much all night you've soaked the bed! You could
probably stand a good combing, too. But a shower will do for now. I'll
send up to your room for a clean uniform and underclothes. Leave the
outside of the shower unlocked, so I can bring them in."
35 North knew better than to argue with the Doctor. He put on the robe and allowed the Doctor to escort him to the end of
the hall. One of his men was outside the Doctor's door and joined them.
Several of the showers were unoccupied so North didn't have to wait.
The Doctor had the Crewman stay with North while he went for North's
clothes.
36 North had to admit the Doctor was right; the shower felt damned
good! His fur was matted and needed a combing, but he didn't have time
for that now. As he got out of the shower, he found his uniform and
underthings waiting.
37 He dressed and stepped outside, finding his Number Two waiting. He was holding a readout board. "Sir," he
announced, "ever since the news got out I've been swamped with
requests! The Admiral of The Fleet wants to give your father's eulogy
at the burial. I've got about twenty Admirals that want to be
Pallbearers and almost everyone wants to stand a short watch in the
Honor Guard.
38 How long do you want the body on display? The funeral parlor already
has round-the-clock reservations for the next six days! They request at
LEAST that long. Your father's will stated that donations be taken in
his name for the General Service Relief Fund. We've already taken in
credit vouchers for over two-hundred-thousand credits! Your father was
a very popular man!"
39 "Yes," North answered, "VERY popular. Let me see the list." He took
a pen and marked six names for Pallbearers. "The Admiral will be fine
for the eulogy," he agreed, "he and my father were good friends. I'd like to see the
text of his speech, though. He tends to be