Nodding, Martine went on more soberly. “Now then, the real reason for my wanting to speak to you privately:
I have been something of a stubborn fool. I realize that now. Kanus has not only outwitted me, but has actually penetrated deeply into my government. When I realized that Lal Ponte is a Kerak agent….” The Prime Minister’s face was grim.
“What are you going to do with him?”
A shrug. “There’s nothing I can do. He has been implicated indirectly by Odal. There’s no evidence, despite a thorough investigation. But I’m sure that if Kanus conquered the Acquataine Cluster, Ponte would expect to be named Prime Minister of the puppet government.”
Leoh said nothing.
“Ponte is not that much of a problem. He can be isolated. Anything that I want from his office I can get from men I know I can trust. Ponte can sit alone at his desk until the ceiling caves in on him.”
“But he’s not your only problem.”
“No. It’s the military problem that threatens us most directly. You and Spencer have been right all along. Kerak is building swiftly for an attack, and our defensive buildup is too far behind them to be of much use.”
“Then the alliance with the Commonwealth….”
Shaking his head unhappily, Martine explained, “No,
368 Ben Bcwahat’s still impossible. The political situation here is too unstable. I was voted into office by the barest margin . . . thanks to Ponte, To think that I was elected because Kanus wanted me to be! We’ve both been pawns, Professor.”
“I know,”
“But, you see, if Dulaq and Massan and all their predecessors never allied Acquatainia with the Commonwealth, then for me to attempt it would be an admission of weakness. There are strong pro-Kerak forces in the legislature, and many others who are still as blind and stubborn as I’ve been. I would be voted out of office in a week if I tried to make an alliance with the Terrans.”