announcement has been made."
40 At the steps of the city's Great Temple the vehicle stopped. North
and his party climbed the steps. Spearos stood by the Temple door.
"This is blasphemy! " he screamed, "I forbid it! This cannot take
place!”
41 The Priests came forward. "You have no authority here," one of them
snapped. "Back off, or we will forcibly remove you. The Path Of Change
must not be blocked."
42 Spearos hesitated for a moment, then backed away, allowing North and
his party to continue. "The ladies will go on to a place of honor,"
explained the Priests, "Will you step in here, General?"
43 North obliged. "Would you be so kind as to remove your uniform?"
requested the Priest.
44 A little bewildered North obeyed. He was dressed in a simple white
robe that had been altered so it appeared to be Peepian, but fit a
Haven's special needs. The Priest stepped back. "It is excellent!" he
said. "A carpet has been spread so your bare feet will not feel the
coldness of the floor. I know you have no idea of the ceremony, but I
beg of you, simply allow it to go forward. Nothing will be done that
will disturb your customs."
45 North nodded. As he entered the hallway he noticed it had been lined
with Peepian Soldiers dressed in traditional costumes. The two Priests
followed him on either side and North entered The Temple. Music played
to which he was not accustomed, and he came before the great Altar Of
Change, showing his symbol, the Open Hand, The Palm Of Peace. There,
The High Priest stood in the plain robes of an ordinary Priest.
46 When North was before him, The Priest motioned two of his companions
forward. One carried a glass vile, the other, a bowl of water. The High
Priest took the vile and poured it into the bowl. Then, he knelt down
before