#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Her First Mission #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated.  Because of your comments last week, I added this next section. By the way, I also changed the last sentence, which read: “TAM-247765, you are next in line for liftoff.”

“TAM-247765, you are tenth in line to depart,” Space Flight Control informed her, along with admonitions that even a newbie pilot knew.

Genna shoved thoughts of the Chellian driver and her former boss out of her mind. She had a mission. Excitement filled her, as it had in the commissioner’s office. Her first mission. Find Quin d’Sernin.

And bring him in.

Along with the excitement came fear. Would she have to infiltrate Hallart’s gang? Did she dare?

That was the snippet. Here's a bit more:

Maybe she could find d’Sernin without encountering Hallart. She drummed her fingers on the control panel.

“TAM-247765, you are second in line to depart,” Space Flight Control announced. “Make your way to the liftoff ring.”

Genna taxied to the ring. Within mins, gravity slammed her back into her seat. The five-point safety harness kept her from being thrown around the cockpit while blasting through Bricaldia’s atmosphere. Tamerly’s ship handled the bumpy ride with little jarring.

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors. Stay safe and have a great week!

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Ready For Liftoff #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Sorry for missing last weekend. I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. I've skipped a few paragraphs ahead. Genna left the Chellian driver at the restaurant and walked to spaceport. 

As soon as Genna entered the cockpit of Ian Tamerly’s luxury space yacht, she tossed the tote and wig on the empty copilot’s seat. She ran her fingers through her hair and massaged her scalp. Stars, she hated wigs. Space Flight Control informed her she was fifth in line to depart. Plenty of time for routine checks. Within mins, she verified the mech Ian had recommended to get her ship ready had been as diligent as he’d said.

Without a good recommendation, no way was she letting an imbecile touch the spacecraft she’d borrowed. While Ian hadn’t been concerned about his ship, Genna would rather not owe him more than borrowing. She knew he wanted their relationship to progress beyond friends. She wasn’t ready for that.

Here's a little more.

Ian Tamerly was handsome, rich, a powerful force in the Central District. Unfortunately, she wasn’t attracted to him. Not like she’d been with Laning Servary. Ian’s attraction gave her ego a boost after Servary had stomped on it. Damn that man. He’d spoiled her for all men.

But not for that Chellian driver. Somehow, he oozed sensuality. She didn’t like short men. They used their overinflated ego to make up for a lack of height, boasting and posturing like a turken rooster. Still, that man sent shivers through her when he touched or peered at her with his golden eyes. He was a man she could—

“TAM-247765, you are next in line for liftoff.”

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors. Stay safe and have a great week!

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: I Prefer Sitting Alone #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. The chatty transport driver has brought her to a restaurant.

Unlike most Chellians, the driver was slender. In the transport, his flowered shirt had bloused out making him seem bigger. His hand on her waist contained more strength than a man who sat all day transporting people should have. 

“Is this all right for you?” He waited outside a booth near the back of the eatery for her to be seated. Behind them, a sign for san-facs hung over the entrance to a narrow hall, an exit sign beyond them. Good, a means of escape. CPIC Training Lesson #3: always sit with your back to the wall; Lesson #4: memorize all exits.

“We can put your tote on the other bench,” He easily slipped it off her shoulder.

 That's the snippet. Here's a little more.

She slid into the booth, then the Chellian slid in next to her, the corner of his mouth lifted in a small grin.

“Excuse me.” No way did she want to sit next to him. He disturbed her too much. Besides, he prevented her quick escape.

“Problem?”

“I prefer sitting alone.” She added a bit of Bricaldian hauteur to her tone.

“I prefer sitting so I face the door.”

Startled, she edged closer to the corner of the booth. “I do, too. But I can move.”

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors. Have a great week!

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Be Inconspicuous! #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. The chatty transport driver has brought her to a restaurant.

Your comments last week brought me up short. Yeah, why didn't she demand to get out? Why stay? As I've said before, you guys always give me ideas. So, I added a little bit. After he mentions the restaurant, she thinks that's perfect. It's not spaceport (where she wants to go) but close. And, if you remember from before, she never tells her real destination. She planned to just get takeout and go to her ship. Instead of making a scene (contrary to her instructions), she acquiesces. I hope that clarifies why she stays with him.

