‘Welcome to Amaranthine’s apartment, Phoenix,’ he heard as soon as the portal sealed itself behind him.
‘Hey, Eiko, heard you’ve been upgraded,’ he answered, ‘I like your voicefont.’
‘I’m glad to hear that. Would you like to have a drink whilst Amaranthine gets ready?’
‘Sure.’
‘I sense you wouldn’t mind something stronger. Am I correct?’
‘Spot on, as a matter of fact.’
‘It’s ready.’
Phoenix approached the bar and picked up the sturdy, thick-bottomed glass, filled in one third with golden liquid.
‘Wow, that was quick,’ he sniffed the alcohol. ‘Good, old Scotch. Just what I need.’
‘Would you like to watch some news?’ asked Eiko, as he made himself comfortable on the sofa.
‘Sure, why not. Put sport on, Eiko.’
The projection of the big screen appeared in front of him. It showed a track-and-field stadium.
‘Romario Bolt, who improved his own world record in men’s 100m run last year at North Korea’s Summer Olympic Games, did so yet again at the Athletic World Championships in Somalia this morning. The Jamaican’s new record is 8.67.24 seconds.’
‘Good evening, Phoenix.’ Amaranthine stood behind him, smiling. He turned and felt an instant thrill of desire.
She was wearing a long, silky, figure-embracing gown. As always, its color corresponded with her pendant in the shape of Ankh cross, jeweled with a big ruby in its loop, and earrings with matching, tear-shaped rubies. This necklace, as well as her distinctive style, always made Amaranthine stand out amongst the immortal elite of New York. She never followed any of the current fashion trends. Her long, brown hair was up, arranged in an elaborate style, her face surrounded with soft, wavy strands.
Her eyes and lips shined like the jewel adorning her cleavage. He eyed her up, savoring her look. She always stirred all his senses.
‘Well, good evening, Amari,’ he approached her with a smile. ‘You look like fifty million dollars. At least.’
Holding his glass in one hand, he slid the other around her waist, enjoying the smooth feel of the material and the shape and warmth of her body underneath it. He pulled her towards him, and his nostrils caught the gentle breeze of her perfume.
As their lips joined in an ardent kiss, the noise of the next sport report faded, replaced by soft, romantic music. They looked up, acknowledging the change of atmosphere.
‘Your new Eiko is pretty damn good, isn’t she?’ Phoenix laughed, suggestively kissing her neck. ‘If only we had the time now…’ his free hand traveled lower, following the curve of her hip.
‘Yeah, she’s great,’ Amaranthine admitted, reluctantly freeing herself from his embrace, before it was too late. There really wasn’t time now. ‘Now that she’s properly programmed, anyway,’ she sneered. ‘This morning she decided to update me on all the Mortal news, including a Christmas celebration. I can’t believe they still believe in all that rubbish.’ As usual, when she spoke about the Mortals, there was a hostile note in her voice.
‘Oh, that. Still desperately trying to convince themselves that they are not really mortal even though they go all wrinkly, die and rot in the ground. They believe in some guy who’s gonna come to Earth and ‘resurrect’ them all. Total nonsense, why not just take the bloody Cure and stay alive all along. Anyway, you don’t want to go bothering yourself about that crap, Amari.’
‘I don’t. I don’t want to hear anything about them, that’s why I re-programmed Eiko not to mention them. She should be all right now. Did she look after you well?’
Phoenix gulped the remains of his drink and his gaze travelled towards the bar.
‘She did, thanks,’ he said. ‘She read me perfectly and that’s only the first time she met me since the upgrade. No wonder she’s on top of the mind-reading computer charts. I think I’ll get her myself. Do you mind if I have another one of those?’ he lifted his empty glass.
‘Not at all, go ahead.’
‘You not having one?’ he asked, as he picked up another Scotch, already waiting for him.
‘Not now, thanks,’ she said. ‘I need a clear head in case something goes wrong. Once the official part is over, I will be able to relax. When did you get back?’
‘Just this morning.’
