as the Terminals are taken and secured, I am
under orders to subvert all ships' Commanders
of our allies so that they swear allegiance only
to Narval. Those who refuse, under psychic probe
verification, are to be killed on the spot.

"If this is done, Narval will have consolidated
enough military power to dominate the entire Outer
Region. When his position is firm, his strategy is
to use Slingshot to force the UIPS to its knees,
and establish himself as ruler over the entire
Solar System. These are the real objectives of
President Narval of Planet Pluto. If we follow
his orders, have no doubt that he will attain his
diabolic objectives.

"I refuse to comply with those orders. I urge all
Commanders of INOR ships and forces to return
to their home stations and report to their Heads of
State who are now attending the Solar Convocation.
Establish boards of inquiry, or conduct such
investigations as you feel appropriate. But do not
proceed with this adventure concocted in the mind
of a madman. It means disaster for us all.

"I am now opening this channel for replies from
the Senior Commanders of the combined fleet."

Chapter FORTY-ONE

Captain Yargoul's face, inflamed with rage, flashed
on the screen.

"By what right do you take this on yourself,
Drummer?" he exploded.

"I choose to be a free man, Captain Yargoul, and
have spoken as one."

"I don't believe President Narval gave you orders
to turn us against our own Governments." Yargoul's
eyes glittered his suspicion. "What's your game,
Drummer?"

"Those were indeed the orders given to me by
Narval. As for my 'game', as you put it, it is,
first, to take Planet Pluto out from under tyranny;
and second, to bring reason to the negotiations now
taking place between INOR and the UIPS. You cannot
help me with the first, but you and all honorable
citizens of the INOR federation share in the
obligation to help with the second. With whom do
you stand, Captain Yargoul?"

"I stand against you, Drummer, and I charge you
with treason against your Government and disloyalty
to our cause. You are not fit to lead this fleet.
As ranking officer next in line I now challenge your
right to act as Supreme Commander of this Combined
Fleet. I hereby replace you in that capacity and
assume command." His voice rang with the power of
his new authority.

"Captain Hyk, take Admiral Drummer into custody.
If he resists, shoot him."

Drummer switched off the commun