Station, стр. 92

Hadder was unable to mask his disappointment. "Ithink he doesn't quite understand that the Risers aren't planningon being huge supporters of the arts. They're more likely to startburning books like a bunch of Elevated Nazis."

Glen shrugged. "Fear of death makes you rationalizecrazy actions, I suppose. Not to worry, we still have plenty oftalented singers and musicians on hand."

"Quite right," said Hadder, but in his heart, heknew the concert wouldn't be the same without Station's two mostangelic voices. He changed subjects. "You feel ready, myfriend?"

"Brother, I've been ready. I may look like a millionbucks, but I feel like a shit-covered penny. I'm tired and heavy,with two lives being held together by one old body. But don't youworry, I'm spry enough to take a couple of Risers with me beforeit's all said and done." Glen thought for a moment. "You thinkthere's any chance we win? And if so, what happens next?"

Having witnessed the ferocity and fighting prowessof the Risers firsthand, Hadder thought very little of theirchances but saw no reason to piss on his friend's glimmer of hope."There's always a chance, Glen. And if we do, showing our passionfor these second lives, maybe Mister Rott keeps the city alive.Maybe he'll be curious to see if the process repeats itself, ifanother Riser faction crops up in time."

Glen simply nodded. Sometimes men just need theslightest of openings to keep pushing with all their might. Glengot up on obviously stiff legs. "I'm gonna go get ready. How boutyou?"

Hadder continued to stare, past the lawn, to theGrasslands, where most, if not all, of his friends would meet theirbloody fates. "Are the Elevation Centers still open, Glen?"

"I would assume so. It seems like the manikins aregoing about like everything's hunky-dory. Business as usual forthem. Why?"

"Just asking. Look, I gotta take care of something,but I'll see you at the Great Goodbye."

"Everything ok, brother?"

"Just something I think I should do." Hadder's voicewas distant, as if he was already on the Grasslands.

The Great Goodbye was everything it was hoped to beand more. The porch was transformed into an outdoor stage, whereStation's remaining musical talents wowed the gathered residentswith heartfelt renditions of everyone's favorite songs. Moremanikins than ever seen crisscrossed the lawn and made their waysin and out of the Bar, delivering a potpourri of drink and smoke tothe celebrating Setters. People danced, hugged, and kissedthroughout the Haela, giving thanks for second life friends andexperiences.

Arriving a bit late, Hadder was given a king'swelcome as he stepped out onto the lawn. McKintosh Reed greeted himwith a handshake and a slap on the shoulder, his Elevateddreadlocks still moving of their own accord like octopus legs inthe ocean. Yasmin Dash, her elegant wings tucked neatly behind her,kissed Hadder deeply as he passed through, returning to her sensualdancing as soon as he moved on.

"Old chap! Old chap!" Hadder looked past severalresidents to discover Jonny VV calling him from a leather couchthat had been brought from inside. The two old friends embraced,held each other for a long while before separating.

"Good to see you, Jonny."

"Hadder, drink with me, old sport." He handed Haddera glass of crimson liquid. Hadder didn't care to ask what Number itwas. "To Reena Song. Always and forever."

"Cheers to that."

The two friends sat for some time, exchangingstories from Hadder's early months in Station. Jonny told a fewtales of Reena Song from before Hadder's arrival, and the two mensmiled dumbly together, feeling as if their lost friend was sittingthere next to them. "You think she's in a good place, Hadder?"

Hadder didn't need time for his response. "I thinkif there's a heaven or some other utopian next life, Reena Song isthere now, waiting for you."

Tears welled in the flamboyant man's eyes. "Thanks,Hadder." Jonny VV looked to his right, and his eyes went wide.Hadder followed his eyes to a beautiful young woman dancingprovocatively in a miniskirt. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I plan onending the Great Goodbye in the arms of another, and it won't beyou, old chap. No offense."

Hadder laughed. "None taken. Go get her, Jonny."

Hadder spent the next few hours bouncing from groupto group, sharing in stories, drink, and smoke. On one couch, hefound Monty the Mod, offering his beloved Ophidian to any whoshowed interest. Hadder moved next to the small man. "Monty. Happyyou made it. I mean that. How's the jaw?"

Monty looked up, his face giving nothing away."Marlin Hadder. The man who stole any hope for extra time in mycity. The jaw's fine, thanks for asking."

"Monty, I…"

"Stop. This Haela is not for that. Here, she missesyou." Monty held up the Ophidian towards Hadder. The serpent raisedits body and froze at face level with Hadder, who breathed indeeply as the snake opened its maw and released its powerful smokybreath. "Goodbye, Marlin Hadder."

"Goodbye, Montgomery Walls."

The party continued, rising to a feverish pitch asdrugs took hold, old friends became reacquainted, and new friendswere made. Hadder, a crazed smiled pasted on his face from theOphidian, made his way towards the stage, feeling a fundamentalneed to be close to the music. Several residents were on the porch,playing instruments with practiced fingers, driving the crowd intoa frenzy. Hadder danced frantically with everyone around him,feeling the same camaraderie that helped pull him from the darkesttime of his two lives. In short order, Hadder was out of breath andthankful as the set concluded and the music died down.

Hadder began chatting with a man when a scream fromthe crowd brought his eyes to the stage once more. Inexplicably,Glen was crossing the porch to stand before the microphone, histhick beard glistening with sweat. A twinge of nervousness struckHadder, desperately hoping his friend wouldn't make a drunken foolof himself. Glen called out to the band behind him, and the womanon guitar began the first notes of "Simple Man." Seconds later, asecond lead guitar joined in, and the song was underway. Glen tookthe mic stand in his hands and leaned forward. "This is for my goodfriend and brother, Royal Winters." Glen went on to release thesong's first lyrics, his voice vibrant and clear, and the equal ofany recording Hadder had heard. The