14 But our initial production will have to be
freighters, not warships. It will take us time to prepare properly
for a counterattack that will have any hope of success."
15 At that moment an Aide rushed in and handed the General Of The Fleet
a message. He jumped to his feet. "There has been," he announced,
"major sabotage at every one of our shipyards! One has been totally
destroyed, the others severely damaged. It is estimated it will take
two months to return the yards to their full capability."
16 "As you see," continued The Commandant, "Northern Star strikes again
with his usual efficiency. He knows how important our shipyards are. At
present I consider we are about equal....TOO equal. If this fighting
continues, the only result can be our mutual destruction.
17 The Rebels offer us peace, and the return of some of our territory.
I, My Lord, would accept that offer, salvage what we can, at a later
date. When things are quieter and the Rebels are not expecting it, we
could find some portent to launch an attack. In a period of peace, we
could rebuild our shattered forces."
18 Another General jumped up. "Treason, My Lord! he cried.
19 "Remove yourself!" snapped The Lord God. "I gave him permission to
speak freely. I will at least listen to his counsel even if I do not
choose to follow it. There is some merit in what you say, General, but
these Rebels cannot be given in to.
20 Perhaps at a later date, when my Fleet has made an appropriate
showing so that I can withdraw with honor, your counsel can be
considered. But until then we still have
thousands of ships.
21 The evacuation of the stations must be completed, as you have
suggested. We need their supplies and personnel,