TGoaW-34

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==Chapter 34 - The Glow of a Worm inside a Child's Eye==
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It arrived mid-summer.... 
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To: Ngo, Elizabeth Anne, Baroness Spider Moon, Kowloon system
From: The Office of Her Majesty the Archon Melissa Steiner-Davion
RE: You are Hereby invited
Lady Ngo, you are hereby invited to attend the tenth celebration of the birth of Arthur Steiner-Davion, youngest son of Her Majesty the Archon Melissa Steiner-Davion on the 14th day of July, 3047. Dress will be semi-formal (including permission to wear Cadet uniforms) , celebrations to begin at 12:00 Triad Local time. Please be prompt. Gifts not to exceed 1200 Kroner value, Food and entertainments will be provided, please have one (1) Adult chaperone.
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"It is a requirement of your station." Tabiranth lectured, "As a young noble, it is a social and societal requirement that you attend such functions when you are invited."
"But I don't even know him!!" Liz complained, "I don't know what to bring or why ME!"
"You're the same age." Tabiranth stated, "Probability is that his parents are pre-screening possible mating choices. As a Baroness holding some of the most critical assets in the Lyran Commonwealth and in line for yet MORE critical assets as part of your present and potential inheritances, you may represent a possible acceptable match when you get older."
"Ew."
"Don't make that face, Lizzie, you're a noble, and being invited to attend the birthday of a royal scion, this is good for your status as you get older. Neofeudal systems rely on interpersonal relationships such as friendships and marriages among the ruling elite-which you are among."
"Who should I bring?"
"I doubt they will allow me to assume a low-orbit position to run a remote." Tabiranth observed, "it would be...a security concern for the Royal Family, and poor manners besides."
"So...who?"
"Consult your human staff, Liz." Tabby said, "It's part of the duties you will have to assume when you reach your majority, so selecting appropriate and capable subordinates is good practice."
"They didn't invite my parents." Liz observed.
"Was the last visit that good?" Tabiranth asked, "Well, that's because I seem to recall it consisted of a recording from your Mother delivered by a Comstar Adept, and you crying for six hours after throwing a tantrum."
"Yeah..'happy birthday'." Elizabeth snorted. "Evelynn Mosovich at least showed up, and she had to burn all her leave time to do it!!"
"I would suggest your brother's fiancée might be a good choice. Evelynn Mosovich is a respected junior officer in a demanding combined arms role, and will have already satisfied the security screening requirements, and as baroness in waiting for Golden Lake's district on Kowloon, she is of appropriate social standing to act as your guardian for such an event."
"Can you bring us there?" Liz asked.
"Of course." Tabiranth stated, "It will even be good for your social status over Tharkad, to arrive with a rare and valuable warship as one of your armsmen...Provided the Royal Family are not offended, of course."
"It's in four months. It will take Evvie three to come home..."
"We'll meet her halfway...and in the meantime, I can finally start giving you practical examinations for your Navigational Certification test!"
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