by Adam Steel
‘Don’t worry everything has been taken care of. Relax. It’s just a precaution. There’s going to be a lot of Masons here tonight. They can’t take any chances. You must understand that,’ he said, and nudged her arm.
‘Just think of the fun you’ll have telling Irene and Bridget about this night,’ he teased her cheerily.
Ellie relaxed. She would enjoy telling Bridget and Irene. She wished that they could have come to the ball. Bridget had made all kinds of excuses as to why she would not be attending the ball. Ellie knew it was simply because she couldn’t get the tickets at any price. Bridget had said (during one of her everlasting telephone calls) that she would really look forward to hearing all about it and seeing the pictures when they met up again. Ellie could tell by the tone in her voice that she was deeply disappointed. She wanted to help, but her hands were tied on the matter. She hoped that Bridget understood.
Irene had not even tried to get tickets. Irene was now on planet pregnancy and seemed oblivious to most things – including her work. Ellie was just relieved that she had been able to talk her out of drinking and that she had (at last) quit smoking. Perhaps she had been wrong, she thought, perhaps after all, Irene would make a good mother.
‘Irene and Bridget will see the pictures. It will be all over the papers tomorrow. I wonder if we will be in them,’ she replied, feeling reassured.
‘I hope so. You look stunning,’ he said.
Rexton opened the car door and stood to one side, while a costumed attendant offered his hand to Ellie. Ellie stepped daintily out of the car followed by Jon Li. She felt like a fairy-tale princess.
Rexton tipped his hat at Jon Li.
‘Have a great evening Sir…Miss,’ he said, politely.
‘Thank you, Rexton. We will.’
The cameras flashed and clicked frantically. A young woman’s voice shouted out loudly, firing a question directly at Jon Li. He couldn’t see her face through the cascade of camera flashes, but he didn’t catch her name.
‘Mr Li! Mr Li! If Utopia is not importing from foreign nations can you tell us where all the extravagant fixtures and fittings came from to kit out Phoenix Palace?’
Jon Li looked honestly surprised: lines of confusion knitting his eyebrows together.
‘I’m sorry. I don’t understand the question,’ he stumbled over the words.
‘Is that your answer Mr Li? – You don’t understand,’ Abigail repeated.
She turned to Anton who was filming her and shouted sarcastically into the microphone.
‘Mr Li. Executive to Mason Royale does not understand where all the imports came from. There you have it.’
Jon Li looked genuinely bemused. Ellie saw the look of confusion on his face and wondered why he didn’t have the answer, but in the hustle and noise of the reporters Ellie dismissed the thought instantly. A TALOS security officer stepped forward and shoved Abigail out of the way. Jon Li took Ellie's hand and led her up the steps towards the incredible façade of Phoenix Palace. Costumed attendants were waiting by the main doors. When they reached the top of the steps, Jon Li stopped and turned around to face the press. He took Ellie’s trembling hand. The cameras went wild and he looked back at her and smiled. She loved him so much in that instant, that it was verging on pain. She knew in her heart that nothing was ever going to match that feeling.
Jon Li escorted her through the main entrance and into the elegant expanse of the Hall of Mirrors. The ball room (with its high, painted ceilings) was adorned in gold detail. Glass chandeliers hung down from long chains.
It dripped with luxury.
She felt like she had been transported back to the time of King Louise XIII, as she watched the hall fill up with the most glamorous masquerade of Utopian high society. In front of the stage, an orchestra of costumed musicians played renaissance music. The conductor reminded Ellie of Beethoven in his large white wig. Ellie turned to face Jon Li. She bit her full red lips very lightly. Her bottom lip quavered. He noticed it and putting both arms around her tiny waist he squeezed her gently.
‘I’m glad you like it,’ he said.
‘I can’t believe this is happening to me. You’ve made me so happy. This place…it’s…it’s amazing. I want this night to last forever,’ she said, struggling to get the words out.
‘Forever’s a very long time,’ he laughed.
