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Finding a soulmate is challenging.
Darius Rathmore has brought a solution to Earth - the interdimensional dating service known as Star-Crossed. Lonely beings from across the multiverse are seeking companionship too, and Star-Crossed lets lonely beings find true companionship regardless of species or origin.
In this collection, humans encounter aliens, mythological beings, and horrors from beyond, all looking for true love. Will the strange relationship work out? Will their differences force them apart? Or will something even weirder happen?
You can also read a draft of the opening story A New Job
, which sets the stage for Star-Crossed. |
Darius RathmoreCharismatic Founder of Star-Crossed, a consummate businessman and savvy being. He dresses with impeccable fashion, matching whatever world he's visiting. Though he appears mostly human (at least on Earth), he has an air of otherness about him - perhaps demon, angel, alien, or something else. Portray him as handsome and charismatic. Despite his appearance and otherworldly origins, Darius shouldn't exhibit any untrustworthy behavior. Characters can speculate on his origin, but he should remain a mystery. |
 | KylarisApparently a succubus scientist, she helped invent the dimensional transfer technology used by the company. She does not discuss which world or dimension she comes from - whether she's a demon from hell or simply a seductive woman... Portray her as a knowledgable yet seductive woman with demonic features, a high intellect, and a hint of mystery. |
 | ThrukuAn alien doctor from an Earth-like world, Thruku serves as a consultant for clients when necessary. He handles any medical issues that might arise, from compatibility issues, diseases and viruses (sexual and otherwise) to pregnancy complications. Familiar with human physiology as well as most other humanoids. Weirder creatures... maybe not. Portray him as a busybody, worried about dangers of cross-contamination, physical compatibility, or anything else. To suffering patients, he's very empathetic.. |
 | Brian and Nicole PerryHumans who were hired to handle customer service and outreach. Brother and sister, Brian is about 26, Nicole 22. They accepted the job of serving as Earth's primary contacts for clients without knowing too much about how far the dating service extends, or the unusual nature of their clients. Now they travel around the world to the company offices (which can pop up anywhere). Portray them as a bit overwhelmed by the myriad creatures they've dealt with, pushing them far beyond their comfort zone. But they maintain a positive attitude despite the occasional problem that develops. To potential clients, they're eager to help. |
This section describes how Star-Crossed operates. Use as much as you need for your story, and avoid anything that contradicts this. But you don't need to delve into the operations. Just use what you need.
The Star-Crossed service is available as a standard app on phones and laptops. And like other services, the initial stages of every potential liaison starts with the partners finding each other through their profiles. However, Star-Crossed does not show photos (to avoid people from learning about the extradimensional nature of the service at first).
On other worlds, the clients will use similar technologies or magics. For instance, a magical world might have enchanted tapestries or arcane gemstones with similar functions.
Once prospective partners express interest in meeting in person, one of the staff (usually Brian or Nicole) visit the human client to tell about the true nature of the service. Most people stop at this point, either in disbelief or unwilling to encounter something that bizarre. But for the few who do want to proceed, the Star-Crossed personnel set up a first date.
Star-Crossed will open up a dimensional portal, bringing one partner to the other's world. They will make sure the beings are biologically compatible, so they won't pair humans with methane-breathers or something with poisonous saliva, for instance. Star-Crossed personnel will try to protect their clients, so they won't allow a relationship to continue if they believe one participant endangers the other. Of course, mistakes may happen.
The time period is modern Earth. So cell phones are okay. Transporters are not.
Beings using the service's interdimensional portal are generally limited to about 12 feet tall (no dating Kaiju, unless the human goes to the Kaiju's world). They typically step through a circular portal from one dimension to another.
The company has futuristic tech, as well as small devices that seem magical (including translation devices, but nothing earth-shattering). For instance, they have robotic cherubs they use as messengers. (see the image for Brian and Nicole).
Some ideas for other-worldly partners include:
Email your questions about Star-Crossed to:
wordsbyedward@gmail.com