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

“Not actively, no,” said Martin. “However, if your brother is in fact unprecedented, how could the scanners know what to look for? There must be a progression, with each level of binary potential being a whole new learning experience. For as powerful as Orin’s abilities appear to be, I doubt the sensors could even process the data they were receiving.”

“What about the agency? They have an army of scouts,” said Eridani.

“I could only guess. It’s possible his passive output is overwhelming. Maybe they’re blind to him,” said Martin.

“Maybe you’re right about that,” said Eridani. “If it’s true. But the whole thing still doesn’t make any sense. Mom and dad never participated in the eugenics program. You only get binaries like that from top-secret underground delivery rooms.”

At that, Martin shrugged. “I don’t know what to tell you. You can choose to believe the security cam footage or not, but there’s a lot of bad people out there who do.”

“What’s goin’ to happen to my boy?” asked Oliver. “When the bounty hunters drop him off, I mean.”

“The people at the assessment facility will try to understand Orin as completely as possible,” said Martin. He cleared his throat. “On a cellular level.”

Eyes red with tears, Aurora fixed her gaze on Martin. “Are you telling me they’re going to kill my son?”

“They will not kill your son, or even try, because he’ll never reach his destination,” said Martin. He offered a reassuring smile. “I just issued orders to Falcon’s fastest starship—the Tohtli-class hunter-destroyer Fox Mendes. In two days, she’ll be on an intercept course with the bounty hunters’ vessel. They’re prepared to do whatever it takes to get Orin back.”

“And then what?” asked Eridani.

“Orin lives,” said Martin.

“What about the rest of us? If my little brother’s the real deal, someone will surely be coming for us, if they aren’t already,” said Eridani.

“I’m glad you asked, because that’s exactly why we’re all here,” said Martin. “First, we’ll all need to relocate to a secure location. My team will deliver Orin to us there. This is uncharted territory. If we’re going to provide Orin his best chance of survival, we’ll need to approach everything we do from this point forth with a spirit of courage and cooperation. Are you with me?”

“Still counts as vacation,” said Brittany. “We’re in.”

“Wish I could,” said Oliver. “But I only got two weeks’ leave, and I doubt all this’ll be sorted by then.” He smiled at Aurora. “Judge owes me. I’ll get him to slide me a spouse’s pass so you can join me for the next run. We’ll be safe enough up there for three months.”

“What about when you get back? If two binaries were waiting for you today, how many do you think they’ll send in three months?” asked Martin.

“Wait a darn minute,” said Oliver. “I never told you about those binaries!”

Oops, thought Martin. “Sure, you did. On the way back here.” Martin coughed. “You probably don’t remember because of all the adrenaline.”

“Binaries?” asked Eridani. “Dad, you didn’t say anything about binaries!”

“It’s nothin’, kiddo,” said Oliver. “Just part of a hustle.”

“Not true,” said Martin. “I had some time to look them up while we were waiting. Frostshadow and Lafuega belong to an elite strike force. It’s top secret, and that means government agencies. Or military.”

“You could’ve mentioned that sooner,” said Eridani.

“Would’a been nice,” said Oliver. He whistled quietly. “Stayin’ home suddenly sounds pretty dicey. I reckon I’m on board if Aurora is.”

Aurora narrowed her eyes at Martin. “Sure. I’m in.”

“Great,” said Martin, and he tugged at his shirt. “Eridani, Iona, what about you?”

“I have an understudy, and it would be nice to get away for a while,” said Iona. “I’m in.”

“I can’t,” said Eridani. “I have a warehouse to run.”

“And you’ll be running it,” said Martin. “You won’t miss a beat. In fact, while you’re taking refuge, you’ll also be at work fifteen minutes early for the morning huddle, just like you always are.”

Eridani frowned. “It’s creepy that you know all that about me. Anyway, I can’t just show up onscreen, or as a holo. I need to be there in person, or they’ll fire me.”

“And you will be,” said Martin. “Here’s what’s going to happen. Two of my specialists will be arriving shortly. Three others are on their way to Castle Santos.” He nodded at Iona and Eridani. “Two more are on their way to your guys’ respective homes. When I get the word that my specialists are in position, everyone here except for me will leave for a secure location. It could be weeks or months before it’s safe to return.”

“Why aren’t you joining us?” asked Brittany.

“I need to find Mike and Torsha first,” said Martin. “Don’t worry, I won’t be far behind.”

“How is this supposed to work?” asked Eridani.

“My dad’s specialists are denshies,” said Gabriela.

Oliver pointedly cleared his throat. “You hired skin-thieves to replace us, after what just happened?”

“Of course, he didn’t,” said Iona. “Everyone knows that skin-thieves can’t be trusted.”

Martin regarded his daughter, as surprised as he was impressed. “Actually, Gabi’s right. How did you figure it out?”

She shrugged in response, uttering a noncommittal noise.

“Well, she is our daughter,” said Brittany.

“I’m sorry, but it’s still a no,” said Eridani. “I’m not okay with one of your skin-thieves spending time with my girlfriend!”

“I thought you and Thuraya broke up,” said Aurora.

“No, we didn’t break up.” Eridani blushed slightly. “It’s complicated.”

Martin considered. “I’ll get an additional asset.”

Eridani sighed. “Then I guess I’m in.”

“Where would we be going?” asked Iona.

“Trollaskogur,” said Martin. Seeing no recognition in his comrades’ expressions, he added, “Also known as Troll Forest.”

“Where’s that?” asked Iona.

“It’s a good distance inland from the mid-western coast of Klettastrond. It’s a well-known ecological preserve, with a lengthy canyon and unusual rock formations.” He smiled. “Have you heard of the Rybecker Salt Flats?”

“Sure,” said Iona.

"Just west of that. It leads up to the Whispering Woods, which encircles Carven Lake,” said Martin.