The conductor held up his batons sharply and the orchestra stopped playing and put their instruments down. The audience turned in to face the stage. The floor shook with the vibration from a hundred heavy boots. Lines of grey and red TALOS officers jogged into position in front of the stage whilst other lines formed an impenetrable line at the back and sides of the stage. It was like a floor show in itself.
Deckler led them onto the stage. He was still dressed in the same red and black colours of TALOS except that his costume had been adapted to suit the theme. He wore a simple black mask. He was not wearing a wig over his short brown hair. Ellie recognised him. He had not changed much since Arethusa. When the TALOS officers were in place, he stepped up to the front, turned to the adoring crowd and gave them an official salute. A thousand whistles and screams went up from the audience. Deckler kicked his boots, bowed, and then stepped back.
A woman stepped up on the stage. She was dressed in the costume of a queen. The costume suited her. Her hair was hidden by an elaborate silver wig and her face by a silver mask. Despite the disguise she was, undeniably, Mason Henson. Six servants dressed in yellow costumes, trimmed with gold brocade and wearing white wigs accompanied her. They were her personal body guards in disguise.
It was almost like a mini scene from Cinderella.
Jon Li squeezed Ellie’s hand. They looked at Henson and then at each other and he thought of the incident, and he was sure that Ellie was thinking the same.
‘So much security Jon. Are you sure it’s going to be okay?’ Ellie whispered faintly in his ear.
He squeezed her hand again and whispered back, ‘It’ll be fine. Deckler has seen to that. Really it’s fine. Everyone here would have been screened. Nobody that’s uninvited can get in here…Just relax.’
Ellie still felt nervous. She thought about the security screening at the Genie facility and how the man impersonating Kristoff had managed to infiltrate through it but said nothing. Although he was doing his best to reassure her, Jon Li was having his own doubts as to the safety of so many of the masons in one place. Deckler had been in and out of Fin-Sen for weeks, planning the security of the event with Katcher. He had heard many an overheated argument between them. He gathered that it must have been to do with the incident. Katcher had insisted that as many of the masons as possible would be at the opening. Deckler had wanted to limit it to two and use holograms for the rest. Katcher was obstinate and was having none of it.
Out on the plaza of Diamond Square, Abigail Winters watched with interest at the performance going on inside of Phoenix Palace. The crowd in Diamond square were applauding in excitement at the sight of the masons Henson and Deckler.
Henson nodded to Deckler and then put her hands up and addressed her adoring audience.
‘Welcome citizens of Utopia. Welcome to our wonderful Phoenix Palace.’
The crowds in the hall cheered loudly. As the cheering died down she continued.
‘Phoenix Palace is a symbol of all our success. It was built with your hard work should be enjoyed by all of you and future generations. Tonight we celebrate our success. Freedom and Equality exists in Utopia,’ she cheered loudly.
The crowds inside and outside in the square chanted back.
“Freedom and Equality.”
Other figures stepped up on the stage to join Mason Henson. First up was Mason Hester Royale. She was wearing a bright red mask and an exquisite red gown which complimented the locks of rich brown hair that fell down over her bare shoulders. Even with a mask to hide her perfect face, she was unmistakable. Mason Katcher stepped up and waved both his arms in the air; whipping up the crowd and lapping up th
e adoring applause. He was relishing every minute of the attention. Masons’ Paul De-Barr and Henri Batide filed up together. The servants handed a crystal glass full of dark red wine to each of them and when they were each holding a glass, Henson addressed the crowd once more.
‘A toast,’ she declared.
‘To the Masons,’ she offered.
A hologram of the Coney Twins appeared very briefly over the stage.
‘…and to those who work so tirelessly that they were unable to be here tonight to enjoy this wonderful celebration of our success,’ she added, looking back at the expressionless hologram.
Katcher had not won the battle of getting every mason on stage. Deckler had won that particular dual.
Ellie tugged on Jon Li’s sleeve, ‘Did you think they would be here tonight?’ she said in hushed tones.
She was thinking that it would have been highly unlikely. They would have been out of their depth in an environment so audacious. She pictured them back in the laboratory in their own secret world of equations and experiments. She shuddered at the thought when she recalled how one of the twins had appeared to look straight into her very soul.
