compared to Morn's mother. I cannot tell you how
much I miss that woman. I regretted putting her out from the day it was
suggested, and I still doubt it was necessity. But let's not
speak of old sadness. There are other important things we must discuss.
79 You two will soon receive your new orders. I will not mention them,
exactly; one of my few pleasures is surprising my Officers! But you
will have new patrol routes, and a new station. There is a growing
problem in The Empire- a Rebel Movement that we have not been able to
crack. We are not sure of its severity, but there are rumors that it is
everywhere in The Empire.
80 Some of my intelligence people fear that even Officers in The High
Command may be involved, but from the cunningness their leader shows,
he is an Officer of considerable experience.
81 You and Morn, North, may be tempting targets for such a movement. SO
I want both of you in a position where it will be easier to send you
aide if need be. Also, your courageous efforts must be rewarded, and I
will see to that.
82 Sometimes, North, things are done in my name in an attempt to please
me, that do not please me at all. Your father's death was one of those
things. You are aware, are you not, that your father's body disappeared,
that when they went back to dump his bones in the sea, the coffin was
gone?"
83 "No," gasped North, "I WASN'T aware."
84 "If the body should be found, North, you have permission to bury
it." The Lord God reached into a compartment beneath his chair, took
out some documents, and handed them to North. "Your father's pardon,"
he announced. "If the body should be found, that will give you
permission for the burial."
85 "Thank you, my Lord!" North answered, taking the documents. Morn
knew North's father's body had