Why did he have to bring a chair? Because the Merseians squat on their tails. There is not a single chair anywhere on the planet Merseia. Cultural assumptions again: we expect to be able to sit comfortably in civilized society.
Falkayn explains that, in order to counteract supernova radiation, the Merseians will have to cooperate in ways that we recognize from World War II. A single coordinated effort must override every other consideration. Falkayn sets a good example by including Haguan Eluatz in the teleconference even though that "...chieftain..." (p. 267) has recently kidnapped his colleague, Chee Lan.
Haguan's crime syndicate, the Gethfennu, is already international whereas the legitimate authorities are fatally divided. So will the Gethfennu become the basis of the unified Merseia in Flandry's time? No. Morruchan says:
"'...a reckoning will come. The Vachs will prepare one, if nobody else does.'" (p. 270)
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
True, Merseian PHYSIOLOGY meant they did not need chairs. But, I do recall, I THINK, mention of Merseians sometimes using stools. Perhaps elderly or infirm Merseians needed additional support their tails could not provide them?
And perhaps the Merseian Roidhun had a "throne" shaped like a stool? I would think elderly Roidhuns might well find it convenient!
I agree, however much he resented Haguan Eluatz for kidnapping Chee Lan, Falkayn NEEDED him and the Gethfennu's transnational organization if the damage from the supernova was to be minimized. Because, however much he wished otherwise, none of the legitimate authorities on Merseia had GLOBAL organizations and an authority the others respected and would heed.
And we DO mention in one of the Flandry stories, I forget where, of how, in the period before the Roidhunate arose, of a three cornered struggle between the Vachs, rival Merseian nations, AND the Gethfennu. I think it's safe to think the Gethfennu were destroyed during the Time of Troubles.
Sean
Sean,
A Merseian sits on a stool in A KNIGHT OF GHOSTS AND SHADOWS and I comment on it somewhere.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Aha, I was right! I'm sure Merseians find it comfortable to sometimes use stools!
Sean
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