Busy Saturday
Today, I thought would be a slow day so I could get some writing done, but no…it’s not turning out that way. I’m running errands and meeting a friend for lunch. Then later on, doing a favor for another friend.The best thing I hope I get done today is start building my website and newsletter. Though I will be writing, even if I have to ignore C and the cats…lol. I need to get some of these books I’ve got in various stages of completion done. Too many ideas, not enough time to write them. 🙂
Hope everyone has a great day.
Firebird- Part Forty-One
Firebird copyright(c) 2007 TA Chase(because Yvonne and Sylvie asked so nicely)
Part Forty-One:
Rue shook his head. “Let’s get back on track. We have the stone and we’re willing to make a trade with you.”
For a second he heard his mind yelling at him; telling him he was crazy to give up all those credits for a man. He met Vlatko’s dark gaze. Maybe it was the craziest thing he’d ever done, but it just might be the best if it worked out.
“What do we have that you could possibly want?” Zalaigh crossed his arms and glared at him through the vid screen.
“We want the Mitcovian scientist who created the liquid body armor that the I.U.M. uses.” Rue swallowed. Here was where they laughed at him.
“What? Oh hell no, baisha. We won’t give him to you.” Allaigh exploded.
Rue shot a puzzled glance at Vlatko. The assassin frowned and shrugged.
“Allaigh, calm down.” Zalaigh wore a confused expression. “Why do you want him?”
“There’s something wrong with the body armor. Its atomic structure begins to break down and eventually destroys the body from the inside out.” Rue tried to remember what Vlatko had told him. “The person it’s injected in to has a life expectancy of forty years maximum before their bodies can no longer sustain the damage done.”
“Why should we care about their trained killers? If they die, it’s one less danger to us.” Zalaigh pointed out.
“You’re right. I won’t argue that point with you. Before I was hired for this last job, I’d have agreed with you.” Rue shifted, not willing to say more than that.
“Some thing changed your mind.” Zalaigh’s gaze flickered beyond Rue’s shoulder for a second. “Or someone. It’s interesting to see a thief such as you brought to such an unfamiliar place like this.”
“Do we have a deal or not?” Rue didn’t want to waste any more time. Each minute they took discussing the trade was a minute closer to the I.U.M. getting a hold of them.
“There’s a slight problem. I can’t give you the scientist.”
Rue’s heart dropped. It had been worth a try.
“I can allow you to stay on Mitcov and meet with him to see if he can find a solution.”
Allaigh looked as if he had swallowed a fish. Rue could tell the security officer was livid about that choice. Zalaigh shook his head to keep the other Mitcovian from protesting.
“We’ll discuss it and get back to you, High Councilor. The way I see it, my partner and I don’t get anything more than just a meeting out of this kind of trade.” Rue needed to talk to Vlatko. He was almost desperate enough to take it.
Rue knew Vlakto was in pain, though the assassin never complained. The muscle weakness and headaches were getting worse. The only relief Vlatko got was when he touched him and the warmth from Rue’s hands filtered through Vlatko’s body.
“I’m prepared to offer you and your partner asylum. You may live on Mitcov for as long as you like. We will protect you and harbor you.” Zalaigh’s grin was vicious. “Once we have the Heart back, the I.U.M. can’t touch us.”
“High Councilor, we’ll contact you when we’ve reached a decision.” Rue shut the vid down and leaned back, stretching the tension out of his back.
Vlatko’s hands massaged his shoulders and he felt the touch of lips on his head. He sighed. They were a step closer to finding a way to keep Vlatko alive.
Firebird- Part Forty
Firebird copyright (c) 2007 TA ChasePart Forty-
Vlatko wasn’t surprised by Rue’s tone. Something about the High Councilor commanded respect. Vlatko made sure to stand in the shadows behind Rue. He didn’t want to seem like he was forcing the thief to talk to the Mitcovians.
“Are you here to beg forgiveness and return my planet’s most precious treasure?” Zalaigh’s tone was skeptical.
