The Martian capital was the largest off-world colony ever built. Tharsis was a haphazard collection of domes, factories, smokestacks and prefab living quarters. Most were interconnected by tubes. Vehicles poured in to link up with many airlocks around the jagged perimeter.
Along the glass tubes strode sharply dressed formal couples. All of Mars' well-to-do collected for the official reception. Beneath a large central dome and under the stars, Mars' most grandiose meeting place held a long elegant table. Dozens of dignitaries, industrialists and their wives and girlfriends.
A Martian Marine, in dress uniform, announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Prime Minister and First Lady of Mars."
Mack and Elle strolled in together and nodded to the applauding multitude.
A military band played the anthem. The three Mystics were present, and toasted Mack with the others. They floated in and out of sight as the party flowed around them.
Elle eyed familiar faces. "Dominique, Reggie, Gustav, Debbie..."
As they traversed to the far end of the elaborate dining table, Mack passed by everyone smiling and nodding cordially. When he arrived at his seat, a translucent figure sat in his place. He froze in shock.
"What are you doing here?"
The deformed head glared back blankly. General Banks reached a dead hand across the serving plate dripping blood onto the white China as he snatched grapes and plucked them silently.
"Get out of my chair, corpse."
The official guests began to take notice.
Elle said, "What's the matter dear?"
"Banks."
Elle looked to the empty chair, baffled. "Yes, the good General Banks' death upset all of us. Blasted traitors."
Mack leaned in toward her. "He's in my chair."
"What?" She spun sharply to assess the gathering. "It's quite vacant, Minister. Look at me." She hissed, "Look at me."
Banks' Ghost chewed at the grapes arrogantly.
Elle's hand pulled Mack away, but he pushed her off and shouted back. "Get out of my chair!"
All of the guests turned at once. The band ceased playing. The banquet hall held tense in anticipation.
Mack spun around to see them gawking at him.
"My husband is devastated," announced Elle, "by these recent deaths. Terrible. Shocking to his, his spirit."
Mack returned his glance to the chair. Empty.
Stunned and disconcerted, he shuffled toward his seat. "I'm not well." Mack raised his hands to his face.
Some of the officials seemed relieved, others not. Even the three Mystics feigned shock and surprise.
Elle stepped in. "We can get through this if you just sit down."
"I saw him."
"Sit down, if you're man enough."
Mack's core shook, on the verge of tears. "Elle?"
He grabbed her in a tight embrace.
Over Elle's shoulder Banks reappeared. He stepped forward, pointing his index finger at Mack's face.
Mack pushed her away and staggered backward from the apparition.
"Don't you dare point at me, Banks! I had nothing to do with it! Nothing!"
