Dominic Flandry is on the side of the Empire but the Emperor is not necessarily on the side of Flandry and the Grand Duke of Hermes definitely is not. However, a Vice Admiral who has built his own organization and following is not easy to dismiss. Duke Edwin, while trying to cover his own back, gives Emperor Gerhart a possible way to move against Flandry: wheels within wheels - well-worn wheels.
But is Flandry loyal even to the Empire? He reflects that his loyalty is neither to "...faithless Gerhart..." nor "...to this walking corpse of an Empire." (p. 40) However, he does identify several worthy recipients of his personal loyalty:
the Pax (some would, in any case, claim that that is what the Empire is about);
the security of some generations before the Long Night (same thing?);
his corps;
his job;
"...a certain tomb on Dennitza.." (p. 41);
memories.
That is more than enough. For Max Abrams on loyalty, see The Wisdom Of Max Abrams.
The basic function of a government is to prevent the war of "all against all" (or every extended clan against every other extended clan) that prevails in non-State societies.
ReplyDeleteThis is why people put up with government; it's annoying, but it beats the hell out of putting on your gunbelt every time you go out the door. Or taking a spear along to pee on a bush because blood-feudists might burst out from behind it.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
ReplyDeleteI agree. The problem being that too many keep trying to make the State run more and more things. Beyond a certain point that becomes impossible and the State becomes oppressive or collapses.
Ad astra! Sean
We can have a state that is run democratically in the interests of everyone.
ReplyDelete