took The Bread and The Wine. I think you have the
makings of a great Speaker. I think some day YOU will wear these robes."
58 North burst out in a fit of uncontrolled laughter. "Me?"
he gasped, "A religious Teacher? Let's not be ridiculous, Morn! I'm a
soldier, I'm a fighter. I'm not like you, though sometimes I wish I
was. And by the way, I must apologize for my bad behavior. I should
have realized that you were acting for the good of all, that you would
never do anything deliberately to harm me. Sometimes I'm a
little dumb, old friend."
59 "None of us," said Morn, "are perfect. We all make mistakes. I take
it I can return to The Council and assure them that you will abide by
the conditions of your release?"
60 North nodded. "I'll accept their damned Priest!" he agreed. "Now, if
you don't mind, I'll get back to my duties if it's permissible."
61 "It's permissible!" Morn laughed. "Your things have already been
removed from your cell and a flier's waiting to return you to
Headquarters."
62 Morn noticed Bright Star hurrying from his flier towards him. When
he arrived he did not speak but handed Morn a message Morn read it and
all joy faded from his face. He turned to North. "North, there's been
an accident on one of the ships. Doc Astra was on an inspection tour,
and went into the engine room to help, when the converter blew out.
He's dying, North. There's nothing they can do. It's only a matter of
hours."
63 "I've got to get to a beaming station!" North cried.
64 "Their receivers are out," explained Bright Star, "but I've ordered
a shuttle. It should be here any moment."
65 "Good man!" North praised. "See you later, Morn!"
66 The sound of the approaching ship made North's