bother us.
160 If The Empire should choose to attack here, we WILL join forces
with you to protect the system. But only under those circumstances will
we join you in battle. Is it so much to ask ….two little planets that
are not even yours to save the lives of the many who will be lost?
I will give you a moment to consider."
161 North did not consider much. To him bargaining with Purists was
like bargaining with a serpent. As long as you were looking at him, he
would be friendly, but the moment you turned your back, he'd put his
fangs in it.
162 "Sir," announced Wik, "Spearonias is signaling. He wishes to take
part in the conversation."
163 "Very well," agreed North. "Split the screen. Put him on."
164 "Commander," the Peepian began, "on behalf of my comrades I would
state that we are not opposed to this bargain. The idea of taking the
homes of others and dispossessing troubles us. If you feel these ones
can be trusted to keep their word, we would not be opposed to such a
bargain.
165 Even if we give the outermost planet of this system to The Hashons
to pay our debts as you suggested , that would still leave us three
very nice planets, more space than our people have known for centuries.
And there will be more in the system, to come. Why kill over something
that there is so much of? It makes no sense."
166 "Did you monitor that?" North asked the Purist.
167 "We did," the Purist answered. "Your ally speaks with wisdom.
Listen to his words."
168 "Very well," agreed North, "I will accept your bargain, but on
conditions. First of all, I will not permit a closed planet. Your
people will be allowed to come and go as they please, and if by some
odd chance any of them should fall in love with someone outside their
own race there will be no killing. You will be permitted to