64 The Peepians looked disappointed. "The Lord Of
The Republic," inquired Spearonias, "will not be able to remain for the
ceremonies?"
65 "Unfortunately," explained North, "his duties call him elsewhere!"
66 North hurried out to speak with Morn. "Why do I have the feeling,"
North said, "that you have led me into this whole thing, that you
purposely sent me here, somehow, knowing this whole thing would take
place?"
67 "I am a great studier of Prophecy," explained Morn. "I think, so is
Lord Spearon. That is why he insisted on your coming here. Now, as you
said, I have much to do. As you will now be in a position to arrange
it, The Republic could use a star base in this sector. The Peepians owe
us a great deal for the hulls that I brought in. What's say that we
rent the former Godden base for ten years, payment being ten new hulls
a year?"
68 "Fifteen!" grinned North, "Five destroyer hulls in addition to what
we're already getting; first payment to be received before The Republic
takes possession!"
69 Morn laughed. "That's taking advantage, North! But I
suppose it's only reasonable. It's going to take five or six months to
clean up that base anyway. Very well, I'll make the arrangements when I
get back."
70 "Of course The Peepian Council will have to approve," North
continued.
71 "I'm sure they will," Morn laughed. "I'll make the arrangements. I
imagine you'll be moving your headquarters out there. As our activity
will now be concerned with targets outside this system rather than
defending it, I think that would be. appropriate."
72 "Now as you said, I've got to get to other business. May I take this
opportunity to salute The Lord Of Peepi?"
73 "Don't be funny!" North groaned. He watched his