“But the Imperial Senate wants you to report to them, to present the case for Shinar’s self-government.”
Vorgens looked up from the travel Idt, which was resting on his bunk. “Yes, I’ve been ordered to appear before the Senate, together with Clanthas and some of the other
Shinarian leaders, but that’s got nothing to do with the court-martial.”
“Still, I doubt that you have much to fear,” Sittas said hopefully.
Vorgens shook his head. “I’d like to stay in the Star Watch . .. but—I’d do it all over again, if I had to!”
“You were right, and the brigadier was wrong,” Sittas said.
“I was lucky.”
“The Komani have gone. Shinar is at peace.”
“More luck than skill,” Vorgens insisted. “Okatar’s death took most of the fight out of them. The way your own people were fighting helped to make them realize they had no glory to gain here. I guess that handful of reinforcements was the last straw. So the Komani nobles blamed everything on Okatar and went back home.”
“Of course, your hint that more Terran reinforcements might arrive at any time helped to push them in the right direction.”
Vorgens nodded. “I wanted to make certain that they knew the Empire was ready and able to defend itself. They took the bait and accepted a path to peace that wouldn’t shame them.”
“Therefore, the court-martial must acquit you,” Sittas concluded. “None of this would have come to pass if Brigadier Aikens had remained in charge.”
“I wish you would be sitting on the bench at the trial,” Vorgens answered, laughing. “I don’t know. Nothing is definitely settled yet. Suppose the Senate decides not to allow Shinar any measure of self-government? Then the court-martial could add treason and sedition to its list of charges.”