Showing posts with label sci-fi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sci-fi. Show all posts
Monday, July 30, 2018
Would you live on a space station? - by Vijaya Schartz
Imagine debarking from a spaceship into a vast array of wide corridors like an airport terminal. Except that the entryway seals are hermetic, and the side windows show black space, with spaceships anchored to the giant circular wheel encircling the space station, like the rings of a planet. The station floats in space, orbiting a small planet. Or it could be in the wide orbit of a faraway sun. The station, built and expanded over centuries, would be made of many different parts, some older, others brand new. Size is irrelevant in space. It can be as big as needed.
First, you would notice the lighter gravity. You might even get sick. If you spent much time in space, it would be familiar, but if you came from a heavy world like Earth, the change would be noticeable. You would probably grow taller over time, as gravity doesn't pull you down as much, but your bones might grow lighter and weaker.
Hundreds of thousands could live there. Even millions. They would have room for growing food without dirt in hydroponic tubs, they would manufacture artificial meat in labs, without raising animals, and they would make their own water and their own oxygen. The complex would function like a large city, not bound by the planetary cycles of day and night... although they may want to create a semblance of circadian rhythm for the comfort of their visitors and inhabitants.
The station could be a port for trading goods, with commercial docks and cranes to load and unload large containers from ships to dock and vice-versa. It could also be a pleasure destination. I imagine a Vegas type of atmosphere, with entertainment, gambling dens, spas, shopping, restaurants, and all the luxuries we imagine in the future, like cyber-pleasures... the legal and the illegal kinds. I personally like the idea of sex robots.
By the time we get to that level of sophistication, we may have made contact with other space-faring races, and that might bring diversity (and possibly discrimination) into our advanced society.
Such a place would need tight security. Space is not the safest place. There would be corruption, gangs, drugs, terrorism, and individuals striving for control. Delinquents would be detained in jail-like areas. There might even be a prison, but who needs metal bars when a clear titanium pane can do the trick?
At the core of the structure, would be a reactor to generate the energy needed to keep that city in space running smoothly. As we know, reactors can become unstable. More fodder for future stories.
But what would happen to those forgotten by the system? Orphans growing on the fringe of the affluent society, escapees, and stowaways might be reduced to hide in disaffected parts of the station and form their own society. They might steal in order to survive. So far from central power (and from the overseeing authority), such a community might recourse to shortcuts, unethical practices, and oppression of the underprivileged.
As you see, the world of tomorrow may not be so different from ours, because no matter how many advances we make in science, health, and space exploration, human nature doesn't change that much.
It's all about survival, and the balance of good and evil. And that controversy will not soon be resolved, so there is plenty of fodder for upcoming science fiction novels.
In the meantime, you can learn more about life on a space station by reading the Azura Chronicles. Book 1, ANGEL MINE is already out and Fianna, my heroine, is a bounty hunter. But she was born on the Byzantium-5 space station, orphaned as a teenager, then survived with the protection of a violent gang, the Dragon Squad.
What in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry to this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But as if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
HAPPY READING
Vijaya Schartz, author
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Click to Vijaya's page on AMAZON - B&N - smashWords - KOBO
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| This is how I imagine Byzantium-5, the space station featured in the Azura Chronicles |
First, you would notice the lighter gravity. You might even get sick. If you spent much time in space, it would be familiar, but if you came from a heavy world like Earth, the change would be noticeable. You would probably grow taller over time, as gravity doesn't pull you down as much, but your bones might grow lighter and weaker.
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| Hundreds of miles of corridors in a wide circle around the core. Fortunately, there are also levitating cars and carts to carry the luggage. |
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| Parks and gardens would provide oxygen and relaxation |
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| Here the scale is misleading. The craft would be tiny as it approaches the behemoth of a station |
By the time we get to that level of sophistication, we may have made contact with other space-faring races, and that might bring diversity (and possibly discrimination) into our advanced society.
Such a place would need tight security. Space is not the safest place. There would be corruption, gangs, drugs, terrorism, and individuals striving for control. Delinquents would be detained in jail-like areas. There might even be a prison, but who needs metal bars when a clear titanium pane can do the trick?