‘How is your case going?’ She sat carefully, keeping her gown free of creases. ‘Another duovitaery, huh? Your chap will no doubt get away with the Cure ban and a small fine,’ she said, as usual trying to suppress the feeling of dissonance between being supportive of Phoenix’s career and her own repulsion at the fact that some duovitaerers could get away with it just because they could afford to hire him.
‘That is what they pay me for,’ he said, not without pride. ‘They’ll do anything not to spend their remaining few years in jail. Oh, you have no idea how pathetic they can be! The one I’m representing now even claims it was worth it! Seriously, losing a few million dollars, immortality and your whole career for the sake of having a little, annoying and unpredictable puppet that will turn its back on you and become immortal itself as soon as it turns 25! Do you know that 99% of the kids born these days become immortal themselves and leave, making nothing of their parents’ sacrifice and desire to ‘keep passing on the genes’ and all that bullshit?’
‘It’s hardly surprising,’ she snorted. ‘So in return for career, money, immortality, and 25 years of expenses and tussle, you get a wrinkly body, pain and death.’
‘In a nutshell,’ he said, finishing up his drink. ‘Great deal, eh? And then half of them wake up at fifty-five when ‘middle age’ hits them and suddenly want to change their mind and become immortal after all. I will never understand them. Tell you what, I wouldn’t have kids even if another planet was discovered and we could have them while remaining immortal. They are such a waste of space.’
‘Neither would I,’ she put on her high-heeled sandals. ‘By the way, what do you reckon about the Athos Morrison case? Does he have any chance of avoiding prison?’
‘That movie producer? No way. Claiming sudden fear of old age and death when he’s been with that mortal woman for 10 years and the kids are 2 and 4 years old? No-one’s gonna buy that bullshit about his intention to come out voluntarily. That’s a classic example of a fully intentional duovitaery.’
‘Maybe if you were his advocate, he’d have a chance. Didn’t he ask you to defend him?’
‘He did, I didn’t take it. The guy is a loser, he would have just spoilt my record. You know I don’t take cases with kids older than 2. It’s my golden rule.’
‘Are you ready to go?’ she asked, reaching for her coat and shawl.
‘Yep,’ he said. ‘Let’s go and see what magnificent show you’ve put together this time.’
‘Both your hovermobiles are on the way,’ Eiko announced. ‘Have a nice evening. Good luck, Amaranthine.’
‘Thanks, Eiko.’
They approached the window and the portal opened silently, reaching out to Phoenix’s Kestrel.
‘See you there in a few minutes,’ he said.
‘See you,’ she waved and stepped onto the platform as her own hovermobile took the space. She got in, still cautious not to wrinkle her gown.
‘The Solar System’ would be a more accurate name than ‘The Universe’, Phoenix thought as he got the first glimpse of the famous new venue emerging from the darkness ahead of him. The centrally positioned Sun was of course the biggest. The eight planets surrounding the Sun were evenly distributed in the space around, hanging motionlessly in the air. He slowed down do get a better look.
The surface of Mercury was dark and gray. Venus, located on the other side of the Sun, had a light, yellowish appearance, some mountains and volcanoes visible on its surface. Behind it hung Mars, with a canyon cutting through its reddish cover. Far to the left, in the background, Jupiter, with its shades of white, orange, brown and red, surrounded by numerous moons, and to the right, the light brown sphere
of Saturn, with its impressive rings stretching far down to the left. The ideally round bodies of Uranus and Neptune, one light, the other dark blue, hovered further out still, glowing faintly. As his hovermobile got closer, the planets grew bigger and he could see more details on those he passed: narrow ridges and craters that marked the surface of Mercury, and the big dark spots on the golden cover of the Sun. As he encircled the Sun, Earth emerged on the other side, with all the continents and islands depicted in outstanding detail and engulfed by ultramarine seas and oceans.
Phoenix was impressed. Over the last few months he heard constant rumors about this place, especially in the last few weeks, when Amaranthine’s agency started seriously marketing it, leading up to the opening night. Few conversations did not include enthusiastic gossip about the amazing new features of ‘the first hovering nightclub in the world.’ Those who knew about his relationship with Amari, but didn’t know her, also asked him about the details. Those who did know her, though, didn’t bother; her discretion was iconic.
