Celestial Mates Complete Series Box Set (Books 1-5) (Alien SciFi Romance)

by C. J. Scarlett

  “Most see us as duplicates of some sort, since we are not yet proficient at individualizing our appearance. Do you think the brides will deem us as people worthy of consideration as mates?”

  Selene could easily see why people were so put off by clones. They were extremely similar to one another in appearance. It was a byproduct of creating clones from limited genetic material. It didn’t help that all the shunning had resulted in a lack of an opportunity for social skills development. She responded with all the charisma and positive support in her arsenal.

  “They’d be crazy not to warm up to your people. Anyone who spends a few minutes talking to you, would never think of clones as very similar. You all have very diverse personalities. Trust me, they’ll love you.”

  “I hope what you say is true and that they will elect to at least give us a chance.”

  “I plan to assure the new women that they’re in good hands with your people. A few of you have begun to develop a unique personal style. The women will probably warm up to them first.”

  “That will be good news for Jacob. He is quite eager for a human bride. I have not yet thanked you properly for assisting us in selecting more normative names for our last batch of clones or for teaching the subtleties of how to personalize our appearance. Your assistance has enabled us to take a quantum leap forward in integrating with other species.”

  “That was my pleasure. I really enjoy spending time with the clones.”

  “To be honest, now that we have evolved, the way forward seems so obvious. I’m surprised it took an external source to guide us in that direction.”

  “Humans have a saying about that. Hindsight is 20/20.”

  “Would you consider teaching us more of the mating rituals of your people? I do not wish the females to have an unpleasant experience with our people.”

  “Well… let me think about how to best teach that kind of material, okay, Shar Jalon? Or should I say Prince Jalon?”

  His head tilted sideways in a gesture so human, it took her by surprise. “Since we have formed the Sylon Alliance, it is appropriate to refer to me as such.”

  “You don’t look pleased.”

  “I am pleased to be part of the alliance. It promises to be the salvation of my people and gives us a home world in this quadrant of space. Our people have never had a royal line. Being referred to as a prince does not sit well with me. It carries with it an inherent elitism that clones despise.”

  “How are leaders selected among your people?”

  “Through contests of skill, intelligence, and cunning.”

  Selene had a hard time imaging the very reserved clones competing in any type of fighting tournament. They could fight but unlike Krylon warriors, they just didn’t seem to enjoy it.

  “Twenty turns of the seasons post vat, I was tested…”

  “What is post vat?”

  “We are grown in large clear cylinders of liquid that closely resembles the make-up of a female’s amniotic fluid. We count our years since being removed from the cylinder or vat.”

  Selene nodded her understanding. She’d seen the cylinders in the cloning lab. It was still a little shocking to see full-sized males just before processing them out. The lighting gave off a soft glow, making the clones seem like a bizarre cross between innocent newborns and fully grown males. It did her head in every single time she visited them.

  “During my time, we had the luxury of being trained in real time. It took twenty solar revolutions of living and learning before I was deemed independent. Then we are tested in many ways. I was one of the most intelligent and adaptable of my kind, thus I was selected for a mission into deep space.”

  “Your mission was to look for compatible females, wasn’t it?”

  “You have a keen intellect yourself, Lady Selene. That was indeed my primary mission.”

  Pressing one hand to the glass observation window, she spoke carefully. “Now that you have secured three females, what are your intentions? Do you have a plan?”

  “I have thought of little else since the Krylon captain first contacted me. Three females are not enough genetic diversity to begin production of female clones. We will add their biological samples to our collection for the time being.”

  “You will rely upon brides for reproduction?”

  “I will follow your advice about allowing the females to select their own mates from among the males aboard this vessel. If they find none they like, I will ask you to trade them out for females that can find it in their hearts to accept a clone. Forcing them to accept us will only result in a lack of trust, which in turn may lead to generalized reluctance to join with us. I’ll not squander this opportunity by being overly eager.”

  Reaching to grab his upper arm, Selene stated emphatically. “This is another reason I believe the females will flock to you and your males. Your dedication to honoring their choices will not go unnoticed. Stand fast to your convictions in this area.”

  “You give me cause to hope where there was none before.”

  A female voice joined the mix. “I second that glowing endorsement, Shar Jalon.”

  Selene glanced over to see her mother standing in the door, with Koal and Korban crowding in behind her.

  Korban strolled over and swept Selene up into his arms. “So, you think the clones will garner all the attention, my little Fire Princess. You think the human females will choose the clones even over my own people?”

  Selene giggled, kicking her feet to be put down. “I’d say it depends on the woman. Now put me down, you big oaf.”

  Korban stood her on her feet, grumbling under his breath. “That is no way to speak to a member of the imperial family.”

  Selene pulled him closer and he bent for a kiss. “Remember, big guy, you aren’t a member of the imperial family anymore. You broke ties with them.”

  “How could I forget? We opted for saving more humans over a life of abject luxury.” His fake angst wasn’t fooling anyone. She knew he was excited about opening his planet to different species as well.

