doesn't think he can finish, I want him to step
out, now. I don't want someone burned half way then have to wait for
someone else to finish it. If you can't do it, say so, now.
127 Alright, take your positions. Double ranks in front of them. I'll
take the first one myself. The front rank will have the odd numbers,
the rear rank the even numbers. Make your count, be sure of your target!"
128 "Squad, attention!" cried North. "At a slow march, forward!" North
took the squad into position and they stood at the ready. When the
women's time was up, a Soldier came up to lead them away.
129 One older woman broke away. Running to Morn, she fell at his feet.
"Please, Lord ," she begged, "Please! Let me die with him! Please! Bind
my arms around him!"
130 Morn looked to the man who was shaking his head, and mouthing the
word "No." Morn motioned to the Soldier and the woman was taken away.
Morn could hear the newscaster talking behind him. The man had already
explained the circumstances, and now was describing the scene about him.
131 "Squad," ordered Morn, "attention! First rank, kneel! Draw weapons!"
132 Morn drew his own weapon. "Set medium load, set wide beam. Take
firing positions! " Morn laid his sword across his arm to steady it, as
the others did, the point at his target's feet. "READY!" he ordered,
"AIM! FIRE!”
133 The beams hit the rooftop then slowly travelled up the men's
bodies. Their screams, even through the pillowcases that had been over
their heads, were awful, but each beam swept up and soon passed over
their heads, leaving only a charred carcass hanging on the rail.
"Weapons on neutral," ordered Morn. "Dress your weapons. First rank,
rise. Squad at ease. Squad,