# The Return of the Space Scourge explained — Space Viking

> Chapter companion for Space Viking by H. Beam Piper.

## What happens

Trask and Harkaman await the return of the Space Scourge from Gram, growing anxious after 270 days. When the ship finally arrives, Boake Valkanhayn reports that Duke Angus has made himself King of Gram, granting Trask the title of Prince and Viceroy of Tanith. The chapter details the political changes on Gram, the deception of Duke Omfray, and the arrival of advanced equipment and personnel to develop Tanith. Trask remains focused on his quest for Andray Dunnan, while Tanith begins to industrialize and build a self-sufficient colony.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Systems and Governance

The chapter details the establishment of a monarchy on Gram under King Angus, the granting of titles, and the political maneuvering among feudal lords.

### Class and Social Mobility

Characters like Valkanhayn and Spasso receive new titles and positions, illustrating the fluidity of social status in the Sword-Worlds.

### Technology and Progress

The arrival of advanced equipment, mining robots, and industrial machinery marks a significant technological leap for Tanith, enabling self-sufficiency.

### The Cost of Raiding and Colonialism

The chapter shows the economic and political dependencies created by raiding, as Tanith relies on Gram for trade and investment.

## Character check-ins

### Lucas Trask

Anxiously awaits the return of the Space Scourge; learns he has been made Prince and Viceroy of Tanith by King Angus; continues to focus on his hunt for Andray Dunnan.

### Otto Harkaman

Shares Trask's anxiety over the delayed ship; is named Count Harkaman and Admiral of the Royal Navy of Gram by King Angus.

### Boake Valkanhayn

Returns commanding the Space Scourge, now a Baron; delivers news of King Angus's rise and the titles granted to Trask and Harkaman.

### Garvan Spasso

Has entered King Angus's service as Chief of Police at Glaspyth; Trask plans to use him to feed misinformation to Omfray.

### Sir Paytrik Morland

Returns from Gram as a Baron; reports on the political situation and the acceptance of King Angus's sovereignty by some nobles.

### Duke Omfray of Glaspyth

Was deceived by Angus's preparations; escaped to Didreksburg and then to Haulteclere after the invasion of Glaspyth.

### King Angus of Gram

Successfully made himself King of Gram; grants titles to Trask, Harkaman, and Valkanhayn; supports the Tanith Adventure.

### Guatt Kirbey

Mentioned as the astrogator for the Space Scourge's return trip.

## Key lines

> “She’ll be coming before long. We have enough of our people aboard to make sure nobody else tries to take the ship. And I really believe, now, that Valkanhayn can be trusted.”

Trask expresses confidence that the Space Scourge will return soon and that Valkanhayn is loyal.

_Shows Trask's trust in his crew and his optimism despite the long wait._

> “That’s right. And you’re his trusty and well-loved Lucas, Prince Trask, and Viceroy of his Majesty’s Realm of Tanith.”

Valkanhayn informs Trask that King Angus has appointed him Prince and Viceroy of Tanith.

_Key moment where Trask's new title and role are revealed._

> “I suppose the King knows I’m not out here for my health, or his profit? My business out here is Andray Dunnan.”

Trask clarifies that his primary goal on Tanith is to hunt down Andray Dunnan, not to serve the king's interests.

_Reinforces Trask's personal vendetta as a central motivation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/space_viking_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/space_viking_se/chapters