Uller Uprising · Chapter
XIII: A Bag of Tricks We Don't Have explained
General von Schlichten and his staff confront the terrifying possibility that King Orgzild of Keegark has developed a nuclear bomb.
What happens
General von Schlichten and his staff confront the terrifying possibility that King Orgzild of Keegark has developed a nuclear bomb. With Dr. Gomes dead, they debate whether they can build their own bomb in time. The chapter explores the implications of Orgzild's potential bomb, the need for security patrols, and the grim future facing Terrans and Ullerans alike. Von Schlichten and Paula Quinton share a quiet moment watching the battle, while the arrival of the Procyon offers a glimmer of hope.
Themes in this chapter
Technological and Economic Disruption
The potential development of a nuclear bomb by the Keegarkans represents a catastrophic technological leap that disrupts the balance of power and threatens all Terrans on Uller.
Military Strategy and Violence
The chapter is dominated by strategic discussions: how to defend against a nuclear attack, whether to delay the fall of Konkrook, and the need for security patrols and hunting down enemy freighters.
Power and Corruption
King Orgzild's plan to use the bomb to eliminate both Terrans and Konkrook, then conquer the entire Takkad Sea area, illustrates the corrupting pursuit of absolute power.
Characters to notice
- General Carlos von Schlichten
Leads the strategic discussion about Orgzild's potential nuclear bomb and the need to build their own. Reflects on the dire situation and shares a quiet moment with Paula Quinton.
- Colonel Paula Quinton
Explains the Nagasaki-type bomb and the possibility that Prince Gorkrink spied on Terran plans. Shares a personal moment with von Schlichten on the roof.
- Air-Commodore Leslie Hargreaves
Argues that the Keegarkans may not have been able to build a bomb, but is persuaded otherwise.
- Kent Pickering
Discusses the technical challenges of building an A-bomb and is identified by von Schlichten as the key to saving them.
- King Kankad
Advises telling the Terrans about the bomb but concealing that Orgzild already has one. Warns of panic.
- General Themistocles M'zangwe
Reports on the battle of Konkrook and advises on the feasibility of delaying the city's fall.
- Prince Gorkrink
Suspected of spying on Terran nuclear plans while on Niflheim and passing them to King Orgzild.
- Morton Buhrmann
Questions whether the Keegarkans actually built a bomb, but is convinced by the circumstantial evidence.
Key passages
“If I pull this one out of the fire, I won't be a general; I'll be a magician”
Von Schlichten says that succeeding would require magic, not just military skill.
Expresses the near-impossible odds they face.
“Let's not kid ourselves; we're just kicking and biting at the guards on the way up the gallows-steps.”
Von Schlichten admits they are only delaying an inevitable doom.
Highlights the grim fatalism of the situation.
“Well, why stop till the trap's sprung?”
Paula Quinton argues they should keep fighting until the very end.
Shows her defiant attitude despite the hopelessness.
“That's right. And what they couldn't make, they could have bought from us; we've sold them a lot of electrical equipment.”
Von Schlichten agrees that the Keegarkans could have acquired necessary components through trade.
Explains how Orgzild might have built a bomb despite limited technology.
