I started to laugh before I reached the end of this paragraph. The Cynthian, Shan U, is addressing Diana Crowfeather:
"'Should you find that you do wish to go to Lulach, my Waterblossom is no speedster, I grant you, but the fare is modest, accommodations are comfortable, food is good, and the leisured pace will enable you to learn much about our planet en route - which is highly advisable if you would strike into its outback. You will also find yourselves in entertaining company. This trip, it includes a live traveling show.'" (pp. 288-289)
How many selling points does Shan U cram into three sentences?
modest fare
comfortable accommodation
good food
leisured pace
learning opportunity
high advisability
entertaining company: travelling show
Even the single drawback, "no speedster," is transformed into an advantage: "leisured pace."
It will transpire that the travelling show comprises the disguised fugitive, Targovi, who has persuaded Shan U to persuade Diana. Thus, the team will be reunited. The adventure continues.
Addendum: "Diana hoped the skipper was not merely a glib sales-being." (p. 290)
Indeed.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I agree, that was amusing! Shan U and Nicholas van Rijn would have gotten along fine.
Ad astra! Sean
Post a Comment