Birthright

the colonies. At this moment, the third and seventh moons of the fifth planet are under attack by what

seems to be a rather small expeditionary force.” “That would be the Teroni,” interposed Hermione. “What have we got on Teron, ma'am?”

“Chlorine-breathers. Teron is in the nearest star system, some two parsecs away. We once controlled the fourth planet from their sun, but never had any interest in Teron, which is the ninth planet. From what we've been able to determine, Teron and Ramor had an agreement that allowed Ramor to mine the second planet in Teron's system, while the Teroni were given mining rights to the moons of Ramor's fifth planet. We don't know exactly what happened next, but six years ago all mining forces were withdrawn, all embassies closed, and all diplomatic relations broken off. Since that time there have been a number of minor skirmishes between the two races, but no all-out war as yet.” “Why not?”

“The Teroni would ultimately win, but not without first absorbing some devastating losses.” “Then why are we in Ramor's system rather than Teron's?” asked Barnes. “Because,” said Hermione, “it would appear that Ramor is in greater need of a big brother with muscle. Neither system has been willing to trade with Man for centuries, and both have some agricultural goods and rare earths that we need. My orders, which are delightfully vague, are simply to open up a line of trade with one or both of them. How I do so is my own business.” “And have you any ideas based on what we know?” “Indeed I do,” said Hermione. “In your considered opinion, how do their military ships stack up to this one?”

“No contest,” came the quick reply. “According to our readout, it would take about twenty of them just to put a dent in us.”

“And you consider there to be little or no difference between the Ramorian ships and those of the Teroni?”

“In structure, they're totally different,” said Barnes. “In capabilities, they're two sides of the same coin.” “Now, as I understand it,” said Hermione, “the Teroni have a fleet of some fifty-five military ships, while the Ramorians have thirty-two.”

“In that case,” said Barnes, “neither has enough to adequately defend its own system against an all-out attack by the other. Sooner or later, one of the ships would have to get through.” “I agree,'’ said Hermione. “Which is why they've limited their skirmishes to the mining colonies. It seems to be an unspoken rule of the game that massive attacks and massive retaliations are to be avoided at all costs. Tell me: How many Teroni ships are in the area of the Ramorian moons right now?” “Sixteen that we've been able to spot; possibly one or two more.”