new Officers treated North like The Lord God,
himself, but by the second day they had relaxed a little. By the third
they were using first names.
26 North liked these young men: Little Star, well named because he was
just barely at the regulation height for Fleet Service, Red Mountain,
jovial, boisterous, fun loving. Thundering River, all serious and
business, to cover up his shyness.
27 The young Officers wanted to split the schedule in thirds, but North
said no. He'd take his turn at the command like everybody else, plus
run them through their paces, besides. By the eighth day when they went
into orbit North had these rookies really sharp!
28 At the colony they were treated like heroes, put in the most lavish
suites available, and provided with every comfort, much to Thundering
River's dismay. Half way through the night, he knocked on North's door.
29 As North answered the young woman with him smiled at the younger
Officer as he entered. "Sir," stammered Thundering River, "can I talk
to you a few minutes? It's important."
30 North motioned the woman with him towards the bedroom and a few
moments later she shut the door. "All right, Thunder," said North,
"what is it?”
31 "The lady with me, sir, she wants to…………well, you know, but I DON'T
know, if you understand my meaning. What am I supposed to do? I mean,
I've heard stories, I know the basic thing; everybody knows that, but
what else?"
32 North had to fight to keep from laughing, because he realized how
serious the young man was, so he quickly gave him some pointers on some
of the things that women like. The young Officer looked terribly
embarrassed, but gave a nod when North was done. "Thank you sir," he
sighed, "sorry to put you through that, but I was raised by my uncle,
out on a mining ship, and he