Four humanly colonized planets are in different systems but close enough to interact with a near-light-speed drive. Chektoi has conquered Imfan and Novagal and has also attacked Vaynamo twice. However, the Vaynamoans, now prepared for further attacks, destroy the Chektoian Third Expedition. They will take action against Chektoi and liberate its two slave planets.
However, these are just four planets colonized centuries ago and they are an estimated thousand parsecs away from the Solar System so what is happening on Earth and how many other planets have been colonized? There is no way to know. Anderson's ideal is many diverse cultures and that ideal has been realized here. One of these four cultures is oppressive but is being overthrown. But no one can possible have an overview as long as there is no FTL travel or communication. And even in World Without Stars and After Doomsday, where there is FTL, the size of the inhabited universe prevents anyone from gaining any comprehensive knowledge of it. The most that anyone would be able to do would be to spend a lifetime exploring and never turn back.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I agree, Anderson favored TRUE diversity, not any rigid, one size fits all political scheme. I would add that his preference for a LIMITED state and free enterprise economics might not appeal to many who call themselves leftists. And his sympathy for religious believers (esp. Christians, Jews, and Buddhists) might irritate dogmatic atheists.
Sean
All,
Sean and I have trod this ground more than once so what does anyone else think about economics, politics or religion? It is all in Poul Anderson's texts so it is all legitimate subject-matter for this combox and disagreements are welcomed. The last thing that I want to read is my own opinions all the time.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
And I hope someone ELSE will respond to your invitation!
Sean
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