See Treason and its combox.
How complicit is Emperor Josip in Governor Snelund's atrocities?
"'Everybody knows what Josip is: too weak and stupid for his viciousness to be highly effective.'" (II, p. 19)
On the other hand, Kathryn McCormac tells Flandry:
"'Snelund claimed the two've them plotted it before he left, and've kept in touch since.'" (V, p. 47)
But maybe Snelund boastfully exaggerates the extent of the Emperor's complicity? On the other hand, Flandry deduces:
"'I can see part of the machinery...
"'...word gets passed from the throne to various powerful, handpicked men. The facts about Snelund's governorship are to be suppressed as much as possible, the investigation of them delayed as long as possible and hampered by every available trick when finally it does roll. Yes. I'd begun to suspect it on my own hook.'" (p. 48)
But, because "'...a scandal of these dimensions can't be concealed forever...,'" (ibid.) Snelund also told Kathryn that he would provoke rebellion which could then be suppressed:
"'...in such a way that no firm evidence of anything remains.'" (ibid.)
Although all the evil is done by the governor and his mercenaries, Snelund needs the Emperor to cover it up for him until he has extracted enough wealth and can provoke rebellion.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I agree with this, any hesitation I have being in how much Josip understood what Snelund was up to. And one way of having that word passed from the Throne to slow down/cover up investigation of Snelnund's misdeeds would be for some of those men he managed to get placed into key positions to do that passing along. I'm inclined to think Snelund and his supporters did most of the actual plotting.
About the most positive thing you say about Josip is that line of his from Chapter 1 of ENSIGN FLANDRY: "How dreadfully serious and constructive." It seems to have become one of those cliches used by science fiction fans at apt times, whether or nor ironically meant.
Ad astra! Sean
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