Dragonsdawn - Chapter Six
Feb. 15th, 2023 10:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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i_read_whatLast time, we hung out with the kids. That makes me happy because, as viewpoint characters go, I find Sorka much more likeable and less judgmental than Sallah. Sorry. Also, Sean reminds me of a tiny F'lar sometimes, albeit one that actually likes fire lizards, and that makes me laugh.
I do think McCaffrey has a knack for writing kids, when she wants to. They only tend to get really fucking annoying when they age up (see: Jaxom).
So that means we're likely to hang out with the adults this time...damnit.
Oh, by the way, we've got a content warning for this one folks.
So my prediction about Ongola dying was completely wrong. He is, in fact, reporting to Admiral Benden and Emily Boll. Apparently they've been doing a lot of work in the fields, and thus are almost as dark as the "swarthy Ongola".
We're told a little bit about how the government will work. Apparently, once everything's settled in, the colonists will be taking "their stake acres" and spreading out, so Benden and Boll will end up being consultants only. There'll be a regular council for broad topics, and a yearly democratic meeting to vote on any issues that require everyone's consent. Cherry Duff is the magistrate and is basically the judicial branch. Interesting.
Right now, there are weekly meetings and monthly mass meetings for democratic votes. Emily Boll is particularly fervent about arbitration by impartial boards or juries, and both governors seem to think that everything is big enough that everyone should be able to stake a claim to enjoy for themselves. That said:
The power of her ringing voice and the sincerity of her fervent phrases had, on that glorious evening, motivated everyone to fulfill that dream. Also a realist, Emily Boll knew very well that there were dissident factors among those who had listened so politely before giving her a cheering ovation. Avril, Lemos, Nabol, Kimmer, and a handful of others had already been tagged as possible troublemakers. But Emily devoutly hoped that the dissidents would become so involved in their new lives on Pern that they would have little time, energy, or occasion to indulge in intrigue.
Why does Avril in particular live rent free in all of these powerful people's brains? There are thousands of settlers here. And while, obviously, she WILL be a villainess, she hasn't done that much yet. Especially compared to say Kenjo who is actually smuggling and hoarding resources, but doesn't get nearly as much suspicion.
There's more discussion about the ideal penal system (Benden likes punishments that fit the crime, and meting out community discipline on the spot - mostly disagreeable but necessary chores) and religion (It sounds like full religion is considered archaic, but Emily thinks the Judean Bible has a lot of common sense suggestions for an agricultural society, with some moral and ethical traditions worthy to keep, but without fanatic adherence.)
Neither governor really thinks their government will last when people really spread out. Comparisons are made to American pioneers and Australian/New Zealand communities. Also the first International Moonbase. Lots of emphasis on independent spirit and adaptability. Not much about displacing and murdering natives, but there you go, I suppose.
Anyway...
Alone with Emily and Ongola, Paul recalled that stirring challenge as he ticked off names on his long callused fingers. “Which is why I think we should continue to keep tabs on people like Bitra, Tashkovich, Nabol, Lemos, Olubushtu, Kung, Usuai, and Kimmer. The list is, mercifully, short, considering our numbers. I’m not adding Kenjo, because he’s shown absolutely no connection with any of the others.”
Kenjo is literally the only one of these people who has ACTUALLY been doing something provably wrong! The others are scheming, sure, but they haven't done anything yet! I'm not opposed to the suspicion sent their way, because under McCaffrey's pen, they may as well all be twirling a Snidely Whiplash mustache, but he's excusing out the ONLY dude who is ACTUALLY committing a crime.
Emily doesn't like the thought of secret surveillance, finding it demeaning. Honestly, I kind of appreciate that the characters are allowed to have a disagreement for once.
But why focus on mature disagreements when we can slutshame again:
“Forgo that futile old argument, my friends,” Ongola said with one of his wise, sad smiles. “The necessary steps have already been taken to defunction the gig. I have, as you recommended — ” He inclined his head to Paul. “ — stripped the gig of several minor but essential parts in the ignition system, the effect of which would be obvious early on, and substituted two dud chips in the guidance module, something that would not be so obvious.” He gestured out the window. “Sleds are allowed to park any which way, effectively but surreptitiously blocking the gig from taking off. But I don’t really know why she would.”
