40 "I'm functional," North assured, "though I'm a
little shaky. I've got to get my affairs together. I'd like you to come
by for supper, Morn, in about three days, sooner, if it's necessary."
41 "I'll be there," Morn assured, "you just tell me when."
42 "Let you know," North promised. "Right now you'll have to excuse me,
Morn. I've got to get home. They don't know yet. It's going to be hard
telling them. The Doctor says the survival rate is very high, but I
think he's avoiding the issue of personality survival."
43 "I'm sure Doc Astra," comforted Morn, "would not keep anything from
you."
44 North shrugged and forced a smile. "All right," continued Morn,
"I'll be awaiting your call. Signing off."
45 North hurried home and informed his family. Both his ladies took it
well, and began to make plans for dealing with his recovery period.
46 As soon as Morn had broke the connection with North, he had been
typing in Doc Astra's number. The old Haven did not look surprised.
"Been expecting your call, Morn," he announced with a smile. "Can't
tell you much more than was in the report to Command. It's a pretty
straight forward tumor, but it's one of the most nasty varieties.
Nothing half way with my boy North! It's a pretty standard operation."
47 "Are you going to do it yourself?" Morn asked.
48 "No way!" the old Physician answered. "This is far beyond my skills!
Oh, I can do microsurgery in an emergency, but I wouldn't even dream of
going in after a monster like this! I want Sure Hands Fox. He's the
best brain man there is! But of course he's Hashon, and Medical Command
is putting up a stink about the security risk."
49 "Aren't there Havens as good?" asked Morn.
50 "I don't want GOOD," Doc Astra snapped, "This is for North. I want
the best we can get!"