each person in their quarters, as soon as you
find them. If you find anyone out of their quarters that has already
been marked, take them into custody, but any unmarked person you will
escort safely back to their quarters and mark them.
46 Remember, gentlemen, this is a civil disturbance, not a rebellion.
You will fire only if fired on. I want no reports of brutality. Use
only as much force as necessary to protect yourselves, no more. Make
sure your troops understand that. Any violation of orders will be dealt
with severely, and you know my idea of severity. Now, get to your
units. Commander Northern Star, come here!"
47 While Morn had been speaking, someone had brought North battle gear,
and he was donning it. He picked up the shield and walked over to Morn.
Morn was limping and already looked weary. North wondered at his
father's wisdom of putting him in such a hot spot.
48 "First of all, Commander," Morn began, "I want you to know your
family is safe in The Palace with mine. Now, I'm giving you the park.
It's a nightmare. You've got to get in there, and stop that carnage.
I'm putting the Cadets from Academy and Ground School in The Palace,
and giving you fifty per cent of The Palace Guard. You'll need the best available.
49 I'm reinforcing you with the crews of about twenty ships. The Guard
has the area contained but they don't have enough men to go into the
park. They've already lost over five-hundred Guardsmen. Are you up to
it?"
50 "Nobody's ever up to this!" said North, "But I'll get in there. Any
special orders?"
51 "I've seen tapes of what The Purists were doing to people they
captured. You have readout pictures of those responsible. Make sure if
those people are still alive they're taken into custody. I WANT THEM!
If they resist, burn them! But if you can, take them alive. I