Paul Benden winced, and the other two looked away from him, knowing that he had allowed himself to be too intimate with her for an injudicious length of that outward voyage.
Oh brother.
I like this too:
“Well, I’d be more worried if Avril knew about that cache of Kenjo’s,” Paul said. “Telgar’s figures indicate that there’s half a tank’s worth for the Mariposa.” He grimaced. He had found it hard enough to believe that Kenjo Fusaiyuko had scrounged so much fuel. Paul had a grudging admiration for the sheer scope of the theft, even if he could not understand the motive, and especially for the risks that Kenjo had gotten away with during all those fuel-saving shuttle trips.
KENJO isn't the problem. Avril finding out about Kenjo's secret theft is. I'm utterly boggled. Still.
Emily isn't too worried though, and she's had Avril's other likely conspirators assigned to different sections. They FINALLY start wondering about Kenjo's motives:
“Yes, but for what purpose did Kenjo take so much fuel?” Emily asked. “You haven’t answered that question. Why would he risk the safety of passengers and cargo? And he is a genuinely eager colonist! He’s already chosen his stake acreage.”
It's a fair fucking question. Also, why aren't you guys disciplining him? Benden knows Kenjo's abilities so he blanketly states there wasn't a risk. Oh, that's fine then. But a slutty woman possibly finding the stash is inconceivably awful. What the fuck?
Honestly, I could accept Sallah Telgar's suspicion of Bitra, even if it was a little over the top based on what we've seen so far. Sometimes people just don't get along. Sometimes we all have "bitch eating crackers" moments. But these are the governors of the goddamn planet here!
Also, why the fuck did Benden bang her in the first place? Was he just that horny?
(At least when F'lar and Kylara banged, no one really cared.)
...the fuck IS this:
“Howinell is Kenjo going to get those tons of fuel there?” Benden asked.
“I suspect we’ll have to wait and see,” Ongola replied with the trace of a smile on his lips. “He’s got the same right as everyone else to use power sleds to transport his goods, and he’s done some close trading with work units at the commissary. Shall I have a word with Joel about Kenjo’s requisitions?”
He's got the same right to transport goods, sure, but that fuel should go to EVERYONE. EVERYONE should have the right to use whatever surplus there is. Why is Kenjo being rewarded for theft??
Thankfully for my dwindling sanity, they switch topics to the tremors, and efforts to buttress the warehouse that stores the medical supplies. Benden shows more irritation toward "Drake's Lake" ("Are we going to let him get away with that?" says the man whose friend stole a shit ton of fuel. Oh, and by the way guys, if you're worried about what Avril might do with it, the simplest solution might be to TAKE THE FUEL BACK.)
Emily and Ongola seem to find it amusing enough not to interfere. They touch base on the dolphins, the "nomads" and so on. Apparently they're a little surprised by how well they're adjusting, but if anyone knows how to live off the land and away from customary comforts, it'd be folks living a nomadic lifestyle.
They discuss Hanrahan and the kids, which shifts topic to the lizards. Benden thinks they "could be useful" and Emily insists they already are. Ongola has some hopes of getting one for himself. We get some interesting backstory: he learned Dolphin, but is too afraid of being underwater to really spend time with them. So he likes the thought of a cute dragon companion. I'm not going to judge.
Hey, reproductive stuff:
“Now, to more pleasant matters,” Paul said. “How many contract marriages are to be registered tomorrow, Emily?”
Emily smiled, riffling pages of her notepad to come to the next seventh-day sheet, since that had become the usual time for such celebrations. In order to widen the gene pool in the next generation the charter permitted unions of varying lengths, first insuring the support of a gravid woman and the early years of the resultant child. Prospective partners could choose which conditions suited their requirements, but there were severe penalties, up to the loss of all stake acres, for failing to fulfill whatever contract had been agreed and signed before the requisite number of witnesses.
“Three!”
“The numbers are falling off,” Paul remarked.
“I’ve done my bit,” Ongola said, slyly glancing at the two staunchly single leaders.
Interesting. But also seems to make the slut shaming of Avril even more inexplicable. Maybe she'd be judged less if she'd gotten knocked up? We are told that Ongola has gotten together with Sabra Stein, and she's already pregnant. That's nice!
