52 "Fleet Commander Northern Star," the Officer
announced, "I know you're scheduled off the next three days, but we
have a problem. The Officer teaching the tactics class has had a
ruptured intestine, and has been taken to hospital in serious
condition. I know it is short notice, but we have no one to cover his
sessions. Operations has advised us that you may send your Number Two
on your runs for the next few months, so you may cover the Training
Officer's schedule. Can you oblige, Commander?"
53 North looked to his son, who was listening to the conversation.
''Your duties come first, Father," Shining Star said with a smile. "I
know it's part of being an Officer. Your personal plans often have to
be sacrificed."
54 North was proud of his son's understanding, but knew he was terribly
hurt. He returned his attentions to the Officer on the viewscreen.
"Tell Fleet to make the arrangements," he agreed, "I want a good,
temporary Third Officer from my ship. It's a good opportunity, anyway,
for my Number One and Number Two to get more practice. Tell Academy I
will be there for the afternoon session. Do you have any word on the
regular Officer's chances?"
55 "One of the personnel at Medical," the Officer acknowledged, "said
it looks good. They've cleared the blockage and repaired the damage.
It's now a matter of dealing with the infection."
56 North nodded. "Signing off," he snapped, and broke the connection.
He walked out into the livingroom to console his son, who had walked
out of the office while he had been finishing his conversation. He
found his son talking with Smiling Moon, one of North's Bodyguards.
57 The Guard Officer turned to North as he approached. "Sir," he
requested, "I'm off duty the next few days, too. It seems a shame to
lose those reservations at the