From the beginning of the voyage of the Mercury, we are in van Rijn's pov. He reflects that he could wind up dead, enslaved or ransomed. The extra hull bracing and more powerful engine for the Mercury have cost "...three times the total profit from all her journeys during an average service life." (p. 87) Now we understand the size of the prize suggested by van Rijn. See Infinite Benevolence.
Van Rin is captain, Torres his mate, Petrovich and Seiichi his engineers. Usually these three men are captains. Their union has banned trips through the Kossaluth volume of space but these three captains are also Lodgemasters, empowered to "'...come on such a trip without telling peoples.'" (p. 87)
Van Rijn and Torres show us how there can be respect, humor and camaraderie between men of different ranks:
"'You younger generations got a loud mouth and no manners.'" (p. 88)
- and so on. Was there ever a younger generation without loud mouths and poor manners?
Since it is Torres' watch, van Rijn "'...will be in conference with Freelady Gherardini.'" (p. 89)
When Torres wishes that he could run commands the way van Rijn runs this one, van Rijn replies that he can, provided that he makes "'...money and no trouble for the Company...'" (ibid.)
But most of us would be unable to work efficiently if every moment in our cabin was spent in conference with Freelady Gherardini. Let's just meet her when we are on leave, which is the usual arrangement. Van Rijn is twice as large as life, as ever.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I can tell how much Anderson liked Old Nick, one of his favorite characters!
Ad astra! Sean
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