Category: Change is the Only Option

Succession advanced… Francos called Megal and Sarita as they entered the patio. “If any men of Refugio still believe that all our women are brain damaged, they are deaf and blind.” He lay back on his cushion and laughed. He had rebelled at spending most of his time in bed. Megal had been wheeled out…

In the tradition of Lysistrata… Ser Roberto Malfe was met by his steward at the door of the Malfe compound. “Ser Roberto, the women of the harem are gone. All the female servants went with them. I don’t know what is happening, but we will try and have your midday meal.” “What do you mean…

A chilling discovery… The servant said that Sera Fernanda Pesch wished to see her. Marta was surprised. She had never been close to Sera Fernanda but knew her from gatherings of the older women. “Please take her to my office, and get a tea tray for us,” Marta said. She left her spindle with the…

The Residency, are they well, will they survive… “What got this started, these changes?” Pentast Morales asked. “Just because we have a new Poh does not mean we have to change all these things.” He had insisted on coming in to see Francos. “I can understand about the women. I recognized some of the women…

The lost are found… “I know there are some extra mats and coverings here in Ser Megal’s room.” The girls had been sent to gather more bedding for the many members of the family who were now staying at Casa Bethal rather than going home. Several families were in mourning, so rather than stay in…

A family shame, a fervent apology… “What is this nonsense that Emiliano that caused this?” Joachim was angry and challenged his nephew. “You call all of us together with this stupid claim? What evidence do you have?” “Is everyone here?” Ricky looked around the room to ensure that all the older males of the family…

Casualties, a search, a damning discovery… “Serept, I need to know, how many dead?” Francos was carried into his quarters at the Residence rather than the central hospital. The family believed it was safer. “Save your strength,” his uncle said. “We have not had a final count. We came close to losing you. Serept and…

A wedding like no other… “What are we to expect tomorrow, Megal?” Francos and Tony were having a quick midday meal break from discussions about what might be traded with Port. Francos had been surprised how badly some of the haciendas needed more food and other basic supplies. There was much that could be traded…

An ominous meeting… “You are certain we can disrupt this ceremony?” Emiliano Pesch did not trust Keeper Malfe, but he knew the man Malfe had hired by reputation. “You can do it without killing all of them? I do not want the death of the Poh on my soul. I do not care if he…

Wedding preparations… “Mama, do I have to wear this long robe? I can barely walk!” Sarita tried to walk across the room in the garment traditionally worn by Refugio women for weddings. “Even in Utopia, women wear skirts for special occasions.” Rita knew most Utopia women rarely wore anything except the one-piece coveralls reminiscent of…