Plague Ship · Chapter
II: Rivals explained
The Solar Queen crew confronts Inter-Solar rivals over trading rights on Sargol.
What happens
The Solar Queen crew confronts Inter-Solar rivals over trading rights on Sargol. Captain Jellico and Cargo-master Van Rycke stand firm against I-S Captain Grange and Cargo-master Kallee, refusing their buyout offer. Meanwhile, Sinbad the cat is nightly ransomed from Salariki cubs, and one cub shows unexpected curiosity about the ship, following Dane inside.
Themes in this chapter
Corporate Power and Rivalry
Inter-Solar attempts to intimidate the Solar Queen into abandoning Sargol, highlighting the tension between independent traders and corporate monopolies.
Trade and Commerce
The negotiation over trading rights and the cat ransom system illustrate the commercial dynamics on Sargol.
Alien Cultures and Diplomacy
The Salariki cub's curiosity about the ship suggests a potential breakthrough in cross-species understanding.
Characters to notice
- Dane Thorson
Observes the confrontation with I-S rivals and later leads a curious Salarik cub into the ship.
- Ali Kamil
Explains the cat ransom system to Dane and witnesses the meeting with the Eysies.
- Captain Jellico
Confronts I-S Captain Grange, asserting the Solar Queen's trading rights with sarcasm and firmness.
- Van Rycke
Supports Jellico, records the negotiation with a disc, and assesses the I-S threat.
- Sinbad
The ship's cat, who is nightly captured and ransomed by Salariki cubs, brought back by Dane.
Key passages
“Cat ransom,” the other answered his unspoken question. So that was it—the fee for Sinbad’s return. “What is it today?” “Sugar—about a tablespoon full,” the Engineer-assistant returned, “and two colored steelos.”
Ali explains that the Salariki cubs demand a daily ransom of sugar and colored steelos for returning Sinbad.
Highlights the routine trade between crew and natives.
“Jellico, whose forte was more direct action, took an excursion into heavy-handed sarcasm. “You Eysies have certainly been given excellent briefing. I would advise a little closer study of the Code—and not the sections in small symbols at the end of the tape, either!”
Jellico sarcastically suggests the I-S crew should read the fine print of the trade code.
Shows Jellico's confrontational style and the legal tension.
“Van Rycke burrowed in his belt pouch and then held out his hand. On the broad palm lay a flat disc of metal. “Very interesting—” he repeated. “I shall treasure this recording—””
Van Rycke reveals he has recorded the entire conversation, using it as leverage against the I-S men.
Demonstrates Van Rycke's cunning and preparedness.