Horizon Storms - Kevin J. Anderson [120]
Admiral Stromo barely contained his anger. “They’ve picked the worst possible time to hit us with this childish embargo. Their unwarranted refusal to trade ekti delivers a severe blow just when our new colonization initiative is gathering momentum.”
Lanyan continued, gathering steam. “Remember several years ago, just before the hydrogues, when the Roamer pirate Rand Sorengaard preyed upon Hansa colonies? Think of the damage he caused—but more important, it shows the mind-set of these lawless clans.”
Stromo picked up the thread, as if they had practiced this interchange. “I say, if they have chosen to withdraw our resources when we need them most, then they have chosen to become our enemies. It is in our best interests to declare war on the clans, trounce them quickly, and be done with it. Such a plan could easily be accomplished, and would provide a clear example for all humans who might want to hoard resources.”
Peter had intended to sit quietly and observe, but he could not keep himself from pointing out the obvious. “Excuse me, Basil, but Speaker Peroni’s demands seem reasonable enough. If a crime was indeed committed, why not simply track down the perpetrators of the alleged piracy and renounce any such actions in the future?”
“Because it’s outright blackmail,” Lanyan snapped. “And we don’t cooperate with blackmailers.”
Basil was cooler. “We have never been shown any incontrovertible proof of such piracy. It’s likely the Roamers are simply jumping at shadows and trying to blame others.”
Peter pressed his lips together. “I notice you didn’t actually deny the allegations. Do you intend to authorize more such raids on Roamer cargo ships?”
“Oh, please! This is ridiculous,” Stromo snapped.
“Admitting to such acts is politically out of the question, whether or not the allegations are true,” Basil said. “We cannot let a gang of undisciplined space gypsies dictate terms to the Terran Hanseatic League. In times of war, we can no longer turn a blind eye to their lawless independence. Instead, we should do everything in our power to unify the fragmented factions of humanity against a common enemy. The Roamers must submit to the strength of the majority for the good of our race. It may be our only chance.”
Eldred Cain spoke with a quiet, calm confidence that cut through the drone of murmured responses at the table. “It may interest you, sir, that I have found a legal means by which we can simply and legitimately annex the Roamer clans.” The pale deputy looked at Peter. “It’s tidy enough that even the King should have no objections.”
Peter tried to show his dutiful willingness to listen. “It’s completely legal?”
“I have undertaken a thorough analysis of the original treaty and documentation signed by all eleven generation ships before they departed from Earth over three centuries ago. Each vessel—including the Kanaka, which provided the seed for the Roamer clans—agreed to certain irrevocable terms.
“At the time of departure, the colonist families assumed this would be a one-way trip. The generation ships were slow-moving vessels, and the passengers hoped to find a habitable world and settle there forever. Even so, the governments of Earth feared that someday these prodigal children might become warlike and set their sights on returning home as conquerors. So they required the captains and colonists to swear in a binding document—one that specifically applies to themselves and all of their descendants—that they would ‘take no action, direct or indirect, that would harm Mother Earth.’”
Cain looked around, waiting for them to understand the implications. Basil finally smiled. “I see. And cutting off our main source of stardrive fuel at such a critical juncture certainly qualifies as being harmful to Earth.”
“Without question, Mr. Chairman. It is barely even open to debate.”
“Superb reasoning, Mr. Deputy!” Lanyan said. “It provides all the justification we could