In Anderson's "Honorable Enemies," the ancestors of the Betelgeuseans had arrived in a lifeless planetary system where they:
quickly generated oxygen-nitrogen atmospheres with genetically engineered, exponentially multiplying microorganisms;
produced soil with automated operations;
released full-sized plants and animal grown from cells to spread through the newly created environments.
Thus, six of the forty-seven Betelgeusean planets bear flourishing ecologies and an interplanetary civilization powerful enough to fend off both Terra and Merseia. Not attempting to build an interstellar empire and ruling only a few other systems necessary for security, the capital planet, Alfzar, is well placed to act as a buffer between Terra, Merseia and the barbarians and to play the great powers off against each other. Thus, Flandry thinks that the Betelgeuseans' political position is preferable to Terra's.
With Betelgeuse as an ally, Merseia would wage war whereas, with Betelgeusean help, Terra would win concessions. That is the difference between the two empires. Clandestine operations are a major industry on Alfzar. What will be the outcome in this story?`
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I think I understand Flandry's point, but I'm not sure I could agree with him that it would have been better for Terra to be merely a buffer between rival great powers. For one thing, Terra (or Alfzar!) would still be ultimately at the mercy of one or another of the great powers. So, it would still be better for Earth to become a great power herself.
With Betelgeuse as an ally, the Empire would be strong enough to force Merseia to back down and make concessions. AND to keep the uneasy peace. Which I believe to believe to be far better than what the Roidhunate would do, use an alliance with Betelgeuse to prepare for open war against the Empire.
Ad astra and Happy New Year! Sean
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