"The government has that information," replied Roche, frowning slightly. "We must consider it a soluble problem, because the Calculator has the information on file and it still gave us a high probability on the marriage. The Calculator is a machine. It doesn't make mistakes."
"It's made a mistake this time," said Alina positively. "Lao and I are going to be married. I don't think he will give up our chance for happiness for any such shaky scheme."
"We have no way of forcing him," admitted Roche, "but I believe Voter Protik should speak for himself, knowing how important this is."
"She's right!" said Lao, anger in his tone. "I think the government has interfered with my life enough as it is! I've done my part, and the government didn't even do me the courtesy of letting me know I was doing it. I love Alina. I don't intend to be tied to Grida for the rest of my life just on the outside chance you'll come up with a cure for her sterility."
He turned his back on Roche.
Roche looked at Alina. She looked back, coldly. With a shrug, Roche left them and went through the door to the courtroom.
A few moments later the bailiff threw open the courtroom doors.
Lao, Alina and Grida filed in with the spectators and attorneys. They stood as the judge entered from his chambers, adjusted his black robes and took his seat. The spectators sat down then, but the attorneys and principals remained standing at the bar.
The judge put on his spectacles, looked over some papers, and raised his head to survey the courtroom. Solemnly he announced:
"It is the decision of this court that Grida Mattin Protik be granted a divorce, as requested, from the defendant, Lao Protik.