Page 24 of Stars in Halo

The security man’s hand twitched toward his waist, where Xion noted a subtle bulge indicating a concealed weapon.

Xion interrupted a smirk playing on his lips. ‘Tut, tut, didn’t think this was that kind of establishment.’

‘We don’t play at The Grande, with so much at stake over the next few nights.’

‘Why? What’s happening?’

The bumbling man’s face reddened as he realised he’d revealed more than enough. ‘Get the fokk out of here, or I’ll get my boys to escort you out.’

He jerked his chin behind Xion, who turned to tag two hotel sentries-for-hire bristling at him from the bar’s entryway.

‘Easy there, friend,’ Xion drawled, raising his hands in mock surrender. ‘I’m just here for some company and a conversation.’

Hanias narrowed his eyes, studying Xion with malicious intent. ‘You picked the wrong man to chat up, pal. I don’t have time for games.’

Xion leaned back, unfazed by the threat in the man’s tone. ‘Games? Who said anything about games? I’m just a traveller looking for a good story to pass the time.’

Hanias’ eyes darkened, and he stood up, trying to intimidate Xion with a taunted pounce. ‘I said get the fokk out,’ he growled, reaching for Xion’s arm to pull him out of the seat.

But before Hanias touched him, Xion evaded his grasp and rose to his feet. A glint of amusement danced in his eyes as Hanias got a bead on how much taller and massive the Rider was.

‘I believe we got off on the wrong foot,’ he rasped, straightening his jacket. ‘I’ll be sure to find my answers elsewhere then. See you soon, my friend.’

With a final mocking grin and a wink thrown in the security man’s direction, Xion turned on his heel. He sauntered out of the bar, leaving behind the glowering man and shouldering past the guards he’d summoned to his rescue.

A few hours later, a stocky man eased out of the rear of the Grande Hotel via the staff entrance.

He headed in the direction of a waiting flyer parked in a hover in the now emptied lot.

All of a sudden, he whirled as a burst of sound came rushing towards him at high speed.

Seconds afterwards, a mighty force hit, and he fell to the ground, senseless.

Two rights and a wrong

‘Is he conscious? Or should we force him awake?’

Mirage’s voice echoed through the Tachy’s speakers as Xion’s imposing stature loomed over their guest.

The Rider adjusted the straps holding down their sojourner, ensuring they were not too tight.

‘I think he’s coming to on his own.’

Indeed, the stocky man was waking, struggling to knife upright.

‘Welcome to your new reality for the conceivable future,’ Xion rasped as he looked down at the man wriggling under the constraints. ‘Your freedom depends on what you share with me,’ he continued, his words hanging in the air with a chilling promise.

As the restrained man tried to move, he realised his limbs were bound to a chair.

He writhed against his bindings, his eyes startled with panic, still not quite focusing.

‘Who are you? What do you want?’ he demanded, his hoarse whisper filled with fear and confusion.

Xion leaned in close, his sardonic smile so effective the man in his gaze shivered. ‘Like I said when we met, I’m just a humble seeker of truth and justice,’ he drawled. ‘I hate to repeat myself, Hanias, but you’re the man with the answers I want.’

The captive’s eyes widened in realisation as he recognised Xion from the bar earlier. ‘You!’ he gasped, his utterance trembling with fear. ‘I’m not saying anything.’

‘Hanias Tukan,’ came Mirage’s smooth vocalisation. ‘Of 3489c Crescent Avenue, Apartment 56709, Enia East District A. You will share what you know if you don’t want your extracurricular activities revealed. Your wife might be interested in who you’ve been pleasuring behind her back.’

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