58.
to The Acadamy psychiatrist, and the man asked him every question in the world, plus many outside of it. In between the talking he scanned North's brain four times. Finally he told North to go to the Commandant's and wait. He'd send his report on in a short time. It seemed like hours that North sat outside the Commandant's office. The young officer at the reception desk kept staring at North, but didn't say anything, until finally the Commandant emerged from his office and said "Come on in, North."
North was surprised by the officer's unofficial manner. He only nodded and returned his salute. He motioned North to a chair and kept looking at the readout that he was thumbing through. Finally he handed it to North and said,
"You'd better read that. Especially the last few paragraphs."
The readouts were a standard psychological report. The first parts were test results and scan readings, some of which didn't make much sense to North. But the last few paragraphs were the doctor's conclusions.
"It is my opinion," he said, "that Cadet Northern Star is speaking honestly when he claims he has no recollection of his attack on the fencing officer. I have found that Cadet Star has a deep subconcious hatred for homosexuals. He blames them for his father's death and despises any one of them that comes near him, even to the point of uncontrolled violent attacks on them if they make personal advances toward him. I cannot say whether or not this condition would interfere with his operations as a Fleet Officer, but I would strongly recommend that if he continues in the service, it be put in his record that under no circumstances he serve with any homosexual officers, and that any homosexuals he might come in contact with be warned to make no advances toward him. As long as they do not, they should not be in any danger."
North was very much aware that the Commandant was watching him as he read.
"Not very good, sir, is it?" asked North.
"No, son," the officer told him. "It's damned bad, and we both know it. Even if you stay in The Academy, this goes on your record and you're going to have to do vey good and be the best commander The Fleet ever saw to get anywhere. It will all depend whether the officer presses charges. If he does, there's no question you'll be expelled. If he doesn't, I'll put you on six month's probation, then if all goes well, back on full status."
"Thank you, sir!" North said. "I think that's very reasonable."
"I'll get static on it, North. There's certain people that will want you out of The Academy immediately, but I think you have the makings of one of the best officers The Fleet has ever seen, and The Lord knows, we need good ones. You worry me, North. There's something about you I like. I knew your father. You're alot like him, and maybe I think he got a bad deal and you have every reason in the galaxies to hate, but don't let it burn you out, North. Don't let it destroy the