Sunday Snippet: Choice to Make

Happy Valentine week to those who celebrate. I'll throw in Galentine, friends with benefits, and all things hearts and flowers, too. February is a short but sometimes brutal month. Celebrate whatever you can.

Very busy work week with some great projects. Ran into a few glitchy things in a manuscript and that slowed my flow down. I actually enjoy that sometimes. Makes me stop and think about the story and how to suggest better changes.

Semi-decent viewing week. Made it through my shortened list of shows but had no time for my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica.

Started off with the season three opener of My Life Is Murder. Still enjoying this show so much. I think three is the last season so I'm going to savor it.

Started a new two-part Agatha Raisin. Very much enjoyed the antics of Wilkes and I'm a little bummed that Bill and Toni aren't really connecting. Also kind of wish Roy had more to do.

Watched the season twenty-five opening episode of Silent Witness. Kind of cool to see Sam Ryan again. I think this season is focused around one main case and I'm kind of excited to see where it goes. Also kind of great to see Nikki and Jack maybe get their bookmark on the same page. We'll see how that goes.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Very interesting premise for this one. Enjoyed the unraveling of the case to find out who did it.

Enjoyed another episode of Elementary. I like Joan's resistance to staying with Sherlock but it would be more interesting if she actually said why she didn't want to stick around.

Watched another episode of The Batman. I'd forgotten about this one and kind of loved how Barbara figured out who Batman is then decided she had it all wrong. Fun episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. I have vague memories of the two vignettes and rather enjoyed both.

Got another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson in and pretty much loved it. The story is moving along and I'm excited to get more details to her past.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Choice to Make, a novella where the Fates step in and offer a choice.

Here's the miniblurb:

Hallen and Will never get the timing right until the Fates step in and give them a chance. But each has a choice to make, and cosmic irony may rear its ugly head … again.

And a preview snippet…

Will dropped his pen. That's it. The final tests are complete." He gave Hallen a wide grin. "It's habitable. You found us a new home." His heart filled with pride at her accomplishment.

Hallen blinked. "You're serious?" Wonder filled her voice. "I can't believe it." She slumped back in the chair. "What's next?"

Will's stomach growled. "I don't know about you, but I'm getting some dinner. Wanna join me?" He arched a brow.

They'd spent a lot of time together over the past three days. She might need some time alone. He started for the exit.

Hallen hopped up. "I can definitely eat something. My stomach's been in knots since we made orbit." She followed Will out into the corridor.

He didn't blame her for being twitchy. No one had known if the planet she led them to would be able to support life. The big, beautiful rock could, and they all had some decisions to make. Human and clone—living together… Could they finally get things right?

The not being certain might explain the odd restlessness he'd had since they arrived at the coordinates Hallen provided. Change is coming. He didn't know why the idea calmed and terrified him in equal measure.

The dining hall had a handful of people, so they found a quiet table in a corner. Hallen tucked into her food with gusto. Some things never changed, and another layer of satisfaction rippled through him.

Hallen glanced up. "Is it weird this is like the best pasta I've ever tasted?" She swirled another forkful up.

Will cracked a grin. "Amazing how good something tastes when it's sprinkled with a victorious feeling."

Hallen nodded and they ate in silence for a while. Once each cleaned their plate, they headed to the drop-off area. Will broached a topic he'd been putting off, mainly to avoid dredging up past hurts.

But she faced a big decision about her former lover, the one she discovered to be a clone only weeks before she'd disappeared. He'd put his life on the line—in her memory—during the final days of fighting for their lost planet. Toxic exposure to a clone-specific form of radiation ravaged through him and he'd been isolated since before her return.

Will kept his tone casual. "Have you checked on James recently? How is he?"

Hallen's face fell. "He's not good. He can't communicate verbally anymore. But he's still able to write and sign." Her voice lowered when they exited the dining hall and started for quarters. "He told me he's not going down to the planet."

Will paused. "Are you okay with that?" Even if she and James weren't together anymore, she rarely let people go.

She held up a hand. "Can we talk about this inside?" Her head tilted toward her quarters.

