Live Blogs Let's Read John Carter of Mars

DrRockopolis2010-12-22 16:06:40

Bargh, been feeling under the weather. Could not stop sneezing yesterday.

• And my trainer was defective and I need to exchange it for a new one.

• That just sounds like a Sequel Hook, doesn't it?

Some smaller clans have begun fighting and pillaging, so it is decided to man as many ships as possible, stuff them with prisoners, and make for Helium.

Behind the triumphant fleet, Zodanga is in flames, with murder, looting, arson, and murder (as much as I like rape, it is actually one of the problems avoided by having two...incompatible species, and this gets pointed out in an earlier chapter).

They reach the city of Helium, which is besieged by the Zodangans. The captured ships are flying the banners of Helium, but what is probably more telling is the massive volley from the fifteen foot green Martians. The Heliumites sally forth, and a massive air battle begins.

• Interesting to note, the Tharks have no idea how to use the guns of the captured ships, and continue to use small arms, which, admittedly, are brutally effective.

Within an hour, the Heliumite fleet has gained superior positioning, and the battle is won, with all the Zodangan ships shot down or captured.

• There's a pretty grim tradition for the captain of a surrendering vessel to leap overboard.

The Heliumites are pretty happy to see John; their enemy crushed, the besiegers driven before them, and their princess rescued.

John credits Tars Tarkas, and is surprised that he's almost as good at formal language and manners as the Heliumites, and notes that the Tharks have a very formal culture of their own, in some ways.

John must go to join the land battle, however. The Zodangans, almost a million of them, put up a fierce fight, repulsing several attacks, but finally crumple when the land forces of Helium sally forth to join the fray.

The city goes wild with celebration, as much at the thought of having the green Martians as allies as at the victory. Honor and glory were heaped on his name.

The best prize, however, is when he goes before the king, and the prince, and receives their blessing to take Dejah Thoris' hand in marriage.

• Hope I didn't sneeze out anything too vital.

Comments

TheGirlWithPointyEars Since: Dec, 1969

Dec 23rd 2010 at 4:48:15 AM

Sorry to hear about your being so under the weather, hope you feel better soon. And about your trainer. :(

Nice commentary on the battle, though! I especially enjoyed the idea that while there were heavier weapons on the captured ships, the Heliumites didn't know how to work them but used hand weapons rather effectively instead. Oh, and the point about rape being one of those things that doesn't happen, given different species and all. :p

Good for John, though! And now there's nothing stopping him and Dejah from marrying. :)

DrRockopolis Since: Dec, 1969

Dec 23rd 2010 at 8:54:05 AM

Thank you.

• And hey, ground shipping should only take two business days or so...I want it now. XP

Yeah, I thought it was interesting, that the Tharks having no navy came into play.

And, uh, knock on wood. I doubt the rest of the series is about picking out curtains or whatever it is married people do, or raising a child and planning their future...though that could be an interesting book.