34 North had already arranged with his people.
When all was prepared, he would merely speak into his command com the
order to transmit and the message open order from Northern Star "Defend
The Empire, repeat, defend The Empire,'' would be sent. Within moments
of its arrival his people would be active, seizing those colonies they
did not have complete control of and waiting for the order to attack.
35 Just as North was entering The Temple, a messenger ran up. "A
message from The Lord God!'' he announced. "It's in your private code!"
36 North stepped aside and plugged the computer chip into his battle
com to read the message. "General Northern Star, it is my fear Lord
Morn may be afflicted with the mental illness common to his mother's
people. If he should disobey my orders in any way, you are to arrest
him and proceed with the executions.
37 Lord Morn is to be executed with the rest of the traitors, if he
fails to carry out my orders. You will take his place and inherit The
Imperial Throne. The Lord God of Haven, and, All The Universe."
38 North pulled the computer chip from his command com and put the com
back on his belt. Then, he shoved the computer chip into a nearby trash
disposal. Without further thought he took his place in The Temple. He
had complete control of the situation. Any Officer's weapons who he had
doubts about, had been disarmed. Only his people had active weapons and
shields.
39 The Hashon prisoners were marched in, and stood before the image of
the current Lord God. To the blare of music, Morn entered, taking the
podium. "You all know why we are here,'' he began, "you all know what
my orders are. The Lord God has commanded that I free the Hashons to
become members of The Empire, but that I execute these men who still
hold the Faith of The Old Religion.
40 On this five-hundredth Anniversary of Their