Jocelyn's party had been planned for months. Her computers had hired the very best catering firm, a troupe of New Sardinia dancers had recorded a holoshow, and the finest delicacies were ordered from all over the Galaxy. Now, Sayyid Jocelyn decided to take a hand in the planning herself.
Her child, Jassie, would have to be disposed of during the party. She was a delightful child, but it was not proper to have a six-year-old at an adult dinner party. Jocelyn sent an autoservant to fetch Jassie, and thought furiously.
There had been an unpleasantness associated with Jassie: a malfunction in creche machinery and suffocation. But the Adelhardt fortune could counteract anything, be it Imperial decree or untimely death. Money was spent, special permissions granted--and the clone was every bit as charming as the original. Sayyid Jocelyn had wiped the unpleasantness from her mind, and sent the new Jassie to the best creche she could find.
By the time the child arrived, all dimples and damask, Jocelyn had made a quick holophone call to the creche director.
"Good morning, Mother," Jassie said, bowing deeply.
"Good morning, dear. The creche cybernet told me that you have been learning about England."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"I've told the computer that you may go on a trip to the museums of England. And afterward, you'll sleep with your creche-mates in Buckingham Palace. Would you like that?"
"I would love it, Mother."
"Good, then. Run along and pack a bag. The flier will be here soon." As Jassie departed, Jocelyn thumbed a switch that put her in contact with the house computer. "See that Jassie packs her bag properly with overnight supplies. I don't want her interrupting the party calling for things she's forgotten."
"Acknowledged, madam."
)
