these two systems breaking The Godden's supply
lines, and thus ending the threat to Peepi. With that done, we can set
our eyes on other goals. I figure it should take you
two...three years, at the most."
170 North went over the chart. "Looks feasible," he agreed. "We know
we're stretching them thin, and every ship we destroy cuts back their
reserves. My Agents already tell me that some of the systems on the far
side of The Empire have only four or five ships guarding them. All
their strength is around their Capitol planets, or in the system facing
us. Two or three years at the most, as long as you keep up pressure
along the line so they can't concentrate forces against us."
171 "Leave that to me!" Morn promised. "They won't even know you're
gone. Though I wish I could use North 2, but I don't think we could
keep your presence at Peepi a secret. And he's doing more damage to the
enemy where he is."
172 Ever since Morn had met North's double, he had been amazed
at the
similarity between the two. But he had found that inside North 2 was
far gentler than the original. They had spent a whole evening in
North's house discussing poetry, a subject the original North despised,
but that his duplicate thoroughly enjoyed. North 2 was also an
excellent chess player, where North was only fair. Though the two
looked extraordinarily alike, there were difference.
173 "The other things," continued Morn, picking up some papers from his
desk, "is the propaganda our friends on Haven are putting out with your
uncle's help. It's so sad he returned to Haven during the exchange. You
two were very close. The information bureau has prepared these
statements in answer. I want your approval before they're used."
174 North quickly scanned the documents, at the