e
planet I have final say on any decision which affects mining and
excavation. My jurisdiction is quite clear. And if you have a better
plan, I would very much like to hear it."

"We could negotiate. It seems clear that the Cantons don't want to
destroy us, only exact for themselves some future profit. We have not
even tried---" Dobrynin was about to answer hotly, when Vladimir
Salnikov lifted his hand and strode to the front of the room. He stood
beside the speaker.

"Governor Dobrynin's plan has the backing of my government. I have
spoken with them and they will stand behind it. And someday, Mr.
Pecci, I would very much like to know how you can be so sure what it is
the Cantons want." At this the man was silent.

"What say you, Vice-Minister? Has this plan your consent?"

The vice-minister rose. "Well. I am sure the Minister will want to
know all the details, and I am sure he will question the risk. But for
myself, you have my approval. And I think when the Minister is briefed
in full, he will agree that we have little choice."

"Thank you, Peter," said Dobrynin. "I will see that he is given a full
report, and that he is kept informed throughout." He turned back to
the others. "Now, gentlemen, if you will excuse me. My engineers and
I have much work to do. Doctor Stein, we could use your help as well."

With that Dobrynin left the room, followed by five others. Salnikov
watched them go, then lowered his head, and returned to his ship.

The charges had been laid. Two hundred kilometers beneath the surface,
six old-style nuclear explosives had been set in a flat, star-shaped
pattern---this, in the heart of a solidified iron and nickel flow one
hundred and sixty kilometers across, rising directly from the planet's
core. Ironically, the massive upheaval which caused it had occurred
many thousand years before, during yet another violent passage of the
planet's equilibrium point. If such a bullet could be launched at the
station, it would indeed be hard to knock down, though the full effect
on the planet itself could hardly be calculated. Between the force of
the blast and the current instability, almost anything was possible.
Dobrynin had no illusions about serious mining for at least a
year---that things could ever again be the way they were before. But
it had to be tried.

It has gone well enough so far, he thought. Five dead and seventeen
wounded, but still, well enough. Thi