anyway, that The Empire doesn't know about. He's
scheduled to disappear with his ship, crew, and passenger pods in a few
months. Then you will be a desperate young widow with no one to take
care of her, because her brother has decided he doesn't want her in his
home any more. I step in as the faithful employer of your late husband,
and take you into my home as my wife's Servant. Couldn't be better!"
8 "I suppose," agreed Sweet Cloud. "I'm sure you're used to these kind
of things, but it still makes me nervous."
9 North laughed. "Don't worry about it," he assured. "Come on. Set up
the game board again. This time I'm going to get your command ship. I'm
beginning to regret you ever learned this game!"
10 Battle Fleet was the most popular board game in The Empire.
Everybody played it, from Admirals to school children, but it took a
knowledge of tactics and luck, and Sweet Cloud had both. She beat North
twice more before they went to bed.
11 Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, North was meeting Morn
at the briefing sessions. The Officers filled them in on the little
things they needed to know about their patrol: what to look out for in
what system, and which Governors might be troublesome. They were just
about through the briefing when a Communications Officer entered and
handed the Officer in charge a message.
12 The Officer read it, took Morn aside, and handed it to him. Morn
read it, covered his face with his hands, then looked over towards
North, who was still talking with one of the Briefing Officers.
13 "Get everybody out of here!" Morn told the Briefing Commander. The
man nodded , and with silent gestures cleared the room. It was some
moments before North looked up from the readout screen, and realized
Morn and him were the only ones in the room. The look on Morn's face