The Tannenbaum Tailors and the Secret Snowball

By JB Michaels

***READERS' FAVORITE GOLD MEDAL WINNER 2017***
Do you love the action of the Avengers and the whimsy of the Artemis Fowl series?
Your back is against the wall. Attacks on your home town have been executed effectively by a mysterious enemy. You are an untested and young rookie Captain. How do you fight back?
Meet Captain Brendan, a Tannenbaum Tailor who’s caring, noble, and funny. Will his good nature prevent him from beating back his enemies?
Now, meet some members of his Tailor team: Steve, his deadpan delivery and gruff exterior may just give Brendan the strength he needs. Lily, her calm demeanor proves a worthy trait in any situation, dangerous or not. Tonto, his wit and sarcasm, lighten the mood and brings balance to the tension

They will have to work as one to protect one of mankind’s most beloved traditions.
Join Captain Brendan’s crew in The Secret Snowball, and discover your new favorite action-adventure series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JB Michaels
• Release date: Oct 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005596354

JB Michaels

I have spent my life in the study of story from riveting novels to the slam-bang action-packed world of comics to the examination of film history, I have spent a lifetime learning and examining the elements that make a story incredible. This steadfast dedication has led me to write stories of my own.I am married and with a son, I have a great love of family. I hope that you enjoy my bestselling books that mash genres from thrillers to science fiction to fantasy!

Book preview

One

Christmas Rush

The Icicle transport swirled out of control. The blistering cold winds brought sleet and icy rain.

Lily, how close are we to the chimney?! Commander Brendan asked while gripping his swivel chair on the bridge of the Icicle.

We are only a few feet away, but on our current vector, we will smack right into the roof next to the chimney. Engaging SLEIGH thrusters now to stabilize, Lily, the Pilot and Communications Tailor, responded.

Four thrusters spouted from the top and bottom of the Icicle transport. They burned icy blue as they attempted to thrust the Icicle back to a stable flight pattern.

Another gust of wind spun the Icicle towards crashing into the roof. The SLEIGH thruster’s icy blue flames sputtered and gave out.

Lily, take manual control now. Get us out of this spin! Commander Brendan ordered.

Roger that. Switching to manual control. Lily put gloves on as the Icicle’s candy cane flight stick popped up from the center console.

The Icicle descended faster towards the roof. Lily pulled the flight stick towards her, attempting to position the Icicle upside down with its top facing the roof and the point of the Icicle to the sky. The Icicle buckled, then jerked into the position Lily so desired.

Commander Brendan still strapped into his swivel chair, held his hand over the booster bow and wrapped it around the left arm of his chair.

Lily, you let me know when to unwrap the booster bow. Commander Brendan turned his head towards the four other members of his team. Tailors, hang on tight!

The Icicle shook and almost went in to another spin. Lily gritted her teeth and held the stick tight. The collision alarm blared the first three notes of Jingle Bells repeatedly and more frequently the closer the Icicle approached the roof. Two inches from the icy roof, Lily yelled, Unwrap the bow!

Commander Brendan pulled on the starter ribbon of the booster bow. CHOOM! The booster bow ignited the secondary rocket thrusters on the domed end of the Icicle. The Icicle launched just an inch from suffering an icy crash on the roof. A bright blue and gold spark burned from the booster rockets as the Icicle, pointed end up, climbed to the top of the chimney away from the icy roof. The boost took them over the chimney opening.

Stopping the burn in four, three, two…one, Commander Brendan announced.

The boom from the thrusters ceased.

We have control sir. Starting free fall into controlled descent now, Lily said.

The Icicle now free fell and swung back to its vertical position, pointed end down. The Tailors were used to switching positions. Each Tailor sat on a swivel seat designed to shift with the vertical-hanging and horizontal-flying positions of the Icicle. Lily guided the Icicle into the chimney, down to the fireplace of their assigned home.

Great job, pilot, Commander Brendan said.

Thank you, sir, Lily replied.

Everybody okay back there?

A collective ugh resounded from his Tailor Team.

Commander Brendan laughed. Okay! Lily. We have a Christmas tree to take care of! Set a course for this family’s tree!

Two

Tailoring

The Icicle was finally ready to hook up to the Christmas tree. Commander Brendan ordered the rest of his tiny Tailors to prepare the ramp. Lily initiated the vertical swing procedure in the proper place. The Tailor’s Icicle approached a branch of the beautiful Frasier fir near the back as to remain hidden. Lily elevated the hook-scope from the top of the Icicle. Commander Brendan surveyed a good strong spot on the branch to hook onto and an adjacent branch to lower the ramp and unload.

Down hook-scope, Commander Brendan said.

Yes, sir, Lily said confidently.

All right, initiate hooking procedure.

A hole opened at the top of the Icicle, the North-Pole, Elf-enforced steel hook rose up and latched on the branch. Lily, very methodical and dependable, always did a great job of making sure the Icicle hung safely.

Team, lower the ramp. Unload! Let’s do this.

You got it, Commander, Steve, the fire tailor, replied with his usual unenthusiastic voice.

Tonto! What are you doing down there? Commander Brendan yelled.

Slow as usual sir, Irene said.

I am coming already. I couldn’t find my instruments.

You can never find them, Irene pressed.

Don’t get me started, little sister. How many bulbs did you go through last Christmas?

Oh shut it. I am older than you and am not your little sister! Irene stormed out over the ramp and onto the tree.

Commander Brendan knew those two would never stop bickering, since they were brother and sister. The arguing may lessen with time, but never go away completely. Irene always takes care of Tonto, and he always looks out for her in his own way. They work together a lot since she services the lights, which lower the water levels of the tree Tonto tends to. They seem dysfunctional, but they always get the job done.

C-Commander, we are all set here. Should I seal up the Icicle sir? Billy asked.

Yes Billy please do! Brendan said. The ramp door shut but didn’t lock. BONK! He looked through the viewport of the slightly open ramp door and saw Billy sitting on the branch next to the Icicle, rubbing his head.

I will seal it, Billy. You okay? Commander Brendan yelled to Billy through the ramp door.

I hit my head on the ramp as it was folding up! Ouch! I am good, Billy said.

Haha, as long as you are okay, your ornaments await! Commander Brendan said. Billy is a perfectionist and very good at what he does. The ornaments always look perfect but his focus on his job, often, causes him to not pay attention to what is happening around him, hence his clumsiness.

Carry on, Commander Brendan replied.

Lily, let’s get this command center up and running, right behind the star at the top of tree, Commander Brendan said.

Full equipment set up, sir?

Yes, make sure to double check the spirit levels in the house. That is always most important and yes, of course, the vitality, decoration, and lighting monitors as well. This is a big tree this year.

Roger that, sir.

I am heading to my crew observations and help where needed, Commander Brendan said.

Commander Brendan helped Steve set up various hydrants and hoses at key areas in the trunk of the tree at the bottom, middle, and top of the tree. Next on the checklist, Commander Brendan met with Irene and Tonto, who roam from tree branch to tree branch making sure all the lights and needles remain vibrant and strong. Tonto headed down to measure water levels in the tree stand, while Commander