for transport? Only this ship is equal to his. We
will hold all casualty reports until we have word that you have reached
Peepi."
45 The Peepian straightened. As he started to walk off, North added,
"By the way, you're now Commander of all Peepian Space Forces. This is
now a Peepian system. You don't need us any more. As soon as you're
available I would like to make some suggestions on future plans."
46 The Peepian looked bewildered. "I have a feeling," he announced,
"that I will shortly be following whatever directions you give. But I
will accept the honor you have given me greatly, Father Of Kings!" With
that Spearonias turned and continued on down the hall.
47 "Father Of Kings?" thought North, "Now what does THAT mean?"
48 When all was secure and the Godden base fully in their control,
North headed back for Peepi. Communications from the capitol had been
extremely quiet, and North worried that something was amiss. He stopped
by the station and found his quarters empty. The Security Guards simply
said that Lord Spearon's personal Escort had come up and taken the
entire family down to see The Old Peepian Lord.
49 As North was heading down for the planet, I.S. intercepted him. "I
thought you would like to know," he announced, "they found the fore
section of The Lancer. Apparently it was blown away before the initial
explosion. The bodies of the command deck Crew were intact. They are
being processed, and will be shipped in as soon as it is appropriate."
50 "Thank you," North praised.
51 When he arrived at The Palace he was greeted with a great deal of
pomp and ceremony. The Chamberlain held him back at the door of The
Great Hall, then went in. A few moments later he returned. "Come," he
bade, "Lord Of Lords, Father Of Kings. The Council awaits your
presence."