Read By Force of Arms for Free Online

of weapons is yours.”
    The silence built once again. What would the Hudathan choose? What would any of them choose? Energy weapons? Slug throwers? Dart guns? Each had merit.
    DomaSa smiled but very few of them recognized the expression as such. Most saw what looked like a predatory grin. “Swords.”
    There were gasps of surprise, the quick buzz of commentary, and a variety of stares.
    Horgo was taken aback. Though something of an expert with the sword, he had assumed that if the diplomat agreed to fight, it would be with something less personal. A weapon that would put some distance between the combatants and serve to even the odds. This was good news indeed The duel would be short. Pleased by his good fortune, the War Omo bowed for the second time and backed away. “The surface of Arballa—two days from now.” DomaSa nodded. ‘Two days from now.”
    ChienChu sighed. The trap had been set and sprung.
    Would the quarry escape? Only time would tell.
    It was a small compartment, just off President Nankool’s living quarters, and frequently used for gatherings such as this one. Candlelight glinted from real silver, a Turr symphony could be heard in the background, and the meal was half over. President Marcott Nankool was a rather bland man who took too much pleasure in ceremonial meals, and looked a bit bloated.
    The guests included Sergi ChienChu, Maylo ChienChu and Hiween DomaSa. The President gestured toward the Hudathan’s large and rather ornate bowl. “So, Ambassador, how are you doing? Ready for another serving?”
    The Hudathan eyed his second bowl of cooked grain. It was hearty stuff—full of nuts and dried fruit. Not bad for shipboard cuisine. “Thank you, Mr. President, but no. This is more than sufficient.”
    Nankool looked at Maylo. “And how ‘bout you my dear? Some more of the fish perhaps?”
    Maylo flashed back to the illicit swim that she and Senator Samuel IshimotoSix had shared in one of the onboard aquaculture tanks, and wondered where he was. Why did she care? And what about Booly? The silence stretched uncomfortably long, and she hurried to fill it. “No, thank you.”
    “Well,” Nankool continued, dabbing at his lips, “let’s get to it. So, Sergi, what’s on your mind?”
    ChienChu had very little need of nourishment, and what he did require was delivered by other means. He toyed with his wineglass. The dinner was his doing … so the question made sense. He looked from one face to the next. “I would like to submit a proposal, a proposal that many of our colleagues would consider to be insane, but, given our present circumstances, may represent the only real chance we have.”
    Nankool finished one glass of wine and poured himself another. Light gleamed as he raised the glass. “To Sergi ChienChu! Author of the outrageous! Please proceed.”
    The most fleeting of smiles touched ChienChu’s plastiflesh lips. “You may feel differently in a moment. My proposal is this: Given the fact that the Sheen are hunting for the Thraki, and we lack the clout to force them to leave, the Confederacy is in need of allies. Allies with military clout.”
    “Yes,” the President agreed. “But who? All the players have chosen sides. None remain.”
    “Ah, but that’s where you are wrong,” the industrialist insisted. “One player remains, and he’s here, sitting at this table.”
    Nankool frowned, looked to DomaSa, and back to ChienChu. “I’m sorry Sergi… I don’t understand.”
    “It’s really quite simple,” ChienChu replied. “After the last war ended, in an effort to prevent still another, a blockade was established. Since that time Ambassador DomaSa and his people have been free to do whatever they pleased so long as they remained on the surface of the planet Hudatha.”
    Maylo wondered what her uncle was driving at, looked at the Hudathan, and took note of his expression. Though no expert, the businesswoman had spent a considerable amount of time with the diplomat, and