“And because they are weak you attack them,” Merdon snapped.
‘The Komani take what they want. If your people resist, we use force. The time for wheedling and coaxing is past. If we fail on Shinar, everything fails, and I will not see the Komani conquest of the Terran Empire , thwarted by a herd of self-pitying sheep!”
“We can fight!” Merdon shouted “We’ve shown that we can. We’ve stood up to the Terrans before. It’s you who has dnven my people back into the arms of the Terrans ”
Okatar raised a massive hand “The time for discussion and argument is past. To all intents and purposes, Shinar has been conquered The Terrans are content to huddle ithin their cities or inside the armored vehicles of their Mobile Force. These raids on your people have shown that the Terrans will not fight for Shinarians, but only to save themselves. Shinar is ours. Those who resist us will be crushed.”
“And you’ll take what you want from us,” Merdon said dully.
“Exactly so.”
“Suppose … suppose you drew up a list of the supplies and equipment you need. Suppose I could convince my people to give you what you require. Would you leave Shinar in peace then?”
The faintest hint of a smile flickered across Okatar’s face. “If such a bargain could be arranged, 1 would consider striking at the next Terran target.”
“And leave Shinar?”
“Yes, I would leave Shinar,… Of course, one of my nobles would remain behind as governor of this planet. He would see to it that you continued to honor my requirements for supplies.”
“And the Terrans?”