The Future Diary 2: Blood Of The Past

The Mayor's Gala

One hour later, when the moon was bright on the skyline, a limousine pulled up to a large skyscraper in downtown. High above, lights blared, as hundreds of guests gathered on the twenty-first floor to celebrate the state of New York City on behalf of Mayor Strat Becker.

Dalton stepped out, looking around. There was a wall of steps leading up to the door, and the building was surrounded by a vast promenade with benches and ferns dotting the sidewalk. There were a few other buildings surrounding the circular plaza, but all of their lights were off.

Emmi, Chris, Jeff, and Dawson stepped out behind her, and Dalton couldn't help but blush when Dawson took her by the arm and led her up to the building.

"This is an open party," Dawson said. "Everybody with a name in New York is gonna be here."

"And I'm gonna be here, too," Emmi said. "My name means nothing to nobody."

"They're trying to say that everybody is going to be at this party," Jeff whispered. Dalton nodded as the security guards ushered them into the building.

"Why does the mayor employ FFC?" Chris asked. "Last time I checked they were corrupted beyond belief."

"I used to work there," Emmi explained. "Their freelancers were toxic. I've never met more vile people. But they know a lot, so don't underestimate them. They're smarter than anybody I've ever met."

"Excuse me," Chris said, and Emmi laughed.

They entered the lobby, then walked down a red carpet past a crowd of other guests into the elevator, which was crammed full. The gauge slowly ticked as the floors went up, and finally they reached their destination.

The gala hall was beautiful, with a pearlescent glow to the tile floor, and vibrant blue lights shone all around. The richest of New York mingled with the everyday citizen, as waiters frantically milled about to deliver everybody's drinks. Dalton was astonished at the vastness of the place and the extent of the crowds. Dawson grabbed her as the rest of them split up.

"Dawson Ashton!" a voice called. "It's so good to see you at my gala!"

"It's been too long, Strat," Dawson said, shaking Strat's hand.

Strat beamed. "Yes, it has. I would like to thank you for your endorsement, it has really helped over the past year."

"It's always my pleasure," Dawson said, holding a tight grip on Strat's hand as they looked into each other's eyes.

"Now who is this?" asked Strat, who was looking at Dalton.

"This is my ex wife, Dalton," Dawson introduced.

Strat smiled widely as he shook her hand. "It's such a pleasure to meet you, Dalton. I've heard the news. I'm so, deeply sorry for what has happened. My friend Justin was killed just last night. This gala is also in memory of him."

Dalton swallowed. "I'd rather not have an apology be in every conversation of mine."

"My apologies," Strat said, and Dalton scoffed. "Just know that you are welcomed her. The whole state is welcomed, we're like one huge family."

"Families are the ultimate welcome," Dawson said. "No matter who you are, as long as you have family, you will always be appreciated."

"Yes, I feel as if we've all forgotten to appreciate things. It's just something that's changed."

"We all change," said Dalton, walking away.

She shuffled into the crowd, uninterested in hearing the mayor's faux babble. She sunk her head, shifting towards the bar.