New Dawn (Felidian Warriors Book 1), page 1
Felidian Warriors
New Dawn
By: M.L. Cook
This is a work of fiction. There are no huge spaceships hovering above the earth, plotting our demise. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Although, I don’t think there’s any danger of an invasion by giant lizardmen or a rescue planned by descendants of large cats. So, I think it’s fairly safe to assume this entire book is a product of my imagination
Dedication:
Many thanks to my most loyal fans, who offer words of encouragement when writing becomes difficult. Especially my daughter, Jannette, who has become my number one fan. It seems that I have just finished publishing one book, when she’s on the phone demanding another.
Shout out to my good friend, Cynthia being my beta reader!
Before you get started I would like to invite you to visit my website where you can get updates on upcoming books, plus links to my other books.
https://www.marycooknovels.com
Lenora Cook 11/3/1932-12/14/2020
Books by M.L. Cook
The Adventures of Lok’Toria
The Princess Finds a Pet
The Pet Finds a Boy
The Boy Finds a Crown
Fury Rises:
First Oracle
The Lady
Felidian Warriors:
New Dawn
Dawn of Inception
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Note from the Author
About M.L. (Mary) Cook:
Closing and Contact:
Prologue
A small town in the Midwest
Brooke Caldwell sat on the edge of the stool, one elbow on the table, with her chin propped on a tightly clenched fist. Her other hand rested in her lap, while one finger tapped against her thigh. Why she’d ever let them talk her into coming here, she would never understand. Not only was she not a people-person, but she also hated the club scene. As far as she was concerned the night couldn’t end soon enough.
The music was beyond loud. The thump of the base sent vibrations up through her toes, radiating throughout her body. Overhead lighting sent colors swirling around the dancefloor in a pattern meant to cast the room in a magical setting.
In Brooke’s mind’s eye all she could see were the bright white lights of bombs exploding in the distance, while body parts pelted her from all directions. In horror she stared down at a red pattern that was blossoming across her stomach. Reaching down, she plucked a long narrow bone with the flesh of someone’s forearm still attached, from the center of a small hole.
She could hear someone calling her name as she looked from the projectile to the steady stream of blood pumping from her body.
“Are you listening to me? Brooke. Hello?” Her best friend’s voice broke through, bringing her back to the moment. “There’s got to be more to life than standing on a line all day. Mindless work. I don’t know how you do it. You’ve got to get out of that place. It’s sucking you dry.”
Brooke blinked at the tiny package that barely contained all that was Jannette Caldwell. Most people misjudged her, but only once. Jannette was vibrant, in your face, knocking you into next week, loud.
Brooke was the opposite, quiet, contemplative, yet always one step ahead of the rest. They’d had this argument so many times, Brooke knew what Jannette would say next. She stared at her lips, waiting for the words to burst forth. She found herself mouthing them as Jannette spoke.
“You need to put your military expertise to use. You could get on…” Jannette cocked her head, leaned closer, narrowed her eyes, then sealed her lips in a half smirk. “Seriously, Brooke?” She threw her hands up, then leaned back in her chair.
Aubree jabbed her boney elbow into Brooke’s side, “Ya gotta work on that, sis. You should see yourself. You’re not even trying to hide it.”
She hated that they had this argument at least once a week. The factory was quiet, the women she worked with were spaced far enough apart to make conversation nearly impossible. Then if someone did try to speak to her, she feigned deafness. They all knew she was a vet, so nobody doubted her contrived hearing loss. It was a place she could lose herself, not dwelling on a past best forgotten. Every time her mind started to wander, she would be jerked back to the present by the next part rolling by.
“I’m fine where I’m at. Did you ever stop to think that I might like mindless work? It gives me time to get my thoughts together. Besides, the pay is great!” She crossed her arms over her chest, leaned back in her chair, and resumed the illusion of watching the dancing couples.
Jannette leaned closer, ready to vomit out more unsolicited advice, when a tall dark figure stopped by her stool. Anger clouded her face for a moment, before she turned to see who dared to interrupt her. A grin spread across her face, “Well, hello handsome!” She slid off the stool and into his arms. “Later, ladies.” She peered around him, “Is that your friend over there?” At his nod, she motioned the guy to follow them. Shouting over her shoulder, she joined the gyrating bodies on the dance floor, “Don’t wait up.”
“See that’s what you need.” Aubree nodded toward the crowd that gathered around their friend.
“That,” Brooke nodded toward the growing group of men, “is the last thing I need.”
Aubree turned her grin toward her sister, “Well…maybe not so many…How does she do that?” She tilted her head to the side, watching the action on the dance floor.
“Exactly. I’m telling you, someday…” She shook her head. Just because her sister and best friend couldn’t stop harping on the same things every time they got together, didn’t mean she would fall into the rut.
