1. How did the people of The Old Worlds bury Their dead?

A. The Hashons cremated Their dead and usually stored Their ashes in several places. The Havens preserved the bodies of Their dead, and built elaborate tombs for Them. The Peepians had many different practices, depending on their individual cultures.

2. What was entertainment like on The Old Worlds?

A. The Hashons and The Peepians had entertainments much like Earth's. But they tended to be much less vulgar or sexually explicit. The Havens were extremely censored. Most plays and t.v. shows were historical portrayals. All entertainment had to have educational value, and had to glorify God, or, The Empire. Haven writers were very restricted.

3. Was there freedom of speech on The Old Worlds?

A. The Hashons had total freedom of speech. There were some restrictions, but these restrictions only insured the rights of the individual and did not really hamper the dispersal of information. The Peepians were a little bit more restrictive, but still allowed a great deal of self-expression. The Havens allowed NO self-expression. The press was strictly controlled and any violation of the publishing regulations was severely punished. The truth was what The Lord God said it was, and was not to be questioned.

4. What was medical care like on the Old Worlds?

A. All The Old Societies provided full and complete medical care for all Their citizens. No person was denied access to medical care because of their social standing or, income. A member of any of these Societies would be appalled by the idea of a medical service making a profit. It would just NOT be acceptable!

5. Was there gambling on The Old Worlds?

A. Yes, but each Society had strict laws regulating it. In all cases individuals were only allowed to wager a small portion of Their weekly income.

6. Did the people of The Old Worlds have organized sports?

A. The Hashons and The Peepians had several sports that had professional leagues, people that spent their full time and made their living from sporting events. The Havens had only amateur leagues. Professional athletes were not permitted.

7. Was crime prevalent in The Old Worlds?

A. It seemed to be much less than in Earth's society, especially among The Hashons and The Peepians, whose laws were very harsh against criminal activity. It was even less among The Havens, who's laws were severe. Once and a while criminal activity would be uncovered, and, severely punished. But the percentage of criminals among all the populations was VERY small.

8. What were the climates of The Old Worlds like?

A. Very much like Earth. Hades was a little drier and warmer. Haven was almost the same as Earth. Peepi was cold because its orbit had been changed, but once it had been very Earth-like.

9. How were children treated in The Old Worlds?

A. All the societies expected children to be respectful and obedient. Parents were responsible for their children's actions, and would be severely punished, if they did not keep them in control. But children were loved in all the Societies and mistreatment of them was also a cause for severe punishment. There were no separate laws however, for children, and, adults. Children committing crimes were under the same statutes as the adults and suffered the same punishments. The idea that youthfulness was an excuse for misbehavior was not accepted.

10. Was divorce permitted on the Old Worlds?

A. The institution of marriage was considered very sacred by all The Societies. There were circumstances under which divorces could be granted, but they were very strict, and only a last resort.

11. Did The Old Worlds have patent and copyright laws?

A. Yes, but they were different from those on Earth, much more restrictive and in most cases permanent. Not only the inventor had the right to an idea, but the rights to it was passed to his descendants. Infringing on these rights brought very severe penalties.

12. Did political leaders have the immunity they had on Earth?

A. No. In all The Old Societies political leaders were held responsible for their acts and in some cases punished more severely for crimes than the general public. The stealing of public funds meant to care for the poor in all The Societies could bring the sentence of death. Political leaders in the Old Worlds were expected to be honest, and if they weren't they were dealt with.

A. Nothing like what exists on Earth. The idea of just giving people shelter, food and clothing and them doing nothing, would have been totally unacceptable to all the Cultures. Those in financial difficulty were given assistance, but They were expected to do some kind of work to earn what They were given. Never, on any of The Old Worlds would you see people begging money in the streets. It was simply NOT permitted.

14. Were there ever social disturbances on The Old Worlds....riots, rebellions?

A. Of course! Every society had its troubled periods, but the destruction of personal and private property was not considered an acceptable form of protest, and rioters were severely punished.

15. Were people on The Old Worlds allowed to move about freely?

A. Yes. Even in The Holy Godden Empire there was good public transportation., Even commoners in their free time, could go to different places. There were public parks, and other areas that were enjoyed by all.