Snippet:

As the hostess led them through the noisy eatery, he said, “Bella’s mother owns this place—wonderful food, you’ll love it.” Then, he leaned in close, “We both have to eat. No fun to eat alone.”

His breath tickled her ear, and another odd shiver zinged through her. He was too close, too brazen. Too . . . too everything. Embarrassing. Unless she wanted to draw attention to herself by marching out of the restaurant, she would have to tolerate his touch.

The commissioner had cautioned her to be inconspicuous until she reached Galeriana. She would eat quickly, ditch him, and head out the back door. She had a mission, and she needed to get started.

Blurb (tentative)

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to the mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors. Have a great week!

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Table For One? #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. The chatty transport driver has stopped at a restaurant, despite Genna's objections.

She didn’t hold the door behind her, but when she didn’t hear the closure, she knew he’d caught it. She told the hostess a table for one.

“Hi, Bella,” he said to the hostess. “Your mom around?”

She grinned at him. “Not today. Come back tomorrow, and she’ll be here.”

The driver slung his arm around Genna’s shoulders. Since she was taller, he let his hand slide down her back until it rested at her waist. “Table for two, Bella.”

That was ten, now here's a little more:

“I said one,” Genna snapped.

“Aw, c’mon, sweetie.” He squeezed. “Don’t be mad. I told you I was sorry.”

Bella glanced at them and hesitated.

Genna dithered. What should she do? Twist away from his hand sliding down to her hip and make a scene or acquiesce?

In her hesitation, the Chellian driver said, “Table for two, Bella.”

How was your week? Thanks to your encouraging comments, I'm back working on this project. On the homefront, I'm enjoying the lessening of the COVID quarantine. Still not going out much, but we had dinner with our DIL and the 3 little ones, whom I've missed a lot. Next week, ta da, I'm getting a haircut. Can it get much better than that?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Disturbed by the Transport Driver #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Sorry for missing last week. I had no computer. Using an iPad made it difficult to even read posts.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Genna is in a conveyance (a taxi-like transport) with a chatty driver.

Genna started to smile but caught herself. It would only encourage him. The conveyance descended. After stopping in front of Filiana’s Diner, the driver got out and opened her door.

“You don’t have to do that,” she snapped as she swiped her fake card to pay her fare. Then she realized how churlish she sounded. “But thank you for your kindness.”

He swept a bow and gave her a cheeky grin. “My pleasure, Rimmer Girl.”

For more of this scene:

Ignoring him, she stepped out of the vehicle. She straightened, realizing to her chagrin that he was shorter than her. He’d seemed larger when seated. She chided herself that it mattered. His golden eyes held hers longer than necessary. Suddenly, the empty conveyance lifted off and zoomed away.

“Wait. Why did you do that?” she asked.

“I’m hungry, too.”

“B-But your vehicle . . .” She waved at the sky where the conveyance joined others in the traffic above, more now that they were so close to spaceport.

“It’s become self-operated. Clever, huh? I can eat, and it still works for me.” He seemed quite pleased with himself.

“Clever, indeed.” She headed into the eatery, hoping he’d take her presenting her back to him as a sign that she didn’t want to have anything more to do with him. Anything to get away from him. He disturbed her in ways she couldn’t define.

Blurb (draft):

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Rimmer Girl?

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. Somehow, I forgot to finish visiting some of you. So very sorry. I'm taking care of that before visiting for this week.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. The chatty "taxi" driver caught up with Genna outside headquarters. Before leaving HQ, she changed into a baggy shirt and trousers. She's now in his conveyance.

Dodging the heavy traffic in the skies above the capital city required concentration, not chit-chat with her. She was about to remind him of that when he deftly swerved around slower traffic. She prayed to the Matriarch that he would get her to her destination without an accident. Wait, she never told him a destination.

“Take me to—”

“I’m off-duty, and I’m hungry. We’re going to Filiana’s. You’ll love the food, and it’s  located near spaceport. That's where you want to go, right?”

Here's the rest:

“Yes, but--"

"C'mon, Rimmer Girl, you have to eat before taking off for your Matriarch knows where."

