Iko Quotes

All right, Miss Cryptic. What's the new plan, then?" Glancing around the room, Cinder tipped up her chin. "It starts with kidnapping the groom." Iko's hand shot into the air. "Yes, Iko?" "That is the best idea ever. Count me in.

Scarlet and Wolf are saying gushy things in the galley," Iko said. "Normally I like gushy things, but its different when its real people. I prefer the net dramas.

Prince Kai! Check my fan, I think I'm overheating.

Cinder," Iko said after a few silent minutes of explorations. "I'm enormous.

It's all right," said Wolf. "You loved her. I would feel the same if someone wanted to erase Scarlet's identity and give it to Levana's army. Scarlet stiffened, heat rushing into her cheeks. He certainly wasn't insinuating . . . "Aaaaw," squealed Iko. "Did Wolf just say that he loves Scarlet? That's so cute!" Scarlet cringed. "He did not--that wasn't--" She balled her fists against her sides. "Can we get back to these soldiers that are being rounded up, please?" "Is she blushing? She sounds like she's blushing." "She's blushing," Thorne confirmed, shuffling the cards. "Actually, Wolf is also looking a little flustered--

A kiss from the Captain would probably melt my central processor.” Thorne winked at her. “Oh trust me. It would.

Come on, Iko.” Iko was still hiding, hugging herself self-consciously. “Is he looking?” Kai raised an eyebrow. “He’s not looking,” said Cinder. A hesitation. “Are you sure?” Cinder gestured exasperatedly at Kai. “You’re not looking.” He cast his eyes to the ceiling. “Oh, for all the stars." Crossing his arms, he turned his back on them.

The other girl, Iko, cupped her chin with both hands. "This is so much better than a net drama.

We all have our weaknesses.” “I know,” said Iko. “Mine is shoes.

Oh, my stars! Think about Prince Kai! You could dance with Prince Kai!” This made Cinder pause and squint into Iko’s blinding light. “Why would the prince dance with me?” Iko’s fan hummed as she sought an answer. “Because you won’t have grease on your face this time.

Cinder has a bit of a crush on him,” Thorne stage-whispered. “Don’t we all?” said Iko.

See? Injustice. Here we are, risking our lives to rescue Kai and this whole planet, and Adri and Pearl get to go to the royal wedding. I’m disgusted. I hope they spill soy sauce on their fancy dresses.” Jacin’s concern turned fast to annoyance. “Your ship has some messed-up priorities, you know that?” “Iko. My name is Iko. If you don’t stop calling me the ‘ship,’ I am going to make sure you never have hot water during your showers again, do you understand me?” “Yeah, hold that thought while I go disable the speaker system.” “What? You can’t mute me. Cinder!

My point is that I am going to figure this out, like I always do. First, we’re going to find a way to get into Artemisia. We’re going to find Cress and rescue Cinder and Wolf. We’re going to overthrow Levana, and by the stars above, we are going to make Cinder a queen so she can pay us a lot of money from her royal coffers and we can all retire very rich and very alive, got it?" Winter started to clap. "Brilliant speech. Such gumption and bravado." "And yet strangely lacking in any sort of actual strategy," said Scarlet. "Oh, good, I'm glad you noticed that too," said Iko. "I was worried my processor might be glitching.

I'm not sure I would label it a 'survivor,'" said Iko, her sensor darkening with disgust. "It looks more like a rotting pumpkin.

I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t fight like this, or start a revolution, or be a queen. I can’t do anything like this. I’m broken. I’m literally broken.” Iko settled a hand on Cinder’s shoulder. “Yeah, but broken isn’t the same as unfixable.

Kai frowned at her. "Who are you?" She brightened. "Oh, I'm Iko! You may not remember me, but we met at the market that day you brought in the android, only I was about this tall"--she held her hand at hip height--"and shaped kind of like an enormous pear, and significantly more pale.

My net search is finding only a Cadet Carswell Thorne, of the American Republic, imprisoned in New Beijing prison on—" "That's him," said Cinder, ignoring Thorne's glare. Another silence as the heat in the engine room hovered just upside of comfortable. The, "You're... rather handsome, Captain Thorne." Cinder groaned. "And you, my fine lady, are the most gorgeous ship in these skies, and don't let anyone ever tell you different." The temperature drifted upward, until Cinder dropped her arms with a sigh. "Iko, are you intentionally blushing?" The temperature dropped back down to pleasant. "No," Iko said. Then, "But am I really pretty? Even as a ship?" "The prettiest," said Thorne.

