7 "That is not what your Lord Change teaches,"
argued North. "He wrote that each woman should be allowed to rise to
her own place."
8 "He meant," answered Spearos, "within those things that women were
meant for, not to those places that men had!"
9 "You interpret what he said wrongly," North snapped, "to fit your own
small-mindedness."
10 "There is no woman," screamed Spearos, "that is superior to me in
any way!"
11 "I have Hashon and Haven women," argued North, "in my Command that
could beat you into the floor with their bare hands, that could out-fly
and out-shoot you in every aspect!"
12 "Then they have become something other than women," snarled Spearos,
"they have become man shes, and probably climb into bed with their
sisters!"
13 Without thinking North brought the back of his hand across the
Peepian's face, knocking him into the corner. The Peepian's hand
drifted towards his weapon, but before he could even touch it North's
dagger was drawn.
14 "Never," North roared, "NEVER make a statement like that again, or
ever reach for your weapon. Now get out! If you wish to settle the
matter, I will gladly accept your challenge for personal combat!"
15 The Peepian rose and straightened his clothes. "In my anger," he
apologized, "I spoke too far and accept that that I received in return.
If someone had so insulted the women of my people, I too, would have
acted, but all I have said is true, and the fact that my men will not
take orders from women, is unchanged!"
16 "Then report to your father," instructed North, "that we are packing
up and going home!"
17 "Surely," gasped the Peepian, "you would not break the Alliance over
such a small matter!"
18 North remained silent. "Oh, very well!" the