seconds from a missile launch to
destroy a cache of contraband, and was attacked
before it could complete the task. Consequently,
Plutonian insurgents have now added significantly
to their already large stores of space weapons.

"Repeat alerts have been spunneled to Commanders
of UIPS ships, posts and stations throughout the
UIPS, and to all UIPS vessels that enter or are in the
Outer Region; also to ships under way, and at space
and surface moorings. Note that UIPS ships en route
to Slingshot, the Log Depot, and work sites have
been on Defense Alert Red since the Outer Region
seceded from the old United Planetary System,
therefore Slingshot readiness in their sectors
remains unchanged.

"This completes Commander Space Force Attack
Report."

Chapter TWO

Rymer Camari, President of the United Inner
Planetary System entered his official residence's
conference room in a brisk walk, a loose, gray
ankle-length robe draped about his thin shoulders.
He nodded perfunctory greetings to his Ministers
of Intelligence and Diplomatic Protocols, and to the
Commander of the UIPS Space Forces as he took
his seat at the head of the long table. An abundant
mane of white hair framed his aged features; his
stony glare reflected the rage they shared.

A panel in the wall slid upward to reveal a
two-meter square well. A cylindrical view tank
filled its available space. The tank cleared to the
United Inner Planetary System's standard simulation.
Colored and geometric symbols glowed the real
time positions of UIPS planets and their natural and
artificial satellites and outposts, schema of space
traffic lanes, space spunnel booster stations,
the Asteroids, and the twenty Guardian Stations
equidistant along the Asteroids' outer perimeter.

Stroking a key embedded nearby in the table the
President brought the Strategic Concepts Computer
on line. "Computer," he said, "integrate these
proceedings into the database. Follow, analyze
in depth across-the-board and display."

Turning to the Space Force Commander he said,
"What's the situation, Jim?" His voice was flat
with the effort to control his anger.

Admiral Jim Selvin, shifted his stocky torso about
to ease his discomfort. Battle-flinty eyes cast a
quick baleful glance at his colleagues and turned
to face the President. Thin lips, slashed across
his rough-hewn face, twisted as he spoke.

"There's little to add to what we had an hour
ago," he said. "Two good pilo