona grunted. "It's gonna take more than a flashy spell to make me move." Her fingers flexed over the deck. "And I'm not in the mood to chat, so shove off." The monotone barely changed.

Melick sighed. "Is this about the precept change?"

She shrugged. "You can't have any faith in me if you wanna make me someone else's burden." She still refused to meet his gaze.

Melick made a garbled choking sound. "Ramona. Do you trust me?" Why did she have to be difficult?

She snorted. "I used to."

He'd take the tiny opening. "Good enough." He moved closer and all but compelled her to look at him. "I can't, right this very moment, get into why I'm asking for the change. But it's not because you're a burden. Far from it. Can you just go with that for now?"

Pursing her lips, she studied him. "Fine." She rolled her shoulders again. "Whatever."

He bit back a grin. He'd gotten to her. She battled with herself, but she'd give him some room and lay off the snide, snippy attitude for a while.

She scooped the cards up again. "Still waiting."

Her voice drew him from his thoughts. "You haven't checked in with the mechno mancers have you?" Time to get her motivated.

She frowned. "Why would I?" She waved an arm over her injured leg. "I've been a little laid up."

Melick nodded. "Right." He eased a bit closer and leaned in a little. "See … the problem with being cut off and out of the loop is that you miss all the good information."

She narrowed her eyes. "What am I missing?" She shook her head. "I've got everything I need. Three squares. A comfy bed." She waved the deck back and forth. "Entertainment."

Melick gave an exaggerated lift of his chin. "Sure. Sure. All true." He propped a hip on the side of her bed. "But you don’t know the latest details about the dragon you felled. I'd think you'd be interested in that."

Shot him a curious look. "Why?"

He dropped a crumb. "They got the beast torn apart." He stopped there.

She made a frustrated sound. "And?"

He added another small clue. "It's not at all what they expected." He stopped again.

Ramona smacked the cards on the table. "Meaning what? If you don’t spit it out, I'm gonna have to hurt you."

And there he had her. Finally.

Melick snorted. "You'd have to actually get up to do that."

"Melick…" Underlying menace filled her tone.

He held up a hand. "Fine. The beast isn't all gears and motherboards, Ramona. It's biomechanical." He paused a moment. "A living, breathing, organic being."

Her mouth dropped open. "What did you just say?"

He leaned in. "You heard me. And it's giving the mechno mancers fits. They can't figure out how the thing functioned."

Ramona growled. "But that's my deal. Why didn't anyone tell me?"

Melick could see the burning itch to take a look fill her. To dive into a new project and figure out what made the dragon tick.

He grunted. "Well, maybe because you're all laid up and can't help out." He shrugged. "Too bad, also. They're getting cranky and that usually means they'll bring out the blow torches soon…"

I love this series so much. Melick and Ramona are a joy to write and watching them try to get their acts together is fun.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Sh*t Happens

Ugh. What a week. I ended up succumbing to the upper respiratory yuck that started with my middle kiddo. I took him to the doctor on Monday and by late that evening, I already started feeling pretty ick. Slept most of the day on Tuesday—not kidding, about fifteen hours—and still felt terrible on Wednesday, with worsening symptoms, continuous cough, inability to breathe regularly, and basically everything hurt, up to and including my hair. Got in to see the doctor on Thursday afternoon, got tested for the flu, which came back negative, got something for the cough and came home. Finally got some additional sleep and started feeling slightly better by Friday evening. Continued to improve Saturday and finally think I've turned the corner. Going to take everything nice and slow through Tuesday and follow up with the doctor, but at least I can think clearly again. Definitely a wild ride for a few days.

Did not get a lot of television watched. Well, I did. But I don't remember a huge chunk of it. I did get some additional episodes of Batman: The Animated Series in before falling off the cliff of craziness.

Finished up "Joker's Millions," which I remember but forgot how much I actually enjoyed. Also caught "Growing Pains," "Mean Seasons," a truly excellent episode, "The Demon Within," "Over the Edge," and "Torch Song."

I hope I can still finish up the final season before HBOMax sucks the joy out of life by removing it from their service. Fingers crossed I don't end up with a new yuck thing to deal with.

That's more than anyone wanted to know about my life this week! Tonight's post is from Sh*t Happens, a novella that sees the characters circling each other with a need for connection but a big fear stands in the way.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nyla White, an up and coming paranormal cage fighter, has buttloads of potential but her shit-happens attitude prevents her from attaining the top spot. Erik Stevens, her trainer, pushes her to use her emotions to own her talent, which Nyla is hesitant to do—because she's got strong feelings for Erik.

And a preview snippet…

"How do I reach her?" Erik waited for Nyla by pacing the half-center mark of the training circle and repeating the question over and over in his mind.

He had her fight queued up and ready for review. The list of items to cover landed on the lengthy side. He vowed to not lose his calm … she never reacted well when he came unglued. His best scenario had her coming in rested, relaxed, and ready to review and improve.

