Chapter 6

Before Mickey and Calveen had their group ready; Robby reported back that the group coming down the old roadway was a party of Sin Loos led by Calver. Calveen rode out to meet them. and bring them all into the Oaks. A runner sent me this information from Mickey with his request that I join him in two hours to welcome Calver.

Roger and I had accomplished something. We had found some old battery powered radios that should have sufficient range to operate from the bridge to the town square. The batteries were, of course, dead but I described a hand-cranked generator for field use and we could power a radio here at the institute. We needed more than two operating radios but it was a start. I thought fleetingly about cars and cell phones but let it go.

Calver arrived twenty minutes after Janet, Roger, and I returned to the town square and reported. Janet had a runner sent for Mae. She felt that we should meet him as a family. After thinking about it for a second, I agreed. It would be different to think of two women where I had only thought of one ... We were describing the generator until Mickey told us to get it working but don't give him the details. Roger stated that he would need more people to help and Mickey told him he would work on that issue.

Calver came in to the square and was introduced to Mickey. They greeted each other carefully but in a friendly manner. Mickey introduced me as his trusted Senior Advisor. I introduced my two ladies to Calver.

He said, "Ahh! Janet, it's good to see you. Fortunately, I have time to practice your name. Your reputation for leadership and as John Moore's helper have gone before you. You are a beautiful young woman. I'm delighted to meet you." Janet stepped forward and kissed him soundly. Mae then did the same. Calver was out of breath. He said, "John Moore, you live with both of these two and aren't tired all the time!" Everyone laughed.

I said, "They have ways of rejuvenating me." I smiled and put my arms around each one. Everyone laughed some more.

Mickey then asked Calver to tell his story.

Calver said, "It all started with John Moore coming to our world. Then he and my son left on their trip. Their return and the men who returned with them were profoundly changed by their experiences. It brought my people's ways into question. Eventually, there became two camps. One which wanted to maintain the status quo and the other recognizing that there were other ways of living and that people, not just men, should be free. We, though a large group, were in the minority. After John Moore left with a small group, I thought things would quiet down. The issue became more divisive. Then, Calveen left with a larger group. I thought that with most of those having left, the status quo would return. It didn't. Things became more divided. Finally, I gathered as many of the rest of those who wanted change and we left. I resigned my position as a Charge and have led this group to join John Moore and my son in establishing a new city with a new way of relating to each other. All in all, of about one-third of the Sin Loos have left.

"The Sin Loos who remained will try to hold their society in stasis but, in the long run, I believe they will not be successful.

"At any rate, we have made a choice and will start new lives under John Moore's guidance."

Mickey said, "You are welcome as guests and as friends of our friends, Jonathon and Calveen. With their ladies, I am sure they will welcome you and help you work into the Oaks' methods for the duration of your stay.

"I wish they would stay permanently but acknowledge their desire to start a new city south of here. We will support them and wish them well in that endeavor."

I came forward, "Calver, please come to our home. This evening, I believe Mickey and the Elders will want us to join with everyone in the square to take supper and celebrate. Again, it is good to see you."

"It is good to see you, too, John Moore. However, it is a bit sooner than I had planned." He responded.

Janet and Mae whispered for a moment and Mae left. Janet said, "Mae will prepare for your coming to our home. We look forward to you joining us there and meeting to others who are part of Moorehome."

I said, "Thank you, Love. She is pregnant and I have requested she take things easy. Sometimes, she listens to me. She has a helpmate in Mae. She threatens to have me get her pregnant, also."

"Ha, Ha! Such threats!" Calver chuckled.

"Would you like to live with two pregnant women?" I responded rhetorically.

Mickey and Calveen joined him in their laughter.

Mickey then said, "We have been fortunate. Jonathon and Calveen came upon us just in time to rescue our people from a group who had planned to enslave us. The Cincy's were of the opinion that all people were meant to serve them. Jonathon and Calveen proved them wrong. Our Elder was killed in the fighting and I have just assumed his position. I would appreciate your joining me here at the square to debate our functions and advise me."

Calver looked surprised, but said, "Of course, while we are here, I will be glad to help in any way I can."

Janet said, "Calver, please join us now. You, too, Calveen, with your ladies.".

Calver looked at his son who smiled and then said, "I will be glad to join you and see the redoubtable Janet in action. You know, John Moore, the two of you make quite a strong pair. Your relationship affected my thinking more than you may realize. Our Sin Loos ways would never have permitted a person like Janet to blossom." He smiled at Janet, "And Janet in full flower is a flower to behold!"

Smiling and laughing, we headed toward my home with my ... lady. I had to admit to myself that I liked that thought.

Upon arriving, Calver went directly to Janet again and embraced her saying, "Janet, I am truly glad to see you and hope you can put up with me."

If Janet were shocked, she hid it well and said, "Charge Calver, you are always welcome in our home. Mae, please get drinks for Calver and Jonathon." Mae scurried off with a smile. Janet came to me and we hugged and kissed.

Mae left and Janet led us into the main room, got us seated, and returned a moment later with drinks for the three of us.

She said, "From what Jonathon and Calveen told me, Calver, I did not expect you so soon. What happened?"