Zorak: Lunar Uprising, #1

By Cyndi Friberg

When Cat's father is kidnapped by her alien boss she turns to Zorak, one of the mysterious lunar raiders "cultivated" by the aliens to protect Earth. Cat isn't sure she can trust Zorak, but she has nowhere else to turn. Lunar raiders are ruthless hybrids created for war, so why does Zorak make her feel safe? She has never been so intensely attracted to anyone before and has a hard time believing her feelings are real. They're surrounded by conflict and deceit, and Cat's father isn't the only one in danger. If they can't learn the truth about the aliens, the entire human race could be enslaved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cyndi Friberg
• Release date: Feb 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201111632

Cyndi Friberg

Passionate Sci-Fi with a touch of danger and a whole lot of sass. Cyndi has written about rock stars, vampires, and cat shifters, but she’s currently focused on outer space. Her stories are fun, fast-paced, and seriously hot. Her books have made the USA Today Top 100, and frequently land on Amazon Best Seller lists. She is currently working on the Shadowborn Rebellion, a spin-off series set in the Outcasts universe.   She loves to hear from readers: [e-mail] https://facebook.com/fribergc https://twitter.com/Cyndi_Friberg

Book preview

Chapter One

Pausing outside the conference room, Catriona Barco straightened her blazer and smoothed down her skirt. The morning’s downward spiral began when she knocked over a mug of coffee and fried her laptop. A flat tire followed, then an Uber ride from hell. She’d been rushing down the hallway in the Truman Building when one of the heels on her favorite shoes snapped nearly breaking her ankle. Switching out the destroyed footwear made her late to this meeting, and Cat was never late. She was ambassador-at-large, primary contact between the Pylorians and the U. S. Government. Only the secretary of state and the president had more authority when it came to alien affairs, and Cat interacted with the enigmatic Pylorians more than any other human on the planet. She cringed. More often than not, that was nothing to brag about.

Six spaceships filled with Pylorian refugees arrived eight years ago. They pleaded with Earth’s governments for asylum, claiming to be fleeing a ruthless enemy. The Pylorians insisted that the Morax did not possess hyper-space technology, so it was impossible for them to reach Earth. The Pylorians asserted all sorts of things in the beginning, but only a small fraction of them turned out to be true.

Cat took a deep breath and pushed away the past, refusing to be distracted by anything. This was the most important negotiation she had ever been involved in, and it was off to a terrible start. She pulled open the door and walked into the room as if nothing were wrong. The conference room lacked the stately grandeur of much of the building. It appeared austere, common though well-organized. Her gaze swept the oblong table and she released a sigh of relief. The lunar raiders had yet to arrive.

Nice of you to join us, Danielle Schweitzer said with a good-natured scowl. She was secretary of state, which made her Cat’s boss, but the two had known each other for six years and had developed an easy comradery long before Danielle was promoted to such an august position.

Murphy’s Law was working overtime this morning, Cat said as she slipped onto the chair on Danielle’s right. I wasn’t sure I would make it at all.

Well, it’s a damn good thing you did, Reginald Conroy grumbled from Danielle’s other side. The president wants everyone represented and God knows the Pylorians can’t bother to appear in person for anything.

Not in the mood to defend the Pylorians, Cat just nodded. She disliked Secretary Conroy as much as she liked Secretary Schweitzer. They might command similar levels of authority, but their personalities were very different. But then Secretary Conroy headed the Department of Defense, so he hadn’t had anything to smile about for the past seven and a half years.

Did Advisor Erot send you with specific instructions? Danielle asked.

Cat was so angry with her Pylorian contact that her hands clenched on the tabletop. Advisor Erot was always a manipulative bastard, but their brief interaction this morning sank to a new low. As always, she was not allowed to express her true feelings for the Pylorians, so she meticulously schooled her expression as she glanced at Danielle. He trusts me. Cat nearly choked on the lie. I’m to listen objectively and ensure that anything relating to the Pylorians is adequately represented.

Reginald’s gaze narrowed as he looked at her. Do you even remember that you’re human?

Don’t be a jerk, Reg, Danielle defended. I assigned Cat to the Pylorians. She didn’t choose to represent them.

Well, she doesn’t need to be quite so dedicated to her alien masters. He shot Cat one last hostile glare then picked up his phone and ignored both women.