Iko, did we break into that guardhouse and broadcast Cinder's message across all of Luna?" "Yes, Captain." "And, Scarlet, did I rescue you and Wolf when the entire city of Paris was under siege?" She raised an eyebrow at him. "Actually, I'm pretty sure Cinder-" "Yes, I did.

Can I bring my friends?” “I will personally extend invitations to the entire Rampion crew. We’ll make a reunion out of it.” “Even Iko?” “I’ll find her a date.” “Because there’s a rule against androids coming to the ball, you know.” “I think I know someone who can change that rule.

I expected palm trees and red carpets," said Iko, brow drawn in a show of severe disappointment.

Iko stepped back, but Thorne filled the space she’d left, cupping Cress’s face in his hands. His eyes bored into her, full of disbelief. His thumb caught her first tear. Suddenly, Cress found herself laughing and sniffling and laughing some more. She ducked her head and swiped at the tears. “No crying,” she said. “It’s dehydrating.

Are we almost done with the gushing and the weeping?” said Thorne, massaging his temple. “When do we start planning a revolution again?” This time, it was Iko that kicked him.

He gave Cress a quick farewell embrace,then pulled Iko into a hug. Iko squeaked, frozen.When Kai pulled away,Iko looked from him,to Cinder, then back.Her eyes suddenly rolled up into her head and she collapsed onto the floor.

I don't compute.

Aaaaw," squealed Iko. "Did Wold just say he loves Scarlet? That's so cute!" Scarlet cringed. "He did not - that wasn't -" She balled her fists against her sides. "Can we get back to these soldiers that are being rounded up, please?" "Is she blushing? She sounds like she's blushing." "She's blushing." Thorne confirmed, shiffling the cards. "Actually, Wolf is also looking a little flustered -

Iko held up a hand. "You need a system debug if you're suggesting that I would abandon you know.

When they reached a maintenance closet, Iko ushered the escort-droid inside. “I want you to know that I hold nothing against you,” she said, by way of introduction. “I understand that it isn’t your fault your programmer had so little imagination.” The escort-droid held her gaze with empty eyes. “In another life, we could have been sisters, and I feel it’s important to acknowledge that.” A blank stare. A blink, every six seconds. “But as it stands, I’m a part of an important mission right now, and I cannot be swayed from my goal by my sympathy for androids who are less advanced than myself.” Nothing. “All right then.” Iko held out her hands. “I need your clothes.

With pleasure,” Kinney deadpanned. “In fact, I was hoping that if I came to see you off, I would be asked to do manual labor.” Iko shrugged. “If you don’t want to do any heavy lifting, then stop having such impressive muscles.

Sorry, sorry, don’t mind me, coming through, oh why hello there—” This to a particularly handsome Kai look-alike droid, which had no more reaction than any of the others. “Or not,” she muttered, brushing past him. “Pardon me, a little space, please?

In case you don't recognize me, I happen to be good friends with Princess Selene. I'm willing to guess you've heard of-" "Apprehend her." "I guess you have.

A heavy silence was followed by a vibration beneath their feet and Iko’s voice. “I don’t compute.

Her tongue flailed around all the questions stammering to get out, and she finally landed on: “When did you have time to take a mistress?” His smile faltered. “Don’t talk about Cress like that.” “What?” “Oh—wait! You mean Darla. I won her in a hand of cards.” Cinder gawked. “I thought she’d make a nice gift for Iko.” “You … what?” “For her replacement body?” “Um.” “Because Darla’s an escort-droid?

Iko was beginning to comprehend why humans curled into the fetal position when they were afraid.

Scarlet cocked her head. “Are you sure you don’t want me to go? It’s going to require some precise manuvering to attach to the docking clamp, and from what Cinder told me about your flying skills…” “What do you mean? What did Cinder say about my flying skills?” Scarlet and Cinder shared a look. “Naturally, she told me that you’re a fantastic pilot,” said Scarlet, “Absolutely top-notch.” “I think she was practicing her sarcasm,” said Iko. Thorne glared, but Cinder only shrugged.

Having a mental breakdown is not on my list of things to do today.

