Officers
Astros
Engys
Admys
They are divided not only departmentally but also on issues of power and policy.
Crew
machine workers
farmers
deckhands
graded technicians
"chants" (I cannot find this word)
small manufacturers
The different groups riot. Chants and manufacturers want a return to free enterprise and independent representation on the Council. Factions and powerful individuals maintain gangs of goons and bullies outnumbering the police. The Captain is (seen as) a puppet of continually shifting groups wielding real power.
I admit that, when I first read that many years ago, I just accepted it but it is the strangest description of a spaceship crew that has ever been written. An explanation will be given but will it be adequate?
2 comments:
Paul:
I'm going to venture a guess that "chant," here, is a slurring sort of abbreviation of "merchant." Sort of like the way the Tinerans on Aeneas in *The Day of Their Return* got their name from "itinerant." It's supported by their sharing certain attitudes and goals with manufacturers.
David,
Good one.
Paul.
Post a Comment