‘That was never going to happen,’ Jon Li replied. ‘Never.’
He lifted his glass up and joined the rest of the room in toasting the success of Phoenix Palace. The hologram disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared. Henson nodded at the conductor and the music started up again. The people inside the Hall of Mirrors could hear the crowds outside cheering in unison with them as they watched the massive screen that projected out over Diamond Square.
Abigail Winters was already making her way back to the entrance. She had spotted a CURE transporter vehicle and she knew who was in it. Commander Betts. She seized her chance to pounce on him again. Commander Betts got out of his vehicle at the same time that Abigail ran across the steps towards him. Her high-heeled, red shoes clattered on the stone steps. Anton was running to keep up with her. His camera bounced up and down on his shoulder.
‘Commander Betts,’ she said, exasperated after running up the steps.
‘Not now,’ he said, brushing her off rudely.
He hated her. She harassed him relentlessly, but she ignored his brush off and continued.
‘About the Marseilles gang arrest,’ she queried. ‘I suppose that means promotion for you. No doubt that’s why you have been invited here tonight for the grand opening. Getting a little presentation are you?’ she quizzed.
‘That’s none of your business. Now get out of my way,’ he said, pushing past her.
Abigail wasn’t giving up easily. She trailed behind him up the steps.
‘You never answered my question at the press conference,’ she pestered. ‘You know…the one about the people living outside of Coney City. Can you confirm the rumours that there are still people out there and that they may be living in terrible conditions, while you and the others are living it up at this ball?’ she shouted forcefully.
She was thrusting her microphone into his angry face.
‘There isn’t anyone living out there. If there was, I would know about it,’ he said harshly, and hurried into the main doors.
Abigail Winters turned to Anton and continued into the microphone.
‘There you have it, again. A denial from Sector Commander Betts,’ she said, with a solemn voice and an expression as cold as stone.
Abigail was still talking to Anton when a huge white motor home pulled up. The windows were blacked out and along the sides were painted scenes of gothic churches and women scantily dressed in black leather. They were wrapped in barbed wire. It was covered in neon lights. The writing down the side read:
‘Richieeee!!!’ someone screamed hysterically.
‘It’s Richie Red. He’s arrived. Quick!’
The gathering of reporters rushed down the steps towards the motor home almost knocking Abigail off her feet. Abigail scowled as she watched Commander Betts enter Phoenix Palace.
‘Screw this Anton. I can’t be dealing with this bullshit any more tonight. Let’s go over to the Plaza. Richie Red’s latest concert will be playing soon and I’d rather listen to him than the bullshit I’ve been getting from Commander Betts and the like.’
‘Sure thing, Abi. We’ve got enough to run a slot,’ Anton replied.
He turned the camera off and slung it over his shoulder and they walked off in the direction of the Plaza just as the famous Richie Red appeared in the doorway of his motor home. Richie Red’s bright red hair was so highly spiked that he had to push it down to get out through the door.
‘Fans!’ he shouted, and threw himself out into the mass of reporters.
The rest of his band (and the bunch of female groupies that accompanied them) made their way (almost carried by their fans) up the steps and into Phoenix Palace.
Back in the Hall of Mirrors, the masons had left the stage and were mingling with the high society of Utopia. Only Mason Royale remained: talking to one of the TALOS officers. Suddenly, the massive double doors of the Hall of Mirrors opened wide and the women in the room nearest the door gasped. The crowded dance floor parted to allow the entourage to enter. The large muscular man was walking in front of the entourage, wearing a white costume with a purple sash around his waist.
It was Ajit.
He parted the way for Aarif, who was magnificent in his costume of heavy gold brocade. Aarif wore a gold silk turban and in the centre of it was a huge black gemstone. A real gemstone.
