As Sol’s party-goers began to file into the main square before City Hall, Xi and Paige split up, but stayed generally within sight of each other. They decided they would split duty in the main plaza and Xi took the first round mingling among the greatest number of citizens. Paige took to the perimeter of the street party where the majority of the vendors were located. The mixed smell of food, coffee and prepared sweets permeated the air and steam rose up against the gentle flurries of snow. She strolled along drawing mostly smiles and a few confused glances from men and women alike. She was not dressed for the occasion in the least and wore her standard working ensemble of a V-neck tee, her favorite black satin jacket, matching pants and low heeled boots that she could run in if needed. She chose a Navy blue tee to be less conspicuous and as was her custom, kept her gun hidden on her belt beneath her jacket. Her Marshal’s star was only partially visible next to her sidearm.
A band started their first set of light holiday music and she glanced across the way to get a glimpse of Xi locked in a conversation with an older couple near one of the massive ornate Christmas tree. Everything about the venue carried a well-planned aura and she was impressed. They certainly knew how to put on a party. The mayor and city council seemed to have an odd sense of priorities for sure, but at least they were willing to open it all for the people to enjoy. It was
their money after all. She walked up to a small tented booth that was serving cocktails and coffee. Couples sat at some of the set up tables, other groups talked and laughed. An ambient heat source kept the tent significantly warmer than the outside. The atmosphere was good and she leaned up on the bar.
“What can we get for you this evening miss?” The server asked.
“It’s free right?” Paige replied.
“Of course, whatever you wish,”
“The most expensive thing with the most caffeine,”
The man’s hands went swiftly to work mixing the ingredients, a couple espresso shots, the coffee of the day, steamed half and half all went in, “So where do you come from?” He asked casually as a dash of English syrup was added.
“Delta City,”
“I thought that it had to be from somewhere down south,” The man said. He finished by putting on a shake of cinnamon over the froth and closing the lid. “You have an accent,”
“Thanks,” Paige said flatly as he slid the small glass across the counter. She wasn’t in the mood for a second person to point out her foreign speech. Xi had only been allowed because she liked him.
She walked back over to the edge of the entrance and scanned the crowd again. Across the way she could see a very petit young girl in a strange hooded coat, nearly bleach white in her complexion was leading a much heftier fellow onto the dance floor as others began to assemble for the music. She could only see their backs and just a portion of their profile. A strangely familiar feeling came over her momentarily and she thought about missing her warm home down south.
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