Chapter Fifty-Four - Moments

Chapter Fifty-Four - Moments

Chapter Fifty-Four - Moments

There are between a hundred and fifty and two hundred galas of importance every year. Half of these are directly in service to something. Modelling shows, auctions, art trades, art exhibits, fund-raisers, political plays, and a few other niche events make up the majority of the social events for the well-to-do.

Being invited to all of them is next to impossible. Still, a proper socialite should try to attend at least two such galas a month, not including the more seasonal Christmas and mid-summer events.

This, of course, means a certain level of preparedness...

--Excerpt from Socializing for the Nouveau-Riche, a Primer, 2046

***

Gomorrah drove us around the top of the skyscraper, the car angling to the side just enough that we could really take it in.

I had a certain set of expectations for what the gala would look like. Lots of fancy folk, some champaign and maybe some dancing?

It looked as though Burringhams gala took up the entire topmost floor of a skyscraper, a whole section had glass walls and a glass ceiling, all that right next to the landing pads where a couple of cars were already idling away.

We werent the only people snooping around. There were drones with flickering safety lights buzzing around the building like circling vultures, and a pack of paparazzi were stalking by the entrance, only held back by some red velvet and mounted guns.

Gomorrah swooped in and landed us with a faint lurch right next to the end of the red carpet. The Fury probably looked strange next to all the Italian sports cars with its more muscle-car like aesthetics.

Ill set the auto-pilot to fly circles around the area, Gomorrah said. Well have close air support if we need it.

Ah, right, its always better to have close air support and not need it, than to need it and not have it, I said wisely.

Lucy giggled in the back, and I grinned as I shoved the door open.

A few lights flashed and I couldnt help but overhear the dozens of paparazzi asking themselves who the hell we were. They sounded like seagulls arguing over fries.

I stepped to the back and opened the door for Lucy. She made a show of stepping out one long leg at a time and of delicately taking my hand to help herself out. Frannie opened her own door and stomped out with a glare for anyone who cared to look.

With Lucy hanging off my arm, a huge grin on, we walked across the carpet with Gomorrah and Frannie trailing behind us and dutifully ignored the calls and questions and occasional camera flashes.

This is amusing.Updated chapters at novelhall.com

Whats amusing? I asked after making sure my helmet was blocking any sound from exiting.

A bit of classical music was playing quietly in the background, more than enough to make it hard to overhear the few conversations going on. So far, there didnt seem to be that many people present. A dozen or so in all, mostly grouped up in little bunches across the room and chatting to each other. Sometimes a hearty laugh would echo out across the hall, but otherwise it seemed perfectly quiet.

There was staff, of course, and I saw some discretely adding a few chairs to some of the tables while others did some last minute prep work.

Looks like were early, I said.

Thats fine, Gomorrah replied. We can sit down and just do nothing. Itll be a nice change of pace.

We could dance, Lucy said. Theres music playing. She turned to me, stars in her eyes and an easy smile on her lips.

Do you know how to dance? I teased.

She pouted, but that soon faded in favour of a dangerous grin. No, but you know how enthusiastic I can be about learning new... physical activities.

Urgh, Frannie said. I glanced her way only to find her looking away, her cheeks matching her hair.

Jeff Burringham has been notified of your presence and is on his way.

Ah, I said. Burringham is coming. I could see the guy walking with one of the serving staff next to one of the discrete doors hidden next to some elaborate statue thing. Lets say hi to him, you can show off your pretty dress, and then we can see about that dance?

That does sound nice, Lucy said.

Our little group idled over to the side, towards a table whose QR code labelled it as the one reserved for us. We were more or less right across from the stage and right next to the table where Burringham himself was sitting. A place of pride? Or just somewhere that Burringham could show us off?

Stray Cat! the man in question said as he approached, his arms raised in a happy greeting. And Miss Gomorrah. Im afraid we havent met yet, but I have heard of your exploits. Youre one of the citys shining jewels.

Thank you, Mister Burringham, Gomorrah said rather coldly. Im merely doing what I can to help. I hope that youre someone who takes your responsibilities just as seriously as I do.

I think youll find that I am, he said. Ive already begun contacting a few friends to get things moving along in the sewers, since the two of you brought it to the citys attention. We have inspectors down there right now, and a few journalists have started to investigate the entire matter. Im making it a big part of my campaign. But enough about that, I want to make sure youre all quite comfortable. Is there anything I can bring you?

I think were fine, I said. Though, maybe bring the volume up a notch? Lucy wants to test out your dance floor.

Burringham looked surprised for a moment before he grinned. Ill do you one better, just give me two whole minutes. And Miss Lucy, your dress is stunning.

Thank you! Lucy chirped.

The guy had his moments.

***