Birthright

asked Hermione. “Yes, ma'am,” responded Barnes. “There are six planets in the system. Ramor itself has two moons, and the fifth planet, a giant, has eleven. Most of them are colonized, and our spectroscopic analysis indicates that all of them could be mined for iron and some of the rarer metals, which is probably the purpose of

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 We don't know exactly what happened next, but six years ago all mining forces were withdrawn, all embassies closed, and all diplomatic relations broken off.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.”

“That ought to be enough,” mused Hermione. Then: “Would you please open up a line of communication

with Ramor for me?'’

A few moments later she was conversing with a man who, if not the head of the Ramorian planetary government, was at least authorized to speak for that personage. “The shipHaiti , out of Deluros VIII, race of Man, bids you welcome,” said Hermione. “We bid theHaiti welcome,” came the reply, “and respectfully request its purpose.” “Too long have our races lived in mutual isolation,” said Hermione, being very careful that she allowed for no misinterpretation of her Galactic-O. “We humbly suggest that the time has come for our races to renew our brotherhood and open our space routes to free trade once again. As a gesture of our goodwill, we bear a cargo consisting of machines that will synthesize artificial fabrics, which we know that your miners will value highly. We ask nothing in return except the right of free trade with you.” “I am afraid that is out of the question,” replied the Ramorian. “Centuries ago our people had a taste of what free trade with Man means, and the memory of it still stings bitterly. You will not be molested, but you are forbidden to land on any world in our system. We appreciate your gesture of friendship, but we cannot and will not accept this or any other inducement to reopen any form of commerce with Deluros VIII or any other planet housing the race of Man.” Hermione cut the communication off, then turned to Barnes. “Ma'am?”

“I think the time has come for a more forceful gesture,” she said. “You say there are sixteen Teroni ships attacking the moons of the fifth planet. Can we destroy about a dozen of them without any great risk to ourselves?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then have the crew do so, and chase the Teroni survivors out of this system in the general direction of their home planet.”

TheHaiti reached the beleaguered moons in a matter of minutes. With no warning whatsoever it blasted five Teroni ships out of existence before they even knew it was among them.

With theHaiti's speed, maneuvering power, and defenses, the remainder of the job was just a mop-up action. Its armaments—the end product of an arms race that had existed since the first caveman discovered the first femur bone—were devastating, and a few moments’ time saw it chasing the four surviving ships back toward Teron.

“Is there any way we can fake a disabling hit to theHaiti ?” asked Hermione. “Right now?” asked Barnes.

“Well, before the Teroni are beyond sight and sensor range. Then have the ship limp back to Ramor just fast enough so that they can't overhaul it.”

The pilot did as Barnes instructed, and the Teroni returned to their home planet with the false knowledge

that theHaiti wouldn't be able to do too much damage until repairs were made. Before long, Hermione was once again in communication with the Ramorian spokesman. “The shipHaiti, out of Deluros VIII, race of Man, sends you greetings and felicitations.” “Our position remains unchanged,” was the terse reply. “We do not doubt your sincerity,” said Hermione. “But to prove our own goodwill toward all the people of Ramor, we have recently engaged a number of Teroni ships in the vicinity of the moons of your fifth planet.”

“And?” The radio didn't record it, but Hermione had a strong suspicion that there was a long gulp in there somewhere.

“And we achieved a stunning triumph for the people of Ramor. We flew no colors, so the glory of victory will be credited solely to your planetary government. We trust you will accept this as a further proof of our friendship, and—”

“Did you destroy them all?” came the imperative question. “Let me consult my figures,” said Hermione, smiling as she allowed the Ramorian spokesman to sweat for an extra minute. “No,” she said at last. “But twelve Teroni ships were totally demolished with absolutely no Ramorian casualties. Four ships did indeed escape, but we have doubtless secured your mining colonies for the foreseeable future.” “You're sure four of them escaped?”

“Yes,” said Hermione calmly. “We could have hunted them down, but how else would the tyrants of Teron know that they may no longer harass our Ramorian friends with impunity?” Something resembling a groan came across the radio. “And now, to further show our goodwill, theHaiti will return to Deluros VIII, and will never again trespass into Ramorian space until such time as you, our brethren, actively pursue a trading treaty. We bid you farewell, and earnestly wish that your Deity may smile upon you.” She cut communications, and was not surprised to note an immediate attempt to reopen them. “Wait!” came the Ramorian's frantic supplication. “You can't leave our system now!” “Why not?” asked Hermione innocently. “We realize that it will doubtless take you time to consider all the implications of our act of brotherhood. We are prepared to wait until you come to us freely and openly. It is not Man's way to apply force of any type.” “But what if the Teroni return? They still outnumber us!” “Why would they return?” asked Hermione sweetly. “Not only did we teach them new respect for the forces of Ramor, but they have never previously launched an all-out attack on you.”