Greenwich date: January 30, 2175 – 22:35 hours The mirror ball, lit by twenty magnificent crystal chandeliers in the high vaulted ceiling, sent a dizzy display of luminous rays around the vast ballroom. Below, the dance floor was a whirl of colours, like a paint wheel spinning. Young women’s bright eyes flashed, red lips laughed, ball gowns swished and dainty shoes tapped the polished wood boards in time to the music. The shiny black boots of the queen’s soldiers made their own bold, staccato rap, pivoting in step with their partners. “Are you enjoying yourself, m’dear?” Lord Magnus Southern, standing with a group of young people at the fringe of the dancers, had to raise his voice above the music and excited chatter of the ballroom. “Yes thank you, Lord Southern,” the young woman concerned replied. She dropped into a curtsy and smiled up at the craggy face with its shock of white hair. The governor of the planet, Lumai, bowed and extended a hand to assist the young woman to her feet.
