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

“This is true.” Rayna sighed. “But maybe is not best idea. My husband, he speeds them along with Jewel energy, as he does to all our children. Yes, they are big, and soon they will be strong. And very smart. But they do not know of the world. They do not know of people. And yet, their bodies crave attention like all foolish boys.”

She kissed each son on the forehead and pivoted to Sam.

“Did you think my boys were going to rape you?”

The question was as stunning as the mere possibility, which never crept into Sam’s mind. Sam didn’t know how to respond. But Rayna would interpret no answer as confirmation.

“I’m sure Benjamin and Peter are very good boys.”

“Is true. Now. Give them a year, and they will be assholes. Is fate of all boys.” She waved them out. “Return to your dome and resume studies until your father calls.”

“Yes, Mother,” they said in perfect harmony.

Rayna handed Sam the dress.

“Do you like?” She asked. “Was very hard to decide on style. Recon tube does not allow … what is the word? … customization of traditional women’s dress. This is what some wear on the colonies, I am told.”

The full-length yellow dress was well-crafted. The fabric was feather-soft and translucent. White floral stitching created a pleasing effect along the neckline.

“What is it for?” Sam asked.

“This was not my question. Do you like?”

“It’s very pretty, Rayna. Like something I might have seen growing up on first Earth. Not quite as sheer, maybe.”

“Good. Will set you apart. These bodysuits have no imagination. This is why I still dress in Cossack tradition.”

Sam parsed her words with care. “It’s lovely, Rayna. Are you giving me this dress as a gift?”

Rayna buried a laugh. “I ordered this from Recon tube. If I made dress myself, then it would be gift. No, Samantha Pynn. You will wear this dress one time.”

The pit in her stomach tightened. “What do you mean?”

Rayna looked toward the rear of the dome, which was a much larger structure than most. There, her newborns – only a few days old – slept in peace.

“I have question,” Rayna said. “When you slide into bed at night and pull sheets over you, what are your first thoughts? Do you see man you love? Does Michael Cooper call to you? Ah. I see it in your eyes. Is pleasant thought. Yes? Perhaps to become pleasant dream. But then, I wonder. Where does your mind go next? Do you dream of killing Rayna Tsukanova?”

Sam reached the edge of patience. The games. The torture. What was it with this Ukrainian lunatic?

“We all have moments of reflection,” Sam said. “When we’re alone, we dream of good things, and sometimes we have bad dreams. But our private moments are meant for no one else.”

Rayna wagged a finger. “Ah. Is very political answer. Is OK. I know you wish to kill me. Only a spineless woman would not after what I did to you. Suppose I give you one chance.”

“What?”

“To kill me. One chance. Is possible you will succeed. But is also possible asteroid will crash into middle of JaRa.”

Sam groaned. She didn’t bother parsing this time.

“I don’t wish to kill you, Rayna. I just want to know why. The reasons you gave on Lioness made no sense. They sounded like the ramblings of a crazy woman, and I don’t believe you’re crazy.”

“She is.”

Sam didn’t see the shadow in the doorway when James entered. She drew the dress in close and wrapped her arms over her chest.

“Husband,” Rayna said, rising to kiss him. Sam looked away while these eight-foot creatures became passionate. “Is it arranged?”

“It will be announced any moment. Everything as you requested.”

“Wonderful, husband. Should I tell our guest the good news?”

“Enjoy. I will visit our daughters.”

James ignored Sam as he brushed past. Rayna bent down beside Sam’s chair and grabbed her by the arm.

“Today, I present my babies to the city. It will be new tradition. Although in truth, it is old tradition. You see, many years ago, the natives of this planet used to have ceremony for young ones. It was called Assignment. The child was brought before clan and laid in shallow pool of water. The family stood in circle and watched. But family was naked; we will not do this part. The child was given official name. The clan sanctified honor and morality upon the child.

“I have given already the names for my girls. After today, we will announce names at Assignment. Is good to honor tradition. No?”

“Yes, Rayna. Traditions are good. Am I to be part of this?”

“You will serve your purpose, Samantha Pynn. Then you will try to assassinate me, but you will fail. I will kill you instead.” As Sam’s heart fell, Rayna leaned in. “Be assured, we will not make killing a regular part of this tradition.”

Sam fell dumb. What words might matter now? Dare she fall on her knees and beg? Sam was right about Rayna. She wasn’t a crazy woman; she just loved the spectacle of victory and death. Valentin predicted she might be pleasant after the birth of her girls given how she behaved after Benjamin and Peter arrived. How could he have been so wrong? Why did she ever dare to hope?

“Now,” Rayna said. “Put on dress. You look ridiculous.”

Sam fought the tears as she followed Rayna’s instruction, but they defeated her. She lowered her chin as the Ukrainian studied the finished product.

“Is nice, Samantha Pynn. Your short hair complements dress. You look very pure, which is far from truth, of course.” Rayna ran a hand through Sam’s hair. “Do you remember what I last said about Michael Cooper? How he will come for you, but he will see you die? Do you remember this? He