"The wind shifted." (p. 392)
We have learned to heed the wind. It usually means something. Sure enough:
"...Flandry gagged. One of his mem must suddenly vomit." (ibid.)
The new Imperial resident on Shalmu has imposed heavy taxes, enslavement and crucifixions. Carrion birds and insects feed on rotting bodies lashed to wooden crosses. Hence, nauseating wind. And the Sector governor is an Imperial favourite.
This novel raises issues of loyalty and legitimacy. Flandry's Ferran Executive Officer, not understanding human morality, thinks that repression is bad only if it provokes rebellion. But Flandry does understand and will act accordingly.
The wind shifting suggests winds of change. Chunderban Desai will have to deal with part of the aftermath in the following novel.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
And Flandry was to soon take very effective actions, even if they were sometimes of debatable legality. But such actions can be or are at least understandable.
Ad astra! Sean
In the end, it's results that matter. Product takes precedence over process.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
I understand, and I can see times when it's necessary to bend the rules or cut corners. But I also believe process also matters, and we see Flandry making efforts, in his final report, to justify his actions by sometimes admittedly strained interpretations of the regulations and laws. With Kheraskov himself deciding it was wiser not too probe too hard at those weak spots in Flandry's report.
Ad astra! Sean
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