“You were taken prisoner in a skirmish that cost us a score of lives,” one of the Komani countered. “You were fighting from within an armored cruiser. What kind of peace offer is that?”
“My mission to this planet is to discuss a truce with you,” Vorgens insisted, talking straight to the Kang. “Last night, we could have killed many more of your men. Instead we merely stunned them. I am not here to kill, but to save lives.”
Okatar glanced at Merdon, then, smiling grimly, said, “I have heard of the peace offer you made to the Shinarian fighters. Do you presume to offer the same terms to the clan of Okatar?”
“If you leave Shinar at once and return to your homeworid without further bloodshed,” Vorgens said, “the Star Watch will take no punitive action against you.”
“And if we do not leave Shinar immediately?”
“You will be destroyed by the forces of the Terran Empire.”
Dead silence filled the room for a moment, Vorgens added, “The Empire has half a galaxy of resources to pit gainst you … powerful armies and fleets. You cannotope to overcome them all.”
“No, not by ourselves,” Okatar said quietly. “I have also been instructed to inform you that thether Komani clan chiefs have sworn to the Empire thathey will remain loyal and will not assist you, regardlessf what you do.” The slightest trace of a smile flickered across Okatar’srim face.
“I see,” he replied. “Our choice is to return meekly home, or suffer complete destruction. Now then, about this destruction, where are the Imperial forces that will accomplish this mighty victory? Your Mobile Force is trapped and living on borrowed time. Your vaunted Star Watch fleets are nowhere near Shinar, and cannot get here within a month, at least.”