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| Glass is not resistant enough and too breakable for these windows. I imagine they are made of transparent metal |
But what would happen to those forgotten by the system? Orphans growing on the fringe of the affluent society, escapees, and stowaways might be reduced to hide in disaffected parts of the station and form their own society. They might steal in order to survive. So far from central power (and from the overseeing authority), such a community might recourse to shortcuts, unethical practices, and oppression of the underprivileged.
 |
| Although this is a futuristic design for a train station, I imagine the style would fit a space station as well |
As you see, the world of tomorrow may not be so different from ours, because no matter how many advances we make in science, health, and space exploration, human nature doesn't change that much.
It's all about survival, and the balance of good and evil. And that controversy will not soon be resolved, so there is plenty of fodder for upcoming science fiction novels.
In the meantime, you can learn more about life on a space station by reading the Azura Chronicles. Book 1, ANGEL MINE is already out and Fianna, my heroine, is a bounty hunter. But she was born on the Byzantium-5 space station, orphaned as a teenager, then survived with the protection of a violent gang, the Dragon Squad.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
HAPPY READING
Vijaya Schartz, author
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Click to Vijaya's page on AMAZON - B&N - smashWords - KOBO
Monday, June 4, 2018
Mew Release: ANGEL MINE by Vijaya Schartz
New Realease
ANGEL MINE
Azura Chronicles Book 1
by Vijaya Schartz
What in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry
to this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But
as if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech
weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in
five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
There is a planet out in the universe, emitting a strange turquoise glow. A long time ago Azura refused to join the Trade Alliance. The Alliance sent their military fleet to destroy the Azurans, but their powerful supernatural abilities spread fear even among the fiercest Devil Dogs. Since then, records have been erased. Rumors and legends all but died. Azura is strictly forbidden, and the daring few who ventured beyond the warning space beacons were never seen again...
Vijaya Schartz
High Octane sci-fi fantasy romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords - Kobo - Facebook
ANGEL MINE
Azura Chronicles Book 1
by Vijaya Schartz
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| kindle - paperback - nook |
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
MORE ABOUT THIS NEW SERIES:
There is a planet out in the universe, emitting a strange turquoise glow. A long time ago Azura refused to join the Trade Alliance. The Alliance sent their military fleet to destroy the Azurans, but their powerful supernatural abilities spread fear even among the fiercest Devil Dogs. Since then, records have been erased. Rumors and legends all but died. Azura is strictly forbidden, and the daring few who ventured beyond the warning space beacons were never seen again...
Vijaya Schartz
High Octane sci-fi fantasy romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords - Kobo - Facebook
Monday, September 25, 2017
Sci-fi action adventure romance... not horror! by Vijaya Schartz
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| Find all my BWL titles at your favorite online retailer here |
Let's
face it, many books and movies nowadays focus on the scary, the morbid,
the deadly, the darkness in people's souls. Some are masterfully
written (thank you Mr. Stephen King) and that's well and good for those
who relish the genre. Personally, it gives me nightmares. When a
hopeless group of people is doomed to certain death by an unknown and
unstoppable evil, watching them die one at a time in utter paralyzing
fear, panic and dismembering bloodshed is not fun to me. Horror focuses
on creating fear... a negative emotion that releases toxic chemicals in
the human body.
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| You can find General KAVAK, "the worst villain in sci-fi history" in the Ancient Enemy series |
In
my novels, I prefer to focus on hope, and the courage of the brave
heroes and heroines who overcome their fears to fight the battle of good
vs. evil. Although reviewers said I write "The worst (meaning best)
villains in sci-fi history," I do not need a large body count to
demonstrate they are bad guys. Usually, one death by elephant, one human
sacrifice, or one severed head rolling on the sand is enough to make my
point... there are bad people out there, and demons, and things that go
bump in the night. But in my books, for every demon there is a loving
immortal, a determined human, or a half-angel willing to risk their very
life to fight it.
