Birthright

demands which are absolutely nonnegotiable, I wouldn't be here. I'd be cooling my heels in office after

office while everyone in the government hoped the problem would go away. My very presence here attests to the efficacy of our methods.” “Who the hell are you, anyway?"’ demanded the Secretary. “You're no miner. How did you come to be part of this organization? And where is the Federation's headquarters? Who are its officers?” “I don't believe that I'm going to tell you,” said Coleman calmly. “None of that information could possibly help our cause, and I can certainly conceive of numerous ways by which releasing any further facts about ourselves could only work to our detriment.” “In what way?”

“It is not inconceivable that knowledge of our headquarters would precipitate an immediate attack on them,” said Coleman. “We have absolutely no intention of using force, but we do intend to protect our existence. Our power is economic and moral, not military.” “You're about to learn just how unmilitary your power is,” said the Secretary. “When is this galaxy-wide strike supposed to take place?”

“At midnight, Earth time.”

The Secretary pressed one button from among the multitude on his intercom set. “I want the 27th Fleet sent to Spica II immediately. At precisely midnight, Earth time, they will demand that the miners turn over fifty tons of iron. Should the miners refuse to do so, they are to take whatever action is deemed expedient to secure the iron. Is that understood?” He flicked off the switch without waiting for a reply. “All right, Mr. Coleman. Now let's see just how much gumption your Federation has.” Coleman pulled a small transistorized communication device out of his pocket and activated it. “This is Coleman.” He waited until his voiceprint had been cleared. “It's Spica II, tonight. Get a camera there on the double.” He replaced the communicator in his pocket and looked up at the Secretary with what he hoped was a confident smile. “It's your move now, sir.” “You talk about this as if it were a chess game, instead of a crime of treason against the Republic,” said the Secretary. “But since you've made the ground rules, I hope you'll be willing to play by them.” He flicked on the intercom again. “Intercept and detain all ships traveling within one parsec of the Spica system for the next five days.” He looked steadily at Coleman. “Still think you have a chance?” “Tell me when you're ready to agree publicly to our demands,” said Coleman. He turned and left the office.

At exactly midnight, the Federation of Miners went on strike. At eleven minutes after midnight, the flagship of the 27th Fleet demanded that the miners of Spica II relinquish their daily quota of iron.

At twelve minutes after midnight, the miners refused. At fourteen minutes after midnight, the 27th Fleet gave the miners a ten-minute ultimatum, after which they stated that they would take the iron by force and arrest the miners.