Chapter Sixty
A few moments later as Hashon Control appeared on
the screen North could hear screams of joy in the background as the
Control Officer gave them clearance to come in.
2 "Welcome home, Morning Star!" he cried, "Welcome home! We had about
given up all hope! You're a beautiful sight to see! What's your status?"
3 "We're pretty banged up," North explained, "we're going to need all
new engines, and a lot of internal work, but nothing, absolutely
nothing is to be done for six months. My crew and I are all going on
emergency leave. The ship is not to be touched until we come back! Do I
make myself clear?"
4 "Understood! " the bewildered Officer answered. "We have a standing
order, here. The moment you reach orbit you are to beam down to the
base hospital without delay."
5 "Understood!" North snapped.
6 Minutes after they entered orbit North was in the hospital being
prepared for surgery. Within an hour the Doctors were working. Several
hours later, North was safely tucked in bed. It was early the next
morning before he woke, and when he did, he felt a familiar presence
near him. "Hello, Morn!" he sighed.
7 "Greetings, old friend!" Morn answered. "You look none the worse for
your incredible adventure! If the reports your Officers have given me
are true, it's one for the books! I am afraid I have contradicted your
orders a LITTLE bit. I cannot permit those you have brought back to lay
without honor, in your ship, for six months. I am arranging that the
bodies be brought down by shuttle and taken to the Haven cemetery in
the desert, and as soon as you are well enough, they will be buried
with honors in the manner of your people. Until then, a Guard Of Honor
will stand over them.