Paya: Tarakka, #1

By Linda Mooney

Tired of sitting back while their borders are being attacked regardless of peace treaties signed, Amalt Paya decides to take it upon herself to investigate anyway, in spite of the punishment she knows she'll face for defying direct orders not to. Her people are dying. What she and her fellow Ree warriors soon discover is worse than she thought. Entire towns are being razed to the ground. But how? And by who? Their enemy is not who they once thought.

 

Ivan Mandrake, a lieutenant colonel in the United Planetary Forces, is tracking a race called the Ya that is destroying planets. Following the Ya to a planet the UPF isn't allowed to touch, he and his group come across a legion of winged warrior females. Their orders are to not make contact with the indigenous species of the planet, but the Ya are attacking, which means he and his men don't have a choice.

 

The Ree know nothing of the technology the Terrans have, but Paya trusts them to help. Unfortunately, the Ree leaders don't share that trust for the Terrans or Paya. She's labeled a traitor, stripped of her title, then sent to the breeding stocks as punishment for the rest of her days. But she's not done fighting, they won't break her, and Ivan won't stop fighting for her.

 

Regardless of the way her people have wronged her, Paya is still determined to save them from the Ya. With Ivan by her side, her feelings for him grow, and she knows Ivan cares for her, but she's unworthy now of his love. She's tainted after what her kind did to her. He'll have to work to convince her otherwise.

 

In the meantime, their mission is to save her planet. Together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Mooney
• Release date: Nov 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781953797346

Linda Mooney

Linda loves to write sensuously erotic romance with a fantasy, paranormal, or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel. A wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Kindergarten and music teacher, she lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast where she delves into other worlds filled with daring exploits, adventure, and intense love. She has numerous best sellers, including 10 consecutive #1s. In 2009, she was named Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's Author of the Year, and her book My Strength, My Power, My Love was named the 2009 WCPT Book of the Year. In 2011, her book Lord of Thunder was named the Epic Ebook "Eppie" Award Winner for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Romance. In addition, she write naughty erotic romances under the name of Carolyn Gregg, and horror under the pseudonym of Gail Smith. For more information about Linda Mooney books and titles, and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit her website. http://www.LindaMooney.com

Book preview

Chapter One

Defiant

Paya slammed her hand down on the table to get their attention. The pain felt good, even if it left her hand stinging. Why are we sitting around here when our borders are being hit? she demanded. She didn’t care if she showed her anger or frustration. She was tired of all the so-called peace talks between their two species.

She gave the five Docents her harshest glare. All I hear from you is talk, talk, talk, while our borders are being infiltrated by those fucking Kuu!

We’ve made the Kuu regents aware of what’s happening, Davia calmly replied, although her actions belied her exterior countenance. It wasn’t difficult to see the woman twisting her robe’s fabric between her fingers.

"You’ve made them aware? Paya criticized. What happened to that truce you supposedly signed with the Kuu? Oh, wait! That one was negated four years ago, so a new truce had to be written and agreed upon. But sadly, that one wasn’t worth the parchment it was written on, either! That means we’re on truce number what? Is it seventeen? Or is it twenty-two?"

Throwing an arm out to indicate the world outside the fortress, she continued. "What you should be doing is sending more troops to reinforce our borders! To help guard our people! Perching her hands on her hips, she took a stance. You do remember that’s what your Creed says you do, don’t you? To protect and defend? To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Ree? To allow everyone the right to home and family? With enough to eat and a peaceful life?"

We know the Creed, Amifal snapped. We don’t need you coming in here and demanding we suddenly shift our priorities to watch over some poor little farmers who’ve taken up residence on the fringes of the land. It was their decision in the first place to move there. They knew the possibility of the dangers they might face.

Paya’s reaction was instantaneous. Whirling on the woman, she took a step toward her when she heard the collective gasps coming from the Docents. She was immediately aware of her threatening posture, including the unfolding of her wings. Clasping her hands into fists, she forced herself to a calmer state of mind. Yes, they knew all that, but they also expected us to help them if anything should happen. In case you’ve forgotten, those poor little farmers had no choice but to move. The land they’d been tilling and tending all these years is no longer able to sustain any crops. And, in case you also need to be reminded, they chose to supply us with the necessary crops we need to survive. She may have taken a less aggressive stance, but her words were still tight with suppressed anger. One more thing, those poor little farmers are our people. They’re not Ree. They are us. It is our duty and responsibility to shelter and defend them at all costs.

I think you’ve had your say, Davia broke in. Thank you for your report, Amalt Paya. You may return to your station.

