head. The scratches were serious, and bleeding.
The Peepian put the handkerchief he was holding back up to them.
88 "You did well," North commented, " in protecting the lady. I will
see you receive appropriate credit.
This Officer will now take you for medical treatment at my expense."
89 "Thank you sir!" the Security Man snapped as he nodded. The Hashon
Officer quickly escorted the Peepian out the door. North was left
facing a slightly frightened but very proud woman. "She's in love with
you, you know," the woman announced. "That's why she doesn't want me
here. Don't be too hard on her."
90 "I'll find someplace for you to stay," North promised, "and some
work for you to do. There are many eligible men on this station,
perhaps you might find a husband!"
91 "I still owe you a debt," the woman argued. "I must pay and I
already have a profession. Will you not allow me to continue that work?"
92 "If it is your wish," agreed North.
93 "What a shame!" the woman complained. "Why are all the really nice
ones always in love with someone else?"
94 "What do you mean?" asked North.
95 "You and the Peepian lady," the woman answered, "you will excuse me,
but a woman in my profession knows what passes between a man and a
woman, even when they're angry. You couldn't send her away if you had
to! She knows that, your wives know that. I'm sure I will have plenty
of business here, but I think for safety's sake, I had better send you
your percentage by Messenger!"
96 The woman was almost laughing and North joined in, too. "Very well!
" he agreed, "for the sake of your honor. I will give the money to some
Peepian charity. Now, I'd better take you to housing assignments and
catch up