Posted by A nameless thief on September 26, 1999 at 11:57:06:
In Reply to: You broke Imperial Law. Something to the effect that you're allowed to hold the orb as long as you don't attack centurions or citizens. See, in theory, YOU started the war. N/T posted by Imperial Bystander on September 26, 1999 at 09:58:29:
Actually, to use that rationale in placing the blame for this situation on the Masters would be not unlike China establishing a blockade in one of our major sea ports, and then demanding a portion of that sea port's revenues in face of the threat of violet reprecutions.
Granted, this is all within the Empire's role, to make unreasonable demands limitting the freedoms of other Therans, then squashing any who choose not to comply. "Revolt" by any (and likely all) parties was inevitable. This is all well and good. However, I'm not certain that the Empire is in the position to complain when they start getting their asses handed to them.
They made an unreasonable demand, fully aware that eventually, people would not be
content to comply. They did (perhaps mistakenly) assume that they'd be able to deal with any resistance.
-A nameless thief