[gurps] Starship Troopers, Ch. 2-5

[Onno Meyer]

Jeff replied to me:
 
> > The next four chapters contained character development (i.e. 
> > propaganda). One interesting bit is the oath, with the language
> > about non-humans in the chain of command below but apparently
> > not above a human private - are those K-9 canines or aliens?
> 
> It could be either the genetically and surgically enhanced "Calebs" that 
> are dog-descended, or extraterrestrial ally races.

If it is dogs, fine. If it is allied ETs, I find it extremely telling that 
the oath covers being placed in command of allies, but not being
placed under the command of allies ... no equal partnership.
 
> > * Sentries get H-bombs, and that predates the bug war.
> 
> 	That's not correct, it's a mistaken assumption by one of the recruits 
> who is dressed down for his ignorance. Hydrogen bombs are (were) 
> strategic weapons and would be fratricidal in the extreme at the scale 
> of MI operations.

I read it differently. Q: "Why do we have to train with knives? 
Our sentries carry hydrogen bombs, so do theirs, a knife is a 
joke." A: "Prepare to fight under whatever ROE you get, down 
to sticks and stones, you're the arm of discriminate terror."

But it was a mistake that this predates the war. Chapter 10 tells 
us about the lack of a formal declaration before the shooting 
starts.
 
Thanks,
Onno