Dominic Flandry only works here. See "I only work here" II.
Kathryn McCormac says that we only live here. See "We only live here..."
John Reeves, captured by the alien barbarian Gorzuni and herded with other prisoners aboard one of their space tenders, notices that the drunk Gorzuni medic who inspects the prisoners and beheads any that are too sickly is assisted by a man whom Reeves addresses as, "'You filthy bastard...'" ("The Star Plunderer," p. 334)
The man, indicating his iron collar, replies, "'I only work here, Lieutenant...'" (ibid.)
The prisoners have already been forced to strip but the medic's assistant had noticed Reeves' uniform and now takes no offense at Reeves' remark. Indeed, he is noting who will help him to overthrow the Gorzuni. This is Manuel Argos.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Manuel Argos "noticed" Reeves because the latter had the spirit to insult him, meaning Argos could include Reeves in his plans for eventually seizing the Gorzuni ship.
I would take another look at how Argos "indicated" his iron collar. The bibliography of the works of Anderson included in the Special Poul Anderson issue of THE MAGAZINE OF FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION (April 1971), includes as an alternate title for "The Star Plunder," a much more satisfactory name: "Collar of Iron." And I would not be surprised if Manuel Argos kept and preserved that iron collar, as an heirloom cherished by later Emperors!
Sean
Sean,
But the prisoners had stripped before Reeves insulted Manuel so the latter had noticed uniforms and ranks before that.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
True, meaning Manuel was already wondering if he could use Reeves in his plans. But if Reeves had simply slouched by Manuel without insulting him, he might have been unsure of recruiting him.
Sean
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