Saturday, 4 December 2021

How They Interact

Satan's World.

Adzel and Chee Lan:

"...were too experienced to believe the old cliche that all humans look alike." (IV, p. 368)

Is it possible that there is a cliche in the galaxy that all human beings look alike? Yes. I think that that is possible. (Later in the Technic History, Max Abrams is experienced enough to tell Merseians apart.)

But we are mainly concerned in this post about how Adzel and Chee Lan interact with one particular human being, their employer. In the midst of the action, Chee Lan tells van Rijn to shut up. He replies quietly that he will shut up to her but not immediately to God. Next, she questions his orders in very insulting terms and he patiently explains his reasoning. He has "'...deducted from the facts...'" (VII, pp. 403-404) that there is a major threat, requiring extraordinary measures. Taking offense at Chee Lan's well-known irascibility is the last thing on his mind. He knows how to get her agreement and cooperation.

13 comments:

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Paul!

All the same, it would be wise of Cynthians to learn how to moderate the way they speak to non-Cynthians. Not all beings will be as patient as Old Nick.

Ad astra! Sean

S.M. Stirling said...

I always liked Chee Lan's question to the mother of a child trying to pet her on public transport: "Why doesn't your species eat its young?"


In fact, I stole it... 8-).

paulshackley2017@gmail.com said...

Now I am wondering where in your works that question shows up.

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Mr. Stirling and Paul!

Mr. Stirling: That kind of irascibility won't make the Cynthians many friends! But of course most would be smart enough to see that. And put a curb on their tempers.

Paul: Ditto!

Ad astra! Sean

S.M. Stirling said...

In DAGGERS IN DARKNESS, as the airship approaches the haven in San Francisco, Luz and Ciara's four daughters are over-excited and running around the observation gallery playing "birdee" and have to be rounded up.

One of the Taguchi sisters chases one and wheezes "They'd exhaust a saint. A -Buddhist- saint! Why doesn't our species eat its young?"

paulshackley2017@gmail.com said...

Thanks. So we have read it but just didn't remember.

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Mr. Stirling!

Ha! I remember those kids being over excited but not what one of the Taguchis said. Darn! Or that you cribbed it from Anderson. Double darn!

Ad astra! Sean

S.M. Stirling said...

I have observed over-excited 5-year-olds at close range...

That's why evolution programmed us to love children. So we don't kill and eat them... 8-).

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Mr. Stirling!

Ha! All too grimly likely!

Ad astra! Sean

S.M. Stirling said...

For that matter, the artificial evolution we've had with dogs has programmed dogs to treat human children the way they do puppies.

Anyone can testify to that who's ever seen a toddler crawling over a big dog and the look of martyred patience on its face, and the way that the most it'll do when its ears are pulled is put a paw on the kid and lick it.

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Mr. Stirling!

When I think of how rotten so many people are, I have to conclude we don't deserve the love, loyalty, and patience of dogs!

Ad astra! Sean

Nicholas D. Rosen said...

Kaor, Sean!

I’m in agreement about dogs. “Strive to be the person your dog thinks you are.”

Growing up, I had a beagle as my best friend.

Best Regards,
Nicholas

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Nicholas!

That comes close to restating the Golden Rule in a unique way!

Regards and Happy New Year! Sean