course of battle they expected you to take. Your
jealousy, your greed and stubbornness, have made you ineffective as The
Commander And Chief of our Fleet."
77 Spearon ripped the General's tags from his son's shoulders. "At the
moment," he snapped, "you are rankless. I take from you all authority,
all respect. You are no longer to be obeyed by any of our people in any
way, except in what authority the new Commander of our Fleet gives you,
and I also recommend to this Council sitting here, that when the hour
of my death comes you no longer be considered my heir. Now
take a seat with the other lesser Officers."
78 Spearos was shaking. North could feel he was fighting with all his
will to maintain control. He bowed politely, then with his Officers
following him took a place in the back of the room. Spearon walked over
to North, and tossed the General's tags in his lap. "Those are yours,"
he snapped, "put them on! Is there anyone here who objects?"
79 A Peepian Officer rose. "Though he is not of our blood," the man
announced, "most here would give their lives for this man without
question."
80 Slowly everyone else in the room rose, except for Spearos, and his
Officers. "Everyone who is standing" ordered Spearon, "may leave. Those
who are not, will remain where they are." In a few moments the room was
empty.
81 "I, too, am departing," announced Spearon, "it is your choice to do
with these as you will. But I will say this one thing more ….if any
Peepian Officer disobeys any order you give again, he had better die in
battle, because if he does not, he will die when he returns to his
post. Make sure every single Officer Of The Fleet understands that."
82 North nodded. Spearon rose and departed, by his private entrance.
"Lord Spearos," North snapped, "you will keep whatever Officers that
wish to stay with you, unless