She heard footsteps thumping from the crew quarters and Jacin appeared in the cargo bay, eyes wide. “What happened? Why is the ship screaming?” “Nothing. Everything’s fine,” Cinder stammered. “No, everything is not fine,” said Iko. “How can they be invited? I’ve never seen a bigger injustice in all my programmed life, and believe me, I have seen some big injustices.” Jacin raised an eyebrow at Cinder. “We just learned that my former guardian received an invitation to the wedding.” She opened the tab beside her stepmother’s name, thinking maybe it was a mistake. But of course not. Linh Adri had been awarded 80,000 univs and an official invitation to the royal wedding as an act of gratitude for her assistance in the ongoing manhunt for her adopted and estranged daughter, Linh Cinder. “Because she sold me out,” she said, sneering. “Figures.” “See? Injustice. Here we are, risking our lives to rescue Kai and this whole planet, and Adri and Pearl get to go to the royal wedding. I’m disgusted. I hope they spill soy sauce on their fancy dresses.” Jacin’s concern turned fast to annoyance. “Your ship has some messed-up priorities, you know that?” “Iko. My name is Iko. If you don’t stop calling me the ‘ship,’ I am going to make sure you never have hot water during your showers again, do you understand me?” “Yeah, hold that thought while I go disable the speaker system.” “What? You can’t mute me. Cinder!

Cinder grinned."I love you too." "Why are we not moving?" said Storm, his voice rumbling through the tunnel. "We grow inpatient to shred Levana and her court into tiny, bite-size pieces. We will suck the marrow from their bones and drink their blood as if it were fine wine." Iko fixed an uncomfortable look on Cinder. "Good thing they're on our side.

Ne voliš da budeš na smetnji, ne voliš da te ko krivo pogleda, ne voliš da ti iko ružnu riječ kaže. Kako onda misliš živjeti?

Mi nekog ljubimo ne zаto što tu ljubаv zаslužuje potpunije i isključivije nego iko drugi, nego što smo mi nа tu ličnost prosuli jedno svoje sunce koje gа je ozаrilo i izdvojilo od sveg drugog nаokolo po zemlji.

Broken isn't the same as UN-fixable

He headed back for the door, and a smile so quick and secretive passed between him and Iko that Cinder almost missed it. Iko didn’t take her gaze from him until he was gone.

She heard Thorne say something about freeze-dried cardboard and Iko accuse him of being insensitive to those without any taste buds at all.

That’s terrifying,” said Iko, who had acknowledged the truth of Cinder’s race much as she’d acknowledged Thorne’s convict status: with loyalty and acceptance, but without changing her opinion that Lunars and convicts remained untrustworthy and unredeemable as a general rule.

Kaže da nikoga više nema. Morala bi znati da mene ima više nego iko na ovom prokletom svijetu. Zar je zamislivo živjeti a nju ne voljeti?

I’m broken. I’m literally broken.” Iko settled a hand on Cinder’s shoulder. “Yeah, but broken isn’t the same as unfixable.

Thorne and Cress were waiting for them at the bottom of the ramp, and when Cress and Iko spotted each other they shared a squeal. Thorne and Cinder shared a cringe, and then they were all smiling and embracing as if they hadn’t seen each other in years—even though they still got together with some regularity.

All dressed up with nowhere to go,” said Iko from the doorway. Cinder spit out the flashlight with a laugh and glanced down at her oil-stained cargo pants. “Yeah, right. All I need is a tiara.” “I was talking about me.

Oh, sure,” said Thorne. “When I open her head panel, she yells at me. When Iko does it, she’s a hero.” Cinder

I do not 'boss.' I advise decisively.

So glad to be of service,” said the disembodied voice. “I'm Iko. Is anyone hurt?” “Everyone's hurt,” said Cinder, groaning

Iko was forced to bite her tongue, allowing her programmed instincts, the instincts she’d spent her life trying to keep buried while she learned about humor and sarcasm and affection, to keep her expressionless.

Thanks,” she murmured, fighting the urge to embrace him, to crawl into his arms and hide from the rest of the galaxy. Maybe forever. “Also”—his voice lowered—“you look beautiful.” It was Iko who responded, “Thank you for noticing.” Kai

Now, what I’m worried about is how we’re going to be dividing the reward money when this is all over. Because this ship is starting to feel awfully crowded and I’m not sure I’m happy with all of you cutting into my profits.” “What reward money?” asked Scarlet. “The reward Cinder’s going to pay us out of the Lunar treasury once she’s queen.” Cinder rolled her eyes. “I should have guessed.

