62 "My parents are dead," the young Engineer replied with a smile. "We were their last children. When my father's
rejuvenation failed, my mother wouldn't even go in for hers. We've
lived over eight-hundred years together, we'll die together, too she
said.
63 They died within a day of each other. I guess the strain was too
much on me because I flunked out of Academy in my fourth year, but I
had my sister to look after anyway. She wasn't old enough to be on her
own. So I took one advanced course in engineering and went to work in
the yards. Now I'm a first shift Chief. I Probably command more men
than you do."
64 "You probably do," agreed North, "and their work is a lot more
important. By the way, you obviously know my name, what's yours?"
65 "Red Cloud," the Engineer answered.
66 "Well, Red Cloud, I've really got to get going. I'm spending the
next few days at The Palace and I'm expected for supper with The Lord
God tonight. And I'd better not be late!"
67 The Engineer's eyes widened. "I've been standing here keeping a man
from supper with The Lord God?"
68 "Give me your call number," requested North. "As soon as I have a
free evening, I'll take you up on that meal."
69 "Yes, sir!" the Engineer snapped. He took out a glow card with his
personal number. "I do some private design work on the side," he
explained. "The plain plastic cards are all right, but I like to catch
people's eye." North laughed and put the card in his wallet.
70 North hurried to the beam tube and got down to The Palace. He was
ushered into the dining room and seated moments before Morn and The
Lord God entered. Morn was at The Lord God's right hand, and North at
his left as this