Joza-Varu-Paf had not harmed anyone, but probably could; so no locals, even Frib the Banjolorian lady, perceived any need to try apprehending her. Especially in view of the visiting superhero seeming to have a handle on the situation. The situation had now led Jared and Joza to sit on a public bench: not hidden from sight, but no citizens were crowding close.
"Because we Sapphires can instinctively detect goodness in a man's heart, no marriage entered into by a Sapphire Sister has ever failed in devotion and love. I personally know two near-human sisters, Nolarivu and Luvardra, who married human-male Green Flashlights."
Jared, his neck at ordinary length for now because picking up radio signals might distract him, replied, "My parents back in Uganda have a great marriage to this day; their golden anniversary is coming up next year. Under God, the reason for their success is that they began with a resolve always to be kind and fair to each other."
The purple-haired, yellow-skinned beauty reached over with graceful fingertips (whose trimmed nails were naturally purple) and caressed the superhero's dark cheek. "Kindness and fairness are the very essence of the Heart Sapphires!"
Jared (though single, and aware that it was true about interspecies marriages in a science-fiction reality) was not going to leap headlong into a relationship with a stranger who had just been advertising Marxism; but his impression of her so far indicated foolishness rather than deliberate evil. "Kindness and fairness are wonderful, but clear DEFINITIONS of kindness and fairness are needed."
Joza recoiled. "What are you doing, Jared? In the middle of a perfect romantic scene, you start LECTURING??"
Hoping he was doing the right thing, Black Giraffe elevated his own head to a level with hers, eye to eye. "You weren't lecturing when you described the advantages of being able to SEE goodness inside other people. Accurate truth doesn't ruin love, it nourishes love. If you and I are to be even so much as friends, we both need to work at understanding what's going on. You already scored sincerity points with me when you deactivated your powers. Let us continue on our path of sincerity, and LEARN more truth about each other."
//// //// //// //// //// //// ////
The seaport of Raxamento was widely known by now to have known to have been disturbed by those who wanted to deepen the social crisis. Being informed of this, Tanya landed the Tantrum at the closest safe place to the waterfront where the boat-shop owner had argued with the meddlers. The data bank aboard the Banjolorian starship had shown that Powurkordeans knew of the existence of Chipdod's race and had no quarrel with them; so Chipdod went ashore carrying a video camera, in case Tanya or Dim wanted to record any discussions.
A hologram-worthy interview soon was forthcoming, when Frib Feenree greeted her fellow Banjolorians. She told all she knew about the clumsy attempt by Drigum Namdre's companions to proselytize for the Distribution Dance. When Dim learned about the surprising turn of events with Black Giraffe and Heart Sapphire Joza-Var-Paf, he remarked, "Jared is no fool. Chipdod and Peeluva, please remain in Raxamento and follow Jared's lead. Master Ying and I will want to see Tien-Hai as soon as possible."
As if this had been a stage cue, Swimmer Mars appeared beside them.
"Good to see you again, Dim. Allow me to transport you and your father-in-law to where your wife is. Pluto still is patrolling the outer system. Dortabesk, I know you'll be briefing the planetary government on our offer of assistance. Tanya, Lashrook and Bahavish, please take your ship to the town of Norvoz; planetary traffic control will give you coordinates. Ask for a woman there named Framtovi Penwin. After dropping off Dim Jargon and Ying Cheng-Li for their family reunion, I shall be hunting independently for any undetected super-villains."
