Earthman's Burden: Concluding Remarks

I had a strange moment when reading Poul Anderson's and Gordon R Dickson's Earthman's Burden (New York, 1979). On p. 175, Sergeant LeBrute utters the hauntingly familiar word "Zinderneuf," which he explains as "...the fort which perishes to the last man!" Where had I heard or read that before? It is not often that we are reminded of something that we have not already remembered many times since our original encounter with it. During an ordinary day, we remember past experiences that we have often remembered before until some external input raises an older memory. Zinderneuf is a sort of Marie Celeste-like fort in PC Wren's Beau Geste which I read in the 1960's.

I get mixed messages from Alexander Jones' concluding letter. On the one hand, he is:

"...shipping out for Earth in a few weeks..." (p. 187)

- but, on the other hand, he has:

"...changed [his] about resigning [his] position [on Toka]." (ibid.)

So the trip to Earth will be a holiday?

He adds:

"We have a Galactic Series Baseball game coming up shortly, but after that I'll be on my way." (p. 188)

Looking ahead, I gather that baseball is in progress on the opening page of the second volume so will there also be a trip to Earth? And will the four stories in the second volume cover as long a period of Jones' career as the six stories in the first? (I will just have to get on with reading the second volume.)

I have described the Hokas as "protean, not physically but mentally," so I am pleased to see that Jones refers to "...their protean imaginativeness..." (p. 188)

I also said that he was concerned about possible "cultural imperialism" and he now uses that same phrase (ibid.) but his "...doubts...are being resolved." (p. 187)

He rightly argues that:

"Their very adaptability is a protection against losing their racial heritage." (p. 188)

- although his next point is more questionable:

"It is, also, the special talent by which they may one day succeed us as the political leaders of the galaxy." (ibid.)

A possible sequel? I don't think so.

But, like all good comedies, the collection ends by treating its comic figures with affection and respect. Jones commends this "...sturdy, brave, independent little folk..." (p. 187) with their "...fundamental solid strength." (p. 188)