Magnusson does not understand Flandry. He says that the latter is constitutionally unable even to imagine the possibility of genuine, permanent peace between Terrans and Merseians. Flandry immediately replies that such a peace is impossible - but continues:
"'...unless and until the civilization that dominates them goes under or changes its character completely.'" (p. 396)
But both of those eventualities are possible. Internal conflicts can change the character of a regime or - which is more likely - make it "go under." Changes in physical circumstances can also make it impossible for a regime to continue as before. Someone like Flandry, basing his assessments on sound intelligence, will quickly become aware of any such internal or external changes whereas Magnusson merely mouths whatever he has been programmed to say, including this allegation that Flandry is constitutionally unable to imagine etc. Flandry goes to Sphinx to learn whether dialogue is possible with Magnusson and confirms that it is not.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
And Flandry is correct! The Roidhunate would have to either change its character or go under before there could be any chance of a real peace Terrans and Merseians.
Ad astra! Sean
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