bring me the name and file of the most Senior
Officer of The Fleet."
11 "Yes, sir!" the Aide snapped. It was a couple of hours before he
returned, and laid a file on North's desk. "Assistant Squadron
Commander Spearonias, of The Lancer."
12 "Isn't that Lord Spearos' ship?" North asked.
13 Yes, sir," the Aide answered.
14 "I know your names are backwards, to us," North continued. "Is
Spearonias related to Spearos?"
15 "By our custom, sir, no. He is the son of Spearon's favorite whore."
16 "Good Lords!" gasped North, "You mean he's his brother?"
17 "By your custom, sir," the Aide agreed, "it would be so, but by our
custom you are only brother and sister if both your parents are the
same."
18 "I see," moaned North. "Summon this Officer immediately! And arrange
immediately," continued North, "that he is replaced on his vessel. If
he does not accept the position I will offer him, he will at least be
given command of his own vessel, or a wing."
19 "There are no such positions available," the Aide complained.
20 "There WILL BE!" North insisted. "You might be surprised! You might
find yourself in a command chair too!"
21 The Aide saluted and left. It was late that afternoon before the
Peepian Officer finally arrived at North's Offiice. He saluted sharply
and North motioned him to sit down.
22 "I am," North explained, "planning on expanding The Fleet by more
than three-hundred ships, nearly doubling its strength. I am looking
for an Officer to command that Fleet. Would you be interested in such a
Command?"
23 The Peepian Officer looked stunned. "Of course sir," he gasped, "if
such a Command is possible. But we