Emily also has a beau, who isn't as secret as she thought, since the boys ask if Pierre's consented yet. I'm pleasantly surprised, I'd assumed the book was going for a Benden/Emily thing. Apparently he's in charge of "mass catering" at the Landing, and he's been serving her special dishes and bringing her trays when she has to work through lunch. Aw.
Emily points out that she's past child-bearing and that the men have an advantage over her, in that they're not. She's a bit envious though as her adult-aged children weren't interested in coming along on the journey. Aw.
This marks a transition to Sallah and Tarvi, who are exploring caves. Sallah still wants to bang him:
He reacted instantly and enthusiastically, with the kind of almost innocent joy of discovery that Sallah found so appealing in him. The continually unfolding beauties of Pern had not palled on Tarvi Andiyar. Each new wonder was greeted with as much interest as the last one he had extolled for its magnificence, its wealth, or its potential. She had wangled ruthlessly to get herself assigned as his expedition pilot. They were making their third trip together — and their first solo excursion.
Sallah was playing it cautiously, concentrating on making herself so professionally indispensable to Tarvi that an opportunity to project her femininity would not force him to retreat into his usual utterly courteous, utterly impersonal shell. She had seen other women who made a determined play for the handsome, charming geologist rebuffed by his demeanor; they were surprised, puzzled, and sometimes hurt by the way he eluded their ploys. For a while, Sallah wondered if Tarvi liked women at all, but he had shown no preference for the acknowledged male lovers in Landing. He treated everyone, man, woman, and child, with the same charming affability and understanding. And whatever his sexual preference, he was nonetheless expected to add to the next generation. Sallah was already determined to be the medium and would find the moment.
Maybe, Sallah, he's just not that into you?
I do rather like the thought of Tarvi being asexual. We haven't seen any asexuals on Pern yet...unless you count Ruth. And it's interesting to know that there are some gay men on Pern.
She thinks maybe this will be her chance. Tarvi likes caves. Maybe he'll be horny? For fuck's sake, Sallah, this isn't that complicated. Go find someone who likes you back.
They enjoy the view, while Tarvi quotes that "In Xanadu, did Kublai Khan" bit. Sallah finishes the quote, noting that Tarvi often quotes obscure Sanskrit and Pushtu texts. Does Coleridge count? His response sounds maybe a little flirty, but Sallah's not sure.
They keep exploring and climbing, finding a spectacular cavern view. Sallah compares it to a medieval great hall, and starts talking outloud about carving staircases and other bits. Foreshadowing for the Holds, I suppose. Tarvi is just mesmerized to the point where Sallah feels like an interloper. But there is food, which she's prepared for him, and he's eating it enthusiastic. And...
Holy shit. The FUCK?
Sallah was of two minds about Tarvi’s concentration. On the one hand, she was a good cook and liked to have her skill acknowledged. On the other hand, she was as glad that Tarvi was distracted. One of the pharmacists had given her a pinch of what she swore was a potent indigenous aphrodisiac; Sallah had used it to season Tarvi’s share. She did not need it herself, not with her mind and body vibrating to his presence and their solitude. But she was beginning to wonder if the aphrodisiac was strong enough to overcome Tarvi’s enchantment with the cave. Just her luck to get him to herself for a night or two and then have him be totally enthralled by Dear Old Mother Earth in Pernese costume. But she had not bided her time to waste a sterling opportunity. She could wait. All night. And tomorrow. She had enough of the joy dust to use the next night, too. Maybe it just took a while to act.
What. The. Fuck.?!?!
Look, I know Bitra's an evil slut, but as of yet, we didn't see her DRUG SOMEONE WITH THE INTENT TO RAPE THEM.
Tarvi waxes eloquently about the caves, while Sallah starts massaging his shoulders and neck. And this is pretty fucking gross...
“Ah, how kind you are, Sallah, to know where the muscles bind.” He twisted slightly, not to evade her seeking, kneading fingers but to guide them to the sorest points. He pushed the low table to one side so that his arms could fall naturally to his lap as he rotated his head. “There’s a point, eleventh vertebrae . . .” he suggested, and she dutifully found the knot of muscle and smoothed it expertly. He sighed like a lithe dark feline being stroked.
I'm not sure how I feel about the animal comparisons. Or the fact that Sallah/McCaffrey chose a man of color to make the target of Sallah's obsession.
