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

“See what?” he asked, and she helped him to stand.

“The starship Watchtower. Come on, we’re almost there!” Suddenly, she beamed and dashed toward the cockpit. “This might be your only chance to see what she looks like from the outside.”

Orin followed and soon stood at April’s back as she lingered in the doorway. She gazed up through the canopy, and he tracked to where she pointed within the starry expanse. “I don’t see anything.”

“She’s right there.” She pulled him close, positioning his head just so. “See?”

Looking up from her chair, Casey said, “Prisoner, I don’t want you coming any closer than that. The cockpit is for command personnel only. April, what are you doing?”

“I wanted Orin to see Watchtower before we dock.”

“That’s reasonable,” said Casey. “She is very pretty. I’ll allow it this once if you two stay in the doorway. Are we clear?”

“Of course. Thank you,” said April.

Orin frowned. “I can’t find it. There are so many stars out here, I…” Suddenly, he saw what April wanted him to see. “Oh, there it is,” he whispered.

“She,” said April. “There she is.”

He gazed awhile. “She’s beautiful.”

Light traced the lines of the starship’s hull, a sleek, platinum raindrop falling upward in a sea of stars. A broad ring encircled the vessel near her crown, and dozens of glowing viewports dotted her length. At her tapered base, four polished nacelles rested upon silver wings. Emblazoned on the hull, just under the ring, soft light shone upon her name: WATCHTOWER, and directly below it, her designation: ASTN-6754.

“All right, prisoner, it’s time to get back to your seat,” said Casey. “We’ll be docking soon, and I want you secured before we go weightless.”

“Sure,” said Orin, and he turned away. Shona guided Orin back to his place on the bench.

“Oh, it’s almost time for final approach!” said April, and she took her place in the copilot’s seat.

Casey pushed a button that closed the cockpit door. “How’s it going with the prisoner? Are you making any headway?”

“I hope so. He hasn’t mentioned the airlock incident, yet.” said April.

“That’s good, right?”

April shook her head. “Unfortunately, no. It means he doesn’t trust me enough to share his pain. He’s still internalizing it.”

“Well, we still have three weeks before we get there. I’m sure you can work your magic by then,” said Casey.

Halfway down Watchtower’s length, a massive hangar door slowly opened. Adjusting for spin and tumble, Casey closed on the shuttle bay.

◆◆◆

Looking to Malmoradan with a nod, Casey said, “Give the prisoner Kendra’s quarters. If we’re flying without a collar, I want him close enough that you and Shona can take action.” Near the exit, a bulkhead lamp labeled “Exterior Pressure” turned from bright red to bright green. Casey opened the airlock and extended the boarding ramp.

“Sure thing,” said Malmoradan. Switching on his mag boots, he unfastened the safety restraints and clipped a tether between Orin and his belt. Firmly, he grabbed Orin’s arm. “Let’s go.”

“Watch it,” said Orin, and he shrugged out of Malmoradan’s grip.

Casey regarded Orin sternly. “As a ward of the penal system, you will subject yourself to whatever mode of escort or transportation I see fit. My chief of security will physically escort you to your quarters at this time. If you do anything other than follow my instructions to the letter, you will have exhausted any goodwill extended to you from my crew on behalf of my first mate.” She dangled the handcuffs close enough for Orin to lean back. “Are we clear?”

“Yeah, we’re clear,” said Orin.

Malmoradan grasped his shoulder, lifted him off the bench, and dragged Orin from the shuttle like a day-old helium balloon.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Casey regarded April. “Wonderful. Now he’s insubordinate. That’s on you.”

“You tried to kill him, remember?” With arms crossed, April held her captain’s stare. “I think he’s earned some latitude.”

“That’s not how the chain of command works,” said Casey.

“This is an extraordinary situation,” said April. “Give it time. If I can win his affections, he’ll fall in line.”

“You’ll forgive my doubt,” said Casey. Opening the equipment locker, she retrieved the collar. “This was supposed to be our leverage!” She extended the device toward her first mate. “You’re asking me to trust the prisoner’s better nature, but if he ever figures out how to use his powers and seeks revenge for what I did to him, that’s it! We’re done for.”

April smiled warmly. “Orin’s not the revenge-seeking type.”

“You can’t know that,” said Casey.

“I’d bet my life on it,” said April.

“Sometimes I hate how convincing you can be,” said Casey. “How do you plan on winning the prisoner’s affections, anyway?”

“I’m not quite certain. I suppose it would be best if you devised a believable reason for me to spend most of my time with him. Make a big show of it too, and make sure he can hear you.”

“I’ll get Malmoradan to cover for you. He won’t like it, but that’s tough luck for him,” said Casey.

“He’s done a fine job covering for me so far,” said April.

“Sure, when we’re in the nightmare,” said Casey. “First mate’s duties are a lot more hands-on in the primary.”

April waved dismissively. “He’ll be fine.”

“All right, then.” Casey cleared her throat and straightened her posture. “Here we go.”

She returned the screamer to its recess, and slammed the locker shut. “Actually, you know what? I’m making you personally responsible for him! Welcome to security detail!”

April smiled furtively. Puffing up, she protested, “I don’t have time for that!”

Casey glanced outside the hatch. “You have your orders! Best you get after him!”

April stooped low and turned off her mag boots. “You’re being unreasonable!” With a quiet grunt, she launched herself deftly from the airlock compartment.

Peering from behind the latrine door, Shona quietly waved at Casey. Awkwardly, she smiled.

“How much did you hear?” asked Casey.

“Just the two of you fighting,” said Shona. “Did I miss anything?”

“Nothing worth repeating,” said Casey. “Carry on.”

“Aye, Captain,” said Shona, and she followed Casey out.

Weightlessly, April crossed the distance to Orin, whereupon she took