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| The Archangel twin books, a tale of redemption in the battle of Good vs. Evil |
In
the world of medieval fantasy romance, I've been accused of writing
bloody battle scenes, because I do not sugarcoat the middle ages. As a
writer, I want to reflect the truth of the historical period according
to my extensive research. In the horror genre, however, I would be
considered an innocent babe. My goal is to write an uplifting story with
flawed but worthy characters who constantly overcome their fears and
limitations to save others.
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| The Curse of the Lost Isle series depicts the Middle Ages in a realistic way |
Call
me a boy scout if you like. I just like the good guys to win and redeem
themselves in the process. I like action, adventure, and romance in my
books, those I read and those I write. I've been accused of mixing
genres, and I'm proud of it. So sue me. I live for the thrill of a good
story, with heroic heroes and villainous villains, plenty of action and
adventure, and a dash of romance.
Vijaya Schartz, author
Romance with a Kick
Monday, September 26, 2016
Brand new covers for CRUSADER and CHECKMATE by Vijaya Schartz
Once in a while, my Canadian publisher, Books We Love, surprises me with fresh new covers for some of my older titles. I was thrilled to see these two offerings for my Archangel twin books.
CRUSADER
Archangel Book One
In kindle HERE
Archangel Book One
In kindle HERE
not all of them human...
Michael
Tanner, proud, brash, irreverent, half Native American, and single
father, doesn't believe in aliens. When a Blue Angel claims to have
fathered him, Michael knows his drinking has gone haywire... But a
seductive Prince of Darkness born of a nightmare now targets
Michael’s family. When his girlfriend disappears and characters from
his dreams suddenly materialize to threaten his daughter, Michael
must come out of denial and overcome his weaknesses, to face the
unbelievable mystery of his birth and fulfill his unique destiny.
Fantastic Read ! This is one you'll be sorry to see end, and like me you'll be looking forward to the next book in the series. B&N Nook review - Five stars
"Brilliant!
A must-read book!
Relationships, angels, aliens and seduction... even Satanism... kept
this reviewer riveted... compelling fantasy... you won't want to put
it down... superior... enthralls, and, at the same time, awakens!"
Metaphysical Reviews
- Five Stars
"Crusader
tells an age-old tale of good versus evil. Excellent. This one is a
true keeper. Schartz pens a
mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting."
Curled Up
With a Good Book
- Five Stars
"...engaging and fast-paced... harmonious mix of enticing story...
where real people do extraordinary things... humorous and hopeful...
fluid and entertaining... quick and often droll dialogue... a
marvelous tale of good and evil..." The
Charlotte Austin Review
- Five Stars
"...Lavishly described, expertly written with stirring descriptions
that take one's breath away. Author Schartz has written a solidly
absorbing, old-fashioned science fiction novel of good and evil, yes
and no, the one and the many." The Book Reader
Archangel Book two
Find it in kindle HERE
Former bad
boy Michael Tanner is in a lot of trouble, and being an archangel
hardly helps at all
To quench
his vengeful lust for the Archangel who scattered his remains at the
edge of the universe, the Reptilian ruler orders the sacrificial
death of Michael's teenage daughter. Half human and a full-fledged
Archangel on his father's home world, Michael and his mate must
return to Earth to save his daughter from fiendish claws, and his
native planet from enslavement or worse... But the way home is
fraught with dangers, some more insidious than others. Nothing
prepared Michael for the kind of trial he must face, when his
rambunctious past catches up with him at the worst possible time...
"Sword-and-shield adventure... aliens and angels and dreams truer
than life and depraved shapeshifters and evil sorcerers and parallel
universes... Funny and sad and very intelligent." The Book
Reader
"...charm
that keeps you reading... A fun piece of escapism... hours of sheer
entertainment." Rapport Magazine
"You will
be hooked... a good read from start to finish." Alan Caruba -
BookViews
"Rollicks
right along at a good clip... a fun concoction and a fast, zippy
read... Really, this one is among the most pleasurable."
Writer’s Digest
"Wickedly
insightful. Grab this today along with the prequel, Archangel
Crusader." Five stars - Curled up With a Good Book
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - All Romance eBooks -
Monday, August 29, 2016
I miss writing sci-fi - by Vijaya Schartz
Coming out of writing a long medieval fantasy series, I am itching for writing science fiction again. I miss by kick-butt heroines of sci-fi, my girls in uniform, my futuristic bounty hunters, the fascination of space and alien cultures.
