"They are more than pleased," the major answered. "These women have come here, they risk their lives for us. They love our children as if they are their own. Yet their own children are far away. They live for the bits of paper they get from them, and their twice monthly calls to them. My friend, my people cannot endure this. They haave come to love the Little Mothers as their own. They can no longer endure them being separated from their children. We cannot imagine your people, as kind as they are, causing such a cruelty. We want you to unite the Little Mothers with their children, to bring them here, that they may be with them."
Samuel shook his head. "I understand your people's feelings," he explained. "I would like nothing better, myself. But there are so many difficulties. We have no housing. They would need to be fed, while the women are in the field, they would need supervision. And they need to be educated. Then, there is the cost of bringing them here. I'd gladly pay some of that myself. There's just so many things that have to be done before we could consider it."
Major Joseph looked somber. "There is space in our schools," he announced, "that is not a problem. And our children are learning your speech so the teachers will be able to communicate with the Little Mothers' children. I do not really think that is a problem, nor, is shelter. I am prepared to give you the rest of our installation with the additional barracks. There should be plenty of room!
Their meals can be prepared at your mess halls. We will provide the extra rations. None of that is a problem. Supervision while their mothers are in the field...THAT is something we have not thought of. As for the funds to pay for their passage we will raise it. I know your own funds are stretched to their limits. You do so much for us with your wealth. It is not right for us to ask you to do more. We will solve this problem of supervision. When it is solved will you consent? Will you bring the Little Mothers' children here?"
Samuel nodded. "Yes!" he answered, "If we can solve the supervision problem."
"Then I will work on it immediately! " the major snapped. "If you will excuse me!"
He hurried off. The Somalis began to empty their portion of the base the next day, tear down the separating fence and refurbish the barracks. Everyone was curious but Samuel told them The Somalis were giving them the rest of the base as the militias were consolidating their installations, mixing their troops as The United Somali Army was being reestablished.
Three days later Major Joseph brought eight older Somalis into Samuel's office. "These," he announced, "are the ones who have volunteered to care for the children, when their mothers are in the field. They will reside in the barracks and see to the children's welfare when their mothers are not at hand, as if they were grandparents. They will help with the wash and see that the barracks is kept clean. They will eat with the Little Mothers and the children, and I will pay them a small salary each month. They are all experienced. They have had many children themselves and have many grandchildren who will be delighted to become friends with the new arrivals. They are ALL of EXCELLENT character. I believe all the problems have been solved."
The major took a check from his pocket and handed it to Samuel. "Their passage fee. We have raised enough that they may be brought by plane to be here all the sooner."
Samuel rose and took the check. "As you have said," he snapped, "all objections have been taken care of. I'll get it in the works IMMEDIATELY! May I express my gratitude to these volunteers for the service they will provide?"
All the Somalis bowed, then Major Joseph quickly ushered them out. Samuel got everything rolling. A week later he ordered all the Indian women into camp for a review at which time Fighting Person Shenra was to receive her decorations. A big crowd filled the yard for the ceremonies. The volunteers went through their paces. The awards were presented, then as Samuel came out to the edge of the platform the women's children were slipped from the crowd and lined up behind the formation.
"I know," Samuel remarked, "you are expecting to give a pass in review. But your gracious hosts have arranged a special surprise for you. In a moment I will order you to about face. When I do you will be dismissed. ATTENTION! About FACE!"
The bewildered troops turned around and there were suddenly cries of great joy. They rushed from the ranks, each going to her children, and were soon hugging and kissing them. Shenra leaped from the stage and soon had two of the children in her arms. Warlock Gandhi pulled herself away from her children long enough to come over to Samuel.
"How long?" she asked. "How long can they stay?"
"As long as you stay!" Samuel answered, "As long as you are posted here they will be with you."
She ran back to tell the others and their squeals of glee increased. It was a joy to Samuel to see them act so much like women. Their properness all the time had been getting on his nerves. He walked down to where Shenra was embracing the children she had run to. There was a boy he calculated to be about twelve and a girl of eight. As he approached Shenra straightened.
"Warlock Commander," she snapped, "this is my son Mohad, and my daughter Kalla."
Samuel nodded. "Children," he began "I'm sure you understand the difference between the truth and a lie, and I think there has been a lie going on here for far too long. You know, my people value the truth greatly, and we can tell when it is not being given to us. This lady is not your mother, is she? I want to know how she is truly related to you."

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