around. Then, she looked back to North. "It's up
to my women," she announced, "whatever they choose I will do."
16 "Then let any women who will join us," suggested North, "rise. Let
those who will not, remain seated."
17 North 2 walked to the edge of the stage and looked down at one of
the Deck Officers sitting in the first row. "Come," he pleaded, "let us be partners, let us not
stand against each other, but let us fight together."
18 The women rose, and with North 2's help, climbed up on the stage.
The other men went forward and soon there was a woman standing with
each one of them. Before long, there wasn't a man in the theater from
the crew that didn't have a partner. In a few moments, the rest of the
women came to their feet, and North turned back to their leader. "It is
done," she nodded. "We're with you. I accept your authority as my
equal, but never my better."
19 "I can live with that!" North agreed, "And I'm sure you can, too. As
quickly as you can, without rousing suspicion, conclude your business
on Hades and head for the colony my Officers will direct you to. I
think it best we disperse your crew. But I'm sure you would prefer a
battle fleet to a single vessel."
20 The woman smiled. "When we have an opportunity," she commented, "I'd
like to discuss some ideas on tactics I have with you."
21 "I will probably," laughed North, "find them of considerable
interest! I'm sure we can find an evening before you depart, to have a
full discussion."
22 The others all laughed. "For now," continued North, "my absence is
going to be missed and I have to return to my duties."
23 "In the future," the woman smiled, "when you need to be elsewhere,
you can also be taking care of your