Aniolo-jat, Yeruna-hua, and their clannish co-conspirators never did figure out what had hit them.
Lauren Matthias was greatly pleased by the most recent news. With the Sakuntala once more fighting among themselves, the extremists’ uprising against the Deyzara was dying of internal conflict and uncertainty. As soon as the combatants exhausted themselves battling one another, the more moderate elements among their kind, as exemplified by the Hata Naneci-tok, would step in to reassert control over the immature and hotheaded. These efforts would be discreetly supported (so as not to suggest favoritism among the clans) by the Commonwealth Authority, with favors and with credit.
Amazing what could be accomplished through the judicious distribution of a little money, she mused.
As for the refugee situation that had threatened to overwhelm the Authority itself, it was gradually being brought under control as more and more Deyzara were repatriated to their homes and businesses. Those Sakuntala who had not engaged in the uprising grudgingly consented to their return. Stores and shops reopened in town after town. Commerce resumed. Promises were made—and, more important, kept. Programs designed to foster mutual understanding and improve communication between the resident sentient species of Fluva were funded and activated. Though it was far from back to normal, life in parts of the inhabited Viisiiviisii once again began to approach the tolerable.
But there was still fighting going on, she knew. Still too much hatred and envy. Somehow, that would have to be dealt with.