Birthright

The aide acknowledged the orders and left the office.

“I realize that you've taken a great personal risk in coming here,” said Broder. “May I assure you that no record of this meeting will be kept, and that should your presence become known, I will authorize safe passage for you to whatever destination you desire.” Connough grunted, still looking around. “You are free to examine the room,” offered Broder. Connough took one last look, then shook his head. “That won't be necessary.” “Fine,” said Broder. “Now let's get down to business. First of all, just how did you manage to get here without credentials?”

“I have credentials,” said Connough, flashing them. “I expressed myself poorly,” said Broder. “I realize, of course, that you would have the necessary identification to reach my office. What I'm curious about is how you ever got out to the Rim and back without being detained at one end or the other.” “I have my ways,” said Connough.

“Not good enough,” said Broder. “If I am even to consider entering this enterprise I must have straight answers. Otherwise you're just wasting my time and yours.” “It's a big galaxy, Admiral, and it's impossible to guard every spaceway. My organization has numerous small trading ships, and it was a simple matter to forge credentials to the effect that I owned and operated one, and that I had trading rights to several of the frontier worlds. Belasko knew I was coming, and I had no problem getting through his military cordon around the Belthar system.” “Belasko!” said Broder. “You met him in person?” Connough nodded.

“Can you prove that to me?”

Connough withdrew a small plastic card. “You'll find Belasko's thumbprint on this. Run it through your computer and check it out.”

Broder did so, and a few minutes later the computer reported that the thumbprint did indeed belong to Belasko, the kingpin of the loosely knit confederation of warlords. “How did Belasko react to your proposition?” “Pretty much as I anticipated,” said Connough. “In exchange for Sirius V, Lodin XI, and their spheres of economic and military influence, he'll do what we ask.” “And what, precisely, is that?”