Party Favors

Boaz VIII Alderon was a tall man even in his youth. He stood at six feet and eight inches when standing straight, which he always did. His father, his mother, and his aunt the Cardinal had all impressed on him and his brothers the need to seem strong willed and confident in every situation. It was easier for him to hold his posture straight on Luna than it was on Earth.

Even though this was the homeworld of mankind and the human body was theoretically meant to live here, the realities of easy space travel have meant that many humans now lived exclusively under the influence of artificial gravity. For the Lunar colonists, which the Apostolic House of Alderon had been a part of for at least 10 generations, they were most comfortable between 0.5 and 0.7 gs. Even with two months of conditioning training and having done the trip before, Boaz still found the transition to 1g of force taxing. But his Aunt's advice and his fathers instruction both stayed at the front of his mind, and he held himself tall. This made him stand out even more among the space elevator pod, and the crowd of Lunar Merchants, Lawyers, and Scholars from the other first families and the common folk who lurched and groaned as Auld Hame exerted her influence on their bodies.

As the pod screeched to a magnetic halt at the root of the great white elevator tower, Boaz sighed heavily and breathed in the new air. His lungs didn't hurt as much as the last time he came down to the Capital. This was good. As the hundred strong crowd started unbuckling their seatbelts and making for the doors of the pod, Boaz sat and contemplated the view from the observation panel. He had seen the globe all blue and white and dull greens and browns approaching fast, before being surrounded by the sea and coast of Southern Latinum illuminated in the morning light. He looked over and saw a familiar face in the pod, waiting like he was for the crowd to disperse. With a smile he said "Eugene! I didn't know you were coming down too?"

Eugene Trinh grinned back at him "I walked on after you were seated, I'm surprised you didn't sense me."

"I was distracted." Boaz said as he unbuckled and stood, uncomfortably, holding on to the side safety rail. "I've had a lot on my mind."

"I'd imagine so with all the buzz about your upcoming marriage" Eugene remarked.

"Who said anything about that?!"

"It's just rumor, as usual the First Families of Luna can't help but get themselves worked up on the thought you might pick one of their daughters and elevate their station. But I know better."

Boaz paused "... did my Aunt put you up to this?"

"No, your father did."

Boaz groaned. "Why Eugene? Couldn't you have told him no? Surely my father has more important things to do."

Eugene laughed "he does, and that's why he sent me! I know you'd rather have me here than him breathing down your neck. Now come on."

Boaz couldn't help but agree, and followed his friend out of the pod. After a half-hour of walking through the turnstiles and baggage claims, where they picked up their luggage and walked out, they finally entered the sunlit Space Elevator Park, and breathed in the fresh air of Earth. Auld Hame as many across 100 light years now called it. It was rich with the scent of life: trees, flowers, bugs, people, cooked food, all that and more blasted the two Moon-Men's nostrils as they welcomed the sun onto their skin. It was a sunny day and still early. The air was wet too, much wetter than the Lunar cities would have allowed in their main habitat processors. A salty breeze wafted over them from the sea shore about 15 miles away and down the slope of the island city they stood upon.

Boaz looked around "It's been a few years since I've been down here, looks mostly the same."

"It is," Eugene sighed, "just a few new Manors from recently elevated families have gone up, but most of the sights are the same. Are you hungry Boaz?"

"Yes quite, are we trying to go to the Grand Canary?"

"You might as well show everyone you're here" said Eugene. "We'll beat the lunch crowd if we catch a carriage, I'll call one."

After tapping on his wrist-bound device, a gyro-carriage was summoned and the chime alerted them that it was 11 minutes away. Boaz looked at his luggage and thought for a moment "we'll need to get these to our lodgings too, where are you staying?"

"Your dad sent me to watch you, where do you think I'm staying?"

"Right," Boaz said, "then we can send the carriage ahead to Saint Bedivere Hall for the stewards to handle."

Boaz and Eugene stood and awaited their gyro-carriage, a tri-wheeled machine that ran smoothly with a driver perched on the back. "Where too Sirs?" the driver called.

"Us to the Grand Canary, and our bags to Saint Bedivere Hall, I'll send the addresses."

