sage from me to
Camari, complaining about the manner in which his
Ambassador conducted himself on Planet Pluto.
Accuse the Ambassador of murdering several of
our citizens and stealing our property to escape our
judicial process. Tell Camari his message to me, if
he really sent one, was not delivered. That'll throw
the ball back to him. As far as I'm concerned, the
matter is closed. I have far more important matters
to discuss with you and Brad."

He waved his hand at Scarf.

"Get on about your business."

As Scarf closed the door behind him, Narval shifted
his bulk. Placing both hands flat on the desk he
studied each ring. He glanced momentarily at
Drummer and fixed his eyes on Brad.

"I am not a fool," he hissed as his features
contorted into waves of quivering fat.

"That UIPS envoy had motives for coming to Planet
Pluto far beyond delivering a message to me and
getting a formal response. His timing was to be
here when Camari broadcast his appeal for his
convocation with INOR Heads of State. He was here
to assess my reaction." Looking from one to the
other, he demanded, "Did you hear Camari's speech?"

"Yes," from Drummer.

Brad nodded.

"Well, as my diplomatic affairs advisor, Drummer,
what did you make of it?"

"My feeling is that Camari is willing to meet us
halfway to resolve differences between the Regions."

"You do, eh? What about you, Brad?"

"I'm neither a politician nor a diplomat, Mr.
President. I can't see behind the words. Taken
literally, I suppose, he wants a grand party to
talk things out. That might be fine, providing it
ties in with your plans."

"Aha," Narval said, with a gentle slap at the
desk's top.

"You've hit it a lot closer than Drummer. The
question of the moment is how might this so-called
peace conference affect achieving my ultimate
objective?"

"I have not been made privy to your 'ultimate
objective', Mr. President," Brad said. "I cannot
speak to that point."

Drummer looked straight at Narval, silent.

"My question, Drummer," Narval demanded, his tone
impatient.

"You shared your objectives with me in confidence,
Mr. President. I am not at liberty to speak on them
in the presence of others without your permission."

Narval stared long and hard at Drummer and back
to Brad.

"Not yet," he said. "Meanwhile, and especially in
the light of the forthcoming convocation, I want
you, Brad, to accelerate preparing our military
fleet to take possession of the