"I'm putting a fast utility under your command, Zolan. Your number one job is to build, harmonize, test and whatever else it takes to create a communications interference generator. Camouflage and position it between the Planet Pluto Special Zone and all sunside comm boosters, both spunnel and conventional. Set it up to activate by remote. The screen must have enough spread to block all messages, incoming and outgoing from Planet Pluto, the combined fleet, plus the depot area and the Slingshot terminals. Exception: Narval wants us to flash him a message as soon as we've taken the objective and turned the ships' Commanders. Fix the barricade so that we can shoot a one-time flash-spunnel message through to him. Clear?" "Clear. When?" "Now. I'll go with you to the tunnel where the generators are stored to make sure we select the best of the lot. Hodak, you come with us to give 'em a condition check. We can't afford chances with this equipment." ## Narval removed the tiny ear piece through which he had listened to Brad give his orders, smiled with satisfaction, and pressed a button along the edge of his desk. "Scarf out there?" "Yes, Mr. President." "In." Scarf sidled in and stood deferentially at the entry. "Don't just stand there, you idiot," Narval snapped. "Get up here where I can talk to you." Scarf hastened forward and halted a couple of meters from the desk. He held his helmet in one hand and saluted with the other. "Here are my orders to you for while I'm gone. Double the guards on Planet Pluto's spunnel transmitter. No Plutonian communications are to be permitted to destinations outside the Special Zone. One exception: I've given Drummer orders that when he completes the tasks I've assigned him, he is to send a flash message to me at the conference site. Assign reliable technicians to open the spunnel center for only that one outgoing message." "Yes, sir." "Figure out some way to be aboard the Dragon during the operation. Watch Drummer; I still don't trust him. If he tries to undermine my authority while I'm away, shoot him." "It'll be a pleasure, sir. What about Brad and his buddies?" "If they resist my orders, kill them. If it does get to that, send me a spunnel flash after you've done it. If you do kill Drummer and Brad, assume control of the combined fleet and the Terminals. If that's not possible, blast the terminals out of the sky." Chapter THIRTY-FIVE Zolan walked into Brad's office and dropped into a chair, clearly exhausted. "How'd it go?" "Couple of dozen screen generators in position sunside," Zolan hefted a small, flat control in his hand as he spoke, then tossed it on the desk. "The energizer," he said quietly. Brad turned the control in his hands as he examined each safety lock. He slipped the control into a pocket. "Narval leaves for the conference in a few hours," he said, almost in a whisper. He could not hide his deep sadness.