the damage your ill-considered actions have
caused. It is only right that you at least give him the courtesy of
hearing his words."
26 North had been shuffling the cards. "Do you know how to play
Points?" he asked.
27 The Aide smiled. "I am familiar with the game."
28 "We're playing for ten hundreds a point."
29 "I'll play a few hands," the Aide agreed.
30 The droid rose and the Aide took his seat. "I'll leave you
gentlemen," the Guard said, and backed out, locking the door behind her.
31 North shook his head. "I'll never get used to your Hashon ideas," he
laughed, "female Guards guard male prisoners, male Guards guard female
prisoners. Why not the other way around?"
32 "It would make too many problems," the young Aide explained. "Among
our people it is offensive for a man to touch a man, or a woman to
touch a woman. In the circumstances of prison life we feel our Guard
system works better. "
33 The young man completed the series and laid down his hand. North
shook his head. "You're as bad as the droid!" he laughed, "I can't seem
to beat anybody in here!"
34 The Aide took the cards and began to shuffle. "Tell me," inquired
North, "you call Morn Lord. What does that mean?"
35 "Teacher,” the young Aide explained as he dealt out the cards.
36 "Teacher," muttered North, "one who teaches things. I thought it
meant Master, Ruler, one who gives the orders."
37 "The First Speaker," explained the Aide, "is never a Master. He
rules because the people love him and respect his wisdom. He teaches
the Ways of The Lords and keeps The Law."