“Yeah, yeah. I know…some incurable disease that will leave her with warts and open sores. Or…she might just have some pretty amazing memories to look back on.” She laid a comforting hand on Brooks arm, “Look, you don’t have to go out and hookup with some random stranger. But you really need to get out and meet people. You know,” She leaned closer, “you’re not getting any younger.”
Brooke turned an angry glare toward her little sister, “Twenty-seven isn’t that old!”
Aubree held a finger up, waving it side to side, “Tick Tock, sister.”
“Whatever.” She upended her glass, then slammed it back onto the table. A waitress appeared by her side with a new drink before she could think to wave one down. “Besides…” She turned to find an empty stool where her sister had been sitting. “…I’m talking to myself, now.”
Picking up her drink, she leaned on her elbows and continued to allow her thoughts to take her away. She knew they were right, she really did need to get out and meet someone. However, a bar just wasn’t her idea of the ideal place to search for a companion, and that’s what she wanted. There was nothing casual about Brooke, she was an all or nothing kind of girl. Maybe if things had been different in her younger days… But they weren’t. There was no sense dwelling on what she couldn’t change.
The last seven years had been all about raising her sister. There had been no time for Brooke to enjoy the wildlife that Aubree and Jannette enjoyed. She didn’t regret it, Bree was her life, the only family she had left.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice coming from behind her, “Would you like to dance?”
Her first impulse was to tell him where he could shove the dance, but the words of her sister halted her. Even if this wasn’t the one, what could one dance hurt?
An hour later, she was pleasantly surprised to discover her dance partner turned out to be a pretty nice guy, after all. He stood a few inches taller than her five-foot-ten, good-looking, and most important, seemed to have a brain. So far he’d kept his hands to himself, and genuinely seemed to be looking for someone to talk to.
He’d said very little about himself. He’d given her his first name, and a vague idea of what he did for a living. He seemed like the perfect man. He listened to every word, nodded in all the right places, and laughed at her attempted jokes.
When a slow dance came on, he led her away from the table to join the swaying bodies beneath the soft lights. Pulling her closer, she relaxed and allowed the music to take her.
Halfway into the dance, his hand slid down her back, drifting lower. Alarms went off in her head. Reaching for his hand, she adjusted it on her waist once again. A nearly imperceptible sigh tickled her neck moments before his lips began to trail toward her shoulder.
His lips brushed her ear, “How about we go back to your place?”
She tilted her head as his tongue pulled her earlobe into his mouth. Heart racing, she struggled to remember what she was supposed to say. Blinking, the words came back, “No, we can’t. I share an efficiency with my little sister. Let’s go to your place.”
She stared into his half-lidded gaze, a sly smile played across his sensuous lips. “No can do. My roommate is kind of a stickler about bringing women home.”
It was like she’d just stepped into a cold shower. It was something Jannette, Aubree and she had come up with to weed out the married men. He fit the profile a little too well. The guy didn’t give out much information about himself. Memory returned of the vibrations against the table top from his silenced phone. After about the fourth time, he picked it up, glared down at the glowing face, then tucked it into his hip pocket.
She stepped away, “You’re married.”
His smile faded, his lips set in a grim line, then came the cocky grin. “Well…”
She could see the wheels turning. Next he would either tell her they were separated, or he would say it was okay. He just wanted to have a little fun, what the wife doesn’t know, won’t hurt her. She held a hand up, “Just don’t. Whatever you were going to say…just don’t.”
She turned to go back to her table, when he made the mistake of grabbing her arm.
Rolling her eyes, she stopped short. Gripping the thumb of his right hand, she pulled it as far back as she could. If she broke it, so what. Nobody likes a cheating asshole. She turned into him, her knee came up, and he went down. Leaning over him, she spoke between clenched teeth, “I said, don’t.”
Looking around, she realized Aubree and Jannette weren’t anywhere to be found. Back at her table, she pulled out her phone. Sure enough, both had sent a message, telling her they’d already left. Shaking her head, she mumbled, “Bree, Bree, Bree…what am I going to do with you?”
***
Galaxy: Anodyne, space station: Euphonious Plethorina, located above the planet Plethorn
After purchasing supplies, Dante and Seth Balliol, sons of the ruling family of the world Felidia, hurried toward their ship. After sliding a few credits into his hand, the merchant from the shop they just left, told them about his recent visitors. The same ones they’d been tracking for the past three years.
Several Terrapians had come into his shop a few days ago to purchase replacement parts for an engine that was malfunctioning. It was nothing major, something they could replace in route.
“We don’t have time to go for a few glasses of ale, brother. Even now the Terrapians could have found another planet. Just because so many of our people are lost to us, doesn’t mean we turn our backs on others who may need our assistance. Have you already forgotten the last time we arrived too late?” Dante rushed away from Barrage’s Bounty.
