carried on his work as usual, but he noticed that
The Peepians and Hashons began to treat him in a much more different
way. The Peepians put their hands together whenever they passed him, in
the sign of prayer, and The Hashons always put their hands over their
heart, and politely nodded. North's own people seemed to be extra
polite, but some of them even began following these customs, some of
the Officers even foregoing salutes using The Holy Exchange instead.
This created some discourse so North put out an order that all military
personnel were to use military customs whenever approaching him. They
had long ago adapted The Hashon salute, which The Peepians had mostly
accepted. This would continue to be used.
61 The weeks passed quickly. The Fleets in the outer part of the system
pounded The Goddens relentlessl. Spearonias' Fleet of system ships
became fully operational. The Goddens managed only two assaults
in-system, both with only twenty-five ships. North let Spearonias
handle them alone. Both times he bloodied The Goddens' noses and sent
them running for base.
62 North was pleased. He had chosen well. Right on schedule Morn
appeared with the hulls. This time, he had not brought his family. He
knew it was not going to be a social occasion. North again called his
Commanders. This time he ordered Spearos to report in person. All knew
he was going to say something that they had long wanted to hear.