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

“Miguel, Torsha, you may wish to fasten your respective safety restraints,” said Nimbus.

As Mike fastened his seatbelt, Torsha tilted her head and asked, “Why?”

The sky car shuddered and momentarily lost altitude, nearly causing Torsha to fall off the bench. “Buckle up, kids,” said Martin over the speaker. “Power conversion’s in freefall. We’ll need to land.”

Torsha scooted back into placed and buckled her seatbelt. She pointed at Nimbus. “You?”

Nimbus flashed green for an instant.

Moments later, they touched down on a deserted farmland road, as a column of steam billowed from one of the nacelle fairings. Groves of almond trees surrounded them, guarded by perimeters of ultrasonic fences. Martin opened the passenger compartment door and gestured for the others to exit. “It’ll be at least an hour before roadside repair shows up,” he said. “You might as well enjoy the fresh country air.”

Mike hunched out and took a deep breath. With a slight smile, he asked, “What happened?”

“No clue,” said Martin. “The port catalyzer failed. Cheap piece of junk was supposed to have at least another five hundred hours on it, too.”

Torsha and Nimbus joined Mike outside. “Can they change it out?” asked Mike.

Martin nodded. “If I had the right rig, I could do it myself. And if I had a spare catalyzer lying around, which I don’t.” He noticed headlights in the distance, and he checked his phone. “It’s not them,” he muttered, and he leaned against his sky car’s nose.

The approaching vehicle turned out to be a camper shell pickup truck, and it pulled off the road to park behind Martin’s sky car. An old mphuno stepped out, causing his vehicle to creak in the process. A full gray beard hid the collar of his flannel and the tops of his overalls. Standing at the driver-side door, he called out, “Need any help?”

Martin waved him on. “Got a repair crew inbound. Thanks for the offer, though.”

The mphuno nodded. “I can stay with you while you wait if you like.”

“That’s very kind of you, but it’ll be an hour before they get here, and maybe another hour to swap out the catalyzer,” said Martin. “It’s late, and I’m sure you’ve got someone waiting for you at home.”

A forlorn smile crossed the mphuno’s face, and he lowered his horn a bit. “It’s just me and Ol’ Juneau, these days.” A big, furry dog sat up and yawned, and the mphuno reached inside his truck to pet him.

Martin chuckled to himself. “Sure. Thank you. We appreciate the company.”

“Does he bite?” asked Torsha.

“Nope,” said the mphuno.

She regarded Martin with hope in her eyes. “I’ve never met a real dog in person, before. Is it okay if I go see?”

“Go for it,” said Martin. He nodded at his son. “Why don’t you keep her company, just to be safe.”

Mike snorted. “Keep the mphuno safe? Sure, I can do that.”

“Hey,” said Torsha. “I wouldn’t dream of hurting that nice old man!”

“Mike, please,” said Martin.

“All right, all right,” said Mike. “I’m going.” He followed Torsha to the truck.

Martin looked on with a smile as the mphuno led Ol’ Juneau out onto the dirt shoulder. Mike watched as Torsha cautiously reached toward the dog and startled as it jumped to meet her hand. She laughed nervously at first, but before long played easily with the well-trained canine.

In time, the repair crew arrived. A team of human technicians exited their panel truck, and Martin explained what was going on. He led them to the port nacelle and turned his back on Mike and Torsha as he levered open the fairing.

Mike exchanged nods with the mphuno, who gestured for Ol’ Juneau to sit. The mphuno whispered, “This way.”

Torsha looked confused. “What’s going on?”

“Follow my lead,” said Mike, and he dashed to the pickup truck’s rear gate. Nimbus and Torsha hurried after. A pair of denshi-tengus stepped out of the camper shell, dressed in the same clothes as Mike and Torsha. Cables hung from the backs of their heads, and silver glinted in the backs of their enlarged eyes.

Their features changed, taking on every exact detail of the people across from them. Without a word, Mike climbed into the truck bed, and he motioned for Torsha to join him. Nimbus dispersed and reappeared next to Mike. Her heart raced and Torsha took a calming breath. With a resolute nod, she slipped inside.

The mphuno closed the rear gate. “Looks like you’re in good hands,” he called out.

“We are,” said Martin. “Thanks a lot for you time! Mike, Torsha, why don’t you get back inside. This is going a lot faster than I thought it would.”

“Sure thing,” said Mike’s doppelgänger.

The other one yawned, and they both climbed inside Martin’s sky car.

Ol’ Juneau hopped up inside the cabin, and the mphuno slid over next to him. He slammed the driver’s side door and started his truck. Cranking the wheel over, he eased out onto the road and slowly drove away.

Inside the camper shell, Torsha hissed, “You’re insane! What happens when your dad finds out they’re not us?”

Mike smiled. “He won’t. Those two are from Cooler Club. They’re the best in the business.”

“I hope you’re right,” said Torsha. She eased onto her back and gazed at the ceiling. “I can’t believe we’re doing this.”

“Thank you,” said Mike. He reached over and squeezed her hand.

“Yeah, sure,” she muttered. After a moment, she squeezed back.

◆◆◆

Two days passed aboard Casey’s shuttle, and April felt no closer to Orin’s thoughts than she had been at the outset of their journey. “I really wish we had more time,” she said. With her gaze, she traced the contours of his face.

“I thought we needed Watchtower to get there,” said Orin.

April nodded. “We do.”

“You make it sound like we’re out of time.”

“Well, we’re not completely out of time, but once we’re aboard, my job is first mate,” said April. “That’s not going to leave much time for my personal pursuits.” She stretched and offered Orin her hand. “Come on, you