His resentment was understandable. In exchange for allowing the Pylorians to land their ships and establish self-sustaining colonies, they promised to eradicate disease and provide humans with a renewable energy source that would protect Earth’s environment. Watching as those promises were fulfilled lulled humans into a false sense of security because those were the only promises the Pylorians kept. Everything else they said was either a distortion of the truth or an outright lie.

Lie number one had been the most egregious. Contrary to what the Pylorians claimed, the Morax possessed hyper-space technology. Their ships were significantly slower, but the ruthless warmongers who had forced the Pylorians to abandon their planet were on their way to Earth. According to Pylorian calculations, the Morax would arrive in approximately three years.

Three years sounded like a lot of time, but Cat remembered the panic and hopelessness that gripped everyone as Earth scrambled for a strategy, any strategy. How did a species that could barely leave their planet defend itself against an intergalactic warrior race?

The answer—conveniently provided by the Pylorians—had been unique and unexpected.

As if to illustrate her point, the conference room doors burst open and two lunar raiders entered. Cat had seen images of Prime Commander Vosic Parso many times, but recordings didn’t capture the sheer power of the male. Well over six feet tall, his shoulders were broad, and the formfitting matte-gray uniform worn by all the raiders showcased every inch of his muscular body. Raiders were hybrids, a true blending of several species, and their faces reflected the fact. Though symmetrical and rugged, Vosic’s swarthy features made it impossible to forget that he was not entirely human. His hair was short and dark, accenting his bold features. To ensure that lunar raiders could not pass for human, they were given eyes of unusual colors. Cat had always found Vosic’s sharp amber gaze disconcerting.

Cat shifted her attention to the other male. She didn’t know his name, but presumed he was a guardian. Part bodyguard, part adviser, part henchman, all of the class-commanders were assigned a guardian. This one was even taller than the prime commander, but not as overtly muscular. His uniform was charcoal-gray, accented in copper. Empty brackets on their thighs and attached to their belts indicated weapons, or devices that had been confiscated before they were allowed to enter the room. The guardian’s long, lean body hinted at agility and speed rather than brute strength. His raven-black hair was pulled back and bound at regular intervals to his waist. Unlike the commander’s bold features, the guardian’s were sculpted and elegant, exotic as opposed to alien. His smooth skin was olive-toned and his eyes were neon-green. Their gazes locked and tingling heat cascaded through her body. Her breath hitched as electric awareness arced between them, drawing her in, making her restless.

Forcing herself to look away, Cat glanced at Danielle but she seemed to be immune to the magnetic pull of the guardian. How strange. Cat could still feel his hypnotic stare.

Where are the Pylorians? the prime commander asked impatiently. I will not proceed without them.

Cat cleared her throat and lifted her chin. I speak for, and with the authority of, the Pylorians.

Do you now? Those glowing amber eyes focused on her face, sharp and assessing. And who are you?

This is Ambassador Barco, Danielle told him before Cat could respond.

The commander’s gaze didn’t budge from Cat. Why did the Pylorians send you rather than coming themselves?

She bit back the words she wanted to shout. Because they are self-absorbed cowards who brought war to Earth but can’t be bothered to defend it. That wasn’t exactly true. The proof of their participation stood in front of her right now.

Lunar raiders. Everyone used the term because they didn’t know what else to call the army cultivated by the Pylorians. Using the same technology that produced their extraordinary ships, the Pylorians meticulously blended the DNA of various species to create a line of specialized soldiers. Some received cybernetic enhancements so advanced that the raiders seemed to have paranormal abilities. They were intelligent, highly skilled and able to interface with other Pylorian technologies in a way that wasn’t possible for humans. The cultivated army was completed three weeks before the Morax arrived, and the two forces had been battling ever since.

Cat gave herself a firm mental shake and met the commander’s gaze. It has become progressively harder for the Pylorians to leave their domed cities. Earth’s atmosphere is enough different from theirs to make them feel ill. Like so much of what the Pylorians said, this wasn’t blatantly false.

The commander rolled his eyes as he took his seat directly across from the secretaries. His guardian sat across from Cat. Simple breathers solved that problem two weeks after they arrived. It is an excuse and we both know it.

Cat didn’t argue. He was right. The Pylorians weren’t here in person because they didn’t want to be. End of story.

