Free The Antarcticans by James Suriano

his generosity, he sent us on the same flight our son was born on. The pilot dispersed our son’s ashes in the same place over the ocean where he was born. I haven’t flown since then. Luftan’s life is too entwined with any memory I have of flying. Do you know how much I loved our son? I watched him through every step, every learned word, every cry and exuberant joy. It was my greatest achievement, and most humbling experience. Every moment spent with him was a blessing.” He looked off into the distance, as if there were a grand scene of beauty he was emotionally taking in. “And now every day is a grueling climb to overcome my attachment to him. I cling to him, like a wild animal to a lifeless newborn, not knowing when to let go and just honor his memory and life. It’s a hard road, one I hope you never travel.” As Ruftan put his arm around Nazia and pulled her in tight, Gavin saw his eyes well up.
    The doors opened, and Lucifer walked in smiling, his arms outstretched. An oversize silver belt buckle with a rhinestone-studded star came in and out of view from beneath his long, buttoned, black velvet tuxedo jacket, the tails of which extended to his ankles.
    “My newest guests on the Dragon . An absolute joy.” He was shaking his head as if he couldn’t believe they were there. “I trust you’ve all met. Now let’s enjoy the meal our chefs have prepared. We have some very important items to discuss as well.” He sat down and joined them at the table.
    A handsome young man in a opened the service door and stood with his back against it to make way for Arkita. He took her hand, kissed it, and slowly led her to a small dot on the floor a few feet away from the table, directly opposite Lucifer. She nodded to him in a gracious gesture of gratitude. He returned through the service door, and when it gently closed, a few low notes decorated the room. Gavin felt a slight breeze wind through the room as Arkita hummed “La Vie en Rose”. Her pitch was exquisite and controlled. Her low, quiet notes were an exploration, drifting around in her throat before she decided to make them known in the world. Lucifer reached for the glass in front of him and inhaled the dark-cherry aroma of the wine; his exhalation backed up the notes Arkita was moving through. The lights from the chandelier dimmed, and Noila reached under the table and put her hand in Gavin’s. Across the table, Nazia leaned her head on Ruftan’s shoulder. Lucifer was at the head, facing Arkita, who was caressing her own hips as if they were her lover, enraptured in the moment. The five seated at the table stared up at Arkita like adorning suitors. Her hair was golden, her skin translucent, and her eyes sparkled brighter than the largest crystals making up the sequins of her dress. Her face was held in erotic poutiness, and then her mouth opened and a force emerged as she broke into a modified version of the Steven Sondheim classic “I’m Still Here.” The waves of sound from the lyrics were so powerful that the pendants of the chandelier and the cutlery and glasses on the tablecloth vibrated in resistance.
Good times and bad times, I’ve seen them all, my dear…
I’m still here.
Plush velvet sunshines, dragon tears…
I’m still here.
I’ve been to heaven, hell, and back,
through the Sheol of the never haps.
Will I or won’t I? Perhaps…
I’m still here.
I’ve been cast from the stars, blemished and burned by fear.
I’m still here.
     
    The words caught Noila by surprise, as she was familiar with the actual lyrics, which she had sung in a high-school musical. Even so, she was taken by the power of Arkita’s voice.
    When the song was over, the table broke into applause.
    “Bravo. Isn’t she magnificent?” Lucifer asked.
    Arkita bowed as much as her tight-fitting dress would allow her, and the man who had walked her out returned with a seat for her to join the guests at the other head of the table.
    “First, the most important item,” Lucifer