Wallace surveyed the crowd, swaying gently to the rhythm. Then she leaned in and called over the music. “I’d love to stay. I would! But I’m getting reports of unrest in the city. Protests and ‘subversive’ maneouvers - stuff you would never see on Rothia. My ship can protect us from almost anything, but it is the Institute I'm most worried about. They know I've kidnapped one of their officers and a VIP and they want both back!” She was smiling, but Wallace’s eyes were dark.

Someone tripped over a buoyancy aid behind Wallace and fell over. Chirtsey smartly shoved them away from the Plenipotentiary and into the water. The band carried on playing, the singer’s previously ragged voice hitting an impressive range of notes. Wallace looked around for Freyr again. “Besides, I saw what happened just now. Dr Lang needs therapy - an environment like this isn’t helping her.”
[hr]
Freyr smiled around at the maelstrom of faces swirling in front of her eyes. Spots of warm water pattered down onto her forehead and dripped into her mouth. She pushed quickly through the crowds forcing the bottle up from her side to take another sip. “Hey, gorgeous.” A voice said in her ear. Freyr turned her head. “Give me a boost up onto the stage.” She slurred.