that The Empire has become too big to be ruled
effectively from one place, and this conflict between us is drawing
valuable resources and manpower that neither of us can afford to lose.
Therefore, I propose to accept your rule over the systems you now
control, and allow you to
govern them as you see fit, with whatever form of Governments you
desire.
31 I do not require that you accept my political authority over you, I
DO desire, however, that you continue to recognize me as Lord Of
Lords, Creator Of The Universe. If this will be granted, then there can
be peace. My forces will never again venture into your territory, your
forces will never enter into mine.
32 I will even concede your ownership of the systems you once had
control of, but evacuated, provided you will extend to me the same
courtesy. Of course as Lord Of Lords, there must be a small tribute
each year .... say, one
per cent of each system's production, or its equivalent value in usable
goods.
33 Come now, gentlemen, isn't it worth all the lives that will be saved
simply to say you recognize my Divine Origins, and each year give me a
small tribute?"
34 North was making rough calculations as to how much that 'small'
tribute would amount to ....it was staggering! Morn leaned over, looked
at his figures, and nodded. "You will excuse us a moment, My Lord,"
Morn requested, "we must discuss this in private." Morn and North
stepped outside.
35 "The tribute's nothing," North admitted. "I'm not worried about
that, but my people will never go back to the old way! Good Lords,
almost half of them have joined The Hashon Faith already, and I have
been drumming into my peoples' heads for years that Tne Lord God is not
divine, that he's just an ordinary man like you or me, nothing
supernatural. A turnabout now would not be accepted!"