"You've hit it a lot closer than Drummer. The question of the moment is how might this so-called peace conference affect achieving my ultimate objective?" "I have not been made privy to your 'ultimate objective', Mr. President," Brad said. "I cannot speak to that point." Drummer looked straight at Narval, silent. "My question, Drummer," Narval demanded, his tone impatient. "You shared your objectives with me in confidence, Mr. President. I am not at liberty to speak on them in the presence of others without your permission." Narval stared long and hard at Drummer and back to Brad. "Not yet," he said. "Meanwhile, and especially in the light of the forthcoming convocation, I want you, Brad, to accelerate preparing our military fleet to take possession of the depot and that gaggle of transport and other vessels that constantly hover about. They will be the main bargaining chip when I give my ultimatum to Camari." Brad nodded, his features closed. Drummer looked dubious. He said, "That means we must have the depot under our control when you speak to President Camari." "Sound conclusion," Narval replied caustically. "Now, Drummer, is the time for you, my chief diplomat, to engage in a bit of manipulation and encouragement among our allies -- in my name and behalf, of course. "We'll do this one step at a time. Prepare personal messages from me to the heads of INOR governments. Remind them of our past agreements to stand together to resist incursions by the UIPS. Point out that Camari's invitation presents us with an excellent opportunity to exert our combined will on this issue. Then, state my intention to take temporary control of the Slingshot Logistics Depot to add weight to our persuasions. Are my instructions clear?" "They are, Mr. President." "Good. Emphasize the need for us to act in concert to bring peace and prosperity to the Outer Region. Lay it on thick about how we can demonstrate our unity of purpose to Camari, and harmony among ourselves if we join forces. This shouldn't be a surprise to them; it was the purpose of the planning at the Neptune meeting. Wasn't it, Brad?" "It was." "Here, then, is my first objective, Drummer. I want the INOR warships that were committed at the Neptune meeting to be alongside ours to take over the Depot. The Depot must be ours before the conference gets under way. That is vital to our purpose. In the message, say that now is the time to strike. Insist that they send their ships as quickly as possible to join in the operation. Also, and be shrewd in presenting this: INOR ship commanders are to be subordinate to and carry out the orders of the Plutonian Fleet Commander for the duration of this operation. Clear?" "Clear, Mr. President." Chapter THIRTY-THREE Narval sat hunched over as Drummer and Brad entered. He did not wait for them to approach. "Well? Speak up, Drummer," he snapped. "Don't wait for a special invitation."