The Universe — or Nothing by Meyer Moldeven
Chapter TWENTY-TWO
Drummer expected the call.
"Drummer," Narval said as the door closed behindthe guard and they were alone, "UIPS perception ofme as a threat can be as effective a weapon as mytransforming the threat into the deed itself."
Drummer chose caution. "How so, Mr. President?"
Narval peered sharply at Drummer as he leaned hisheavy body back, and folded ring-encrusted handsacross his paunch. He shifted his gaze to theceiling and half-closed his eyes.
"The UIPS now perceives us as having demonstrateda capability for military actions against theirvital interests. If we follow up with threats andmenacing gestures against Slingshot, the effect mayunnerve them, to say the least. How do you see it?"
"It seems to me we've gone far beyond merethreats," Drummer's tone, now grim, continued."Raiding and harassing their transports, attackingand destroying UIPS patrollers in the Zone, andnow, the inventory tax. We formally notify them byProclamation that we'll lay siege to the Log Depot,we've boarded one of their armed transports anddisabled its armaments. These are not emptythreats and impetuous gestures."
"Even so, they are prologue, Drummer. Hear me."
Narval twisted his rings, first in one directionthen opposite. Lowering his eyes to his hands, hepaused often between words, choosing them with care.
"Here in the Outer Region, the separate nationsare convulsed by internal struggles for power bothinternal to their sovereignty and within the familyof independent satellites that orbit their hostplanet. Their political philosophies are diverse,lack cohesion, and have powerful advocates oropponents, some openly, others covert. The Headsof State are insecure and fear political coups.Rapid changes in leadership cannot be ruled out."
Drummer watched Narval eyes caress his entwinedfingers.
"If new leaders arise and take over the reins ofpower from incumbents, so much the better forme. New governments will need time to becomeentrenched, create lines of authority andaccountability, and install bureaucraciesresponsive 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 thesedisruptions can, and may occur, dissipates andweakens their energies. If they fear enemies fromwithin, and suspect enemies from outside, thenthey are diseased and warrant being replaced bya daring and skillful master."
"Who might that be?"
"Me."
"I'm not sure I understand."
"Then listen carefully, because you play a vitalrole in my plans."
Narval motioned a now openly apprehensive Drummerto 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 fingersdrummed the desk.
"I repeat, with INOR in turmoil no head of statecan feel secure. New philosophies surface andattract supporters, occasionally, even strongleaders. If forces with objectives opposing minemove into the Outer Region, I will not sit by idly.I will intervene, even if it means imposing themost stringent discipline and controls."
"With respect, President Narval, does Planet Plutohave the right to intervene into the affairs ofother nations?"
Narval scowled, recovered, and snickered.
"Power gives us rights we would not have otherwise.When the old United Planetary System decided touse Planet Pluto as the forward base for Slingshot,they invested the planet with some of their mostadvanced technologies. Other communities throughoutthe Outer Region are just that: places where peoplelive, work, play, consume and little else.
"Slingshot has given Planet Pluto a far greaterrole in the solar scheme. And now, a role thatwas entirely unexpected when Slingshot wasfirst planned, dissolution of the unified solargovernment released us from UIPS domination. Wegained opportunities to fashion and strengthen aninfrastructure, and freedom to confuse our INORneighbors with a melange of schemes to satisfytheir greed. Slingshot technology, facilities, andmateriel give to us, more than to any other memberof INOR, the means to attain our aspirations. Powercreates its own logic, Drummer.
"To answer your question: I will intervene into theaffairs of other nations when it is to my benefitto do so."
Narval's hands clenched into fists. He pounded thetop of his desk in a tattoo as he glared at Drummerthrough eye slits embedded in fat.
"Understand me, Drummer," Narval shrilled. "I willbe the dominant force in INOR, and that's only thebeginning."
Narval quieted, each warily observing the other.Hesitatingly, Drummer tried to respond to Narval'sincredible declaration.
