Let's Make a Deal (Bob and Nikki Book 11), стр. 51
“What sort of future does he have in mind, then?”
“He would like for us to live in peace, and do business. He has no interest in war. Don’t take that the wrong way, Majesty. He doesn’t want to fight. If you push him into it, he will be ruthless, in ways you can not even imagine. I have been to the planet he calls home. Their wars are terrible things. You do not want that sort of destruction visited on the Empire.”
“How do you mean, Ambassador?”
“There is a line from one of their popular entertainments that is often repeated among their people. ‘Nuke ‘em from orbit, it’s the only way to be sure.’ That is the way they think. They don’t see overkill as a problem, but as a way to end a terrible conflict more quickly. These humans are not the same as the Commonwealth humans. They will fight dirty, and fight hard, and never give in. This is a fight you do not want, Majesty.”
“You almost sound as if your loyalty lies with the humans, rather than the Empire, Ambassador.”
“No, Your Majesty. I merely do not want to see the Empire put through the kind of punishment that these people will dish out, if you force them to war.”
“You fear their wrath that much?”
“None of the ships or crews the Admirals have sent have been able to lay a finger on Bob’s ships. Why would we think that we could suddenly do better?”
“Neither has he destroyed very many of them. Most of them have turned up back home, no worse for wear. If he can’t damage our ships, why should we fear him?”
“Your Majesty, the information you have been given is in error. He could damage our ships, if he so desired. His restraint is the only thing that is keeping your Navy from being a collection of smoking hulks, dying in the black. As quickly as he stops our ships, without harming them, he could just as easily destroy them, without breaking a sweat.”
“Mr. Ambassador, you make our situation sound hopeless. Do you have any good news?”
“The Commodore doesn’t want to make war on us, Majesty. He has no interest in it whatsoever.”
“So, why do you tell me so much about the prowess of him and his crews?”
“Because, Majesty, if you force him to make war, he will show you no mercy. None.”
“What do you recommend then, Ambassador?”
“I recommend that you sign the peace accords we have worked out, and begin learning how to live in a world with his company in it.”
“I will go over the accords, and tell you my answer later today. One more thing before you leave, if you please. Could you have your escort space the Admiral who threw those knives? I don’t trust the rest of the Admirals not to get lost on the way to the airlock.”
The Marine who had spoken before said, “Let me clear it with the Boss, and we will be happy to take care of your problem for you, Majesty.” A voice came over the speaker. “I assume you’ve been listening in, Boss? Is it okay if we take out this fellow’s trash for him?”
“Proceed. Try not to look too happy about it, if you can.”
“Yes, Boss.” The connection dropped. A couple of Marines grabbed the fellow, who was just waking up from his second round of getting stunned. Crikki came running in, saying, “Yes, Majesty?”
“Show these fellows where they can find an airlock. The Admiral is going for a walk.”
“Yes, Majesty.” One of the other Admirals reached for cheek knives. The Marine closest to him managed to grab both of his wrists. He said, mournfully, “Sorry, Your Majesty, I seem to have damaged your Admiral.” He let go, and it was plain that both of the Admiral’s forearms were broken. The Emperor said, “Quite all right. I don’t have any further need of that one, either. Could you take him for a walk, as well?”
The Marine replied, “No problem, Your Majesty.” Two more Marines broke out of the escort, and took charge of the new prisoner. Crikki started toward the door, motioning for the Marines to follow. The Emperor looked at his remaining Admirals. “Would any of you gentlemen like to join them on their little jaunt?” He got no takers, but I would have expected the Imperial yacht to have better climate control. I noticed a couple of puddles had formed over where the Admirals were standing. Then the Emperor asked, “Would one of you like to explain how it is I have been so misinformed on these events?” No one spoke up. He continued, “Aren’t you the brave Admirals of the Imperial Navy? Perhaps I should send you out with your comrades, and start from scratch. I don’t think I could be more poorly served.” One of the fellows who had managed to hold his water stepped forward, and took a knee. He said, “Your Majesty, I can offer no excuse. We thought the Commodore was as incompetent as the monkeys from the Commonwealth. We had no idea he could actually do the things our front line troops were reporting. We thought they were making up stories to cover their incompetence, since they had failed to best a silly monkey.”
The Emperor asked, “And when you found out that you were wrong, it was too late to come clean, without showing your incompetence?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.”
“That sounds reasonable, why don’t I believe you?”
Natti spoke up. “Your Majesty, I believe that is because he is leaving out an important point. Some of the leadership in the Navy is being influenced by a cartel that exists to keep the price of walnuts artificially high. The cartel wants the Commodore out