“Everyone has a job and contributes in this society,” Gunth said to us as Thom took his leave.


    “All members are productive. Some men, like Thom’s family, do multiple jobs depending on what is


    needed. They enjoy the diversity and wish to know how the entire camp runs. Should you decide to


    stay with us, we will expect you to tell us what you would like to do, also.”


    “Yes, Sir,” I said softly and he smiled.


    “My name is Gunth, Rachel, and I enjoy being called that,” he stated and led us up the steps.


    ninjanovel


    Behind therge stage was an open work space that was enormous. This seemed to be the nerve


    center for the camp. I saw several hallways branch off from this area and I wondered where they led.


    There were maps on the walls and many Paterians working over pads.


    Women covered in glittering beads were working at tables that were afortable height for them.


    Men stood on blocks that put them at a good height for working at the same tables. Five men and two


    women stood at the head of the room. There was a short line of mixed men and women in front of


    them. I could just make out what was being said as we approached.


    Two women were speaking to the Administrators as we approached. A family of men stood beside


    them.


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    “My Sister and I wish permission to mate with Darfus and his Brothers,” the woman at the beginning of


    the Line was saying to the individuals at the head of the room.


    “Neither my Sister or I have ever birthed a child. We are of age to mate and I believe we will seed


    with this family. We get along very well.”


    The men beside the Large woman agreed with her. They enjoyed thepany of these women and


    thought things would work well between them. In the past they’d mated for fun, but they wished to


    create children since the women wereing to that time in their cycle. The family of men stated they


    were ready for child rearing and felt they would be good at it.


    One of the five men at the head of the room spoke to them politely. He asked exactly what sort of jobs


    the females usually did. The Administrator also wanted a list of the men’s usual duties. He spoke with


    the group of female Administrators to insure all positions could be covered.


    “They control breeding?” I asked shocked.


    I had not meant to speak. Gunth didn’t seem annoyed at the question and answered affirmatively.


    “There are several families of Administrators, my Brothers and I are one. We ensure that those wishing


    to procreate do so in a way suitable for the whole of society. It would be unwise to have too many


    women carrying a child at one time or too many men relegated to child care afterward. Since our


    breeding numbers are so good, this is how we handle that.”


    I was confused and looked at Gunth with utter misunderstanding.


    “The men do the child care? How can that be?”


    Gunth smiled and continued to teach. Free men on Pateria were always the child care providers.


    Women knew when their young needed to feed, based on instinct. During the first year the women


    stayed close. As the children started to eat solid food, the maternal role became less and less.


    “Women have no patience for the young,” Gunth said quietly.


    “They are too independent. We men take care of the children as a group and arrange their care.”


    I was still shocked and turned to watch the Administrators at the head of the room.


    They had a tablet that they used to ess information.


    “It would not be an ideal time for us to lose both your talents, cousins,” one of the Administrators said,


    “but it is not the worst time.”