Sunday Snippet: Wings Get Clipped

May is flying by ata rapid pace. This week has been intense with burning the candle at both endsfor me. This is a good day to take some downtime, which I'm trying to do today.

Work exploded thisweek with multiple projects dropping into my inbox. I have four nonfictionmanuscripts and three fiction manuscripts in various stages of editing. I don'tnormally have seven different projects going at the same time but, so far, I'mmanaging them. It'll make for a nice June once they're all turned in.

Had an amazing weekof viewing. I got a full round of shows in and caught a couple of extras. Alsostarted a new show that might be sporadically viewed until it's available forstreaming.

I started a rewatchof Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries this week. I'm waiting on some new episodesof a few other shows to drop and this is such a comfort series for me.

Caught anotherepisode of Brokenwood Mysteries and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very twistyand turny, which is always fun.

Enjoyed another episodeof Death in Paradise. I'm happy to have some Naomi backstory. I'd loveto see a bit more of that for the characters.

Started a from thebeginning run of Poirot. I've seen quite a few episodes of this show buthaven't watched any of them in order. This is another filler series until newepisodes start dropping of my current shows.

Watched anotherepisode of Elementary and quite enjoyed it. I'm always interested whenweird cases pop up and the cryogenics angle ended up being interesting.

Caught an episode ofBatman Beyond and have some vague memories of the first time I watchedit. I'm wondering if the Ts are in any way a throwback to Mr. Terrific. I mighthave to dive down that rabbit hole at some point.

Enjoyed anotherepisode of Classic Rugrats. I don't remember either of these vignettesand I liked both.

I finished up anepisode of Peak Practice and might start another one this week. This isone of my back burner shows and I'm happy I got to finish watching.

Started a new-to-meseries and watched Reacher. Gotta say I loved the first episode. I did abit of dive into write-ups of future seasons, and I think I'll stick with thisone.

Also got aminimarathon of Return to Paradise in over the weekend. I'm looking forwardto streaming this one when it's available in the US. Really enjoyed the firstthree episodes and I'm excited to see the rest.

That's it for thelife update this week. Tonight's post is from Wings Get Clipped, anovella that brings a couple together when they get caught up in a vendettabetween their superior officers.

Here's theminiblurb:

In the middle of a war, a long-standing personal vendettacomes to light against Schuler Grace and Gren Gambolina's commanding officerand it puts the two soldiers directly in the line of fire. Fighting the enemywithin, while doing battle with their adversaries on the warfront, Schuler andGren form an unbreakable bond to see them through their biggest challenge.

And a sneaky peek…

Schuler skidded to a stop next toGren, blinking in confusion. What the hell? He's not getting updates andhe's playing with wood and glue?Wharton didn't even glance up fromworking on the model ship. "What's the problem here?" He added a dabof glue to a sail and affixed it to the mast.Gren and Schuler started a verbalback and forth, finishing each other's sentences."Sir, you know the admiral hasit in for you. Transferring us—""Only serves to isolate youeven more. He knows we'd have your back—""No matter what. Why are youdoing this without a fight?"He continued working, mulling theirconcern. "Maybe I think you'll be better at covering my six while firmlyensconced in enemy camp." Another dab of glue, another piece added.He had a point. A good one. But…Gren threw a hand out. "Doesanyone else not see how we're talking about members of our own fleet as theenemy?"Schuler snorted. "So? They'reour foes. They don't play by the same rules. The fact they're gunning for ussort of proves that, yeah?"Wharton paused. "Not everyoneon that ship is against us. You'll find allies." He glanced up from histedious work. "But choose them wisely. Lotta people like to play bothsides." His gruff voice held a wealth of experience.Did he make a mistake early in hiscareer? Trust the wrong person? That would explain one hell of a lot.Gren tried to dig a little deeper."Commander, maybe if we knew what we're up against, we'd have betterresults."Wharton set the glue and modelpiece aside then briskly rubbed his hands together. "What don't you know,Lieutenant? My two top pilots and squadron leaders have been reassigned to theadmiral's flagship." He got up, grabbed a towel, and wiped any remainingglue residue from his hands. "You're the new blood on deck, meaning youhave to earn respect and fight for a place to call yours." He pinned bothwith his piercing stare. "You'll have your hands full, which you're usedto but they don't know that." An eyebrow raised, a silent question ofwhether he needed to go on.Schuler gave a terse nod. "Andthat gives us the opportunity to wait, watch, and win some people over."An exercise in extreme patience.Wharton's lips curved. "Soundslike you have everything you need." He glanced toward the hatch."You're dismissed."With little choice, Schuler turnedon her heel and started toward the exit.Gren followed but delivered aparting shot before leaving. "Sir … I can't shake the feeling somethingdark is coming. I don't like it."Wharton didn't pull his punches."Something dark isn't coming, Lieutenant. It's already here."Well, hell.  

I'm happy with howthis story is coming together. I love writing a good vendetta, especially whenone of the character's is unhinged.

 

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

ML Skye