newscasts and everything pertaining to the
funeral. His Communications Officer edited it all, and with special
permission from Fleet, it was transmitted over official channels to
North's mother, back on his base station.
48 A few days later she called him. Her joy was obvious. "I'm so
happy," she cried, "to know your father is with those he loves. We're
all packed and
ready to go, as soon as you get your orders. It's taking Fleet so very
long. They must have something very special in mind. Everyone here is
so excited. They're treating us like The Lord God's wife. We've got so
many parties to go to and trips to take.
49 That lovely little girl, the Governor's daughter, is taking us out
to one of the archeological sites on the outer planet. It should be an
adventure! That won't be for a week or more, yet. We can't wait to be
back with you again. See you then!"
50 North, too, felt better than he had in a long time. He finally got a
chance to take that young Engineer up on the dinner invitation. It was
one of the best meals he'd had in ages! He couldn't stop complimenting
the man's sister and when she invited him on a fishing expedition, he
couldn't resist. There was just something about her he liked.
51 So, two days later they boarded a flier for the coast, and picked up
a fishing flier heading out to the shallows. All the way to the coast
they talked about battle tactics and the rest of the people on the
flier looked at them strangely. As North was not in uniform, this could
be understandable.
52 As they were renting North's fishing gear, Sweet Cloud leaned up
beside him and whispered, "I think those two men over there are
following us. They're renting equipment but don't know the least thing
about spear fishing."
53 North laughed. "It's alright," he explained,