tributed as much to the war effort as had their
brothers and sisters. They were still providing personnel and
materials, according to the old treaties which were based on territory
held, and, population.
108 North called their Leaders together. Though they did not look upon
him as The Spearons did, they respected North highly, and after a few
hour's discussion, agreed to double their efforts.
109 North would have liked more, but it was the best he could do at
this time. Many of the races felt they had traditional roles in Peepian
society. The Spearons had always been the Soldiers. It was hard to make
them understand that against The Empire they all needed to serve in
some way.
110 As North was leaving the meeting, The Hashon Speaker who was the
head of the group that had been sent to teach The Mindlo approached
North. "Lord,” he begged, "we need your help. We have run into a
problem that we are having a great deal of difficulty solving! The
Mindlo are determined to return to a natural way of life, determined to
the point of obsession their women are going to bear children in the
normal manner for the
first time in centuries, and it is virtual suicide! The muscles needed
for childbirth are apathetic.... useless! Their little bodies will
simply not bear the strain!
111 To make matters worse, they have hired men outside their race to
improve their gene line. Our Healers estimate we will lose from
sixty-five to seventy-five per cent of the women in the first
generation. Those that survive will probably never bear a second child.
We have reasoned and reasoned, but they will not listen. We must
convince them to allow their women to
deliver by surgery, until their daughters are strong enough to bear the
normal. way."
112 "Gather up their Council," ordered North, "I will speak with them."