North asked.
7 "It's the new command chair," the Engineer announced, "for the new
Second In Command. He doesn't fit the old one, so this modified version
had to be brought from his old ship. It's quite a feat of engineering."
8 "And just why is it necessary?" asked North. "I read in his records
he's a Hashon, highly decorated and considered a top grade Officer."
9 "I think you neglected, sir, to read the physical description!" Came
a deep, heavy voice from behind North. North turned to find himself
staring into a man's chest! He took a couple of steps back where he
could get a better view of this massive figure. He had heard of Hashon
Giants, but this was the first one he had ever seen! "I'm Quantros,
sir," the Officer announced.
10 "Pleased to meet you," stammered North. "Excuse me if I'm a little
surprised. You're the first Giant I've ever met!"
11 "Quite all right, sir!" the Hashon remarked. "I get the same
reaction from almost every Haven I meet! You must admit, I AM somewhat
of a surprise!"
12 "You can say that again!" laughed North. "I'm considered tall by my
peoples' standards, and you must be half again my height! I didn't know
there were many of your race left."
13 "There are only five-thousand of us," the Giant answered.
"Intermarriage with our smaller brothers and sisters has lessened our
numbers over the ages, and, the fact your people wanted to exterminate
us didn't help. I am one of the first to see our native home since our
long exile.
14 Only recently did I throw flowers into the Resting Place of my
Ancestors, and help uncover our Temple that has been buried for all
these years. I am grateful for the assistance of The Hashon People and
The