In a downtrodden domed city on the icy moon of Titan, Jaxon Hadis loves playing human and enjoys his job as a gigolo. His fun is interrupted when his father sends him on an important mission for their people. This puts him in the path of Zyrina Gray...
Later that evening, Jax and Zyna decide to go out, to celebrate being unemployed. Walking from the manor, arm-in-arm from the dome of Paxsi de Aymara, they make their way, two domes over to the Entertainment District. The fact that the Limo was confiscated by the Titan City police, didn't bother them since neither can afford to pay Thomas, the driver.
Strolling through the enclosure of Jetway 6, alongside the People Mover, Zyna mentions, "I just realized, this is our first date."
Jax thinks about it and agrees, "Yes. It is."
"Leave it to the two of us, to work a relationship backwards."
"I believe we have the important part, handled perfectly," he husks.
She smiles, saying, "Mo cheann, I want to walk over to Third Avenue and Caladan."
Surprised by this request, he mentions with some concern, "The police are bound to be there. Along with several reporters. We could be walking into a literal viper's nest."
"I know, But Blane's has been a part of my life for 24 years. Regardless of how it happened, it's time to say goodbye and move on. I want to say goodbye to my father, and hello to my future... with you."
He stops to kiss her lips, longingly, whispering, "If we stand around the corner on Ligeia, we should be okay."
"Go raibh maith agat mo ghrá," she answers him.
He kisses her hand, then enfolds it into his as they walk off together.
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Entering into Titan's Central Commons, the two blend seamlessly amongst the other couples and party-goers. Walking through the gathering crowds of people, Zyna can overhear pieces of their conversation.
"Three Murders? That place must be cursed," a man says.
"Only three? Their numbers are improving," his companion snarks.
"Oh, that's right," he recalls, brushing his hair to one side. "How many was it last time?"
"Well, during the Red Devil Scare, it had to be somewhere around—"
Stopping cold in her tracks, Zyna can feel her heart slamming against her chest, and she instantly remembers the incident with perfect clarity.
"Zee, are you okay?" Jax inquires.
"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just—" she takes a moment to breathe through the pain, "The Red Devil Scare was the reason Vivian left."
Jax recalls the tragedy himself, remembering that one of his clients at the time, lost a daughter to that epidemic.
"I was only six or seven at the time," she recounts, "But that event was the result of my father's negligence. It ruined the lives of many and marked the downward spiral of my own."