But … she entered strung tighter than a bow and only got more rigid when her gaze scanned the televisions. Okay, they'd need a change in plan. He couldn't handle a two-fisted dose of Nyla attitude right from the start.

He shut the screens off and faced her. "Let's work out first." Get the blood flowing, maybe find her happy place, then discuss the bout … worth a try.

She paused, tilted her head and opened her mouth. Erik waited, encouraging her silently to say her piece. Instead of speaking, she clamped her jaw shut and only nodded. Turning around, she started going through the opening moves of her discipline routine.

Frustration punched its way through his first layer of calm. But Erik rolled with the flow. He studied and observed, taking a big step back and watching the fluid motion of her body going through the warm-up. The graceful arc and dip of her movements, precise and near perfect through each degree, prepared her for the second phase by clearing her mind.

She takes my breath away.

He had to get through to her. Her underlying latent ability to wield magick would only grow stronger if she learned to control and use her emotions as a conduit. The breakdown always occurred when she fought her instinct to open up and remove her filters.

When she finished the first stage and eased into the second—a combination of static motion and the use of her ability—the energy in the air stayed pliant and easy to manipulate. Erik took the opportunity to join her on the circle. She faltered, only for a moment … but long enough to make her stiffen up and lose the rhythm.

She made a low growl of frustration and tried to push onward.

Erik grasped her shoulder, halting her movement. "What's going on with you?" She glanced away and his determination kicked into overdrive. "Nyla, you've got to talk to me."

If she didn't, they'd never get through this challenge.

Nyla and Erik definitely need to have a conversation even if Nyla's not a big fan of chatting about her feelings.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Shine One On

Well, the first week of 2023 is in the books and we're off to a wild start. Here's hoping the weird and bizarre world stage eventually settles in to what's supposed to be the Age of Aquarius. I have my fingers crossed.

Had a busy work week with multiple projects being added to my schedule. I'm excited to get started on them! The weather did it's usually mild temperatures dropping down to cold ones. I'm okay with the cold … if it stays cold.

Had an okay viewing week. I'm still continuing my rewatch of Batman: The Animated Series. I think I'll have it completed before HBOMax removes it from screening. Then I'll probably start back on my usual schedule.

I finished up the second season, which had a strong finish with "The Terrible Trio," "Showdown," "Catwalk," "A Bullet for Bullock," and "The Lion and the Unicorn," which is one of my favorites because it dives into Alfred's backstory.

Season three begins with "Holiday Knights," which is a favorite holiday-themed episode. I do wonder and can't remember if it ended up being shown out of order in the original run. I'm too lazy to check Imdb to find out.

I have some feelings about the drastic change in animation style for season three. There are a few things I really enjoy, but I'm not a fan of the reimagined villains or the complete total makeover they gave Bruce. I am fond of the updated storylines, moving Dick Grayson to Nightwing and adding Tim Drake. I left off on "Joker's Millions" and should finish that episode this week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Shine One On, a novella set in an alternate universe with a noir flair.

Here's the mini-blurb:

In a prohibition era, Maxine Wynne provides speakeasy owner Drake Kestleman premium moonshine to keep his customers happy. When a corrupt revenuer goes after Maxine, Drake launches a plan to get her out of danger and out from under the shadow of the government bureaucrat.

And a preview snippet…

Maxine put the case of honey—her secret ingredient for the best-tasting moonshine—into her cart beside her bags. "Thanks, Lulu. The guys go through a ton of this stuff." And made a ready excuse for her to keep the amber syrup on hand to make the premium hooch.

On the way to the exit, she bumped into Saul Ludlow, best friend to her former husband and a nasty, corrupt revenuer.

He narrowed his eyes. "Maxine. Sure is a lot of honey." His gaze searched her other bags. "Whatdaya do with all that gloppy goop?" He rocked back on his heels giving a sly look.

She played a little coy because she felt frisky. "Gee, Saul. I run a boarding house. I wonder what goes good with the biscuits we have with every meal." She rolled her eyes.

Like she'd ever confirm the man's suspicions. Just because she made the stupid mistake of marrying Ashford, didn't mean she hadn't learned a hard lesson. Don't trust the assholes of the universe.

Saul didn't like the fact she ran a business and didn't need his assistance after Ashford died. He'd been all ready to swoop in and save her after the funeral. When Beau told Saul they'd bought the boarding house with Ashford's life insurance, Saul threw down the gauntlet. He'd been hounding Maxine ever since.

He jabbed a finger at her. "I know you're earning coin by illegal means." He spat the words at her. "No way your little boarding house keeps you in such svelte style." His gaze did a slow once-over, from the tips of her low-heeled pumps, up along her stockinged legs, to the princess neckline of her shirtwaist dress.

