e who do
not recognize me, I am Deke Drummer, formerly
an advisor to Reen Narval and, also formerly the
Commander of the INOR Combined Fleet. I confirm
Captain Abou's words. The mission against Slingshot
failed. The reasons are many, but failure is the
fact. You now have the task, at your convocation,
to seek solutions to our common problems through
other means.

"All military forces and government administrators
of Planet Pluto are under my command. I proclaim
the Government of Reen Narval is fallen. I have
established myself as Regent over Planet Pluto
until a lawful President is chosen by the will of
our people. I hereby declare Reen Narval persona
non grata on Planet Pluto, and have instructed my
warships to attack and destroy his vessel should
he enter Plutonian jurisdiction. I remind you all that
Narval came to Planet Pluto as a criminal outcast
from Callisto. I suggest to the President of
Callisto that he take custody of Narval and deal
with him on the basis of the crimes he committed
within Callistonian jurisdictions.

"To President Camari, I herewith declare that
the original understandings on cooperation and
collaboration with the Government of Planet
Pluto until Slingshot is launched remain in
effect. Planet Pluto is an independent nation,
nevertheless, I request that, in this singular
situation, that you personally represent our
interests at the Conference. I look forward to an
early exchange of Ambassadors and consultations
to review our mutual interests and objectives.
I have in mind three people whom I hope you will
consider for high position in your representation
to my Government. I shall communicate with you
separately on that matter."

Chapter FORTY-SIX

SOLAR LEADERS REACH ACCORD
TRANS-SOLAR NEWS SERVICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FLASH: SYSTEM-WIDE
Filed at Solar Conference Site

The meeting of the Solar System's Heads of State
is a success. President Camari of the UIPS opened
the proceedings with a brief speech. Ignoring past
differences, he emphasized common interests,
interdependence of peoples and nations, and
benefits through collective efforts to meet the
needs of the dispersed communities of humankind.

"The singular authority of the old United Planetary
System," Camari said, "had no need for means
to resolve issues among separate nation-states.
That is no longer true. We must provide for
interregional and international deliberations and
decision-making. Fur