# The Valley of Decision explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Mack Reynolds.

## What happens

On the planet of the Tulans, the Earth team and Khan Reif prepare for a decisive battle against Mynor's rebel and nomad army. Despite Leonid Plekhanov's cautious orders to withdraw, Joe Chessman and Barry Watson commit to a risky plan: using a phalanx formation to press the enemy infantry against the pass while holding the right flank against overwhelming cavalry. The chapter culminates in the battle's execution, with the Earthmen and even the Khan joining the fight directly.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence as Spectacle

The battle is described with vivid, almost theatrical detail—the phalanx grinding forward, cavalry charges, and the use of advanced weapons like napalm.

### Power and Corruption

Plekhanov's earlier decision to arm untrustworthy mercenaries leads to mutiny and near-disaster, highlighting the corrupting influence of power.

### Technology and Alienation

The introduction of crossbows, muskets, and aircraft to Tulan society creates both tactical advantages and unintended consequences, alienating the Earth team from the local populace.

## Character check-ins

### Leonid Plekhanov

Argues for withdrawal, is overruled and placed under arrest by Joe Chessman.

### Joseph Chessman

Takes command, orders the phalanx attack and leads the defense of the right flank.

### Barry Watson

Commands the Tulan phalanx on the valley floor, executing the battle plan.

### Khan Reif

Supports the battle plan, joins the fight with his son Taller Second.

### Dick Hawkins

Pilot who scouts enemy positions and is ordered to use gas and later napalm.

### Natt Roberts

Manages radio communications on the knoll.

### Stonewall Cogswell

Assists Watson with wrist radio and relays battle updates.

### Taller

Khan Reif's ten-year-old son, participates in the battle as per Tulan custom.

## Key lines

> If we don't break their power now, in a decisive defeat, we'll have them to fight again, later.

Barry Watson argues for immediate action to prevent a prolonged conflict.

_Highlights the strategic urgency of the battle._

> Put him under arrest. We'll decide what to do about it later.

Joe Chessman orders Plekhanov's arrest to proceed with the battle plan.

_Shows the breakdown of command hierarchy and Chessman's decisive leadership._

> It's working. Don't give me credit. It belongs to a man named Philip of Macedon, a long ways away in both space and time.

Barry Watson deflects praise for the phalanx's success, crediting ancient Macedonian tactics.

_Connects the Tulan battle to historical military innovation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_36_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters