Rivers of Orion

by Dana Kelly

  “I’m not picky about meat,” said Torsha. “Thanks, Marty.”

  He nodded and smiled. “Any time.”

  They talked in hushed tones as they waited, and Martin regularly checked his phone for updates. Suddenly, a dozen shots echoed through the air, one after another in quick succession, and Eridani flinched with each one. Martin listened for a moment and placed a call.

  “Were those the sharpshooters?” whispered Eridani.

  “I hope so,” said Thuraya.

  Oliver nodded. “Most like.”

  Torsha’s ears turned back as she continued chewing her beef strip.

  Martin ended the call. “We can stop whispering. The mercenaries are down, but there’s no sign of Bloodtusk. Our drones have eyes on his shuttle, and it hasn’t moved, so he’s here somewhere. We just don’t know where.” He took a deep breath. “Let’s get back to the mansion. Torsha, please take rearguard.” He retrieved a sport rifle from his backpack and assembled it. “I’ll take point. Everyone, stay close.”

  Slowly, they ascended the trail and soon reached the southern riverbank. The denshi-tengus reverted to their natural forms, still dressed in the sentries’ gear, and quickly joined the group. Moving as one, they all headed west along the river. A Falcon marine met them halfway, driving a Humvee. They crowded inside, and he drove them the rest of the way home.

  ◆◆◆

  Martin stood at the mouth of the garage and listened to one of his fireteam leaders. With a nod, he retrieved his phone and opened a map of the surrounding area. “We know the shuttle touched down here, a little after four in the morning, but his company waited until just before sunrise to move out.” He used a stylus to draw a circle on the map. “If Bloodtusk moved out with them, this is as far as he could’ve gotten on foot.” He drew a bigger circle. “If he left by himself when they landed, he could be anywhere in this area, which includes a large portion of the rock forest.” He regarded the team leader. “Search the rock forest. Every nook and cranny. There are plenty of hiding places, even for someone his size.”

  The team leader acknowledged his orders and saluted. He conveyed Martin’s directive to the rest of the fireteams and rallied his own. They hurried away, moving west around the lake, and Martin closed the garage door.

  “Are we safe in here?” asked Torsha, and the garage door thudded quietly into place.

  “They searched every room and found no sign of Bloodtusk,” said Martin. “Still, the safest place to be is in the basement with everyone else. Why don’t you guys head over; leave your gear in the truck. I have a few more things to take care of. Ollie, you should join them.” He glanced at the denshies. “You guys, too.”

  Except for Martin, everyone moved inside. “Where are you?” he muttered, and he swiped through each of his video feeds. “Where the hell are you hiding?” He glanced at his dormant hoverbike and reached over to pat its seat. Taking a deep breath, he pocketed his device and hurried out the side door on foot. He quickly caught up to his marines as they assembled at the island bridge.

  Two heavily armed marines stood watch at the basement entrance. As Oliver prepared to descend the stairs, he paused and cast a backward glance. “Where’s our daughter?”

  “With Thuraya, I’m sure,” said Aurora.

  “I’ll go check,” said Torsha. “Be right back.”

  Eridani lingered near the kitchen. “What’s up?” asked Thuraya.

  “I really need to change clothes,” said Eridani. “I’ll catch up in a minute.”

  Thuraya looked around. “I’ll keep you company.” They hurried up the stairs, headed for their room.

  ◆◆◆

  Just outside the mansion, the surface of the lagoon rippled. Submerged within it, Bloodtusk exhaled quietly through his trunk, spraying a small cloud of mist. Slowly, quietly, he surfaced, bracing himself on an underwater ledge.

  Carefully, he took off his goggles and tapped his commlink. “Warburton, this is Husthar, come in.” He heard no reply. “Warburton, come in.” Static filled the air. “Aldan, Songhua—come in. Somebody, come in!”

  He waited a moment more in silence.

  “Where are you guys?”

  The shuttle pilot cleared her throat. “Sorry, boss. No one’s checked in for at least thirty minutes. No chatter, nothing.”

  “Stay off the channel, Myeong,” said Bloodtusk.

  “Just trying to help,” she said.

