Chapter TWENTY-EIGHT
Ram entered the Log Depot's conventionalcommunications center and nodded to the youngoperator.
"Make the contact," he said, adding, "Relay themessage through one of the transports; delete allreferences that show this facility is in the loop."
Switches snapped as the operator nodded. His handssped across the keypad. A few moments passed andhis voice issued as an electronic whisper.
"Calling Planet Pluto Comm Center. This is the UIPSTransport Akiba, Call Sign 943 dash 792. We have aPriority One message for your government. Stand byto record. Acknowledge."
A slight crackle.
"This is Planet Pluto Comm Center to Call Sign 943dash 792. We are ready to record. Go ahead."
Ram drew a small plastic card from the breastpocket of his tunic and handed it to the operator.Without glancing at the card the operator slippedit into a slot in the console. A light on the panelblinked on and off and the card ejected. Theoperator returned it to Ram with a single motionand a smile.
"Message dispatched, sir."
##
Narval pushed the message aside and away. Faceflushed in anger, he stared at Drummer.
"What do you make of it?"
"The message is less than straightforward, Mr.President," Drummer replied. "Ambassador Xindralseemingly appeals for an audience with you todiscuss matters of interest to both his governmentand ours. The suggested agenda it carries, however,puts us on the defensive with barely room forreasoning with his government. He asks for aguarantee of safe conduct. As a legally constitutedgovernment in a community of nations, and inthe absence of, shall we say, formal militaryhostilities, such a request is not onlyunnecessary, it is an affront. I suspect, Mr.President, that the Ambassador's motives are toplace you at a disadvantage."
"I agree."
"His distrust of us is evident in the manner inwhich the message was routed. Transmitted froma cargo transporter off the depot's force field,no less. His personal vessel must be somewhere inthe pack up there, but he obviously intends to keepit hidden. Very unseemly for a formal visit by anAmbassador."
"Your recommendations?"
Drummer paused, and spoke slowly, carefully.
"Consider the facts: his tour of the Outer Regionwas preceded by a personal message from Camarito Chiefs of State. He has had audiences with INORPresidents or Ministers. They have informed you oftheir replies to his appeals. Those who declined tomeet with him took the course they did becausethey had nothing to add to what had already beenstated by the others.
"Because of your initiatives, President Narval, youare central among the INOR leaders in pressing theissues between the Regions. Refusing to see himmay be interpreted by our colleagues in INOR as a lackof conviction in our cause, or even as weakness. Myrecommendation is that you see him, but manipulatethe discussions to give our rights dominance.Insofar as 'safe conduct', I suggest we ignore theinsult, grant him permission to visit our planet,and wish him a pleasant stay."
Narval drummed on the desk, pushed at the messageagain, and shifted about. He was uncomfortable.
"I'll think about it, Drummer," he said."Meanwhile, extend the invitation, set up suitablequarters for him away from our official guesthouse, meet him when he arrives, and so on. Havehim stand by. When I decide on the approach tothe discussions, I'll let you know whether I'll meetwith him."
##
"Well, Scarf, have you finished reading thatthing?" Narval impatiently bit a fingernail.
"Yessir, Mr. President."
"Well?"
"Sir?"
"What the hell do you mean by 'sir'? I asked foryour opinion, dammit."
"Well, sir, he asks for an audience with you..."
Narval sighed. "Don't just repeat the message,Scarf. Tell me what you know of this man."
Scarf's face lost its embarrassed flush and hehastily pulled a reader device from his pocket.Striking a series of keys, Scarf peered closelyat the screen. He pointed to the reader asverification for his words.
"Ambassador Xindral is a senior IntelligenceOfficer assigned to Slingshot. That's about allwe've got on him. Definitely not a run-of-the-milldiplomatic type."
"That's what concerns me, Scarf. I'm highlysuspicious of his motives even if Camari did notifyus in advance. Intelligence officer, indeed. If hebecomes aware of our preparations and reportsback, our plans will be jeopardized. Drummer wantsme to see him. I don't want to be in the same roomwith this person. Yet I can't refuse without losingface. Now, get me out of this, Scarf."
"How far can I go, Mr. President?"
"As far as you like, just keep me out of it."
Scarf rubbed his beefy jaw reflectively, thengrinned.
"I have reason to suspect, Mr. President, thatthis known UIPS intelligence officer is using anAmbassadorial cover for purposes harmful toPlanet Pluto's internal security. How's that forstarters, sir?"
Narval's eyes gleamed with sudden craft.
"Go on," he said.
"His ostensible mission to meet with the Presidentof Planet Pluto is, in actuality, a guise underwhich he intends to meet with dissident elementsamong our people. His real mission is to subvertand undermine the foundations of our government.In other words, his coming here is to disrupt. Heshould be dealt with according to the rules of hisown game, and not those of normal interplanetaryor interregional diplomacy."
"Explain."
"Agents that conduct a mission such as his areexpendable, Mr. President. There are no rules."
"Repercussions?"
"Whatever happens to him will be outside acceptedprotocols, and will occur prior to his arrival atthe President's Official Residence. The incidentwill result from initiatives taken by the UIPSAmbassador, himself. The Government of PlanetPluto will not be involved."
"Very well, Scarf. I leave it to you."
##
"Hodak," Brad motioned him forward. "I want you toshow me the new power pack for the cruiser beingoverhauled in tunnel 3. Where is it?"
Hodak glanced at Brad, then away.
"It's still in the shop near the north side of thedome. Take us a few minutes to get there."
"OK, let's go."
Leaving the cubicle that served as office theyboarded the strip. Standing close, they spokethrough unmoving lips.
"Ram's here."
"In Coldfield?"
"Not yet, but soon."
"What's up?"
"He's to see Narval. His job is to try to work outan agreement that'll keep Slingshot constructionmoving along."
"How'd you find out?"
"Drummer mentioned it to me in passing. He'sarranging a meeting between Narval and Ram."
"Has the time been set?"
"Not yet. Drummer's waiting for the go ahead fromNarval."
"You mean Narval isn't sure he wants to meet Ram?"
"Suspicious, isn't it?"
"Damn right."
Their eyes met and moved on to the passing scene.
"If there's to be an incident," Brad asked, "who'llbe setting it up?"
"Scarf, who else?"
"Soon as I hear when Ram's due and where he's tobe lodged, I'll get back to you. For as long as he'son Planet Pluto your job is to keep him out of harm'sway."