“No such Terran has ever taken an interest in Shinar. I doubt that such a Terran exists.”
“Perhaps the Watchman could help us to find the right officials.”
“The Watchman is a prisoner and sentenced to die,” Merdon repeated doggedly. “Your dreams of finding peace are nothing but wishful thinkingThe Watchman is only a junior officer. Do you think he could actually command a truce here on Shinar? Do you think the commander of the Imperial Marines takes orders from a junior officer? The Watchman has no power, no authority. His life is worthless.”
The old priest slowly rose, trembling, from his chair. “The strain of your duties has taken its toll on your good sense, Merdon, and on your heartNever in my life would I have expected you to say what you did a moment ago. A human life—worthless? You had better examine our conscience, my son. You are beginning to enjoy this war too much.”
Merdon started to reply, thought better of it, and simply sat there on the edge of the table, his eyes meeting the priest’s. Finally Sittas turned and silently walked out of the tent.
“The old fool,” Merdon grumbled”He knows I didn’t mean it that way.”
Altai asked, “How did you mean it?”
“Now don’t you start arguing against me!”
She looked at Merdon’s strong, stubborn face for a moment, then turned her eyes away and said, “Merdon— many people have died since this fight began. My own village has been nearly wiped out, first by the Terrans and then by the Komani.”
“That raid was a misunderstanding.”
“Yes, I know. But many people were killed anyway. Dozens of our classmates were killed in the fighting at the university .,.”