  “Well, you’re not.” Shaking his head, he pulled his datapad from a watertight pouch and switched it on. He tapped a Dark River icon and opened a four-by-three grid. Select personnel information appeared at the top of each rectangle, positioned over an animated loading bar. With mounting dread, he watched each rectangle turn dark red, and every vital meter run flat.

  Bloodtusk swallowed visibly. “Myeong, come in!”

  “I thought you wanted me to stay off the channel.”

  “I need a pickup,” said Bloodtusk. “There’s a good chance it’ll be hostile. Wait for my signal, then set down on the north bank at the top of the waterfall and have that ramp open!”

  “Roger that,” she said. “Awaiting your signal.”

  He scanned the cavern. Ahead of him and to the right, dim light shone from the garage door windows. Moving as quietly as he could, Bloodtusk climbed out of the lagoon.

  ◆◆◆

  Thuraya and Eridani stood before their bedroom door. “It’s not registering my gene key,” said Eridani, and she moved her wrist across the doorknob. A portion of the wall next to it glowed bright red.

  Thuraya tried her gene key but met the same result. “We’re locked out. Well, that sucks. I mean, it makes sense, but it also sucks. Did you leave anything in the dryers?”

  “Maybe? Honestly, I don’t remember, but it’s worth a look,” said Eridani.

  “What about Martin?”

  “If he’s still in there, I’ll explain what we’re doing,” said Eridani. “If he’s planning on cramming us all in the basement for however long it takes to find Bloodtusk…” She sniffed her blouse and made a face. “I’m sure he’ll understand the urgency.”

  Torsha hurried into view, pausing at the foot of the stairs. “What are you doing up there? Everyone’s supposed to be in the basement. Come on, let’s go!”

  “Give us a couple minutes,” said Eridani, and she hurried down the stairs. “We’re just going down to check the dryers.”

  “I’m sure that can wait,” said Torsha.

  “It really can’t,” said Eridani. “I stink right now.”

  Thuraya descended and stood at Eridani’s side. “It’s true. She does.”

  “This isn’t a priority right now,” said Torsha.

  “It is to me,” said Eridani. “Look, it’ll just be a couple minutes. I’ll even change in the basement if it’ll make you feel better.”

  Torsha raised her brow and crossed her arms. “It can wait.”

  Eridani nodded, and with a sly smile, she bustled past Torsha. Thuraya laughed ran after her.

  “You’re seriously making me chase after you?” said Torsha, and she groaned. “You two, I swear!” Torsha quickly caught up to Eridani and Thuraya as they headed for the garage.

  ◆◆◆

  Bloodtusk retrieved a card from his pack and held it close to the garage side door. It flickered red for a moment before turning green, and the door clicked. He stowed the card and pushed open the door. Overhead lights switched on, and he dove under the Humvee. His tusks grazed the undercarriage.

  He calmed down as the moments passed, and he slowly extracted himself from under the vehicle. Climbing to his feet, he opened the driver-side door and reached for the ignition switch. Swinging it all the way over, the vehicle remained dormant, and he muttered under his breath. He climbed inside, searching the visors and under the bench for the activation key. On the other side of the garage, he heard voices, and he hit his head on the steering wheel as he reared up.

  “I see clothes,” said Eridani, and she hurried over to on
e of the dryers. She opened the door, stooped over, and rifled through the dryer’s contents. After a moment, she stood up and crossed her arms. “These are my dad’s clothes.”

  “Do they fit you?” asked Thuraya.

  “Just forget it,” said Eridani.

  “That’s what I’ve been saying,” said Torsha.

  Eridani sighed. “Sorry for the smell.” She turned toward the stairs.

  “Hey,” said Bloodtusk, and he gave them all a start. He pointed an oversized revolver their way. “Don’t move.”

  “Bloodtusk,” growled Torsha. “You piece of shit.”

  “I remember you,” said Bloodtusk, and he sneered. “Lose your hat?”

  “How did you get past the marines?” asked Eridani.

  “They’re marines,” said Bloodtusk, and he shrugged. “Wasn’t hard.” He gestured for Eridani to approach. “Where’s your brother?”

  “You mean my brother?” asked Thuraya, and she stepped between them.

  Bloodtusk flinched, very nearly pulling the trigger. “Ah, good one, whoever you are.” He holstered his sidearm and pulled out a large hunting knife. “You almost tricked me into shooting you, which would’ve been bad for both of us.”

