effective Punishment.
56 It would be considered by the rest of The Haven Officers a grave
insult towards North. Yes.... six month's sanction. It will be a
punishment that will do no real harm to The Republic, but will still
carry our message of authority. Are we agreed?"
57 One by one the left hands around the table rose. only one councilman
withheld his approval quietly rose. "What is it you wish to say?" asked
Morn.
58 "I am not in disagreement, Lord, " he explained' "with this plan,
but the basic problem I see here is Lord North's lack of understanding
of our ways. He is a good man at heart, and I believe with the proper
education he will be a better man.
59 I will agree to this punishment on the condition that a trained
Speaker be assigned to Lord North's vessel, and let Lord North be
required to study our Laws with this speaker, for a year so that in the
future there be no question that he have a full understanding of our
Ways."
60 "I don't know," objected Morn. "North is not one that likes to be
forced into such matters. He already knows a great deal of Hashon
customs, and deeply respects our ways. But to force him to study our
Law might have serious reprocussions among our Haven allies.
61 Many of them still hold a deep belief in some form of God, which
North nor I discourage. They may look upon such a decision as an
attempt to force The Hashon Religion on them. They are a proud and
valiant people, and do not respond well to coersion."
62 One of the Havens on The council rose. "Lord, " he argued, "I think
you underestimate my peoples' ability to rationalize. I think the
majority of them will see the true nature and need of this sanction and
approve wholeheartedly. I agree with my knowledgable counterpart. I,
myself, need more education in The Hashon Ways."