Power and Corruption

Where it surfaces

• I

  Prince Volakech's revolt and the betrayal of the royal guardsmen illustrate the corrupting influence of power and the fragility of political order.

• II

  Volakech and Carson's seizure of the Star Ship and weapons illustrates how the pursuit of power corrupts and leads to betrayal.

• Tiger by the Tail

  The Scothani's political machinations reflect corrupt power dynamics.

• I

  The Scothani have built a hidden empire through conquest and manipulation, exploiting Imperial complacency to amass power.

• III

  Flandry's suggestion to assassinate Nornagast and Nartheof's temptation to seize personal glory from the Imperial arsenal illustrate the corrupting influence of power and ambition.

• IV

  Flandry corrupts Scothan nobles with promises of wealth and power, exploiting their greed and ambition.

• Witch of the Demon Seas

  The witch's power and the corrupting influence of the demon seas challenge the crew's integrity.

• I

  Shorzon and Chryseis wield fear and sorcery, hinting at a corrupting influence behind the throne.

• II

  Shorzon and Chryseis seek to seize control of Achaera through alliance with the Xanthi, using coercion and dark magic.

• IV

  Shorzon uses magical coercion and hostages to enforce loyalty, demonstrating corrupt use of power.

• VI

  Shorzon's secretive control and the Xanthi's oppressive hospitality illustrate the corrupting influence of power.

• VII

  Shorzon and the Xanthi rulers manipulate others for their own ends; Corun feels like a pawn.

• VIII

  Shorzon's sorcerous tyranny and Chryseis's treachery illustrate the corrupting influence of power.

• Inside Earth

  The chapter examines how Earth's leaders manipulate systems for personal gain, leading to moral decay.

• V

  The alliance with Luron, a morally dubious partner, highlights the corrupting influence of power and the compromises made for political ends.

• II

  The struggle for power between the Temple and the Imperium, with the Emperor dying and the Temple using assassins to eliminate threats.

• III

  The Temple and Imperium are locked in a corrupt struggle for control, with the High Priest Therokos seeking absolute power through intrigue and murder.

• IV

  Therokos uses religious authority and brutal threats to seize absolute power, corrupting the Temple's role.

• VI

  The Temple and palace are both destroyed, and Alfric, a heathen outlander, rises to rule Valkarion, showing the corrupt old powers giving way to new.

• Lord of a Thousand Suns

  Daryesh's manipulation of Joana and his plans to use Vwyrddan weapons for personal gain illustrate the corrupting influence of immense power.

• Swordsman of Lost Terra

  The anger of Kery son of Rhiach and the speaking of the pipe of the gods hint at the corrupting influence of power.

• V

  The god-pipe represents lost divine power; Jonan's abuse of authority to attack Kery shows corruption in leadership.

• VI

  Jonan's betrayal and Mongku's manipulation of the pipe for conquest exemplify the corrupting influence of power.

• VIII

  The Pipe of Killorn is a weapon of immense power that can destroy cities and control minds, symbolizing the corrupting influence of such power.

• I

  The Jovian dictatorship's expansionism and Earth's appeasement are discussed, showing how power imbalances corrupt international relations.

• II

  Ray's squandered inheritance and the Jovian colonel's secret papers highlight the corrupting influence of wealth and political power.

• Security

  Berg's manipulation of Lancaster, the government's use of emergency powers to maintain control, and the moral compromises made by both sides in the struggle for power.

• Sentiment, Inc.

  Kennedy's use of mind control to amass influence over politicians, businessmen, and even Soviet agents illustrates how absolute power corrupts and justifies unethical means.

• III

  Kennedy's rationalization of his actions shows how absolute power corrupts, even with benevolent intentions.

• IV

  Kennedy's misuse of his psychological machine for personal control and espionage, and Fraser's willingness to use similar methods for his own ends.

• The Temple of Earth

  Rayth manipulates the mob and uses assassination to seize control of the Temple, revealing the corrupt use of knowledge and force for political gain.

• I

  Bancroft's group uses kidnapping and manipulation to achieve their goals, highlighting the corrupt use of power.

• III

  Tyler and his organization use coercion, kidnapping, and threats of torture to extract information from Dalgetty and Tighe, illustrating the corrupting influence of power.

• IV

  Bancroft and Meade's use of political power and coercion to obtain the Institute's knowledge for their own ends.

• VI

  Discussion of how psychodynamic knowledge could be used to impose total control, and the risk of the Institute becoming an oligarchy.

• VIII

  Bancroft's ruthless ambition and the use of fear to maintain control illustrate the corrupting influence of power.

• IX

  The Institute's secret training and Dalgetty's powers raise questions about the potential for abuse and the ethical responsibility of such knowledge.

• Snowball

  The potential of capacitite to empower individuals and groups, and the corrupting influence of that power on society and authority.

• Holmgang

  Lundgard's Humanist ideology justifies murder and deceit for the sake of acquiring a solar power beam.

• What Shall It Profit?

  The Institute's secrecy and potential hoarding of longevity research raise questions about the corrupting influence of power over life and death.

• Innocent at Large

  Doran and Wendt exploit Matheny's vulnerability for financial gain, illustrating systemic corruption.

• Industrial Revolution

  Sword Enterprises and Earth-based interests seek to exploit asteroid resources, while Blades uses coercion and threats to protect his station.