It is not as if we have not read and discussed "Outpost of Empire" before but it is interesting to reread those of its passages that are narrated from John Ridenour's point of view immediately after rereading Dominic Flandry's perceptions of Ridenour in Ensign Flandry.
The opening passage, just three pages of text on pp. 1-4, is narrated from the point of view of the Freeholder, Karlsarm. Then, after a double space in the text:
"John Ridenour had arrived that day." (p. 4)
Even if we have read the Technic History consecutively, we probably do not remember Ridenhour. However, on p. 8, he reminds us of Starkad. In "A Message in Secret," Dominic Flandry, even though on official Imperial business, will arrive on Altai as a passenger in a Betelgeusean spaceship. Likewise, here, even though on official Imperial business, Ridenour arrives on Freehold as a passenger in a Germanian spaceship. Since this is a future history, where every reference can be utilized to substantiate other parts of the series, both Betelgeuse and Germania play important roles in other instalments.
We notice for the first time that Galaxy, December 1967, published both a Technic History instalment and a Known Space instalment. Poul Anderson's complete works include three contributions to Larry Niven's Known Space future history series.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I think the Imperium was only just beginning to realize the conflict on Freehold was more important than had at first been thought when Ridenour was sent there. Otherwise he would have been given more funds and quicker means of getting there.
Ad astra! Sean
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