"Right-O Sir" said the driver. It was a mere moment before the two were settled and the driver was off. Along the route they passed through the Space Elevator park toward the nearest gate of the Asgard Wall, which had the offices of the clergy built into it like the roots of a tree and vines climbing a house.

Through the gate they went, and they passed into the next section of the city which was the domain of the Quasi-Faith in all its splendor: the Festival City of Nuna Quchu. The great Arcology towers, with high-rises of the ministry and many businesses nestled between them, could be seen peeking over the Midgard Wall just over 10 miles away and downhill from the carriage. This section of the city was by contrast very green, and dominated by the spires and domes of the many temples, and in their shadow the thousands of mansions and rows of townhomes. The mansions belonged to the families of the Imperial Aristocracy: highest ranked were strong psychics who had careers in the Quasi-Faith church, awarded the honorific Jamon/Jamona in front of their names instead of Mon/Mona as all citizens enjoyed in polite address. Below and intertwined with them were the officers of the ministry, the officers of the Military, and the high ranking corporate agents of I.R.D.a.C. who facilitated trade in the Empire. In ancient societies on Earth it was the second or third sons who entered the clergy, but with the advent of the psychic awakening 1700 years ago the balance had shifted. Now the eldest child was usually both the heir of the family as well as the child donated to the services of the church, and if not them, then it would be the child with the strongest psychic powers.

The Alderons were such a family. Boaz's Aunt Kalliope was the eldest child of her father Boaz VII, the former Cardinal. Boaz's father Bael was the Seventh's only son, but he was militarily inclined and did not have the strength of psychic might that his sister did. Meanwhile, Kalliope's son Edward Tang was not a strong psychic, while Boaz had always had easy access to his powers and was to his father's chagrin more interested in theology and philosophy. Therefore the arrangement was made early on that Boaz would succeed Kalliope as Lunar Cardinal, to the delight of the young cousins. Edward was always more happy to run and roughhouse with Boaz's younger brothers Adanos and Xandalius, and they were all decorated officers in the Armada now.

"Maybe I was hasty to choose my career so young, '' Boaz thought to himself on the carriage ride. "If I had been more like my father, maybe cousin Ed would have been willing to be the next Cardinal... No," he corrected himself. "Carrying the house forward was always going to be my task, Churchman or not. And besides, with my scores on the assessment, I would have been forced to attend the academy whether I wished it or no." It was well known that the Empire promoted the welfare of its psychic citizens, but it kept a tight leash on them. When a human reached the age of 10 they took their first set of PCC assessments. Anyone who scored above 65 by their second assessment trials at about 13 years old would be auto-enrolled in a psychic academy. Anyone with a score above 80 or below 2 would be legally required to attend under penalty of fine. Boaz's score at 13 was 87.

"The boy's a prodigy!" His father had said with joy.

"And now you're hounding me to get married." Boaz thought with a little chagrin. It's not that he didn't want to, but he would have preferred if his choice was more free. He would have preferred if he could have wed...

"Jamona Madeline!" Eugene said with a huge grin, nudging Boaz in the ribs. It woke him from his thoughts as he turned to look out the carriage as they approached the Grand Canary. By the front of the gilded and large windowed building surrounded by palms and ferns, stepping out of her own carriage, was a demure caramel skinned lady with bouncy coiled raven-black hair, wearing a dress nearly as black with a small train. She was greeted by a plump man with blond hair that had the same bouncy coil. It was the Lady Madeline Vulcona and her brother Basileus Vulcon: the children of the Prince Admiral Paulos Vulcon and the favorite grandchildren of his Eminence the Chief Sage Emmanuel Vulcon.

Boaz gave a heavy sigh when he saw her, and Eugene said "I'm teasing you of course. She's beyond your reach now."

Boaz only replied "I'm aware."

--- Entering the Grand Canary ---

The two men had left their gyro carriage behind and stood outside the doors of the Grand Canary. A more opulent set of buildings would challenge the ancient palace of Versailles for grandeur. It was designed like a resort but was used most often as a restaurant club-house by the nobility. It was a complex of seven buildings with a series of parks and bathhouses nestled between them. Boaz and Eugene made their way through the lobby where they signed their names in the guestbook for the day, Boaz noting that he signed his name right beneath the lady Madeline, with a difference of but a few minutes.