  Grinning, Selene pulled back. “So, what’s the verdict? Did Earth Gov accept our treaty for review?”

  “Ambassador Jefferson MacDowell assures us it is all but accepted. You were correct in believing that Earth Gov would jump at the chance for a new home world. Our new alliance offers what other worlds cannot.”

  Koal wrapped his arms tenderly around Elaine’s waist. “This treaty guarantees Earth will provide one thousand females every lunar cycle for an entire year and unlimited access to human females, once they settle on your world. If they solidify the agreement, it will be an unprecedented accomplishment, Prince Korban.”

  Korban swiftly corrected him. “It is no longer my world, remember? Three princes, one world. That was our agreement.”

  The three men looked thoughtfully at each other.

  “So, what’s the plan?” Elaine’s innocent question elicited smiles from all three males, but it was Korban who answered.

  “My sister and her mate will stay on Earth and ensure the humans comply with the treaty provisions. I’m leaving her enough ships and warriors to protect our claim. Once we have formalized the treaty and receive our first thousand brides, we will distribute them evenly among our three vessels and head for the Sylon home world.”

  Selene nodded. “Traveling together is safer, considering the cargo.”

  Koal interjected smoothly. “I am leaving several of our freighters in the area. They will be tasked with transporting brides to the Sylon home world every lunar cycle. They are spacious and well-armed enough to ensure the safety of our precious human brides.”

  Shar Jalon nodded. “Both Korban and I, are each leaving behind fifty or so caretakers aboard the Candorian freighters. Most of our males are career medical officers, so they will handle any emergency medical needs the women may have.”

  Selene looked from one to the other of the males. “It sounds like a good plan, however…” Trailing off with a wave of her hand, everyone k
new what her concern was because it was theirs as well.

  Korban frowned. “We have tasked Princess Shafra and Commander Tref with ensuring the corporations are not involved in preparing for the relocation of your people to our world. They are responsible for squandering the resources of Earth. We will not give them the opportunity to do the same on our home world.”

  “I’m not certain I have a good idea of exactly what happened on Earth after I left.”

  Elaine spoke up, self-consciously. “When the ozone layer collapsed, ultraviolet radiation and sun flares wiped out most of the remaining plant and animal life before we could coordinate a plan of defense. The Intergalactic Council stepped in providing bio-domes to shelter us until the underground cities could be completed. Now the surface of our world is a barren dust bowl and our oceans have turned acidic. We have to wear a respirator and protection from the sun’s rays when we go above ground.”

  Selene sighed. “It seems that Earth is in desperate need of a new home world. That means Earth Gov will agree to any reasonable provision to begin a new human colony.”

  Korban nodded. “We hope for the Sylon home world to be a new start for all our peoples. If we stand united, it will be proof positive that differing species can live together in harmony without spoiling their natural environment.”

  The room fell silent as they mulled over Korban’s words. Selene had to admit, it felt very much like seeing history in the making for her people.

  CHAPTER 3

  ~Ambassador Ular~

  Ambassador Ular folded his hands in his lap and quietly responded. “Our alliance will be very disappointed that you have elected not to join us on the Sylon home world.”

  “I never said we didn’t want to join you.” The older man’s voice was taut with anxiety.

  Ignoring the human ambassador, Ular continued. “Fortunately, I have an alternative treaty for you to consider. It involves a straight trade, resources that Earth is in desperate need of in exchange for brides. It is very similar in nature to the deal you just struck with our Krylon brothers.”

  Ambassador Jefferson MacDowell sat up in his seat. “Now hold on just a minute. We’re interested in negotiating the details of the original treaty. Thus far, you are the only world able to offer relocation for human families.”

  “You were already told there will be no negotiation of the particulars of the original offer, Ambassador MacDowell. It was a one-time only offer. I made it abundantly clear during our first meeting that the alliance is not flexible on making accommodations for corporate interests. You have abdicated that original offer by electing to advocate on behalf of those who are responsible for the devastation on your world.”

  “I didn’t abdicate it. Earth Gov asked that I test your resolve on this issue. “

  “I reviewed the treaty you made with our Krylon brothers, in its various incarnations. You are aware that we do not bend on key points of interest. Trying to force our hand now must result in a penalty. We cannot leave you with the impression that we are an easy mark.”

  The other man’s lips pressed into a firm line.

  “The new offer involves an increase of five hundred females per lunar cycle and Earth Gov forfeits its right to full partnership in governance for a period of five years after the settlement is up and running.”

  “That’s a pretty steep damn penalty.”

  “Let’s be honest with one another, Ambassador. The alliance cannot hope to offer sanctuary to more than a quarter of Earth’s current population. Let the corporations continue to hold onto whatever power they can manage on Earth and let those people who most wish to live a sustainable life leave.”

  The older man replied wryly. “Your idea may have more merit than you realize. The groups that want a sustainable Earth lost their battle, yet they are a chronic source of irritation for the corporations. They complain, demonstrate and cast aspersions upon those they deem responsible for their current misery. Being rid of them might be best all the way around.”

