Jejliard have never felt so out of place in his own office. Armed guards were everywhere and had essentially taken over the NORC complex. If he'd any doubts before, it was now obvious Novaland's resources were locked down and under military command. He bristled at the thought. He'd built this research center from the ground up and every fiber of his being protested their presence. In the back of his mind, he knew it was a violation of his sacred ground and his world was being shattered. Was this to be the reward for all his hard work, to have it taken from him and used for military gain? He had no choice but to play along for now.

The room was crowded with dignitaries of state from nations all over Beldora. Upper ranking officers in the Beldorian Security Forces occupied half of the seats, emphasizing the military’s role. “A few politicians and a handful of ranking officers,” Jejliard thought. “Yes, a bit of an understatement, Colberton.”

The president of the Beldorian Security Council called the meeting to order. “We are here today to address a matter of extreme importance. The planet of Beldora has never faced a threat of this magnitude. Our enemies on the Theopian continent have covertly developed nuclear capacities. I believe they may soon have the potential to develop weapons capable of destroying entire cities, a level of devastation previously unimaginable. General Robert Colberton will provide you with details.”

Colberton gave a brief explanation of nuclear technology and what it could do if weaponized before going into specifics. “The enemy have been mining uranium from the Craden province undetected for many years. We discovered they were transporting it by ox carts to a rail system running through a remote mountain pass on to a hidden stronghold on the Theopian continent. We first suspected a problem when radiation was detected in some of the produce exported through Catspaw earlier this year. Our investigations have been severely restricted due to the boundaries of the treaty."

He paused for a drink of water and allowed his words to impact the listeners.

"I sent a party from NORC to the area to search for evidence. Still no word back, Jejliard?"

"None. Most likely they're having trouble repairing the old radio. I'm certain they'll check in as soon as possible, but there’s no way to know until then." Jejliard wasn’t expecting Colberton to put his team on display so quickly. As director of the NORC complex he should have been formally introduced to the audience and not addressed by his first name in such an off handed manner. It appeared Colberton was diverting attention from himself, so Jejliard decided to turn the spotlight back on the military. “And if they do find radioactivity, what would be your next move?”

“That would be classified now, wouldn’t it?” Colberton laughed and blew off the question.

Jejliard knew the Rassel Glades operation had been thrown together at the last moment using a discarded naval supply vessel. It wasn’t on the same level as military intelligence and the Beldorian Security Council couldn’t be waiting on evidence from the Sea Grinder to determine their next course of action. Jejliard wondered now if the broken radio might have been a deliberate ploy to stall for time.

Faustina Renfro, the prime minister of Trabest took the floor. She was a tall woman with severe features dressed in a dark navy suit. Her face wore a hostile frown, and her voice was accusing in tone. “We have a lot of questions for NORC,” she said. “How did this technology get in the hands of the Theopians and why was something this dangerous left in the hands of civilians without military controls and property security measures? Indeed, why was NORC developing nuclear technology in the first place? Who authorized it?”

“Permit me to introduce myself for the benefit of those new to our island,” Jejlilard began. “I’m Jejliard Castonea, founder of Novaland and director of NORC.”

“I’m not interested in your credentials or title,” the prime minister replied. “I just want answers.”

“Novaland is not party to any treaty and owes no allegiance to your Council of Nations. We have autonomy as an independent nation,” Jejliard replied. It was an effort to remain pleasant. “NORC’s mission has been the advancement of scientific knowledge in every field. I opened our research base to other scientists and medical professionals from all nations. We cooperate with the Beldorian Security Council to protect sensitive knowledge and keep it safe from those who would abuse it.”

The prime minister remained standing. “I think I speak for every nation here when I say you have failed to do so. This island of yours is a hazard to the peace and security of this planet.”

“You have our research to thank for advances in medicine, a lower mortality rate and the modern conveniences of transportation and communication you now take for granted. NORC has never been involved in weapons research,” Jejliard countered. “Our sole purpose for developing nuclear technology was to benefit the population of Beldora with an inexpensive and clean power source.”

“I suggest you’ve gone too far with your experiments,” the prime minister said and pointed a finger at Jejliard. “You should be held responsible for the disaster created by letting this knowledge get into the hands of hostiles.”

“We have the best security system in existence in our NORC complex,” Jejliard said.

“Apparently not good enough, Mr. Castonea,” she countered. “That is why the Council of Nations has petitioned the Beldorian Security Force to take control of your little island of horrors.”

So it was true. His island had been taken from him. Jejliard was furious, as much with himself as anyone, for not being able to see this coming. He should have had a plan, an offensive system to counter such a move. Novaland’s protection revolved around surveillance and security monitoring. Their limited defense weapons were no match for the overwhelming military might surrounding them. Neutrality alone was not leverage enough to stand against the Council of Nations politically and they certainly could not match them militarily Novaland was helpless, there to be plundered for its technology. If he remained a free man, that would change.

“Not necessary, madam. I’m more than happy to turn this problem over to the military where it belongs,” Jejliard replied. “Our resources are at their disposal.” He hoped his show of cooperation would sidestep martial law for Novaland.

There was a moment of awkward silence. Colberton coughed. He regained the floor from the prime minister by handing out a communique he had prepared. “You’ll find valuable reference materials attached including recommended emergency evacuation protocols,” he said. “I’m certain our security forces can work out a mutually agreeable arrangement with our good friends here on Novaland. No need to take up more of the council’s time.”

