# The Treason of Bish Ware explained — Four-Day Planet

> Chapter companion for Four-Day Planet by H. Beam Piper.

## What happens

After a devastating tallow-wax fire, Walt Boyd learns that Tom Kivelson has been severely burned. The hunters, led by Joe Kivelson and Oscar Fujisawa, mobilize to confront Steve Ravick and his allies at Hunters' Hall, suspecting Bish Ware's involvement. Walt documents the escalating conflict, which he dubs the beginning of the First Fenris Civil War.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Revolutionary Action

The hunters mobilize for an armed assault on Hunters' Hall, marking the start of a civil war on Fenris.

### Economic Exploitation and Monopoly

The destruction of millions of sols' worth of tallow-wax underscores the economic exploitation and monopoly control that fuel the conflict.

### Community Solidarity vs. Individual Greed

The hunters unite against Ravick and Belsher, prioritizing communal retribution over individual profit.

## Character check-ins

### Walt Boyd

Narrator and journalist documenting the aftermath of the fire and the mobilization against Ravick.

### Tom Kivelson

Severely burned by splashing wax during the fire; reported in serious condition at the hospital.

### Joe Kivelson

Directing firefighting efforts and later leading the hunters in planning an attack on Hunters' Hall.

### Oscar Fujisawa

Proposes a tactical approach to assault Hunters' Hall and leads a group to the Second Level Down.

### Cesário Vieira

Seen at the fire and later joins Walt in the gathering of hunters.

### Al Devis

Mentioned as the one who started the fire; subject of wisecracks among the firefighters.

### Bish Ware

Missing and suspected of being inside Hunters' Hall; his sleep-gas weapon may have been used against a guard.

### Mohandas Gandhi Feinberg

Present in the huddle of captains and officers discussing the situation.

## Key lines

> What I was getting now, and I was glad I was starting a fresh reel for it, was the beginning of the First Fenris Civil War.

Walt realizes he is documenting the start of a civil war on Fenris.

_Walt's reflection on the historical significance of the events unfolding._

> Don’t fool around. Don’t even bother looking for a rope. Just shoot them as soon as you see them.

A hunter advocates for immediate execution without trial.

_Shows the hunters' rage and desire for swift vengeance after the fire._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/four_day_planet_se/chapters/the-treason-of-bish-ware
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/four_day_planet_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/four_day_planet_se/chapters