Havens in the attempts to locate and restore our
old dwelling places so my people can make pilgrimages to those places
that are to us sacred."
15 "Many of my people," explained North, "had no idea
of what our Ancestors had done to your people. I cannot understand
their strange obsession to especially destroy your race among The
Hashons. It made no sense. Perhaps it was your great size, strength and
wisdom they feared. For they had been taught so long that they were the
wisest and strongest of all of God's creations. Seeing you
was dangerous proof that was NOT so!"
16 "Perhaps," the Giant agreed, "it is as you say. I am pleased to
report that repairs are progressing at a satisfactory rate. We now have
a full compliment of system engines that are running at full
efficiency. We also have two
of our star drive engines fully restored. The others will be in and
functional in five days. Our damaged components have all been replaced
with updated units. I would say that in fourteen days we should be
ready for flight.
17 Our cargo pods are all ready floating outside the dock and are
loading rapidly. By the time the ship is ready, the belongings and
dependents of the Officers should be loaded. After that we will be able
to depart at your leisure."
18 "My family," announced North, "will be on board long before that! We
will be able to depart as soon as the ship is ready. However, while the
engines are being readied I will be running exercises with all hands.
This is a new crew with a virtually rebuilt ship. I want to take her
out for a five day run before we attach pods."
19 "An understandable caution," agreed the Giant. ".I will begin
drilling all shifts immediately!"
20 "Very good!" snapped North. "Just one thing more ....I will hope
you don't take this offensively, but it is sort of a hobby with me.
What would your name mean