Space Viking · Chapter
The Partnership on Tanith explained
Trask proposes a partnership with Spasso and Valkanhayn to establish a base on Tanith, using the lost cargo of the Enterprise to fund it.
What happens
Trask proposes a partnership with Spasso and Valkanhayn to establish a base on Tanith, using the lost cargo of the Enterprise to fund it. He asserts his authority as leader, orders an end to slave labor and raiding of locals, and begins organizing a paid workforce and sepoy army.
Themes in this chapter
Civilization vs. Barbarism
Trask and Harkaman advocate for a civilized approach to Tanith—paying workers, ending slavery—contrasting with Spasso and Valkanhayn's brutal exploitation.
Class and Social Mobility
The local Tanithians are treated as slaves or subjects; Trask's plan to pay wages and promote foremen suggests a path to social mobility.
The Cost of Raiding and Colonialism
Spasso and Valkanhayn's raiding of villages for food and labor is shown as unsustainable; Harkaman warns it will lead to rebellion.
Individual vs. Collective Responsibility
Trask asserts individual authority over the base, rejecting democratic crew votes, while taking responsibility for the welfare of the locals.
Characters to notice
- Lucas Trask
Proposes partnership to Spasso and Valkanhayn, asserts command over Tanith base, orders end to slave labor and raiding.
- Otto Harkaman
Supports Trask's plan, criticizes Spasso and Valkanhayn's treatment of locals, advises on base development.
- Boake Valkanhayn
Objects to Trask's authoritarian style and paying locals, but eventually acquiesces.
- Garvan Spasso
Eager for partnership, questions financing, accepts Trask's leadership after discussion.
- Andray Dunnan
Referenced as the pirate who stole the Enterprise and killed Trask's wife, motivating Trask's hunt.
- Angus of Gram
Referenced as Duke Angus of Wardshaven, original financier of the Tanith venture.
- Alvyn Karffard
Mentioned as the person to design a pay-token system for the workers.
Key passages
“I believe, together, we could really make something out of this planet.”
Trask suggests that with cooperation, they can develop Tanith into a productive base.
Trask proposes a joint venture to Spasso and Valkanhayn.
“I will be running things here on Tanith. You people may allow your orders to be debated and voted on, but I don't.”
Trask declares he will have sole command on Tanith, rejecting democratic decision-making.
Trask asserts authoritarian leadership over the partnership.
“The first order is that these people you have working here are to be paid. They are not to be beaten by these plug-uglies you have guarding them.”
Trask orders an end to slave labor and beatings, requiring wages and humane treatment for workers.
Trask implements a policy of paid labor and abolishes corporal punishment.
“If the cow doesn't want to be milked, just shoot her. Of course, you don't get much milk out of her again, but—”
Harkaman sarcastically criticizes the wasteful practice of killing or destroying resources instead of managing them sustainably.
Harkaman mocks Valkanhayn's approach to dealing with locals.
