Kurt wrote:

> The Sword Worlds might have been different, but other than as a useful tool, I don't think the Zhos really cared what they did.

Have to agree here. The Sword Worlders had the misfortune of being a people of honour sandwiched between two much larger powers which were merely self-interested. Given the Imperium's expansionist aims, the Sword Worlds had little choice but to ally with the Zhodani if they hoped to maintain their sovereignty, but this was always an alliance of minor convenience for the Zhodani.

Cheers,

David