Will nodded. "Sure, I'm done for the night." He strolled into her space and settled on the sofa beside her.

Hallen took a moment before resuming their conversation. "To answer, no, I'm honestly not all right with James staying behind." She met Will's gaze. "But he made it clear, in the nicest possible way, that I don't have a say in his decision." Her eyes welled with tears. "And I get that. I do. But he's basically choosing death because he can't care for himself." Her voice broke.

Will's heart went out to her and the bitterness he expected didn't hit him between the eyes.

He put his arms around her and drew her close. "I'm sorry, Hallen. I know this isn't what you'd want for him." Hell, Will hated the idea of James staying behind, even if they'd been closer to rivals than anything else.

Hallen sought solace with James when Will walked away from her after their one night of passion. They'd finally laid the ghost of his brother to rest, and Will had been ready for them to start a future. Hallen … not so much. Will had learned a valuable lesson from the whole debacle. Hallen had to come to him on her terms. Not his.

She snuggled into him. "Shouldn't dump this on you. I made a mess of everything and everyone." Her gaze rose to meet his. "It's selfish, but I'm glad you're here." She put her head on his shoulder.

Will wrapped an arm around her. "No place I'd rather be right now." He meant every word.

She let out a small gasp and her shoulders shook. He let her cry the cleansing tears she needed to expel. He brushed his hand over her hair and murmured soothing words until she finally fell asleep.

They'd never had such an honest conversation about their past mistakes. Something real and true with no more hiding behind angst and snark. A big step for them. His lips curved and his head lolled on the back of the couch when his drifted eyes shut.

This story is pretty much complete minus a few finishing touches. I'm so excited to get it ready for publication!

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Choice to Make

The shortest month went by really fast. I can't believe we're headed for March again. It's been such a weird year and I'm actually kind of blown away that it feels like the last twelve months have flown by yet also seemed to last a decade. Seriously.

Had a somewhat busy work week and didn't get a lot of television watched. But I got a few things viewed. Started with Silent Witness and finished up the first episode of season nine.

I actually got two arcs of Classic Who watched. I think I'm almost finished with season thirteen. I like this season. There have been some interesting episodes and I love Elisabeth Sladen a lot.

Caught an episode of Peak Practice. I had to do some downloading with the IMDBTV app to get back into this one. That's what happens when I take a longish break.

As usual, I caught my mystery shows on Ovation and some Classic Perry Mason. Also caught a binge marathon of Hawaii Five-0. I'm hoping to see the last two seasons at some point.

That's pretty much it for television. Tonight's post is from Choice to Make, a novella that puts a heavy decision on the heroine and she has to choose how her future will unfold.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hallen and Will never get the timing right until the Fates step in and give them a chance. But each has a choice to make and cosmic irony may rear its ugly head … again.

And a preview snippet…

Hallen came awake slowly. At least she thought she did. Maybe slumber hadn't claimed her. It could be something else entirely.

Who knew?

She experienced a floaty, shifting kind of feeling. Heavy and buoyant at the same time. The space around her glowed brightly, but she couldn't find a source for the light. She tested her arms and legs. At least they seemed to be functioning properly.

What the hell? Does the crazy just have to follow me around? Sitting up, she made sure she had her feet on solid ground before standing. She might as well use them to explore. If the weird drifting sensation thing didn't make her fall over when she tried. Hallen took a tentative step forward and remained upright. So far, so good. Two more steps and she stopped. Looked down. And discovered she happened to be wearing a dress.

Not just any old rag either but an exact replica of her once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity gown. The one she wore during the Landing Day celebration. Only this one came in some soft, shimmery shade she couldn't begin to name. Not really gold, white, or ivory but a subtle mix of all three.

She laughed, not caring if the sound echoed all around her. Too bad Will isn't here to see me. He'd appreciate the humor.

Recalling the look on his face that day long ago, she figured he'd probably like the dress, too.

She sobered. Why a dress? Not even close to what she'd choose to wear for all eternity.

Oh shit. Maybe she'd gone to hell.

