exile them, nothing more. You will also permit us
to monitor your courts, so I know your people are receiving just
treatment. Aside from that, you may run your governments as you like."
169 The sound disappeared from The Purists' ship, and the Commander was
obviously in conference with others off screen. Finally the sound came
back and the Officer spoke. "It is agreed," he answered, "not fully to
our liking, but acceptable. We are yours. We will signal our comrades
in the next system. I am sure they, too, will comply. I have just one
question I would like answered."
170 "What is that?" asked North.
171 "What in the name of The God Of Our Fathers is that sitting at your
communications station?"
172 North began to roar with laughter that soon echoed through the
whole Fleet. Without firing a beam or a missile, the first two systems
were North's! Leaving fifty ships in each system he pushed on,
intending to push his advantage. He was taking a break in the
recreation room, when the Communications Officer on duty rushed in.
"It's over!" he cried , "It's over!"
173 "WHAT'S over?" asked North.
174 "The war, sir!" the Officer cried, "The Empire has conceded. We're
ordered to fall back to the territory we now hold. There's a treaty.
The Lord God has agreed to the end of hostilities! "
175 North took the message and read it. It was a general order from
Morn. "Open up my private channel to Hades," North ordered, "I'll take
it in my cabin."
176 The Officer saluted and hurried off. A few minutes later North
relaxed in his chair and looked at Morn on the viewscreen. "Been busy!
" North complimented.
177 "Very!" said Morn. "I've had about six hour's sleep in the last two
days. My old direct frequency to The Lord God just all of a sudden
opened up. I've never talked so much in my life! Surprisingly most of
it was