not wasting words, Brad shared
information that Ram passed to him before his
departure.

"A UIPS battle fleet should be loading about now
into an expanded spunnel gateway off Luna. They'll
be here shortly. If Drummer doesn't neutralize
the INOR fleet, the job will be taken on by the UIPS.
But they'll need time to re-group as they enter
this arena. Our job is to keep the INOR fleet off
balance until ours is ready.

"Everyone is to be suited-up and checked out for
extended combat. Except for Myra, spread along
the corridor as close to the Flight Deck hatch as
you can without drawing attention. Keep a low profile
and wait for my signal. I expect Drummer will be
with me and we'll all go in together. Go now."

##

Drummer's voice was heard throughout the combined
fleet. His tone was grave.

"This is Admiral Drummer. My words are, first, for
Commanders of this combined fleet. Beyond that,
I speak to all ships' crews and troops who make up
this task force, and for all men and women within
reach of my voice, whatever your nationality or
whomever your leader.

"We are confronted with a dilemma. The mission
assigned to this fleet is to capture the Slingshot
Terminals. Slingshot and all that it represents
will then become hostage to the negotiations now
taking place between INOR and the United Inner
Planetary System.

"If denying the UIPS access to their Terminals for
a brief period was the real objective, I would have
no qualms in moving forward. But the orders given to
me by President Narval go much further, and I must
share them with you so that you will understand
what we face."

Captain Hyk's eyes narrowed and he took steps
toward Drummer. Brad, standing silently behind Hyk,
covered the distance to the door he had closed when
he returned to the command deck. He shoved the
locking dog closed. Turning back his hand brushed
his sidearm, releasing the safety. Hyk halted
several paces from Drummer, who ignored him.

"With heavy heart, I must now inform you that
President Narval has a deeper strategy," Drummer
continued, "one that presents a clear and present
danger to all nations and peoples of INOR, and
perhaps to the entire Solar Community. I state it
as simply as I can: Narval's strategy is betrayal."

The way back had closed; Drummer plunged ahead.

"Here are the orders given to me by our President.
Judge their purpose and their honor for yourselves.
First, to capture and hold the Terminals. As soon