Nansen orders Dayan to announce that, if Brent surrenders, then his life will be spared:
"'Do you really believe that will change his mind for him?' Ruszek scoffed.
"'No, but we are obliged to try.'" (p. 383)
Precisely. How often does this happen? You are asked what you think should be done. You answer the question. You are then asked, "But you don't think people will do that, do you?" Maybe not. But that is a different question.
Years ago, when I worked for Lancaster City Council, we were about to leave a hole in a footpath between two buildings overnight so I started to nail up some boards to block access to the alley. All too predictably, a resident came out and said, "If you think that will stop anyone..." Of course the truth was that I did not think that that would stop anyone but I was legally obliged to leave a physical barrier and was not responsible for what anyone else did to that barrier after I had left.
In the case of Brent, he might just possibly realize the hopelessness of his situation and surrender. But, in any case, if injured during capture, he would not afterwards be able to argue that he had not been offered the option to surrender. Nansen does everything properly and is a far better captain than Brent would have made.
5 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Exactly, both what you said about Captain Nansen and you at least trying to prevent anyone from falling into that hole.
Even if Brent had surrendered and spared being executed, he could never be trusted again. Nansen would have to keep Brent imprisoned, to be turned over to whoever might have been the authorities on Earth when the 'Envoy' returned.
Ad astra! Sean
Well, I suppose offering him a chance to surrender didn't do any actual harm.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
It was worth trying.
Ad astra! Sean
I wouldn't have left him alive, regardless. Too dangerous.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
Except Nansen promised Brent his life if he surrendered. I agree Brent would be dangerous and could never be trusted again. Nansen would have to keep him imprisoned and turn him over to the Seladorian authorities on Earth, who might or might not execute Brent.
Ad astra! Sean
Post a Comment