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ERIC NYLUND
255
"No weapons," the Admiral said and stared at the blocky ge-
ometry of the black ship. "That's all I need to know."
"Their 'fleet,' " Fred interjected, "is deploying and taking up
positions around us in a wide arc. Classic formation. They'll
flank us."
"There's no real threat from these ships," the Admiral said to
himself. "They have to know we know that. So why bother with
this show?" He scowled at the displays, and his eyes widened.
"Cortana, scan the nearby rocks for radioactive emissions."
"Receiving video feed," Fred announced.
The image of a man flickered on forward screen three. He was
clearly a civilian, with long black hair drawn back into a ponytail
and a pointed beard extending a full ten centimeters from his
chin. He smiled and made an elegant bow. The Chief, for some
reason he could not understand, took an instant dislike to him.
"Captain...," the man said in a smooth, resonant tenor voice.
"I am Governor Jacob Jiles, leader of this port. What can we do
for you?"
"First," Admiral Whitcomb said, "I am not a Captain; I am a
Vice Admiral, the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations. Second,
you will order your fleet to reverse course and get out of my
gun-sights before I forget my manners. And third, we insist that
you make ready to let us dock on that rock of yours for
emergency repairs and refit."
Jiles considered these requests and then threw his head back
and laughed. "Admiral, my sincere apologies for the confusion
in your rank." He said this with a mocking grin. "As for your
other requests, I'm afraid I can't accommodate you today."
"And I respectfully suggest you reconsider, Mister Jiles," the
Admiral said in a deadpan tone. "It would be unfortunate for all
of us if I have to insist."
"You're in no position to insist on anything." Jiles nodded to
someone offscreen.
"Emissions detected!" Cortana said. "Neutron radiation spikes
at seven by three o'clock. One by three o'clock. Picking up five
more. They've got nukes."
"Hidden in the asteroid field," Admiral Whitcomb muttered.
"Very good. At least we're not dealing with fools."
"Indeed. We are not fools," Jiles replied. "We have survived