Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)
I’m excerpting Hostage To The Stars, which was released in June. Edited from published version. I’ll do one more snippet from it next week, probably Johnny’s first meeting with Sara, and then move on.
Since so many people were concerned what Johnny would do next, once he learned of the existence of the other kidnap victim, he guides the squad of soldiers he’s with, and Ms. Immer safely to the pickup point in the hills, which was his formal assignment. Then he goes to find everyone’s most hated captain. Here’s that snippet.
“Just fyi, I’m goin’ for the other woman,” Johnny said.
“Who the hell do you think you are, sergeant? You don’t get to change mission parameters to suit yourself – I don’t care if you’re in the goddamn Special Forces or not, I gave you a direct order. We’re not going after any other civilians this trip.”
“No, you’re not, I see that,” Johnny couldn’t keep the contempt out of his voice, “In my branch of the service, we don’t leave people behind. In case it’s escaped your notice, I’m not under your command – Special Forces operates independently.”
Holding his pulse rifle where it could conveniently be considered a threat by Captain Scortun if he was feeling paranoid, Johnny backed away.
“We’re not waiting for you,” Scortun yelled, “When our shuttle lands, we’re gone.”
“Good riddance,” Johnny said under his breath, as he faded into the underbrush and slipped away down the steep hillside.
The story:
He rescued her from space pirates … but can he keep them both safe from the far greater evil stalking a deserted planet?
Space travel without Kidnap & Ransom insurance? Not a good idea. University instructor and researcher Sara Bridges can’t afford it, so when pirates board her cruise liner, she’s taken captive along with the mistress of a wealthy man, and brought to a deserted planet. When a military extraction team sent to rescue the mistress refuses to take Sara too, she’s left to the mercies of a retired Special Forces soldier, along as consultant.
Reluctantly reactivated and coerced into signing up for the rescue operation to the planet Farduccir where he once was deployed, Sgt. Johnny Danver just wants to get the job done. But when the team leader leaves one captured woman behind, he breaks away to rescue her himself.
As Johnny and Sara traverse the barren landscape, heading for an abandoned base where they hope to call Sectors Command for help, they find villages destroyed by battle and stripped of all inhabitants. A lone survivor tells a horrific tale of the Sectors’ alien enemy, the Mawreg, returning after being pushed out …
Searching for evidence to give the military, Johnny is captured. He regains consciousness in a Mawreg cage–with Sara next to him. Death is preferable to what the aliens will do to them… And even if they do escape their captors, can they alert the military in time to prevent another invasion of the Sectors?
Buy Links: Amazon Kobo Apple iBooks Barnes & Noble
I like Johnny’s ethics. He won so many points with me in this excerpt. 🙂
You tell’em, Johnny!
Still… If the shuttle leaves without them, then how are they going to escape? Oh… This can go so many ways. ^_^
I have to admit, I’d feel the same. Great snippet, Veronica. 🙂
Good riddance maybe, but how is he going to get offplanet if he misses the shuttle?
I like the way Johnny thinks–go Johnny!
I love how Johnny is just blowing Scortun off. Though now I do worry he’ll be left behind.
Nice character development in this scene! Love his strength, Jean!
A man after my own heart! Loved the snippet.
Now that’s a hero! I have got to make time to start reading again. This one and Outbreak are tops on my TBR list.
Way to go, big guy. I’m with you and the woman who wrote your story-my best pal. Hugs best GF.
Yeah, Johnny! You write the best heroes, Veronica.
He’s correct and honorable not to leave anyone behind, but I’m with Ed. Does he have a plan to escape without the shuttle?
Go Johnny! A man with principles and a backbone, I like it. Although, how are they going to get away if the shuttles leave?
Johnny’s Special Forces and very resourceful 😉
Johnny is a such a noble hero, a such a good man.
I personally think he’s secretly hoping their shuttle gets shot down. Great dialogue.
Oh, I hope he has a plan beyond rescuing the women. Or not . . . things can get interesting fast when characters are forced to improvise!
Love that he going back. Great banter, but if he misses the shuttle, does he have another plan of escape?
Way to go Johnny! My kind of man! Love the heated exchange here, Veronica. Very well-written! 🙂
Love this snippet. You show Johnny’s character and Captain Scrotum’s (I mean, Scortun’s). I couldn’t resist.
Well that conversation didn’t end well did it? Great tension in the dialogue!
Love the heroic attitude, but he does have a plan to get off the planet????
Tweeted.
Nice face off.
Woohoo! Go, Johnny! Go, Johnny! Great snippet!
Johnny already stands out. I love how he slips away. Really who his mental and physical capabilities.
What a jerk! That one’s not a knight in shining armor for sure. I’d say Johnny’s better off without him, but I suspect the path ahead is going to be rough.
I really like that Johnny!
Hi veronica, couldnt find where to post this, but thought your review of the dark matter finale was superb and pretty much agree with everything you said… Very insightful
Thanks for the kind words on the USA Today/HEA ‘Dark Matter’ recap! Glad you thought I had some good points… Yeah we don’t have comments enabled over there any more on USAT, which is a question way above my pay grade! I did enjoy the show this season and I’m so happy it got renewed, can’t wait for season three.
Woo! Go Johnny!
I really love an honorable man. Hope he can get her, and himself, out of there. Great snippet.
I quite agree. We don’t leave a man (or in this case, a woman) behind. I hope someone holds back the shuttle for them.
Love this “good riddance” mutter! And his heart to go after Sara alone. I hope he finds her. I do wonder how he’s getting out of there if the shuttle comes and leaves though.
I love Johnny! He can rescue me from space pirates any day 🙂