Galactic Reflections by Cameron Cooper

Author:Cameron Cooper [Cooper, Cameron]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stories Rule Press Inc.
Published: 2020-05-08T00:00:00+00:00

AND WE DANCED ALL NIGHT

On a future Earth, what is left of humanity lives life to the hilt while denying a harsh truth…

One man, Kaloyan, has lived through that truth and knows what his friends are about to face, including one friend in particular….

And We Danced All Night is a standalone science fiction short story that was first published as a single title on September 22, 2022.

KALOYAN WAITED UNTIL THREE DAYS before Odette’s retirement to see if anyone suggested marking the moment. It was a deep relief when Freya’s invitation landed. He connected at once.

“Where?” he asked. “And when?”

Freya gave him a gracious smile, her lips perfectly plumped and coloured. “Good afternoon, Kaloyan. How nice to hear from you.”

“Yes, good afternoon, Freya. It is good to speak to you, too,” Kaloyan rattled off.

Freya put her hands together, which made the rings glitter even through the air screen. “I am putting together a small party for Odette’s retirement. We thought we would jump to Maxine’s on Smathers. It is the perfect time of year--not too hot or too cold. Markku has graciously offered us the use of his semi-bus, which can take most of us. Would you be interested in joining us, Kaloyan?”

“Tonight, Freya?”

“Oh, yes, of course. Tonight. I do apologize about the short notice. It is terribly rude of me, but Odette’s retirement was announced so quickly...” Her voice trailed off. She gave a strained smile.

“I am free tonight. If I were not, I would make arrangements to be free.” Kaloyan schooled his voice to politeness. “Thank you for thinking of me.” The phrases and etiquette still felt awkward even though he had been back in London for nearly a year. He added cautiously, “If I might be so bold as to enquire...will you be inviting Perry?”

Freya’s expression remained urbane. The flush in her cheeks betrayed her. “I...um...well, yes, I suppose I should, shouldn’t I? As he is, well, her special friend.” Her voice dropped as she spoke the last two words.

“It is quite alright to use the real word with me,” Kaloyan assured her. “I won’t wilt.”

Freya’s hands jittered. She touched the tower of her hair, the back of her high collar and the cabochon at her throat. “Yes, well...we have not all had your...experience.”

Eighty-three years of it, yesterday. Freya didn’t know that, of course.

Her smile grew strained. “Which reminds me. Could you...” She chewed her lip, distressed by indelicacy.

“Would you like me to bring my toolkit along, in case something is in need of work, Freya?” Kaloyan asked. They couldn’t talk about it, but they didn’t mind utilizing his experience. But, it gave him an in. He smiled at her.

Freya sighed in relief. “Oh, you are such a good friend! I told Richard you would anticipate our need, that you would not refuse, and I was right. You are a generous friend. The evening will be a success because of you.”

Kaloyan inclined his head. “It would be my pleasure, Freya.” He would ignore that the invitation had been issued because of his toolkit and his “peculiar” friendship with Odette and Perry.

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