The Persistence of Memories - A Novel of the Mendaihu Universe by Jon Chaisson Read Free Book Online

searing pain hit her square in the
gut, stopping her dead. She gagged and coughed up blood that was
not there, and blindly grabbed at Poe’s jacket. Pain gave way to an
even deeper hatred — Saisshalé had attacked Gordan twice, without
reason or remorse. She gathered her strength and scrambled through
the crowd and into the alleyway. Poe was a few steps behind, barely
masking his fury. He’d felt that pain as well.
    The two men were halfway up the alley.
Saisshalé had Gordan’s collar locked in a tight fist, lifting him
high. Gordan attempted to wrestle him away with his right hand, his
left still useless at his side. Caren and Poe kept their distance,
preparing themselves for a bloody fight. Caren grabbed for the
stunstik clipped to her belt, then thought, screw it — she
pulled her Shrieve automatic out of its holster, activated it, and
aimed. Poe followed her lead.
    “ARU, drop the civilian!” she shouted,
standing defiant. “Sa’im rhade, D’haff Sshalé. Don’t make us use
force.”
    Karinna! Gordan managed with a
gurgling scream. No! Not him!
    Shut up, Gordan. I'm trying to save your
life.
    The Shenaihu nuhm’ndah turned and saw Caren,
and stared at her in such a way that her soul shuddered. He was
reading her, prodding at her spirit clumsily and recklessly, and it
felt like a violation — she growled herself, barely able to contain
her disgust. She did not recoil or lose her aim, however. There was
no way in hell she’d give him the opportunity to find a weak spot,
ever. Not this man.
    The man gave with an unearthly growl, and
dropped Gordan's limp body, leaving him in a sick, twitching heap.
He turned fully and faced Caren full on.
    “Karinna,” the man said. “I know you.”
    Gordan moaned and tried to crawl away. Karinna...?
    I'll be fine, she said to him. Peace, Love and Light to you, eichi.
    The man glanced at her weapon and began to
laugh. “Shoot me with that ? Not likely, jinko .”
    Jinko. Second time he used that term.
Normally an antialienist slur, but this time used to call her out
on not being awakened from birth. Not the connotation she’d
expected.
    “Step slowly,” she said evenly, “…and no one
gets hurt.”
    He laughed harder this time. “You don't even
know who I am, do you?”
    This time, she laughed. No, but I have an
idea, she said within, the rage of her Shenaihu side bursting
forth, unrestrained.
    The man stopped laughing. His face contorted
into a mixture of confusion and surprise...but not fear. This
Saisshalé was immune to fear, by the sensing of it...all she could
feel were his surface emotions, but they were frightfully strong.
He was running on pure, unfiltered spirit right now. She waved at
Poe to back her up as she moved slightly closer.
    I am Karinna Shalei, Mendaihu Gharra, she said. Don't make me come over there and displace you into a
wall.
    The man regained his composure and grinned.
“Not bad for a newbie,” he said with amusement. “Better watch that
bravado, though. Could cost you.” He lifted his left hand and
pushed the air in one fast and fluid movement —
    “Poe! Watch —” She reached for him again but
missed this time. He reacted a moment too late and was lifted off
his feet, crashing into the opposite wall. She felt a sharp needle
of pain appear on his left shoulder, and immediately sent out a
quick thread of soulhealing his way. Poe was damned lucky in that
he’d feinted at the last second and had only been grazed by
Saisshalé’s blast.
    But it was all she needed. No one attacked
her partner, or anyone in her city, not now. She glared at him,
took a step forward against the man's shockwave, and pushed back at
the air with her free hand. Saisshalé did not expect the move and
lost his balance, tripped over Gordan's body and crashed into the
wall behind him.
    Weak, he laughed, dazed but otherwise
unharmed. He lifted himself up and dusted himself off. Pitiful,
Karinna. I know you’re stronger than that. He moved his hand
again, and this