So he had no idea if the place was really going to be as incredible as the rumor made it. And the rumor spoke of splendor so amazing that it would intimidate even the richest of the world’s Immortals.
He alighted at the impressive main entrance of the Sun, and joined Amaranthine, who arrived just seconds before him. His hovermobile followed hers down to the charging stations.
They headed inside along a wide and high tunnel, which led them into the massive chamber of the main hall. Phoenix looked up and got completely dazzled.
It took about ten seconds for his eyes to adjust the orange gold that covered the walls, the floor, the bar – everything in sight. Then he started seeing details of the décor, particularly the unusual bar which seemed composed entirely of multiple golden rays that constantly changed shape. Looking at the way the rays stretched out and elongated, only to shrink and withdraw a moment later, he couldn’t tell if they were just extremely well-crafted light simulations, or if they were actually made of plastglass. Directly above the bar hung a small podium.
He looked around the curved walls of the venue. At various heights there were small platforms with narrow staircases leading up to them, containing no more than a small table and a couple of stools. The impression was unparalleled with anything he’d ever seen before.
By his side, Amaranthine scanned the area, but her keen eye did not detect any imperfections. Bathed in the light beaming from every surface, she looked gilded.
‘How do you like it so far?’ she asked with a smile.
‘Pretty impressive, I must say,’ he nodded. ‘What are the planets like?’
‘Don’t you want it to be a surprise? You’ll see them all soon enough.’
‘No, I’m too impatient. I want to know now. Tell me.’
‘Well,’ she gave in, ‘the Sun is the main venue. Classic bar really, with a dance floor. Venus is a restaurant and a cocktail bar, very romantic. Neptune is an ice bar, and Jupiter a hotel with a casino. The best suites are on its moons. Saturn is all about clubbing and the Earth all about water.’
‘Cool. And the main show, where is it gonna be?’
‘It’s going to start here, but then there’ll be attractions all over.’
They approached a couple of people standing on the other side of the huge bar and engaged in a conversation. Phoenix recognized Perenelle Stevens, Amaranthine’s PA. The man who stood next to her was dressed in a dark tuxedo and his strapping posture was unmistakable with any other. Phoenix didn’t know this man personally, but he saw his face in so many news reports recently, he had no doubt who he was.
Perenelle greeted them first. She was wearing a short, yellow dress adorned with a glittery frill, according to the latest fashion. She was wearing a big, golden trefoil knot pendant and matching earrings.
‘Hi Amari, you look great,’ she said, then turned to Phoenix and shook his hand. ‘Hi, Phoenix.’
‘Hi Penny, thanks for being here so early,’ Amaranthine said as Phoenix returned the smile. ‘Good evening, Mr. Paramonos,’ she said to the man in the tuxedo. So I was right, Phoenix thought. This is the guy who owns this place, the famous Mr. Paramonos, the biggest mogul of Immortal Era entertainment. One glance at his face told Phoenix that he was a few decades over a hundred years old, as the wrinkles etched around his eyes and on his forehead indicated he must have been around forty five at the time when the Cure became available in 2016.
‘Good evening, Amaranthine,’ Mr. Paramonos replied, his voice a tad imperious. ‘Perenelle tells me everything is ready for tonight’s opening. If it works out the way she has described it, I will be very impressed.’
‘That was our intention, sir,’ she said with a charming smile. ‘Let me introduce Phoenix Cox. Phoenix, this is Mr. Paramonos, the owner of The Universe.’
‘Great pleasure to meet you, sir,’ he shook the businessman’s massive hand. ‘Your club is amazing. New York hasn’t seen anything like it ever before.’
‘Thanks. Are you in the PR business like Amaranthine?’
‘No, sir, I’m a lawyer. I specialize in duovitaery.’
‘I think I’ve heard of you before,’ Mr. Paramonos pulled his eyebrows together and pierced him with his penetrating eyes, remembering. ‘Didn’t you defend Balius Jackson last year?’
‘Guilty as charged,’ Phoenix confirmed.
