Day 5
The Papuru Inn is the largest, most luxurious hotel chain in the galaxy and one of the sponsors of the Coalition Carnage Competition. Inside one of its many super suites, Kane Urasa stood studying his profile in the full length mirror that resided on a wall of the spacious accomodations. His formal wear was primarily dark blue with fringes of black lining. He turns this way and that, smoothing slight wrinkles and nods with approval.
Kane
Looking good. Thank you Star Thread Tailors. If you ask me to promote your stuff, I'll do so for half my usual asking price.
He smiles brightly at his dark skinned reflection, checked his fresh haircut, placed a stylish haberdash over his head, and points two finger guns in what he thought was pretty cool.
Kane
You're gonna rock this gala.
A chime signaled someone at the door. He leaves through the bedroom's double doors of fine wood into the much larger living quarters and its cream pattern decor. A serv-tek glided across the expensive carpeting, cleaning what looked to Kane to be already spotless. He leaves the serv-tek to its work and goes out to meet his best friend.
Kane
What's good, bro?
Claude
Pleasure to see you, Kane. I take it you slept well after last night's festivities.
Claude was also decked out in a tailor made suit of steel grey that blended well with his sky blue complexion. The two bump fists.
Kane
Yeah, lost big though.
Claude
I told you playing poker with those professionals was a mistake. It was as if they came to that casino seeking you out.
Kane
They probably were. I'm a big guy in the gambling circuit. People always out to topple one of the greats.
Claude
And they succeeded.
Kane
Poker's not my game. Now, if it was holostar things would have ended differently. Anyway, it was only a few thousand c-chips. Nothing to sweat over.
Claude
When should one sweat over wayward funds?
Kane
When one can't afford to lose.
The two walk to a waiting limo inside the building's private garage. They are alone and sit across from each other as the driver takes them onto Topaz City's crowded road, its hover technology making the journey a smooth one. In designated areas, the driver was allowed to bypass the land bound traffic in favor of flying across the sky lanes toward a pair of spotlights that cut through the darkening, late evening sky.
Claude
I have never been to a gala event.
Kane
Me either, but I've walked into a few important parties in my time.
Claude
With celebrities and politicians?
Kane
Not big name celebs, no. But as for partying politicians, me and the President of Freedom hung out at the same shindig and I spent a weekend vacationing with the President of Hope and his family. They had a big get together with the local government, I was dating the granddaughter of the governor at the time, so got invited. It was alright, if a little boring.
Claude
Do you believe this will be also? Boring, I mean.
Kane
I'm expecting the interactions to lend plenty of excitement. There will be multiple reps present for major countries or political powers from worlds all jocking for some advantage over one of their own or a neighboring world. People with different values and morals and religions, culture clashes are sure to happen. On top of it all, paparazzi, entertainment reporters and various self important people and their entourages; I wouldn't miss this even if given the opportunity to excavate the ancient ruins of the Americas.
Claude
Now there is an endorsement. I am a bit more enthusiastic.
The limo comes to a stop. They exit into a storm of flashing lights and cam-bot clicks, cries of "Kane, over here," or "this way, Claude, this way" from some of the dozens of bodies and floating recording devices crowding the entrance to the five story oval building. Claude smiled and waved, per his standard not a hint of apprehension on his handsome features. Kane basked in the attention, stopping to pose and give a few sound bites. The two eventually make it pass the crowd and down the blue carpet that ran from the street curb to the huge spotlights flanking the entrance.
Woman
Hey, Kane, over here! Let's get a sexy pic!
Kane pauses for the request, removing his headwear.
Woman
What! You cut your hair!?
Kane
Had to switch the style up a little.
Woman
That hair was mine!
The woman springs from the crowd to grab him by the front of his fancy coat, her black wig slipping off revealing striking pink hair.
Katy
I needed that hair! Who did it!? Where did you have it cut!? Tell me! Oh, your pretty solid under all that clothing.
Security came to drag the screaming lady away.
Claude
Who was that?
Kane
Some crazed fan. Nevermind her. Let's get inside. I think I saw Hark Mamel go in a minute ago.