  Thuraya felt shivers run along her spine. “Right,” she said. “Guess you’re too smart for me.”

  Bloodtusk glared at Eridani. “Where’s your brother? Tell me the truth or I’ll kill you.”

  “He’s not here,” said Eridani.

  “You’re lying, which means you have to die now,” said Bloodtusk. He tapped his knife blade against his hand. “It’s your fault he’s going to be an only child. I want you to know that before I kill you.”

  Thuraya lunged forward and grabbed Bloodtusk’s pistol. Glaring fiercely into his eyes, she squeezed the trigger. It boomed, and the bullet shredded the holster. Muzzle flare singed Bloodtusk’s wetsuit. After their ears stopped ringing, they heard footsteps approaching rapidly from inside the mansion.

  “That was really stupid,” said Bloodtusk. With a smirk, he slashed Thuraya’s throat.

  “No!” shouted Eridani, and she ran to Thuraya’s side as she collapsed.

  Thuraya gurgled and grasped weakly at her neck.

  “No, no, hang on, baby, hang on! Hang on for me.” She grabbed a rag from the ground and pressed it against the wound.

  Torsha extended her claws. “If she dies, you die.”

  Tears streamed from Thuraya’s eyes as blood rushed from her in surges. She reached for Eridani’s cheek and touched her only for a moment, leaving a streak of crimson behind. Silently, she mouthed, “I… I love you… I…”

  “Time to go,” said Bloodtusk, and he yanked Eridani to her feet, holding the knife to her throat as he dragged her toward the hoverbike.

  “No!” Eridani shrieked, and she flailed against him. “Thuraya, I love you!”

  “I’m warning you,” said Torsha. “I’ll kill you. I mean it.”

  “Ooh, I’m so scared,” said Bloodtusk. He swung Eridani onto the hoverbike and sat behind her. Still gripping his knife, he fumbled for his decryption card and held it against the gene key reader.

  The door leading into the mansion flew open as the hoverbike started up, and two guards stepped through. Lowering his head, Bloodtusk smashed straight through the scrolling garage door. The hoverbike swayed back and forth for a moment, and he raced out of the cave with Eridani held captive.

  The guards hurried over with weapons drawn. “I’ll go after her,” said one of the guards.

  “No,” said Torsha. “Save Thuraya if you can.”

  “What are you going to do?” asked the other guard.

  “I’m going to save Eridani,” said Torsha.

  He tossed her the Humvee’s activation key. “You’ll need this.”

  “Thanks,” said Torsha, and she swung into the driver’s side. She slammed the door, slotted the key, and the Humvee growled to life. Pressing the gas pedal, she followed Bloodtusk through the hole he had created.

  Bloodtusk and Torsha raced for the waterfall. Despite bearing far more weight than it was designed to carry, the hoverbike easily outpaced the Humvee. As Bloodtusk and Eridani neared the falls, the Starwind floated into view. It touched down on the north riverbank, and the cargo ramp descended.

  “Come on,” muttered Torsha, and she jammed the gas pedal all the way down. She slammed her fist against the steering wheel. “Why can’t this thing go any faster!”

  Bloodtusk swooped across the river, skimming its surface. As they neared the north bank, the hoverbike’s repulsion turbine sputtered and failed. It sent Bloodtusk and Eridani tumbling across the water. They came to rest in the mud, still some distance from the shuttle.

  “Finally, some luck,” said Torsha.

  Groaning, Bloodtusk climbed to his feet and looked around for his knife. Unable to find it, he grunted and stomped over to Eridani. Still rattled, she scooted away from him. Grabbing her by the hair, he pulled her up to stand, and she staggered as he dragged her closer to the cargo ramp.

  Torsha spotted a familiar fallen tree and turned left, fording the river across rocky shallows. The Humvee bounced and splashed, sending up walls of water, and something cracked underneath. Warning gauges swung to the right as she pressed on, driving along the north riverbank. Her vehicle began to lose power.

  As Bloodtusk forced Eridani up the ramp into the cargo hold, Torsha blared the horn. He stepped out of the way, and the Humvee rolled up the ramp, drifting to a stop against the forward bulkhead. Sheets of smoke and steam rolled up from the engine compartment. Torsha kicked against the door, but it wouldn’t budge. With fury in her eyes, she kicked against the glass.

