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

“Nope,” said Eridani. “I don’t like this.” She gripped the couch and closed her eyes, jumping when she felt a hand rest gently against hers.

“It will be fine,” said Eleski, and she offered a reassuring smile. “You are perfectly safe.”

“Of course,” said Eridani. “Perfectly safe.”

“Ten seconds to launch,” said Gretchen.

“What troubles you?” asked Katsinki.

Eridani breathed out. “I don’t like roller coasters.”

“Ten… Nine… Eight… Seven…”

“This is a Starwind,” he said. “It is not a roller coaster.”

“Six… Five… Four…”

The launch rails hummed, and the catapult coupled with a loud clank. It clacked rapidly as it winched into place, and Eridani glanced his way. “Are you sure about that?”

“Three… Two… One… Here we go!” said Gretchen.

Sudden acceleration took hold, creating an instant of intense thrill as the launch mechanism flung the shuttle out amongst the stars. Eleski and Katsinki grinned and stifled laughter. Eridani remained completely silent.

The rush faded at last, and Eridani exhaled. As she leaned over her knees, Eleski soothed her back. “Water,” muttered Eridani, and Katsinki passed her an unopened pouch. She inserted the straw and sipped until her dizziness faded. At last, she got slowly to her feet.

“We should arrive at the space station in short order,” said Eleski. “While I am certain the deck plan displayed several images of Imperium, the opportunity to observe her directly is at hand.” She pointed at the canopy, toward the back of the shuttle.

Eridani looked to where she indicated and laid eyes on Imperium’s exterior for the first time.

Bathed in the soft, reflected light of Rhyon’s moon, silver glinted from the blades, the backswept arches, and the serrated edges extending from the sides of the vessel’s hull. A sloping procession of towers rose from her back. Crimson light seeped from thruster nacelles, and her auxiliary thrusters glowed light blue. Imperium’s bow resembled a hammerhead turned on its side, with sheets of reticulated steel that served as bowmaiden and armor. Painted in bands of burnt orange and white, the starship reminded Eridani of a lionfish.

“She’s beautiful,” whispered Eridani. “What’s in those towers? I couldn’t find any information about their contents in the deck plan.”

“Those towers are empty,” said Katsinki. “They are intended to confuse and distract the enemy when firing upon Imperium.”

Eridani gazed as the starship slowly receded. “What can you tell me about her history?”

“Imperium was commissioned by Gobthar as Excrucio,” said Eleski. “As you know, Husthar changed to her name to what it is now when he assumed ownership. As the current owner, you have the authority to submit another change of name, if you so desire.”

“No, I like Imperium,” said Eridani. “Please continue.”

Eleski nodded. “She suffered extensive damage during the Battle of Rocksaugh, but Husthar paid substantial rush fees to complete her restoration as rapidly as possible. As a result, Imperium was re-certified as a spaceworthy vessel four weeks ago.”

Eridani looked doubtful. “It only took a month to repair her? From what I remember seeing on the news feeds, she was virtually destroyed!”

“Husthar paid a lot of money,” said Katsinki. “In truth, I suspect Admiral Schurke may have assisted in the funding.”

“At least she’s young,” said Eridani. “I hope that means she’s resilient. Does she have weapons?”

Katsinki nodded. “She has armaments. Her primary weapon is known as a C-beam. It is a single, forward facing beam cannon capable of disrupting fundamental nuclear forces.”

“What does that mean?” asked Eridani.

“In summary, where the beam penetrates, it converts all matter within its field of effect into carbon,” said Katsinki. “In addition to the beam cannon, she contains eight rocket bays, though it is my understanding neither Gobthar nor Husthar ever purchased any ordnance. There are four unused outriggers capable of bearing heavy turrets.”

“It sounds like her primary weapon is her only weapon,” said Eridani.

“That is effectively correct,” said Katsinki.

“If you wish to arm the rocket bays, I am confident we will be able to purchase ordnance aboard the Black Doubloon,” said Eleski.

“I suppose it’s worth a shot,” said Eridani. “Let me know if you get any leads, okay?”

“Affirmative,” said Eleski.

Suddenly, the shuttle shook.

“What was that?” asked Eridani.

“It is landing control guiding our approach,” said Eleski. “There is no cause for alarm.”

Eridani fumed. “I’d be extremely grateful if even one person on this crew started telling me about things ahead of time!” As the vibrations subsided, she turned around to regard the space station. On the outwardly facing side of the ring, a hangar door scrolled open. Golden light splashed into the darkness.

Matching rotational speed, the Starwind pitched, yawed, and rolled until the vessel lined up with the landing bay. After a moment, dimly lit machinery zipped by, giving way to murky yellow light as the shuttle slowed to a stop. Docking clamps engaged, and the hangar door locked into place below them.

Gretchen powered down the vessel, opened the airlocks, and dropped the cargo ramp. They all gathered at the foot of it. Shining upon the bay’s grimy exit door, a yellow lamp flickered in the corner as water dripped and streamed from the pipes built into the bulkheads. Drains lined the perimeter.

“No greeting crew?” asked Eridani.

Watchfully, Gretchen scanned their surroundings. “On the other side of that door, probably.” She regarded Eleski and Katsinki. “Time to put on your suits.”

“Affirmative,” they said in unison. Eleski and Katsinki surged in height and apparent muscle mass, until they stood taller than the exit door. Clad now in moistened, dark purple skin, each bore a single meaty tentacle for one arm. Twitching and writhing frantically, three smaller, serpentine appendages protruded from their shoulders, in place of the other arm. Enormous, asymmetrical heads crowned their hunched bodies, and thick, stubby tentacles extended from their beaks. Taking cues from one another, they manifested clothing and refined their individual details.

“You both look professional and terrifying,” said Eridani. “Well done.”

“Thank you,” said Katsinki, his voice low, wet, and resonant.

Gretchen passed Eleski a lockbox. “What is in here?” asked Eleski.

“Unmarked