North and his companions into an exercise area.
There stood an exact duplicate of each Officer! "How?" asked North.
16 "Remember when you were injured as a child," the woman asked, "and
they made you a new wing bone? Well, at the same time I borrowed some
cells and I made a complete new North, raised him to realize that it is
women who are really superior, and men who are inferior. Anyone who
might reach a position of power I have copied and educated to obey me.
17 There were problems, like that damn implant in your skull, but we
got around them. Nothing you men can think of to enslave us we can't
overcome. I have thought of everything. Come in, my dear."
18 From the opposite door they had come through Morn entered, but
somehow North knew it was not his Morn. "Now," the woman said, "that
you understand how thoroughly I have planned and how truly pitiful you
are, I have no further use for you. I already know everything I need to
about you. Go ahead, my precious, you know what must be done; all of
you know what must be done! There cannot be two of you any longer!"
19 The Second North drew his dagger and looked out of the corner of his
eyes toward the Second Morn, who gave a casual nod. Suddenly, the
Second North stepped up to the woman and put his dagger under her chin,
while his Officers did the same to the Guards.
20 "I do have a certain fondness for you, my lady," the Second North
announced. "Kindly do not make me burn out your brain! Tell the Guards
to surrender their weapons, now."
21 The woman looked as if she would be sick, but in a half whisper
ordered the others to surrender their weapons. The Second North took
one and, stepping over to North held out the dagger he had been using.
22 "This is yours. Your com is in storage. We'll