along with The Children Of Spirit. For he had a
lover among these people, though it was forbidden by his God.
8 As soon as he could get away, he took a flier and went off to warn
his lover. She quickly told The Voice, who tried to reach North, but
North had already pulled out of range of their communications.
9 The Voice sent a strong thought to his friend to return, and on the
ship North sensed it, but did not immediately realize its significance,
so did not at that moment, turn around.
10 "Fortunately," announced The Voice, "we have time to plan; two days
yet, before The Goddens attack. Quickly get as many people out of the
cities as we can, especially those similar to the natives. Get all the
native wives and their children out. Take them to the village high in
the mountains where the Chieftains are our friends.
11 Send out a ring of missiles three deep around our cities to help
defend against surface craft. Prepare our own ships to attack The
Godden settlements."
12 In deep space, The Morning Star was lining up to leap as The Godden
ships swept around the planet, expecting to take the Republic's ships
by surprise. Instead, The Republic's vessels were waiting for them, and
the battle was on.
13 Wave after wave of surface vessels poured in on both The Republic
cities, and, The Godden cities. Though The Republic vessels were fewer
in number they were unexpected, and took The Goddens by surprise. The
devastation was terrible!
14 The battle lasted but a few minutes, and when it was over nothing
remained but Eden, and even all of its surface batteries were
destroyed. Only the city's shields remained up.
15 Far out in space North sensed the terrible devastation. "Somethings
wrong! " he cried, "Something's