She did not know he was here yet however, as her brother had whisked her away quickly with his gaggle of gentlemen. Basileus was a known partier, and though he had a good heart and some psychic power, his actual success was as a socialite. It was well known among the clergy that if you wanted something from Chief Sage Emmanuel and couldn't book an audience, if you had an in with Basileus you'd find yourself a surprise audience by the next week. It was said with the new war on that Basileus was joining the corps of apothecary-Chaplains, as unlike his father, he was not a fighter.

Boaz sympathized with him. He had no interest in the war with these long-lost colonies of mankind. Theologically he thought it was fraught with hubris. But he was not the Cardinal yet, and too many of his peers were for the war. He would need to tread with care, especially when looking for a wife among his peers.

While he and Eugene went to the buffet to gather food, Boaz did spy the Vulcon siblings party, among them was also Leo Chenry Zeon. He was his father Leon V's heir to the Lagrange 4 city states, an Armada Officer, and a psychic in his own right as well. He grew up with Basileus as well, and they often went racing together, meaning that the current Zeon interests were always close to the Imperial Family and the Sages.

That is why Aunt Kalliope put me up to this. Boaz thought to himself. House Alderon is losing influence, and we need to strengthen our position. How to do that though?

Your shielding is good, but I can tell you're thinking. Eugene thought into Boaz's mind.

"Cheat, you know my tells." Boaz said softly.

"So does she," Eugene said, referring to Madeline. "Keep your chatter light. We don't need to start scheming yet. We just need an invitation."

"The coming of age? Yes I thought of that, but you know Leo and I don't always see eye to eye. I doubt he wants me being friendly with his son."

"It's just a party" Eugene shrugged "surely they expect other Apostolic Houses to make an appearance and congratulate the boy on his next stage of life. I heard young Richard scored a 76 on his second PCC. Pretty good for the Zeon family."

Boaz looked around and thought at Eugene: You know about his twin brother Victor?

Who doesn't? thought Eugene. A blank right?

Scored a zero twice, he's been in the silent academy ever since.

It's a touchy subject, best we don't dwell on it here.

Best we don't dwell on what? Said a feminine but strong voice into both of their heads. Boaz and Eugene looked up and saw Lady Madeline smiling at them. She turned to Boaz and extended her hand. "It has been too long Mon Boaz. I hope you've been well."

"Jamona" Boaz took her hand and kissed it "I'm delighted to see you again."

"But not delighted to have me eavesdropping" she laughed. "Don't worry, your secrets are safe with me."

Eugene smirked and chuckled at that, to which Madeline gave him a biting stare. He shut up after that.

"I would prefer I had your undivided attention for a moment Bo. May we speak in private?"

Boaz nodded "Of course, Eugene?"

"Very well, excuse me Jamona" Eugene said as he bowed his head and left. Boaz felt a mantle of silence drop over the table as Madeline took Eugene's seat. It was an imperceptible cloud of nanites to an outside viewer until they came within 3 feet of their table so Basileus, Leo, and the rest would not notice from their place in the hall.

Madeline looked at Boaz, now alone. She smiled at him, but there was a sadness behind it. "I am happy to see you, Bo. But I'm not happy for the reason you're here."

"Don't you think I'd prefer it if things were different?"

"Yes, but here we are. If you had been a younger son, if we hadn't both been prodigies of our families. But now because they expect so much of us, and we're the heirs."

"You're the heir?" Boaz said with some surprise. "I didn't know your father had disinherited himself."

"He's not a prodigy, he's hardly a priest." Madeline laughed. "He prefers his duties as Admiral, and there is more besides that I can't tell you. But my grandfather sees me as his true heir. It is I who will be put forward for the College of High Clerics to elect to the Council, to eventually replace him."

"Ah, so even if we did..."

"The other houses aren't ready for that. Since 3759, the Houses of Vulcon and Blackrose have had the monopoly on power in the Church. The Apostolic Houses are in their place as vassals, and the Grand Masters of the College will weed out any resistance to Emmanuel's rule. And that includes the heirs of the Apostles trying to upset the balance of power."

"So much for psychic health, love is love, and all that if we can't..."

