tem fell apart. The fragmented,
international order that replaced it, this
grotesque arrangement of nation-states, is equally
ineffective and therefore obsolete. Our system
of authority and governance must be raised above
the antiquated, interminable rules of the desperate
bickering we now witness here at play among us.
I will personally impose such changes."

"Through tyranny?" Camari's words were dry as the
desert winds of Mars.

Narval's eyes narrowed to slits of hatred as he glared
at Camari. Damn, where was Drummer's message?

Camari continued in the same tone, confronting
Narval directly, "I voice the profound hopes of the
peoples of our diverse cultures, and yet, of our
common species, that your threat is nothing but
idle chatter."

He turned his head to right and left, taking in the
others at the table.

"What say you, leaders of INOR, to this threat from
a criminal let loose among us from Callisto? Will
you yield to Narval your constitutional rights and
authority so that he personally assumes the power
to dictate to your nation and to your people?

"I, for one, reject his proposal with contempt and
declare, here and now, that the UIPS will fight to
the death any attempt by Narval to impose his will
on the United Inner Planetary System or, for that
matter, on any nation in the Solar System."

Around the table, and in the seats beyond, a
shocked silence fell. They were indeed cynical and
self-seeking politicians, and devious ploys were
their stock in trade for getting and holding power.
Narval's past was well known to them all. His words
were a direct challenge to their positions, their
regimes, and their lives. Faces clouded, they
appeared overcome by the realization that Narval's
capture of the Terminals was merely one part of a
far greater conspiracy to destroy their sovereignty.

Advisors leaned forward to whisper to their
Masters. Suspicious glances were cast at Narval
who responded with a look of mocking amusement.

"This is all without significance," he thought, "by
now INOR military forces are committed to me."

Camari sat quietly, letting it all happen. The dice
had been cast elsewhere.

##

Ram entered and strode swiftly around the
conference table toward Camari. Something in the
way Ram's elongated frame stooped and flexed
as he walked created an impression of suppressed
excitement. Camari tensed with apprehension. Ram
caught Camari's eye as the UIPS leader leaned back
in h