Confederation science had experimented with artificial intelligence units that ‘listened’ to everything that was said in a room and determined through analysis when a command was being directed at them. The results had been somewhat mixed, but even a total success would likely have proven inadequate to convince the operatives at Confederation Intelligence that it was a good idea to have a computer analyzing everything they said. Much simpler to retain the naming convention, and program AIs to respond to a set designation and ignore everything else.

“Yes, Mr. Vonns.”

The screen glowed to life, its background darkening to black, with a number of white circles connected by faint gray lines—stars and transwarp connections.

Holsten walked toward the screen, staring intently. The Rim was the very edge of Confederation space, and there was little of value there. A few mining colonies, but nothing of much importance. He started to turn back toward Vonns, but then he froze, his eyes locked on one of the glowing circles. Krillus.

Of course…Santis…

“Mike, you know our cultural profiles on the Alliance as well as anyone. Would you say they’re prone to test enemies’ reactions? To probe for weakness?”

Vonns hesitated for an instant, a confused look on his face. Then he said, “Yes, of course. Certainly. They respect strength. That doesn’t mean they won’t take on a capable adversary, but they will definitely go after anyone who shows them weakness. Like a predator.”

“And we’re the prey…”

“I’m sorry? What?”

“They could be testing us. The Union agents almost certainly tried to tempt them by arguing we cannot mount a defense on the Rim while we are facing a Union invasion. They’re not ready for a full-scale attack, not yet. So they send something, a small force, even a single ship…and they see how we react.”

“You mean if we don’t meet them with strength, we’re inviting war?”

“I mean if we don’t destroy utterly whatever they sent, we are asking for war.”

“But the logistics…they still face the same probl…”

“Santis.”

Vonns stared right at his companion. He paused for a moment, and then he said, “Santis. Of course. The tritium facilities. If they capture them, they could use them to refuel an invasion fleet…”

“And having secured a source of reaction mass, they could probably come up with enough support vessels to carry minimal food and weapons and other supplies.”

Vonns held Holsten’s gaze. “We’re speculating pretty wildly, Gary. Even with the reaction mass on Santis, we’re talking about a logistical nightmare.”

“Is it that wild? Can you think of anything else? Any reasonable scenario to explain the situation?”

There was a long silence. Then: “No.”