: This is yet another Bungie inconsistency, similar to the error in the
: distance of Tau Ceti from Earth. I think there is a reasonable
: explanation, however. Durandal refers to the Pfhor trading empire - since
: when were the Pfhor we know interested in trading? The Pfhore don't trade
: - they take what they want and enslave all useful intelligent species into
: their empire. It makes a whole lot more sense that Durandal would have
: invited the Pfhor to Tau Ceti if he thought they had a trading empire.
: Sure, they're ruthless but, if they conduct trade, they must be open to
: negotiation. For example, they might be willing to trade Durandal's
: freedom for the conquest of Earth. In other words, perhaps Durandal was
: deceived. Two-way communication with the Pfhor was unlikely - after all,
: Durandal used a low power laser to attract their attention. But perhaps
: the Pfhor send greetings messages out into space much as we have done from
: time to time. "Hello, we're the Pfhor. We're new to the neighborhood
: and just arrived 300 years ago, and we'd like to establish trade with
: you." That sort of thing. That might explain it. Of course Durandal
: would never admit to being deceived.
Not that you're wrong, but I always thought that the "trading empire" was more like a slave trade than merchant trade. Looking at history, slave trading can be pretty lucrative. God knows why the Pfhor would want to trade anything, though, instead of just conquering and enslaving.