Claude
And who is that?
Kane
The actor who plays Walker Lukewarm in the Planetary Wars remakes. Dude, get out the monastery and into a movie theater.
It was evident the money spent on the gala venue by its decor. Hover chandeliers split the high ceiling of fine glass providing a clear view of the night sky. The room, in contrast, was brightly lit with the gold colored walls seeming to soak in and redirect all the light. Furnishings from multiple planets and designers were scattered about along with some famous faces.
Kane
Claude, look, Windel of Lincone. You recognize him, at least.
Claude
Yes, the first Dycordian to win an Oscar for his portrayal of a corrupt defense force officer in That First Day. I have not seen that or any movie in years. I remember liking it.
Kane
OMG, over there, by the band, his first ex-wife, Dododanaa.
Claude
Never heard of her.
Kane
Are you kidding? She's one of the highest grossing recording artists of all time. Not just for the Tilris, either.
Claude
I was not expecting her to make an appearance.
Kane
I know. She rarely leaves her mansion on Ksush, but it is Coalition Car-
Claude
I mean her.
He nods toward the back of the room near a doorway leading to a ballroom where Avia, in a silky green gown that accented her tight muscular shoulders and back, stood glancing warily around the room. She spotted the two of them and with a small but noticable grimace, started over.
Kane (whispers to self)
Wow.
The two met her in the midst of the gathering.
Claude
It is a pleasure to see you again, Avia.
Kane
Yeah, you look great.
Avia
Uh...thanks. So do you guys.
Kane
We only just got here. What about you?
Avia
Been here about twenty minutes.
Claude
I wonder if we will see any other Superstars. Like the one with the mech suit.
Avia
We should. It's mandatory we show.
Kane
No it's not.
Avia
What?
Claude
Events such as these and the race a couple of days ago are optional for us.
Kane
Kinda wish they were mandatory. To see a Ja'ir in a tux.
Avia
I'm outta here.
Kane
Wait, why?
She had started for the exit before turning back to them.
Avia
If I don't have to be here, then I'm getting out this dress.
Claude
You are here already, why not keep us company.
Kane
Yeah, don't leave me with just the reverend here for conversation.
She eyes each of them in turn, her long ears twitch in wiry amusement.
Kane
As long as you promise not to punch anyone out. That anyone being us.
Avia
If you promise not to spy on me in the latrine.
Claude
Then it is settled. Would anyone like a drink?
Kane
Holy men are allowed to drink?
Claude
Of course, Kane. All who live must drink to stay alive.
Kane
I mean alcohol.
Avia
I smell no strong liquor here.
Claude
By Pian standards, I am sure the alcohol content is lacking, but no less satisfying to the pallet. As for Hearers of the World Voice, the partaking of stimulates is not frowned upon nor does it impede the voice of the planet.
Kane
Does the planet say what's the best thing to eat in here. I can't make up my mind.
Avia
It does smell good. I say we just dive in. With all these wealthy tongues, I'm sure any of it could be served at my family banquets.
The three consume the refreshments before them as they talk about all the famous people. Avia, having never been off her planet until recently or seen a movie, didn't have the slightest idea who any of them were. She did recognize a slender Pian wearing a ridiculously long hat, which top curved down to trail along the floor; an ambassador dealing in off world politics.
Avia
His silver tongue has worked magic on many within my father's court.
Claude
Do you participate in Pian politics?
Avia
Not even a little.
Kane
Look who just came in.
The Dawn had entered wearing a gown just as lovely as Avia's and as golden as the room itself.
Avia
The Superstar of Braloor. She seems formidable.
Kane (sarcastically)
Yeah, she's going to be a joy to fight.
The Dawn stood to one side of the room sipping from a glass. She wasn't paying attention to the surroundings, eyes down cast until a bald Human wearing ceremonial robes stopped next to her.
Xenzalin
You're late. I want you to mingle among the rabble, see if the Locket reacts to anyone.
The Dawn
I don't mingle.
Xenzalin
Don't make this difficult.
The Dawn
I'm not good at small talk.
Xenzalin
And yet you are an Instructor at one of my schools.
