The Impossible Future: Complete set by Frank Kennedy (mini ebook reader .txt) 📕

the residence and the southern route to the lake.

James took the long way around, piloting a rifter through the northeastern quadrant of the city, which was not yet populated and far from the industrial sector. He passed the site of his greatest speech and started toward the waterfall that sourced a river which flowed into the great lake. This area was well-mapped and slated soon for additional orchards and fields. The terrain was less disciplined, and the brush beneath the acacias not yet cleared away. Nonetheless, James navigated without error, turning south at river’s edge and following it to the lake.

“I will walk out into the lake tomorrow,” Hadeed said. “I will continue to walk until the water is above my head. I will not come back up.” The last native Hiebim vowed to utter the names of his sons with a final breath.

Rayna said he was a crazy man. A cheap trick. He got under James’s skin. He was a test.

“You’re a fraud,” James said as he neared the site where he shared fish with the old man. This bastard would not simply walk out into the lake and drown himself. “You’re a coward.”

James halted the rifter when he reached the camp. The wood had burned itself out, now little more than ash. But the cooking grate remained. And that wasn’t all.

James hopped from the rifter when he saw the man’s gray cloak folded neatly upon the log where they ate fish. Beside it, Hadeed’s shoes and pants. Footprints, far smaller than his own, followed a single path into the water’s edge.

“I’m not a fool,” James said. “This could be staged. This …”

Was not. James knew it when he scanned the shore beyond the campsite and saw where ground had been disrupted. He walked closer and felt his heart plunge when he read the words scrawled in the sand.

Alone and forgotten.

Soon.

For the first time, Aeterna did not seem like a paradise. Every instinct guided James to an unmistakable conclusion.

“He’s coming for me. He’s coming for me.”

29

S AM DID NOT FLINCH WHEN Rayna’s nails pierced the back of her neck. Eyes were turning in their direction, Rosa seemed uncertain how to react, and Sam reminded herself she was no longer onboard Lioness. Keep it together. She won’t do anything in public. Sam recited the words but didn’t entirely believe them.

“I am having babies tomorrow,” Rayna said. “Everyone will see. I have made arrangements. You will see too, Samantha Pynn.”

“I’m …” Sam stopped and refocused. She needed to take care. “I’m happy for you, Rayna. I am.”

“You are poor liar, but is OK. You hate me. I understand why.”

“I mean it, Rayna. Being a mother is a wonderful thing. I hope your daughters are healthy and happy.”

Rayna smiled, but Sam sensed nothing beyond malice.

“I am younger than you, and I will have four children. Poor Samantha Pynn will never have any. Is very sad. No?”

“I wish you the best, Rayna.”

She saw the contempt in Rayna’s shifting eyes: The hybrid didn’t like Sam’s platitudes.

“I know a secret,” Rayna said. “He is coming for you. Yes. Michael Cooper is coming for you. My husband believes this too. That is why he wishes to have Michael killed offworld.”

Sam gasped. Was this real? Or was Rayna playing games?

“Michael never tried to hurt James.”

“He could not if he tried. Is no matter. I believe Michael will come to Aeterna. He will almost rescue poor Samantha. You will see him for a moment, and your love will be strong. Then both of you will be slaughtered. Will be most tragic. No?”

“Is that why I’m still alive, Rayna? Am I bait to lure Michael?”

“Could be. You will have to ask my husband. He sees all.”

The moment seemed endless, the fear paralyzing, the street activity grinding to a halt. At first, Sam didn’t see the giant shadow moving among the silent observers. Only when she heard a new voice did she breathe again.

“What is this?” Valentin asked.

“A reacquaintance,” Rayna said, relaxing her grip. “I have not seen Samantha Pynn in so long.”

“Well, there she is. Recovering nicely, all things considered. Yes?”

“Indeed. Looking very healthy. I like her short hair.”

Valentin stepped in closer, out of the crowd’s earshot.

“This is not the proper venue, Rayna. Go home and take care of yourself. My nieces arrive tomorrow, I understand.”

Rayna backed away, offering a wide, ingratiating smile. She pivoted to the crowd and wrapped her hands over her belly.

“Tomorrow will be glorious day! My gifts to our people. You will have the honor to watch me bring them into Aeterna.”

She accepted the crowd’s applause and hopped on her rifter.

“Goodbye, Samantha Pynn. We should meet again soon.”

After Rayna sped away, Valentin addressed the gathering mass.

“We all have duties. Attend to yours.” Rosa bowed her head and started walking away, but Valentin caught her. “No. You’re with Samantha today. Tend to her needs,” pointing to Sam’s neck, “and walk her through food preparation as planned. Yes?”

“Yes, Admiral Valentin.”

Sam felt as if she’d been thrown a life preserver.

“Why does she hate me so much?”

Valentin shifted his eyes as the crowd continued to dissolve.

“As long as I’ve known her, Rayna has been a woman of strong emotions. She thrives on anger and hates more than she loves. I’d tell you not to take it personally, but in your case, it is personal. For her.”

“But I’m no threat. I never have been.”

He shrugged. “When she had my nephews, she was agreeable for a few weeks. Maybe she’ll be again. If you can steer clear of her …”

“I’ll be here for weeks? What do you know, Valentin? She said Michael was coming for me.”

He flexed a brow. “Earn your keep, Samantha. I’ll do what I can