Throughout the boundless Cosmos, the living stars are linked by the myriad filaments of the Starflow.

Across the starry sea travels the Starship Amrita, forever pursuing its ancient mission.

Chapter I – The Fugitives

Mu pulled her hood down further as she approached the brightly lit and bustling street. Instinctively, she glanced back the way she had come, her eyes scanning the shadowy alleyway. It was lit only by the pink glow of a sign that flickered between the characters for “beer”, “rice wine” and “girls”. With that final scouring of the shadowy recesses, she satisfied herself. No black cat. Not yet.

An ageing tram rattled by, bobbing unevenly on the invisible cushion that suspended it above the roadway. It was followed by a pair of luxury black town cars. Amongst it all, small hoverbikes and robotic rickshaws were ubiquitous, obeying no road rule, save to seek the quickest route. The immense neoclassical and art deco façades lining International Road were often marred by huge lights and glowing billboards, advertising the latest holodramas. Devilishly handsome leading men and beguiling and glamorous leading ladies smiled down on the masses below, their figures towering several storeys. Along the wide footpaths people of all sorts ambled along, at times gazing in at the luxurious shop fronts.

Mu was in two minds. Her hood hid her identity well enough, especially from the omnipresent cameras, but she also knew such attire, out here in the city’s great central artery, marked her as a shady character from the city’s dimmer districts, worthy of suspicion.

Ah, nothing for it, she thought and stepped out onto the footpath. There’s every manner of person imaginable here. Who’s going to notice little old me?

Besides, International Road cut through the heart of the city, a long straight cleave. There was no way of reaching her destination without crossing it. So, she joined the thronging crowds, feeling self-conscious about her every movement. Despite her urge to find a crossing and get off International Road as quickly as possible, she paused after a short while to gaze into a shopfront. Smiling holographic models showed off their cheongsams, shifting through cycles of flattering poses.

I could… thought Mu for a moment, then reminded herself she was only looking to keep up appearances. Onwards.

Still, maybe a cheongsam would be a good alternative to the Aixin court dresses she was used to… she’d consider that later. For now, she had somewhere to be.

Reaching a crossing, she waited for the lift. When it arrived, she stepped in, along with several others. Quiet, instrumental Shangxia jazz played over speakers. Mu lowered her head, so as not to make eye contact with any of the other occupants. They stopped shortly and the doors opened onto an elevated walkway spanning the road. As she crossed, she gazed out at the ordered chaos of the traffic, its lights a river of gleaming gold in both directions. Somewhere, high above, the night sky retreated meekly before the illumination of the city.

Reaching the far side, she endured another brief lift ride, reaching the street below. She paused a moment to re-orientate herself then set out once more. As she was walking along, keeping her eyes mostly down to avoid catching anyone’s attention, she felt an impact against her shoulder. Spinning instinctively, she saw a man in a crumpled white suit running away. He had an instrument case slung over his shoulder.

“Sorry!” he called out as he ran, not stopping.

Shaking her head, she had just started walking when the crowd ahead of her parted. A group of uniformed men emerged, running in the same direction as the man who had collided with her. She barely got out of their way in time. They said nothing as they passed.

Satisfying herself that no one else would come barrelling towards her, she resumed her journey.

What was that all about? she wondered. Even as she did so, she felt a familiar sensation in some recessed part of her mind. It was the tingling of the Starflow. Pausing a moment, she looked back, but both the man and his pursuers had vanished. There’s something…

She shook the thoughts from her head. She had distracted herself enough looking for that damned black cat. She didn’t need any other cryptic nonsense getting between her and her main goal: to get off world. The Cosmos could send her all the visions and premonitions it wanted, but as far as she was concerned, she was still master of her destiny, and Mu was going to look after Mu, first and foremost.

Here.

She heard it almost like a voice in her head. Looking around, she saw a narrow, covered arcade branching off the street. It had a distinctly dingier look than any of the shops around it.

I guess that’s my style now, thought Mu.

She headed into the arcade, its doors sliding open. The shops inside were of a wide variety: a few tailors, an emporium selling rare off-world ingredients, an electronics repair place. Passing by these and others, she found a branch, where a narrower hallway lead off to some abandoned shopfronts. The signs had all been removed, and there was no knowing what they’d once been. The light was particularly dim here, and none emanated from within the deserted shops. One was distinct, though, baring the image of a rearing white horse on the glass front.

That’ll be mine, thought Mu.

She reached inside her cloak and pulled out her tablet. She brought up the cryptic message she’d received and re-read it:

Bright Eyes’ messenger will meet you at the Haowen Arcade off International Road. Find the store with the mark of home. Here is the key.

She touched the link at the bottom of the message. A moment later the door of the shop with the white horse beeped and obligingly slid open. Glancing around and seeing no one, Mu stepped in.

She observed the empty shop. It truly was empty – no furniture, no shelving, no people.

