The Court of Queen Carina

[Rubber_Duck]

Lord Hamilton was sleeping in his cabin aboard the Conqueror.

The doorbell ringed. Once, twice. Lord Hamilton turned around in bed. The doorbell ringed a third time.
"Yes, enter, please"

The door opened, the orderly officer stood in, looking embarassed a little bit. "Lord Hamilton, Commodore, sir... we have received a transmission via private channels for you. It seems, your presence is requested aboard her majesties liner"

"An invitation? By her majesty?" Lord Hamilton mumbled something... "Yes, let me get ready. You are to prepare my shuttle, Commander. When her majesty calls, I will respond immediately."

He wondered, what may be the reason for the invitation... a meeting of the Lords, possibly? Of diplomatic nature? He made himself ready, put on the dress uniform and went to the hangar bay of the Conqueror, where the shuttle was waiting, as it was ordered.

After having left Cambridge system, and heading towards New London, a great view appeared. The orbit of the planet was full of several different ship types, from smallest shuttles up to the powerful destroyers, ordered to protect her majesties liner at all costs. And all those surrounding the planet of New London, which was lighted by the sun, and was glowing in a bright light.

Lord Hamiltons shuttle entered the hangar of the liner, after he left, he went up straightly to direction of the great audience hall, after having cleared some issues he had with the deck officer... By telling him, that an airlock seems to be reserved for him, the deck officer quickly understood, that Lord Hamilton really was invited...

The audience hall showed a great view. Too many people, enormous background noises. Dress uniforms, with sash's in all colors could be seen. Pretty women, and those who thought they were.... Yes, lordship seems to higher many peoples self confidence, even if they have an equine face. He turned around to his orderly officer, whispering "Sometimes, I felt more as a lord, when I wasn't one, actually." A wide smile covered his face. "Commander, do we have my rapier in the shuttle?" he asked.

"All weapons are prohibited, Commodore, sir." the orderly officer responded. A silent curse left Hamilton's lips. I have no idea whats about to happen, he thought... He looked around for known faces, and then took his way to a more quiet corner. When passing a waiter, he took a glass with 3 fingers of scotch from the tablet.

Fine so far, he thought. Let's see, what happens.

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