The Dawn
Children are easier to talk to then everyone in this room. Present company included.
Xenzalin laughed delightfully.
Xenzalin
There are people here who, if seen with one of the most illustrious instructors of this age, could send any number of new alum our way. It has been too long since our school has had any divers talent. Will you do this for the future of the academy?
The Dawn sighs, grabs another drink from a passing serv-tek and wanders off to mingle. Kane and Claude witness the exchange and wonders who he was.
Avia
This looks like an interesting bunch.
Her sentence draws their attention to her gaze. Three men with green skin and dark attire had entered, their presence silencing those near them, some quickly walking away. They had striking white hair; one short, another shoulder length, with the third, the one in the middle, went straight down to his calves. This one also sported a pair of shades that hid his eyes and wore a smirk that he directed at the room.
Avia
I can feel the hostility emitting from them. Particularly the center one.
Claude
The Quil ambassadors.
Kane
I recognize the white hair from old stories told around the games table. The Harvas, family of firearms.
Avia
I hear all Finan are killers by nature.
Claude
The art of assassination is embedded deep within their culture, yes.
Kane
It's how they choose their heads of state or whatever they call'em on Quil.
Avia
Is this why you guys are here? To comment on the attendees?
Claude
I thought this might be a pleasant, uneventful gathering of influential people. Seeing who is friends with who could be beneficial.
Kane
What, you planning to run for office?
Claude
No, but these people control the futures of many. The company one keeps, as is the Earth saying.
Avia
And what about you, Kane?
Kane
There's a couple of guys supposed to be here. They put a lot of faith in me and I want to tell them how much I appreciate it.
Avia
And who are these faithful?
Kane
Julius Gilbert and Jesse McDonald. They are members of the Council of Presidents.
Avia
Council of Presidents, leaders of Earth.
Kane
Yeah and they trusted me-
A sudden commotion cuts him off. The Harvas with the longest hair had an arm around a woman who was clearly uncomfortable by his presence while the man who was with her looked down at his feet. A boisterous laugh from the slender Finan sounded as if it should issue from the belly of a much bigger man. When she slaps him, he reaches into the folds of his coat, clearly pissed. A hand from one of his family members holds him at bay, a voice tells the man he calls Gunmeister to remain civil. Gunmeister smirks again, downs his drink in one gulp then grabs another glass passing by. The three continue meandering among the silent party goers.
Avia
Wish he tried that with me. He would come to a painful realization.
Her words remind Claude of another tough woman and spots the Dawn entering the ballroom. She had spoken to only one self absorbed celebrity before growing bored and walking off, the guy gaping at her audacity. She longed to be away from here, but Xenzalin's constant long distance nagging would have gone on all night in her head. The ballroom was decorated with sparkling crystals shaped into intricate patterns that hung in mid-air and floated about the room as if dancing. Numerous couples occupied the floor, moving in various interpretations of the same.
Claude
May I have this dance?
She jumped, obvious sign he caught her by surprise. When she saw who it was, she regained her composure in quick order.
The Dawn
Claude of Styfe.
Claude
Just Claude. Family names hold little meaning in Dycordian society. Only to determine what our lot in life would be.
The Dawn
And what does Styfe mean?
He held out a hand to her.
Claude
Roughly translated in Dycordian speak: taxes. Shall we?
She took his hand, a smile almost cropping up and they hit the dance floor. The Dawn displayed she could do more than fight and Claude that he wasn't always a priest. Many other couples stopped to look at the unlikely duo who were letting loose and not caring what anyone thought of them. The up-tempo beat goes on for some time but it is eventually switched to a slower rhythm, a clear indication of a more intimate dance. The Dawn hesitates a moment then enters his arms, with only a few couples following their led.
Claude
I did not think you knew the double ripo shuffle flex.
The Dawn
I was doing that back in Supreme school.
Claude
Supreme school? Is that a higher form of education on Braloor?
The Dawn
In a sense. Only those specially chosen can attend.
Claude
The gentleman I saw you speaking with earlier. He is Braloorian as well?
The Dawn
He is the headmaster of the school I currently reside.
