"They are constructing a fleet of huge space-boats, all heavily
armed, intending to cross over to Hafen and Holl, and conquer the
Capellans."
Powart glanced keenly around the table. "This is all that has been
received. Evidently our men were prevented from sending any more. I
expect nothing further. It remains for us to decide, at once, what
we should do."
The silence of the next few minutes was largely due to
consternation. To most of the commissioners the problem was
staggering. They looked up in eager relief as the shock-headed man
broke the silence.
"It seems to me that war is not inevitable. Apparently the thing
that Alma needs is food. We still have a good deal of underdeveloped
land on Holl; why not make a bargain with them?"
"You mean present them with enough land to raise the food they
need?" from the former chairman.
"Yes, in exchange for whatever manufactured goods they can supply,
and which we need. I see no reason for an invasion."
Powart coughed slightly.
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