The thought irritated her. No … it pissed her off. After everything, everything … this could not be hell. Hadn't she made up for all the damnable things she'd done?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Hallen shook off the notion and made her way around the huge cavernous area, still wondering at the brightness. Like thousands of candles burning, but from no source she could find.

And the light followed her around, illuminating areas where she walked, staying lit as she passed through. "There has to be an end to this place somewhere, right?"

Hallen kept going and discovered several room-sized niches. She explored each as she came upon a new one. So far, there were eleven, laid out in random intervals off the main circular chamber. None of them gave her any indication of where she might be. In fact, they all looked similar to each other, only the colors were different.

Entering the last one, she found that it, too, remained empty of life. Disappointed, she made her way back to the center, surprised to find it no longer vacant.

Three women in ancient garb stood in the middle of the large space surrounded by so much light Hallen held up a hand to shield her eyes. She had a feeling answers were about to come her way. The thought filled her with relief and dread at the same time.

Making her way toward the women, Hallen stopped at the outer edge of the circle they inhabited. The brightness finally dimmed and Hallen got a good look at the three. One carried a spindle. One had a large staff held gracefully in her hands, almost like an extension of her limbs. And the last woman held an odd looking pair of scissors, circular in shape, with the markings of a sundial around the edges.

The Fates.

They couldn't be anything else, not if all her indoctrination as a child was correct. And if she felt a small pang of fear, it was only because the scriptures described the trio as crones who could be harsh and cruel, or benevolent, depending on their whims.

Hallen straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin, ready for whatever.

The woman with the spindle, Klotho … if memory served, stepped forward. "Hallen Marx, we are the Moirae, weavers of destiny."

Hallen kept her mouth shut when a craggy hand passed over the thread on the spindle. Moments of her life blinked in and out of focus as the spool changed into a spinning wheel, which then morphed into a loom.

Each and every connection she'd ever made with people, friend or foe, added to the tapestry that represented her existence. But it all seemed distant and out of perspective, so it appeared much less intense than it had actually been. Hallen found it odd and unsettling.

The woman with the staff, Lakhesis, directed her rod to the current moment. "Your destiny is complete, Hallen Marx. You led humanity to its end." She placed the tip on the loom. "The measured thread stops here."

Hallen shrugged. "I completed my journey, so that means what?" There had to be more. "Why am I here? Is this my end?"

Atropos moved forward, placing her scissors on Hallen's thread, then turned her searching gaze in Hallen's direction. "Perhaps. Have you found what you've always searched for?"

A very loaded question. Had she? Hallen considered an answer. She'd let go of the past. Resolved her parental issues. Ended on good terms with the old man.

She'd dealt with James. Managed to be there for him in the end, regardless of him being an enemy agent. She hadn't been the greatest wife, but she'd cared for him the best way she knew how and finally let him go to find his way to the other side.

And then there was Will. Always Will.

This story is pulling threads, no pun intended, I didn't expect and I like how those strands are coming together.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Choice to Make

March 11, 2018

Well… I'm coming off a bittersweet week. I got to spend my birthday with almost my entire family, which is terrific, but the reason not so much. We buried my beloved Gram on Wednesday and, being in Ohio, the weather ran the gamut from rain to snow to a sleet / hail mixture. Finally, the sun came out toward the end of the day.

Television had a good week. Legends had a great episode even if I can't quite decide if I actually like Damian's campy antics or if I really hate them. It's pretty much a toss-up.

Tuesday's shows are on my list to catch up on. The draining day left me with little to no brain power to watch television. The same goes for Riverdale on Wednesday.

I did catch Arrow and, as always, I enjoyed the episode. I rather like how they keep changing up the versions of Laurel. And having Roy back is always kick ass. I've missed him. I'm also interested in seeing how things play out with Dinah and Oliver. In all honesty, I'm a little on the fence about the Dinah character. Her thirst for vengeance isn't one I bought into, but I'll finish watching to see what happens.

I need to catch up on Gotham also. Totally forgot it returned at the beginning of the month.

Watched a little more of season five of Chicago Fire and still love the show. Looking forward to another DVD this week to see what else happens.

