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He did seem perturbed that Rue had passed off the paperwork, perhaps because it now occupied the whole of that young lady’s attention He rallied enough to ask, "Do you know the nature of your stores and local contacts, Lady Akeldama?"

Rue shook her head "No, I have people for that"

"Of course you do"

"Will there be anything else, lieutenant?"

"I have the length of your stay down for one week starting to as I can co that time May I extend if necessary?"

"Indeed, my lady However…" He trailed off, distracted by Prihed She was used to it "I take it most activity com over a list of nuins of the paperwork

The two customs officials tensed

Then she

"Sir?" Rue drew Lieutenant Broadwattle’s attention back to herself

"Yes, after dark Speaking of which, some of the local diploarden party at sunset this evening Would you care to join us? The ambassador’s wife has authorised me to extend the invitation I must say, ould welcome fresh faces and new society, not to mention unmarried ladies"

"Lieutenant Broadwattle!" reprio too far" Thus proving she had not been entirely focused on the paperwork

The young man lowered his head in uise her delight She loved a garden party, and to have one ! "We should love to attend"

"Will you bring the two gentle the ansould be no

Rue hated to disappoint "Possibly one, probably not the other, but they are difficult to predict"

Pri relevant names and details and handed the parchto declare for the record? Iements, other taxable items? We were told that this is purely a pleasure jaunt"

Rue and Pri the city proper without a guide, which I would be happy to arrange Would toet aslooks with Prim, Rue said, "That would be ideal Will he come to the ship?"

"Absolutely"

"Thank you very entlemen, if that concludes our business? I think ill take the unspoken suggestion of the entire city and return to The Spotted Custard for a nap This heat is ets accustomed to it, but I’ve been stationed here for nearly three years and I have yet to acclimatise"

Priuessed"