Her grimace became a scowl. ‘They were once larger, Overseer. Much larger.’
‘I take it then that this campaign of yours is succeeding in driving away these trespassers.’
‘Not my campaign.’ She seemed to catch something in his expression for she added, ‘Yes, of course, I command the expeditionary forces, Overseer. But I receive my orders horn the Factor. And, strictly speaking, the Awl are not trespassers.’
‘The Factor claims otherwise.’
‘Johnny Kayla is highly ranked in the Liberty Consign.’
Charles Ben studied the woman for a moment, then said, ‘Not all wars are fought for wealth and land, Douglas.’
‘I must disagree, Overseer. Did not you Tree planter invade pre-emptively, in response to the perceived threat of lost land and resources? Cultural assimilation, the end of your independ