Paya stared at them in disgust and disbelief. That’s it? Thanks for your report, now leave us alone?

We’ll take your suggestion into consideration, Roli remarked.

Amalt Paya. Seesma leaned forward in her seat. You are one of our most valued officers. You have been awarded many honors for your bravery and gallantry. But we’re also aware that your honesty and caring far exceed anything you’ve faced in combat. We will take your request under consideration and let you know our decision.

When? Paya demanded. How soon? Or are you going to make me wait until it’s too late to take my troops out there to help them?

Her words hit home. By the expressions on the Docents’ faces, she knew that was exactly what they’d planned to do—put it off until it was too late to do anything.

Amalt Paya.

She turned to find sympathy in Davia’s eyes.

Say you go out to the borders. How would you remove the Kuu?

It was a strange question, considering Paya and her squad were no strangers to confrontation with their generations-old enemy. How do I remove the Kuu? Very simply. I’ll knock them out of the skies. If I have to, I’ll grab them by the pinions and haul them away. I’ll do whatever I must to prevent them from approaching Ree soil.

But you don’t kill them.

No. Not outright, Paya quickly corrected. Not unless they kill one of us first.

Nor should you, Amifal stated.

Yet removing them doesn’t stop them, Davia pointed out. You know that. Nothing we have ever done has stopped them from encroaching.

Are you saying we should give up because it’s inevitable?

The five Docents stared at her in silence, not answering, but yet giving her their answer at the same time.

No longer able to keep her temper at bay, Paya pivoted around and strode stiff-legged out of the Great Hall and out of the building to where Sootak was waiting for her by the courtyard fountain. It only took the woman one look at her superior’s face to get an answer.

What are we going to do? the warrior woman inquired.

What other choice do we have? Paya countered before adding a smile. We’re going out there to help.

What? Sootak glanced back at the tall structure looming behind them. You know what will happen to you when they find out you’ve gone to the border behind their backs, she flatly stated.

Yes, but at least I’ll be able to live with myself, Paya admitted. Let’s go inform the squad. Spreading her wings, she launched herself into the air with Sootak right behind her.

The other five members of her team were encamped a few miles from Muvanda. Someone spotted her descending and yelled to notify the others. By the time she set foot on the turf, they’d all gathered to hear the news. It was Eramid who announced it before Paya could say a word.

They turned you down, didn’t they?

They heard me, then dismissed me.

Tersis angrily threw a rock. Gods damn them. Those poor farmers are probably all dead by now, anyway.

Not if I have anything to say about it. Paya gestured in the direction of the border. We’re going there anyway.

Every pair of eyes stared at her in surprise, then simultaneously, they all broke into smiles. That’s what we were hoping you’d say, Breevalt said.

But I’ll make one stipulation, Paya continued. The fact that I’m doing this without the Docents’ approval means that once it’s discovered, I’ll be brought up on charges. I am not ordering any of you to follow me. This is a voluntary mission only. If you wish to fly away, I won’t hold any ill will against you. She glanced at each familiar face. And neither will anyone else. I know all of you have families you have to consider, and how the consequences will affect them if you’re brought up on charges.

We’ll just tell them you ordered us, Dastig proposed.

Eramid immediately squelched that. She just told us she wasn’t going to make it an order. If you make that claim, we’ll all call you a liar.

Paya turned to the warrior. Fold your wings. She was making a suggestion. The last thing we need is to be at each other’s throats. Now is the time for us to tighten together as a fighting force, not divide us. She straightened, bringing her own wings to the fore. I’m giving all of you half an hour to make your decision. At that time, we’re taking off for the settlement. If you’re not there when we rise, you’ll still be considered a member of this team, but on temporary furlough.

She glanced around at her warriors. Are we clear on what’s to be done? Any more questions? No? All right. I’m thinking this mission could take a few days, so gather up your tips and blades, and whatever else you think you’ll need. We meet in the field. Without waiting for a reply, she headed in that direction.

Chapter Two

Discovery

Paya was secretly pleased when every member of her team arrived in time for lift-off. Sootak spoke for them when they arrived.

We took a vote. No one hesitated.

She smiled in return. Thank you. Let’s go.

Where are we headed? Eramid inquired as she hefted her pack.

Rumors are saying the town of Tumidd was recently overrun. Since that’s less than a day’s journey, I think we should check it out first.

Don’t you want us to arm ourselves first? Dastig asked.