  “If it is any consolation, we plan to continue trading for brides once the relocation is complete. We have millions of males. The numbers will never be such that we no longer look for brides.”

  “In that case, I will recommend that Earth Gov stop waffling and take the deal, before it changes yet again.”

  “It only changes when you attempt to force your will onto the alliance. We learned long ago that allowing other worlds to push us without a consequence is the very definition of weakness.”

  “Humans have a different understanding of negotiations. We negotiate back and forth until a compromise is reached. I did recommend that we not push the alliance, based on our history with the Krylon.”

  “It is unfortunate Earth Gov did not listen to your good advice. The princes request that I inquire if you are planning on relocating to the Sylon home world.”

  “I was under the impression from the language in the treaty that you were interested in young families.”

  “We are accustomed to making exceptions for those intimately involved in our treaties. You are welcome to come and go as you please or settle on our world. It would put you very close to your own daughter. I understand she intends to reside on the Krylon home world. Congratulations are in order on her pending nuptials.”

  Suddenly the other man was smiling. “Thank you. We were pleased by the match between Ambassador Teric and her. My wife would be thrilled with the opportunity to visit them.”

  “We can take her along with the brides any lunar cycle she chooses and you when our business is concluded. Would that be acceptable?”

  “That is a very generous offer, one I look forward to accepting.”

  “Speak to your government. I must now plan for yet more brides. We are fortunate that the Candorian freighters are so large.”

  “It is a small price to pay for the continuation of our species.”

  “We would not allow that to happen in any event. It is too bad the Galactic Council is so stubborn about keeping indigenous people on their home worlds. They would have been a great help.”

  “Humans will soon have a very poor quality of life on Earth.”

  Sighing, Ular explained the way of the verse. “I have been to the far corners of space controlled by the Intergalactic Council. Earth is not the only barren world with few resources to trade. You are now deemed a space-worthy people. You are free to trade brides for ships and defensive systems. I suspect that your corporations will simply transform into a trade federation. This is not unusual in the verse.”

  “That idea is already being explored. Our corporate executives are shrewd businessmen. I’m certain they will survive if none of the rest of us do.”

  Ular smiled at his counterpart’s teasing tone. “I’m sure they won’t be among the worst in the verse.”

  CHAPTER 4

  ~Madison~

  Madison woke feeling a little sick at her stomach. The big alien doctor hovered over her. How had she not noticed the man was totally hot? Moving her hand slowly up to her chest, she felt for a surgery wound. Her skin was just as smooth as it ever was. No incision, no scar, no nothing. Damn the doctor all to hell. Yanking her hand out of the blanket, she balled up her fist and pounded him on the chest.

  He immediately looked down and wrapped his huge hand around her wrist. “Are you well, Miss Madison Shah Sagan?”

  Croaking out the words, she tried to pull her hand loose. “Why… didn’t you… operate?”

  Releasing her wrist, the physician grabbed a hydration pack and brought the pointed tip to her lips. She drank, not caring that it tasted wonderfully refreshing. “Why didn’t you get the bug out of my chest? You promised you would.”

  “It was removed five sleep cycles ago. You ask the same thing each time you wake up and find no surgery scar. We closed the entry site with a special laser that heals damaged skin.”

  Shaking her head, Madison vaguely remembered having the conversation before. “Sorry, my brain isn’t working very well.”
<
br />   “A side effect of the medications used to keep your immune system from rejecting the tissue we grafted to your heart muscle.”

  “You’ve told me that before, haven’t you?” Maddie could hear the weariness in her own voice as she spoke.

  “Yes. On several occasions, you have asked that I hold you until you fall back asleep.”

  “Jesus, I must have really been out of it.”

  “It seemed to help. Would you like me to do that now?”

  Madison nodded her agreement, knowing exactly what her train of thought on that matter had been before. Big sexy blue guy who saved your life wants to give you a cuddle? Well, why the hell not? She knew herself all too well. He slowly lifted her, sliding behind her, and gathered her onto his chest. Cuddling with the big warm man was nice, a kind of nice she’d not known for a while. Tumbling off to sleep, she could almost remember his name.

  Her dreams were troubled. She was alone in a dark half-finished cave. Machines rumbled to life every so often, eating away at the back and sides. She scrambled to wake her sister and get her out of harm’s way. They moved to an unoccupied side cave. Water dripped down the side of a wall and they drank. Having water anytime they wanted seemed like a luxury, licking a dirty cave wall to get it was a secondary consideration.

  Kaylee motioned her over and they sat against the driest wall. She carefully opened a dingy piece of cloth to reveal some assortment of cooked vegetables. It was the kind of thing that Madison remembered being served with a steak dinner before the world went to hell in a handbasket. It was the part of dinner that she normally didn’t get around to eating. Now the handful of bland veggies looked like a feast.

  “Where on Earth did you get that?”

  “Traded with one of the geologists for them. Let’s eat, I’m starving.”

  “What did you trade?”

  Holding up the food, she sighed. “Just eat. Please, Maddie.”

  Suddenly, any enthusiasm about curing her hunger evaporated. “You didn’t?”