There were now three sets of aliens to contend with. The clones were her allies. The insectoids currently replicating in the cloning unit were definitely the enemy. The strange AI had prioritized protecting her line above its own self-preservation so there was no probability it wouldn’t comply with a self-destruct sequence command. After briefly puzzling over how to get the AI to comply with her unthinkable request, Keiko came up with a devious plan. Perhaps he’d sacrifice her to protect the other two of her line in this timeline.
Speaking aloud with a determination that surprised her, she willed the ship’s corrupted computer to obey her command. “One mother will be sacrificed, so the remaining may live. Initiate self-destruct sequence. Begin countdown immediately.”
Cursing under his breath, Shar Jalon stalked over to a bank of lockers running along the wall, his heavy boots thumping a steady pace as he moved. “The Krylon people have no self-destruct program on their ships. It’s doubtful they could wrap their minds around such.”
“Then we contact the other ships and have them fire on us. We can’t allow anyone to escape who might be contaminated with their eggs. That’s how it always gets started.”
“The ship’s computer isn’t working properly. Perhaps the insectoids are interfering with the ship’s systems. I don’t think they’ll let us get a communication out.”
Grabbing a gun, she stated flatly, “Then we kill as many as possible before they kill us. There ain’t nobody getting off this magical mystery ride alive.”
“I don’t understand your Earth humor. It’s distracting.”
“Whatever you say, big guy. Mind if I ask why you’re blue?”
Shaking his head again, he continued to stick weapons in all the indiscreet and unimaginable places on his body. Keiko half-expected for him to wedge one in his butt crack but he didn’t.
“Most things on the Shardon home world are some shade of blue. Therefore, it’s natural that we are as well. No more distracting questions. We must concentrate on the battle at hand.”
Because she tended to get chatty when she was anxious, she wasn’t surprised when Shar Jalon politely redirected her to remain on point. At least he was reasonably nice about it.
Turning to her, the huge man looked twice as large once he was loaded down with weapons. “I believe our chances are good, because many of the insectoids appear to be in the pupa stage.”
“Freaking great, let’s get going.”
Chapter 8
~ Keiko ~
Keiko’s Music Mix Eight
The heavily armed clone stood gazing blandly at her. “I’ll go, you’ll stay.”
“Not a chance. I may have run from a fight I couldn’t win, but you said we had a chance this time. That’s never happened for me before, so don’t even think of leaving me behind. I won’t let these things get to my sisters.”
The large blue warrior seemed taken aback by her staunch declaration. His eyes became perfectly round and he took a step closer to her, his dark eyes shining curiously. “You consider Maiko and the Reverend Mother your sisters?”
Wrapping one arm around her stomach, she brought the other up over her chest. “Closer than sisters, they almost feel like another me.” Rubbing her temple, she realized they were literally other versions of herself, just from another dimension. “I know that doesn’t make much sense.”
“It does. In fact, it’s how clones feel about each other if we come from the same batch. There is a physical tie that borders on something psychic.”
Keiko sucked in a stuttering breath as tears stung the back of her eyes. “I never thought anyone would understand how I felt, much less about things like that.”
“I’m your male. Of course, I understand such things.”
“Wait, you’re my what?”
“Your male.”
“How did you suddenly get to be my male?”
“I’m the only one who understands you. Those were your words, were they not?”
“More or less, I just didn’t think they were getting me a sexy clone for a husband. I mean husband is what you’re referring to, right?”
Nodding succinctly, he spoke with pride, “You have chosen your mate well, Keiko. I’m a brutally efficient warrior, an effective leader, and I understand the need for human women to take the lead in courting rituals.”
“You know something strange? You’d probably make a cool boyfriend if you made any kind of sense at all.”
“I like it when you compliment me as a male. Shall I assume the courtship has begun?”
“You have some cart-and-horse issues but sure, why not?” Deciding to go with the flow for once in her life, Keiko felt liberated.
