Volmer
In which yos’Galan makes connections.
I can’t remember the last book in which we had so many bows in so few chapters. The last few books have either been set on Surebleak or involved people being off having adventures among the Terrans, so there hasn’t been so much opportunity for Liadens interacting.
Continue reading
Day 54
Standard Year 1393
Dutiful Passage
Jump
In which various people spend time in transit.
I haven’t been noting it every time a relevant detail has come up, but I think by now we have to acknowledge that in the Liaden universe cats are sapient and capable of dramliz-type abilities. Some cats, anyway. Merlin, at least. (Come to that, I wonder if Val Con knew how appropriate the name was when he chose it…)
I feel like I should say something about the scene with Hazenthull and Nelirikk, but nothing particular is coming to me.
It’s good to see Trilla again.
Shipyear 65
Tripday 155
Fourth Shift
20.00 hours
In which Priscilla learns a thing or two about Shan.
The detail about Priscilla’s shirt caught my eye on this reading: one of those little things that might escape one’s notice if one hadn’t got the background detail about the way she used to dress back on Sintia.
It appears that there are, after all, creatures other than the norbears in the pet library; though I confess I haven’t the slightest idea what a sylfok might be.
Shipyear 65
Tripday 143
First Shift
2.00 hours
In which Gordy and Priscilla have both done very well.
Gordy’s grandfather is in the running for being one of the most prominent and influential characters never to appear in the Liaden series. He’s mentioned several times in this book, and was mentioned several times in Local Custom, and will be mentioned in at least one short story that would arguably be very different without his involvement in the backstory, but he never makes a direct appearance.
In which Clonak ter’Meulen is in love.
Though why he picks that precise moment, of all the moments in the conversation, to decide this, I am not sure.
The Binjali crew seems to have adopted Aelliana as a comrade. Jon says it clearest, when she tries to thank him and he says that it’s the same as they’d do for any of their own, no gratitude demanded.
In which Aelliana lifts as planned.
Another of Cantra’s log entries that doesn’t entirely accord with her history as revealed in the prequels. In particular, her claim to be “a sport, child of a long line of random elements”, considered from an in-universe perspective, can not be anything other than a deliberate lie.
Yardkeeper Gat’s declaration — “I don’t care what her name is or how good she can add” — is interesting. Even as he declares that Aelliana’s reputation cuts no ice in the present context (which is very likely true) he’s taking the time to show that he recognises the name and the reputation. Daav didn’t tell him she was a mathematician.
In which Er Thom is generous in his gift-giving.
Daav is playing a dangerous hand, not telling Thodelm yos’Galan about Shan even when she asks straight out if there’s anything else she should know about Anne. But I expect he’s taking his cue from Er Thom, and I can understand why Er Thom would prefer for that news to wait until he is able to deliver it in full and in person.
The mention of the Trade Commission on VanDyk is interesting, because its location suggests a Terran origin: VanDyk sounds more like a Terran name than a Liaden, and one would expect a Liaden trade commission to be situated on Liad itself rather than an Outworld. I wonder if it’s a descendent of the same organization Arin Gobelyn was a commissioner of? If so, the fact that it is now trusted with the registry of Master Traders suggests that the efforts of Jethri and his friends to build stronger ties between Liaden traders and Terran traders met with some success.
We also get a passing mention of Korval’s old allies, Clan Erob, who are now situated on Lytaxin.