"We can't though." Madeline showed just the slightest hints of discomfort, halfway between anger and grief, but it was subdued. "We might only be 7th cousins, and we're both master psychics, but your family and the Zeons have been in a feud for so long, to say nothing of the others seeking a raise in rank from your fall. For the love I have for you, I must protect you from that! And my duty to the stability of the Empire especially in this time of war..."

Boaz was incredulous: "A war on the frontier, against fellow humans, for the enrichment of the old crusaders and glory of the young warmongers."

"Be that as it may," Madeline said with restored stoicism "I have been forbidden, and so have you, from pursuing a marriage with each-other."

Boaz was silent. He knew for certain that their old flame from the academy was put out. Even if they still had love for each-other, he would have to accept that it could be no more than pining from afar. Polygamy was legal in the Empire and even promoted by some, but the political ramifications of Boaz and Madeline even as a partial dalliance, of the possibility that they might have a child together or be enmeshed in interest, was enough to give several factions pause. So both families chose caution in spite of a young romance that formed outside of their purview. In another situation, another time Boaz thought, we could make this work.

Alas Madeline thought back, that is not our situation.

He sighed, and said "well if we can't do what we want, I would like your help to do what I need."

"How so?" Madeline asked.

"I need to be sure I can attend Richard Zeon's coming of age party. I've been tasked to heal the breach between our houses and this young lad, whose apparently a scholar like me, might be the ticket to do so. And secondly, I need a suitable wife. If it can't be you, I'd like your help finding one who would be."

"I know you and Leo have a bit of a past" Madeline said "but that one should be easy. He's got a big ego. Play to that if you can."

"Right," Boaz laughed.

"As for the second point, that may take some time. I can't help but still be a little jealous that I cannot have you."

Boaz chuckled and shook his head.

"But I do have a few candidates in mind. They'll be surprised when I tell them who I plan to match them with, but at least one of them should fit."

"I guess I should ask if your eminent grandfather had anyone in mind for you?"

"He and grandmother did," Madeline sighed. "He's nice, you'll meet him tonight at the party. It's Ezekiel Eustace Vulcon."

"Hang on, he's a closer cousin to you than I am?! And my family wants to say we're too close."

"He's only my 4th cousin twice removed," Madeline laughed. "and besides, we both know that was just a formality to say why WE couldn't. As the heirs of our families, we're closer in rank, and therefore publicly closer in blood."

"Typical" Boaz groaned with arms crossed. "Well, I hope your candidates know what they're getting into with me."

"Who better to tell them," said Madeline with a wink. "I'll get you that explicit invite to the party. When I see you there, I'll let you know what lady I have in mind for you. Now eat your lunch."

"Good talking to you Mads"

"You too Bo, but it's Jamona in public, remember that." As she spoke she stood up, extended her hand again, clasped his and kissed it. As she walked away she took the nanites with her and the mantle of silence disappeared into a pocket of her dress. Eugene silently slid back over with another plate of food. "What did I miss?" He asked.

"You'll see tonight, we have a party to go to!" Boaz said as he began to eat.

--- Later that day ---

After eating and going to the baths Boaz and Eugene went to Saint Bedivere Hall, the House Alderon Manor in Nuna Quchu. There they spent a relaxing afternoon getting fully acclimated to the gravity of Earth before the party at the House Zeon Manor for the young Richard Glenn Zeon. They knew it would be a big event, since Leo was a companion of Basileus Vulcon, and where the two of them went, all the younger cohort of the Capital nobility and the less 'monastic' of the general clergy flocked to join them for food, drink, and entertainment. Especially since Richard was a high scoring youth and because he was interested in theology, many clerics were coming to see what kind of scholar he would be.

Boaz was likewise curious. He had only heard about him from Aunt Kalliope's friends who worked at Saint Edd's Psychic Academy. One of them, one of Boaz's old professors by the name of Dr. Outrellon, gushed about Richard's discourse on the gospels and psychic schools of thought. Since he seemed so smart for a boy of 16, Boaz was very curious to see just how much he knew. Dr. Outrellon was a tough professor, and while Boaz took his school seriously and eventually earned the professor's respect, that did take the better part of 3 years.