The rest of the conference drug on for another hour or so with no new information. Thankfully there were no more questions for Jejliard, but neither were there any answers. Everyone was dancing around the obvious question.

“How do you plan to deal with the Theopians?” Jejliard finally asked. “Publicly that is.”

“Until they tip their hand, we can’t go public with our accusations without admitting to our own covert activities," Colberton replied. "That’s why it’s important to find evidence of radioactivity in the Glades. Theopia would be operating outside their jurisdiction to deploy and test weapons there. We could act, based on such evidence without having to wait for overt aggression on their part. They would have in effect violated the terms of the treaty and be subject to disciplinary action.”

The prime minister of Trabest spoke up again. “What’s being done to develop a weapons program of our own? What does Novaland have to offer to clean up the mess it’s created, Mr. Castonea? Or is that against your fine principles?”

"The solution you seek rests with the Security Council, Madam Prime Minister. It’s a shame you weren’t around during the previous war,” Jejliard said. “I commend Trabest for leading the way this time instead of hiding behind the coat tails of other nations.”

Colberton rushed to fill the gap in conversation. “Rest assured we will be prepared in the event of an attack. I’ll defer further questions to the president of our Securtiy Council.”

“I’m not at liberty to discuss particulars at this time,” the president said. “Progress is being made and we will defend our member nations if attacked. Unfortunately, our time is up. Please direct further questions through the usual channels. Meeting adjourned.”

* * *

Colberton accompanied Jejliard back to his office. At least it used to be his office. Several military aids were there awaiting further orders. Colberton shooed them out the door and closed it.

“Making themselves quite at home, aren't they?" Jejliard remarked.

"Don't take this too hard, old man," Colberton said. "It's for show mostly. To satisfy their need for blood you know. Someone has to take the blame. That's all."

"Of course, Robert," Jejliard said. "We can't let the Security Council lose face."

"We both know you had nothing to do with it," Colberton said trying to smooth things over. "After this blows over, it'll be business as usual for you. Right now, I'd really appreciate your cooperation with weapons development. I fear we've got a lot of catching up to do in a short time."

"You do actually have a prototype?"

"No. Just diagrams on paper at present." Colberton started to sit in Jejliard's chair and thought the better of it.

"I see," Jejliard said realizing Colberton planned to base this operation from Jejliard's own office. "And you need mine and Tajlon's help to make it real?"

"We do. I want to give the enemy cause to reconsider any aggressive action they may be planning and know we'll respond in kind."

"Short of setting one off, how do you plan to let them know we have a suitable weapon?" Jejliard asked.

"A simple demonstration of power. I'm sure it's just a matter of time until they pull something on us."

"Defense or offense. Neither move is going to prevent an escalation of hostilities," Jejliard said.

He walked over to his window and gazed out at the armada of ships in the harbor. He always suspected the Theopians had been waiting for the right time to strike back at its enemies. He had never considered the danger Novaland faced from its friends. Jejliard could see it clearly now. Novaland with its knowledge and technology was the prize worth fighting over. Whoever seized control would rule the planet. He was foolish to have confided in Colberton.

"You could stage a war from here, couldn't you?" Jejliard asked.

"We have no intention of becoming the aggressor if that's what concerns you. We'll pick out some harmless lump of rock and make it go away. No casualties," Colberton replied. "How long do you suppose Tajlon might need before we're ready?"

"The weapons lab was only completed today at noon. They've delivered all the supplies, but I it will be at least a couple of days before we'll be able to test his design."

"That's good. Incredible actually." Colberton helped himself to a cigar from Jejliard's desk and offered one to Jejliard.

Jejliared shook his head and declined. He paced the room in frustration, looking across the azure waters he'd called home for two decades. He felt as though he were letting everyone down, as though he should be able to fix this. Neither the politicians nor military were making a diplomatic effort. In fact, they were gearing up for war. He had to find a way to disrupt their plans.

The general puffed on the cigar seeming quite pleased with himself. Jejliard had the distinct impression that Colberton was showing him off like a prize bull about to be taken to slaughter. Jejliard preferred peaceful mediation to violent confrontation, but he was used to bargaining from a position of strength. The balance of power had just shifted, and he knew his tactics would have to adjust accordingly. Jejliard resolved he would blow Novaland off the map before letting it fall under military control. More importantly, he would stop at nothing to keep his son from being used as a pawn in their war games. Tajlon would never capitulate, but things would get ugly as the situation escalated. Jejliard knew now what he needed to do. He would get the Sora ready to launch and they could leave it all behind.

"That's all it will be, an explosives test," Jejliard said. "You don't want to use what little radioactive material you have on a test run. If it doesn't detonate properly, it would be devastating to lose the enriched ore. If the enemy has been working toward this goal for over ten years, they probably have us at their mercy."

"Ah, but they don't know that do they?"

"If they managed to steal such classified information, who's to say we haven't been infiltrated. This is most likely an inside job." Jejliard said. "Cast the blame where you will, we don't know what they know."

As the words left his mouth, Jejliard thought to himself, "Unless the blame lies with the man co-opting our facility to develop the first nuclear bomb on the planet." It was almost as if he could read Colberton's thoughts. "Now I'm turning into Greyla," he thought. "But this could all be a ruse to convince us to cooperate." He considered the military had access to Novaland's nuclear secrets for about ten years as well. "The real foe may be standing right in front of me."