"That UIPS envoy had motives for coming to Planet Pluto far beyond delivering a message to me and getting a formal response. His timing was to be here when Camari broadcast his appeal for his convocation with INOR Heads of State. He was here to assess my reaction." Looking from one to the other, he demanded, "Did you hear Camari's speech?"
"Yes," from Drummer.
Brad nodded.
"Well, as my diplomatic affairs advisor, Drummer, what did you make of it?"
"My feeling is that Camari is willing to meet us halfway to resolve differences between the Regions."
"You do, eh? What about you, Brad?"
"I'm neither a politician nor a diplomat, Mr. President. I can't see behind the words. Taken literally, I suppose, he wants a grand party to talk things out. That might be fine, providing it ties in with your plans."
"Aha," Narval said, with a gentle slap at the desk's top.
"You've hit it a lot closer than Drummer. The question of the moment is how might this so-called peace conference affect achieving my ultimate objective?"
"I have not been made privy to your 'ultimate objective', Mr. President," Brad said. "I cannot speak to that point."