“I am quite aware of the necessity to continue our endless pursuit of the scaly savages. But I am also sure you understand the need to give the crew a chance to blow off steam. If we keep going like this, we’ll have a war of a different nature on our hands.” Seth’s gaze wandered to the scantily clothed females hanging in the doorways of several less than reputable businesses.
Seth stumbled when Dante stopped in the middle of the walkway, causing several others to curse as they nearly tripped into him.
One Hirsute wasn’t able to stop in time to avoid smacking face first into Dante. He brushed a hand down his chest, then waved it toward the towering male. “You will pay me for the inconvenience caused by your sudden stop. One thousand credits will be all that I require this time.”
The Hirsute, a short, stout, hairy creature gave off a pheromone that was irresistible to nearly every race in the known galaxies. The Felidians, however, were repulsed by the obnoxious odor. Instead of making them more pliable, it had the opposite effect on them, invoking rage.
As he fisted a handful of hair, he heard a shrill scream from a nearby alley. Dropping the arrogant Hirsute, he ran toward the sound.
“Brother, no!” Seth ran after him mumbling under his breath, “How can I protect you when you run after every damsel in distress?” Seth watched as a tall green creature with leathery skin appeared to be dragging a small, shapely female. When he saw the telltale slimy trail leading down the alley, he knew it for what it was. “No, it’s a trick—”
Before they could act, they found themselves surrounded by at least thirty Terrapians. The distressed female turned, her body melted into a giant quivering form. “One thousand additional credits if I hide these two and follow you back to your ship, right?”
One of the Terrapians turned a grin toward the brothers, “Hide, do not kill, then you will be paid.”
Dante turned to run, but was overtaken before he made two steps toward his brother.
Seth ran toward the Mucilaginy, pulling his weapon from its holster, he took aim.
“I wouldn’t suggest that, Felidian. Did you know the Mucilaginy are impervious to any known weapon? All you would succeed in doing is killing your own brother.” The Terrapian knocked his head toward Seth, “Bring him. If we have two of their warriors, the prince will have to take notice.”
Seth felt his racing heart begin to slow. The small band of Terrapians had no idea who they’d just captured. It was common knowledge that the king of the Felidians would pay any ransom for the return of his first two sons. They may find themselves at the mercy of their enemy, but at least they would be able to keep their people safe.
Chapter One
On Earth, news reports were coming in.
All across the world, cities were being torn apart. Silver streaks were seen shooting from the atmosphere toward the Earth.
Frantic calls were made to officials in every country. Each asking the same questions, who was attacking them, and why? Every nation was hard pressed to save their leaders. The readied helicopters that held the few who were able to make it to safety, were annihilated before rising more than a few feet above the ground.
All of the television stations were broadcasting the same story. The world was under attack. Large cities were the first to go. Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Beijing, Paris, Mexico City, just to name a few, were left in ruins. Large craters appeared where skyscrapers once stood. Government buildings, schools, and hospitals were destroyed. By the time it was done, not one city block was left standing.
In a desperate attempt to stop more destruction, fighter jets were ordered to destroy the bullet shaped objects before they could do more damage. As the jets were picked off, one by one, they learned the truth.
***
A loud explosion, followed by a low rumble startled Brooke from her sleep. Coming fully awake, she realized her bed was rocking side to side. Her first thought was that a rarely experienced earthquake had jolted the Midwest. Judging by the swaying of her house, she knew it must have centered somewhere close to her. When the first explosion was followed by a second, her next thought went to the most likely cause, a gas line rupture.
Memories of the devastation caused by such events rushed through her. So many homes were destroyed. A lot of people died in those explosions. The ones that were fortunate enough to live, found their lives were forever changed. The explosions sounded close, so she knew the chances of her escaping narrowed with each second she sat in bed thinking about what was going on.
With the seriousness of the situation, every second counted. Dressing quickly, she raced toward the living room. Grabbing her purse and keys, she yanked the door open. Shock engulfed her as she took in the total destruction of not only her neighborhood, but for as far as the eye could see. A dark shadow passed overhead, quickly followed by another explosion.
Turning her gaze toward the heavens, she felt her knees give out. Sinking to the cold concrete steps, she could do no more than stare at the sight that greeted her.
Long, narrow vessels raced across the skies. Streaks of red pulsed from the sleek silver bullet shaped ships toward the Earth below.
In the distance black smoke billowed above the small city of Anderson. The tall buildings that once painted the horizon were now gone, leaving behind nothing but skeletal remnants.
The city was under attack. But from who, or more exact, what? The vessels that sped across the sky resembled nothing she’d ever seen. Her mind refused to accept the only viable truth. Invasion.
Except that wasn’t possible. There were no UFO’s. There was no intelligent life beyond this world. She told herself that it had to be another country. Although, she’d never seen anything like the vessels that were now flitting between buildings, hovering above trees, and shooting everything that moved. The way they maneuvered shouldn’t be possible, yet there it was.