Started Jessica Jones this weekend and season two feels like it's going to be a wild ride. Can't wait to see what else the show has in store for me.

I'll be playing catch up on Murdoch Mysteries again, but I did see episode fifteen and thoroughly enjoyed.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Choice to Make, a novella that started as rewriting the ending to a favorite show.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hallen and Will never get the timing right until the Fates step in and give them a chance. But each has a choice to make and cosmic irony may rear its ugly head… again.

And a preview snippet…

Will looked over the plan for seven individual settlements, trying to make sure they'd get it right.

Hallen watched the tension build in his shoulders. "Bold move. Leaving the tech behind." She entered the conference room and moved up beside him. "Worried about problems?" As if she couldn't tell.

His lips turned up. "When am I not?" The large chart disappeared into his hands as he rolled it up.

Her question had the desired effect of distracting him and she chuckled. "Good point." She eased up onto the table, taking the spot recently vacated by the settlement plans. "What tops your list?" She wanted to see his rigid posture relaxed… at least a little.

Will shoved the pages into a protective tube. "Right now? Everything is jockeying for number one." He sighed and shook his head. "Got a massive headache at the moment. So many things can go wrong."

Hallen reached out, grabbed his hand. "Look, the peace will hold. Survival trumps old rivalries." She squeezed his fingers. "I think we proved that on the way." Pulling him closer, her hands slid up to his shoulders. "And starting from scratch, learning from the past is hard, but everyone agreed this pristine, rugged wilderness needs careful study. Everyone." Her eyebrow lifted, because no one had expected a unanimous vote. "They all want to find a way to live in harmony with the planet. Balance growth with replenishment. Avoid what happened to the old world."

Will nodded. "I know you're right. That this is right." He touched his forehead to hers with a sigh.

Hallen reached up and cupped his face. "Then what? Something still has its teeth in you."

Will frowned. "We have a future to plan. I can't quite wrap my head around it."

Hallen smiled. "Damn right you do." She didn't notice her word choice, but she felt the weird vertigo vibe. The one making her feel out of step.

Will drew her close. "God, Hallen. We ran so long, fought so hard… finally being here… it's almost… anticlimactic."

She got it. And chalked up the strange, eerie feelings she'd had up to not having to look over their shoulders any more. It would take some getting used to.

Hugging him, she slid off the table. "Come on. Time to get started on that future you can't wrap your head around."

Will laughed. An honest, genuine laugh. Her heart warmed and she snagged his hand. Maybe they'd finally got their timing right.

I've got so many pieces of this one and need one long writing session to tie them all together. Fingers crossed I can make that happen in the near future.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Choice to Make

Whew. What a week in television! First, Teen Wolf pulled off a pretty interesting ending for the summer finale. That being said, I'll happily watch Theo die in a fire created by Parrish if that ever happens. Just saying.

The Last Ship threw in a few more little twisty bits. I tweeted last weekend about wishing they'd stop killing my faves and boot off the Ramseys. Here's hoping someone heard my plea. LOL

Defiance turned in a kick ass finale. I'm so hoping it's not the end of the series, but if it is, I could live with the way it ended. That said, I think there's a buttload of potential left and hope to see more from this show. Dark Matter ended up being way better than I thought. Finally have more info about Two. It's a little sketchy but enough to keep me interested. And wow… I have to say I didn't see the end coming with Six. I'll leave it there for anyone who hasn't seen how things are left, but yeah, I'm in for more.

Not sure what Syfy has slated for their Friday nights now, but whatever it is, the shows have a tough act to follow. Fingers crossed for good stuff.

Haven't mentioned Dominion lately, but again, good show that's holding my interest. We'll see how they leave things for their finale. Haven is starting soon and I'll probably be a blubbering mess when it's over because I love that show so much. Stay tuned. LOL

Tonight's post is from Choice to Make, a novella where the Fates play a reluctant role in getting my hero and heroine together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hallen and Will never get the timing right until the Fates step in and give them a chance. But each has a choice to make and cosmic irony may rear its ugly head… again.

