"L. E. Modesitt - The Ecolitan Institute 01 - Ecologic Envoy" - читать интересную книгу автора (Modesitt L E)

Accord to the point where the Institute will gain control of the situation. That point is closer than anyone on your staff
is willing to admit. It's almost as if they're pushing you toward military action. On the other hand, we've worked to make
trade the tool for expansion. Without the right kind of legal background and the impression that Imperial commerce is
jeopardized, you're taking the unnecessary risk of pushing the independent out-systems to support Accord.

"And that's totally unnecessary. None of them really like the Coordinate. You want to act before we can neutralize
Accord, and right now Halston and the Fuards, at the very least, will regard your plans as a danger to all the
out-systems--"

"Since we're being candid," interrupted the Admiral, "aren't they?"

"Why broadcast it? If we can get Accord to agree to a trade agreement with Commerce, that becomes a legal
document admitting greater Imperial sovereignty--the very sort of legal sham that the out-systems will buy." The
Special Assistant frowned, pursed her lips, and waited for the Defense chief to reply. "Why did you support our
action on Haversol?"

"Because we had a previous trade agreement and because Haversol was stalling on renegotiating to avoid
complying with the terms. That provided the justification the Emperor needed."

"What's the difference for Accord?"

"You know the difference very well. We don't have a trade agreement with Accord, and, currently, we recognize the
Coordinate's full independence. Unlike Haversol, they've the means to fight, possibly to cost you a great deal more
than you expect."

"With what? Three small fleets that don't total the Fourth Fleet?"

"Remember how we lost the Rift in the first place?"

"That was nearly four hundred years ago."

"After four hundred years, we still haven't repaired the damage to Terra, and we still don't have all those systems back.
You have ten major fleets and are building another. With all those ships, we only get systems back through the
combination of trade and force. And here you are, trying sheer force again. It hasn't worked before, and it won't work
now."

"Marcella, we've discussed this before."

"You asked-- "

"I know. I know. I asked. You still feel that the urgency of the situation is not great enough?"

"Not nearly great enough."

The silence grew as both looked away from each other. "Well. . ." began the Admiral. "I do value your opinion."

"I understand." The Special Assistant's voice lowered, softened. "Enough so you make your staff wait outside.
You've always listened, ever since. . ." She paused, then continued, "but you do your job the way you see it, and
you're usually right. Not always, but usually. And we'll support you, whatever you decide."