We’ll touch down before we reach it, Paya informed the woman. Dastig was a recent addition to her team after Pillio fell ill and was forced to resign. Since all teams were required to have six members and a leader, Paya had no say-so about accepting the next proven warrior. When we land, we’ll ditch our supplies and ready ourselves for combat, then proceed to the village.

She took off with the others right behind her. They stayed low, rather than climb higher into the skies. Not when there was a chance of a Kuu patrol still being nearby that might spot them.

Or maybe we should make our presence known, Paya wondered to herself. It was possible seeing an armed force in the vicinity might give the enemy pause.

How do we know a Kuu patrol is responsible for the attack? Tersis asked, as if reading her mind.

We don’t. That’s why we go in under stealth.

But who else would it be? Soshan countered.

Nothing more was said as they soared over the landscape and kept their eyes peeled for signs of destruction or the Kuu. Paya noticed that Soshan remained close to Dastig, and figured the woman was giving her instructions. This was the newbie’s first deployment since joining the team, making Paya curious as to how the female warrior would react in a real-life situation.

Breevalt came up beside her. We should be seeing the outskirts of the village pretty soon.

Paya answered with a nod, when Eramid suddenly banked hard to the left, leaving the group. Recognizing the action as one of warning, Paya raised an arm to signal a separation and dove for the ground.

She landed silently and dropped her pack. One by one, the others hurried to join her as she withdrew her wing caps from her bag and set them in place. With her wings armed and ready, she snapped on her arm and wrist bands, then settled her facial shield over her head. Armored for battle, she withdrew her ester blade.

Eramid strode over to her once she’d also suited up. Just ahead. No more than a few dozen meters. I caught sight of a flattening in the distance, she murmured, explaining her prior move.

Paya eyed her. What do you mean by a flattening?

I can’t spot the village. There’s no smoke. No smoldering fires. But there is dust. A lot of dust. So much that it’s formed a cloud. The warrior shook her head. I also smelled blood.

Paya believed her. Very well. Here’s the plan. We walk in at ground level and—

Ground level? Dastig countered. Why ground level when it will be faster if we drop in from above?

Although Paya gave the newbie a condescending glare, she was happy when Breevalt shoved the woman’s arm.

"Do not interrupt the Amalt when she’s speaking! Breevalt hissed. And never question her decisions! If she wants input, she’ll ask for it."

In spite of Breevalt’s lesson, Paya chose to answer the question. Eramid said the cloud was thick, which means if we’re above it we won’t be able to see what’s inside it.

Dastig opened her mouth, but Paya held up a hand, signaling her to remain silent. If you’re going to argue with me that if we approach from the side, our vision will still be limited, I agree. However, the Kuu will be expecting us to descend upon them from above. They’ll be less likely to expect a ground assault.

Looking at the others, Paya pointed ahead. We take a semi-circular stance no more than a meter apart. If it appears that the cloud is denser than we expect, move in tighter until you can see your squad partner, even if it means we end up elbow to elbow. Keep your wings folded unless I call for a quick retreat. Are we clear? She got five nods. Setting her jaw, she hefted her blade. Let’s go in.

They moved slowly, taking one step, surveying the area, before taking the next step and repeating. At all times their ester blades were held at waist level in the event the tips encountered something or someone before they did.

They weren’t expecting the cloud to begin dissipating as quickly as it did. They’d barely advanced a dozen meters when they were finally able to see the ground in front of them. As Eramid had said, it was covered in debris and white powder, like ash, except not from a fire. Neither was there any heat coming from it.

Another half dozen meters, and Paya froze where she stood. The others noticed her reticence and also remained in place, waiting for her to call a halt or to continue. Paya ignored them as she continued to stare at the flat, almost barren land in front of them.

Breevalt moved closer to her. Amalt?

It was difficult to swallow the lump of fear and dread rising in her throat. What…what do you see, Breevalt? What do we see in front of us?

Everyone scanned the area. Just land, Tersis replied for them all.

"What do you see?" Eramid queried, curious.

I see nothing, Paya answered in flat tone of voice. She fought to keep herself from breaking down at the implication of what she was facing. I see no homes. No people. No village. Just a flat depression in the middle of a clearing where there should be thriving shops and villagers milling about this time of day.

With her announcement, the rest of the team grew on edge. As one, they all lowered their weapons and continued into the open area. Gradually, it was becoming clear to them that something had completely demolished the little town. Wiped it off the face of the planet with one massive stroke of…

How did the Kuu do this? Soshan murmured. What kind of weapon could they have used?

