The Universe - or Nothing | Page 7

the Solar System."
Leaning slowly back into his chair as he spoke, Camari lowered his hands into his lap.
His eyes moved from one advisor to the other. They returned his gaze, the bleakness in
their eyes matching his own. "Try different combinations within the options and rate
them," he continued. "Examine our treaties with the other powers and status of current
negotiations and pending proposals. Show how each option, which has statistical
probability for success up to exponent three can adversely affect those treaties or
negotiations."
Camari drew a deep breath. "We need to take a fresh look at where we are. We've also
got to avoid political irritations that may exacerbate the situation further. On the other
hand, revisions to treaties and to our positions at the negotiating tables may be essential.
Slingshot may solve our disagreements, but we cannot wait.
"Review our readiness and activation sequences consistent with our Quick Reaction
Capability to deal with contingencies in the Slingshot Special Zone. Work up details on
what needs to be done and by whom to upgrade our QRC initiatives for each contingency
that I keyed in as probable. Show costs in still accessible resources separately and
integrate results with relevant commitments and schedules. Draft implementation plans
and execution directives to commit resources. Update constantly, but keep all

implementation directives on 'hold' until I direct otherwise.
"We meet again in two hours," Camari, said, rising from his chair. "Computer: be ready
to give a presentation on each option and its variations within the parameters I specified
and which surface through your analyses. Double-check resource requirements and
schedules, and tactical options and their possible effects on UIPS forces and assets in the
Special Zone. Maintain current. When I select the course of action and authenticate them
with the Presidential Implementation Designators, release directives to implement the
decisions. Monitor and report. This completes my instructions to Computer."
The President turned toward the door from which he had entered. Pausing, he glanced
back at the Minister of Intelligence.
"Allen," he said, "give me a rundown, within the hour, on our intelligence assets
throughout the Outer Region. I am especially interested in your ability to intensify
earliest possible infiltration and disruption throughout Narval's domain."
The door slid shut as he passed through. The wall panel across the view tank cavity
lowered as the advisors departed.
The Strategic Concepts Computer presented visual displays accompanied by a gently
modulated audio. The analysis was incisive, the coverage comprehensive. At its
conclusion, the President scanned the faces of his Ministers and the Commander of the
Space Forces.
"Comments?"
Scores of questions probed and tested the computer's logic and conclusions. Questions
became observations, which, following discussion, became revisions that, were instantly
extended to corollaries. Often, objectives and programs were adjusted. Finally, it was
done -- for the time being.
Rising from his seat, the President's eyes took in his grim advisors. Speaking softly, he
passed decisions on several recommendations to his Ministers, Admiral Selvin, and into
the Computer. Done, they sat silently for several moments, weighing the decisions'
potential effects.
Rising and making his way toward the doorway, Camari motioned to the Minister of
Intelligence. "I've read your report on our assets in the Outer Region, Allen. I have a
special task for your Ministry."
He motioned the Minister for Intelligence to join him. They passed through and the door
closed silently.
Chapter THREE
The Watch Commander drew a hand weapon from the rack, adjusted the power to low
stun, and checked the safety. He slipped the sidearm into the sheath at his waist and

scanned the monitors displaying his areas of jurisdiction.
The agri-ecol bays and industrial shops of the Guardian Station were orderly and busy.
The officer's fingers ranged the console's keys. Aud-viz transmissions from passageways,
wardrooms, and work and recreation areas slipped across the screens in rapid succession.
Inmates and guards moved about, operated equipment, or worked at their benches, each,
in his or her own way, putting in their time on the station's business.
A keystroke brought up the eight people boarding the Station through the lower air lock.
Two were station guards, their weapons sheathed but retainer clips disengaged for instant
withdrawal.
A slight adjustment brought into sharp focus the closed features of the three men and
three women in dun-colored coveralls, under escort. He studied their faces for a moment
and turned away. The bank of screens shut down as he stepped across the doorway of the
cubicle that served him as both command post and sleeping quarters. He strode briskly
toward a hatch at the far end of the passageway.
The lead guard, who had appeared a moment before on the screen, stepped off the ladder
leading from the lower level and glided forward in the light pseudo-gravity followed by
the six prisoners