Commander. The enemy massed where your orders
said we were going. When the orders were cancelled and new orders
given, you must have suspected something. "
39 The other Officer looked lost. "I must be stupid!" he sighed half
under his breath. "I never suspected a thing! I should have known you
never change orders at the last minute!"
40 "Well," continued North.
41 "General Of The Fleet," the Officer told him, "and Governorship for
my two brothers, and pardons for all members of my family involved in
The Rebellion."
42 North reached in his pocket and pulled out a small container and
laid it on the table between them. It contained a single capsule. "I
don't want a trial," North snapped. "That will make too much trouble,
and bring shame to your family. That's quick; you die within a couple
of seconds, and it leaves no trace. It appears to be a heart attack. No
dishonor, no removal of your name. You will die a hero. No one will
know but me."
43 The man was shivering now, looking at the capsule. "Please, North,"
he begged, "Please! I'll resign. I'll disappear. I'll never cause any
trouble again. Please!"
44 "You have forty hours," North snapped, as he rose. "After that I'll
order your arrest." North turned and walked out the door. Behind him
the man was crying, still begging. North nodded to the Tube Operator,
and in moments was back on his ship. Minutes later his Operator
returned, and they started back for Hades.
45 They were about half-way through the trip, when North received a
message. The Commander of the Fifth Sector had been found dead of a
heart attack in his shower. Did North have any special orders
concerning transfer of Command?
46 "Tell them no," North announced. "His Second In Command is deserving
of the promotion. He may take what other promotions he deems
appropriate. The