If Richard won his respect so quickly, he must be pretty smart. Boaz thought. Let's test that theory.

Boaz and Eugene both entered the Zeon Manor from the front garden. It was surrounded by a colonnaded walkway which wrapped around the primary house. A double statue stood in the center of a fountain in the garden: it depicted Zekariah the Apostle standing beside Leon IV Zeon, the father of the current Governor of the Lagrange 4 colonies Leon V. Boaz thought the two depicted together made a striking dichotomy: a priest famed for his humility and wit, and a brute who carved a bloody swath through both the enemies of the Rukhans, and later the Rukhans themselves when Emmanuel took over. "What a legacy" said Eugene, also appreciating the statues as they walked past them to the front door.

There was a crowd of people piling into the house. It seemed like the entire neighborhood and several connections from downtown had all come out to celebrate. Even some Mallumans from clans who had contracts with the House of Zeon were present, their long saurian necks peering over the humans around them. As the sun was creeping toward the horizon the outside lights kicked on and the garden and statues were illuminated. Boaz and Eugene made their way into the pushing mass of well dressed people and found themselves in a gilded atrium with a high ceiling depicting the construction of a pair of O'Neill Cylinders. Below the mythologized painting, the four hundred or so people in the atrium were creating a loud din from all their chatter. As Boaz and Eugene made their way into the crowd they heard a clap begin from the opposite side of the hall. The people around them started cheering as a path opened up and Leon V, the Governor himself, along with his son Leo and eldest grandson of the hour: Richard, stepped out in their black and green house guard uniforms. Basileus and his crew of friends stood nearby behind Leo, and Lady Madeline with her fiancé Ezekiel Eustace followed behind them.

With his booming voice, Leon V silenced the crowd in the atrium with a raised hand and said "This year, my beloved grandson, Richard Glenn, is 16 years old. 16 circles around Sol. And he's already a genius. He's going to do great things! When my dear son Leo had the boy so young at first I was warry. What kind of boy is he going to raise when he is so young himself? I thought. Well, Leo has done me proud as a father, both as my right hand and as a father to his own son. May this be how the Apostolic House of Zeon is remembered. We are a family who upholds the true virtues of the Mind Empire of Hame. Now please, if you will all follow me, let us eat!"

Clapping and cheering followed as the crowd began to move. The next room they entered was a massive banquet hall with tables of food laid out in great quantities and artfully displayed. Boaz and Eugene split up here, with the man of House Trinh socializing with some of the merchants present, while the man of House Alderon made his way to the Lord Governor and his family.

Leon V was seated on a throne in the banquet hall with his grandson sitting beside him on a stool and Leo standing beside. Basileus and some of his and Leo's mutual friends stood in a circle around them with drinks. As they chattered they almost missed Boaz's approach, but Leon V raised an authoritative hand to draw their attention and welcomed him. "Ah, I know that face, young Boaz. I welcome you! How is my friend Lord Bael?"

"My father does well," said Boaz as the party focused on him. "He sends you his congratulations on the maturity of your grandson. We've heard good things on Luna."

"Of course! How could you not!" Laughed the Governor.

"You flatter me Grandpa!" Richard said brightly, "the pleasure is mine Jamon Boaz,... that is, you are the junior chief celebrant on Luna yes?"

"That is right, but Mon is still appropriate for me, young sir,'' Boaz said with a smile. "I feel from what I've heard you'll beat me to the title." Richard laughed at that and so did the Governor. Leo stood silently with a smirk.

"Son, do we have no greeting for your old underclassman?" The Governor asked with a hint of threat. Leo replied with an obviously false pleasantry "Yes father, I greet you sir."

"I greet you too, Mon Leo," Boaz said. "It must make you proud to have such an intelligent son. I had to be present to honor you and him on this occasion." The emphasis on ‘you’ and ‘intelligent’ was just barely perceptible, but belied years of mutual bullying between the two.

Leo twitched his eyebrows briefly, but said politely "It does Sir." Richard chimed in almost immediately "Mon Boaz, I think I remember Dr. Outrellon mentioned you wrote a paper about the Gospel of Spivey. Do you mind if we discuss it?"

