TheAdvisor34

==Chapter 34 - The Advisor==
New Syrtis Star System
Federated Suns
3157
[Lyran Embassy, New Syrtis...]
"You need to make your decision, Commander McCoy."  Ambassador Franz Krieger-von Hasselmann said.  "They're about to be at war here."
She'd learned to speak slowly, she focused, "What would you do?"
"It's not what I'd do that matters, Commander. It's what you will do.  If I were you, I would've already taken the offer-he's going to make you a titled noble, you'll short-cut four pay grades up, real authority to make real policies and real decisions, with the backing of the local sovereign.  But then, I'm no Arlunan, my family clawed and scrabbled up the ladder of Lyran politics. I was raised to value the Liege/Vassal relationships and I'm invested in the system, and you...aren't."
She looked out the windows at Francois, who was enjoying the sunlight in the Embassy's garden.
''
"He's invested too." the ambassador said.
"How 'ud thet mattah?" she mumbled.
The Ambassador laughed out loud, "I'm sorry, your deflections are transparent. Take it from a man who's played the game of social dance-Nobody is blind here.  You have feelings for that man outside, he has feelings for you.  I have to say, it's a rare man of noble birth who can court his love, instead of courting power and loving on the side.  The title the First Prince is offering you, makes you Lafayette's social equal in the prestige game, that's a lot of credit.  You wouldn't be marrying for his wealth and title, and he wouldn't be marrying a concubine."
"ef Ah do et, Ah'm goin' inter anothah wah."  she said.
"Like the last one, this one will be for YOUR nation-if you take the offer."
She downed the whiskey.  "Ah don' know ef et will mattah...but ah know how they struck Dieron so easy, an' ah bin settin' ong et not knowin' what ter do." she reached into her ditty bag, and handed across a chit.  "Thes.  git it ter Th' Archon, don' use no HPGs.  Et's important."
"Are you taking the offer?"
"Ah heve to." she said, "Ah trained 'em, they need leaders..."
"Then good luck, Countess."
She laid a series of chits on the desk, "Turn these in, too. Make sure they know to cancel my access codes at Duran and Tharkad...and Arluna."
"As i said, good luck, and god speed you on your journeys."
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