  “It’s jammed,” said Bloodtusk, and he noticed fire dancing under the smoke. “Bad luck for you.” He tapped his commlink. “Myeong, it’s time to go. Please nose up a bit after liftoff. We picked up some unwanted cargo on the way here, and I’d like it dumped before we leave.”

  “Roger that,” she said, and the Starwind slowly lifted off. “Let me know when I can close the back door.”

  “Back door?” asked Bloodtusk. “See, this is why I don’t want you on this channel.”

  With one last kick the glass finally shattered. Torsha snatched up Eridani’s backpack and scrambled for the broken window. Her breath caught in her throat as the shuttle nosed up, and the Humvee began to roll backward.

  Bloodtusk shoved Eridani along as he paced the Humvee. He stopped at the threshold and gripped the hydraulic struts.

  Torsha desperately pushed herself through the gap.

  “Not fast enough,” he jeered. “Bye-bye, now!” With a smug smile, he waved his fingers and watched as the Humvee went over, smashing apart as it impacted the ground. “The trash is out, Myeong. You can close it up.”

  “Roger that,” she said.

  The strength fled Eridani’s body. Tears welled in her eyes, but before she could collapse, her backpack swooped inside, knocking her down. “Grab on,” said Torsha, her eyes at deck level. One hand trembled as she held fast to the edge of the ramp with her claws. She gripped the backpack’s straps in the other hand.

  Eridani grabbed on tight. She nodded, and Torsha pulled.

  “Get back here!” shouted Bloodtusk, and he lunged as the ramp started to close.

  Eridani went over the edge.

  “Damn you!” howled Bloodtusk, and he staggered backward. “Damn you… You weren’t supposed to die.” He sank against the bulkhead and rubbed his eyes. “Oh man, Schurke’s going to kill me.”

  ◆◆◆

  “We have to time this perfectly,” said Torsha. “When I swing you over, grab onto the guide wing, okay?”

  “Got it,” said Eridani, and she glanced up as she dangled from Torsha’s grip. “Which one’s the—oh my god!” Air rushed past as she arced up and around. She slammed down on the shuttle’s right stabilizer, moving her grip from the backpack to the metal under her.

  Torsha shouldered the backpack and vaulted up just as the ramp s
ealed shut. Her claws caught the stabilizer’s aileron. Eridani helped her up, and they crawled to the top of the shuttle.

  As the Starwind ascended, Torsha located the luggage hatch. She opened its access panel and stared at the number pad beneath. Eyes wide, she glanced between the hatch and the rapidly receding river below. “Eridani, can you work this?”

  “It’s an… NPA… interface,” said Eridani, her breathing ragged. “We use these… at work!” She took a few seconds to catch her breath. “If we can trip it into admin mode, I should be able to bypass the user code.” She snapped her fingers. “Put one of your claws right here and lift up ever so slightly.” As Torsha did so, Eridani entered a specific numerical sequence. After a moment, a tiny LED flashed green. “Got it!”

  The hatch hissed and popped open.

  They hurried inside and sealed the hatch behind them.

  “That was insane,” gasped Eridani, and she flopped onto her back amidst Bloodtusk’s luggage. “Thank you for rescuing me, but I have to ask—why did you save the backpack?”

  “It’s got the extra food and water I packed,” said Torsha, and she settled into their cramped surroundings. “And I have no idea how long we’re going to be stuck in here.”

  “Good thinking,” said Eridani. “I hope it’s not too long, because I really have to use the bathroom.” She fumbled in the darkness. “Is there a light in here?”

  “Only when the hatch is open,” said Torsha. “Do you still have your phone?”

  “I do,” said Eridani. “You?”

  “Yeah.” Torsha took a deep breath. “I’ll let our parents know where we are.” She took out her phone, and it faintly lit the compartment as she composed a text message.

  “Thanks,” said Eridani. Craning around, she took stock of the suitcases, the support struts, the vents, and emergency warning stickers. “There’s an emergency release handle here, in case we got trapped in here by accident.”

  “Do not pull it,” said Torsha.

  “I wasn’t planning on it,” said Eridani. “According to the label, it won’t work if the vehicle is in motion, anyway.”

  Torsha glanced her way. “That doesn’t mean you need to test it.”