Chapter 2 Summary

Aboard the flagship with his advisers, Hope Hubris describes how he has come to this position. He was declared Tyrant by the Constitutional Convention, not in an election, but through the machinations of his sister Spirit. When Senator Stonebridge asks Hope Hubris for direction in working on the budget, Hope has no ideas, and admits to Emerald that the women in his life have always run things for him. Emerald tells him that there is rebellion in some sectors, and other planets are getting restive as well. Emerald tells him to get his thoughts in order by consulting with "the Beautiful Dreamer" and Shelia gets him in touch with Lieutenant Commander Repro, who is dead. Hope contacts him by using a "Newton's Cradle," of five balls suspended on wires—when the outermost ball is swung, the force is transmitted directly through the...