er defenses of the planet were strong, as
were the staunch will of both soldier and civilian who manned and
supported them. But the offensive capabilities of the French were not
to be underestimated. Not for nothing had they ruled most of Europe
under Bonaparte (though they seemed better at taking territory than
holding it). Who would prevail?

The United British Kingdoms kept a consulate and Consul-general on New
Belfast (though he was seldom petitioned or asked for advice), and on
the morning of October 10, a fortnight after the siege and assault had
begun, he appeared at the residence of the Planetary Governor with a
proposal from British Prime Minister Blackwood, and tentatively
approved by Parliament, to lend military assistance in the crisis. He
was received with the stiff politeness characteristic of modern
English-Irish relations, and conducted to a polished oak drawing room
to wait.

After a short time the Governor entered with an assistant, looking
haggard and worn, and skeptical as to the meaning of his visit. A
butler came when called, and brought them brandy. Consul Witherspoon
spoke first, intending to address the issue at once.

"Governor Gale," he began, unable yet to relinquish the formality of
his profession. "I know you have many things on your mind and that
your time is short, so I shall come directly to the point."

"Please do."

"Very well. The assault brought upon you by the French is both
formidable and determined, and though your defenses are strong and your
men fight bravely, you cannot hope to withstand them much longer. Your
shields won't absorb the pounding forever, and you've not the resources
for a serious counter-attack on the adversarial fleets."

"You said you'd be coming to the point."

"And I intend to do just that. Your help from outer-Earth will not
arrive for several weeks at least, and when it does New Belfast may no
longer be yours to defend." Gale grumbled something about 'pointless'
and 'salt in our wounds', but Witherspoon pushed forward.

"Prime Minister Blackwood, then, has sent me to make the following
proposal. The United Kingdoms have a strength of three hundred ships
stationed at Drake Outpost, which could be brought to your aid
within---"

"Oh, I dare say. And what, pray, shall good Minister Blackthorne (for
some reason Gale always called him this) and the noble English receive
in return?"

"I won't lie to you, Governor. That's not why I've co