I like writing in
different genres and I have a habit of mixing them, which creates
marketing nightmares for my publishers. But I like my stories to be
original, different and unique. I write what I would want to read. In
the Curse of the Lost Isle (from BWL), featuring a family of immortal
ladies with Fae gifts, I mixed authentic legends with known history and
romance. In the Chronicles of Kassouk
and in the Borealis series (from Desert Breeze Publishing), I mixed
science fiction with romance, and several of my characters have
paranormal abilities… sometimes created through technology.
I also wrote a few contemporary romances, but always with a twist,
like reincarnation, a shape shifter, or a thriller element. Whether
writing about the past, the present, or the future, my main constants
are action, adventure, and romance. I also have a predilection for cats,
as they pop up as secondary characters almost everywhere (except in
medieval times, but I do have a major dog character in Damsel of the
Hawk).
I would also like my next project to be a series. Like a reader,
after I fall in love with a created world, I enjoy spending time in it.
But I may choose to make these series shorter. Maybe three or four
books, not six or eight like in my two latest series. It’s difficult to
promote Book seven or eight to new readers who haven’t read any of the
other books… even if it’s a standalone.
Standalone
is another requisite of mine. I like my series to be readable out of
order, so each book should be a complete story as much as possible. As a
reader, I hate cliffhanger endings and would never do that to my
readers. I had to cut longer books into two parts before, not by choice,
and although I still gave the first book a satisfying ending, I
couldn’t tie up all the loose ends or resolve all the conflicts at the
end, since that happened in the second book. It deeply bothered me. From
the reviews, I know it bothered a few of my readers as well.
Now, for the time and place: Medieval? Futuristic? Contemporary? Post
apocalyptic? On a space station? On an alien planet? In an alternate
universe? I have used all of these in the past. Is there any other
option?
As for the characters, I have a predilection for strong, kick-butt
heroines. I also really enjoyed writing immortals. I once flirted with
the idea of writing a series featuring angels, and I am still
considering it. They could be fallen angels seeking redemption, or
guardians of the human kind. Or, they could be aliens, alien/human
hybrids, or AI (artificial intelligence), but I already featured a
synthetic being in Black Dragon (Borealis series).
So, my new writing project should definitely be a series with strong
heroines, romance, action, adventure, and cats (you can never have too
many of those). Each novel should be a complete story, and the series
should lend itself to a different hero and heroine for each story. So,
the constant would be the world in which the characters evolve.
In
other words, writing a series revolves around creating a world in which
strong, captivating characters can fight for what is just and good, and
in the process, find their happily ever after. Writing this post helped
me order my thoughts. Starting next year, look for the start of a new
sci-fi romance series involving strong kick-butt heroines and gorgeous
aliens with angel power. Now, back to finishing the Curse of the Lost
Isle medieval series.
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - All Romance eBooks
Monday, August 31, 2015
Mission to Mars - review by Vijaya Schartz
Great acting with Gary Sinise and Tim Robbins as principal actors, and a very talented cast all around. Brian de Palma gives us not only drama, but accurate science, deep characters, and even women and romance.
This is not a romance by any means. Too much happens to allow for a happily ever after, but there is some dancing and necking in zero gravity, and there is a couple in love among the crew. Other characters have known love, lost their loved one, or have a family. Love is part of their lives. After working together for many months, they are also close friends.
There are some tense moments, and heroic, selfless acts, even self-sacrifice. These astronauts are definitely heroes.
The technology was believable, from the habitat pods to the greenhouse, to the orbiter.
In the meantime, you can read my space exploration novel NOAH'S ARK. This planet is much farther off, set in a farther future, with a far more sophisticated ship.
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - All Romance eBooks - Smashwords - iBooks - Kobo
NOAH'S ARK by Vijaya Schartz
When Trixie's starfreighter,
Noah's Ark, drops out of jump space in an uncharted part of the
universe, she believes the M-class planet on her viewer
represents hope and salvation for her motley crew and the
ragtag settlers aboard her ship.