Aarif (and his entourage) was staying in the Jewel hotel in Sector One. It overlooked Diamond Square and Phoenix Palace. Aarif had one the most exclusive suites in the hotel. He was preparing to escort Aya to the Masquerade Ball that evening. He was going to use the event to announce his forthcoming marriage at the prestigious venue. He had given Ajit a white jewel case and inside it was a priceless bracelet. It was made from platinum and set with rows of sparkling, blue Sapphires. It was intended for someone other than Aya. He knew that the person who it was intended for, would relish it. He would give it to her in front of all her adoring citizens.
Aarif had been stewing secretly for weeks, since his promised bride, Aya, had behaved in such a disrespectful manner. He was relishing the idea of what he was going to do with her the minute they were alone. She would pay for his humiliation. He would enjoy teaching her manners. He saw the whole charade of their forthcoming marriage ceremony at Phoenix Palace as nothing more than an opportunity to publicise his position to the right people in Coney City.
Aarif and his entourage made their way slowly towards the stage.
Ellie gasped when she saw Aarif and his followers approach.
‘Who’s that,’ she said.
‘THAT…is Aarif,’ Jon Li replied. ‘He’s some new foreign businessman were dealing with. Very important apparently. He’s in Utopia on special invitation from Katcher.’
‘Wow,’ Ellie gasped and looked on in wonder at the sight of Aarif and his followers in their spectacular costumes.
A young woman was walking a few steps behind Aarif. She was petite, with waist length, black hair. Her dress was stunning. It was made of the same material that Aarif was wearing for his turban, except that it was encrusted with jewels over the tiny bodice. She wore a golden mask. An older woman was standing beside her protectively. They were all followed by several large body guards. The crowd went silent in awe of the sight of them.
Mason Royale snatched the microphone from the presenter and spoke up.
‘Citizens. We are honoured. We have a very special visitor this evening,’ she said, pointing down at the entourage standing in front of the stage.
‘Welcome. Aarif. Welcome to Utopia.’
Royale held her hand out to him. Aya went to step forward, but Ajit put his arm in front of her and restrained her firmly. Aarif mounted the stage slowly, stood in front of Mason Royale and dropped to his knees and bowed low. She held out her hand and took his. He kissed her hand very lightly. Then, still kneeling, he signalled for Aji
t to come up to the stage. Ajit stepped up. His weight made the stage bounce slightly. His huge body dominated the stage. The TALOS officers that lined the stage watched him with interest. He handed Aarif a white jewel box. Then he bowed and walking backwards, he returned to stand in front of Aya.
‘For you, Mason Royale.’
Aarif opened the jewel box so that she could look down into its marvellous contents. Her eyes lit up from the radiance emitted by the blue sapphire’s. The women in the crowd had pushed further to see what was in the box. They squeezed themselves up against the line of grey and reds TALOS officers. Those closest held their hands to their mouths and gasped.
‘It’s truly exquisite,’ Royale purred, as she took the platinum bracelet out of its soft nest. She slipped the bracelet on her wrist and held it up for all to see.
‘It is a poor comparison to your beauty,’ Aarif said, in a low voice.
Royale smiled broadly and Jon Li happened to notice Mason Katcher’s expression change. He thought he saw him scowl at Aarif. It was rumoured that Katcher was Royale’s consort. It wouldn’t last. They never did. Royale was a predatory woman – used to getting her own way. Jon Li had the uncomfortable idea that she had a thing for him. Since the incident Royale seemed to have taken even more of an interest in him.
She liked heroic men.
It worried him.
It worried him a lot.
Mason Royale caressed the bracelet.
‘Did you see that?’ Ellie exclaimed. ‘Do you think it was real?’
‘It had better be for his sake,’ Jon Li laughed.
Aarif stood up and Royale took the microphone again.
‘Citizens it seems I am lost for words,’ Royale started to say in mock shyness.
The audience started laughing and the noise prevented her from saying anything more on the subject of the bracelet. Royale waved her arms in the air and the microphone screeched as it touched the metal of the bracelet.
Ellie put her hands to her ears.
‘Citizens,’ Royale announced loudly. ‘We shall be seeing a wonderful event here at Phoenix Palace very shortly, because our new friend here,’ she smiled at Aarif, ‘plans to have his wedding at this very venue,’ she said enthusiastically.