‘Great work, that was. He got away with no prison sentence and some silly fine, didn’t he?’
‘$270,000, sir,’ said Phoenix, not without pride.
‘Ha!’ the businessman exclaimed. ‘You are clearly damn good at what you do. Not that I approve of duovitaerers getting away with it, but I admire a good lawyer’s work. So what do you reckon about the Athos Morrison case? Are you not defending him?’
‘No, I’m not,’ he shook his head. ‘His case is hopeless, with the older child being four years old already. No-one’s gonna buy his bullshit story.’
‘Just as well. Maybe others will think twice before deciding to overpopulate this planet any more,’ he said. ‘Maybe they should just add contraceptives to the Cure like they’ve been saying for years now. That would solve the problem once and for all.’
‘That’s never going to happen, I’m afraid,’ replied Phoenix. ‘It would be too complicated and expensive to manufacture combinations of the Cure with various hormones. And they can’t force everyone to take the same one, it would be a violation of human rights. Not to mention, it wouldn’t be any good for me, would it?’ he smiled.
‘No, it wouldn’t. You’d need to find yourself a new specialty if duovitaery was made impossible.’
‘Exactly.’
Two men joined the group. Phoenix knew them both – Amaranthine’s boss, Nectar Foster, and her colleague Ambrose. None managed to conceal a brief ogle at Amari’s cleavage and down along the line of her waist and hips.
‘You look stunning, Amari,’ said Nectar. ‘Hi, Phoenix. How are you both?’
‘Great, thanks,’ they replied, then greeted Ambrose.
‘Everything ready here, Ambie?’ Amaranthine asked.
‘As ready as we’ll ever be,’ he said. ‘I just need to run some final details past you and Mr. Paramonos, if you don’t mind.’
‘Of course,’ she said. ‘Would you excuse us, please.’
As they walked away to the other side of the bar, Phoenix saw Ambrose raising his hands and pointing towards the platform above the bar.
‘So that is the famous Mr. Paramonos,’ Phoenix said. ‘I’ve heard a thing or two about him.’
‘Yes, he’s quite a guy,’ Nectar said, looking in his client’s direction. ‘He was one of the first people to ever start taking the Cure. The rumor has it he co-financed the research on it, he’s had an immortality obsession since his childhood. Hates Mortals with a passion.’
‘I’m very surprised he spoke to you so kindly about your work,’ Perenelle said.
‘What do you mean?’
‘He’s the most avowed anti-Mortal
you will ever come across,’ she explained in a whisper. ‘He was quoted as saying that all Mortals should be confined to their quarters, and duovitaerers locked up for life. Off the record, of course.’
‘On my cue, you’ll take the lift up to the platform, sir,’ Amaranthine explained, pointing at the podium. ‘We’ll then turn off the music and a single beam of light will focus on you. Your script will display automatically. Guests in all the planets will see and hear you just as clearly as the ones gathered here.’
Mr. Paramonos nodded approvingly. ‘Do you want to have the final trial run now?’
‘Yes, please. If you could just say a sentence or two to test the sound.’
As the businessman disappeared behind the bar, Amari and Ambrose took a few steps back to be able to see him.
To the Planet Coordinators, Amari sent a mental signal through her idatron. The final sound and projection test is about to commence.
Mr. Paramonos appeared on the podium and was immediately illuminated by the single beam of light. ‘This is the final sound test,’ he said slowly, and his voice came through loud and clear. ‘Welcome to the Universe.’
We hear you, sir, loud and clear. Thank you. Amari messaged her client, and then addressed her coordinators. Can everyone please confirm they saw and heard Mr. Paramonos. Mercury?
There was no response.
Mercury? Did you hear that?
Another moment of silence. And then, a panicky voice echoed in Amari’s head.
I’m sorry, ma’am, but we heard nothing… the projection was clear, we saw Mr. Paramonos, and we saw his lips move, but we didn’t hear a sound…
What??? You have got to be kidding me!
I’m afraid it was the same here in Venus, ma’am.
And in Earth. Projection clear, but no sound.
No sound in Mars either.
No sound in Jupiter.
No sound in Saturn…