Brothers (Dickson)
Encyclopedia
"Brothers" is a science fiction
short story
by Gordon R. Dickson
. It was first published in Astounding: The John W Campbell Memorial Anthology
.
Commissioner.
After the defeat of invading soldiers from the Friendly worlds, Field Commander Kensie Graeme of the Expeditionary force of Dorsai mercenaries is assassinated by unseen members of an illegal political organisation called the Blue Front. Commander Ian Graeme decides that they are still engaged with an enemy, declares martial law
in Blauvain and gives orders that all houses in the city be searched by soldiers under his command.
Whilst Velt and his police more-or-less ineffectually assist the Dorsai, he also strives to find a way to avoid the search, which could easily result in the deaths of citizens who resist the soldiers. He gets no assistance from the Exotic Padma, whose philosophy does not allow him to interfere in any way, but Padma does believe that somehow Velt is a pivotal character in resolving the situation.
Under Padma's influence, Velt now realises that General Pel Sinjin, commander of the Planetary militia
, must be involved in the assassination attempt. He questions Pel, but Pel is unwilling to confess or reveal any information. Velt begs Padma to talk to Pel and explain why he must give the information. Padma agrees to do so and the talk causes Pel to find peace within himself. He reveals what he knows, including the probable location of the conspirators.
With only minutes before the house-to-house search is to begin, Graeme and Velt arrive at the room where the assassins are holed up. The refuse to surrender and Graeme asks to simply come in and talk to them. He does so, unarmed and naked, but still manages to kill them all. With this act, he has displaced the soldier's anger at Kensie's death, honour has been satisfied and the Dorsai reputation remains unsullied. The search is called off.
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
short story
Short story
A short story is a work of fiction that is usually written in prose, often in narrative format. This format tends to be more pointed than longer works of fiction, such as novellas and novels. Short story definitions based on length differ somewhat, even among professional writers, in part because...
by Gordon R. Dickson
Gordon R. Dickson
Gordon Rupert Dickson was an American science fiction author.- Biography :Dickson was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1923. After the death of his father, he moved with his mother to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1937...
. It was first published in Astounding: The John W Campbell Memorial Anthology
Astounding: The John W Campbell Memorial Anthology
Astounding: The John W. Campbell Memorial Anthology is a 1973 festschrift honoring noted science fiction and fantasy editor John W. Campbell, in the form of an anthology of short stories by various science fiction authors, edited by Harry Harrison...
.
Synopsis
The story is set in the city of Blauvain, capital of the planet St Marie. It is narrated by Tomas Velt, Blauvain PolicePolice
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
Commissioner.
After the defeat of invading soldiers from the Friendly worlds, Field Commander Kensie Graeme of the Expeditionary force of Dorsai mercenaries is assassinated by unseen members of an illegal political organisation called the Blue Front. Commander Ian Graeme decides that they are still engaged with an enemy, declares martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
in Blauvain and gives orders that all houses in the city be searched by soldiers under his command.
Whilst Velt and his police more-or-less ineffectually assist the Dorsai, he also strives to find a way to avoid the search, which could easily result in the deaths of citizens who resist the soldiers. He gets no assistance from the Exotic Padma, whose philosophy does not allow him to interfere in any way, but Padma does believe that somehow Velt is a pivotal character in resolving the situation.
Under Padma's influence, Velt now realises that General Pel Sinjin, commander of the Planetary militia
Militia
The term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. It is a polyseme with...
, must be involved in the assassination attempt. He questions Pel, but Pel is unwilling to confess or reveal any information. Velt begs Padma to talk to Pel and explain why he must give the information. Padma agrees to do so and the talk causes Pel to find peace within himself. He reveals what he knows, including the probable location of the conspirators.
With only minutes before the house-to-house search is to begin, Graeme and Velt arrive at the room where the assassins are holed up. The refuse to surrender and Graeme asks to simply come in and talk to them. He does so, unarmed and naked, but still manages to kill them all. With this act, he has displaced the soldier's anger at Kensie's death, honour has been satisfied and the Dorsai reputation remains unsullied. The search is called off.