Sunday again, and snippets from works in progress, awaiting publication, or published. For links to other authors on Weekend Writing Warriors click the logo above; for Snippet Sunday click the logo below.
I am continuing with Rescue Operation, on its final revision (I hope.) This is the start of a new scene, at a council meeting a few days after the one I’ve posted.
Source: Hubblesite.org
“You’ve got to be kidding!” Zhaim pulled out of the interface enough to see Mako’s face as the councilor spoke aloud in shock, and smothered any feelings of triumph the others might catch.
I wish I could find another option, Zhaim thought at the others, but the citizens of Horizon are absolutely refusing to pay their dues. Haven’t we all agreed that planets of the Confederation must pay for the protection and interplanetary problem-solving we offer? We can’t let them refuse to pay their share; it’s an invitation to others to refuse. Their population is increasing rapidly—faster than their economy. They can afford to lose a few people as slaves. Breeding stock of the silkies and horses—no, we need to keep the economy going.
The logic of Empire?
I’m experimenting with embedding images, so if it looks a little different from usual, that’s why.
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I’m always amazed by your ability to show all aspects of the situation in every scene you write.
This would get pretty boring if there were only one way to look at them.
‘A few losses here and there, oh well, as long as we can keep business going’ does seem the unfortunate mindset of empires.
Empire, pure capitolism, war,…
There has to be another option. I like Zhaim’s cold-hearted delivery.
Not with Zhaim in charge.
Oh, there is, but Zhaim’s not going to let the others find it out.
This is so like today’s politics, it’s frightening. Good eight.
Where do you think I get my ideas?
He is very focused on his “business” goals.
Or at least he’s using that as an excuse.
The plot sickens . . .
It’s so difficult to counter letter-of-the-law evil—Zhaim is a genius. I mean, I still want to kick him into the nearest sun, but his plots are amazing.
Good. Sounds like I’m getting exactly the response I’m after.
As if there was any doubt, Sue Ann. 🙂
Great snippet. I love the way the leader smothers feelings of triumph. Thinking at others doesn’t work for me. How does one think at others? I love the description of the population. This sounds like an exciting story. Well done.
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2014/07/weekend-writing-warriors-blog-hop-071314.html
These are all R’il’noids—R’il’nian-Human crossbreds with R’il’nian traits dominating, and all capable of high-level telepathy.
Oh, okay. Now I get it.
Zhaim is so cold bloodedly good at manipulation. It’s hard to see how you’ll eventually defeat him, but that’s a good thing – you’re really amping up the tension. Excellent excerpt as always, can’t wait for more.
It’s going to take a while.
Sounds like the people will have no choice but to pay. I Really like the snippet!
Wait and see.
Oh man, Zhaim is a dastardly sort of fellow…grrrr. He’s so damn good at being bad!
I guess it’s pretty obvious who the villain is.
This guy is a true manipulator, and he’s a good bad guy.
I trust you mean good in terms of writing.
Great snippet as always. The interplay of the characters and their machinations fascinates me.
There’s more to come.
“They can afford to lose a few people as slaves.” The callous voice that uttered this sent shivers down my spine. Somebody needs to take this guy out! Great snippet.
He’s completely lacking in empathy.
Nice descriptions of the population. Politics can be so worrisome.
And how.
Is there a hint of conspiracy?
Who are the master puppeteers in this world you’ve created?
That won’t be totally clear until the end of the third book in the trilogy.
He makes it sound so (almost) reasonable. Somehow I get the feeling that letting him have his way will lead to more compromises, though.
That argement will be made by some of the people who voted with him.
Wow this shows a lot about his character. Cold-hearted, but practical. Great snippet!
The image–Sharpless 2-106? Angel Nebula–beautiful.
Zhaim is so easy to dislike. A few slaves… Pay their dues… He’s a first-class, egotistical creep. Good snippet, Sue Ann. 🙂
He’s obviously gotten over Marna’s artificial conscience.
I’m coming into this cold turkey (knowing nothing of the story), so the first paragraph was a bit confusing. Is Zhaim the counselor or is Mako? I do think these few lines give us insight into the character, but the term “thought at” brought me up short. Perhaps “projected to” or “sent out to” would explain better. Of course, if this is fairly far into the book it may make total sense to the reader. 🙂
There are 24 Councilors (members of the Inner Council), of whom 20 are present at this meeting. All are able to communicate mentally.
Wow, Zhaim is cold-hearted, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Great snippet as usual.
That’s what I was trying to get across.
Ahh, looks like all his plans have come to fruition. As always strong snippet.
For now.
He’s got a nice, direct way of thinking about the problem. I can feel the rebellion coming up.
Direct and scary. (The series name will be Horizon War.)
Lots of conflict. Very strong. Enjoyed your snippet!
This is the start of the conflict.