# VI explained — Space Viking > Chapter companion for Space Viking by H. Beam Piper. ## What happens Lucas Trask and Otto Harkaman formalize their partnership, with Harkaman pledging to command Trask's ship until Trask can command it himself. Trask commissions the construction of the Nemesis at the Gorram shipyard, naming it after a news commentator's phrase. He trains with Harkaman's crew and learns the realities of Space Viking life. Duke Angus reestablishes his credit, and Trask's cousin Nikkolay becomes vicar-baron. A tramp freighter brings news of Andray Dunnan's whereabouts, and they plan to hunt him in the Old Federation, starting with Xochitl. ## Themes in this chapter ### Revenge and Justice Trask's relentless pursuit of Dunnan drives the chapter, as he dedicates his life to hunting the man who murdered his wife. ### Technology and Progress The construction of the Nemesis, with advanced engines and armament, highlights the technological capabilities of the era. ### The Cost of Raiding and Colonialism Duke Angus's plan to tax Glaspyth and the training of surplus troops for raiding reflect the economic and violent costs of Viking expansion. ## Character check-ins ### Lucas Trask Commits to hunting Dunnan, commissions the Nemesis, and begins training as a Space Viking. ### Otto Harkaman Pledges to command Trask's ship, advises on strategy, and helps train Trask's crew. ### Rovard Grauffis Acts as Duke Angus's henchman, informs Angus of Trask's plans, and hints at future raids on Glaspyth. ### Angus of Gram Duke Angus reestablishes his credit and plans to tax Glaspyth, using Trask's surplus troops. ### Andray Dunnan Reported to have been on Morglay and Curtana; Trask and Harkaman plan to intercept him. ### Nikkolay Trask Initially angry at Trask for alienating the barony, but becomes vicar-baron of Traskon New House. ## Key lines > Lord Trask, this is a wonderful thing for me. It’s not been pleasant to be a shipless captain living on strangers’ bounty. I’d hate, though, to have you think, some time, that I’d advanced my own fortunes at the expense of yours. Harkaman expresses gratitude for the opportunity but worries Trask might later feel exploited. _Harkaman formalizes his loyalty to Trask._ > Well, have you any conception of the sort of thing you’re setting yourself to? Harkaman questions whether Trask understands the enormity of hunting Dunnan across the vast Old Federation. _Harkaman outlines the challenges of interstellar pursuit._ > I haven’t started thinking about how; all I know is that I have to do it. Track admits he has no plan yet, only an obsessive need for revenge. _Trask's single-minded determination is revealed._ > Some old Pre-Atomic writer Harkaman was fond of quoting had said, ‘Gold will not always get you good soldiers, but good soldiers can get you gold.’ Harkaman cites a maxim that skilled fighters are more valuable than money. _Reflects the Viking ethos of raiding for wealth._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/vi - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/space_viking_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/space_viking_se/chapters