Birthright

imagine you'll try to kill the seven Oligarchs.”

“Not quite, Admiral,” said Connough. “Only six of them.” “Who gets to live?” asked Broder.

“It doesn't make much difference. But if we kill seven, everything will be up for grabs. Whereas...” “Whereas if you leave one alive, you'll have succeeded in turning the galactic Oligarchy into a monarchy in one swift stroke. Under those circumstances, I'm sure none of them will turn you down. Especially,” he added, grinning again, “with a swift and certain death as the only alternative.” “That is correct,” said Connough.

“Not necessarily,” said Broder. “The whole thing hinges upon whether or not you can really deliver six swift and certain deaths to the best-protected men in the galaxy. What makes you think it can be done?” “We have men highly placed on each of the Oligarchic staffs. It won't be too difficult.” “I doubt it. They have one hell of a lot of bodyguards highly placed on each staff as well. Furthermore, the matter of timing becomes a vital factor; all six must be killed before any of the others becomes aware of the situation and strengthens his security. How do you plan to circumvent that little problem?” For almost an hour Connough spelled out every detail of the planned assassinations. Broder listened intently, occasionally asking a question, less frequently offering an opinion. At the end of that time Connough leaned back in his chair. “Well?” he asked. “Personally, I think the odds are somewhere in the neighborhood of a thousand to one against you,” said Broder “First of all, you've no idea how the remaining Oligarch will react to it. Even if he liked the idea of playing Emperor, he'd probably have you executed before you caused him any embarrassment. And, of course, if he was truly outraged at your actions, he'd have you executed for that. “Second, with the Oligarchy in a state of momentary chaos and the chain of command in doubt, Belasko might very well carve out a huge chunk of our territory. Or he might expose the whole thing and be swept to power on a tide of public sentiment.

“Third, I very much doubt that you'll be able to kill more than one Oligarch before the sky falls on your whole organization. I figure that with exceptionally good luck, you'll kill two of them. Certainly no more than that.

“Fourth, your scheme depends, to a considerable degree, on my complicity. As yet, I see no reason why I should come over to your side, and I see numerous reasons why I shouldn't.” “I cannot answer your first three objections, Admiral,” said Connough. “But as for your last one, I will give you my pledge—in writing, on voicetape, or in any other form you desire—that upon the successful completion of this affair, you will be made commander in chief of the entire armed forces of the Oligarchy. Or of the Monarchy, as the case may be. “That's very impressive,” said Broder. “It would be even more impressive if I knew you would be in power, or even alive, at such time as I wished to assume command.”