"Oh! I didn't know the old man liked it so much" Boaz said half serious "if you'd like I'd be glad to. Do you mind my Lords if I have the young man's attention for a bit?"

"By all means" said the Governor gayly, and he patted Richard on the back "knock yourself out boy."

As Boaz and Richard walked away from the throne Leo said under his breath "wretched Lunar punk" to which his father replied "boy... behave. Isn't it time we put this schoolyard fight to rest?"

"The Alderon have no respect for us," Leo said. Again, his father had a quip.

"And what my boy have you done to command respect? You are my heir and yet my other sons do me more honor than you have. All you have accomplished is breeding your betters, or do you still intend to manage my parliament and keep our rowdy cousins in check?"

Leo had no response, but his father continued "I'll not say it again, we need to be seen as strong, and above petty squabbles. Lord Bael and I are rivals, yes but we respect each-others strength. If you don't respect your rivals and command respect in them, you will be destroyed."

--- Elsewhere in the Manor ---

Boaz and Richard were seated among the crowd and discussing the Gospel of Spivey. It was one of the more contentious and confusing books in the Record of the Sacred Mind: the Holy text of the Quasi-Faith. It was the record of the Apostle Gary, and one of Boaz's favorite sections.

He was telling Richard how he spent time with some of the elders of House Spiveyos to learn about their interpretations and backed it up with records now held in Nuna Quchu. Richard was actually absorbing most of what Boaz was telling him, to his surprise.

"So how did you decide that the Apostle Gary was right about the way we interact with the spirit realm?" Richard asked, wide eyed.

"Well, the way I see it" Boaz remarked as he picked up an orange nearby "and this is attested in Balazar the Blessed's writing as well as both our houses’ Gospels as well, is that the universe is like an orange." As he peeled he explained. "Psy-Space is outside the orange while we in the material plane are in the meat. Phase-Space is the skin, but unlike an orange, the Universe is 5 dimensional, so we can't perceive the ways that the skin of phase space is interwoven into the material universe."

"Right!" said Richard.

"But, the holes in phase space that allow psychic and matter to interphase and interact are porous and invisible, and when the Apostle Gary mentions how the early spirits were phasing in and out of reality, he describes their interactions just like those holes. They're moving in and out of areas imperceptible to us as beings native to the material plane. But using our psychic attunement, we can find the ley lines and spots of concentrated power. It works like gravity wells, but with different laws of attraction."

"Ah ha, but how is that different from what Balazar himself said?"

"Well remember that Balazar and Gary knew each other during his first incarnation. They were in dialogue. Apostle Gary evolved in his views as he continued to outline how seances worked. He describes them like ghosts classically at first, but starts to phase out ectoplasm as his terminology for the psychic residue that constitutes spiritual entities. That's how we can track the dialogue between them and their evolving understanding of the spirit realm. It reads like one book, but this book took 50 years of his life to write."

"Huh, that's interesting." Richard said. "I wish I had more people I could talk to about this, at least at home. I've got plenty of friends at school but everyone here?" He looked around and whispered "they're not so interested in this stuff."

Boaz laughed "well I'd be happy to be your pen pal at least. I've got duties on Luna but I'd be happy to explore some more ideas with someone like minded."

Richard said with a grin "I'd like that. I don't know why my dad doesn't like you. You're not so bad."

"It's a long story" Boaz said distantly "I hope it'll be behind us soon."

After a brief pause he lit up "Let me give you my contact before you go talk to your other guests, you've got a lot of people to chat with." Richard laughed "you're right, it was a pleasure Jamon Boaz. You'll make a fine Cardinal I think."

"I hope so, coming from a prodigy like yourself" Boaz smiled as he exchanged electronic mail addresses with Richard. He thought silently: being the prodigy isn't always all it's cracked up to be, I wish you well Richard.

--- Later Still ---

As he was starting to feel full from all the food and just a bit tipsy, a good while after he sent Richard on his way back to the throng of the party, Boaz spied Lady Madeline and her fiancé Ezekiel. He was a stout man with straight black hair with a white streak down the middle, a round face, and small eyes which set him far apart in looks from Madeline. But they were close to the same height at 5’10” and 6 feet tall. Boaz was hesitant at first to speak to them, but remembered her earlier words and decided to approach, disregarding his initial discomfort.

