Life on Mars

Chapter Twenty-nine

A hundred thousand human beings were physically in the stadium with a similar number outside in the Market Square. The millions who weren't physically at the show were watching in 3 and 4d simulators and virtual representations. There were physical gatherings taking place across Heathen using old-style 2D silver screens. There was barely an organic human on the planet who wouldn't experience tonight's show in some way. The bringing together of so many people was not without its problems, resulting in a small number of casualties. Mainly through those who had partaken in behaviour which might ordinarily have been safe enough in V-world. In the physical world, however, falls, bumps, and in one case, attempted flight had real consequences. 

In light of tonight's announcement, it was ironic how humanity was revelling in the experience and novelty of physically being together. The word was that Mother was opening up the Salvation Project to everyone and that Nova, along with his V partner, were to be the first. 

Behind the scenes, the heart of Heathen continued to beat as the robotic infrastructure continued its work. Wherever humans gathered tonight, the atmosphere was electric and the hysteria created by the first part of the show still hadn't died down. Nova's music had blown their minds in its complexity. In awe, they heard songs written by a human over 500 years old and yet his music was about them. Having been here for such an incredibly short time, he'd gained an incredible perspective on their lives within his lyrics. Nova's music and songs reflecting his experiences in their time since he was thawed. A buzz was going around the crowd as they realised Nova was late returning. Obviously, a ploy, some said to help build the tension before the finale.

At last, on the huge 2D screens, there was some movement and a roar went up before it was quickly drowned in the groan of disappointment as Pierrot walked on to the stage.

"Ladies, gentlemen and drones," he screamed and the crowd laughed along with him, waving and screaming excitedly. He took a deep breath and spoke slowly and with purpose. "Are you ready for the final part of tonight's performance?"

From the noise they made, it was clear they definitely were. "Please be patient; I am told that Mr Nova will be with us very soon." The announcement was followed by further groans and sections beginning the slow hand clap. Pierrot carried on with his improvised entertainment in an attempt to fill the unscheduled void.

"I can't believe Nova is late either," he said with arms spread in genuine concern. "They told me he was 'Early Man.'" Even the slow hand clappers laughed as they continued to protest, at this Pierrot's laughter almost fed back the sound equipment it was so raucous. Sections of the audience were beginning to re-engage with him whilst others continued their own conversations, which manifested as a low hum of words and conversation.

Feng had stopped in the crowd until Jak gave him a sharp dig in the back. They cautiously moved deeper towards the executive area, where special guests could enjoy the clearest view of the stage. According to the loce she was close and would be just on the other side of the invisible barrier in front of them. At last, they spotted her, but Jak grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.

"He was right, she don't look like any drone," he whispered in his ear.

"Let's find out," said Feng shrugging him off and approaching her from behind. Bluu didn't look around as the pair positioned themselves behind her. "Hello, Bluu, nice to meet you," he whispered into her ear. 

She didn't respond and just stood staring up, sniggering at Pierrot's jokes. Feng looked over at Jak and reached inside his pocket, pulling out a small knife. Jak moved closer to block the view of anyone stood around them and opened the blade. Quickly looking around, Feng put the tip under her right shoulder and pushed it into the material. Sharply shoving the blade upwards, he tore a hole in her dress big enough to slip a fist into. Bluu didn't react as he put his hand inside and fumbled around inside her clothing, feeling the curve of her breast until he found what he was looking for. He took a wire from his small handheld device and pulled the end inside. Pinching a piece of skin under her right breast, he popped out a receptacle and plugged in. He tapped a few keys on his device and nodded to Jak. He dropped the device into an inside pocket and reaching around, he grabbed her hips backwards into him.