101 North detected many emotions ...pity, fear,
sorrow, shame...MOSTLY shame. "What do you want us to do?" he asked.
102 "Just put an open channel to your computer on a standard hailing
frequency. We will do the rest."
103 North gave Communications the order. "Leave the channel open," said
the other Commander, "until you leave this system. You'd better hurry.
Your friend's situation grows worse. I wish we could help, but if we
speed your journey it will help you take lives and that is something we
cannot do.
104 But I will wish you good journey and express the hope you save your
friend. We must go, now. Now that we are sure the damage we did is
corrected, we can return to our own needs. But this time we will be
more vigilant."
105 The other ship moved off. In moments it shrunk to a tiny dot and
disappeared among the stars. "I don't believe it," gasped Helm, "that
thing moved off at at least factor fifty!"
106 "Gentlemen," said North, "this is official. As far as anyone else
is concerned, absolutely nothing happened when we entered this system.
Pass the word to every other crewman. Keep quiet about this. I'll make
it worth your wile by paying off a great deal of the ship's debt, and
giving each man on board a bonus. But NO ONE is to breathe a word
....understood?" All the Officers nodded including the Medic.
107 "How long to the next leap?" asked North.
108 "About eight hours, sir," answered Helm.
109 "Good," snapped a voice behind him. "That will give me time to get
the Commander to the sick bay, washed up, and checked over!" Everyone
turned to see the ship's Doctor standing in the hatchway.
110 "You were relieved, Doctor!" North remarked.
111 "I'm fine, now!" insisted the Doctor, "Reinstate me!"