30.
go in a Guard craft."
"Very well," said The Guard Commander, in his turn,
"Have you eaten?" asked North.
"No," was the reply, "I was just going to order something."
"No. My aunt will fix something for you and your men. Take a look in the freezer and take anything you like."
"Thank you," said the commander, "and I'm sure my men will second that."
"It's all right."
North finished his own lunch after he'd said this, and laid down on the couch to rest. A few hours later his uncle was again waking him. Though he had not intended to, North had fallen asleep.
"You'd better get up and change, North," the other was saying, You only have about an hour and a half before you're due there. Your aunt has prepared your school uniform like you asked. It's laid out on the bed."
"O.k.," acknowledged North, and he went into his room and changed. As he came out the door the Guard officer was waiting for him.
"The flier is ready," he said. "I'll ride with you and your family. My men will follow in a Guard flier."
"All right," was the answer, "I appreciate your efforts."
The officer saluted, and went out into the kitchen. A few moments later North, his mother, aunt, and uncle, and the Guard Officer headed down the hallway to the central elevators. In a few moments they were at their parking place in the building's garage, and in a short time the Guard Officer maneuvered the flier out of their parking place and cleared the building. No sooner did they clear the building and enter the flyway, than a Guard flyer dropped in behind them and followed them as they maneuvered around the city and landed in a parking lot near The Temple Of The Dead. In a short time they were walking down the beautiful tree-lined avenue that led to it. Even then North loved the beauty of this place, and he wondered how many people had had their last rights here. Nearing The Temple, he saw the great symbol of The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost...The Great Golden Circle broken in three equal portions. Below it was the entranceway, and beyond that the woman's courtyard and the steps leading to the door of The Great Hall. As he walked through the courtyard North saw many female mourners, and along the sides of The Temple were many males of lower rank. Here, he bade his aunt and uncle leave. He spoke to his mother but she didn't seem to hear. She only stared up to the doorway of The Temple, not saying anything. Finally, North and his Guards mounted The Temple steps, but were stopped at the door by The Temple Guards.
"You'll have to check your weapons," they told the Guard officer.
"I have a pass," the Guard officer said. "We're on guard duty."