Storm Over Warlock · Chapter
XVII: Throg Justice explained
Shann awakens as a prisoner aboard a Throg ship, sick and in pain, and is brought to the Throg-occupied Terran camp.
What happens
Shann awakens as a prisoner aboard a Throg ship, sick and in pain, and is brought to the Throg-occupied Terran camp. He attempts to mentally contact Thorvald and the Wyverns, and later is forced to broadcast a false message to the incoming transport. He witnesses the execution of a Throg prisoner and realizes he must bluff to survive.
Themes in this chapter
Survival Against Overwhelming Odds
Shann, captured and in pain, must bluff and play for time to survive the Throgs' interrogation and forced broadcast.
Alien Contact and Communication
Shann attempts telepathic contact with Thorvald and the Wyverns, and is forced to use the Throgs' translator and com system.
Colonialism and Imperial Conflict
The Throgs occupy the Terran camp and use a Terran prisoner to deceive incoming settlers, highlighting the conflict over Warlock.
Characters to notice
- Shann Lantee
Captured by Throgs, sick and in pain, he tries to mentally contact Thorvald and the Wyverns, and is forced to broadcast a false Mayday.
- Ragnar Thorvald
Shann attempts to reach him telepathically and briefly makes contact, sensing Thorvald's awareness.
- Throgs
Throgs capture Shann, execute one of their own, and force Shann to broadcast a false message to the incoming transport.
- Wyverns
Shann tries to mentally contact the Wyvern witch who shared dreams with him, but fails to establish a link.
Key passages
“You Throg meat!”
You are Throg property.
The Throg officer uses the translator to declare Shann a captive, emphasizing his status as a prisoner.
“Warlock calling—trouble—sickness here—com officer dead.”
Shann broadcasts a false distress call claiming the camp is in trouble and the communications officer is dead.
Shann attempts to warn the incoming transport while pretending to cooperate with the Throgs.