“But my lifemate is expecting me!” Khaari cried. “He is on that trading mission, Khaari,” Liriili told her.
“That is one reason I wish the Baiakiire. to undertake this particular task.”
“But what about Khornya?” Neeva asked.
“Why, she will stay here, of course, and learn to know her people and attend the fete as you have planned. While she will sorely miss your guidance, we will try in your absence to make sure that she is not lonely and learns what is needful for her to know.”
“Excuse me, Viizaar Liriili-” Acorna interrupted as politely as possible. She did not much care for being discussed as if she was not there.
“Yes, Khornya?”
“It’s just that-well, even though I was very much looking forward to doing these social events with my aunt and friends, I really would rather not attend them by myself. Is it possible to postpone the reception so that I could accompany them on their mission?”
Liriili laughed. “My dear Khornya, you will hardly be by yourself! I shall be there, and Thariinye, and most of the cream of Kubiilikhan society including many young males most eager to make your acquaintance!”
“Yes, ma’am, but I’d rather be with my aunt. Perhaps I can be useful on the mission.”
“You’re very young and have a great deal to learn,” Liriili said as if that settled the matter.
“Khornya is a very capable young lady, Liriili,” Neeva told the viizaar, and projected images of some of Acorna’s adventures.
“I’m sure she is, VLte<)haanye Neeva,” Liriili said, then turning to Acorna, repeated, “I’m sure you are, my dear, but you are not yet versed in our ways sufficiently to undertake a mission of the delicacy this one requires. And there will probably not be enough room for you on the return trip. Or for Thariinye, which is why we are not sending him. So you young ones may as well remain here and enjoy yourselves. The reception can hardly be postponed. Everyone has been working ever so hard preparing it and many, many people will be most disappointed if you are not there. Run along with Maati now. There’s a good girl.” “Excuse my persistence, Viizaar, but what is this mission?” Acorna pressed her case. “Maybe I could help. I have good friends in many high places.” The viizaar gave her an exaggeratedly patient look. “That may be so, Khornya. But whoever you know and whatever you have done before is irrelevant to this mission, which I cannot discuss with you because you are not fully conversant with thought transference, and I am reliably informed that during unguarded moments your every fleeting notion is broadcast to the whole of the planet; information could be disclosed that I have no wish to disseminate at this time. In your aunt’s absence, Thariinye can continue your tutoring in our communication forms and customs. Now go please go with Maati and freshen up. There is not much time before your shipmates must leave, and I must brief them. In private.” “Yes, ma’am,” Acorna said, feeling more like a schoolgirl than she ever had done when she was of the age to have been one. “Excuse me, Liriili,” Neeva said, dropping the title in her annoyance. “I would like to take leave of my niece before “we are sent back into space, if you can wait a few more moments before briefing us. I had to wait three and a }ialŁ gkaanyi to find her and who knows how long it will be before I see her again?” “Very well, but be brief, please. We have much to discuss,” Liriili said, and turned her attention to the others. Leading Acorna outside the pavilion, Neeva touched horns with her and Acorna, impulsively, hugged her aunt as if she never wished to let her go, “which indeed she did not. Neeva’s eyes were full of tears when they stood at arm’s length again. “Oh, that insufferable woman!” she said. “This had better be a truly urgent mission or I am going to have her before the Council!” “You think she’d send you out again without a good reason?” Acorna asked. “When you’ve been away so long?” She frowned. “I thought if everyone could read each other’s thoughts and feelings, they would be kinder.”