In a future where the Terran Empire grapples with political turmoil, a retired colonel, Lord Barrick Sorban, navigates the complexities of power and loyalty. The narrative begins with Sorban observing the political landscape from a bar, where he learns of the Empire's controversial military actions on the planet Bairnvell, which threaten to ignite conflict with the Gehan Federation. The Prime Portfolio, Lord Senesin, faces backlash for these decisions, and his son, Jon Senesin, seeks to uncover the truth behind his father's actions, suspecting external manipulation. Jon believes his father is being controlled, possibly by the Emperor, to instigate war for personal gain. He enlists Sorban's help to retrieve incriminating tapes that could expose this conspiracy. As they delve deeper, Jon's idealism clashes with the harsh realities of political machinations. Sorban, while supportive, understands the delicate balance of power and the necessity of certain sacrifices for the greater good of the Empire. The plot thickens as Jon's attempts to reveal the truth lead to his arrest, but Sorban manages to secure the tapes, which contain evidence of manipulation but not the brainwashing Jon feared. The Emperor, Hannikar IV, reveals his true intentions: to maintain stability and prevent war, even if it means operating outside the law. He explains that the Empire requires a strong leader to navigate the turbulent political waters, and that the Prime Portfolio's role is crucial, even if it appears expendable. Ultimately, the story explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the moral ambiguities of leadership. Sorban reflects on his own role, realizing that he, too, is part of a system that requires certain individuals to bear the burden of unpopularity for the sake of the Empire's survival. The narrative concludes with a recognition of the complexities of governance, where the lines between right and wrong blur, and the necessity of certain actions, however distasteful, becomes apparent in the pursuit of a greater good.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1971 · Genre: Science Fiction, Political Thriller, Space Opera