"Hold on. How do you know I’m a Rimmer?”

“Your clothes.” Again, he glanced back at her. “You wear them like a native, not a fake like those idiot colonists swarming over every planet out on the Rim.”

“How would a conveyance operator in Eleganza know about Rimmer colonists?”

“I’m well educated.” He laughed, a hearty belly laugh.

Blurb (draft):

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Enjoy this Memorial Day Weekend as best you can while staying safe. As for us, Hubs and I will celebrate on our deck watching the ducks in the pond.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Nice Disguise

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. 

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. The chatty "taxi" driver with the loud "Hawaiian" shirt is back, and he caught up with Genna outside headquarters. Last week, he talked her into getting into his conveyance. The last sentence was:  With pursed lips and narrowed eyes, Genna yanked the door open and slid inside, “Are you satisfied?”

He turned slightly and winked. “Yeah. Ready for Mid-Day Repast?” He named a popular eatery near spaceport. “I know it’s a little late but . . .”

“No, thank you, I’m not hungry.”

As the conveyance rose above the buildings, her stomach betrayed her. Its growling reminded her she’d missed Mid-Day Repast, and First Meal had consisted of half a protein bar. Being called to headquarters had twisted her stomach into knots in anticipation. She’d thought it best not to have much in her stomach, hurling in front of her superior would’ve made quite an impression.

The driver glanced back at her and smirked, “Somebody’s hungry.”

That's the snippet. Here's the rest of that scene.

“Nice disguise. Was it for my benefit?”

“Your ego is overwhelming.” She paused. “How did you find me?”

“The card I gave you.”

“I threw that away. Try again.”

“You threw it away?” He clasped his chest. “I’m crushed. Truly, crushed.”

“Oh, for the Matriarch’s sake.”

He twisted around. “See. I knew you were Traishan.”

“What?”

“Traishans worship a fem deity, the Matriarch. I kinda like that. Too many cultures have paternalistic deities. As for finding you, I have my ways, Rimmer Girl.”

Now, how did he find her?

I haven't posted the blurb (draft) in a while, so here it is:

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Hope you are all staying safe. We had a special treat last Sunday when our son backed his mini-van into our driveway and the whole family climbed in back (tailgate open) while Hubs and I sat in our garage (out of the rain) and visited with the family. So good to see the twins (2 1/2 yrs old) and their 5-yr-old sister. A great Mother's Day gift.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: C'mon, sweetie, let's go home #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and those who are like mothers. 
I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. 

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. The chatty taxi driver with the loud "Hawaiian" shirt is back, and he caught up with Genna outside headquarters. Last week, he tried to get her to tell him why she wants him to go away.

“So, what is it?” He snapped his fingers, “I know, I’m Chellian—you don’t like us—that’s racial discrimination, you know.”

She stopped and fisted her hands on her hips, “I am not a racist, I don’t care where you’re from or who you are—you talk too much.”

“Oh,” That seemed to stump him, “Okay, I won’t talk, promise. I can take you wherever you want to go, and I promise to keep quiet,” He made a zipping motion across his lips.

Not only was he being a nuisance, he attracted attention—several people along the walkway glanced from the driver of the cruising vehicle to her, then a fashionable Bricaldian fem sidled around Genna and tried to open the door.

“Off duty,” The driver grinned and added a shoulder shrug, “The missus and me had a spat. C’mon, sweetie, get in so we can go home.”

The fem arched a haughty eyebrow at her and backed away, “You are disturbing others.”

“C’mon, honey, get in.”

With pursed lips and narrowed eyes, Genna yanked the door open and slid inside, “Are you satisfied?”

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

As we continue to stay home or practice safe distancing and wear masks, we adapt to our new normal. I hope you stay safe, too.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: It's The Shirt #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. 

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. Do you remember the chatty taxi driver with the loud "Hawaiian" shirt? He's baaack.

As she strolled away from headquarters, Genna kept her eyes open and her senses alert. Suddenly, a conveyance swooped down ahead of her, the Chellian driver stuck his head out the window and hailed her, “Ready for that tour now?”

