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KarmaBaraka,” Olaf added after a moment to be sure they were finished speaking.  “Aisling’s friend and companion.”
    “I am pleased to meet you as well, Miss Baraka,” Elder Vulpiran said.  “I am grateful that you are accompanying Miss Aisling.  We will do our utmost to make both of you as comfortable as possible while you are here.  However, please note that we do not have any females who work with us in the Council Complex, so we would ask that you feel free to let us know if there is anything you need or want.”
    “No females?” Karma asked curiously as Elder Vulpiran turned and politely gestured for the women to walk beside him as he started down a long hall.
    “Unfortunately, no,” Elder Vulpiran replied.  “Only Clan Jasani may sit on the Council of Scientists.  As we have only four female Clan Jasani, all of whom are busy with more pressing responsibilities, we have been deprived of their company for some time now.  Our studies suffer greatly for the lack, I am certain.  Arima Katre has been here a few times, but she does not stay for long.  It is our greatest hope that we will soon have as many females here as we have males.  That will truly be a wonderful day for Clan Jasan.”
    “Why do you say your studies lack?” Aisling asked.
    “Good question,” Elder Vulpiran said, looking at Aisling thoughtfully.  “I believe that all of us within the Thousand Worlds are connected.  All of our worlds have similar atmospheres and ecosystems, and all of the people, no matter how different they may look from one another on the outside, share many fundamental genetic, biochemical, and physiological similarities.  I also believe that everything has a balance, and a counter-balance.  An equal, and an opposite.  If you have only one half of an equation, then how can you complete it?”
    “That’s a bit over my head,” Karma said with a grin and a half shrug.  “What about you, Aisling?”
    “I think he’s correct,” Aisling replied.  “I’ve often thought the same thing myself, in fact.”
    “We do our best,” Elder Vulpiran continued, smiling companionably at Aisling.  “But without the feminine viewpoint, our best is never as good as it should be.”
    “Now that a few Arimas have been found, do you think that will change?” Aisling asked.
    “I fervently hope so,” Elder Vulpiran replied as he stopped and opened a door.  He stepped aside to allow the women to enter first, then followed them in when Rudy took the door from him. 
    The room was mostly bare, and had no windows, which Aisling preferred.  There were workers bustling around unrolling rugs and assembling desks as they entered.
    “We are setting up this room for you to work in,” Elder Vulpiran said as he led them to a corner out of the way.  “It will be ready for you by morning.  We are adding two vid terminals so that Miss Baraka will have something to occupy her while you are translating.  If there is anything specific that you would like us to include, please do not hesitate to ask.”
    “I’m sure that whatever you do will be sufficient,” Aisling said politely.
    “A coffee maker would be nice,” Karma put in.  Aisling shot her a sideways glance and Karma shrugged.  “Well, it would be nice,” she repeated.
    “It is already planned for,” Elder Vulpiran said.  “As well as a small chiller stocked with refreshments.”
    “What would be the best time for us to arrive tomorrow?” Aisling asked.
    “This room will be ready first thing in the morning,” Elder Vulpiran said, shooting a glance at the workers.  “You may come in whenever you please.  I will make myself available to you when you arrive.”
    “We will see you in the morning then,” Aisling said. 
    She would have preferred to give Elder Vulpiran a specific time for her arrival, but she had no idea how she would get there, or even where she would be staying, so she couldn’t do that. 
    “We will be sure to have the ladies here