In public he thought.

With a bow he said "Jamona Vulcone, Jamon Vulcon, your servant."

The two smiled at Boaz and greeted him politely. Madeline said "It would please me greatly if you would be acquainted with my soon to be husband, Mon Boaz."

"Gladly Jamona, I believe my Lord will remember my brother from the officer academy."

"Ah yes!” said Ezekiel "the bright Adanos, I wouldn't be so far along as an officer if it wasn't for his stratagems. I hope I can share a command with him soon. He spoke well of you sir, let us talk. My love?"

"You are excused my dear" Madeline said to him as she walked away and left the two men to their own devices.

"Outside?" Ezekiel said to Boaz after a brief and awkward silence.

"Outside please," Boaz agreed.

It was not long before the two found themselves on a balcony on the edge of the banquet hall. Ezekiel shut the glass doors to quiet the din from the party. He peered to see how private they were, and after what appeared to be an acceptable amount of time he said "you will forgive me I hope Lord Boaz, this marriage while a pleasure to me was not meant to insult you or your family."

"Dolt," Boaz said frankly. "Don't you think I know it was not your doing?"

"Yes but..." the man was beside himself. "I'm too monogamous for it myself but I even offered Madeline to let her keep you as a lover, I would not have objected. But she said the duties of both your offices would not allow it and desired a clean break."

With a frustrated sigh Boaz said "I. know!" He paused and apologized. "I am sorry my Lord I am being crass with you, but as you know it's a sore spot for me. I envy you for your present happiness, but I wish you well with her, truly."

"Thank you, and don't worry about formalities" Ezekiel said, shrugging it off, "I don't care for them. I'm a man like any other."

"I hope you didn't just drag me out here to apologize for something that wasn't your fault," Boaz said with a smirk.

"Oh no no no" said Ezekiel "I have a message from my fiancée that I think you'll appreciate: she has found you a match."

"Oh?"

"Yes, she's not from Hame itself you see, she's colonial nobility, but of Vulcon descent and well connected to another house among the rising families."

"Which one?"

"The House of Jonah, her name is Victoria."

"What?! Victoria Jonah is hardly older than young Richard here. And my father has been feuding with hers for a decade now."

"Shhh," Ezekiel said. "Mads told me you were trying to end these feuds between the houses, she thought, why not try to end another with your marriage? And the girl is quite a looker."

"Oh I don't know..."

"Think about it Boaz, the House of Jonah controls the entire Castor system, they are a major power on the frontier. We both know House Alderon has colonial interests beyond the Sol system, in Gliese Scorpio and with mining interests through I.R.D.a.C.. Castor is a goldmine ready for the taking, more than half the jobs out there are prospecting the planets and belts. This is an opportunity that is maximizing your interests."

Boaz couldn't deny that, "but what is the catch?" he said.

"No catch," Ezekiel said. "Madeline is trying to set you an alliance that if you capitalize on it could set you up to be a house to almost rival ours. She still cares for you Boaz."

"And yet she knows what this will do" Boaz groaned.

"We all have to take risks," Ezekiel said, "that's part of our position. I mean what are we for as aristocrats if we don't take risks to make the lives of our people better. What is our justification for existing if we don't try to end the petty squabbles between the big collections of humanity we claim to command. If Castor rebels we'll have a frontline apart from the one we now have with the fascists of Alios. The Hades Imperium will find a weakness and exploit it, the Erkanch Federation will convince Castor to come over to them or play neutral zone and they learn our psychic secrets, and Ghost knows what the Endelites or Luuds are planning if they see a crack in our armor! Your father and Nestor Jonah were squabbling over I.R.D.a.C. shares and their jurisdictions, why not make a peace with your wedding and draw clear lines?"

Boaz was silent. He saw the bigger picture, yes. But he was also mad about the sacrifices he was making now and fearful of the sacrifices he would have to make later. With a sigh he released those thoughts. He saw what Madeline was laying out for him, and he held his worry inside. "Tell Jamona Madeline I accept."

With a pat on the shoulder Boaz told Ezekiel "I appreciate your kindness in bringing this to me. I will pay back this favor in kind one day."

--- To be continued ---