Harmony: A Dystopian Science Fantasy by Helen Garraway

Author:Helen Garraway [Garraway, Helen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jerven Publishing
Published: 2024-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

21

It was later that evening when Kiefer arrived at his mother's soiree and handed his cloak and gloves to the attendant, accepted the ticket in return, and slipped it into his pocket.

He glanced around the elegant room his mother had hired for the evening. A quartet was playing at one end of the room, an open space in front of them would no doubt be the dance floor. The rest of the room was filled with cloth covered tables, some to stand at, others for sitting around. People he didn't recognise mingled, holding glasses and chatting. He breathed a sigh of relief when he spotted someone he knew.

“Julian? Congratulations, you made commander.”

Julian’s laugh was deep and rich as he rolled his eyes. “Kiefer, that was nearly five years ago, as was yours.”

Kiefer scowled. “I seem to have a few gaps. I wasn’t expecting to see you. Stay close, please?” He wasn’t looking forward to the evening.

The touch of Julian’s hand was reassuring as he gripped Kiefer’s arm. “Just say the word. I won’t be far. Alright?”

“Thanks. I’m not sure I can do this,” Kiefer replied in a low voice, struggling to control the flare of anxiety that threatened to strangle him.

“You can do anything you set your mind to. You once told me that Harmony watched over your shoulder and would keep us all out of trouble. We’re still here, you know. Many others aren’t.”

“Did I? I don’t remember.” Kiefer’s voice wavered. He had lost so many memories. No matter what his mother said, he wasn’t sure he would get them back.

“Well, here comes your dad. Let’s start with how we mean to go on, eh? You know how much he approves of me.”

“I wish I did,” Kiefer murmured as he straightened to attention.

His father’s greeting was cold and disapproving. “I see you haven’t improved your taste in friends.”

“Father,” Kiefer said distantly. “Commander Laithe is recently back from Sector 17. I would think you would be congratulating him on salvaging that sector. It is key to your project, is it not?”

His father narrowed his eyes as he snorted with disdain. Fortunately, Kiefer’s father was distracted by a minister at his elbow before he could reply with a blistering response.

“Kiefer, what are you doing?” Julian asked, aghast, as he drew Kiefer away.

“What?” Kiefer stared at him in bewilderment. “I read it in the news; you did a great job.”

“You don’t speak to your father like that,” Julian said, keeping his voice low. He took two glasses from a passing waiter and handed one to Kiefer.

“Like what?” Kiefer asked, his brow creasing in confusion.

“As if you know better than he does. He is the one in control at all times, and you let him know it, if you are sensible.”

“No wonder he is such a pompous ass,” Kiefer murmured, and Julian choked on his wine.

“Oh, my, this evening is going to be priceless.” Julian laughed, a mischievous twinkle lighting his eyes. “I hope your mother knows what she has done.”

“Julian, have you been smoking again? You are not making sense.

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