“No, Sir. First, I’d like to state that I didn’t know the stone I stole was yours until my partner informed me. I was hired for a different job and was told the theft of the stone would be my cover.” Rue’s explanation was basic, but unapologetic.
“We’re supposed to believe the word of a thief?” Allaigh interrupted.
Zalaigh held up a hand and stopped the other Mictovian’s outburst. “It matters very little why you chose to steal our stone. How much do you want from us for the return of the Heart?”
Rue shrugged and Vlatko could tell his lover was uncomfortable with the conversation. He touched Rue’s back, letting the man know he was right there with him.
“If I wanted credits, High Councilor, I would have screwed you all and sold the stone on the open market. I’ve been told I could get a fortune for it. I’m not interested in fortunes.”
“You’re not? Strange declaration from a man who steals for a living.” Allaigh frowned.
Rue gave the security officer a cold stare. Vlatko felt a swell of pride. He knew Rue had always relied on his charm and looks to get what he wanted, but Rue was smart enough to know that wasn’t going to work with the Mitcovians.
“I’m here to discuss a suitable trade with your High Councilor, not some pumped up security guard. Keep interrupting our conversation and the Councilor’s Heart will disappear into someone’s private collection. You’ll become slaves to the I.U.M.”
Vlatko wanted to cheer. He knew the Mitcovians admired confidence and strength. Rue was showing both by confronting Allaigh.
“Allaigh, shut up. Mr. Thaday knows he’s put us in a position of weakness. We have nothing to negotiate with while he has the gem and the presence of the I.U.M. looming behind him.”
“Nothing I do has the sanction of the I.U.M.” Rue laughed. “Trust me. I’m on their hit list by now.”
“Right and that’s why you have one of their trained assassins standing behind you.”
Rue shot him a glance. He didn’t say a word. This was Rue’s show. How the thief described his presence didn’t really matter to him.
“He no longer works for the I.U.M.”
“No one quits the I.U.M. Especially their Security branch.” Allaigh sputtered.
“They do if they have information the I.U.M. doesn’t want made public.” Vlatko spoke up, keeping his voice low and unemotional.
Zalaigh chuckled. “They must hate you.”
“I won’t be getting a Christmas card from them.” He moved back into the shadows.
Saw This…
over the weekend. It was pretty good. Little Miss Sunshine has a tendency to feel like a car wreck about to happen, but in the end, I think it redeemed itself.
We also saw Employee of the Month. Not a great movie, but it had its moments.
Took a little break from Tony’s story and Firebird. Have a short story I need to get done. Hopefully, once I type what I wrote yesterday in, I won’t have a ton left to do. 🙂 Then it’s back to the other two. I want to get those done so I can get working on the second book in my Dragon series. Mordred and George are getting impatient for their story to get told..lol
I hope everyone has a wonderful Hump Day.
Firebird-Part Thirty-Nine
Firebird copyright (c) 2007 TA Chase
Part Thirty-Nine:
Rue frowned at him. “If I have to. How did you know who to contact and how to get a hold of them?” He took the fire opal in his grasp. The gem flared as if a flame burned in it.
“Yes, you have to. Stargazer gave me the information. He also made sure the transport came equipped with a cloaking device. Neither the Mitcovians nor the I.U.M. will be able to find us unless we want them to.” Vlatko spun them around so he could point to a green button on the far wall.
“I see he thinks of everything.” He settled in. “I’ll do all the talking when the negotiations get started. No offense, but I’m not sure being subtle or even nice is your strong suit.”
“No. I’m the strong silent type. I’m going as your bodyguard and back-up. I’ll keep the gem on me until you’re ready to turn it over.” Vlatko sounded as if he anticipated Rue arguing with him.
“Why?” He stroked a finger over Vlatko’s nose.
“It’ll be harder to take the Heart from me than from you. Even with the vest, you’re vulnerable. I don’t have any weaknesses.” Vlatko bit the tip of Rue’s finger. “Except for you. I don’t plan on giving them the opportunity to use you.”
