Envoy crew members meet before departure. Mamphela Mokoena and Lajos Ruzek meet in sight of the Transkei heights (see image).
"From the stoep..." (p. 40)
"...people on foot or on motor-skates..." (ibid.) There is a form of transport that is not usually mentioned in futuristic sf.
"...particulates..." (ibid.)
"Her dashiki..." (p. 41)
"...the Radiums..." (p. 45) I did not find this clear but the context implies that it is the name of a criminal gang:
"On recommendation of his local gang boss - the Radiums were in favor with the regional commissioner - he won appointment to the Space Academy." (ibid.)
"...two assegais crossed behind a shield." (p. 46)
We learn the names of two future religious denominations: the Samaritan Church and the New Christian Church.
Ruzek's career is that of a typical Anderson man of action character:
born in Budapest;
left home young;
odd jobs;
joined the Western Alliance Peace Command;
military construction on the Moon and in space;
gained piloting skills;
got a civilian job piloting everywhere from Mars to Saturn for the Solmetals Consortium;
saw action in the Space War;
signed up for the Envoy because no other interstellar expedition would have him;
will be second in command and a boat pilot.
No comments:
Post a Comment