Shuffling from one foot to the other uncomfortably, he spoke, “Then my first duty is to demand that you stay here for your own safety.”
Shaking her head, she disagreed, “Welcome to Keiko’s number one rule for courtship. We stay together always.” Knowing she had the handsome clone at a distinct disadvantage when it came to peer bonding, she just made it up as she went along. “We can’t court if we aren’t together, now can we?”
His brows furrowed together and he looked extremely unhappy. “This complicates our situation greatly. Stay behind me, for your own personal safety.”
Sure thing, Keiko thought to herself. She’d stay right behind him where she could cover his back, knowing without a shadow of a doubt the large man would have never once thought he needed. Keiko, on the other hand, had seen the insectoids in action. They could creep up on a person in a heartbeat, particularly when their prey was concentrating on a fight. His only hope of survival was having someone watching his back. Since she was growing a strong liking for the nice man, she wouldn’t let anything happen to him.
The disembodied voice continued to chirp out mumbo jumbo about the mothers being protected, as Shar Jalon forced the door open in a breathtaking display of pure brute strength. Keiko tried not to be impressed, but failed.
Pulling a weapon out of one of the bandoliers on his back to defend herself, she cautioned, “I probably should warn you that the insectoids like to crawl up walls and drop down on you from above.”
“Good information to have. Thank you, my Keiko.”
Rolling her eyes at his cavalier attitude, she added for good measure, “Some of them also spit venom. It’s really gross and burns your skin, or rather it burns human skin.”
Shar Jalon preened a bit. “Clones are notoriously difficult to kill, but I’ll be careful.”
“You know something? If I have to die, I’m glad it will be fighting at your side.”
Without turning to look at her, he responded curtly, “I believe you mean that comment to be endearing, however you’re making assumptions without first seeing my fighting skills. I don’t think that is very respectful to your new warrior.”
“Sorry, didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, big guy.”
He responded almost cheerfully, “My feelings aren’t hurt. I’m being careful to advocate strongly for myself in this situation with you, since assertiveness is a skill humans hold in high esteem. I wish to convince you of my worthiness as a mate.”
“Well, you’re doing a stand-up job of that today, Shar.”
“Thank you. I’m pleased that you have settled on a special name for me. I understand it’s a sign of affection for your kind. Don’t worry. I’m attempting to decide on one for you. I wish to take my time and find the perfect one, since it will last for a lifetime.”
Unable to fathom what the appropriate response to something like that might be, she murmured politely, “Feel free to try out a few to see how they sound.”
“You’re an accommodating female. I’m fortunate to have drawn your notice.”
“You know what? This whole situation feels surreal, kind of like falling into a parallel dimension. Then, of course I remember, this actually is a parallel dimension from the one I normally live in.”
Keiko followed the well-armed man down a narrow corridor, knowing it was p
retty much leading them to certain death. As soon as they made their way into an intersection hub, she heard a familiar screech. “Heads up, Shar, that horrible noise is the sound of a fully grown insectoid.”
“Then they must breed fast.”
“I don’t think so. A full breeding cycle in my timeline takes thirty days.”
“Then they didn’t come through the portal. Perhaps they were poised to attack this sector of space regardless of what we were doing at the time. The explosion of the collapsing anomaly would have surely drawn them to this area.”
“That sounds more reasonable. They’re getting closer.”
“It sounds like they may be moving through the ductwork. Be careful near the return vents.”
Turning a corner, they saw several of the creatures scavenging a body. Keiko felt the bile rising up in her throat as the beasts tore flesh from bone. Before she could raise her weapon, Shar stepped forward and dispatched them. His weapon seemed many times more powerful than anything they’d had on Earth. The noise sent several more pouring from the large return vents running along the top of the walls. Keiko turned, pressing her back to Shar, and began shooting. Aiming for the fleshy neck and eyes, she avoided the tough exoskeletons.
