then he shook his head. “I can promise you he still wants you. But come, our meeting waits. We will speak when it is finished and you will tell me of how my bother managed to drive his Ehlealah away.”
Epilogue
The smaller of Quin’s conference rooms was filled with people all looking at one another speculatively as Quin And Vivi sat holding hands, waiting for the vid com to come on line.
Ba Re’, Lo'San, Rokai, Re’Vahl, a very haggard looking Zahn, Rel, Asl, and Kail.
The holovid had been set aside in favor of the standard vid screen, and there were three views sharing the space on the large screen at the moment. One of them flickered, coming into focus with a large, blue Cruestaci warrior smiling at them happily.
“Blue Dude!” Vivian cried out happily.
“Vivi! Zha Quin! Is that Ba Re’? Everyone is there! Hello!” Kol said, waving animatedly from the privacy of his office.
“Kol! It is good to see you my friend,” Quin said. “You have been too long away.”
“I have, but, life is good here. Perhaps soon we can come for a visit,” Kol said.
“I thank you for being here, Kol. I know this would not normally be a meeting you’d have to attend, but it will soon become apparent why I asked you to join us,” Quin said.
“I am always available to you, Quin,” Kol said.
“How are the boys?” Vivian asked.
“Most days they drive me insane,” Kol admitted, shaking his head, “they never, ever stop! But it is an insanity I welcome. They are strong and smart. They are adventurous and kind. As my Ada Jane says, we are blessed.”
“I look forward to meeting them,” Quin said, just as another view began to flicker and an image of Sovereign Zha Tahl and Sovereigna Eula came into focus.
“Good morning,” Zha Tahl said.
“Good morning,” Quin answered.
“I trust all is well,” Zha Tahl said. “I hope the update from Eschina is a positive one.”
“It is. We shall get started as soon as Chairman Bartholomew joins us,” Quin said.
“I am here,” Bart said as his image came into view on his own screen.
“Thank you for joining us,” Quin said. “Now that we are all here, let’s get started with the first business at hand,” Quin said. “Now, as all should be aware, commendations were presented to those aboard the Unified Consortium Defense Satellite Station in recognition of their assistance to and protection of General Lo'San’s mate. It appears all was well received. Bart, do you have anything to add there?” Quin asked.
“All is well, and if there have been any grumblings about the issue, they’ve not reached my ears or those of my people. I think we covered it well,” Bart answered.
“Excellent. Further to that subject, are those who caused General Lo'San’s mate to be aboard the satellite station. General Lo’San has given his testimony in the trials of his mother and sister-in-law. Both were convicted of kidnapping and attempted murder of his mate, as well as charges of theft and fraud. They have been remanded into the custody of the Unified Consortium and have begun serving their time. When it became clear the conditions under which the males on Eschina lived, Lo'San and I discussed offering options to those who wished to take advantage of them. As Eschina is under the protection and governing of Cruestace, with the help of Sovereign Zha Tahl, we’ve instituted changes that are available, but not required, as there will inevitably be those who wish to continue in the old ways of Eschina. I’ll turn the floor over to Lo’San at this time to update everyone on the occurrences on his home planet before I take a moment for matters of my own. General Lo'San… if you will,” Quin said.
“Thank you. Let me say first, I am very satisfied with the outcome. I would be surprised if either is ever released,” he commented, “and I have no problem with that at all. The trial was quite sensationalized on Eschina, and as would be expected with any society, there are strong opinions on both sides. We took the opportunity of both females being removed as head of their households, to turn both households into examples of changes that are available to any who are interested. Basically, any male who feels he is held in a household against his will, cannot be forced to remain by his female. He is free to leave that household, reenter the claiming events — with his young ones if he should have them,