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I’m posting again from Rescue Operation, continuing from last time, when Zhaim suggested slaving to collect dues from Horizon, which has threatened to leave the Confederation. We’re still in Zhaim’s point of view.
Source: Hubblesite.org
Besides, it’s really just a threat. With that over their heads, they’ll find a way to pay their share. I know them. After all, I’ve been Guardian there for almost fifty years.
Well, if it’s only a threat …. That was Ramil, one of the swing votes he’d been plying with worries about the possible spreading influence of Horizon’s not paying its dues.
Ania nodded. Sometimes children have to be threatened for their own good.
Somehow I don’t think it’s going to be that simple.
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Oh I do like his methods of persuasion. He’s had fifty years of experience. Terrific eight.
Fifty since his father died; several hundred before that.
Wow, I love that comment at the end about children, that’s so revealing! I can see those swing votes slowly swinging his way, but yeah, I bet it’s not going to be simple or easy 🙂
That’s one of the younger councilors speaking, there.
It’s interesting (and sad) watching how people can be manipulated. You continue to build this into a story that must culminate in something huge. Perhaps Zhaim’s downfall? 🙂 Not without Roi suffering along the way, I’m sure. Wonderful snippet, Sue Ann.
It’ll take three books.
I’m sure nothing is ever this simple! Love the way you keep ratcheting up the tension as Zhaim keeps getting his conniving way…great excerpt!
and Zhaim isn’t saying all he knows.
This is the setup for the real action.
The trouble with threats – they may have the effect you want, or things quickly escalate a lot worse. There is rarely a middle ground!
Right, and we certainly have enough examples in the world today.
Oh Zhaim…you bad bad boy. “Just a threat”…and they fell for it hook, line, sinker.
oh, he’s a villain, all right.
“Children.” How lovely.
With that kind of attitude (which I do understand, from the previous books, but still) it’s no wonder Zhaim still has a foothold . . .
Zhaim certainly lacks empathy.
The reference to children explains a lot about him.
Children have to be threatened for their own good? 😦
Besides, hasn’t anyone told him you shouldn’t make threats you won’t follow through on?
Who says he won’t follow through?
Oh, I’m sure he will. He seems like a really lovable guy, full of sunshine and rainbows. 😛
But they think it’s only a threat, right? That’s how he appeased them, so they’re none too bright on a couple of levels.
He’s been controlled by his artificial conscience for a couple of centuries. These people have a way of storing unneeded memories in the computer, and most (not Roi)have stored memories of why he needed the artificial conscience in the first place. This is the first time he’s used his new-found ability (developed in the last decades) of getting around it, so most still trust him. and he’s sneaky-smart.
So cold and calculating – just like a politician.
You’ve said so much with this snippet.
Oh, he’s a nasty piece of work.
Just a threat, or is it? I’m sure it won’t be that simple either. 🙂
Just wait and see.
oh the tension and the manipulation at work… No, it can’t be that simple when threats are issued. Well done 8!
Threats are, unfortunately, a standard tactic of diplomacy.
Oh, he is good…
At what he is trying to do.
But what if, despite the threat, they still refuse?
And that’s the book I’m setting up.
Great last line Sue Ann!
Don’t mind me I’m catching up on last week before tomorrow. 🙂
Mine’s always late being posted anyway, because I live so far west.