Because Roamer society had been built on interconnected families, strong women often dominated their politics. Throughout human history, politics had usually been based on warfare, strength, and blustering testosterone. Roamers, however, found that female politicians were much better in the peaceful resolution of disputes. Women could talk through problems, get to the root of a conflict and ferret out the real cause for disagreement, which was often an illogical emotionally based slight. Maternal leaders were better at exchanging subtle favors that kept the society running smoothly.

Long ago, Jhy Okiah had been chosen as an acceptable mixture of bloodlines, a compromise from dozens of different clans who would thus be able to make decisions without playing favorites. Cesca, on the other hand, had been selected as the Speaker’s successor because she came from a particularly strong family. She was the only daughter of a merchant and distributor, Denn Peroni, who had accomplished great things for the Roamers.

Seeing the faintest curve of a smile on Jhy Okiah’s lips, Cesca realized that the old woman had already made up her mind about Clarin’s proposal and was merely drawing out the suspense. The Speaker always advised against making snap judgments, because the parties in question might not believe due consideration had been given to a matter, even when the answer was obvious.

So Cesca waited as Jhy Okiah pretended to ponder the plans again. Finally, she asked for Cesca’s assessment. Cesca covered her own smile, knowing the answer she was expected to give. “I believe Engineer Clarin’s proposal would make a good addition to our capabilities. In fact, I would advocate that his modifications be implemented in all new vessels constructed at our Osquivel shipyards.”

“Agreed. Once we know a more efficient way to do things, there’s no point in continuing to use the old method.” Then Jhy Okiah cautioned the elated Clarin, along with the grinning and excited team of engineers who waited behind him. “Remember that no Hansa representative should ever suspect the existence of such modifications. We must maintain our edge.”

The engineer nodded so deeply Cesca thought his chin would leave a dent in his chest. Before he could pack up his plans and rush off, the Speaker held up one bony finger. “Wait a moment. Would it be possible to adapt your intake modifications and power-conversion manifolds to skymines?”

“Skymines?” The engineer scratched his curly head, as if he had never considered the possibility.

She pointed to the plans. “A skymine does not travel far or fast like our space vessels. However, the concepts should be similar and transferable.”

Eldon Clarin glanced at his team members, all of whom nodded quickly, though Cesca believed they would have agreed to anything in their thrill at receiving the Speaker’s approval.