Epic: Book 02 - Outlaw Trigger Read Online Free PDF

newcomer flashed a pearl-white smile. “I’d like you to meet Benjamin Archer, our newest judge.”
    Archer extended his hand. “It is truly magnificent to meet the both of you.”
    He was British. Yet another thing for Torokin to hate.
    Grinkov shook Archer’s hand graciously.
    “ You’re shaking the hand of Judge Dmitri Grinkov,” Pauling explained to Archer. “One of the finest former colonels to ever come out of Leningrad . He’s been with us for over two years.”
    “ Dobry vecer,” said Grinkov.
    “ Dobry vecer, spasibo,” Archer answered.
    Grinkov’s eyes widened. “You speak Russian?”
    “ Da,” Archer said with a grin. “Among several other languages.” He averted his attention to Torokin.
    “ And this ,” Pauling said, “is Judge Leonid Torokin.”
    As Archer extended his hand, he lifted his eyebrows. “ The Leonid Torokin?”
    “ That’s correct,” affirmed Pauling. “Formerly of Vector Squad.”
    Torokin took Archer’s hand and squeezed firmly. He was silently surprised at the new judge’s grip.
    “ It is truly an honor and a privilege to meet you, Judge Torokin. I’ve heard stories of Klaus Faerber and Vector Squad since my first day in EDEN. I admire you tremendously.”
    Torokin nodded his head. “And you, Judge Archer. Welcome.” Archer had an intriguing gaze—Torokin noticed it right away. Beside the unique distinction of being amber in color, Archer’s eyes actually glinted of intelligence. It struck him as different immediately. It was ironically sad.
    “ You were vice-general of London base, were you not?” Grinkov asked.
    “ That’s correct, I was.”
    “ Then you already know a little bit about politics.”
    Archer smiled. “Unfortunately, I do. I suppose it comes with the territory. Hopefully my contributions will be more tactical than political.”
    “ You are a tactician?” Torokin asked.
    “ I try to be multidimensional. I suppose I’m more of an organizer than anything else, but tactician? It’d be nice to think that as well.”
    Torokin’s eyes shifted to Jason Rath, who stood behind Archer and the president. “And how did you find such a promising vice-general? He was your find if I remember, correct?”
    The Canadian judge smiled. “Yes he was. I hear bits and pieces on occasion, and I heard his name mentioned several times. So I did my research. When the position came available, he seemed like a legitimate choice.” He looked at Pauling. “And I guess the president agreed, eh?”
    Pauling nodded.
    “ Well,” said Torokin, turning back to Archer, “I look forward to working with you, then. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.”
    “ I certainly won’t,” Archer said, bowing his head. “Many thanks to you for your willingness to guide a novice.”
    “ You were a vice-general. You are not a novice.”
    After a moment of polite closure, Pauling took a step to the side. “We’ve still got a few more judges to meet. Benjamin?”
    He smiled. “Absolutely, Mr. President.”
    Goodbyes were exchanged, and they walked away.

    Torokin and Grinkov watched as Pauling led Archer and Rath to Judge Iwayama. After a moment, Grinkov spoke, again in Russian.
    “ He is smart.”
    “ He is capable,” added Torokin. “More so than I thought. I can see it in his eyes.”
    Grinkov smiled. “So have you changed your mind about him?”
    “ No. I still don’t like him.”
    “ Rath speaks highly of him.”
    “ I don’t like Rath.”
    “ Why not?”
    “ I don’t like Canadians.”
    Grinkov laughed. “You don’t like Britons, you don’t like Canadians…you don’t like many things.”
    “ I like vodka,” Torokin said. “And young, beautiful women.”
    “ And I suppose since there are no young, beautiful women here, we will be drinking vodka tonight?”
    Torokin watched as Archer was introduced to Iwayama. The older Japanese man bowed graciously. Judge Shintaku, standing submissively behind Iwayama, offered Archer the same courtesy.