Kostas, ex Space Marine, the
expert survivalist recruited for this expedition, doesn't
believe in coincidences, and knows that when something looks too
good to be true, it usually is.
Everyone on this voyage to seed a
new planet with life, is running from something, and harbors
dangerous secrets... including Trixie, who vowed to never let a
man control her life again.
As for
Kostas, he would get lynched on the spot if anyone suspected who
he really is.
But on this seemingly
abandoned planet, others are watching, herding them for evil
purposes... And when the truth emerges and secrets unravel,
Trixie and Kostas will have to fight for survival, for freedom,
and for the right to love...
"Schartz pens a
suspenseful prequel to her futuristic series, 'Chronicles of
Kassouk' with 'Noah's Ark.' Filled with action, adventure,
greed, betrayal, and love... Having read the other books in the
series, I was anxiously awaiting the prequel and Schartz
delivers. She engages the reader right from the opening. Her
writing style is crisp and easy to read. Schartz excels at world
building as she layers the humans' discoveries starting with the
citadel, then the Godds, and then tossing in the Zerkers. The
dialogue adds a rich authenticity to the story. It's the little
touches which bring the humanity into the story from Viking the
cat to Tabor's horseback riding lessons."
Five stars - Sally Pink Reviews - Amazon
Five stars - Sally Pink Reviews - Amazon
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - All Romance eBooks - Smashwords - iBooks - Kobo
Monday, December 22, 2014
99cts Archangel Crusader by Vijaya Schartz
Paranormal fantasy science Fiction with romantic elements
http://amzn.com/B004HO69RS
Michael Tanner, proud, brash, irreverent, half Native American, and single father, doesn't believe in aliens. When a Blue Angel claims to have fathered him, Michael knows his drinking has gone haywire... But a seductive Prince of Darkness born of a nightmare now targets Michael’s family. When his girlfriend disappears and characters from his dreams suddenly materialize to threaten his daughter, Michael must come out of denial and overcome his weaknesses, to face the unbelievable mystery of his birth and fulfill his unique destiny.
"Brilliant! A must-read book! ...relationships, angels, aliens and seduction... even Satanism... kept this reviewer riveted... compelling fantasy... you won't want to put it down... superior... enthralls, and, at the same time, awakens!" Richard Fuller, Metaphysical Reviews - Five Stars
"Crusader tells an age-old tale of good versus evil. Excellent. This one is a true keeper. Schartz pens a mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting" Brenda Ramsbacher. Curled Up With a Good Book - Five Stars
"...engaging and fast-paced... a harmonious mix of enticing story... where real people do extraordinary things... humorous and hopeful... fluid and entertaining... quick and often droll dialogue... a marvelous tale of good and evil..." The Charlotte Austin Review - Five Stars
If you haven't read it yet, don't miss it, this price won't last. Book 2 in the Archangel series is CHECKMATE.
Hope you are enjoying the holidays.
Vijaya Schartz
Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
AMAZON - B&N - ARE - SMASHWORDS
FaceBook - Twitter
Monday, October 27, 2014
NEW RELEASE: SNOW CHEETAH, Book 5 in the Chronicles of Kassouk by Vijaya Schartz
This is the very last book in the Chronicles of Kassouk series (I swear). It nicely caps the series as after a thousand years, a vessel from Earth discovers unexpected humans on this far-flung planet.
On a mission to annex a planet for Earth, Captain Martial Terrien faces a culture with incredible psychic abilities, and falls for its lovely but forbidden queen.
Natalia, future queen of Kassouk, pressured into bonding with a power-hungry prince, yearns to improve her people's lives. She finds the handsome Earth captain a refreshing distraction, despite his five fingers and ridiculous claim of being human, like the lowly workers of her world.
Captain Martial Terrien, nano-enhanced Space Marine from Earth, is on a secret, desperate mission to find his people a new home. The unexpected population on the chosen planet complicates his task, especially since the ruling caste can read minds, levitate, and teleport at will. Furthermore, the lovely princess and her pet cheetah take a shine to him... and beautiful women always spelled disaster in his past.
Natalia's jilted suitor, determined to reign at any cost, vows to annihilate the Earthlings. When the conflict escalates, can Martial obey Earth Central Command, or will he jeopardize the future of his race to save Natalia and her people?
