Chapter 16 Summary

Before the Hydra leaves the planet of Hekate, a money transfer arrives delivering Thorby's share of the wealth Sisu acquired during Thorby's time with the family. Thorby feels uncomfortable to receive such a large sum. The money order is accompanied with a small note from Rhoda, and a slightly longer one from Fritz.

He adjusts to his new life as a lowly third class guardsman reasonably well. He has some difficulty with a Petty Officer named Peebie, but those problems are largely avoided when his skills in fire-control are revealed and he is transferred to that department.

Col. Brisby calls summons Thorby repeatedly in order to discuss Baslim's work on Jubbul, and these conversations reveal a wealth of background information to the reader. Missing pieces in Baslim's story are filled in. There's also background information concerning the history and nature of the hegemony...