Birthright

“That he make a feint at the Binder system when instructed, and that he publicly acknowledge his loyalty

to Deluros in exchange for total amnesty.” “In that order, I hope,” said Broder with a smile. “This is deadly serious business, Admiral,” said Connough. “I fail to see any humor in the situation.” “No, I don't suppose you would,” said Broder. “All right, on to the next point. How many men are in your organization?”

“That, I am afraid, is privileged information until such time as you commit yourself,” said Connough. “Fair enough. Answer this much: Do you have at least twenty thousand men on Deluros VIII?” “No.”

“I thought not,” said Broder. “Ten thousand?” “I'm not here to play guessing games, Admiral,” said Connough. “Let's just say that we have more than enough.”

“I very much doubt it, though I'll let it pass for the moment,” said Broder. “You haven't asked the question that must be the most important to you,” remarked Connough. “Oh?” said Broder. “And what is that?”

“Why, of all people on Deluros VIII, we contacted you.” “The thought did cross my mind,” said Broder. “However, it wasn't all that difficult to deduce. To begin with, nothing in my writings or speeches could have given you any indication whatsoever that I might be sympathetic to your cause, or that I wouldn't have you put to death for treason. And with an enterprise of this nature, you sure as hell didn't draw my name out of a hat. So it wasn't too difficult to figure out that what you wanted wasn't necessarily me, but the man holding my job. I just happened to be here; depending on the timing, you could have used my predecessor or my successor just as easily. “The only question remaining was: Whymy job? After all, I'm only second in command to Admiral Klare. But Klare's brother-in-law is on the Oligarchic Council, which means he's probably too loyal to chance even sounding him out. It also means, or so I surmise, that Klare will probably be murdered at the earliest opportunity, placing me—temporarily, at least—in charge of the system's defense fleet. “Now, why should it be essential to your plans to have me in that position? The only answer I can come up with is that at the proper moment I will be expected to misdirect it. Most likely,” he added, looking sharply at Connough, “when Belasko feints toward Binder. Correct?” Connough nodded.

“Let me continue, then,” said Broder. “Since Belasko has neither the strength nor the inclination to fight the main body of our forces, the only reason you want the fleet kept busy is so that they won't be tempted to interfere with whatever it is you're planning to do on Deluros VIII, and will return to afait accompli. And, with less than twenty thousand men—and probably only a quarter of that total—I