“Yet you fight for the Terrans.”
Vorgens shrugged. “I fight for what I believe. The Empire is not the best way, but it’s the only way we have. Its laws are just. I know that what’s happening to your planet is hard to accept, but there is no alternative. I don’t like to fight against your people, but your people started the fighting.”
Sittas agreed with a nod. “Yet, who is without blame in a war?”
“It’s no longer a matter of blame,” Vorgens said. “Now we must decide where we go from here.”
They found themselves back at Vorgens’ tent, with its quadruple guard.
“You have answered my questions quite frankly,” Sittas said, “for which I thank you. Now tell me, what questions can I answer for you?”
Vorgens immediately asked, “How many Komani warriors are on Shinar?”
“I don’t really know,” the priest said. “An entire clan has landed here, as you can see. I suppose there must be something like fifteen thousand fighting men.”
“An entire clan.” Vorgens repeated. “And who is their chief?”
“Okatar Kang.”
“Could you arrange an audience with him for me? Tomorrow, as early as possible?”
Sittas shook his head. “That I cannot do. The Kang does not usually see prisoners, unless they are remarkable in some respect—a general, or a renowned warrior. I have no influence whatsoever over Okatar and his Elders. Merdon might have arranged such a meeting, but .. .” Sittas’s voice trailed off.
“I see,” Vorgens said. “Well, thank you anyway. I’m sony the meeting with Merdon wasn’t more fruitful.”
Sittas nodded silently.