In the Shadow of the Rings by Frank Kennedy (grave mercy .txt) 📕

your family simply want to make sure you have the necessary fortitude. Nantou’s competitors are fierce, and they extend beyond Hotai. The pressure to remain at the forefront of Hokki society can be withering. For now, rest your ambitions.

They’l have time enough to stir. Your Festival of Years is only three weeks away. You’ve done little planning beyond reserving the beach. Cal Chi-Qua and bring in the staff. You wil only turn sixteen this one time. Enjoy it, Daughter.”

Of course, Mother. I’l plan my birthday party. Something to keep me busy.

Birthdays meant little to Kara. It came down to simple math. One day, she is fifteen years and four hundred nineteen days old. The next day, she is fifteen years and four hundred twenty days old. Except the second day is treated with great reverence, as if her ability to continue breathing into a “new year” should be regaled. Birth was little more than biological hodgepodge – sometimes based on meaningful planning but most often an accidental tweak drawn from reckless carnal needs. And there was, in Kara’s judgment, far too much recklessness on Hokkaido.

Food shortages were growing, immigration policies tightening, and the wealth divide expanding. Few talked about these matters in The Lagos, perhaps because the continent was two thousand kilometers and many nightmares away. Rumors of environmental concerns extended beyond the decreasing arable land on the continent.

Regardless, the birth rate worldwide continued apace.

“We’l pay for this one day,” she told incredulous classmates during a heated debate at the exclusive Vox School for Girls.

For now, what was left but to obey Mother and ignore Father’s condescension? Kara gathered Chi-Qua and her personal staff and planned the best Festival of Years ever seen in the Haansu District.

Three weeks later, giant tents lined the beach, their silk canvases bil owing in a gentle ocean breeze. Lanterns designed in the ancient construct dotted the sand. The sun was setting to the east and the Kye-Do rings were rising from the west. High above, the moon Huryo shined in crescent mode.

Every family worth its salt made certain to pay homage, sending at least one representative – regardless of whether they were invited.

Most of her classmates attended (primarily the ones she could stomach for five minutes). Her parents were al owed to invite whomever they desired from the community of seamasters, which is why an inordinate number of Nantou executives and mid-level managers unknown to Kara spent the greatest time trolling the food lines.

As the sky darkened and the stars took over, the requisite series of speeches, toasts, and formal greetings ensued. Fireworks launched from a station a hundred meters offshore. They twisted into shapes of dozens of wild animals indigenous and imported to Hokkaido. But

especial y, the great Kohlna fish – a monster of the oceans and feeder of bil ions – received the dominant tribute.

Kara smiled and, when requested, bowed. Yet after two hours of these festivities, she deduced the obvious: This party seemed as over the top and self-indulgent as every other Festival of Years she attended. Moreover, no one seemed to notice or care she was the birthday girl. Wine, an assortment of tropical liquors, and plumes of poltash weed became the source of indulgence.

She wanted to cal it to a close, even though it was scheduled to continue wel past midnight.

“You’re very beautiful tonight,” her mother said, having broken away from a clique of society friends. “You chose the perfect hair and eyes for the occasion.”

Kara streaked her hair with shades of violet and teal, and she wore jade prosthetic lenses. Her mother’s compliment wasn’t the first, although it would be the last.

“You understand they must be gone by sunrise,” Li-Ann added.

“Of course, Mother. I would never want to shock the school by wearing party warmers to …”

Her voice caught; her thoughts froze.

Li-Ann pivoted to introduce a tal man in a beige, form-fitting bodysuit. He towered half a foot above anyone else here, and he was a monstrous creation, his shoulders broad as a mountain and his chest heaving. He was not Hokki.

Why hadn’t she seen him earlier?

“Daughter, I introduce Admiral Benjamin Sussex, commander of the Ark Carrier fleet. He came al this way to pay homage.”

What was she supposed to do? She’d never been this close to a Chancel or, let alone the most powerful in the Hokkaido system.

Should she bow? Lower her eyes? Shake his hand? At the very least, Mother could have prepared her.

She made no outward motion. “I am honored, Admiral. I am at a loss for words. I’ve never heard of a Chancel or attending a Festival of Years.”

The Admiral sipped wine. “Indeed. It is a rarity. We have little time for these secondary matters. However, your parents have

ingratiated themselves through their tireless efforts to offer exceptional product to our people. Until a year ago, the