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

“Thanks for hanging out,” said Eridani, and she set down the parcel. “The delivery ran a little late. I didn’t keep you waiting too long, did I?”

Torsha studied the package. “I’m good. What’s in there?”

“It’s a surprise,” said Eridani, and she looked at Eleski. “For you.”

“I am intensely curious,” said Eleski. “Is there a special occasion I have forgotten?”

“Not as such, no,” said Eridani. “Sorry I didn’t have time to wrap it properly. In truth, I’m not sure they have wrapping paper aboard anyway.”

Eleski smiled brightly. “The copious amounts of packing tape present a sufficient challenge. It need not be colorful.” The tips of her fingers turned to blades, and with surgical precision, she sliced through the wrapping and extracted the contents.

She gazed, wonderstruck at the box before her. On its top, an artist’s rendition of a silvered forearm gleamed in the overhead light. The illustration hinted at each of the dozens of tools contained within, positioned next to the Spyri logo. In the bottom right corner of the side panel, it bore a holographic seal of authenticity. Tears welled in Eleski’s eyes, and her nostrils flared as she glanced at Eridani. “You bought this for me?”

Eridani removed the plastic wrap and opened the box. “It’s custom, made especially for you.” She carefully removed the device from a cushion of foam rubber. “Here.”

“I know how expensive this is,” said Eleski, and she pressed the tears from her eyes. “I cannot accept this.”

“May I change them out?” asked Eridani. “I mean, I was up all night watching how-to videos, so clearly I’m an expert now.”

Eleski laughed as she cried. With a tearful smile, she nodded.

Gently, Eridani traced her hands along Eleski’s forearm, stopping as she reached the elbow of her basic prosthetic. The contact sent shivers throughout Eleski’s body as Eridani deftly disengaged each node. She removed the old forearm and set it down on the table. With a loving smile, she seated the Spyri arm against Eleski’s stump, and every wire flowed into place on its own.

Light glowed from within, coursing through her from head to toe, and Eleski flexed her new fingers. “It’s perfect,” she whispered.

“I’m glad you like it,” said Eridani, and she gazed into Eleski’s eyes. They drifted into a loving kiss.

“Oh brother,” muttered Torsha. “All right, I’m gone.”

“What?” asked Eridani. “You disapprove. It’s because of Thuraya, isn’t it?”

Torsha scoffed. “No, I think Thuraya would want you to be happy too. I’m just not much of a voyeur, is all, so… You two do your thing. Make each other happy. You both deserve it.” She nodded, and she took her leave.

◆◆◆

Upon the observation deck, Shona stood behind Mike, her arms wrapped around his chest. April, Nimbus and Malmoradan sat nearby.

“Does anyone know if Cajun ever found Hector?” asked Shona.

“He did,” said April, and she walked over to offer Shona her phone. “They sent pictures.”

“That’s great,” said Shona, and she took a moment to browse through the images. “Is that Krané and Lafuega with them?”

“Yeah, they hitched a ride down,” said Malmoradan. “They wanted to see Earth for themselves and lend a hand where they could. Ain’t too sure about how much good they’ll do with Lafuega still recovering from surgery, but I bet they’ll have stories. Turns out Rusty and Lafuega know each other from way back.”

“Small world,” said Mike. “I hope they’ll be okay.”

“Everyone that was on Arsenal Bay has been accounted for,” said Nimbus. “Taranis is presently arranging for their relocation.”

Mike hugged Nimbus sidelong. “That’s great news.”

Malmoradan sighed. “You realize this means it falls on me to do the cooking until Cajun gets back, right?”

“Imperium already has a galley crew, don’t they?” asked Mike.

“There’s a huge difference between having acook, and having someone who can cook,” said Malmoradan.

Nimbus laughed. “In that case, you may call upon me if you ever require assistance. I expect I would be a capable participant, as it’s mostly chemistry.”

“Yeah, but it’s not entirely chemistry,” said Malmoradan.

“I suppose it might not be,” said Nimbus. “In which case, I look forward to sampling your evidence to the contrary.”

April regarded Malmoradan with a playfully defiant look. “If you can knock my socks off with an Olympus omelet, I’ll personally recommend you to Casey as interim Kitchen Commander.”

“Prepare to go without socks,” said Malmoradan. “That’s a Martian recipe, right?”

“Correct,” said April. “You’ll have to approximate Martian gravity to get it just right, too.”

“That sounds like my kind of challenge,” said Malmoradan. “Don’t worry, I’ll make enough for everyone.”

◆◆◆

The following evening, Orin paced within his quarters, dressed in his Watchtower-branded activewear. With a sigh, he moved to sit cross-legged upon his bed and stared fixedly at his phone. His doorbell clanked. “It’s open!”

April stepped through. “Hey, Orin. How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay.” He shrugged dejectedly. “Well, maybe not that okay.”

“You’ve been through so much. I hope you’re giving yourself time to heal.”

“Thanks, April.” He rubbed his eyes. “I’m trying to. Can I share something strange with you?”

“Of course,” she said, and she sat beside him.

“I can’t shake this feeling that Ellylle might still be alive. I feel connected to her somehow, and… She was in my dreams, last night.”

“What do you remember?” asked April.

He shook his head. “Not that much, to be honest. It’s mostly colors and emotional impressions, but after I woke up, it took hours to fall back to sleep.”

“There’s still so much we don’t understand about the binary condition,” said April. “It’s possible the connection you share isn’t bound by distance or time. It’s possible you will always carry a part of her with you, just as she carries a part of you with her.”

He sighed heavily. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“I hope you know I’m here for you,” said April, and she kissed him sweetly.

“I do. Thank you.”

“Good,” she said. “We’ll get through this together.”

Affectionately, he squeezed her hand.

“I wanted to update you.” April leaned against Orin’s shoulder. “In other parts of the galaxy, piracy’s been on the rise.”

“That makes sense, with