And a preview snippet…

Hallen shook her head. "Did you ever think to see this?" Her gaze left the porthole. "Ships that used to battle each other, flying side by side?"

Will sat back and observed her a moment. "I never thought to see you again. So this… not so astounding." His lips quirked upward, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

Hallen moved to sit opposite him. "Why did you push so hard? For the accord to go through?"

Will raised a brow. "The truth?" The look she threw him said anything less… not a good move. "You."

Confusion marred her features.

He explained. "You were gone. I watched it happen, Hallen. You're in front of me one moment… then BOOM! You're not. A million pieces. That's what it looked like. No way you could have survived." She grabbed his hand, held tight. He looked down at their laced fingers. "Yet you're here." He lifted their hands. "Real. Solid. Here. If that can happen… how can saving our entire race not?"

"Because everyone fought so long they don't know anything else. But you convinced them." Her miraculous existence notwithstanding, Will's impassioned plea to the masses finally turned the tide.

He shrugged. "Look, fighting a never ending, bloody war long enough to decimate the planet and literally end its existence gives people lots of reason. Any plausible excuse to put down arms and move the hell out gets snapped up."

Hallen's lips twisted. "Not exactly how it happened." So much death and destruction, sheer stupidity in hindsight.

Will squeezed her fingers. "No… you had a lot to do with making people see reason."

But for how long? Their track record didn't inspire a lot of faith. And sooner or later, more questions would come. She didn't have any answers.

She'd already had a taste of how not fun that could be. "Not at first. No one trusted me." She paused. "Except you."

Will didn't say anything. He couldn't. Their past would stay put… behind them.

She spoke again, sadness tinged her voice. "I don't understand it. I'm presumed dead. By everyone. And when I come back you finally trust me?"

The one thing she'd wanted more than anything. A clean slate with Will.

Will remained silent for a few more moments, no doubt trying to line up the thoughts in his head. "I realized… too late… I needed to let things go." His eyes met hers. "I thought we had time and we didn't." He dropped his gaze again. "But you came back… to me. I have to trust that." He raised his eyes again. "You came back. Not to James or Daniel. But to me."

She grabbed his hands again. "It had to be you." She shook her head. "That part makes sense. But I don't know why. Or how. Where does that leave us?"

Will smiled. "Right here. You have to lead the way. Find the planet you saw." He sighed. "And I have to keep everyone on the path. Make sure they don't kill each other before we get there."

Hallen snorted. "You've got the harder job."

Will shook his head. "I always seem to get the short end of the stick." When Hallen tensed up, he hurried to add. "I didn't mean it that way."

Old habits died hard.

She relaxed because the past no longer mattered. "No, but you'd have every right. We never seem to get the timing down." Hallen cupped his face. "Maybe this time, we will."

She ignored the niggling doubt, thrumming through her veins. The strange vibe that she lived on borrowed time.

It wouldn't be the first, or the last, time she fought fate.

This one is coming along nicely, I just need to put the finishing touches on a few details. Hoping to release in early 2016.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

First Post of the New Year--Sunday Snippet: Choice to Make

Happy 2013!!

To start off the new year, I figured what better way to open than with a Six Sentence Sunday snippet?

From Choice to Make, a work in progress.

A little tag line: Hallen and Will never get the timing right until the Fates step in and give them a chance. But each has a choice to make and cosmic irony may rear its ugly head…again.

Klotho stepped forward and tilted her head sideways. "They're going to have to pull together."

Lakhesis frowned. "They don't have to do anything. Look at the snarled mess they've made." She pointed at the tapestry, full of knots and snags. "So many chances…to set it all right…wasted, every one."

Atropos kept her eyes on the ships. "They'll get it right this time. You'll see."

Lakhesis snorted. "I wouldn't hold your breath in anticipation."

Klotho cackled. "You always say that."

Lakhesis snapped back. "They blew up their planet!"

Atropos nodded, slowly, thoughtfully. "Yes. They did." She turned back to her cohorts. "But she'll bring them together. Mark my words."

We'll see how long my plan to post at least weekly holds out. Here's hoping to a long time. *Cheers!*