Narval peered sharply at Drummer as he leaned his
heavy body back, and folded ring-encrusted hands
across his paunch. He shifted his gaze to the
ceiling and half-closed his eyes.
"The UIPS now perceives us as having demonstrated
a capability for military actions against their
vital interests. If we follow up with threats and
menacing gestures against Slingshot, the effect may
unnerve them, to say the least. How do you see it?"
"It seems to me we've gone far beyond mere
threats," Drummer's tone, now grim, continued.
"Raiding and harassing their transports, attacking
and destroying UIPS patrollers in the Zone, and
now, the inventory tax. We formally notify them by
Proclamation that we'll lay siege to the Log Depot,
we've boarded one of their armed transports and
disabled its armaments. These are not empty
threats and impetuous gestures."
"Even so, they are prologue, Drummer. Hear me."
Narval twisted his rings, first in one direction
then opposite. Lowering his eyes to his hands, he
paused often between words, choosing them with care.
"Here in the Outer Region, the separate nations
are convulsed by internal struggles for power both
internal to their sovereignty and within the family
of independent satellites that orbit their host
planet. Their political philosophies are diverse,
lack cohesion, and have powerful advocates or
opponents, some openly, others covert. The Heads
of State are insecure and fear political coups.
Rapid changes in leadership cannot be ruled out."
Drummer watched Narval eyes caress his entwined
fingers.
"If new leaders arise and take over the reins of
power from incumbents, so much the better for
me. New governments will need time to become
entrenched, create lines of authority and
accountability, and install bureaucracies
responsive to the wishes of a new elite. I repeat,
confusion in the ranks, within other governments,
is to my advantage."
"Can you count on such events materializing?"
"Of course not."
Narval wagged a finger at Drummer.
"But the uncertainty within regimes that these
disruptions can, and may occur, dissipates and
weakens their energies. If they fear enemies from
within, and suspect enemies from outside, then
they are diseased and warrant being replaced by
a daring and skillful master."
"Who might that be?"
"Me."
"I'm not sure I understand."
"Then listen carefully, because you play a vital
role in my plans."
Narval motioned a now openly apprehensive Drummer
to the chair beside his desk. As Drummer sat,
Narval leaned close.
"My strategy has two facets: one involves INOR,
the other, the UIPS. They are interdependent."
Unfolding his clasped hands, Narval's fingers
drummed the desk.
"I repeat, with INOR in turmoil no head of state
can feel secure. New philosophies surface and
attract supporters, occasionally, even strong
leaders. If forces with objectives opposing mine
move into the Outer Region, I will not sit by idly.
I will intervene, even if it means imposing the
most stringent discipline and controls."
"With respect, President Narval, does Planet Pluto
have the right to intervene into the affairs of
other nations?"
Narval scowled, recovered, and snickered.
"Power gives us rights we would not have otherwise.
When the old United Planetary System decided to
use Planet Pluto as the forward base for Slingshot,
they invested the planet with some of their most
advanced technologies. Other communities throughout
the Outer Region are just that: places where people
live, work, play, consume and little else.
"Slingshot has given Planet Pluto a far greater
role in the solar scheme. And now, a role that
was entirely unexpected when Slingshot was
first planned, dissolution of the unified solar
government released us from UIPS domination. We
gained opportunities to fashion and strengthen an
infrastructure, and freedom to confuse our INOR
neighbors with a melange of schemes to satisfy
their greed. Slingshot technology, facilities, and
materiel give to us, more than to any other member
of INOR, the means to attain our aspirations. Power
creates its own logic, Drummer.
"To answer your question: I will intervene into the
affairs of other nations when it is to my benefit
to do so."
Narval's hands clenched into fists. He pounded the
top of his desk in a tattoo as he glared at Drummer
through eye slits embedded in fat.
"Understand me, Drummer," Narval shrilled. "I will
be the dominant force in INOR, and that's only the
beginning."
Narval quieted, each warily observing the other.
Hesitatingly, Drummer tried to respond to Narval's
incredible declaration.
"Is that what's behind your recent Proclamation
to the UIPS on a new foundation for interregional
relationships?"
"Partly."
"What else is there?"
"Unfortunately, we cannot repeat Tornado Six.
When I approved it, I intended it as a one-time
operation to, shall we say, test the waters.
It succeeded through your command, and the
extraordinary initiative of Brad Curtin. We
must now go on to other probing and design new
confrontations from which the UIPS will be forced
to retreat. Our tactics will, at times, include
diversions, as we must keep both INOR governments
and the UIPS off-balance. They must be kept
guessing -- not certain -- where I will move next."