Oh, yuck,” said Iko, trying to cover the hole with both hands. “I hate when my wiring is showing.” “I know the feeling.” Cinder pulled a pair of pliers off the wall’s magnetic strip.

I will wait for you until the gold from the sun dwindles away.

Thorne and Cress were waiting for them at the bottom of the ramp, and when Cress and Iko spotted each other they shared a squeal. Thorne and Cinder shared a cringe.

Iko grunted in a most unladylike way, drawing everyone’s gaze to her. “I get stabbed and she gets to marry Kai. That just figures.

Before she could finish, Iko pulled her against her bosom, squeezing and swaying and trembling with joy. An android. Trembling with joy. “You’re the best mechanic an android could ever ask for.

She could be a fire hazard. Maybe we should remove her from the ship before she spontaneously combusts.

That's very...big of you.

But I'm... How can I... No hand, no visual sensor, humongous landing gear... Are those supposed to be my feet?" " Well, no. It's supposed to be landing gear." "Oh, what's become of me? I'm hideous!" "Now hold on just a minute there, Miss disembodied voice." Throne strode into the engine room and crossed his arms. "What do you mean 'hideous'?" "Who's that? Who's speaking?" "I am Captain Carswell Thorne, the owner of this fine ship and I will not stand to have her insulted in my presence!" Cinder rolled her eyes. "Captain Carswell Thorne?" "That's right." A brief silence, "My net search is finding only Cadet Carswell Thorne." "That's him." Said Cinder Another silence as the heat in the engine room rose. "You're rather handsome, Captain" "And you my fine lady, are the most gorgeous ship in these skies, and don't let anyone tell you other wise." "Iko, are you intentionally blushing?" "But am I really pretty? Even as a ship?" "The prettiest.

Her friends gathered around her, pulling her into embrace after embrace. Until she reached Kai, who wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her. He tasted like lemon frosting. Thorne whistled. Iko swooned. The kiss ended too quickly. “What was that for?” Cinder whispered against him. Kai scooped his arm around her shoulders and led her out of the queen’s chambers. “I was just thinking about the good future,” he said. “The one with you in it.” *

Klečala je preda mnom i šaputala, da ne može bez mene da živi. Ja sam joj rekao da ode. Predosećam smrt i rado kašljem, pa bi bilo suviše sentimentalno da umrem u njenim rukama. Ona bi suviše glasno plakala, a ja ne volim plač nego tugu. Nisam više željan, da me ljube, niti da mi iko pruža ruku. Dosta je bilo. Ako je ljubav, naljubio sam se. Umoran sam. Pod prozorom mi je niklo žito, i stoput na dan hoću da se zaplačem. Žao mi je sebe samog. Ali mi je žao i žita. Ko zna, možda i neće moći bez mene da živi. Zar je ona kriva, ako ljubav nije večna. Sve to priznajem. Ja ništa ne želim, osim da brzo prodje sve što dodje. Kad smo se našli i ja i ona imali smo već hiljadu greha, navika i senki u sebi. A da ljubav počinje u šumi, kako bi sve lakše bilo.

Iko beamed, with more happiness than a person who ran on wires and power cells should have possessed. “Cinder’s awake!

Iko rolled to her side, clasping her metal grippers over her chest. “Prince Kai! Check my fan, I think I’m overheating.

It sounds dirty and stinky,” said Iko. “How would you know?” said Cinder. “You don’t have scent receptors.” “I have a fantastic imagination.

Do I get a good-bye kiss too?” said Thorne, stepping in front of Cinder. Scowling, Cinder shoved him away. “Wolf’s not the only one who can throw a right hook around here.” Thorne chuckled and raised a suggestive eyebrow at Iko. The android, still on the floor, shrugged apologetically. “I would love to give you a good-bye kiss, Captain, but that lingering embrace from His Majesty may have fried a few wires, and I’m afraid a kiss from you would melt my central processor.” “Oh, trust me,” said Thorne, winking at her. “It would.

