“The orders are quite simple and explicit,” Vorgens insisted. “I am instructed to attempt to negotiate with the chief of the Komani raiders. I am to tell him that his people can return peacefully to their homeworid if they stop their raiding on Oran VI immediately. I am also to tell him that the Komani clan chieftains have sworn to the Terran Council that they will remain loyal to the Empire and will not in any way aid or sympathize with this attack on Oran VI. I suppose I should remind the raiders that the Komani were allies of the Terrans during the Galactic War of the last century, and that this attack on Imperial territory is a breach of friendship.”
Commander Aikens gazed toward the ceiling as he quietly asked, “And just how do you propose to contact the Komani chief?”
‘That’s the difficult part,” Vorgens admitted”I had hoped to arrive on this planet before the fighting got so intense that the Komani would refuse to parley. It looks as though I barely made it in time.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Why, simply that the Komani have not really opened battle yet. We might still be able to discuss a truce.”
“While we’re surrounded?” Aikens shook his head. “You don’t understand these barbariansThe only time they’re ready to negotiate is when they’re taking a beating.”
“My orders command me to attempt .. -”
“Your orders,” Aikens interrupted, “place you under my command for the duration of your stay on Oran VI. Correct?”
“Yes ,.. but with the understanding that as an officer of the Imperial Marines you are subject to the orders of the Star Watch High Command and that you will assist the Star Watch’s attempt to bring about a peaceful settlement with the Komani.”