But anyway, things go exactly how Sallah intends, and the chapter ends with the closest thing this book has to a primary adult heroine having just drugged and raped a man.
Woo fucking hoo.
I do think McCaffrey has a knack for writing kids, when she wants to. They only tend to get really fucking annoying when they age up (see: Jaxom).
So that means we're likely to hang out with the adults this time...damnit.
Oh, by the way, we've got a content warning for this one folks.
So my prediction about Ongola dying was completely wrong. He is, in fact, reporting to Admiral Benden and Emily Boll. Apparently they've been doing a lot of work in the fields, and thus are almost as dark as the "swarthy Ongola".
We're told a little bit about how the government will work. Apparently, once everything's settled in, the colonists will be taking "their stake acres" and spreading out, so Benden and Boll will end up being consultants only. There'll be a regular council for broad topics, and a yearly democratic meeting to vote on any issues that require everyone's consent. Cherry Duff is the magistrate and is basically the judicial branch. Interesting.
Right now, there are weekly meetings and monthly mass meetings for democratic votes. Emily Boll is particularly fervent about arbitration by impartial boards or juries, and both governors seem to think that everything is big enough that everyone should be able to stake a claim to enjoy for themselves. That said:
The power of her ringing voice and the sincerity of her fervent phrases had, on that glorious evening, motivated everyone to fulfill that dream. Also a realist, Emily Boll knew very well that there were dissident factors among those who had listened so politely before giving her a cheering ovation. Avril, Lemos, Nabol, Kimmer, and a handful of others had already been tagged as possible troublemakers. But Emily devoutly hoped that the dissidents would become so involved in their new lives on Pern that they would have little time, energy, or occasion to indulge in intrigue.
Why does Avril in particular live rent free in all of these powerful people's brains? There are thousands of settlers here. And while, obviously, she WILL be a villainess, she hasn't done that much yet. Especially compared to say Kenjo who is actually smuggling and hoarding resources, but doesn't get nearly as much suspicion.
There's more discussion about the ideal penal system (Benden likes punishments that fit the crime, and meting out community discipline on the spot - mostly disagreeable but necessary chores) and religion (It sounds like full religion is considered archaic, but Emily thinks the Judean Bible has a lot of common sense suggestions for an agricultural society, with some moral and ethical traditions worthy to keep, but without fanatic adherence.)
Neither governor really thinks their government will last when people really spread out. Comparisons are made to American pioneers and Australian/New Zealand communities. Also the first International Moonbase. Lots of emphasis on independent spirit and adaptability. Not much about displacing and murdering natives, but there you go, I suppose.
Anyway...
Alone with Emily and Ongola, Paul recalled that stirring challenge as he ticked off names on his long callused fingers. “Which is why I think we should continue to keep tabs on people like Bitra, Tashkovich, Nabol, Lemos, Olubushtu, Kung, Usuai, and Kimmer. The list is, mercifully, short, considering our numbers. I’m not adding Kenjo, because he’s shown absolutely no connection with any of the others.”
Kenjo is literally the only one of these people who has ACTUALLY been doing something provably wrong! The others are scheming, sure, but they haven't done anything yet! I'm not opposed to the suspicion sent their way, because under McCaffrey's pen, they may as well all be twirling a Snidely Whiplash mustache, but he's excusing out the ONLY dude who is ACTUALLY committing a crime.
Emily doesn't like the thought of secret surveillance, finding it demeaning. Honestly, I kind of appreciate that the characters are allowed to have a disagreement for once.
But why focus on mature disagreements when we can slutshame again:
“Forgo that futile old argument, my friends,” Ongola said with one of his wise, sad smiles. “The necessary steps have already been taken to defunction the gig. I have, as you recommended — ” He inclined his head to Paul. “ — stripped the gig of several minor but essential parts in the ignition system, the effect of which would be obvious early on, and substituted two dud chips in the guidance module, something that would not be so obvious.” He gestured out the window. “Sleds are allowed to park any which way, effectively but surreptitiously blocking the gig from taking off. But I don’t really know why she would.”
Paul Benden winced, and the other two looked away from him, knowing that he had allowed himself to be too intimate with her for an injudicious length of that outward voyage.
Oh brother.
