The Richness Of "Lodestar"

The Lodestar/Eka-World/Mirkheim is rich in industrially valuable supermetals. The short story, "Lodestar," and the novel, Mirkheim, are rich in solid information about the fictional universe of Technic civilization. As a single example from Mirkheim, David Falkayn's mother, Athena, is named and appears in just one passage of this novel. Some readers might be surprised to be told or reminded that Athena's involvement is that brief. Nevertheless, we learn a great deal about the Falkayns' position on Hermes and about David's impacts elsewhere.

Without any of its incidents occurring on Earth, except in Coya's momentary reminiscences, "Lodestar" informs us about:

social changes over three generations;
economic imperialism and monopolies in the Polesotechnic League;
the plight of aspiring peoples left behind by Technic civilization;
conditions on the remnants of a large supernova and of its massive planetary companion.

Poul Anderson referred to "Lodestar" as "...this ending of a saga..." (David Falkayn: Star Trader, p. 682). If he had not gone on to write Mirkheim, then "Lodestar" would have ended the Polesotechnic League period of the History of Technic Civilization. Despite the welcome addition of Mirkheim, "Lodestar" does end the saga of the trade pioneer crew led by David Falkayn, if by "the saga" we mean the written account. The crew continues for another five years but between installments of the History. In Mirkheim, the original team is reassembled once more after three years but for a different purpose. Thus, Mirkheim is not a conclusion but a sequel to the saga.

The Supermetals warships try to kill everyone in Dewfall, including van Rijn. But van Rijn would have left enough information for his employees and maybe a couple of League frigates to follow his trail. Thus, the destruction of Dewfall and, in particular, the murder of van Rijn would have been a crime with dire consequences for Supermetals.

When Coya blackmailed van Rijn to take her along, he warned her that it could be dangerous but is the danger that he subjects them to warranted? Especially since, if detained, he could have awaited rescue while continuing to negotiate/bluff/plan escape etc? Especially if, as Coya thinks, he had suspected that Falkayn was involved?

"Lodestar" does belatedly tell us the first name of Coya's grandmother.