“But couldn’t they see that the nutrient plants were the answer to their problem?” Vorgens asked. “Didn’t the governor explain that the processing plants would enable you to multiply your output of foodstuffs many times over, and reopen your trade with the other planets?”
Clanthas shrugged. “A proclamation of that sort was issued, but very little effort was made to explain things to the fanners. All they knew was that they were being moved off their farms to make room for the Terran factories.”
Vorgens shook his head. “I was afraid that this was the case. Evidently the Terran governor didn’t realize that people can’t change their whole way of living overnight— even when it’s extremely necessary for them to do so.”
“It may be necessary,” Clanthas answered, “but hardly desirable.”
“I realize that, but the planets that depended on your food a few decades ago are now going hungry, to a large extent. From the Empire’s point of view, the problem of Shinar affects all of Shinar’s neighbors. If we can’t solve your problem, and solve it soon, rebellion against the
Empire might well break out elsewhere. That’s what I fear most,” Vorgens said worriedly, “that this movement against the Empire will spread to other planets. If it does—or if the Komani decide to attack another Empire planet—then there’ll be no way to stop a general war from developing. We’ve got to keep this problem confined to Shinar, and solve it here. Otherwise we’ve lost.”
The argument had raged hotly while Merdon, Tarat, and Romal paced the length and breadth of the. idle nutrient-processing plant.