The Rise of Io Read Online Free PDF

Quasing’s existence a quarter century ago with the invention of the Penetra scanners – the devices that could detect Quasing residing within hosts. It had been the turning point for their kind, and forever transformed their relationship with this planet’s residents. For eons, the Quasing had manipulated the living things on Earth to further their goal of returning home: first the dinosaurs, and then the mammals, and finally the humans. They, however, always did so from the shadows. The veil had been lifted, and they became hunted by the very creatures they used to control.
    The countries of the world eventually allied with either Prophus or Genjix factions. Hundreds of covert conflicts, coups, political manipulations, and one world war later, the two sides had settled into a cold war of sorts with both sides maneuvering in the shadows to gain the advantage over the other. All of this mattered absolutely not at all to Io right now, since the Prophus had no resources on the ground while she was here with a new untrained host.
    â€œWait.” Wyatt interrupted her thoughts. “I have something that may or may not be useful. There’s a retired combat operative living in your area. He used to be part of the Prophus Underground Railroad smuggling hosts from Russian to Australia. He also ran a training facility and safe house during the war. He’s still drawing a stipend, so give it a shot.”
    Io grimaced. “That’s it? No access to cash, weapons, logistical or support personnel?”
    â€œSorry,” Wyatt said, not sounding sorry at all. “We have operated there occasionally, but to be honest, that region is a bit of a wasteland and has been tipping toward the Genjix for years. There are no priority targets, facilities, or resources. Speaking of which, why was Agent Emily Curran there at all? She’s supposed to be in Chiang Mai overseeing the northern DMZ. And what about that possible Genjix site she found?”
    Io ignored that line of inquiry. There were things she wasn’t ready to explain yet, or ever. The longer she kept her plans secret, the more easily the pieces would fall into place. “I am going to make first contact with the host soon. I am not sure how long it will take before I can be up and running again.”
    â€œWait, do you have possession of Agent Curran’s body–”
    Io hung up the phone. Hopefully, Hamilton took care of Emily’s body. It was the least the Prophus could do for her family. Io looked in the mirror and stared at her new home for the foreseeable future.
    She shrugged. Shit happens. It was time to get to work.

Four
    The Assassin
    T he young sheik was an ass . A rich ass, sure, but an ass nevertheless. Shura noticed the way he undressed her with his stare and whispered to his bodyguard. She kept her eyes focused on the floor, submissive, tamed, innocent. She crossed the main floor walking perpendicular to the prince, making sure he could see her figure, the curves of her body showing through her tight dress.
    It was conservative and not at the same time. It was lavender, and covered all of her body to the top of her neck. Her sleeves and gloves exposed no flesh, nor did the rest of the tapered dress that fell to her ankles.
    Shura’s blonde hair was pulled to one side. She was stylish yet demure, innocent yet curious. Her makeup and the long, reflective silver earrings she wore made her face glow in the light, and seemed to illuminate the room as she passed. That was a welcome byproduct of the special electrified polymer that helped mask what she really was. Advancements in Quasing detection prevention had improved by leaps and bounds during the war.
    She still had to be careful. The polymer technology in her dress made her undetectable even if she was touched, but close contact from another vessel to her face would give her away. However, if it ever came to that, she should already be near enough.
    Stop now.
    Shura