Rebirth of Empire

I was getting all set to lauch a tirade against loss of TL
because of "Hard Times" (HT), but Michael Surman beat me to
the punch.  I'd like to add a few more things, though.

A planet is, with some exceptions, a self-sustaining ecosystem.
It gets energy from its sun, and resources from itself.  The people
(sophonts, if you will) provide creative input upon these raw
materials and produce.  If a planet is capable of sustaining life,
then surely creative life will sustain itself there.

If the citizens have traditionally relied on outside demand and
assistance for technology, then being stranded will, in a VERY
short time, give rise to some wholly new, creative, innovative
technology that will quickly surpass the original.  (Look at
Earth's history for examples.)  It might seem bad for a few years,
but in just a few short years, Hard times bring forth a new,
stronger, more vital culture.

Out of these cultures will come the new empire.  It will panic
the established empire, they will come to blows, and the new culture
will dominate.  (examples, Babylonia, Greece, Rome, U.S. etc.)
Maybe the extant empire is destroying planets with promise?
- --
Richard Johnson     [email removed]
"We've learned a great deal about how to keep the American people
pacified."   Ex-CIA director William Colby after the Church hearings