begin making their decision in five minutes. I am
already punching my serial number and letter in. It's on the screen for
all to see." At the end of North's serial number an 'A' appeared.
"Commander out," North finished.
17 Barely had North finished speaking, than the Officers on the command
deck punched in their serial numbers. Number after number appeared on
the screen with an 'A' flashing after it. Quickly in order of rank, the
list continued to move up the screen, department by department.
When it was done, there was not a single 'L' on the list!
18 "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen," North praised. "Now you will
follow Firing Control's directions. We must bring some rock on board.
As soon as we are loaded, we will take an hour to prepare ourselves,
and then begin our run."
19 Six hours later The Morning Star lifted off the moon. She came in
low and fast, just in case the enemy had any batteries repaired.
20 The Godden city was in the midst of celebrating their victory. On
the roof of his Palace The Lord God and his company were dancing. The
Lord God's Aide came up, reporting that observation had detected sound
waves indicating a ship was approaching low in the atmosphere.
21 "Do not concern yourself with it," assured The Lord God. "They are
probably making a low sweep trying to find some of their comrades.
There is no way they can harm us. Go! Assure everyone of our safety,
then join me in my quarters. I need you to please me, to make this
joyous day complete."
22 "What pleases my God," answered the Aide, "pleases me."
23 As he turned and walked away The Lord God looked up. The Morning
Star appeared over the city. On its command deck North's hand rested on
a firing stud.
24 "All crew depart!" North ordered, and his Crew willed themselves out
of their bodies to get clear of the