Chapter Forty-Seven
Every day Morn had broadcast a message to The
Empire. "We are willing," he announced, "to make peace. We have no
desires for Imperial territory. We do not wish to force our will on
you. We merely wish to live our own way, in peace.
2 It has already been agreed among the states of The Republic, that any
systems that desire to return to Imperial Rule may do so at the end of
hostilities. There are many undeveloped worlds within our own
territories, and many undiscovered ones. It is senseless for us to do
battle for control of each-other's territory.
3 Let us have peace. Let us each believe the way he
wants to believe, but live in harmony with one-another. We do not
desire to force our Way upon you, why must you desire to force your Way
upon us? Let us exchange with one-another. Let there be peace."
4 But there came no return signal from The Empire. They refused to even
communicate. There was even no discussion of exchange of prisoners.
Though to Morn's surprise, both North's Agents and his own reported
that any prisoners being taken by The Empire were being surprisingly
well-treated.
5 As of yet there had been no trials or executions, not even any
interrogations. "They're saving them," suggested Morn, "perhaps on the
chance they will have to negotiate later."
6 North agreed. "It's now their turn," he commented. "I wouldn't be
surprised if at this very moment they're having a Council of War, all
the Generals gathered at The Lord God's Palace, each with his own plan
of attack, arguing over how best to proceed with his own plan of
attack, arguing over how best to proceed against us, and not one voice
of reason among them."
7 "Perhaps you are wrong," objected Morn, "there may be one voice; one
voice that understands me and you better than any of them……one voice
that might even