44.
"But we just have to be able to reach you in emergencies, besides these pre-arranged station calls."
The Old Hashon stood up and looked at those present. "There is a way," he told them, "that this problem can be solved. Something our people have used for centuries. We can program your minds so that you will literally die before you will reveal anything to an enemy."
"That's true, " the man agreed that was doing the arguing. "I interrogated some of your people during the war, and several of them pulled that on me. Just plain died before they'd tell us anything! No drugs, no poison, they just stopped breathing and died!"
It suddenly dawned on Northern Star how old this man had to be. The Hashon War had ended almost five-hundred years ago. This man had to be at least five-hundred years old or better, and here he was, taking orders from a boy of nineteen! How many others were in the room that age? And, if they new how old he really was, would they still follow him? The argument was quickly going against him. If the Hashons could really teach them this trick of dying before they could be interrogated, the need for secrecy among the inner circle would be ended.
"Very well," North finally gave in, and he rose and took off his hood. The others followed suit.
To his great surprise, North recognized the man who had been arguing with him. He was a major in The Lord's Guard. He had seen him twice at one of Blue Stone's dinner parties. Also in the group, was a lesser general of The Fleet and several other older men of importance. They all came up and pledged their loyalty, and arrangements were made for the Hashons to teach each man this mind trick. It took only three weeks for what North feared to happen to take place. They were having a regular meeting discussing how The Republic would be formed after The Rebellion, when the Fleet general stood up.
"Young sir," he began, "we admire your courage, but it is time we put an end to this Republic business. This idea is far too much for us to take, and it is only because of your young years that you put emphasis on the idea at all. We really think someone older and wiser lead us."
"And I'll bet I know just who," North replied with sarcastic tones. "You're volunteering for the job, no doubt."
"Yes," the man confirmed. "I'm more than thirty-seven times your age, and I've had a great deal more experience than you have!"
High River, the Guard major, stood without a word, and walked over to the general. With lightening-fast speed he whisked his dagger from its scabbard and drove it through the man's heart. Three others leaped in surprise and went for their weapons, but they died as quickly as had their leader.
"Is there anyone else?" asked High River, "that thinks he can lead us better than our young lord?"