through that again in six months, anyway, for his
two year physical.
42 If there was something wrong, they'd find it then. There was just
too much going on right now with this new colony and the exploration
ships pushing through his section. North just had too much to do.
43 Little Star came down and sat in the Firing Control station. As
North turned to look at him he was unaware that his own fingers were
swiftly and surely playing over the computer controls until the ship,
unknown to either of them, left its old course, and took up a new
heading.
44 What's bothering you, Little?" asked North, "You've been wanting to
ask me something for days, and haven't had the courage to ask. Come on,
man, out with it! Remember what I said earlier. A Command Officer's job
includes helping his men with whatever problems they have."
45 "Is it that obvious?" Little Star asked.
46 "When you've been on the command deck as long as I have," North
answered, "you learn to read your men, to know when they have problems.
A man with a problem doesn't do his job well. So, you solve the
problem, if you can."
47 "When you married your wife, sir," asked Little Star, "how did you
tell your parents that you wanted to? That you wanted a Hashon for your
bride?"
48 "Well, my father had been dead for some time," answered North, "and
it was actually my mother who encouraged me to initiate the
relationship. She knew we were in love before we did! So, she pushed it
to its natural conclusion."
49 "Oh," remarked Little Star, "She must have been quite a lady!"
50 "She was," North smiled. "She was, indeed!" thinking of some fond
memories.