23 Only one vessel from each group would take up
orbit. Shuttles from each vessel carrying a party of five would then
land at the prearranged point. North, Morn, Bright Star, and two other
Officers would make up their party. North, himself, eased the shuttle
out of its bay and began to drop from orbit. The two ships landed in
almost perfect unison. Their ramps lowered and the escorting Officers
disembarked first, saluting their counterparts.
24 Then, The Lord God emerged from his vessel, accompanied by a Priest,
and, a General. Morn, North, and Bright Star disembarked walking to the
mid-point between the two ships, greeting The Lord God. Morn felt
uneasy, as did North. The present Lord God looked so much like his
predecessor, that it brought back painful memories for both men.
25 The Lord God greeted both North and Morn. "Several days ago," he
announced, "a party sat up a comfortable place for us to converse in
that school over there, the climate here is not all that comfortable.
Shall we proceed there, and conduct our business?"
26 "It sounds appropriate," Morn agreed. "But you will not object if
our Escort checks the building, first?"
27 "Never," agreed The Lord God , "have I considered you a fool, Morn!
By all means let your Officer do his duty in seeing to your safety. I
would accept nothing less!"
28 North nodded to his man, who hurried off. A few minutes later the
Officer returned. "Building secure, sir," he announced.
29 Morn motioned The Lord God forward, and fell in behind him. They
made their way to a large room with comfortable chairs along two
tables. They seated themselves and The Lord God insisted they have
something to eat and drink before they began.
30 When all were appropriately refreshed, The Lord God began to speak.
"It has become apparent to me,