Drummer looked straight at Narval, silent.
"My question, Drummer," Narval demanded, his tone impatient.
"You shared your objectives with me in confidence, Mr. President. I am not at liberty to speak on them in the presence of others without your permission."
Narval stared long and hard at Drummer and back to Brad.
"Not yet," he said. "Meanwhile, and especially in the light of the forthcoming convocation, I want you, Brad, to accelerate preparing our military fleet to take possession of the depot and that gaggle of transport and other vessels that constantly hover about. They will be the main bargaining chip when I give my ultimatum to Camari."
Brad nodded, his features closed.
Drummer looked dubious. He said, "That means we must have the depot under our control when you speak to President Camari."
"Sound conclusion," Narval replied caustically. "Now, Drummer, is the time for you, my chief diplomat, to engage in a bit of manipulation and encouragement among our allies — in my name and behalf, of course.
"We'll do this one step at a time. Prepare personal messages from me to the heads of INOR governments. Remind them of our past agreements to stand together to resist incursions by the UIPS. Point out that Camari's invitation presents us with an excellent opportunity to exert our combined will on this issue. Then, state my intention to take temporary control of the Slingshot Logistics Depot to add weight to our persuasions. Are my instructions clear?"
"They are, Mr. President."