[Events cover a span of time, ending at 7 Dec 1998 in the chronology.]

Bambridge, living in great comfort in the Nagai Empire during his "exile" from Rephidim, is briefed on a growing problem, now approaching a year since the Emperor-Potentate made a bold proclamation regarding the Savanites: According to the proclamations granting freedom to Savanites, any who were born after the day they were enacted would be considered free, not enslaved. However, if their parents are still slaves, there rises a problem about who will care for the helpless cubs. Various "solutions" to the problem have caused more than concern in the City of Hands, and the Twelve-Times-Twelve have been pressing for action.

Bambridge heads to the City of Hands, where he proposes to the Priest-Queen his idea: Found an "orphanage" for freed Savanite cubs. And so the orphanage, supported secretly by the Savanites, comes into being.