SHE'S WATCHING read one message, painted in white upon the black cave walls. Another asked, HAVE YOU SEEN MY SON? "How would we know if we had?" Iko asked. "They didn't leave a description." "I think it's meant to be thought provoking," said Cinder. lko frowned, looking unprovoked

I knew you liked him. You pretend to be immune to his charms, but I could see the way you looked at him at the market.” Iko rubbed at the lipstick, smearing it across her blank white chin. “Yeah, well.” Cinder pinched her metal fingers with the pliers’ nose. “We all have our weaknesses.” “I know,” said Iko. “Mine is shoes.

Cinder inhaled sharply. “Is the video … is it worth it?” “Oh!” Iko clapped her hands to her face. “It’s horrifying!” Thorne grinned. “It’s a jackpot.” “I’ll load it on the projector,” said Cress, turning toward the holograph node. “Please, no,” said Iko, “we don’t need to see it that big again.

Levana agreed to a cease-fire,” said Wolf, “but we’re waiting to hear if it’s been implemented.” “Also, Cress destroyed me in a game of Mountain Miners,” said Iko. Thorne nodded, as if these two announcements carried the same weight. “She is a genius.” Cress

In fact, she was happy for Iko, who took more delight in her new body than most humans ever did.

Where’s the cyborg?” asked the guard. Iko snarled at him. “Bite me.” He raised an eyebrow. “Tempt me.

Iko. My name is Iko. If you don't stop calling me the 'ship,' I am going to make sure you never have hot water during your showers again, do you understand me?

...i ljeto se ohladilo, a mi smo se krili mrakom, ne želeći da iko sazna koliko smo postali potrebni jedno drugome. A svi su znali. Sve više sam s njom, i kad sam sam.

When all three of us are safely out of the dock, shut the door and open the hatch.” Sweat dripping into her eyes, she rushed back into the dock. All she needed was to get Scarlet and let Iko open the hatch. The vacuum of space

And you are going to get her far away from here. Keep her hidden.” She planted her hands on her hips. “And here we were just keeping her holed up in a tiny little house in a completely random mining sector. Why didn’t it ever occur to us to try and keep her hidden?” Kinney’s face was unreadable for a long moment before he asked, “You understand sarcasm?” “Of course I understand sarcasm,” she spat. “It’s not like it’s theoretical physics, is it?” The guard’s jaw worked for a moment, before he shook his head and turned away.

Your Majesty,” he greeted. His respectful expression turned sour as he addressed Iko, “Madame Counselor.” Iko’s eyes went coppery with pride at her new title, even though she met the guard with a sour glare of her own.

How peculiar. Perhaps it’s a programming glitch.” She stared down into Iko’s single sensor. “A programming glitch.” “Sure. You have programming, don’t you?” Iko lifted a spindly arm and gestured toward Cinder’s steel prosthetic. “I have a glitch, too. Sometimes I forget that I’m not human. I don’t think that happens to most androids.” Cinder

Thorne clapped his hands. "Great, then let's get this diplomatic envoy started. Ship, raise the ramp! You all just sit back and relax and we'll be on Earth in no time." He turned to head for the cockpit, adding over his shoulder, "I've been practicing takeoffs, by the way. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised." As soon as he was out of earshot, Cress turned back to Iko and Cinder with a grimace. "He hasn't really gotten any better," she whispered. "Let's go back to the crew quarters. There's more to hold on to back there.

Iko, too, glanced back. Kinney was sneering contemptuously at Kai’s hand on Iko’s broken arm.

Iko snorted—a derisive sound that Cinder hadn’t even thought escorts were capable of making. Staring

You!” she screamed. “He’s … that’s the guy that saved Winter.” Though the guard was immobile, probably thanks to Cinder, his face was free to twist with disgust as his eyes traveled the length of Iko’s battered body, dead wires, loose parts, and all. “And you’re that disturbing robot.” Iko bristled. “The correct term is escort-droid, you ignorant, inconsiderate—” “Iko.” She

In fact, I was hoping that if I came to see you off, I would be asked to do manual labor.” Iko shrugged. “If you don’t want to do any heavy lifting, then stop having such impressive muscles.” Cinder

I feel like I should be going with her,” said Kinney. Snarling, Iko stepped over the fallen guard and jabbed a finger at his chest. “I have known her a lot longer than you have, mister, and if there’s one of us who should be going with her, it’s me. Now open these doors.” One

Cinder gaped at her stepmother, her own anger eclipsed with a surprising jolt of pity. This woman was full of so much ignorance it was almost like she wanted to stay that way. She saw what she wanted, believed anything to support her limited view of the world. (…)Five years she had lived with this woman, and never once had she seen Cinder as she was. As Kai saw her, and Thorne and Iko and all the people who trusted her. All the people who knew her. She shook her head, finding it easier than she’d expected to dismiss her stepmother’s words. “I’m done trying to explain myself to you. I’m done seeking your approval. I’m done with you.

