80 When they checked into the hotel, the Manager
insisted on giving them a two bedroom suite, instead of separate rooms.
"We're full up," he assured, "with that Purists' Convention in the
city. The suites are the only thing we have left. I'll give it to you
at the same price I'd get for two rooms."
81 As North was signing the register, the Manager looked at Sweet Cloud
and winked at North. "Good catch, sir!" he commented. North smiled
back. He had told the Security Team to take the night off. He didn't
want them prowling around the hall, making the other guests nervous. He
doubted they would take his orders, but probably would strike up an
acquaintance with the Hotel's Security People, and keep an eye on him
through their monitoring system.
82 North's men were efficient and they saw to their Leader's safety,
even when he got careless. North and Sweet Cloud had a late supper in
their room, discussing their usual topic. North was beginning to
realize that this woman was a tactical genius, that could even teach
him a few things. She had some radical ideas that he really liked. If
he could only get her on his ship! But that was impossible. Women were
not allowed to do any type of military service. It was a man's place to
fight, not a woman's. It was a strict teaching of The Lord God.
83 Women were inferior. They had to be submissive to their men. They
were not allowed any position in which they might have to give men
orders. That was simply unthinkable!
84 North had already killed that idea among his Rebels. One of his
Commanders had commented one day that his daughter wanted to be a Beam
Tube Operator, and had thoroughly studied all the material on the
subject. She had even gotten him to sneak her into a simulator so she
could practice. " "Isn't that a crazy idea?" the Officer had laughed.
85 "No, it isn't," North had answered. "The Hashons