The commander glanced at the three humans in turn then began in a calm authoritative voice, My first condition is that power be restored to ev—

"We will outline the conditions of your release from the moon, Secretary Conroy snapped as he puffed out his chest. You and every soldier under your command are currently in a state of mutiny. This is not a negotiation, Parso. We are going to—"

The raiders got up and headed for the door.

Panic surged through Cat. Erot made it clear that this negotiation could not fail. If some sort of agreement were not arrived at today, there would be harsh consequences. And he would hold Cat personally responsible. Latching on to the only helpful fact she could think of, Cat said firmly, Lunar raiders are not U.S. citizens. They were cultivated by the Pylorians. The reminder made her cringe. It might be accurate, but it was also demeaning and she hated the term. Six of Earth’s governments negotiated contracts with the Pylorians for the services of lunar raiders. Simply put, Secretary Conroy, they fall under Pylorian jurisdiction, not yours.

The statement halted the commander’s angry strides. He turned around, but didn’t return to his seat. "Are the Pylorians interested in my conditions or should we revisit this negotiation after the Morax finish licking their wounds? According to our probes, their repairs are nearly finished. We have all enjoyed this temporary lull, but the war is about to resume with our without our cooperation." The prime commander looked only at Cat now, ignoring both of the secretaries.

Cat motioned toward his chair and waited until both raiders sat to continue. We are willing to negotiate, but we will not be bullied.

Annoyance narrowed his gaze, though all he said was, I won’t bully you if you don’t threaten me. I do not know how your employers disrupted the power to my ships, but we cannot function without them.

The Pylorians had cultivated the impressive fleet of warships as well as an arsenal of weapons. Soldiers didn’t do anyone much good without the tools of war. And every piece of Pylorian technology contained security programing that allowed them to maintain control of their creations. Or so they thought until the raiders hacked the system.

We are aware that you can’t do your job without your ships, Cat assured him. However, as long as this rebellion continues, you cannot be trusted to come and go as you please.

We are not in rebellion, he insisted. We simply threw off our mental chains. It is the right of any sentient being to fight for his freedom.

The Pylorians would argue that the raiders were cultivated personnel and therefore had no rights of any kind. Let’s not get hung up on semantics. Obviously, you will have access to your ships for approved missions. Leisure transportation will need to be preapproved. If it is allowed at all. She kept the stipulation to herself, not wanting them to walk out again.

By whom? Secretary Conroy challenged. Who is going to supervise the ‘leisure’ activities of the raiders now that they are no longer under anyone’s control? I can only imagine what sort of trouble these creatures will get into now that their instincts are not governed. They are trapped on the moon for our protection.

Rather than reacting to the provocation, the commander looked at Cat. I find this human objectionable and see no reason for him to be involved in this conversation. Remove him, or I will.

Shit. Cabinet members didn’t generally respond well to threats. Luckily for Cat, Danielle placed her hand on Conroy’s forearm and spoke in a hushed yet urgent tone. Cat couldn’t hear what was said, but Conroy shoved back his chair and stormed from the conference room, slamming the door behind him for good measure.

All right, Vosic. Now it’s just us, and we’ve known each other for a long time. Danielle’s calm, casual tone seemed to soothe the commander. I know you’re angry, but this can’t be resolved unless we talk it out like civilized people.

"How can we? I’m not a person. I’m cultivated personnel, a product, an object, a slave."

Have I ever treated you with anything other than respect? Challenge sharpened Danielle’s tone.

This wasn’t the approach Cat would have taken, but Danielle clearly knew the raiders better than she did.

You are one of the few who has not, he admitted. We will not submit to a control system ever again. That is nonnegotiable.

Can you guarantee the behavior of your soldiers without it? Danielle’s eyebrows arched and her head tilted slightly to one side.

I can, he said without hesitation.

How do you know? She paused for affect, obviously wanting him to think about the question. There are not many opportunities for misbehavior on the moon, and you have been in lockdown since you hacked the control system.

Cat had kept the meeting from imploding, but Danielle was clearly better suited to the actual negotiation. Cat relaxed against her chair and just listened.

Vosic sat up a bit straighter as he insisted, My soldiers follow orders. They always have and always will.

The infantry-class is designed to be obedient and task-orientated, so it’s unlikely you will have trouble with them. Danielle motioned toward the male at Vosic’s side. What about Zorak and the other guardians? They have superior intelligence and they’re secretive as hell.

