Rivers of Orion by Dana Kelly (a court of thorns and roses ebook free .TXT) 📕

“That ain’t what we saw on the space station,” said Malmoradan.

“No. That’s because they’re mimics,” said Orin. “I think I finally understand what they were doing up there. Cover your ears. We can’t listen to anything else that thing says! Come on, we have to get back to Casey.”

“How?” He gestured at the sea of folk crowded tightly around them. “They’re all bigger than I am!”

“Follow me.” Orin placed his hands together, summoning a halo of subtle flames. Blue tendrils flowed from his fingertips, spreading throughout the crowd. They tugged slightly at the inhabitants that impeded their travel, forming gaps here and there. He forged a path back to the courtyard, and they hurried along it, headed quickly inside the office.

Orin urged Rusty inside and closed the doors.

“What’s going on?” asked Casey.

“They’re here, and they just banished the storm like it was nothing,” said Orin. “No snow drifts, no mud—nothing! It’s like the log-lifter never happened.”

“Who’s here?” asked Casey.

“The xenos, like the one we saw in the space station,” said Malmoradan.

“They arrived in a giant ziggurat, and I think they’re about to attack,” said Orin. “Not with guns or knives, but like a Venus Flytrap—with an irresistible offer.”

“Please explain,” said Casey.

“What did you say that thing was doing in the engine room?” asked Orin.

“Reading the personnel files,” said Casey.

“And before that,” said Orin.

She shrugged. “I have no idea. That’s the first time I saw it.”

“It was reproducing the living experiences of the station crew,” said April. “That’s why we found all those rooms in a seemingly abandoned state, because it was learning every single thing about everyone here—what they love, what they hate, what terrifies them, and what… what they want most of all.”

Orin snapped his fingers. “Exactly!”

“How big is the ziggurat?” asked Rusty.

“Big enough to hold all the people of Cherry Grove a hundred times over,” said Orin. “Big enough to hold everyone on the planet, with room to spare. One of those creatures is out there in the form of a human woman. It’s presenting itself as the head of HR for a company called Porrima Industrium. It’s using some sort of visual and audio amplification, and there’s been this sound coming from their vessel since it appeared.”

“What kind of sound?” asked April.

“It’s creepy as hell,” said Malmoradan. “Take one part sawmill and add two parts complete despair.”

“What’s important about the sound?” asked Rusty.

“It’s part of their weapon,” said Orin. “I’m sure of it. It’s safe to say your countrymen are rowdy, right? Certainly, they’re hearty, but as soon as that sound started, they fell silent. Almost docile.”

Rusty’s throat felt suddenly dry. “How is that possible?”

“The noise could be inducing a highly suggestible state,” said April.

“That was my thinking,” said Orin.

“Enthralled by the Venus Flytrap,” whispered April.

“What did the woman say, exactly?” asked Casey.

◆◆◆

At the foot of the ziggurat, Persephone lifted her outstretched arms. “Haven’t you toiled long enough under the yoke of Taranis Arms and Outfitters? Think about working for Porrima Industrium. Think about it. Every employee receives platinum-level benefits without one credit out of pocket. We offer luxurious shipboard homes and three meals a day—prepared by one of our gourmet chefs—all at no cost to you.” She laughed musically.

“For one day only, we’re offering all of you a signing bonus equal to twice your profit sharing for all ten years of your time here on Arsenal Bay.”

Excited murmuring warmed the crowd.

“Consider this our open house! Come in and have a look around,” said Persephone. “All are welcome!”

A few people moved for the nearest trams, spurring the rest of Cherry Grove’s denizens to rush the stations. Four crowded lines formed, wrapping around the platform. They made their way down to the surface in waves.

◆◆◆

Hector’s phone buzzed, and it buzzed, and it buzzed again. “What’s this about?” he muttered, and he retrieved his device. “You need to see this,” he read aloud. “Call the skyman… This place is amazing… Fear of missing out alert…” He swiped through images of polished halls, of vaulted ceilings with soaring archways. Someone sent him a scented hologram of a vast banquet table. He looked at Edison and Cajun. “Can you two handle the patient for a few minutes? Something is going on out there, and I’m not sure I like it.”

“Go and check in on ya folk,” said Cajun.

“We’ve got this,” said Edison.

Hector nodded. “Thanks, guys.” He got up from the stool and hurried down the hall to his waiting room. “Rusty! What brings you here?”

“We’re being invaded,” said Rusty. “Orin, tell him what you saw!”

Orin shared his observations and hypotheses. “I have a terrible feeling something bad is going to happen to anyone who gets drawn in. I’m strong enough to shield the building, or pull everyone back inside, but not both.”

“Let’s plan for shielding the building,” said Casey.

“I doubt they’ll listen to reason,” said April. “First, you must do something to break Porrima’s spell!”

Hector snatched up several bags of disposable foam ear plugs. “Let’s start with these. Rusty, time to do some good!” He tossed Rusty one of the bags.

“I’m coming with you,” said Casey, and she checked her pistol’s magazine. “I’ve got lightning guns in the shuttle. They won’t kill those things, but they’ll stun them. Hopefully long enough to get everyone to safety.”

“No,” said Rusty. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and for a moment Casey felt a thrill as she gazed into his eyes. “Your courage is inspiring, but if something happens to us, we need someone to keep telling our story. Please, stay here. Stay safe.”

“I’ll give you twenty minutes,” said Casey, and she holstered her sidearm.

Rusty laughed. “Fair enough. I’ll see you in fifteen.” He and Hector stepped out onto the concourse, and Hector locked the doors behind them.

Casey took a deep breath, started her timer, and faced her team. “Everyone suit up. We need to be ready to move