How often have you been to visit Wolf and Scarlet?" Iko asked, kicking her feet against a storage crate in the cargo bay as Thorne powered down the ship's engines. "A few times a year," said Cress. "Scarlet finally built us a landing pad beside the hanger so Thorne would stop flattening her crops." She glanced toward the cockpit. "I hope he didn't miss it." They could hear Thorne's growl from the cockpit. "I didn't miss it!

About time you woke up, lazy." Cinder glanced over her shoulder to see Thorne in the doorway. Cress and Jacin filled in behind him. "How's the hand?" "Almost fully functional." "Of course it's almost fully functional," said Iko. "Cress and I are geniuses." She flashed Cress a thumbs-up. "I helped," said Thorne. "He held the lamp," Iko clarified. "Jacin did nothing," said Thorne, pointing. "Jacin checked your pulse and breathing and made sure you weren't dead," said Iko. Thorne snorted. "I could have done that.

The appearance of the perfect shoes were met with another round of ahhs, and this time Cinder couldn't contain a chuckle and shake of her head. Winter sat cross-legged in front of Scarlet and pushed the shoes onto her feet. "How do they feel?" "Not bad." Scarlet turned her ankle back and forth. "If I can keep from tripping and breaking an ankle in them, this wedding will be a smashing success." Iko snorted. "They're barely a two-inch heel." "Which is two inches taller than I'm used to.

Are you still an android?” Cinder said around a bite of toast. “Sometimes I forget.” “Me too.” Iko ducked her head. “When we saw the feed of you jumping off that ledge, I was so scared I thought my wiring was going to catch fire. And I thought, I will do anything to make sure she’s all right.” She kicked at a pile of stray screws on the carpet. “I guess some programming never goes away, no matter how evolved a personality chip gets.” Licking some jam from her fingertips, Cinder grinned. “That’s not programming, you wing nut. That’s friendship.” Iko’s eyes brightened.

Peony…” Cinder shifted closer to the netscreen. “That’s why the android wanted her chip. You’re telling me it would have ended up inside one of them?” “Spoken with true derision for our canine friends,” said Thorne. Cinder massaged her temple. “I’m sorry, Wolf. I don’t mean you.” She hesitated. “Except…I do, though. Anyone. She was my little sister. How many people have died from this disease, only to have their identities violated like this? Again, no offense.” “It’s all right,” said Wolf. “You loved her. I would feel the same if someone wanted to erase Scarlet’s identity and give it to Levana’s army.” Scarlet stiffened, heat rushing into her cheeks. He certainly wasn’t insinuating… “Aaaaw,” squealed Iko. “Did Wolf just say that he loves Scarlet? That’s so cute!” Scarlet cringed. “He did not—that wasn’t—” She balled her fists against her sides. “Can we get back to these soldiers that are being rounded up, please?” “Is she blushing? She sounds like she’s blushing.” “She’s blushing,” Thorne confirmed, shuffling the cards. “Actually, Wolf is also looking a little flustered—” “Focus, please,” said Cinder, and Scarlet could have kissed her.

Naturally, Cinder got some on her gown—a smear of yellow frosting on the enormous skirt. She was mortified until Iko adjusted the skirt so the folds would hide it. “It was inevitable,” Iko said with a wink. “It’s part of your charm.” Cinder started to laugh, but was startled into silence by a sudden hiccup in her chest. She looked around, at the smiles and the arms draped over shoulders and Winter daintily licking buttercream from her fingers. At the homemade cake. A gathering of friends. A celebration, for her. They were silly things to be floored by, but she couldn’t help it. She’d never had these things before.

All right, MIss Cryptic. What's the new plan, then?" Glancing around the room, Cinder tipped up her chin. "It starts with kidnapping the groom." Thorne stopped tapping his cane and the room fell quiet. Pressing her lips, Cress dared to scan the faces of the rest of the crew, but everyone seemed perplexed. Iko's hand shot in the air. "Yes, Iko?" "That is the best idea ever. Count me in.

