How far do the civilization-clusters extend? If a spaceship can cross the galaxy in months, how far can it travel in two or three years? The all-male European expedition planned to spend three years in the Magellanic Clouds, the two satellite galaxies of the Milky Way. Do the Europeans know that there are civilization-clusters there or just intend to find out?
The Dragar Council and the Soviet Union negotiated a secret treaty, concluded by officials traveling on the Russian ship which then proceeded into far space. The USSR produced weapons delivered to Vorlakkar ships at a rendezvous on Venus. Russian personnel were to serve as auxiliaries in the war against Kandemir.
"'-common cause of the peace-loving peoples against imperialist aggressors...unity in the great patriotic struggle-'" (p. 57)
One phrase is right. The Kandemirians are imperialist aggressors. Meanwhile, the USSR, that "...peace-loving people...," would be getting a military lead on other Terrestrial countries.
Donnan wants to use the war to build a reputation:
"'...a foot-loose crew of bipeds who got their planet kicked out from under them and are raising the roof about it in this specific cluster.'" (p. 61)
Imagine a large multi-species bar ("'Yotl's Nest," p. 140) packed with exotic beings, sitting, squatting, perching, hovering... One being at the back glimpses movement near the entrance and tells his drinking companion, "Two Terrestrials just came in..."
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Considering the brutality, even savagery of the late, unlamented USSR, I find it utterly unconvincing and hypocritical of Soviets to indulge in such hollow cant as the "common cause of the peace-loving peoples against imperialist aggressors." (Derisive snort!!!) As far as empires goes, I would far prefer the Kandemirian hegemony to that of the USSR.
Sean
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