"Is that what's behind your recent Proclamationto the UIPS on a new foundation for interregionalrelationships?"
"Partly."
"What else is there?"
"Unfortunately, we cannot repeat Tornado Six.When I approved it, I intended it as a one-timeoperation to, shall we say, test the waters.It succeeded through your command, and theextraordinary initiative of Brad Curtin. Wemust now go on to other probing and design newconfrontations from which the UIPS will be forcedto retreat. Our tactics will, at times, includediversions, as we must keep both INOR governmentsand the UIPS off-balance. They must be keptguessing -- not certain -- where I will move next."
"How do you expect them to react to suchprovocation?"
"There is little likelihood the UIPS will gamblewith the future of our solar civilization byretreating from Slingshot; they cannot risk thesystem-wide demoralization and desolation thatwould follow. I intend to play on their fears andon public pressures to attain my ends. That's wherethreats come in; we must use them regularly, butwith cunning and consistency. UIPS perception ofdanger to Slingshot, compounded by the enormousdistances from their military centers, willcompel them to be reasonable. If our tacticsare convincing the UIPS will have no alternatives.They will accede to my demands."
"What if they resist?"
Narval's pudgy fists resumed their cadencedpounding.
"Let them," he snarled, "I will be ready; I will gofurther and challenge them. They will be compelledto come to me, and I command the high ground.I will defeat them, and move on quickly to myultimate 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 hearwhat my mind has been forced to conclude."
"Very well, Drummer, hear this. Planet Plutois strategically situated at this time to be thesingle, most influential force in human affairs. Iwill use that influence to consolidate my militarycontrol over INOR. When I have that I will confrontthe UIPS and beat them down. I, Narval, willdominate 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 getmuch pleasure in making good on them. Many insultsand humiliations need to be returned to formercolleagues on Callisto. And there are others,in tank towns throughout the Outer Region andin 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. "Ishall govern. I shall be wise and magnanimous.Magnanimous, that is, to those who supportme, and," clenching his fists again, "merciless tothose who oppose me or seek to undermine my will."
"Considering Planet Pluto's distance from thecenters of social and industrial activity," Drummerinterjected, "and our planet's far-ranging orbit,this could be a difficult location from which togovern the Solar System."
"I've thought of that, Drummer. I shall move toLuna and rule from there. In stages, we can adjustto its gravity. Once Slingshot goes operational,this planet will revert to an outpost, for most ofits orbit beyond the sola
A broad grin rippled across Narval's features.Drummer, somber-faced, returned Narval's gazeand saw his eyes shrink into lumpy flesh.
"Drummer, my plans include a position of greatpower and prestige for you."
"Indeed?"
"A new elite and a new hierarchy will be createdwhen I take control. I will want a council ofadvisors, commanders and administrators forinternal affairs, constabulary and military forces,security, intelligence, and a vast bureaucracy tomanage the affairs of government for an entiresystem of planets, satellites, and thousands ofartificial colonies. Much will need to be done, andyou 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 fingersacross his abdomen.
"I had him here a short time ago and questionedhim under a psychic probe. He withstood the inquiry.The probe did not disclose any inconsistencies tomy questions; therefore, I can only conclude he iswhat he claims to be. What is your opinion?"
"My talks with Brad and his companions led meto that conclusion."
"So be it then."
Narval's attention seemed to wander. He reachedfor a document on the desk, and he perused it asif his mind was elsewhere.
"Drummer," he said, raising his eyes, "I want youto give Brad a special assignment, and report tome periodically how it is progressing. Keep Brad'sgroup together, but watch them, and report to meimmediately of any suspicious activities. I've alsoordered 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 ourmilitary capabilities to penetrate the protectiveshield around the Logistics Depot, to capture itand use it as hostage."
"Good God! Take the depot as hostage? For whatpurpose?"
"The reason you will give Brad is that INOR willhold it hostage for a greater share in decisions onthe 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."