Guard.
28 When North was securely strapped in, The Lord God turned to the
young Officer. "Serve your new master well," he ordered. "I am sure he
will ask you to do nothing that would betray your loyalties, for he is
an honorable man. I will see your family is sent to you with all honor,
for I know you were not a part of this shame." The Lord God made his
way out of the craft and Morn followed.
29 "Do you need a pilot?" Morn asked.
30 The Lord God smiled. "Do you forget," he reminded, "I was an Under
Cadet in your class, and have myself, commanded a warship? I think I
can fly a bus! Under the circumstances to save face, I think I had
better give you something. You asked for an exchange of prisoners and
personnel. You have it! How long do we need; six months?"
31 "I should think that should be sufficient! " Morn agreed.
32 "Very well," continued The Lord God. "A suspension of hostilities
for the next six months. A complete exchange of prisoners. Any persons
desiring to leave Imperial territory for that territory you control may
do so, without threat, and may take their personal property with them.
But you have to send transport to pick them up. We're a little short of
freighters for some reason. Those ships of course, will travel under
my protection, and, their crews.
33 I will not even question any treachery. I know there will be none.
These ships of course, can bring in any persons wishing to return to
The Empire, but after that six months, Morn, understand, I'll throw
everything I have at you.
34 I've made a reasonable offer. You didn't accept it. I've tried for
peace. After that it will be up to my Generals. Perhaps it is better to
get those