Sunday Snippet: Veracity of War

Wow, March is beingits typical mercurial self. Warm up and then plunge back into the teens andsingle digits. The back-and-forth weather is normal but not fun.

Crazy-busy weekwith work projects. I'm thrilled to have my calendar filling up and excited tostart some new manuscripts. Also getting more details sorted out for Tip JarShorts. I need to find a full day I can dedicate to getting everything where itneeds to be.

Very limitedviewing this week. My brain decided it needed quiet to focus on the reading Ineeded to finish up for one of my work projects. I probably needed the break.

I did get more ofthe One Lane Bridge episode watched. I might take a brief vacation fromthis one. There's a lot going on in this show and focus is going to beimportant so I don't miss anything.

Finished up seasonthree of London Kills with the behind-the-scenes bonus episode. I alwaysenjoy getting a deeper look at how everything comes together in a series.

Started anotherepisode of Death in Paradise. I'm about halfway through and I like thetension in this one. Also enjoyed Neville and Commissioner Patterson being onthe same page for once.

That's pretty muchit for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Veracity of War,a novella that explores changing dynamics in a relationship.

Here's the miniblurb:

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

And a sneaky peek…

"To a good man and anexcellent CO. I have big shoes to fill." Emerson raised his glass."To Captain Elias Marx."Along with the rest of the unit,Sheena raised her glass. "To Marx!" She downed the shot and turnedthe glass upside down before meeting Emerson's gaze. "A speech wouldn't beremiss, especially after that excellent sendoff." She might be pushing boundaries,but she wanted Emerson to get off on the right path.And letting the unit know how heintended to move forward would quell any uncertainty.Emerson didn't call her out, but henarrowed his eyes just a bit before he took a deep breath. "A speech.Right." Squaring his shoulders, he directed his gaze over the entire unit."I couldn't ask for a better crew than the one I'm with right now. We'vebeen through the worst humanity has to offer, and we've come through thatgauntlet … maybe not intact or unscathed, at least not on a personal level butstronger as a cohesive group. That's where our strength is. We function better becauseof each other, because we have each other's backs. If we find a weak spot, wepick up the slack together and share the burden. Marx trained us that way, andI have no doubt we'll continue to honor his memory by utilizing those lessonsunder my command." He picked up a shot freshly poured by the medic. "ToRazor Company. Sharp and true."Everyone toasted. "Sharp andtrue!"Sheena downed her alcohol, savoringthe burn of the liquid and the words of Emerson's toast. Sharp and true. Simplisticbut hugely effective as a rallying cry. And that's what he'll have to be.As their new leader, Emerson would have to be sharp on the uptake and true tohis subordinates. Where will that leave us? She had no answer to thequestion, but she'd be the first in line to help ease the transition regardlessof how it might affect the personal relationship with Emerson.Two hours later, members of theunit started heading for their racks. Everyone wanted to be as well rested aspossible before the next mission operation. Sheena stayed behind to help clearup the glasses and bottles. And to spend some time with Emerson.After stowing the alcohol in thecupboard, Emerson made his way to the large expanse of windows, gazing into thedepths of space. The tension returned to his shoulders, and he heaved a sigh. Sheenaput the washed glasses away and observed him for several long moments. She hadno idea what kind of weight he carried with the bump in rank, but she did havea way she could help soothe his unease.Making her way to his side, shewrapped her arms around him. "What do you see out there? Because it's notthe stars."Emerson snorted. "I'm seeing ablack void that needs filled, and I'm not ready." He circled her waist."I don't think being a good soldier qualifies me to take over for thecaptain."Sheena frowned. "Marx couldhave picked anyone to assume command. He chose you." Her head tilted back,and she met Emerson's gaze. "Why do you think he did?" Emerson didn'tlack confidence, so what had him twisted up?He shrugged. "Honestly? Myguess would be because I'd served with him the longest." Easing away fromher, he clasped her hand and led her to one of the long, wide benches tuckedinto the alcove that faced the windows.Sheena nodded. "Okay, thattracks. But he trusted you to get us to the egress point. That has nothing todo with how long you've served with him." She swung her legs up andmotioned for Emerson to do the same. "You already acted as his de factosecond in command. He delegated a lot of responsibility because he counted onyou to follow through with his orders. Even the unspoken ones. You didn't haveto stop and think about how he would've handled things. You didn't have toquestion what he wanted to happen. And you never let him down. That's why hepicked you to assume leadership." The truth of that observation couldn'tbe denied.Emerson shifted his position andsettled her back against his chest. "Kind of like how you and I worktogether … perfectly in sync." His lips brushed her temple.Sheena didn't know how much longerthey would be, but she smiled. "Pretty much." She angled her headaround. "And not just during battle." Her hand cupped his face, andshe met his mouth with hers.Emerson deepened the kiss andworked the buttons on her shirt undone, exactly how she planned. She had asinking feeling their relationship would be in a for a big change, but for now,she'd tuck that concern away and enjoy being with him. Shrugging her arms outof her sleeves, she broke the embrace and quickly shed the rest of her clothes.

I like how thisstory is coming together. It's fun to dig in to an established relationship andsee what pops up when outside factors force change.

 

That's it for thisweek. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye