Part
Nine
Escape From Insanity
North's first six months at The Academy seemed to fly by. Morn was greatly surprised when he learned that his friend had hired the best private simulator in Academy City for the last four years they would be there. North had planned so far ahead that he had his uncle make the contracts two years before he even entered The Academy. Morn laughed when he heard this.
"But isn't it going to be a waste," he said, "to have that machine sitting idle the times we won't be able to use it?"
"It won't be," said North. "The days we don't use it, we'll rent it out ourselves, and get some of our money back. Now that you're halfing with me, I might even make a profit!"
Both men laughed happily.
"You're a rascal, North," Morn told him. "You'll turn a profit anywhere!"
There was only one thing that was bothering North. Things were going too damned well, and he had a feeling of impending trouble. A few days later it came. He had noticed one of his fencing instructors watching him very closely every time he was at practice, and it made him uneasy. One day the officer took North on in practice. As they parried and thrust, the officer began talking.
"You know, North," the man said," you're one of the most graceful people I've ever seen. Your moves are like a dancer. You're beauty in motion."
"Thank you, sir," North replied, easily avoiding the officer's attack.
"You're married to a Hashon girl, aren't you?" asked the officer.
"Yes," North told him, expecting the usual questions as to what it was like making love to an alien woman.
"You know, North, there's other sexual pleasures a man can have besides with a woman," the other told him boldly. "If you're interested, I would be."
North stopped so abruptly that the officer almost fell over to keep from striking him.
"What's the matter, North?" asked the officer. "Are you all right?"
North merely stared at him with eyes that seemed to look right through him, then moved forward with such a vicious attack that the instructor fled backward, using his shield to ward off the vicious, sledge-hammer blows. It suddenly dawned on him that North was trying to kill him, and the mock combat they had been doing became deadly serious.
"Hey, North, back off!" the officer was saying. "Come on! Ease up! What's the matter with you?"