He raised a finger, his expression turning to cold steel. "And this is non-negotiable: They are categorically prohibited from setting foot on any Foundry World or Shipyard World. Those systems are the heart of our military might, the lifeblood of our empire. Their secrets are ours alone. Any violation of this, any hint of espionage, will be considered an act of war, and the coalition will be dissolved in fire."
He finally looked back at the map, at the vast swathes of space they intended to conquer. "We are not offering them a partnership of equals. We are offering them a place within a new order. They can be prosperous subjects under our protection, or they can remain outside in the cold. The choice is theirs."
