Drummer and Brad walked the corridor leading tothe Dragon's bridge. The battle cruiser, aligned withits sisters in countdown on catapults in galleriesand tunnels across Planet Pluto, was minutes fromlaunch to Point Icarus.
Accompanied by a party of officers, Brad hadcompleted the final formal inspection and sign-offof the Plutonian warships committed to theoperation. Myra, Hodak, Adari and Kumikohad trailed along as specialists, respectfullyresponding to technical questions tossed at themby the official inspection party.
The Sentinels took Zolan's death hard, aware butunable to share their grief with words that mightbe overheard by their enemy. They were in a sombermood difficult to hide, and Kumiko's eyes werered-rimmed. She spoke little.
Moving from one tunnel and gallery hangar toanother, the inspection team had checked thereadiness of command and control, function systems,weapons readiness, logistic support and all thatbore on their mission. Openly enthusiastic andcongratulatory to ships' crews on what he observed,Brad was inwardly appalled at the strength ofNarval's fleet. Combined with the INOR forcescoming to join them at Point Icarus, the slimforces that the UIPS maintained in the PlutonianSpecial Zone faced an overwhelming adversary.
At the companionway to the command deck, Braddeferred to Drummer. Drummer acknowledgedthe courtesy with a slight smile and nod. Theyascended, and Brad closed the door.
Drummer strode to the forward bulkhead, paused,and drew a small device from his pocket. Hemoved casually about the compartment, meanwhilereading the device's indicators. Brad watched himin silence. After two full turns Drummer pocketedthe device and faced Brad.
"Routine precautions," Drummer said with a shrug."This deck compartment is free of both sight andsound bugs. How did the inspection go? Are weprepared and on schedule?"
"A few glitches here and there, but nothingserious. I've instituted corrective actions, andwe'll be ready."
Drummer nodded uneasily. Brad waited. Drummer'snext words came with awkward hesitation.
"Ah -- when Narval gave us his final orders, I-- ah -- sensed, correct me if I'm wrong, somemisgivings on your part."
"Misgivings? What do you mean?"
"Before we proceed, I must have your word thatwhatever we discuss here will be held by you in thestrictest confidence. Have I your word?"
Brad stared long and hard at Drummer. He thoughtback to Scarf's accusations and threats precedingthe fight in the Charnel Pit. Did Drummer reallysupport Narval? What was Drummer's real objective?Time was short; yet Brad had to be certain.
"You have my word."
"Now respond to my first statement."
"Affirmative."
Drummer gave a heavy sigh and motioned Brad to abench along a bulkhead. They sat and stared at thebulkhead opposite.
"How far will you go to take the Terminals?"Drummer asked.
"Destructively?"
"Yes."
"You're in command of the combined fleet, Drummer.You tell me."
A deep silence settled between them. Drummerbrought his eyes around to where he could observeBrad's profile. His breath became shallow.
"What I now say to you, Brad, puts my life inyour hands, but say it I must." He paused, as if togather strength and conviction, and to organizehis thoughts. "I believe that Narval is deranged. Hewould rather see the Solar System's civilization'sgrovel in the dust than have them advance, evensurvive, without him as their ruler."
"Are you suggesting he be stopped?"
"He must be."
"How?"
"I hoped you would know."
"Me? Why me?"
"You've become the authority on the capabilitiesand tactics of this operation. The Plutonianmilitary Commanders respect you as a leaderand as a professional, as do the Commandersof the ships soon to join us. Need I say more?"
Brad turned to face Drummer.
"How far do you commit yourself?"
"My life."
"It will take that, and more."
"What do you mean?"
"Betrayal strips men of -- I believe the word is --honor. Would you accept being a traitor to PresidentNarval?"
"If it will bring an end to this madness."
"Are you willing to follow my orders -- withoutquestion?"
"To what purpose?"
"Your words: the end of this madness."
"Define your terms, man. Tell me in your words, notmine, to what end I commit my life, and as you putit, my honor."
"Confusion and disruption throughout the combinedfleet, destruction of Plutonian warships and,possibly, those of all INOR; no assault on theTerminals and, ultimately, removal of Narval fromany position of authority in the Outer Region."
Drummer nodded slowly.
"I commit myself to that purpose. And yourself?"
"Committed."
A knock on the door. The crewman peered in.
"Comm-center has a classified Category One spunnelmessage for you, Admiral Drummer," he said."It's in the President's personal code, sir, to whichonly you have the keys. Have I your permission topick up the message and bring it to you?"
"Never mind," Drummer replied. "We're heading backunder the dome. I'll get it."
##
Drummer read again the message he had decodedand handed it to Brad who quickly scanned and silentlyreturned it. Drummer glanced at the message againand placed it slowly in the middle of his desk. Thecommunication bore the dispatch symbols of theRevenge within the past hour. The text was brief:
"Narval to Drummer. We have left the spunnel nodenearest the conference site, now two hours distant.Your launch at target must be consistent with theconference schedule just provided to me by theConference Controller.
"Based on conference agenda and scheduleI order you to energize the communicationsbarrier immediately upon receipt of this message.Further, I order you to have allegiance sworn tome by Commanders of all INOR ships' officers andthe Director of the Slingshot Construction Sitenot more than four hours following receipt thismessage. Spunnel flash to me through the barrier'mind only' immediately upon taking the objective.Spunnel flash immediately to me your understandingof this order."