again tried to convince him that such were only
good battle tactics and in no way immoral. The Peepian, however,
refused to listen.
71 Finally, when North tried to lead The Peepians in their first
maneuvers against The Godens, Spearos, in the midst of battle,
cancelled the maneuver, leaving North's ships cut off and exposed to
the enemy. They fought their way back to The Peepian Forces and drove
The Goddens off with light losses, but North was totally furious.
72 He rushed to the capitol and directly to Spearon's presence. "I
can," he announced, "no longer accept the interference of your son. I
cannot teach your people if he goes behind me and cancels every order I
give. He fights my desire to have your shipyards produce Republic Class
ships. He resists your forces being issued swords, and, shields, and
learning to use them. He abandons my forces in the midst of battle and
leaves me stranded. Enough is enough! I am packing up. I am going home!
Maybe they will send someone else, maybe not. but when your people
really want help, let us know and we will send someone."
73 The old Peepian Leader rose. "You, my son to be, will go nowhere!
Seat
yourself! Have some
wine!" he insisted, I will
be back presently!"
74 North seated himself, and a few moments later a Servant
entered
with a non-alcoholic wine they kept for North's visits. A few minutes
later Lord Spearon returned, but motioned North to stay seated and be
quiet. A few minutes later Priests and Generals began to enter the
Audience Hall and take their seats about Spearon and North.
75 The Hall was filled to capacity when Spearos, accompanied by about
six of his Senior Officers, entered. Spearon, without a word, rose and
walked down the steps standing before his son.
76 "You exposed our Comrade-In-Arms," he explained, "to terrible danger
by at the last minute changing the