Zorak would never endanger our kind in pursuit of his own pleasure, Vosic stated emphatically.

Zorak. The guardian’s name was Zorak. Cat wasn’t sure why she cared but the knowledge made her smile. Her attention drifted back toward the object of her fascination and her gaze collided with his. Brighter now, his green eyes gleamed with unmistakable interest and a sly smile curved his lips. Another wave of tingling heat washed over her and Cat felt her nipples harden. Thank God she was wearing a blazer.

All right. Then someone from the recon-class, Danielle continued. Mimics are programed for deception. You won’t know if one of them misbehaves unless they’re caught in the act.

Restore power to our ships and we will prove that we can be trusted.

I can’t do that, and you know it, Danielle’s firm tone snapped Cat’s attention back to her boss. Flip the equation and we might have a deal. We will allow you to send a small number of your soldiers to Earth until their willingness to behave has been proven.

After a tense pause, Vosic nodded.

Now, in regard to the actual fighting, Danielle prompted.

Vosic glanced at Zorak and the following silence made Cat wonder if they were speaking telepathically. To her knowledge, none of the raiders were actually psychic. They just had enhancements that could be mistaken for magic.

The commander’s attention returned to Danielle as he said, Earth may provide specific goals, but we plan our own missions.

Agreed. At least, the U. S. has no problem with that. But as Ambassador Barco mentioned, mine is not the only government involved. I will have to confer with the others. Danielle looked at Cat. Do you see any reason the Pylorians would object?

As long as they were safe and secure inside their domed cities, the Pylorians didn’t care about anything else. They have never been interested in details, only outcomes. They want the Morax defeated. That’s the only reason they’re involved in any of this.

Vosic acknowledged her statement with a nod and his attention remained on her as he went on, Now that our minds are unfettered, we require detailed information about our creation. Which species went into each class of raider and how long can we expect to live. These questions did not occur to us while we were enslaved. Now that we are free, we have many questions, many things we do not understand.

Personally, I think that is a perfectly reasonable request, Cat stressed. However, I’m not sure if I can convince the Pylorians to reveal their secrets. Information is power, and they don’t like to share.

Vosic’s gaze narrowed thoughtfully as he considered her answer. Do you have access to their medical database? One of our medics can conduct the genetic analysis, but we need a frame of reference.

As you are well aware, the only thing the Pylorians like more than power is control. I provide information to and make requests of my contact, but I have no influence over his decisions.

He nodded, features hard and expressionless. If your contact refuses, we will find another way to satisfy our curiosity.

After a tense silence, Danielle asked, Do you have any other conditions?

Many of us are starting to sense our mates, Vosic said abruptly as if he had spontaneously decided to bring this up. We require access to them.

Your...mates?

Danielle sounded as confused as Cat felt. Lunar raiders were sexually functional? Even the oldest raiders had only been in existence five years, and the vast majority of their time was spent defending Earth against the Morax. When and how would they have been exposed to sexual concepts much less acquired actual experience? She’d never really thought about them as sexual beings. Of course, now that the topic had been broached it was going to be impossible not to imagine exploring all sorts of sexual variations with the handsome guardian.

We do not know which species within us triggered this instinct, the commander was saying, but the development is widespread.

This is the first I’ve heard of you having mates, Danielle told him.

The awareness began when we deactivated the control system, Vosic explained. We have always had sexual desires, but this is very different, more visceral. In some it is merely a vague awareness. In others a driving need.

Danielle turned back to Cat. Can you ask Advisor Erot what this is about? Find out which species created this awareness and what can be done about it.

There is only one thing to be done about it, Vosic cut in. We need access to our mates.

Are you sure your mates are human? Cat felt ridiculous asking. Humans don’t generally sense our mates. Wouldn’t the females you’re sensing be the same species as the one responsible for the instinct?

We are not certain, Vosic admitted. Without power to our ships, we have not been able to search, so we do not know the range of these connections.

I’ll find out what I can.

He nodded once then turned back to Danielle. In the meantime, we need access to willing females. The simulators only satisfy for so long.

Cat expected Danielle to ask more questions, but she didn’t seem surprised by the request.

"I’ll see what I can do, but the sex workers will have to come to you.