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. The ancient went on, "Sisu pays debts in full. No half-measures, no short weights -- in full. The fraki must be adopted . . . by you."
Krausa's face was suddenly blank. The other woman, who had been moving around quietly with make-work, dropped a tray.
The Captain said, "But, My Mother, what will the Family --"
"I am the Family!" She turned suddenly to the other woman. "Oldest Son's Wife, have all my senior daughters attend me."
"Yes, Husband's Mother." She curtsied and left.
The Chief Officer looked grimly at the overhead, then almost smiled. "This is not all bad, Oldest Son. What will happen at the next Gathering of the People?"
"Why, we will be thanked."
"Thanks buy no cargo." She licked her thin Ups. "The People will be in debt to Sisu . . . and there will be a change in status of ships. We won't suffer."
Krausa smiled slowly. "You always were a shrewd one, My Mother."
"A good thing for Sisu that I am. Take the fraki boy and prepare him. We'll do this quickly."
Chapter 8
Thorby had two choices: be adopted quietly, or make a fuss and be adopted anyhow. He chose the first, which was sensible, as opposing the will of the Chief Officer was unpleasant and almost always futile. Besides, while he felt odd and rather unhappy about acquiring a new family so soon after the death of Pop, nevertheless he could see that the change was to his advantage
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