69 "I have no idea," North continued.
70 "The beating you gave me was well deserved," Spearos answered. "In
my anger I did the unthinkable among my people. I struck a woman who is
three months with child."
71 "What?" cried North, trying to pull himself up.
72 "If you wish my life," Spearos announced, "I will understand. My
anger is my shame. Apology is little to give."
73 "The apology," said North, "should be to your sister. I do not
understand the reason for this and I will not ask. You are a good
fighter, Spearos. You have served your people well, but you have much
to learn as a man."
74 "I cannot," the Peepian moaned, "say that your words are undeserved."
75 "As soon as you are well," North continued, "you will return to your
Command. I think it best from now on that your Second In Command attend
all briefings. It will take some time for the anger in me to subside."
76 "I understand," Spearos agreed. "I sent no wedding gifts to my
sister. Something will be forthcoming, and she will receive a formal
letter of apology."
77 There was no more to be said and the two men lay quiet, until the
Doctors got to work on them. They gave North something to make him
sleep. When he again began to regain consciousness he heard voices near
him. "I have heard tales," one was saying, "that you have saved his
life on more than one occasion."
78 "True," answered another voice. "It seems like I have spent half the
time I have known him sitting by a hospital bed. I think the worst time
was when he was burned. There the Doctors used every trick they knew
until he finally got some new lungs in him. North and I are very close.
When we are near each other we act almost as one. That's what makes us
so good in battle together."