I like this too:
“Well, I’d be more worried if Avril knew about that cache of Kenjo’s,” Paul said. “Telgar’s figures indicate that there’s half a tank’s worth for the Mariposa.” He grimaced. He had found it hard enough to believe that Kenjo Fusaiyuko had scrounged so much fuel. Paul had a grudging admiration for the sheer scope of the theft, even if he could not understand the motive, and especially for the risks that Kenjo had gotten away with during all those fuel-saving shuttle trips.
KENJO isn't the problem. Avril finding out about Kenjo's secret theft is. I'm utterly boggled. Still.
Emily isn't too worried though, and she's had Avril's other likely conspirators assigned to different sections. They FINALLY start wondering about Kenjo's motives:
“Yes, but for what purpose did Kenjo take so much fuel?” Emily asked. “You haven’t answered that question. Why would he risk the safety of passengers and cargo? And he is a genuinely eager colonist! He’s already chosen his stake acreage.”
It's a fair fucking question. Also, why aren't you guys disciplining him? Benden knows Kenjo's abilities so he blanketly states there wasn't a risk. Oh, that's fine then. But a slutty woman possibly finding the stash is inconceivably awful. What the fuck?
Honestly, I could accept Sallah Telgar's suspicion of Bitra, even if it was a little over the top based on what we've seen so far. Sometimes people just don't get along. Sometimes we all have "bitch eating crackers" moments. But these are the governors of the goddamn planet here!
Also, why the fuck did Benden bang her in the first place? Was he just that horny?
(At least when F'lar and Kylara banged, no one really cared.)
...the fuck IS this:
“Howinell is Kenjo going to get those tons of fuel there?” Benden asked.
“I suspect we’ll have to wait and see,” Ongola replied with the trace of a smile on his lips. “He’s got the same right as everyone else to use power sleds to transport his goods, and he’s done some close trading with work units at the commissary. Shall I have a word with Joel about Kenjo’s requisitions?”
He's got the same right to transport goods, sure, but that fuel should go to EVERYONE. EVERYONE should have the right to use whatever surplus there is. Why is Kenjo being rewarded for theft??
Thankfully for my dwindling sanity, they switch topics to the tremors, and efforts to buttress the warehouse that stores the medical supplies. Benden shows more irritation toward "Drake's Lake" ("Are we going to let him get away with that?" says the man whose friend stole a shit ton of fuel. Oh, and by the way guys, if you're worried about what Avril might do with it, the simplest solution might be to TAKE THE FUEL BACK.)
Emily and Ongola seem to find it amusing enough not to interfere. They touch base on the dolphins, the "nomads" and so on. Apparently they're a little surprised by how well they're adjusting, but if anyone knows how to live off the land and away from customary comforts, it'd be folks living a nomadic lifestyle.
They discuss Hanrahan and the kids, which shifts topic to the lizards. Benden thinks they "could be useful" and Emily insists they already are. Ongola has some hopes of getting one for himself. We get some interesting backstory: he learned Dolphin, but is too afraid of being underwater to really spend time with them. So he likes the thought of a cute dragon companion. I'm not going to judge.
Hey, reproductive stuff:
“Now, to more pleasant matters,” Paul said. “How many contract marriages are to be registered tomorrow, Emily?”
Emily smiled, riffling pages of her notepad to come to the next seventh-day sheet, since that had become the usual time for such celebrations. In order to widen the gene pool in the next generation the charter permitted unions of varying lengths, first insuring the support of a gravid woman and the early years of the resultant child. Prospective partners could choose which conditions suited their requirements, but there were severe penalties, up to the loss of all stake acres, for failing to fulfill whatever contract had been agreed and signed before the requisite number of witnesses.
“Three!”
“The numbers are falling off,” Paul remarked.
“I’ve done my bit,” Ongola said, slyly glancing at the two staunchly single leaders.
Interesting. But also seems to make the slut shaming of Avril even more inexplicable. Maybe she'd be judged less if she'd gotten knocked up? We are told that Ongola has gotten together with Sabra Stein, and she's already pregnant. That's nice!
Emily also has a beau, who isn't as secret as she thought, since the boys ask if Pierre's consented yet. I'm pleasantly surprised, I'd assumed the book was going for a Benden/Emily thing. Apparently he's in charge of "mass catering" at the Landing, and he's been serving her special dishes and bringing her trays when she has to work through lunch. Aw.
