Hashons with past space experience in the
commercial fleets, and given them partial training for the positions
they will occupy. As these ships will be for the defense of local
systems, and will only be equipped with system drive, it shall be the
responsibility of the local systems to pay for their manufacture and
upkeep.
15 If the situation should warrant, I am prepared to order the
construction and crewing of more vessels if I feel they are needed for
the defense of The Empire. However, should these vessels be called into
Fleet duty, The Empire will reimburse the colonies for the cost of
their manufacture and upkeep to that date.
16 The first of these vessels shall be on station and operational
within two months’ time. Those stations involved in this project will
now receive their quotas."
17 A Haven Governor stood up. "My Lord," he complained, "this is
impossible! The hulls could not even be prepared in two months’ time!"
18 "You will find," answered Morn, "the hulls are already built and
most of the vessels are already engined. I had it done under the
pretense that they
were to be exploration and research vessels, paid for by my own funds.
However, the colonies will now absorb these costs. I do not believe
there should be any questions. This meeting is now adjourned."
19 Within minutes communiques were flashing back to Haven. At The
Capitol The Lord God read them with interest. Two of his Admirals came
in. "We cannot permit," they objected , "the full crewing of vessels
with Hashons, with only three Officers to stand between them and
rebellion!"
20 The Lord God put down the communiques. "I have made it VERY CLEAR
before," he snapped, "that Lord Morning Star has complete authority in
his sector. What he orders is Law. I am not used to repeating my
orders, nor do I like having to! Do I make myself quite clear,
gentlemen?