By the Matriarch, it was him, the driver who’d brought her from spaceport—she’d disguised herself, changed her clothes, and wore a wig, she’d even thrown away his card so how did he recognize her?

She ignored him and kept walking.

He cruised along beside her, his forearm resting on the open window, “Is there a reason you don’t want to ride with me? It’s my shirt, isn’t it? Some Bricaldians think it’s too flashy, but since you’re not a Bric, I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“How do you know I’m not Bricaldian?”

“You’re Traishan, right?” He nodded his head, “Yep. Traishan.”

“It’s not the shirt. I don’t care about superficial things like that.”

 Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Here in Michigan, we're in for another month of shelter-in-place. Amazingly, some people are mad at our governor for trying to save our lives. Please stay safe during this difficult time.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Genna Changes Appearance #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. 

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. 

After Vorinda gave her more instructions and background on Quintall d’Sernin, she finally left his office. Tripping lightly down the stairs, instead of using the conveyance, she stopped at the san-fac on the third floor, where she changed into well-worn trousers and big shirt made of coarse-spun, worn by space jockeys and other Rimmers. The multiple pockets almost eliminated the need for a tote, the gift from Laning, but she treasured the dark green zircan leather bag and would never toss it out, like the card the Chellian conveyance driver had given her. She wouldn’t see him again, even though she admired his persistence—what an entrepreneur.

Genna added the final touch to hide her identity, a nondescript brown wig that brushed her shoulders, which she fluffed it to make it seem more natural. Soon, she could go back to her original appearance, so she would be more easily recognized by those who knew her on Galeriana, according to Commissioner Vorinda as he gave the last of his instructions.

“I will be your handler on this assignment,” His announcement surprised her—while she didn’t expect Kolang to be her handler, she assumed she’d be assigned a senior agent.

To have the commissioner as her handler temporarily overwhelmed Genna—a privilege or a hindrance? Would he second-guess her decisions made in the field or give her free rein? He must trust her to get the job done.

She wished she had his belief in her skills.

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Please stay safe during this pandemic. Sending virtual hugs.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Quin's Not Such a Bad Guy #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. 

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Genna is in Commission Vorinda's office. He's given her a document to read that reports what Quin d'Sernin has done to earn a rescue--Genna's mission. I hope this gives you a better perspective on the agent in peril.

Quintall d’Sernin deserved a medal for the work he’d done to maintain peace in the Central District—he’d thwarted three presidential assassination attempts, his information led to the capture of five gangster wannabes, Hallart’s competition. Genna bet that endeared him to the gangster. Because of Quintall’s actions, his sister and the president of the Coalition’s son escaped the bombardment and destruction of Hallart’s hidden base.

She knew firsthand about the last—she and Laning Servary had been on a mission to rescue Trevarr Jovano, but they’d gotten to the destroyed compound too late. Celara and Trevarr would have been buried alive if not for d’Sernin’s actions.

Okay, he risked his life and his mission to save his sister. She was family—big deal. Then, Genna thought more, she had to quit being so impulsive. By rescuing Trevarr and Celara, Quin could have blown his cover, or at least made Hallart question his loyalty.

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Hubs and I have sheltered-in-place since mid-March. Like so many during the corona virus pandemic, we have "cabin fever." But to protect ourselves, we do want we need to do and, so far, we're okay. I hope you're staying safe, too.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Quin's Cover #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. 

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Genna is in Commission Vorinda's office. This snippet starts after d'Sernin's handler leaves.

“Smarmy son of a bitch—defiant, too,” Vorinda strode to the floor-to-ceiling window, his hands clasped behind his back, “Maybe I’ll reassign him to a remote colony, like Marin 5.”

The prison colony? Yikes.

“He was technically correct about d’Sernin.”

“Technically, sir?”

Vorinda’s lip curled in a half smile, “Quin was a wild kid, followed his no-good father from town to town running confidence games. It’s true he spent two years in a Menacan prison—also true that he was locked up a second time, but that was part of his cover.”

Genna’s ears perked up, “His cover?”

“Quin needed a focus, a way to channel his energy. At that time, Hallart was just starting out, both Quin and I recognized he would be a force beyond anything we’d known.”

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Here's a reminder that Spring is here.

Please stay safe during this pandemic.