From Talwin To Tametha

We are demonstrating that it is possible to remain conceptually inside Poul Anderson's Technic History for a very long time - indefinitely? In the previous post, a conversation between a Merseian and a Talwinian overheard by Flandry generated a reflection that included a quotation from van Rijn who referred to five planets, including Tametha.

"The Master Key," which merely references Tametha, was published in 1964 whereas "Lodestar," incorporating a scene set on Tametha, was published in 1973. Thus, to solidify his future history, Anderson not only revived what had been merely one more name in a list of planets but also created an environment and inhabitants for that planet. At first sight, the Tamethan incident is mere blood and thunder. Native rebels attack the trader team who escape into space. However, for Falkayn, the incident underlines the rot in the Polesotechnic League, motivates him to address the problem and thus potentially brings him into conflict with his employer, the leading League independent, van Rijn. Like "The Star Plunderer," about the Founder of the Terran Empire, "Lodestar" is a pivotal story in the Technic History - but meanwhile I am following yet again the adventures of the Empire's greatest defender, Dominic Flandry.