"Robyn Tallis - Giants of Elenna - Planet Builders" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tallis Robyn)

"I'm certainly not going to get much experience on a planet with two cities and no imports," Philippa said
in defense — and then realized she'd made a big mistake.

Her father set his glass down and leaned back on the couch, smiling expansively. "That's very true.
Conditions here are regrettably primitive, are they not? And likely to remain so," he added with a
resigned air.

Well, even if I asked for it, at least they 'II get it out — and over —faster.

"We have a surprise for you, my dear, and chose today to give it to you," her mother went on. "A
surprise that only two thousand other parents in the entire Planetary League can give to their daughters
this year."

"An opportunity to resume your training," her father said.

"Your real training," her mother chimed in, making a languid gesture with her empty crystal goblet.

Philippa's father jumped up to refill the empty glasses, and said. "Your mother and I have applied on your
behalf, and we just received word that you've been awarded a place in the Trelour-Essal Lyceum in the
Eleven Stars asteroid cluster."

"Salut!" Mrs. Bidding raised her glass.

Philippa set hers down on the little mosaic table, and the crystal rang brightly. What's the use? I can't win
any battles, not while we play according their rules. "I know where it

is," she said, still trying to sound calm and polite. "And of course I've heard of it. It's a ver-ry famous, and
ver-ry expensive finishing school for the Problem Daughters of the Elite, and though it supposedly has
windows showing the gorgeous view of those asteroids, I've also heard that the girls haven't much time
for looking."

"You would be working hard, certainly, but surely you are not afraid of that," her mother countered.

"Hard work is one thing," Philippa said plainly, trying to meet the eyes of each of her parents in turn, "but
being molded whether I like it or not into a suitable wife for an ambitious young diplomat is not the life I
had in mind."

"Just what do you have in mind, dear?" Her mother smiled, her blue eyes wide and cold as the ice on
those faraway asteroids.

"Weeding plants in the hydroponics labs? Monitoring robot-delivery sleds?" Her father named two of the
common drudge chores that students routinely did.

"At least it's honest work," Philippa said, rapidly losing her temper. "And it's something I'd be choosing
—"

"We remember your choices," her mother fired back, direct as a laser. "That's why we're all here on this
primitive planet, isn't it?"

Philippa flushed, biting back an angry retort.