She pushed back at him. "You're welcome to sign a lease as soon as I have an opening…" She checked an imaginary watch on her wrist. "Which should be the day after never."

He sneered. "How many hours do you spend on your back, Maxine? You've got a large group of men living there." He folded his arms over his chest. "You probably charge a pretty penny to dive between your thighs."

A passing woman gasped and ducked her head before hurrying off. Saul snorted, unbothered by being rude and crude in public.

Maxine squared her shoulders. "I sleep with no one but myself. Sex is not a transaction at my place. Everyone pays for room and board and three square meals a day." At least her books showed income from those sources.

Saul huffed out a breath. "Who does the cooking? Ashford said you couldn't figure out how to work a stove to save your life. And you couldn't tell a pot from a skillet." He shook his head.

Maxine got up in Saul's face. "Kind of hard to cook when you're taking blows from the pots and pans." She stepped back. "Something else Ashford shared with you." She turned and exited the store, dragging her cart behind her.

Maxine can give as good as she gets but usually steers clear of Saul … she might wish she'd walked away sooner from their confrontation.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Sentinel's Watch

Welcome 2023! Here's hoping everyone has a great year filled with everything good and terrific!

The final week of the year ended up being crazy busy. The weather started out pretty frigid but by the final day, we had temperatures in the fifties. I'm taking extra precautions because rapid changes in the weather wreak havoc on my sinuses.

I got a few more episodes of Batman: The Animated Series viewed. "Harley's Holiday" is one of my favorites. There's a lot of good stuff in that episode.

"Make 'Em Laugh" is also a fun episode. Very interesting to see the Joker as a regular Joe … until he's not anymore.

Batgirl returned and became pals with Catwoman, which ended up being a lot of fun to watch. I do have some questions on how Selena knew to post her message on the campus message board. Just saying.

"Lock-Up" is one I'd forgotten about, but I enjoyed it. I loved the ending where he pretty much gets exactly what he wanted in a weird, twisted way.

I also got to watch "Deep Freeze" and enjoyed having Victor back for a bit. Also nice to see another familiar face, which if memory serves, we might see again.

I'll be continuing the rewatch and hopefully get through the rest of season two and all of three before they're removed from the streaming service. I'm very annoyed over losing great shows for someone else's bottom line. Grrr.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Sentinel's Watch, a follow-up to A Capsized Buccaneer with Zeb and Kallen having another adventure.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After gaining some unique super powers and being rescued from a not-so-deserted island, Kallen Bond and Zeb Bertelli go their separate ways because Zeb cut a deal with his family to leave Kallen alone. But the deal can't last long, because the Bertellis plan to kidnap Kallen so more highly profitable experiments can be done on her and Zeb won't stand for their interference.

And a preview snippet…

Zeb Bertelli listened carefully to a one-sided conversation Kallen Bard had with herself. His lips curved when she made a garbled choking sound and basically decided to get over herself.

Stirring his coffee, he chuckled. "I can almost picture her rolling her eyes." He didn't attempt to see through her window, even if he'd probably be able to with his enhanced sight.

Somehow, that kind of intrusion would be too much. Just listening to her crossed lines he should be stepping over. Not after he'd cut the deal of a lifetime with his family by guaranteeing Kallen's safety as long as he didn't have contact with her.

His hand fisted the spoon. "Should've known better." And, deep down, he had.

His relatives weren't great on honoring agreements that didn't suit their broader agenda.

Zeb snorted. "Which is why I'm sitting in a diner at two a.m., keeping vigil over someone I promised to never see again." But he'd keep watch, from a distance at least.

He'd spent the last six months having no actual contact with her. "I miss her." A lot.

Which surprised him … because he figured not being with her would get easier. He'd never cared about someone the way he'd cared for her.

But he'd been determined to hold up his end of the stupid bargain he'd made. Until he heard her name mentioned during one of the family confabs. They had plans for Kallen, nefarious ones, if they got their hands on her.

His hand fisted again. "She's off limits." Or she should be.

But, the general consensus had been she might be too dangerous to leave on her own and she could prove to be a profitable asset if they played their cards right.

Zeb didn't like that idea one damn bit. "Might be time to rock the boat with seismic waves." For the first time, he pondered breaking his promise to his mom.

His hearing picked up Kallen's footsteps coming down the stairs from her loft apartment. Downing his mug of coffee, he tossed several bills on the table and got to his feet. He'd be following her when she exited her building.

Not that Kallen couldn't handle pretty much anything. She had superhuman strength and speed. But … if he knew his family—and he did—they'd have a plan to counter her power, especially if she didn't see them coming.

He waited by the door until she started up the street. "Good thing they won't see me coming or expect anyone to have her back." After all, his family didn't think his enhancements made him dangerous…

"I aim to prove them wrong."

I have a lot of love for these characters. Zeb and Kallen keep surprising each other and it's fun to write their interactions.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye