Uller Uprising · Chapter
VIII: Authority of Governor-General von Schlichten explained
General von Schlichten assumes the role of Governor-General after the deaths of Harrington and Blount, facing a planet-wide Ulleran uprising.
What happens
General von Schlichten assumes the role of Governor-General after the deaths of Harrington and Blount, facing a planet-wide Ulleran uprising. He uses force of will and pragmatism to manage the crisis, delegating commands, negotiating with King Jonkvank, and suppressing dissent from Resident Keaveney.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Von Schlichten seizes civil authority through military force, using his pistol as the ultimate justification, highlighting the corrupting influence of power in a colonial setting.
Resistance and Rebellion
The chapter details a planet-wide Ulleran uprising, with native troops and civilians revolting against Terran rule, forcing von Schlichten to negotiate and fight.
Colonialism and Imperialism
The Terran Federation's colonial exploitation is evident as von Schlichten prioritizes holding Uller for the Company, using native labor and military alliances to maintain control.
Characters to notice
- General Carlos von Schlichten
Assumes Governor-General authority, manages the rebellion, negotiates with King Jonkvank, and threatens Keaveney with his pistol.
- Jules Keaveney
Skilk Resident who challenges von Schlichten's authority and panics over the uprising.
- Colonel Paula Quinton
Appointed as acting adjutant by von Schlichten, replacing O'Leary.
- Colonel Hideyoshi O'Leary
Sent on detached duty to Krink to coordinate with King Jonkvank.
- King Jonkvank
Negotiates with von Schlichten for military aid against the rebellion in Krink.
- Brigadier-General Barney Mordkovitz
Reports on the fighting at the native-troops barracks and advises von Schlichten.
- Colonel Jarman
Commands contragravity forces at the military airport and assists in the defense.
- Colonel Cheng-Li
Intelligence officer who attempts to calm Keaveney.
Key passages
“Von Schlichten unbuttoned his holster and took out his authority, letting Keaveney look into the muzzle of it. 'Here it is,' he said. 'If you're wise, don't make me appeal to it.'”
Von Schlichten draws his pistol to intimidate Keaveney, implying that his authority is backed by lethal force.
Demonstrates von Schlichten's reliance on military power to assert civil authority.
“By the time help could reach us from Terra, von Schlichten replied, we'll either have this revolt crushed, or there won't be a live Terran left on Uller.”
Von Schlichten states that the Terrans must win quickly or face extinction, given the long travel time for reinforcements.
Highlights the isolation and urgency of the colonial situation.
“You're authorized, in my name, to promise Jonkvank that he can assume political control at Skilk, after we've stuffed Firkked's head in the dustbin.”
Von Schlichten authorizes O'Leary to offer King Jonkvank control of Skilk once King Firkked is defeated.
Shows von Schlichten's pragmatic use of political promises to secure alliances.
