Before I could break down and tell him what happened, he casually mentioned he was on the same planet I was. We decided to meet up for a drink. It would be easier to tell him in person. I could show him the damn betrothal contract. Otherwise it was so ridiculous I doubted he’d believe me. I used the implant in my neck to help me navigate to the bar Mark had suggested. This planet was beautiful. Away from the Contracts Office, the city was denser, tall buildings leading up to the horizon line, connected with sky bridges and platforms thronging with aliens staring at the view. I walked amongst them, head still in the clouds. I found the right bar, a cozy looking affair sunk into the floor like a basement. I walked inside to wait, finding a table next to the wall, far away from the view, but far away from people’s enquiring glances too. I wanted to be alone right now. There was a holo television above the bar, showing footage of the news. As I looked up from inspecting my hands for about the hundredth time, I saw a familiar face.
