make us free, even if that freedom is the
oblivion of non-existence.
49 The only thing I want you to know, my son, is that in those last
days it was not I that ordered you to kill. By then I belonged
completely to it; THAT spoke through me. It was that insanity that
tried to make you like
itself, and I am proud that you stood strong and did what was right.
50 Now, time runs out. We near the sun. It begins to awaken, and we
must go with it while it still does not control us. Once the pod is
dropped, allow no beams of any kind to be directed near it. Track it
only with your optical equipment, no sensors. Good-bye, my son. We have
little time!"
51 The Spirit of Morn's father entered the hatch. It closed, and, the
inner hatch behind it. There was a slight noise as the lander dropped
away. The Morning Star spun around and headed back away from the sun.
52 On a monitor Morn and North watched the lander fall until it began
to glow brighter and brighter. Then, suddenly, it flashed and
disappeared. In the last moment North heard a thought. "NO!" it
screamed, "NO! I live forever! I control all things! I cannot die!" The
last word faded out into the darkness of empty space.