“The Komani could whip us,” Merdon agreed. “But not if they were fighting the Terrans at the same time.”
“You’re walking out on a slender branch,” Tarat said.
“Without a safety field to catch you if you slip,” Altaidded-
Merdon stopped walking and looked at them. They had reached the edge of the encampment, and were near a clump of tall trees. Beyond the grove shimmered the barely visible energy screen that protected the camp from missiles and force beams.
“Let’s consider the basic things first,” Merdon said. “Are we agreed that we want to be rid of the Terrans?”
“Not if it means living under the Komani,” Romal saidtubbornly.
“Of course not,” Merdon said. “But if we can be free, should we fight for freedom, or remain under the
Empire?”
“Freedom!” snapped Tarat. “Freedom or death. We’ve come too far to turn back now.”
“Right,” Merdon agreed. “Even if we wanted to return o the Empire, the Terrans would never trust us again. We would all end up in exile, or worse.”
“No,” Altai said, “Uncle Sittas said that the Terran Watchman …”
Merdon’s scowl silenced her. “The Watchman brought us an ultimatum—stop fighting or be wiped out by the Imperial troops. He never said what would happen after we stopped fighting. You can guess at what the Terrans would do.”
Altai stared at the rebel leader, her face set in a perplexed frown.
Merdon went on, as they resumed walking, “At the moment, the Komani have the same aim that we do—to drive the Terrans off Shinar. Good. We can work together toward that goal.”