Drummer reached for the mike.
"Colonel Hanno, this is Admiral Drummer." He winked
at Brad.
"Colonel, my Government requires an inventory
of Slingshot properties, materials and supplies
in your depot and on the transports nearby. The
information we develop from this one-time inventory
will be used to compute UIPS taxes while the
depot and transports are in Plutonian jurisdiction.
My fleet is escorting the inventory specialists.
Please arrange for them to board your Depot and
the transports on both sides of your force field,
so that they can get to their work."
"I have not received instructions from my
Government concerning the inventory or the taxes
to which you refer."
"That is between you and your Government. I am
here at the express order of President Narval to
see that the inventory is conducted. May I count
on your cooperation?"
"If I decline, what then?"
"Blockade, for starters."
"The UIPS will not permit your interference with
our operations."
"Is that the formal response of your Government
to my request?"