EXCERPT:
When her arm weakened and her steps grew shaky, he did a somersault over her head, leaving her confused. Then he shoved her sideways, and tackled her. He pinned her to the soft mat, face up, while he held her sword arm to the floor.
He had her.
Her hair came undone around her head, like a bright halo on the soft gray mat, and her luminous green gaze locked with his. Her lips opened slightly, and he couldn't help but stare. She looked so helpless, her chest heaving. Her eyes unfocused and her pupils dilated. She was not playing the game anymore... neither was he.
Her breath hitched. He lowered his face to hers and hovered closer to marvel at her beauty. She kept staring at him. He couldn't resist the temptation to probe her mind. A mistake. She was calling to him, wanting him to kiss her. He lowered his gaze to her mouth and she licked her slightly open lips. How could he possibly resist her sensual call?
Slowly, deliberately, he brushed her pliant lips, enjoying the soft contact. When she tasted him with a lick, he held his fire, afraid she would balk at a fierce response. She had to be a virgin. Then she let go of the sword. He relaxed his hold, and she caressed his hair.
The sensation of her six-fingered hand on his head awakened shored up needs he could no longer contain. Cupping her fiery mane, he claimed her mouth and ravished it with the fervor of a starving man.
She moaned softly and arched under him, as if seeking body contact. Flashes of all the disastrous consequences their relationship could bring barely cooled his lust, but he must stop this now.
He steeled himself against the separation and rose slowly, with great reluctance.
She sat up on the mat, staring at him.
"I'm so sorry." He turned away. He couldn't watch her like that. "It won't happen again. I promise."
"Why not?" The disappointment in her voice and in her mind sliced him deeper than a sword.
"You are promised to another man." As good an excuse as any. The truth was too ugly to tell. His mission might require him to annihilate her entire race.
"I do not intend to become Kaylar's mate." The indignant tone told much about her dislike for the man.
Martial stiffened, closing his fists, then he faced her again. "I hope we can still be friends."
"Friends?" Tears welled in her beautiful green eyes.
"Or colleagues... diplomat and future queen." Martial still needed more information on the Starlings.
She swallowed a sob, quickly wiped a tear, then composed her face. "Maybe when you see more of our culture, you will understand that although our females often take a submissive role, we do have a choice in the matter. We are civilized."
"Of course, you are." He certainly felt like the Neanderthal here.
She rose from the floor and tossed her long wavy hair behind the shoulders of her impeccable white body suit. "Then shall we meet again tomorrow?" Hope softened her face. "I planned to show you our hydroponic installations."
"I accept, but I must bring my team." For his own protection. He didn't want to repeat past mistakes. And mistakes would certainly be made if he spent too much time alone with her.
READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
Monday, June 9, 2014
A geek author at Phoenix ComiCon - by Vijaya Schartz
I can't help it, I'm a geek. I didn't realize how much of a geek, until I attended the Phoenix ComiCon last week. It was my first but not my last. All these people wearing superhero, movie character and anime costumes... I get it. They are my people. They love stories, they love getting lost in imaginary worlds, they love the idea that we are not alone in the universe, they love heroes, and so do I.
Of course, I'm not alone. Over a hundred thousand people attended this year in Phoenix, and next year will be better and bigger. I feel as if I've been initiated. Now, I know where to find the coolest costumes and accessories. Never seen so many light sabers, blasters, medieval swords and ninja weapons. It's like stepping into a parallel universe where everyone is a geek and proud of it.
I was autographing my books, and that's half the fun for me. Many readers of sci-fi and fantasy roam the exhibit, looking for their favorite authors, or for new authors to discover. It's difficult not to be star struck with all the attending celebrities. Nathan Fillion (Firefly and Castle) and Stan Lee. No wonder I love the Big Bang Theory.
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| I loved the droids from Star Wars, R2D2 in particular. I never realized they were that tall, or maybe it's just that I'm short. |
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| Had to have a picture with the bit kitty. It reminded me of my book covers |
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| With my partners in crime, Anna Questerly (left) and Linda Andrews (right) |
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz
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