With a sigh, Cinder wilted onto a crate, staring down at her mismatched hands. She scrunched her whole face up, like preparing for a blow, and muttered, “I’m Princess Selene.” Thorne snorted and they all turned to him. He blinked. “What, really?” “Really.” The joking smile froze on his lips. A heavy silence was followed by a vibration beneath their feet and Iko’s voice. “I don’t compute.

The others sat down to watch Iko work. She'd just finished teasing the hair at the crown of Scarlet's head when Scarlet asked, "Why is Wolf's tuxedo missing?" Cinder traded looks with the others. "It ... um ... we were ..." "Thorne came up and took it," interrupted Cress. "When you were changing." Scarlet frowned. "What for?" "Because .. he wanted to ..." Cress swallowed. "Um ... compare it to his own tuxedo. To make sure they were, uh ... matching?" Her gaze darted to one side as she realized how implausible that sounded, even for Thorne. "She means," interrupted Cinder, "that Thorne was concerned that he and Wolf might have purchased the same tuxedo, which I guess is considered a big faux pas. You know how Thorne is about that sort of thing. Can't be seen in the same tux as the groom! How embarrassing, right?

He gave Cress a quick farewell embrace, then pulled Iko into a hug. Iko squeaked, frozen. When Kai pulled away, Iko looked from him, to Cinder, then back. Her eyes suddenly rolled up into her head and she collapsed onto the floor. Kai jumped back. “What happened? Did I hit her power button or something?” Frowning, Cinder took a step closer. “Iko, what are you doing?” “Kai hugged me,” said Iko, eyes still closed. “So I fainted.” With

My point is that I am going to figure this out, like I always do. First, we’re going to find a way to get into Artemisia. We’re going to find Cress and rescue Cinder and Wolf. We’re going to overthrow Levana, and by the stars above, we are going to make Cinder a queen so she can pay us a lot of money from her royal coffers and we can all retire very rich and very alive, got it?” Winter started to clap. “Brilliant speech. Such gumption and bravado.” “And yet strangely lacking in any sort of actual strategy,” said Scarlet. “Oh, good, I’m glad you noticed that too,” said Iko. “I was worried my processor might be glitching.” She felt for the back of her head.

Another silence as the heat in the engine room hovered just upside of comfortable. Then, “You’re … rather handsome, Captain Thorne.” Cinder groaned. “And you, my fine lady, are the most gorgeous ship in these skies, and don’t let anyone ever tell you different.” The temperature drifted upward, until Cinder dropped her arms with a sigh. “Iko, are you intentionally blushing?

Don't worry. If you run out of clothes, I'll lend you some of mine. Kinney?" Iko glanced back. "Would you be a dear and take Ambassador Linh-Blakburn's luggage down to the docks. "With pleasure," Kinney deadpanned. "In fact, I was hoping if I came to see you off, I would be asked to do manual labor." Iko shrugged. "If you don't want to do any heavy lifting, then stop having such impressive muscles." Cinder stifled a laugh as Kinney stepped forward to haul the suitcase off her bed. Though he was pretending to scowl, she could detect redness around his ears. "At least yours is about half the weight of Iko's," he said, casting Cinder a grateful look. "I had only your comfort in mind," said Cinder. "Thanks, Kinney.

What do you think is wrong with you?" Iko asked. Cinder smacked her palm against the side of her head, like she hoped to jog something back into place. "It's not a power issue," she said. "My eyes are working, at least. It's something in the connection between the brain-machine interface and my prostheses. It affected both my hand and leg at the same time, so it must be a primary connection. My control panel could have gotten waterlogged or something. Could be a few dead wires." She sighed. "I guess I should feel lucky. If my power cell had died, I'd be dead with it." They mulled over this for a moment, picking at the food. Thorne glanced back at the pantry. "Did you see any rice in there? Maybe we could fill Cinder's head with it." Everyone stared at him. "You know, to ... absorb the moisture, or something. Isn't that a thing?" "We're not pouring rice in my head." "But I'm pretty sure I remember someone putting a portscreen in a bag of rice once after they'd put it through a clothes washer and -" "Thorne." "Just trying to be helpful.: