Free The Rise of Io by Wesley Chu

“I’ll be frank, Shura. You will never regain your standing in Russia. In fact, you will never step foot in your motherland ever again. Your family has a long history with deep ties there. They and Tabs opposed Zoras in their lust for power, and lost. For that treachery, you endure their punishment. The past holds nothing for you, not anymore.”
    Shura clenched her fist. “Weston, I have proven my loyalty many times over. The sacrifices I made–”
    â€œâ€“ are the only reason you and Tabs were not sent to the Eternal Sea,” said Weston. “The sins of the past cannot be wiped clean in one human’s lifetime.”
    I had hoped that your loyalty and exemplary performance would offer you a fresh slate, but Zoras has always had a long and vindictive memory.
    â€œWeston, I was raised in the Hatchery with you. I’ve saved your life more than once – in combat, from assassinations, sometimes even from yourself. I have been nothing but loyal. What is the real reason?”
    â€œBecause it is politically strategic,” Weston shrugged. “China and Russia are by far our two greatest core strongholds and the most powerful seats on the council. It is advantageous for me to keep the Russian region unsettled and the council seat weak. None of the current players maneuvering for standing to occupy that seat have real substance. I won’t allow a strong opponent to hold it.
    â€œYou are strong and resourceful, and have the potential to become a power if given the opportunity. Forge a new path for yourself, Shura. When the time comes, you’ll have my support – if the circumstances are advantageous to my interests.” Weston looked away, letting her know that this conversation was over. “You have your new orders.”
    The Bio Comm Array project is an important initiative. If we cannot rebuild a base of power in Russia, see if we can claim an advantage from the current situation.
    â€œHigh Father,” she asked quickly. “Am I being given ownership of the project?”
    Weston shook his head. “The array falls under Rurik’s jurisdiction. He inherited it from his family’s holdings.” He paused. “In fact, he was the one who first suggested making your exile permanent. He made several concessions to me to see it happen.” A small smile appeared on Weston’s face. “I believe Rurik sees you as a threat.”
    I should have let you drown him that one time back at the Hatchery.
    Shura’s face stayed neutral, but inside she seethed. Rurik Melnichenko, another Adonis vessel from the Hatchery whose family controlled a powerful Russian mining company, was considered a leading contender to unite the Russian faction and claim the vacant council seat.
    The two had met when she first joined the Hatchery. Her training had been delayed when her father pulled her out of the Hatchery during the Genjix Power Struggle, in which he had sided with the losing faction.
    That reputation followed her throughout her tenure and put her at a severe disadvantage when it came to the cutthroat politics of the Hatchery. Even though she was more skilled, more intelligent, and had accomplished more than most of her class, she had fallen behind in standing. It was almost un-Genjix-like, all things considered.
    â€œI see,” she said. “So now I am to fix his failing operation?”
    â€œYou are to fix a troubled but vital Genjix project,” Weston corrected. “One that is critical to our global enterprises over the next hundred years. The current delays are unacceptable. Fix it, and whatever standing or advantage you achieve from it, I will remember. Now, if there is nothing else, you have your orders. And Shura?”
    â€œYes?”
    â€œI remember our time back at the Hatchery fondly. You were often the only one to stand by my side when it wasn’t strategically prudent to do so. You were a great ally then and a loyal