II: Rakkeed, Stalin, and the Rev. Keeluk explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Colonialism and Imperialism

  The Terrans maintain control through puppet kings like Jaikark, subsidize local rulers, and exploit resources, while facing resentment from the Ulleran population.

• Resistance and Rebellion

  Rakkeed preaches a crusade against Terrans, and the riot in Konkrook is part of growing anti-Terran sentiment, with Gurgurk potentially inciting revolt for his own gain.

• Power and Corruption

  Gurgurk builds a political organization to possibly overthrow Jaikark, while Orgzild uses a spaceport deal to gain economic advantage, and Rakkeed is used by nobles for their own political ends.

• Propaganda and Ideology

  Rakkeed's anti-Terran preaching and the ERA's advocacy represent competing ideologies, with letters and rumors used to spread influence.

Characters to notice

• General Carlos von Schlichten

  Reports on the riot's suppression and Keeluk's escape; discusses Rakkeed's movements and political threats; agrees to escort Paula Quinton to Skilk.

• Sidney Harrington

  Governor-General playing chess; worried about his dog Stalin; skeptical of Rakkeed's influence but concerned about plutonium sales to Orgzild.

• Eric Blount

  Lieutenant-Governor playing chess; argues that Rakkeed is a major threat and that Gurgurk is subsidizing him to seize power.

• Rev. Keeluk Von Schlichten

  Fled after the riot; hid Harrington's dog Stalin; gave letters to Paula Quinton addressed to anti-Terran Skilkans; suspected of ritual motives.

• Rakkeed

  Prophet preaching anti-Terran crusade; travels on Terran ships in disguise; entertained by nobles in Konkrook and Keegark; linked to Gurgurk and Orgzild.

• King Orgzild of Keegark

  Offered a spaceport to Terrans; building new power reactors; bought four tons of plutonium from Terrans; suspected of fomenting trouble.

• Gurgurk

  Court favorite of King Jaikark; building political organization; suspected of subsidizing Rakkeed and planning to seize the throne.

• Colonel Paula Quinton

  ERA member; received letters from Keeluk; rescued by von Schlichten; invited to travel to Skilk with him.

Key passages

• ““One thing,” Blount said. “It doesn’t take any Ulleran psychologist to know that about eighty percent of them hate us poisonously.””

  Blount asserts that the majority of Ullerans harbor intense hatred for the Terrans.

  Highlights the widespread anti-Terran sentiment among the native population.

• ““And hate us more deeply with each new benefit,” Blount added. “They resent everything we’ve done for them.””

  Blount argues that the Ullerans' resentment grows with every advantage the Terrans provide.

  Reflects the theme of colonial resentment and the paradox of development aid.

• ““Eric, you have Rakkeed on the brain!” Harrington exclaimed impatiently, then moved the threatened piece counterclockwise on the circle where he had placed it. “He’s just a barbarian caravan-driver.””

  Harrington dismisses Blount's concerns about Rakkeed, calling him a mere barbarian.

  Shows the Terrans' underestimation of native leaders and their influence.

• ““And Hitler was just a paperhanger.””

  Blount compares Rakkeed to Hitler, warning that seemingly insignificant figures can become major threats.

  Draws a parallel to historical underestimation of dangerous political figures.