Emily points out that she's past child-bearing and that the men have an advantage over her, in that they're not. She's a bit envious though as her adult-aged children weren't interested in coming along on the journey. Aw.
This marks a transition to Sallah and Tarvi, who are exploring caves. Sallah still wants to bang him:
He reacted instantly and enthusiastically, with the kind of almost innocent joy of discovery that Sallah found so appealing in him. The continually unfolding beauties of Pern had not palled on Tarvi Andiyar. Each new wonder was greeted with as much interest as the last one he had extolled for its magnificence, its wealth, or its potential. She had wangled ruthlessly to get herself assigned as his expedition pilot. They were making their third trip together — and their first solo excursion.
Sallah was playing it cautiously, concentrating on making herself so professionally indispensable to Tarvi that an opportunity to project her femininity would not force him to retreat into his usual utterly courteous, utterly impersonal shell. She had seen other women who made a determined play for the handsome, charming geologist rebuffed by his demeanor; they were surprised, puzzled, and sometimes hurt by the way he eluded their ploys. For a while, Sallah wondered if Tarvi liked women at all, but he had shown no preference for the acknowledged male lovers in Landing. He treated everyone, man, woman, and child, with the same charming affability and understanding. And whatever his sexual preference, he was nonetheless expected to add to the next generation. Sallah was already determined to be the medium and would find the moment.
Maybe, Sallah, he's just not that into you?
I do rather like the thought of Tarvi being asexual. We haven't seen any asexuals on Pern yet...unless you count Ruth. And it's interesting to know that there are some gay men on Pern.
She thinks maybe this will be her chance. Tarvi likes caves. Maybe he'll be horny? For fuck's sake, Sallah, this isn't that complicated. Go find someone who likes you back.
They enjoy the view, while Tarvi quotes that "In Xanadu, did Kublai Khan" bit. Sallah finishes the quote, noting that Tarvi often quotes obscure Sanskrit and Pushtu texts. Does Coleridge count? His response sounds maybe a little flirty, but Sallah's not sure.
They keep exploring and climbing, finding a spectacular cavern view. Sallah compares it to a medieval great hall, and starts talking outloud about carving staircases and other bits. Foreshadowing for the Holds, I suppose. Tarvi is just mesmerized to the point where Sallah feels like an interloper. But there is food, which she's prepared for him, and he's eating it enthusiastic. And...
Holy shit. The FUCK?
Sallah was of two minds about Tarvi’s concentration. On the one hand, she was a good cook and liked to have her skill acknowledged. On the other hand, she was as glad that Tarvi was distracted. One of the pharmacists had given her a pinch of what she swore was a potent indigenous aphrodisiac; Sallah had used it to season Tarvi’s share. She did not need it herself, not with her mind and body vibrating to his presence and their solitude. But she was beginning to wonder if the aphrodisiac was strong enough to overcome Tarvi’s enchantment with the cave. Just her luck to get him to herself for a night or two and then have him be totally enthralled by Dear Old Mother Earth in Pernese costume. But she had not bided her time to waste a sterling opportunity. She could wait. All night. And tomorrow. She had enough of the joy dust to use the next night, too. Maybe it just took a while to act.
What. The. Fuck.?!?!
Look, I know Bitra's an evil slut, but as of yet, we didn't see her DRUG SOMEONE WITH THE INTENT TO RAPE THEM.
Tarvi waxes eloquently about the caves, while Sallah starts massaging his shoulders and neck. And this is pretty fucking gross...
“Ah, how kind you are, Sallah, to know where the muscles bind.” He twisted slightly, not to evade her seeking, kneading fingers but to guide them to the sorest points. He pushed the low table to one side so that his arms could fall naturally to his lap as he rotated his head. “There’s a point, eleventh vertebrae . . .” he suggested, and she dutifully found the knot of muscle and smoothed it expertly. He sighed like a lithe dark feline being stroked.
I'm not sure how I feel about the animal comparisons. Or the fact that Sallah/McCaffrey chose a man of color to make the target of Sallah's obsession.
But anyway, things go exactly how Sallah intends, and the chapter ends with the closest thing this book has to a primary adult heroine having just drugged and raped a man.
Woo fucking hoo.