As the fighting died down, she turned to see Shar happily switching weapons. “Umm, Shar?”
“Yes, my sweet cookie?”
“I was wondering if you’re enjoying yourself?”
“I didn’t enjoy seeing my crew member being eaten, but he’d be pleased to know I killed the bloodthirsty beasts.” Twirling his laser pistol in his hand, he slammed it into the holster at his side. “If you’re inquiring about if I enjoy killing, the answer is both yes and no. I enjoy the challenge of a fight, but abhor being forced to take a life.”
“Good answer. Sweet cookie is a no go by the way.”
Snorting a laugh, he replied, “It didn’t feel quite right, princess.”
Rolling her eyes, she quipped, “Princess is my actual title, so it doesn’t count as a pet name. Plus, I don’t think we have time for such trivial endeavors.”
“What if today is our last? Would you begrudge me for spending it growing closer to you as I do my duty?”
Blinking at him, she tried to find the proper words to explain how touched she was by his sentiment. His thought process was pure, simple, and so astonishingly innocent. Tearing up a little, she shook her head. “I want to get to know you better, but I worry about the flirting being a distraction.”
Smiling smugly, he responded, “Clones are very adaptable. We have the capacity to pay attention to multiple variables simultaneously.” Tilting his head slightly, he gave her a heated look. “I’ll allow no harm to come to you, for you’re precious to me.”
“All the same, let’s dial down the shenanigans until we’re safe.”
“Come, we must link with my fellow clones. That will ensure our safety.”
Chapter 9
~ Keiko ~
Keiko’s Music Mix Nine
After breaching another section of the ship, they came upon a small group of clones pulling weapons out of several wall panels. It looked to Keiko like they fully understood the gravity of their situation. One of the clones approached with a female at his side.
Shar Jalon spoke matter-of-factly, “Lar, we have an alien infestation aboard this vessel.”
The man appeared more anxious than the other clones. “We’re aware. The ship’s computer has been flashing up images of it along with its insistence that we protect the ‘mothers.’ Do you have any idea why the onboard computer is repeating the words spoken by the artifact?”
Shooting Keiko a glance, he responded curtly as he checked his weapon, “We believe the computer system has been compromised by an artificial intelligence life form from one of the three artifacts. It clearly wishes us to be aware of the growing insectoid infestation aboard this vessel, with the hopes that we’ll mobilize to protect Keiko. We are, as of yet, unsure why the AI refers to her line as ‘the mothers.’”
“The AI can pretty much be assured we’ll mount a resistance to the alien invasion.”
“We have two females who must be protected, my friend. I’ll see no harm come to your Madison or my Keiko.”
“The new Earth princess has accepted you? Congratulations, sir.”
Madison perked up. “Wow, I have to admit that I didn’t see that coming.” Turning to Keiko, she gushed, “Don’t worry, Shar totally kicks ass and he’s a nice guy to boot. You picked a winner.”
Keiko responded absently, “You aren’t in my timeline.”
Looking slightly offended, Madison queried, “What does that even mean?”
Shar Jalon answered, “My Keiko is merely…”
“Please don’t speak for me, Shar.” Turning to Madison, she apologized, “Sorry, I’ve fallen into this crazy habit of comparing everything in this dimension to my own. I guess it helps me feel some measure of sanity after jumping timelines.”
“Just make sure you don’t end up being your own grandmother or something strange like that.”
Audible gasps were heard from the men, leading both women to smile wryly at each other. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to be rude. I feel like I’m treading water here. In my dimension, there are no Shardon at all and we’ve been fighting the bugs for years.”
Madison replied without hesitation, “Girl, you don’t even know what I went through back on Earth. If there are no Shardon there, you probably don’t know me because I died. In this timeline, my Lar saved me.” Keiko watched her pat him affectionately on the chest as she gazed adoringly up at him. “The minute I saw him, I knew he was my one.”
Shar Jalon proudly explained, “So, it was with my silken-haired goddess. She initiated the courting rituals of Earth with me this very day.”
