44 "They're tender," the Engineer assured, "but
usable."
45 North looked at the Communications Officer. "This is going
to be no hull walk," he warned.
46 "I've done a little outside work," the Communications Officer
responded, "on a freighter you have to be versatile."
47 "All right, gentlemen," North agreed, "it's the four of us! Not a
word, Rivers, I'm pulling rank!"
48 "Request permission to accompany," came a mechanical voice from
behind them. North turned to see the virtually fully restored hull
droid a short distance away. The shiny metal of his new cover
glistening in the light.
49 "Your services will be appreciated," the General smiled. In a few
minutes, having gathered the equipment they needed, the weary party
made their way out the hatch. They had little time left to complete
their work before the first rescue ship arrived.