Lao gulped and choked off his tirade.
"I'm here to try to stop these divorce proceedings between you and your wife," said Roche.
"Don't you think you've come to the wrong people?" suggested Alina, apparently not nearly as impressed by Roche's badge as Lao was. "My sister is the only one who can stop the divorce."
"Besides, it's too late," said Lao, regaining his voice. "The hearing is finished. The judge will give his decision in a moment."
Roche said, "That can be stopped at a word from you. As a matter of fact, the judge is waiting for me to confer with you before calling the court back into session. I've told your wife why the government is interested in preserving your marriage. She is willing to drop the divorce proceedings if you are."
"Perhaps you'd better tell us why," said Alina coolly.
Roche sighed. "All right. But it's rather involved. We haven't let it be publicized widely, but the world is faced with a very serious sociological problem. I suppose both of you are aware that there are a great many more women than men."
"Of course," said Lao, his face brightening with reminiscence.
"Of course," concurred Alina, giving Lao a thoughtful glance.