44 "You Northern Star?" the General snapped.
45 "Yes," North answered, "who am I addressing?"
46 "You are addressing," the General screamed, "General Gray Star,
Supply Command. Listen, you, and listen good! You may have got lucky
your first time out, and saw a little action, and Fleet might think
you're a pretty hot number, but Fleet is a long ways away and we're in
charge out here. We're sending back the materials you requisitioned.
You will sign for them and there will be no further complaints
whatsoever! Do you understand, HOT SHOT? You're nothing but another
glory hunting Cadet Graduate, and we know how to handle your kind out
here."
47 "Sir," snapped North, "according to regulations, the Commander of a
vessel may refuse any supplies he finds unsatisfactory. The supplies
you shipped are unsatisfactory. They do not perform to
one-hundred-percent, and from now on, every nut and bolt, every gasket,
every piece of
equipment that comes on this ship, big or small, will be thoroughly
inspected! And if it is not completely up to standard, it will be
rejected. Do I make myself clear General?"
48 "Mister, when I get through with you," the General continued,
"YOU'LL understand things! We'll stick you and that silver-skinned wife
of yours so deep in a hole she'll wish she was a slave again! And maybe
something might happen to you. It would be interesting having a slave
around that's gotten used to Haven men that know how to give it when
it's asked for!"
49 "General," said North quite calmly, "if I were you, I'd be very
cautious. Remember, I have friends in high places, too!"
50 "Yes," the General roared, "I know you're friends with that stinking
half blood. They should have gotten him when they got his mother. But
that won't do you any good, out here. I'll give you twenty-four hours
to accept those supplies, then, mister, you'll think you're in the
Hashon