Uller Uprising · Chapter
XII: The Shadow of Niflheim explained
General von Schlichten discusses post-war governance and the need for Terran political control over Uller, while revealing that King Orgzild of Keegark likely possesses nuclear weapons obtained from Niflheim.
What happens
General von Schlichten discusses post-war governance and the need for Terran political control over Uller, while revealing that King Orgzild of Keegark likely possesses nuclear weapons obtained from Niflheim. The chapter also covers the execution of the false prophet Rakkeed and plans to raze Keegark.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Imperialism
Von Schlichten outlines plans for Terran political seizure and long-term governance, including abolishing serfdom and imposing legal systems.
Technological and Economic Disruption
The revelation that nuclear technology from Niflheim has reached Uller, threatening to escalate the conflict.
Power and Corruption
King Orgzild's manipulation of the uprising and the poisoning of Governor Harrington illustrate corrupt use of power.
Propaganda and Ideology
The plan to execute Rakkeed and display his head as a false prophet is a clear propaganda move to discredit the rebellion.
Characters to notice
- General Carlos von Schlichten
Discusses post-war plans, reveals intelligence about Keegark's nuclear capabilities, and orders the execution of Rakkeed.
- Colonel Paula Quinton
Travels with von Schlichten, suggests using nuclear weapons, and confirms Dr. Gomes' expertise in bomb-making.
- Colonel Hideyoshi O'Leary
Reports the capture of Rakkeed and is promoted to brigadier-general.
- King Orgzild of Keegark
Revealed as the mastermind behind the uprising and the poisoning of Governor Harrington, and suspected of possessing nuclear bombs.
- Rakkeed
Captured and to be executed as a false prophet by King Yoorkerk's forces.
- Dr. Lourenço Gomes
Nuclear engineer who built bombs on Niflheim, but is reported dead, killed during the uprising.
- General Themistocles M'zangwe
Estimates three days to pacify Konkrook and supports the destruction of Keegark.
- Colonel Robert Grinell
Intelligence officer who details the Keegarkan conspiracy behind the uprising.
Key passages
“What are we going to do with these geeks, after this is all over? We can’t just tell them, ‘Jolly well played, nice game, wasn’t it?’ and go back to where we were Wednesday evening.”
Paula Quinton questions what will happen to the Ullerans after the war, implying that the Terrans cannot simply return to the status quo.
Highlights the colonial dilemma of post-conflict governance.
“I’d hate to have to make a decision like that, Paula. The military use of nuclear energy is the last—well, the next-to-last—thing I’d want to see on Uller.”
Von Schlichten expresses reluctance to use nuclear weapons, despite the pressure of the war.
Shows von Schlichten's moral hesitation and the gravity of the nuclear option.
“We ought to raze that city as flat as a football field, and then play football on it with King Orgzild’s head.”
Hans Meyerstein advocates for the complete destruction of Keegark and the execution of its king.
Reflects the intense desire for revenge following the massacre and conspiracy.
