Chapter 9

I was speechless but intrigued. Robby stepped forward and said, "We did not know the leader of the Virginians was a Sin Loos. Were you elected or take over?"

Charlie answered for me. "Some of both. He took over to wipe out a dictator and then we elected him Mayor. He's doing a good job and the people like him and his two mates. Of course, it's not hard to like beautiful women." We all chuckled.

I said, "Well, I'm a Virginian now and plan to remain one for life. These are good people and we just arrived at the right time.

"You have made a long trip. What was your purpose in making such a trip?"

Robby answered, "We had heard of Virginia and that it had an elected government with equality for men and women. Our leader, Jonathon, asked that I lead a group to locate Virginia and offer to include your nation in a partnership with Atlanta and The Oaks. We are developing technology that will make living easier. Jonathon says there was a great civilization and nation covering this land at one time. There is no reason that we cannot unite in partnership to perhaps form another. I was not pleased to hear that you were Mayor of Virginia when I first encountered Charlie. However, he has assured me that, unlike you father, when we left Sin Loos, you have changed and treat women equally."

"That is so." I replied. "On my right usually is Susan, one of my mates who was originally a Lu. On my left usually is my other mate, Katina, from Sin Loos. Susan is part of my governing council, which includes men and women. They are absent while they show Susan's parents around our town. Her mother is the recently retired Senior of the Lu's.

"Her mother and father are considering joining our community. We expect a contingent from Sin Loos soon and might be receiving persons from the Lu's who desire a more equal association. We welcome all with peaceful intentions and who desire equality and free choice. It is different from Sin Loos but also from the Lu's."

Robby said, "We're glad to have a positive greeting and to receive your hospitality. This trip was a risk but Jonathon deemed it worthwhile and I agreed and agreed to lead the trip."

"Lunch should be served as soon as my mates are back. We have a light meal at midday. Please join us. You, too, Charlie." I grinned. Charlie grinned back. He was thin as a rail but could eat forever. A few minutes later, my mates walked in with Susan's parents. I introduced them all to Robby and to Jerry.

I concluded the introductions with the statement, "I've invited the three of them to lunch with us. Charlie's town is playing host to the rest of their party."

We had a fine meal. Afterwards, we met in the council room to talk informally and publicly. I made it a habit to talk there and allow people to listen and even contribute. I found that I learned something and it strengthened the feeling of community in the process.

Robby explained his purpose in coming. 'Jonathon told me to use my judgment regarding future relations with Virginia. If I liked what I found, Jerry and I are empowered to offer an alliance to contribute to our common good. I have two things that are useful to others. We have found a way to communicate over distances. Jonathon calls it radio. It means we have to build things to use including some items that use low electrical power. We have the plans for all this with us."

He continued to tell us about Atlanta and the great progress they were making in building a city and a government. "Jonathon has some great plans and there is much knowledge from his time that we lost in the destruction. Being able to communicate over distances is a real help. We fought off an attack to The Oaks easily due to being able to communicate and with the rifles that we have produced.

"We are further apart but you Virginians seem to be a populous nation. With some our tools, you could dominate any invader."

"That might be good." Charlie said. "We have heard rumbles that disaffected Lu's may attack us because of our equal rights and multiple spouse matings that we allow."

I said, "That's true. It's a fight I don't want but it may be forced upon us. We will defend."

I thought a moment. "Robby, how large is your party? I would like you to join us here to talk further and get to know each other better."

Robby said, "We are fifty. Thirty of us are Atlantans and the other twenty are from The Oaks. That number includes our mates who are with us. Jonathon calls matings 'marriage' and mates 'spouses.' It works no matter what the words if you care."

I looked at old Marie, one of our council members from the town. "Can we provide lodging for all of them?"

She laughed and said, "Bring them on. I'll find places for every single one of them and the mated ones, too. While we're on the subject of lodging, do your mate's parents need separate lodging or will they stay with you." Her look encompassed all three of us.

Katina answered, "They are welcome here in our house for as long as they will stay."

Marie smiled and said, "That makes it even easier. If Robby will give me the details on his party's needs, we will be ready for them tomorrow. I'm guessing that Charlie has given them temporary quarters already." Charlie nodded.

I said, "Very well. Do you want to stay the night here or return to the rest of your party and your spouses?"

Robby said, "I'm newly married and would like to get back to my spouse." That drew chuckles from the room.

I grinned and said, "I understand. Thank you for coming and I look forward to your return tomorrow with your full party. We will have a welcoming dinner then." Robby and Jerry nodded. "Does anyone else have anything else that needs attention?" I looked around and then said, "This time is now over. Thank you for being here. We will be here again tomorrow morning and, at lunch, meet our new friends from Atlanta and The Oaks." I got up and so did the rest of those gathered. We had filled the room with benches with backs so few had to stand. Everyone filed out and I followed my mates into our private area where we were joined by Stephanie and Ed.