# XXII explained — Space Viking

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

## What happens

Trask discusses the political situation on Marduk with Admiral Shefter, including the investigation into the ship Honest Horris and the elusive Horris Sasstroff. Meanwhile, a treaty with Tanith is being debated, and Princess Myrna playfully declares herself queen of her own domains. Trask witnesses a Makannist demonstration that turns violent, leading to a confrontation with Crown Prince Edvard about the use of force. Later, Trask meets Myrna in a garden, and they share a tender moment before her nurse arrives.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Systems and Governance

The chapter contrasts the democratic but fragile government of Marduk with Trask's more authoritarian approach, highlighting the tension between popular rule and effective control.

### Individual vs. Collective Responsibility

Trask's suggestion to use lethal force against the mob is rejected by Prince Edvard, who prioritizes avoiding bloodshed, raising questions about the responsibility of leaders to protect their people.

## Character check-ins

### Lucas Trask

Discusses the political situation and the investigation with Shefter; witnesses the Makannist demonstration; meets Princess Myrna in the garden.

### Admiral Shefter

Reports on the investigation into the Honest Horris and Horris Sasstroff.

### Princess Myrna

Introduces herself and her dog Mopsy to Trask; declares herself queen of her domains; shares a secret about her future role.

### Lady Valerie Alvarath

Chaperones Princess Myrna; discusses the secret treaty with Trask.

### Crown Prince Edvard

Debates with Trask about the use of force against the demonstrators.

### Zaspar Makann

His party organizes demonstrations and broadcasts against the treaty with Tanith.

### Horris Sasstroff

Mentioned as the former captain of the Honest Horris, now missing.

## Key lines

> this planet, you can always kick the Gilgameshers and the Armed Forces with impunity, neither have votes and neither can kick back. The whole thing’ll be forgotten the day after the election. It always is.

On this planet, you can criticize the Gilgameshers and the military without consequence, since they have no votes and can't retaliate. The issue will be forgotten after the election, as always.

_Shefter explains the political dynamics on Marduk to Trask._

> If you have a ship out Gimli way, you might find out if anybody there knows anything about her. You may discover that she hasn’t been going there at all.

If you have a ship near Gimli, you could check if anyone there knows about the Honest Horris. You might find that she hasn't actually been going there.

_Trask suggests a way to investigate the ship's true activities._

> You had a wonderful civilization here on Marduk. You could have made almost anything of it. But it’s too late now. You’ve torn down the gates; the barbarians are in.

Marduk had a great civilization with potential, but it's too late now. The gates have been torn down and the barbarians have entered.

_Trask laments the decline of Marduk's civilization to Prince Edvard._

## Links

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