LIFECAST by Marc Opsal

Author:Marc Opsal [Opsal, Marc]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Goldshif Publishing
Published: 2022-02-04T22:46:06+00:00

21

The Noble Valet Council informs me of my official reinstatement en route to the jumper. I should be excited, but the bitter taste of my sudden dismissal still lingers. Despite being one of their best Valets, the council discarded me like an easily replaced machine part.

My feelings about re-entering Noble Valet service aside, I know it’s the best way to protect Aleks. I’ll have constant access to her and no one will think twice about us being alone together.

Aleks insisted on sitting up front with me on our way to the jumper, but we don’t have a chance to talk. Every few seconds, she gets another urgent NeuroChat request.

She answers each request with over-the-top enthusiasm and sickening-sweet platitudes. Aleks’ sponsors all want an explanation for her improvisation at the Coronation and assurances that she’s still committed to them.

Between requests, Aleks tells me her plan was always to name me as her most desired thing. The invitation from Holt was also her doing. Unfortunately, she couldn’t fill me in on her plan without raising suspicion.

Inside the jumper launch, I park the limousine at the end of a long, jewel-tone blue carpet. Aleks reaches across the seat and puts her hand on mine. With a simple, earnest smile, I’m convinced that all she wants is to be with me.

I walk around the car to open Aleks’ door. She takes my arm, and we move toward her new, custom jumper. With its sharp lines and stark, aerodynamic design, the reflective silver jumper looks like a deadly sharp arrowhead.

A door slams behind me. Balliat. He looks furious, but his expression softens when two more limousines pull up.

The jumper’s interior is more opulent than any I’ve seen before. Each swivel chair looks keenly designed for maximum comfort and style. Every fixture from the arm rests to the accents around the windows shines with luminous chrome that matches Aleks’ eyes. A wash of dramatic blue light gives the entire cabin a cool, sensual feel.

“I don’t want to, but I should sit back here for take-off,” Aleks says. “Balliat’s been trying to reach me since we left the Coliseum.”

“Sit here,” I say. “If we can’t be together at least we’ll be close. If you need anything, I’ll be just on the other side of these doors.”

The scent of freshly pulled espresso shots enters the cabin.

“Valet, don’t you have pre-flight arrangements to make?” Balliat says from the jumper doorway.

“At least change into your uniform,” Balliat continues. “It’s bad enough that you stood beside the Idol in a V-Pro, but the stench of whatever you’re wearing beneath is horrendous.”

“As you wish, Master Balliat. Idol Yukita, may I get you anything before we depart?”

“No, Valet, I’m fine. Thank you.”

“I’ll have a—” Balliat starts.

“Very well, Idol Yukita. Please contact me if you desire anything at all.”

Balliat doesn’t even acknowledge that I cut him off. He sits beside Aleks and leans over to tell her about potential new sponsors as I walk away.

The cockpit door hisses closed behind me. Like the jumper cabin, the cockpit is appointed with polished panels and switches.

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