"What they will do," Vladimir replies, his urbane voice in frightening contrast to the killing look in his eyes, "is nothing. They will see us still on good terms with the Ancients, not distracting and weakening ourselves in a foolish war. They will see us strong and ready to repulse any moves they might make against us. If we declare war, on the other hand, they will see us reassigning to the battle lines the very resources that have so far dissuaded them from moving against us."