of the situation and a Psychiatrist also trained
in Droid Management, took I.S. in hand when they reached the hospital.
Some time later he returned to North, who had been stitched up and was
quietly resting.
51 "The droid suffered a level five program shock," the Doctor
explained. "I have explained to him the differences between deliberate
and accidental death. His intent had merely been to push the Peepian
away. Of course in the excitement he, for a moment, forget his strength.
52 The emotional programs of these advanced type droids are extremely
delicate. I think he's responding to reasoning, though, and no
permanent harm will be done. I'm going to schedule him for a couple of
months counselling."
53 "Good!" North acknowledged. "I've gotten rather attached to that
walking junk pile! I never thought I'd say that about a droid, but he's
almost like one of the family."
54 "I know what you mean," agreed the Doctor. "We had a Counselling
Unit burn out last year, and I felt like I'd lost a brother. Some of
the Nurses even cried!"
55 North sat up. "I've got to get back to my duties," he announced.
"I'm going to have to shorten three lectures to get them all in. Keep
I.S. as long as you'd like."
56 "We'll send him along in a few hours," the Doctor promised.
57 North returned to duty and found Peepian Security Guards all over
the station. He had not been the only one attacked! Two other Officers
had also been jumped ....one, female. She had fought off her attacker
and he had fled. The other Officer had killed his but been mortally
wounded, himself, in the struggle. The Peepians were now literally
tearing the station apart, looking for the man who had escaped.
58 "I want him alive, you understand?" North told their Leader, "I want
some questions answered!"