28 When Morn heard of North's plans for his
discovery he began to think of some ideas of his own. He did not have
North's trickyness, nor tendency to use illegally obtained information.
But the gaseous giant he had discovered might prove to contain some
valuable heavy elements. He decided to form a mining cooperative and
extensive operation to begin a search for such materials.
29 The day after the first mining ship touched the planet's surface,
they hit power crystals, a huge deposit that would keep the operation
busy for hundreds of years. Morn's crew made out well after all. Morn
too, didn't hoard his riches, but like North began reinvesting them in
other projects. Soon his personal wealth began to rival that of his
friend North. The two entered into some of the pleasantest years of
their lives. They would be all too short before trouble would come
again. But in this time of peace and plenty the two families enjoyed
each other's company, and often spent much time together.
30 One day as Morn and North sat in North's office at his home, Morn
saw the Hashon Symbol that one of North's men had found sealed in
glass, and sitting on North's desk. "Displaying heathen symbols?" Morn
asked.
31 North laughed. "It's kind of a good luck charm. That station has
proved to be far more profitable than I dreamed. Many of the Artists,
Poets and other well-to-do of our culture have decided it's the 'in'
place to be; beautiful floating palaces orbiting a distant sun, where
one can enjoy the pleasures of life and follow their art. I've had no
trouble getting colonists at all.
32 My theaters are the best in The Empire. The tour ships make a long
run to visit my colonies. We sell more souvenirs than manufactured goods. You never know how things are
going to go, do you?"
33 "No," agreed Morn, "you never do."
34 "Tell me something, Morn," North asked. "You might know...why did
your mother's people hold copper sac-