Pets in Space is a brand new science fiction romance anthology in which I and eight other authors have stories about – pets in space!
We authors are trading blog posts.
Today S. E. Smith tells us about the world in her story, “A Mate for Matrix.”
The world for my Pets in Space story took a turn after I began writing it, looping back around to one of my favorite and most beloved stories: Gracie’s Touch: Zion Warriors Book 1. This story actually begins five years before the Alluthan invasion. Gracie actually makes a cameo appearance in the story.
One of the things I love about the story is that life can be serendipitous. In this case, it is something that happens in the Zion world that causes the Alluthans to end up on Earth, starting a chain of events that will change Gracie’s life forever. Seeing Gracie again also showed more of her character and life before the invasion. I have plans for four prequel books in which we will see Gracie as she grows up.
The story is set between the alien star system where the Zion and many other species live and Earth. Matrix and K-Nine are from the Zion home world, although K-Nine’s DNA is a mixture between two different canine/wolf species. They are part of an elite military unit where the experimentation of cyborg technology is in its infancy. When a new, genetically engineered creature is developed and escapes, they are sent out after it. This starts a chain of events that will have widespread consequences.
The second thing I love about the story is the challenge of seeing the world from a different point in time. The story is set just as the Confederation is being formed. The Zion Warriors have always been a powerful species, but they are having to learn to get along with the other species. There will be a lot of growing pains that will both help and hold back the worlds set in this area before they can advance. We will also discover the origins of the Alluthans and what happens to them.
The third thing is creating a new series of incredible characters that make me hungry for more. I love it when I’m writing and see how the worlds tie together. I also enjoy seeing old characters in a different light. Each character – each series – holds a new, magical world that is just waiting to be explored. I’m really excited to have been given that opportunity in Pets in Space.
Excerpt from “A Mate for Matrix”
At the sound of nails on the tile, Jana frantically glanced over her shoulder. Her eyes widened when she saw that the massive dog was now standing just a foot from where she was lying. The wolf-dog watched her with intense, gray eyes filled with curiosity. Rolling over and sitting up, she scooped Butter into her arms and scooted back along the shiny floor. She stopped when she felt her back hit the door frame behind her. Her gaze remained focused on the unusual dark gray eyes of the dog.
“Good… Good boy,” Jana whispered. She’d leaned just far enough to the side to confirm the sex of the dog before straightening. “Please… Please don’t eat us.”
Jana jumped when the dog sneezed and shook his head. He glanced over his shoulder toward the cabinet. Her gaze followed his and she released a silent prayer for Honeybun and Biscuit to remain under it. That thought died when the dog – wolf – whatever it was, turned his attention back to her. Jana smothered a cry when he stepped closer and pressed his nose to her cheek.
“Please… Good boy,” she choked out in a trembling voice, her eyes closing as she turned her head away. “Don’t eat us. We would taste really, really bad.”
“Meow,” Butter agreed.
S.E. Smith is a New York Times, USA TODAY, International, and Award-Winning Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
Readers can check out her website aand chat with her on Facebook.
Click here for your copy of Pets in Space!
You did such a great job with this story! Can’t wait to read more!