Claude
You are a teacher?
The Dawn
We use the term instructor, but yes. I teach a class of second years.
Claude
And what, pray tell, would compel an instructor of the next generation to enter into such a dangerous competition?
The Dawn
Asks the combat priest.
Claude
I am not trained in anything beyond self-defense and the ways of the World Voice.
The Dawn
The world taught you to fight and dance?
Claude
I learned to fight when I was in a gang. I learned to hear when I came to my senses.
The Dawn
Tell me more.
And he did while they slowly spun in the middle of the dance floor. Kane was busy pointing out who was who in the room of the rich and famous. He had paused to find someone he hadn't mentioned. A few people came to wish them luck but they were mostly left to themselves.
Avia
Have those presidents arrived yet?
Kane
I haven't seen them, but they are world leaders, so they are allowed to not even show up. It's not like they knew I would be here.
Avia
How did you meet them?
Kane
It's a long story but-
Another commotion cuts him off as voices outside the room rose in alarm. They exit the stateroom into chaos as people, mostly reporters, ran about in various activities, some on holo-calls with editors, others running outside where even more bedlam was hinted. Kane's holopad pings and he whips it out. The words it displayed in the air above it as breaking news also broke his spirit. It read:
Breaking News: Earth Presidents Julius Gilbert and Jesse McDonald were killed while on a trip to Dycord. Updates to follow.
Day 6
Kane's streamjet sat in its berth and its owner sat in a dark cabin staring out the viewport at the darkness of the hanger. A shaft of light behind him as the cabin door slides open, his Syncs, Dane and Zane enter with looks of concern.
Dane
Hey, man.
Kane
Go away.
Zane
Look, we know how much he meant to you. We have your memories, remember?
Kane
What do you want?
Dane
Just checking on you. That's all.
Kane
I'm fine, now go away.
Dane
We know how you feel. Our mom died on this crap planet too.
Kane springs to his feet, eyes staring darkly at his clones.
Kane
She was my mother! They were my friends! The two of you are nothing more then-
He sputters then stops, fuming briefly, noticing their calm expressions. He closes his eyes and takes several deep breaths then shrugs apologetically.
Kane
Sorry, my bad.
Dane
No worries. If you're hungry, I can whip up something.
Kane
I'm fine. I just need some alone time for a while. I've been racking my brain, trying to understand what happened.
Zane
Could have something to do with those Quil assassins.
Kane
Say what now?
Dane
He means it was reported they met with the Quil ambassadors before they were killed.
Kane
Oh really.
***
Later, the presidential suite of the Papuru Inn. A serv-tek enters the main room where the three Harvas family members sat.
Serv-tek 3
Please excuse the intrusion, dear sirs. I have a Kane Urasa from Earth seeking an audience.
Gunmeister
What's with these fools of Earth? Fine, send him in.
Kane
No need. I'm already here.
Kane strolled past the serv-tek, who stood in confusion for a moment before rolling back out, closing the door. The Finan with the short hair stood up from behind a set of holographic numbers displayed above a furnished wood table. He looked a bit perturbed as he made the numbers disappear.
Short hair
The serv-tek of this world lacks refinement.
Gunmeister
Speaks for the whole race, don'cha think? Hey, you're Earth's Superstar. Saw that first fight. You need a lot of work.
Kane
I don't know much about diplomacy; not sure on the protocol when addressing dignitaries from other worlds, so I'm just gonna ask you straight. Did you meet with the Presidents of Earth?
The three Finan share a glance.
Gunmeister
So what if we did?
Kane
Did it go sour? That why you killed them?
The short haired Finan sat back down, rolling his eyes and brought back up his precious numbers. The other Finan, who sat with legs crossed in a soft cushion chair, steepled his fingers over his mouth, hiding a slight smile.
Medium hair
Our reputation proceeds us.
Gunmeister
Yeah, I killed'em. Shot'em both point blank, right between the eyes. They got on my nerves, begging for us to teach their upstart Superstar how to fight. So, I plugged 'em. What are you going to do about it?
Kane activates his Will Blade.
End chapter