“Now what?” she asked out loud. She jumped slightly when she heard a noise, but realised it was the door beeping as it locked behind her. Letting her heart slow, she spoke again, “Bright Eyes?”

There was silence in answer. But it didn’t last long. There was another sound from deeper inside the shop and she whirled around to face it, her cloak flaring out around her. Then she saw the small service bot ambling over to her, having come through a back door she hadn’t at first noticed.

“Greetings, Madame Mu,” said a voice from the bot, “Bright Eyes sends his regards.”

“Hello… you,” said Mu, uncertainly.

Without responding to her greeting, the bot began speaking, “Bright Eyes confirms that the Resonance Bureau has dispatched two agents of the Interstellar Fugitives Section of its Enforcement Division. Bright Eyes confirms that these agents have been dispatched from the Imperial Capital to a destination within the territory of the Onyx Tortoise Banner. Bright Eyes believes with ninety percent certainty that the destination world is Shangxia.”

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Mu sighed. “So… they know my secret, and they know where I am.”

The bot continued, “Bright Eyes surmises that this indicates that your case has been officially transferred to the jurisdiction of the Bureau, further indicating an awareness of Madame Mu’s special status. Bright Eyes does not believe that this indicates that Tender Hand has been compromised.”

“She would never betray me,” said Mu, firmly.

“In light of the high probability that Enforcement Agents are bound for Shangxia, Bright Eyes recommends you pursue off-world transportation.”

“I figured. That’s the plan,” said Mu.

“Please hand over your tablet for disposal. Bright Eyes has provided a new device to replace it. You will find tickets for transportation to the Orbital Ring,” said the bot. A section of it slid away and a small tablet emerged. Mu took the tablet and placed her previous one in the now empty slot. The tablet vanished inside the bot. “Bright Eyes recommends against utilising the Starlift Elevator to access the Ring. The tickets provided are for uncrewed STOC transport to the Ring. Directions to the port of departure have also been provided.”

“Alright,” said Mu with another sigh. “So, I should head there now? And, ah, what about when I get to the Ring? What then?”

“Bright Eyes has recommended not immediately heading to the port,” said the bot.

“So… wait… if these agents are coming, aren’t things pretty urgent?”

“Bright Eyes believes that if Madame Mu follows her special intuition, and departs when the correct sign presents itself, she will secure off-world passage from the Ring.”

A thought occurred to Mu. “Is the sign a black cat?”

The bot paused a moment before responding. “Bright Eyes has not specified that information.”

“Right,” said Mu nodding slowly. “And… if I’m waiting for this sign, what do I do in the meantime?”

“Please remain inconspicuous and concealed,” said the bot.

“Easy for you to say,” muttered Mu.

“I will now self-destruct. Please leave these premises,” announced the bot.

Mu took an instinctive step back. “Well… bye, friend… I guess,” she said and with that she headed to the door. It beeped and opened again. She stepped out into the dark arcade. Behind her there was a small popping sound and a flash.

Earlier that day, Tavian groaned as he awoke, putting a hand to his clammy forehead. He could feel the pounding in his head that signified he’d had a few too many drinks the previous evening. As he came to terms with the grim realities of his self-inflicted condition, he opened his eyes and took in his surroundings.

He wasn’t in the storage room behind the club that had been his bedroom of late. No, this was something else entirely. Spacious. Opulent. And this bed. So comfortable.

I’ll just sleep a little longer, he thought.

A moment later, though, he startled to proper wakefulness, sitting up. Blinking, he took in his surroundings, his heart pounding, the vaguest hints of last night swimming back into his consciousness, poking through the boozy shroud. He looked down at himself, noticing he was naked. Next his glance settled on the lump beside him, shrouded in luxurious bedding. But unmistakable was the silky black hair splayed across the opulent pillows. Then the lump shifted, rolling over. Sleepy eyes blinked back at him.

“Huh?” came the woman’s voice.

“Hello,” said Tavian in the Imperial Common Tongue, unsure of what else to do.

“Who… wha--?” the woman stuttered, attempting to make sense of the situation.

“Tavian,” said Tavian, indicating himself with an index finger to the centre of his chest. This explanation didn’t seem to satisfy the bed’s other occupant. Confusion reigned a few moments in her eyes until a note of panic made itself apparent.

“What did we—What did we do?”

“I’d say we made love,” said Tavian. “I’m assuming it was excellent, though—well, it’s ungallant of me to say so, but truth be told I don’t really reca—”

The woman sat bolt upright, the sheets and blankets falling away from her. “You have to leave! You have to get out of here,” she said, pulling the bedding back up to protect her modesty.

Tavian felt a wave of nausea wash over him. “I’m not totally clear on where… here… is exactly,” he said.

The woman shook her head. “You were with the band, weren’t you?”

“You do remember me!”

“I’m not joking,” said the woman. “You have to go. We… what we did was a mistake. Please, you have to get out of here.”

Tavian pushed away the bedding and stood, making no effort to cover himself. The woman looked away quickly, staring at a spot on the bed in front of her, her cheeks flushing red.

“I might need some directions,” said Tavian, swaying unsteadily on his feet as his eyes darted about the immense bedchamber, searching for his clothes.

“You’re in the West Gate Yamen,” said the woman.

Tavian blinked a moment. Sensing his lack of understanding, the woman looked his way. “You’re in Governor Yucheng’s mansion!” she snapped, before quickly looking away again.

Some memories asserted themselves more strongly. “Wait!” said Tavian, “Governor… you’re…”

“Li Mingxia,” said the woman, between clenched teeth. She was looking around the chamber.

“You’re the Governor’s…?”

“Concubine, yes. Now look away,” she instructed.

“My dear, I think I’ve already seen every—”

“Look away!”

“Yes, m’lady.”

Tavian gazed at the window through which early morning sunlight was streaming. He blinked a few times, trying to push away the nausea. He heard rustling sounds behind him. The sound of footsteps followed and then, “You can look back. Please get dressed. I’m not talking to you with all your… business… hanging out.”

He turned around and Mingxia was now wearing a loose-fitting silken tunic and trousers. She had laid out some crumpled clothes on the side of the bed. With one arm she indicated them, “Please,” she said.

Tavian walked over, giving her an appraising look as he walked past. She returned his look with a scowl, her arms crossed. He pulled on the crumpled white suit from the night before and sat on the side of the bed.

“Is that better?” he asked, smiling her way.

“Yes,” she said. “Now can we return to the matter of you leaving?”

“I’m all for that, though I am wondering how we got here in the first place,” said Tavian.

He could see from the sudden concern that contorted Mingxia’s face that she was now also wondering how they got there and who had seen them. “That doesn’t matter right now,” she said, flustered. “We need to figure out how to get you out.”

“And do you have any suggestions about that?” asked Tavian.

For the first time Mingxia grinned. With one hand she pointed. Tavian looked the way she was indicating and saw the window.

“No…” he murmured.

“I think so,” said Mingxia.

“How high up are we?”

“Very.”

“I’ll die.”

Mingxia shrugged. “If you understood the situation we’re in properly, you’d probably agree that only one of us dying is a pretty good outcome, on balance.”

“Is there a way I could leave… without dying?” asked Tavian. “It’s just I kinda like me and would rather…”

“I don’t see why,” muttered Mingxia.

“Hey, you clearly liked something about me, y’know, since we—”

“Shut up!” she snapped.

“—made love,” he finished. “But back to the not dying thing…”

“There’s a ledge outside the window. You could definitely try not dying.”

Tavian felt his brain slosh about like a broken egg yolk. Narrow ledges didn’t especially appeal.

“Is there another way?”

Mingxia pointed at the double doors that served as the chamber’s entrance. Like everything in the vast chamber, they were elaborately decorated – in this case with two huge, dragon-headed tortoises facing each other.

“You could go out the front door. The guards will seize you and execute you – probably a little bit of torture first – and then, in all likelihood, they’ll do the same to me.”

“Hrm…”

“I’m sure there are some that might consider such an outcome their twisted idea of romantic, but I’m sorry, I really don’t feel that way. I’ve survived enough awful men already – I don’t want you to be the one that gets me killed after all that.”

“M’lady’s words are too kind,” said Tavian, attempting a grin, but a potent brew of nausea and fear got in the way.

“I’m not joking about the torture and death thing,” said Mingxia. “So, if you’d please,” she continued, indicating the window once more.

“Death either way,” mused Tavian.

“Like I said, if we could keep it to just one of us, I’d really appreciate it. By which I mean hurry up,” said Mingxia.

Tavian rose again. He found his shoes and slipped them on. Brushing down his white jacket in a vain attempt to straighten it, he looked around the room once more. “I had a case with me,” he began. Mingxia walked to the other side of the bed and lifted up an instrument case.

“This?”

“That’s the one,” said Tavian, taking it from her and slinging it by its strap over his shoulder.

He strode towards the window and peered out. The yamen was no skyscraper, but the window was high enough to ensure his best outcome was probably two broken legs. He reckoned this would make his chances of escape slim. The height also made the yolky slurry of his brain lurch about, the world briefly swirling unpredictably about him.

I guess it was always going to end something like this, he thought. Good run. I guess.

He turned back away from the window to look once more at Mingxia. “It’s been a blast,” he said with a slight bow.

“If it helps, on balance, I’d definitely prefer you didn’t die,” said Mingxia. “But, ah, please hurry.”

Tavian succeeded in beaming widely to her. He unslung the case once more and opened it, taking the mandolin from within before closing and re-slinging the case. He stepped backwards up onto the low window ledge. Mingxia’s expression was some blend of concern, confusion, and fascination.

Tavian strummed the strings of the mandolin. “Guide me, Lady Anu!” he yelled.

With that he stepped backwards into the air.