A wave of embarrassment washed over at his over-the-top description. Several dozen eyes turned on her at once, ranging from curious to envious. To Keiko’s mind, there was nothing she could do but own the situation. Stepping towards him, she attempted to wrap her arm around his waist. The bulky weapons he carried made it nearly impossible.
“Shar is correct. Apparently, the rituals of courting are some kind of formalized dating protocols in these parts.”
Rolling her eyes, Madison communicated quite effectively that it was some kind of misunderstanding the clones had about human women. Keiko winked at her and announced succinctly, “However, today we have a much rougher task at hand than to drive liking to the name of love.”
Shar Jalon pulled her close to his side much like an action hero from an adventure movie. “My poetry-quoting vixen is correct. We must mobilize our forces and converge on the cloning units. Not one insectoid or egg can survive. Keiko has informed me that they’re a prolific, tenacious, and highly aggressive species.”
Keiko felt Shar’s large hand kneading her shoulder as he spoke. Turning her attention to the others, she explained, “They consume the flesh of their victims, spit venom, and frequently attack from above. You must work in teams of two or three, always with someone watching your back.”
“We’ll move in teams of five, since that is a common training division and also has enough built-in redundancy to survive losing a member or two. Position yourselves to cover all sides, just like we trained and keep the women surrounded.” Shar Jalon’s authoritative style worked well with his clones, and they responded with no dissent in the ranks.
Keiko grabbed an extra laser pistol from Shar Jalon’s enormous arsenal and handed it to Madison. “Cover Lar’s back. They like to sneak up on people when they’re distracted in a fight. Aim for the eyes or the fleshy part of their neck. Everything else is virtually impenetrable due to their thick exoskeleton.”
Madison accepted the weapon and disengaged the safety. “Good information to have. Do you have any other pointers for a first timer?”
“Remain ever vigilant, never let down your guard, and don’t ever turn you back on a bug?”
“That’s basically the same
bit of advice stated three different ways.”
Nodding, Keiko smiled wryly. “That should give you some indication of how important it is.”
“Isn’t that just great? In case anyone’s interested, this is so not my idea of an adventure.”
“I don’t mean to be a killjoy but I want you to know that my extended family was close to fifty strong, and I’m the last one standing. The insectoids are deadly killing machines that eat human flesh. They spit acidic venom and don’t ever stop. Our chances of surviving this aren’t good.” Keiko realized that somewhere towards the middle of her little monologue, her voice quivered and tears stung the back of her eyes.
Shar Jalon pulled her face forward into his massive chest and as hard as she tried to fight them back, the tears fell. He rubbed her back lightly and whispered soothing words into her ear as the room grew totally silent around them.
Finally getting herself together, she realized everyone had moved to the opposite side of the room to give them privacy. “Sorry about that,” she stammered. “I don’t know what got into me.”
“Feeling that history is repeating itself and none of us are taking the situation seriously enough, I imagine.”
Nodding, she snuffled back a snort of laughter. “I’ll try to suck it up and grow a pair for the occasion. Every time I think I find my courage, it’s gone when I turn the next corner.”
“You’re strong and brave, but you have been traumatized by your experiences with the creatures. Don’t lose hope of us defeating the beasts. I promise my clones and I are up to the task.”
Nodding, she tiptoed up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks, Shar. I appreciate the understanding.”
“It’s my honor. Let us get down to the task at hand, so that I might prove my worthiness as a mate.”
Placing one hand on his muscular chest, she peered up into his dark eyes. “Please don’t think you have anything to prove to me. I need you to listen to my words and do you best to follow them.”
Nodding, he waited for her to continue.
“Don’t take any unnecessary risks with your safety. You’re literally the only person I’m close to here. It would kill me if anything happened to you.”
Celestial Mates Complete Series Box Set (Books 1-5) (Alien SciFi Romance) Page 47