Page 68 of Light Leech

“You might not have the talent I need now, but we’ll grow together. Who knows how good I am without Reef, but I would rather trust you than any shac who will try to manipulate and use me like those Fins. I trust you. Is that enough?”

“I…I guess so.”

“Good, because I’m counting on it. I fix your promise on the front of my neurospace interface.”

“Zeg, that’s a lot of pressure.”

“More than saving the world from some hidden god and his network of conspirators? Nah, du, music is nothing compared to that.”

“Alright.” He continued stoking David.

“And you won’t be alone.” She looked back at me. “We’ll need someone who can navigate the socials, right? How else can I advertise? Who better to choose than a former social titan?”

The thought of returning to such a path frightened me. I didn’t want that, but if it was for someone else, I think I could do it. If it was for Naoma, of course I could.

“I mean,” I shrugged, trying to keep my smile tame, “if you really need me.”

“I do.”

“Can we just play the zegging message already,” Ralia groaned. “Love y’all, but this is a bit much for now.”

“Right, sorry.” Boyband patted David. “Resume the clip.”

Naoma giggled and eyed me. Maybe I wasn’t delusional to think she wanted me with her in the future.

Collette’s voice spoke. “As long as you’ve graduated with a passing aptitude in production–which it looks like you should–then you’ll be fine. If not, I’m sure you’ll find another way to impress Bink.”

Boyband turned back, smiling, and pointed at Naoma. “Who needs a zegging degree when you have the Neon Idol?”

She shushed him.

“Bink isn’t the end for you,“ Robierre said.

“Sure, we have problems with Reef Records, but what is more important is that they are an outlet to a greater threat. That threat… well, that is for you to investigate. I’m sorry to leave this all on you, but what we have done is the groundwork. All of the Luxists have been working at locating these Beacons that herald the end, because once the first is broken, they will concentrate their efforts on those who oppose them until their success is secured. Once it has begun, you cannot stop.”

“But, don’t let your father worry you. You won’t be the one to trigger that collapse. We just need you to find the Beacon so once the others are ready, we can strike them together.”

“Zeg, they really have no idea,” Abbas said.

“Had,“ Boyband corrected. “Their deaths and the mess we all caused led the Luxists to throw this guk on us.”

They spoke over a brief moment of Collette speaking, but I did not miss it. “Many of the Violet elites–like the idols they produce–are connected to Zhou. All we know is that he has an intimate group that he calls his ‘Dynasty,’ though everything makes it sound more like a cult. The producers can help with finding connections, but it’s the artists you really want to focus on. Don’t worry about the Neon Idol. She’s their cover girl and I doubt they would risk tainting her with Zhou’s filth. Your best shots are Qluiqa, Giri Onara, or 3Rochi.”

“Zeg,” Abbas said.

“Yeah,” Akna added under her breath. Both of them were looking at Naoma, who nodded but held a finger to her lips.

Collette continued. “They may take some time to warm up to you, especially because you are a non-Finian producer.”

“Or they could love you for being one of their flesh.”

“Maybe, but keep your head up, regardless. Let them see you as someone who might control the future of their music–according to the dictates of sponsorships and such–and make sure they see you as the ecstatic upstart we know you will be.”

“Get the girls to bring you into their club, du.”

The word sounded unnatural coming from his father, even earning a sound from Collette that I was sure accompanied an eye roll. “Like I was saying, show them that you’re worth their time. It will all click eventually. Keep close to the other Luxists. They’ll guide you along the way. Once we–you–are ready to help end the tide, they’ll be with you around the world doing their respective work.’

Robierre sniffed. His voice was weakening. “I’m really sorry to leave you like this, bud. I pray you never have to hear this.”