tal
role in my plans."

Narval motioned a now openly apprehensive Drummer
to 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 fingers
drummed the desk.

"I repeat, with INOR in turmoil no head of state
can feel secure. New philosophies surface and
attract supporters, occasionally, even strong
leaders. If forces with objectives opposing mine
move into the Outer Region, I will not sit by idly.
I will intervene, even if it means imposing the
most stringent discipline and controls."

"With respect, President Narval, does Planet Pluto
have the right to intervene into the affairs of
other nations?"

Narval scowled, recovered, and snickered.

"Power gives us rights we would not have otherwise.
When the old United Planetary System decided to
use Planet Pluto as the forward base for Slingshot,
they invested the planet with some of their most
advanced technologies. Other communities throughout
the Outer Region are just that: places where people
live, work, play, consume and little else.

"Slingshot has given Planet Pluto a far greater
role in the solar scheme. And now, a role that
was entirely unexpected when Slingshot was
first planned, dissolution of the unified solar
government released us from UIPS domination. We
gained opportunities to fashion and strengthen an
infrastructure, and freedom to confuse our INOR
neighbors with a melange of schemes to satisfy
their greed. Slingshot technology, facilities, and
materiel give to us, more than to any other member
of INOR, the means to attain our aspirations. Power
creates its own logic, Drummer.

"To answer your question: I will intervene into the
affairs of other nations when it is to my benefit
to do so."

Narval's hands clenched into fists. He pounded the
top of his desk in a tattoo as he glared at Drummer
through eye slits embedded in fat.

"Understand me, Drummer," Narval shrilled. "I will
be the dominant force in INOR, and that's only the
beginning."

Narval quieted, each warily observing the other.
Hesitatingly, Drummer tried to respond to Narval's
incredible declaration.

"Is that what's behind your recent Proclamation
to the UIPS on a new foundation for interregional
relationships?"

"Partly."

"What else is there?"

"Unfortunately, we cannot repeat Tornado Six.
When I approved it, I intended