Sittas countered. “The Terrans have never permitted us the luxury of hoping for self-government before.”
“I know, and you have no official promise of it now, only my own feeling that, if we can act boldly and successfully in the next few weeks, the Empire might be more favorably disposed to hear your case.”
Clanthas* eyes narrowed. “What are you suggesting?”
. “Simply this. The Mobile Force can’t defeat the Komani here on Shinar by itself. We can defend ourselves, and that’s about all. Reinforcements are on their way, but Okatar Kang could ravage this planet quite thoroughly before they get here. If you want to prevent the Komani from destroying your world, you must help me to fight against them-
“Okatar has one weakness. He must win, here on Shinar. He must win quickly and decisively. If he can be held at bay, frustrated, kept off balance, then his dream of glory will soon fade. The other Komani clans will not ally themselves with himPerhaps even his own people will become tired of fighting a fruitless war. Then, when the Star Watch reinforcements arrive, you, yourselves, will have achieved already a large part of the victory.
“The choice is yours to make. Either you fight for your own world, with the Terrans and against the Komani, or you allow the Komani to take over your planet, and you give them the springboard they want to touch off a galactic war.”
One of the Shinarians asked, “Do you think that, if we help your troops fight the Komani, the Empire will look with favor on your request to govern ourselves?”