In which we see the value of a good literary education.
So, not necessarily a formal regulatory intervention, but once word gets around the merc community about what Perdition Enterprises was up to, no doubt appropriate steps will be taken.
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In which Ochin has been thinking.
I am curious about whom Cheladin intends to quote Ochin’s assessment to. I can’t think of any regulatory body that would be able to claim and enforce jurisdiction if he’s right about what’s going on.
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In which Commander Vepal checks his mail.
We’ve encountered the Yxtrang word “kojagun” a few times before, a couple of times in scenes with Hazenthull and once with Vepal himself in The Gathering Edge (his internal monologue acknowledging that JinJee Sanchez is not kojagun). Previously, it’s generally been glossed as “not a soldier”; this is the first time it’s been said that it also means “prey”, although in retrospect both aspects of its meaning would fit the occasion Haz uses it in Neogenesis.
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In which Commander Sanchez offers her assistance.
Of course, there’s also something to be said for being obvious.
(Though I stand by my distrust of obvious and tidy conclusions. We’re still some distance from any kind of conclusion, and if Vepal’s suspicions about his own emotions are correct, this development at this time makes the situation less tidy rather than more.)
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In which Erthax exercises his creativity.
From some authors, I would say that Vepal and Sanchez are obviously being herded in a particular direction. From these authors, I tend to be more cautious of expecting obvious and tidy conclusions.
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In which Commander Vepal goes to meetings.
The idea that a troop reflects its commander seems to be setting itself up as a recurring theme. It will be interesting to see what is reflected in Commander Vepal’s troop when push comes to shove. One might also wonder: what does the behaviour of Perdition Enterprises say about its commander?
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In which Commander Vepal finds an ally.
The drinking establishment named “The Headless Yxtrang” echoes an established pattern on Earth — there have been, for example, several taverns that commemorated some soldier’s deeds in the Crusades by being named “The Saracen’s Head”. Vepal sees a more metaphorical resonance with his own situation: the problem he is trying to solve is that the Yxtrang are collectively headless, in the sense of lacking the leadership they need.
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In which Commander Vepal considers a field tour.
Ah, Ambassador Vepal. I’ve been wondering what he and his team were up to since they didn’t show up in Neogenesis.
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Arak ek zenorth
En route
In which there is breakfast.
I wonder if Vepal renamed the ship when he acquired it, and if so what “arak ek zenorth” means. I suspect we’ll find out at the dramatically appropriate moment.
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Seebrit Station Speakeasy
In which hospitality is extended.
So of course instead of proceeding to the explanation, the story cuts to a completely different scene.
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