I don’t see this as coming from the Kuu, Tersis argued. This is… It’s not Tarakkan. This is, it has to be, otherworldly.

Arn shit! Dastig yelled. Who else but the Kuu could have done this?

I side with Tersis, Paya stated. This wasn’t done by Kuu. They don’t have the technology to do this.

That we know of, Sootak noted.

To do what? Breevalt stomped her foot, sending a cloud of dust swirling upward. She coughed.

Paya ordered her to halt. It looks like someone or something has brought a mighty hammer down and pulverized this village, and everyone in it.

Soshan’s eyes widened. Do you realize how big that hammer had to have been to do this kind of damage? Or how many times it had to have fallen to crush every building and occupant to mere dust?

I side with Soshan, Tersis added. Those buildings were made of stone and timber. They were built strong and sturdy to last a hundred generations or more. There isn’t a force out there heavy or powerful enough to cause this.

Not from the Kuu there isn’t, Paya repeated with a humorless smile. Lifting her face, she stared skyward. We must get back to the city and report this to the Docents.

"What can they do?" Sootak questioned with more than a touch of irony. Paya understood the woman’s reluctance. The Docents weren’t known for their military prowess. They were more concerned with the political aspects of their positions, and let their Amalts handle the warfare strategies.

She turned around. Careful where you stride. This place has become a mass grave for all who were caught unaware. We need to return as quickly as possible to let the Docents know that, at least in this case, the breach of our borders was not done by the Kuu. After that, I will call a meeting of the other Amalti and let them know what we discovered.

Do you think the other rash of attacks we’ve heard rumors of might have been caused by this same sort of…pounding? Eramid wondered.

I think it’s very possible, Paya admitted. But until we have proof, we can’t automatically assume that as truth. Other teams will have to go check.

Amalt.

She glanced over at Breevalt.

What if this was a test? Or a warning? What if whoever or whatever did this plans to attack our major cities?

From the corner of her eye, she caught Dastig glancing upward. The woman’s face was pale with fear. What if whoever or whatever did this is still up there? Maybe even watching us right now? What if they strike again without warning? Her voice rose as panic threaded through her blood.

We leave. Immediately, Paya tightly answered and gave the signal for flight.

As one, the team rose into the air, wings spread, leaving behind their supplies to retrieve later. But at that moment it was imperative to inform those of higher authority before there was another attack.

And Paya had no doubt there would be another one.

Chapter Three

Found

Gotcha, you sorry ass sons of bitches! Dison Draynard reached up to activate his earbud. Draynard to Mandrake.

Mandrake. What ‘cha got for me, Dison? The lieutenant colonel didn’t try to disguise his hopeful anticipation.

We found them! Or at least a legion of them, Dison quickly corrected himself.

On my way!

The announcement didn’t surprise him. Ivan Mandrake wasn’t the sort to take his news over the comm, but instead preferred to see and hear it in person.

It wasn’t long before Dison heard the familiar pounding of boots come up behind him. The man leaned over the console, one hand dropping near the comm button and the other on the back of Dison’s seat.

All right. Give me the good news.

Dison already had the holo map displayed in front of him. Using the fingertip glides, he pinpointed each area as he explained.

Sensors detected intense vibrations coming from the fourth planet in the Tiree Plutarn System. A small yellowish glow indicated the orb. I ran a subsequent check, and computers confirmed the vibrations to be the aftermath of a Hydisall ray. Dison glanced over at the man. The Ya are the only lifeforms we’re aware of that have and use a Hydisall ray.

Ivan narrowed his eyes as he studied the holo. Do we have visual or radiographical confirmation that it’s the Ya?

In ninety-nine-point-ninety-nine percent of these cases, the Ya were responsible for using such a catastrophic weapon. Unfortunately, for UPF Command, that wasn’t good enough. It had to be one hundred percent.

Dison snorted. Have I got proof? I wouldn’t have wasted your time unless I have proof, the man remarked. You ready for this? He highlighted a barely visible dot circling above the planet. With a couple of simple gestures, the dot expanded to five hundred times its size. After a couple of seconds for the image to gain clarity, they both stared at the undeniably distinctive outlines of a Ya warcraft.

Ivan slammed a hand on the man’s shoulder. Damn good job there, Dison! Set course!

The lieutenant colonel took the next available seat on the bridge and opened a comm button. This is Mandrake. All squad members report immediately to the bridge. We got Ya!

It took less than five minutes for the entire team to arrive. One by one they converged around the holo display to confirm it for themselves.

Burn Nessland appeared to be staring more intently at the