Page 21 of Stars in Halo

‘Fokk off,’ Xion groused before signing out of the call with a small salute to his capricious mate with a devilish grin.

After Angels and Devils Tangle

Xion aimed the Tachy towards Enia, the city of light.

Where towering buildings, shimmering avenues, and glowing structures seemed to defy the laws of physics.

In all directions loomed self-illuminating walls, giant panels of strobed surfaces, bright lanterns, lit-up flyers, and luminous maglev trains that floated across the skyline.

Xion was no stranger to the planet but each previous visit had strictly been for business.

He’d had no time to indulge and walk its streets.

Still, he recalled how the buildings towered into the sky, their windows and balconies illuminated with a warm, inviting light.

The city never slept - it was always bustling, with people of all shapes, sizes, and colours going about their work.

The metro’s legendary bio-luminous plants lined the sidewalks, their leaves shining in the darkness, creating the appearance of a magical forest.

The shows and water fountains, too, were a draw card featuring millions of flashing LEDs choreographed to sound.

Enia’s nightlife was a spectacle in itself. If the tourists didn’t come for the sights, they thronged to the club hot spots and parties. These were held in a vast array of live entertainment and multi-level party venues where droids and event hosts served visitors every pleasure imaginable, promising a night of unforgettable experiences.

‘On approach,’ Mirage warned.

The AI’s node had taken over, piloting the ship inbound to the planet. They activated Glimmer’s stealth mode before Enia’s spaceport detected them. The corvette disappeared, unseen and untraceable by any orbital defence and surveillance system.

The gunship winged over the glittering city while Xion changed into civvies of a dark jacket and tight-fitting black trousers. It headed towards the northern district, where the lights of Rhesia’s glitzy resorts, restaurants and bars glimmered even from the atmosphere.

Mirage’s dulcet voice spoke up. ‘I’ve scanned the city’s aerodrome and its systems, narrowed the location of our mark’s ship, and patched it into their comms. She landed not so long ago, and a fly cab was summoned. Its flight manifest shows it heading to The Grande, one of Enia’s premier and luxury hotels. This is coincidentally where one of Pegasi’s prestigious Art and Gem Gala is being held tomorrow night. What’s the probability she is planning to attend?’

‘High,’ Xion mused, rolling his locks into a bun, adding sunglasses and shoving on some jewellery so he’d resemble a tourist out on the lamb. ‘Get me a ticket.’

‘Working on it.’

In seconds, Mirage pinged back. ‘Done. Your name is Lorian Caelix, a curator and dealer from Eden II.’

‘I think I should scout around before the upcoming event, don’t you?’

‘Tis a good idea. Also, my hack of the fly-cab system AI shows Katya D’Landra is just a few minutes ahead of us. She’s booked to stay at the hotel and will arrive in soon. I’ll place you as close to the establishment as possible.’

‘Catch you soon.’

Xion slipped his concealed weapon onto his side holster and slid into his meta boots as the ship’s rear airlock swung open to let him out.

Using his boot’s meta-thrust to float to the surface below, he landed behind a tall, luminescent grove of frilly leaf bushes.

I’ll stay with you via our link, Mirage said.

Sante, Xion replied.

He strode across the radiant park, which did not hold back on its Rhesian hallmarks.

Luminous trees and shrubs peppered the perfect green grass and trailed into the mini lakes scattered through the place.

People crowded the stunning picturesque spaces, strolling through for their evening walks.

The city throbbed with light and life, but Xion was oblivious to it all, focusing all his attention on the building ahead.

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