“I’m glad to know you won’t feed me to the wolves.” He moaned as Vlatko’s tongue teased the pad of his finger.
“The only person who gets you or your body is me.” Vlatko sucked Rue’s finger deep.
“Fuck.” He groaned.
“I’d love to do more to you, but they’re going to be contacting us soon. Do you want to talk to Allaigh or just to the person he brings us?” Vlatko set Rue on his feet.
Rue stuck his tongue out at the other man. “You talk to Allaigh. He’s your contact. I’ll deal with the big guy.”
“This is your show, love.” Vlatko stood up and leaned against the panel. “He should be back any minute now.”
As Valtko finished talking, there was a chime and Rue felt his shoulders tense. For the first time, someone’s life hung on his ability to charm and con. He stepped back to allow Vlatko closer to the screen.
“Allaigh?”
“Who else would it be, baisha? Where is your partner?” The Mitcovian male glared at them.
“Where is the decision maker? I’m not showing mine if you don’t show me yours.” Vlatko was standing right in front of Rue, so the alien couldn’t see him.
Allaigh sighed. “I brought High Councilor Zalaigh.” The security officer stepped away from the screen to allow the High Councilor to take his place.
At the same time, Rue switched places with Vlatko. Rue didn’t have any idea what he was gong to say. He just hoped he could convince the Mitcovian to give them what they needed.
The High Councilor was only slightly smaller than Allaigh and a softer blue. He wore a white tunic and pants. Hanging around his neck was a gold medallion. There was an empty space in the middle of the disc and Rue wondered what used to rest there. He figured it was a symbol of the High Councilor’s office.
“Ah yes. So the envoy from the I.U.M. was right.” Zalaigh nodded at him. “Rue Thaday. Who else would have the nerve to steal the Councilor’s Heart?”
“Sir.” Rue kept his tone respectful, but confident.
The end of the Weekend.
I was watching a PBR event yesterday. It took place in Fresno. This bull was in the short-go (which is the last round of riding to determine who wins the event) This is the infamous Reindeer Dippin. Probably one of the rankest, if not the rankest, and most difficult bulls to ride in the PBR today. Reindeer is an amazing animal to watch work. He’s only been ridden twice in his career which includes 23 or 28 outs (Not sure which..lol) He’s psychotic and mean.What does that have to do with anything you’re asking yourself right now. Well, this bull inspired me to write the last chapter for Home to Stay. Tony’s story isn’t finished by any means, but the last chapter is and when everyone gets to read it, you’ll know who the bull in that story is patterned after. 🙂 As you can tell, I get my inspiration from everywhere.
Got another 1k done on Firebird..taking me up to 42k. Woo-hoo! I’m getting closer.
I hope everyone has a great Sunday. I’ll be writing and watching football. 🙂
I stole this…
from Paige. 🙂 It was fun to do. Here’s the directions:So, here’s how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that’s playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool…
Waking Up: Throw Yourself Away- Nickelback
First Day at School: Retarded Disfigured Clown- Blue October
Falling In Love: My, My, My- Rob Thomas
Fight Song: Deliver Me -Sarah Brightman
Breaking Up: Awake- Josh Groban
Prom: Fade-Staind
Life: Coward of the County- Kenny Rogers (I’m not sure what this is trying to tell me..lol)
Mental Breakdown: Independently Happy- Blue October
Driving: Amnesia- Blue October
Flashback: Wild West Show- Big & Rich
Wedding: Father In You- Mary J. Blige
Birth of Child: So She Dances- Josh Groban
Final Battle: Angel- Blue October
Death Scene: Change Your Mind- The Killers
Funeral Song: Walking in Memphis- Marc Cohen
End Credit: Out From Under- Josh Zuckerman
The most interesting thing is I seem to have a ton of Blue October songs..lol. Angel by Blue October has one line in the song that I love…”How do you tell an angel you don’t believe in God?”
Didn’t get much writing done last night. Ended up having some friends over and watching some movies. The movies weren’t too bad. I’m hoping to do some work today, so I can watch the football games tomorrow without panicking about not getting any writing done.
Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday and try this little game. It’s fun.
Late Friday
Sorry about that. It seemed like I was busy from the moment I got out of bed until I just got home. Whew!
I was going to post something neat from Paige’s blog, but I’ll do that tomorrow. 🙂
Did some writing on Firebird. Got 41k done so far. Probably will need another 10k to finish.
Hope you all have a great Friday night.
Firebird- Part Thirty-Eight
Firebird copyright (c) 2007 TA Chase
Part Thirty-Eight:
Vlatko watched Rue walk away. He shook his head and laughed. He was flattered at how seriously Rue was taking this whole adventure, but he couldn’t bring himself to hope. He loved the skinny thief with all his heart and didn’t want to die before he got to spend most of his life with him. Yet he didn’t believe in miracles and that’s what they needed to keep his body from self-destructing.
He went to the communications link and punched in the code Stargazer gave him. His associate promised that the transporter came with a cloak that would hide the ship from Mitcov and I.U.M. radars. Also, he gave him the name of a person in Mitcovian security to get in touch with.
A chime rang, signaling that the communication link had connected with Mitcovian systems. He typed in a name and password. He settled in the seat and waited for a person to appear on the vid screen.
“Who the hell are you and how did you get this number?” A large Mitcovian glared at him from the screen.
He didn’t blink. It was the first time he’d seen a Mitcovian, but he knew what to expect. The Mitcovian male was enormous, scaly and blue. It was a vibrant blue as if the male’s skin was made from the most brilliant sapphire.
“Stargazer told me to contact Allaigh.” Vlatko didn’t show any hesitation.
“I’m Allaigh and why would Stargazer tell you to get a hold of me? I have too many other worries to be bugged by some stranger.” Allaigh reached out to push the off button.
“Wait. Stargazer knew I had something you need.” Vlatko reached into the small pocket on the inside of his vest. He held the Councilor’s Heart between his fingers and let Allaigh see the stone.
“Baisha,” Allaigh swore. “Where did you get that?”
“It’s not important. The thing is I need you to bring me someone who can make decisions for the government. My partner and I want to see if we can negotiate an outcome that’ll make all of us happy.” Vlatko twirled the fire opal and he enjoyed the heat coming from the gem. It was almost as warm as Rue’s hands.
“Your partner wouldn’t be the little baisha who stole it from us? Does he realize how much trouble he’s caused by his actions?”
He snorted. “He’s a thief, Allaigh. Do you really think he cares?” Vlatko leaned forward, focusing on the Mitcovian. “Listen. The I.U.M. set him up. He didn’t know what he stole until I told him. Now he’s willing to make a trade.”
“A trade? Who does he think he is?” Allaigh growled.
“Yes, a trade. He could have just sold the damn thing or even given it to the I.U.M. Instead he’s coming back to you. Just bring someone who can make decisions and meet me back here in ten minutes.” He closed the link and leaned back.
“Will he do it?” Rue joined him.
“Yes.” Vlatko turned to see Rue had dressed in black leather pants and a long sleeved green shirt that fit him like a glove.
“Where’s your vest?” He glared at Rue.
“It’s over there. I don’t need to put it on until we get ready to meet them. I should be safe in our ship.” Rue reached out to touch the gem.
“Fine, but remember to put it on when we leave the ship.” Vlatko grabbed Rue’s wrist and jerked the man onto his lap.
New Review for No Going Home
Thought I’d give some love to my very first cover. lol. Actually I got an awesome review from Anita at The Romance Studio for No Going Home.
5 hearts and Anita had this to say about my boys:
“These two characters demonstrate what is important in a relationship. Readers will be envious and will find themselves wishing they could find themselves in this type of relationship.”
Click here to read the rest of the review.
Thank you, Anita for that wonderful review.
Tonight, I’m going to get my new laptop. Can’t wait. 🙂 There are times when I can be as big a geek as C.
Hope everyone has a great day.
