11 "I seem to remember," remarked North, "a few
years ago when I was in a really bad mess a certain someone got me out.
Now, I don't mind saying I'd take any risk for him. This is one
time, Morn, they're NOT going to get away with it. Your mother was a
great woman, and deserves justice. Now you know, sooner or
later you'll do something about it, that's the Hashon Way. So let's do
it together!"
12 Morn got up and walked over to his friend. Grabbing both his
shoulders he smiled. "Alright, friend," he agreed, "we do it!"
13 Two days later they were sitting in The Commandant's office,
requesting permission to leave Academy the following weekend. "You
know, gentlemen," rebuked the Commandant, "it is strictly forbidden for
Cadets to leave Academy during their period of training except in
absolute emergencies. Now, you ask me for permission to go off station
and won't give me a concrete reason why? The answer, gentlemen, is no."
14 North weighed carefully what he was about to do. If the Commandant
wasn't to be trusted, it would be trouble. But he took the message tape
from his pocket. "Sir," he began, "what is on this tape is
confidential. As far as anyone is concerned, for your own safety,
you've never seen it! Whether you read it or not is up to you!"
15 The Commandant took the tape, turned it over and over in his hand as
he stared at North. Then he shoved the tape into the viewer and began
to read. His eyes grew wider as he read through the information.
Finally, he switched off, took the tape from the machine, and held it
for several seconds, looking at Morn. "I'm sorry son," he sighed,
"there's no need of things like this. We're SUPPOSED to be a civilized
people. But some people will do ANYTHING if they think it will advance
their status. You both may leave station, but there's a condition; a
couple of my friends and I go with you."
16 "Sir," Morn asked, "do you know what we intend to