"No," the man answered, "though if the lady in the future should offer I would not find the offer disgusting. I speak because she has done much good for me, and, for my people."
     "Thank you!" the councilman snapped, "You may leave."
     The woman was motioned forward, and she took the podium. "I come," she began, "to beg for the life of my son. Though his father was a Kracken he is not Kracken. He has been a good and faithful son. The Krackens made him a policeman because he is a half blood, but he has always been fair and just to our people. He hates The Krackens almost as much as we do! He is not like them. You can ask all the people in my community. Not one of them speaks ill of him. He is well respected, and I do not see why he should die. His brothers fought in the battle and wondered why he could not fight with them. And I am one of many mothers who begs for the lives of their children. If these good people will take them away, make homes for them elsewhere, and allow them to do good things, let them be given to them. That is all I can say."
     No Councilman rose. Without instruction Raul retook the podium. "I think you can see," he remarked, "you have a problem, a problem that could quickly tear your people apart. Some seek vengeance, but many seek justice. I think you should be carefully reconsidering your decision."
     "Yes," Ting Gon spoke up, "I think we should be. But it should be something for us to discuss among ourselves. Do leave us, my friend. We will summon you when the decision is made."
     Raul left. When he went outside he was cheered by the gathered crowd. He waited nervously in his quarters while the hours passed.