Go Tell the Spartans by Jerry Pournelle, S.M. Stirling

said. "I don't mean to be flippant." He shrugged. "But that's still what we have here. A training war."
     
     

    "So far," Desjardins said. "But it has been escalating."
     
     

    Peter nodded. "Right, but we'll soon be set to deal with that, I think. Now, we're all right on technology. It's not as if we had to worry about off-planet forces with high-tech gear. Eventually we'll want troops capable of taking on a Line Marine regiment, but fortunately we don't have to ask that of them just yet." He looked at the map display. "Lot of water here. I presume we can shut down rebel water traffic."
     
     

    "Lots of boats out there," Desjardins said. "Fishing, cargo hauling, even some yachts."
     
     

    "They aren't likely to be smugglers. Nothing worth smuggling, is there? So surely all boat owners are loyalists."
     
     

    "Or say they are," Desjardins muttered.
     
     

    "You have reason for suspicion?" Barton asked.
     
     

    "Fear, sir," Desjardins said. "Terrorism can be an effective recruiting device. Especially when all you're asked to do is look the other way."
     
     

    "That much we can handle. We won't be recruiting any traitors. Security is Captain Catherine Alana's department and she's good at it."
     
     

    Catherine smiled acknowledgment of the compliment and said, "General Desjardins, I strongly suggest an armed Coast Guard Auxiliary river and sea. Give it responsibility for seeing that water traffic is ours or neutral."
     
     

    "It might work," Desjardins said.
     
     

    "Have them do random sweeps in strength," Ace Barton commented. "And be sure they have good communications, both with the RSMP and the Fifth." He grinned mirthlessly. "It's not likely, but the rebels may be stupid enough to concentrate their forces."
     
     

    "Precisely," Peter Owensford said. "I doubt General Desjardins is worried about defeating the rebels in battle—"
     
     

    "Well, there are a fair number of them," Desjardins said. "And the RSMP isn't trained for set piece battles. But no, we're not worried, especially now that you lot are here. It's finding them that's the real problem. Captain Alana, I'll be very happy to work with you in setting up the Coast Guard."
     
     

    "And I," Baron von Alderheim said. "The fishing village on my estate can furnish the nucleus. They are all armed, they will only need instructions."
     
     

    "Close off water transport and we'll have a good part of the problem licked," Owensford said. He turned to King Alexander. "Sir, you do understand, we will need some kind of registration system. A way to identify legitimate boats—"
     
     

    "We have that now," Prince David said. "We believe in freedom, Major, but with freedom come responsibilities." He shook his head. "I presume you want authority for your Coast Guard to intercept vessels and search them at random."
     
     

    "Yes, sir."
     
     

    "That won't be popular," David said. "But I believe we can get the Council and Senate to agree. As a temporary measure, of course. I suggest one year, with full debate required before renewal of the law. Alexander?"
     
     

    "I'll agree to that."
     
     

    "Thank you. I'll have it drafted," David said. "Major, you said you could assure the loyalty of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. I'd like to know how."
     
     

    "Ah—we have equipment—"
     
     

    "Lie detectors?" Alexander asked. There was an edge to his voice.
     
     

    "Something like that, sir," Prince Lysander said. "They're—" He looked to Peter Owensford. "Perhaps I'd better not say? It's non-intrusive. Nothing anyone can object to."
     
     

    "Hah." Baron von Alderheim looked thoughtful.
     
     

    "Sir," Peter said. "I presume everyone here has taken some kind of oath of office? With criminal penalties?"
     
     

    "Yes, yes, of course, everyone here is sworn to the Privy Council," David said.
     
     

    "Fine," Peter said. "Then we can begin here. And we may as well start now."
     
     

    "Start what?" Elayne Rusher asked.
     
     

    She was a woman of