The Rebel Faction

I think the main point that Telan is trying to make here, and that you all seem to be forgetting, is that generally (a few exceptions though) that when worlds are conquered, the killing stops, and it slowly returns to normal. Of course bitterment and resistance is likely, but that's the main reason you use ground troops, as occupation soldiers to patrol the worlds until their loyalty swing the way of the Empire. Some worlds may accept the Empire quickly, other worlds may have stormtroopers deployed to them for years to come. Hard saying what the Verpine would and would not want, not much is known about them except for the fact that Imperial brutaltion caused them to join the Rebellion. So far we have shown no brutalization to them here.

Yes, Dolash, they would indeed be observing the workings of the galaxy. Here is what they would see:

The Empire inexorably expanding from Core worlds to Outer-Rim, using the trade spine that the Roche system is located on. If they join the Coalition, well, the Empire would not stand having an potentially hostile system splitting apart their trade spine, and would probably move quickly and forcefully to make it so, even if it means reducing the entire Roche Asteriod Belt to a Space Dust Nebula. The Empire would surely win, many more of their worlds are concentrated nearby, espically more fleets because of recent expansion in the area. The Coalition, however, is spread far and wide. If they join the Empire, maybe some early bloodletting if the Coalition intervene, and then smooth sailing from here on out.

Morals are overrated.

and they have no reason to fear now that a much larger Coalition fleet is here.

Absolute proof that you are looking only at the here and now, and not the long term.

Sure, there's a Coalition fleet present right now. Sure, it outguns the Imperial fleet. So chances are it would win an engagement right now.

But what you fail to grasp (or choose not to) is this: the Empire is still there. A defeat at Roche today will not end with the Empire running home, tail between its legs. They will return, with more guns, and take Roche by force.

The Verpine do not know this, but they may well suspect it. And they will know it in my next couple of posts.

You will note, as I've said, that I am not trying at this point to get the Verpine to throw their support behind the Empire. My aim is to get them to withdraw their support of the GC and declare neutrality.

As I said, I don't care IC if the Verpine support the Empire or not, and that the aquisition of Roche is for TNO 100% territorial. We want control of the asteroid field - if the Verpine want to live there, fine. We'll even offer them our protection.

Look at it this way: if the Verpine support the Coalition, they earn the Empire's ire. Given that the Empire is comitted to taking Roche, siding with the GC will result in more death on their parts. Whereas, if they declare themselves neutral, they win. The Coalition is not likely to invoke a bloody invasion to take the system, nor do they have to betray whatever ideals they have by supporting the Empire.

They will be, by and large, left in peace.

So, guaranteed war? Or peace?

Not to mention the possibilities associated with a major Imperial supply line in the region. TNO's merchant fleet would be happy to bring Verpine mechanics onboard, should they desire to do so.

All without the Verpine owning TNO anything - they're still for all intents and purposes neutral.

Sure, they might feel bitter about the Empire destroying one of their asteroids. But the Verpine have nothing to lose by remaining neutral - it has carried them this far. Whereas they have everything to lose by making themselves enemies of the Empire.

Think about it.

The point Drayson is trying to make - the Coalition can beat the Empire on this field this day - but can it guarantee that every soldier, and every ship will sell its life dearly when the Empire comes back? Will the Coalition guarantee that it will leavy every other world defenseless to send its formations fof to defend the asteroid belt? No - the Coalition can mak no such claim and while it can acheive victory on the short term, it can in no way defend the Verpine from the Empire next week next month and next year.

The Verpine are intelligent and they would see that the Coalition can protect them today. They can also seethat the Coalition will run out of mern and ships long before the Empir even breaks a sweat.

Stop insulting people Ank - you are a MOD, try to act decently.

And no - it is not my summarization or WWII - but it is a succinct point in ullustrating that it CAN be done - the cowing of a people to your will.