and his face creased
into a broad grin, flushed with triumph. Eyes
dancing from Drummer to Brad and back, he patted
the desk once more, obviously enjoying the moment.
The grin quickly transformed into one of deadly
cunning.

"That takes care of my first objective," he
said. "From here they are both independent and
interdependent. You must plan carefully and carry
out my instructions without deviating."

Eyes fixed on Drummer, he raised his jeweled hand
to point at him.

"I have already told you how you fit into my plans
for the future." Turning to Brad, "You have proven
yourself a reliable and resourceful leader, Brad.
When I have attained my goals, you, along with
Drummer, will be amply rewarded with material
wealth and positions of honor. I tell you this
now because in my world loyalty has a price, and
you are entitled to know I will pay it. How do you
stand?"

"I hear and I understand, Mr. President," Brad
replied and, without a flinch, "I stand with you."

"Good."

Leaning as far forward as his paunch would allow,
Narval motioned Drummer and Brad forward. They
took chairs close to the desk.

"Drummer, I appoint you Commander of the Combined
Fleet, and I now order you to take the objective.
Brad, I appoint you Drummer's Chief of Combat
Operations. I will issue the necessary orders to
all Commanders of the Plutonian fleet and to the
Commanders of our allied forces."

Narval watched Drummer and Brad's faces as he
spoke. Both returned his gaze with grim, attentive
expressions.

"When you have taken the objective, only Scarf's
security troops are to be allowed to board and take
stations throughout the facility. You have another
task.

"Once internal security is established, invite the
ship commanders to a celebration on your flagship.
Reject declinations; they must appear. Permit the
celebration to go on for a bit, then, Drummer, the
bolt.

"Announce to the assembled Commanders -- those
of the Plutonian fleet and those of our allies --
that I have instructed you to take their oath of
allegiance to me, Narval of Planet Pluto, and to
none other. Those who refuse are to be eliminated
on the spot in plain view of the others. Those who
agree are to be placed under psychic probes, then
and there, to ensure that their oath of allegiance
to me is without reservation. Any who fail to pass
the test are to join the ones that openly refused.
No second chances. Understood?"

"Understood," Brad said.