50 Instantly the screen went blank. North waited
for a few seconds staring at the blank screen, then slowly punched out
another phone number. In a few moments Morn's mother appeared on the
screen. When she saw who was there, she bowed her head and closed her
eyes. North knew that Hashons rarely showed emotion, and this honest
feeling touched him. "So you've heard! " he remarked. "Is Morn there?"
51 "No," Golden One answered. "When he heard what happened, he went
immediately to his Father. He knew there would be many speaking against
you, and he wanted to be there to defend you. He told me to tell you
he'll do the best he can. Though he's young, his Father listens to him
more than many of his Councilmen."
52 "If he doesn't return too late," North asked, "have him call me."
53 "I will," Golden One responded. "Now hadn't you better answer the
door, North?"
54 "What?" North jumped. For the first time he noticed the doorbell was
ringing. "Thank you!" he said quickly, and broke the contact. Hurrying
to the door, he glanced into his parent's room. His mother was still
weeping.
55 He pressed the communicator on the door and asked who was there.
"Captain Grey Moon," came the reply, "of General Star's staff. I have
orders to pick up his battle com and record's chest. Could you let us
in, North?"
56 North opened the door letting the Officer and his four men in. He
led them to the office where the technicians quickly disconnected the computer, attached anti-gravity units to it,
and quickly moved it out of the apartment. The file cabinet followed
close behind.
57 "Will you witness this statement that we picked up the unit?" asked
the Captain. North quickly scanned the document, then signed it. As he
handed back the clipboard and pen, the Officer slipped him a computer
chip. "I'm sorry about this, North," he whispered. "If you need help
later, check this."
58 The Officer quickly turned and left. North slipped the