Chapter Sixty-Three
North was amazed at the tight quarters in which
The Peepians lived. That his family had seven rooms in the space
station appalled The Peepians. Most of them were only allowed two
rooms; one for the adults, one for their children.
2 North was amazed to hear that sometimes twelve people lived in those
two rooms. To save rent sometimes grandparents moved in with a family,
sharing the mother and father's room.
3 No wonder the population of this system was so high! The Peepians
believed in no form of birth control, and once a child was conceived
they did not believe in terminating it. These were Ancient Traditions
that had come from the time long before Lord Change.
4 North knew from reading his Book that Lord Change had hinted these
practices needed to be changed , but after The Great Conflict that had
nearly destroyed them, there was ample room for expansion. After that
technology had kept up producing more living space as it was needed, so
the people had simply clung to their old ways.
5 Women were somewhat restricted, also, in their employment by Peepian
Tradition; not as bad as it had been for Haven women, but still North
knew things had to be changed. The fighting with The Goddens was taking
its toll on the men. Peepian women would have to take an increasing
roll in both production and defense.
6 That North had with him both Haven and Hashon female Officers had
caused the first row between himself and the Peepian Commander,
Spearos. Spearos said his men would not take orders from women, no
matter what their rank, nor would they receive instructions from the
women, no matter how skilled North thought they were. "You
treat your women as equals," complained Spearon, "we know the male is
superior!"