# XXVII explained — Space Viking

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

## What happens

Trask executes Andray Dunnan and contemplates the future of Marduk, including a potential League of Civilized Worlds and his own kingship. The chapter also covers the rescue of King Mikhyl VIII, the death of Zaspar Makann, and the challenges of controlling Space Viking looters.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Justice

Trask executes Dunnan summarily, reflecting personal vengeance and the harsh justice of conquest.

### Political Systems and Governance

Trask contemplates kingship, a League of Civilized Worlds, and the challenges of ruling Marduk after the overthrow of Makann.

### The Cost of Raiding and Colonialism

Space Viking captains prioritize looting over governance, forcing Trask to redirect them to Drepplin to prevent further destruction.

## Character check-ins

### Lucas Trask

Executes Andray Dunnan, contemplates becoming King of Tanith and forming a League of Civilized Worlds, and deals with the aftermath of the Marduk conquest.

### Andray Dunnan

Captured and brought before Trask, taunts him about Elaine, and is shot through the head by Trask.

### Simon Bentrik

Present during the execution of Dunnan and the rescue of King Mikhyl VIII; struggles with the harsh realities of ruling Marduk.

### King Mikhyl VIII

Found alive but mentally incapacitated, lying on a pallet in a hidden room, cared for by Crown Princess Melanie.

### Crown Princess Melanie

Found haggard and unconscious after caring for King Mikhyl VIII in hiding.

### Zaspar Makann

Found dead in the Throne room, having shot himself; the Great Crown lies bloodied beside him.

### Boake Valkanhayn

Joins the headquarters in the Ministerial Council room after fighting in the Palace.

### Sir Paytrik Morland

His riflemen guard the freed leaders of the overthrown misgovernment of Marduk.

## Key lines

> Shoot this gang of turncoats, and I'll rule Marduk for you.

Dunnan offers to govern Marduk if Trask kills his captors.

_Dunnan's last attempt to manipulate Trask before being executed._

> Take that carrion and stuff it in a mass-energy converter. And I don't want anybody to mention the name of Andray Dunnan to me again.

Trask orders Dunnan's body disposed of and his name banned.

_Trask's final dismissal of Dunnan, emphasizing his desire to erase him from memory._

> He has no mind, no more mind than a newborn baby. We can keep him alive, I don't know how long. That's our professional duty. But it's no kindness to His Majesty.

Doctors report that King Mikhyl VIII is mentally gone and keeping him alive is not merciful.

_The tragic state of the king after his ordeal._

## Links

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