"How do you expect them to react to such
provocation?"
"There is little likelihood the UIPS will gamble
with the future of our solar civilization by
retreating from Slingshot; they cannot risk the
system-wide demoralization and desolation that
would follow. I intend to play on their fears and
on public pressures to attain my ends. That's where
threats come in; we must use them regularly, but
with cunning and consistency. UIPS perception of
danger to Slingshot, compounded by the enormous
distances from their military centers, will
compel them to be reasonable. If our tactics
are convincing the UIPS will have no alternatives.
They will accede to my demands."
"What if they resist?"
Narval's pudgy fists resumed their cadenced
pounding.
"Let them," he snarled, "I will be ready; I will go
further and challenge them. They will be compelled
to come to me, and I command the high ground.
I will defeat them, and move on quickly to my
ultimate objective."
"And what is that?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Yes, President Narval, but I must be certain."
Drummer's face was pale. "My ears want to hear
what my mind has been forced to conclude."
"Very well, Drummer, hear this. Planet Pluto
is strategically situated at this time to be the
single, most influential force in human affairs. I
will use that influence to consolidate my military
control over INOR. When I have that I will confront
the UIPS and beat them down. I, Narval, will
dominate the Solar System."
Narval's ultimate objective was clear and set.
Drummer knew better than to dissuade him.
Having confided in Drummer, Narval waxed garrulous.
"I have debts to pay," he said, "and I shall get
much pleasure in making good on them. Many insults
and humiliations need to be returned to former
colleagues on Callisto. And there are others,
in tank towns throughout the Outer Region and
in the UIPS. They will feel my wrath."
"Is vengeance all there is to it?"
Narval caught himself.
"No, no, of course not," he said, hurriedly. "I
shall govern. I shall be wise and magnanimous.
Magnanimous, that is, to those who support
me, and," clenching his fists again, "merciless to
those who oppose me or seek to undermine my will."
"Considering Planet Pluto's distance from the
centers of social and industrial activity," Drummer
interjected, "and our planet's far-ranging orbit,
this could be a difficult location from which to
govern the Solar System."
"I've thought of that, Drummer. I shall move to
Luna and rule from there. In stages, we can adjust
to its gravity. Once Slingshot goes operational,
this planet will revert to an outpost, for most of
its orbit beyond the solar rim. It was never meant
to be more. To me, Planet Pluto has always been
just another stepping stone."
A broad grin rippled across Narval's features.
Drummer, somber-faced, returned Narval's gaze
and saw his eyes shrink into lumpy flesh.
"Drummer, my plans include a position of great
power and prestige for you."
"Indeed?"
"A new elite and a new hierarchy will be created
when I take control. I will want a council of
advisors, commanders and administrators for
internal affairs, constabulary and military forces,
security, intelligence, and a vast bureaucracy to
manage the affairs of government for an entire
system of planets, satellites, and thousands of
artificial colonies. Much will need to be done, and
you will be in the forefront."
"You honor me."
"I expect faithful service, Drummer."
"I shall do my best."
"Good. Now, as to Brad Curtin."
Narval leaned back and entwined his fingers
across his abdomen.
"I had him here a short time ago and questioned
him under a psychic probe. He withstood the inquiry.
The probe did not disclose any inconsistencies to
my questions; therefore, I can only conclude he is
what he claims to be. What is your opinion?"
"My talks with Brad and his companions led me
to that conclusion."
"So be it then."
Narval's attention seemed to wander. He reached
for a document on the desk, and he perused it as
if his mind was elsewhere.
"Drummer," he said, raising his eyes, "I want you
to give Brad a special assignment, and report to
me periodically how it is progressing. Keep Brad's
group together, but watch them, and report to me
immediately of any suspicious activities. I've also
ordered Scarf to keep an eye on Brad and his crew."
"Scarf? To what purpose?"
"I have plans for Brad, if he does well."
"What is the task?"
Narval locked eyes with Drummer.
"Tell Brad to prepare plans and evaluate our
military capabilities to penetrate the protective
shield around the Logistics Depot, to capture it
and use it as hostage."
"Good God! Take the depot as hostage? For what
purpose?"
"The reason you will give Brad is that INOR will
hold it hostage for a greater share in decisions on
the disposition of Slingshot-generated assets."
"That isn't the real reason, is it?"
"No. The objective is diversionary."
"And the real objective?"
"You will be told when it is time."