Chapter Fifty-One
The plans to meet The Empire's next thrust were prepared barely in
time. The enemy attack came precisely from where North had expected it.
His forces fought valiantly but gave ground, and The Goddens pressed
their attack, thinking they were winning.
2 They took two systems or enough of them so they felt secure and
pushed on to Hades. They couldn't take the shipyards, but the planet's
defenses weakened, and they landed forces, taking a great area in the
foothills of one of the desert regions.
3 At the military Headquarters North studied the reports with growing
interest. He had to pick just the right moment. Finally he called his
Officers together. "Tomorrow," he inquired, "in all systems
we spring our surprise. Let The Goddens feel the full wrath of our
people! By the way, has intelligence determined who's leading The Haven
Forces on the ground?"
4 One of the Aides picked up a paper. "Yes, sir," he answered. "A
former member of The Lord's Guard, who has taken a Generalship in the
Ground Forces, someone called The Trumpet Of The Lord God."
5 The wave of fire from North's mind caused several of The Hashons at
the table to jump up and step back. The metal pointer he had
been
holding was suddenly bent in half. North took a couple of deep breaths,
then turned to Morn. "First Speaker," he requested, "no offense to The
Commander of Ground Forces, but I respectfully desire that position
during the upcoming hostilities."
6 Morn turned to The Hashon Warlock down the table. "I will follow
whatever orders Lord North gives," the Hashon announced, "to the death.
My Command is his if he wishes it."
7 "At this late date," enquired Morn, "who could take over your
position, North?"
8 "I was thinking you would," North answered.