with you."
27 "My presence will be dulled," complimented Spearon, "with such
beauty at my side. Now I must depart before I start to cry like a
child!"
28 North watched the old man go. He sensed a weary, oppressive
tiredness that he did not like. Every man that he began to look upon as
a father had a tendency to die. North knew Spearon was very
old and did not have much time left. But he wanted him to live to enjoy
his daughter's happiness.
29 North shook off the feeling and was preparing to leave when most of
his Staff Officers and the Head Of Communications entered. "Sir," the
Communications Officer announced, "I will have your battle com."
30 North took the device from his side. The Officer opened the side
panel and removed the communicator's circuit. "That," he continued,
"will insure we do not bother you, or you do not bother us during your
leave! And as your ship will be stationed on the opposite side of the
world your implant will avail you no communication."
31 "Now wait a minute!" objected North.
32 ''If an absolute emergency that we cannot possibly handle arises,"
assured North's Chief Of Staff, "we will contact you. But do allow us
this time to prove that we can function just as well ...or ALMOST as
well in your absence. You can stop thinking about our safety, and, the
safety of The Republic five days.
33 Now, sir, if you would step down the hall, some entertainment has
been prepared, and refreshments are awaiting your arrival to be served.
If you don't mind, sir, we're hungry!"
34 "Very well," North agreed, roaring with laughter. The party was
enjoyable and the entertainment interesting. The Peepians had strange
rituals for the male during the premarital festivities. North did not
partake of them all, though he was tempted. Finally he headed home. Of
course some of the Old Traditions had to be modified.