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eyes.
"All right, then," came the hurried response, "how's this? What if I offer you the entire Human
Fleet caught in a trap?"
There was silence. Sanat went on, "What if I show you how you can take over Lunar Base,
and surround the Humans?"
"Go on!" It was the first sign of interest the admiral had permitted himself.
"I am in command of one of the squadrons and I have certain powers. If you'll agree to our
terms, we can have the Base deserted within twelve hours. Two ships," the Human raised
two fingers impressively, "will take it"
"Interesting," said the Lhasinu, slowly, "but your motive? What is your reason for doing
this?"
Sanat thrust out a surly under-lip, "That would not interest you. I have been ill-treated and
deprived of my rights. Be- sides," his eyes glittered, "Humanity's is a lost cause, anyway.
For this I shall expect payment ample payment. Swear to that, and the fleet is yours."
The admiral glared his contempt 'There is a Lhasinuic proverb: The Human is steadfast in
nothing but his treachery. Arrange your treason, and I shall repay. I swear by the word of a
Lhasinuic soldier. You may return to your ships."
With a motion, he dismissed the soldiers and then stopped them at the doorway, "But
remember, I risk two ships. They mean little as far as my fleet's strength is concerned, but,
nev- ertheless, if harm comes to a Lhasinuic head through Human treachery " The scales
on his head were stiffly erect and Sanat's eyes dropped beneath the other's cold stare.
For a long while, the admiral sat alone and motionless. Then he spat 'This Human filth! It is
a disgrace even to fight them!"
The Flagship of the Human fleet lazed one hundred miles above Luna, and within it the
captains of the Squadrons sat
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BLACK FRIAR OF THE FLAME about the table and listened to Ion Smitt's shouted
indictment.
" I tell you your actions amount to treason. The battle off Vega is progressing, and if the
Lhasinu win, their Solar squadron will be strengthened to the point where we must re- treat.
And if the Humans win, our treachery here exposes their flank and renders the victory
worthless. We can win, I tell you. With these new needle-ships "
The sleepy-eyed Trantorian leader spoke up. "The needle- ships have never been tried
before. We cannot risk a major battle on an experiment, when the odds are against us."
"That wasn't your original view, Porcut. You yes, and the rest of you as well are a
cowardly traitor. Cowards!
Cravens!"
A chair crashed backwards as one arose in anger and others
followed. Loara Filip Sanat, from his vantage-point at the central port, from where he
watched the bleak landscape of Luna below with devouring concentration, turned in alarm.
But Jem Porcut raised a gnarled hand for order.
"Let's stop fencing," he said. "I represent Trantor, and I take orders only from her. We have
eleven ships here, and Space knows how many at Vega. How many has Santanni got?
None! Why is she keeping them at home? Perhaps to take advantage of Trantor's
preoccupation. Is there anyone who hasn't heard of her designs against us? We're not going
to destroy our ships here for her benefit. Trantor will not fight! My division leaves tomorrow!
Under the circumstances, the
Lhasinu will be glad to let us go in peace."
Another spoke up, "And Poritta, too. The treaty of Dra- conis has hung like neutronium
around our neck these twenty years. The imperialist planets refuse revision, and we will not
fight a war which is to their interest only."
One after another, surly exclamations dinned the perpetual refrain, "Our interests are
against it! We will not fight!"
And suddenly, Loara Filip Sanat smiled. He had turned away from Luna and laughed at the
snarling arguers.
"Sirs," he said, "no one is leaving."
Ion Smitt sighed with relief and sank back in his chair.
"Who will stop us?" asked Porcut with disdain.
'The Lhasinu! They have just taken Lunar Base and we are
surrounded."
The room was a babble of dismay. Shouting confusion held
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sway and then one roared above the rest, "What of the garri- son?"
"The garrison had destroyed the fortifications and evacuated
148
BLACK FRIAR OF THE FLAME hours before the Lhasinu took over. The enemy met with
no resistance."
The silence that followed was much more terrifying than the cries that had preceded.
"Treason," whispered someone. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]