“A country is considered the more civilised the more the wisdom and efficiency of its laws hinder a weak man from becoming too weak and a powerful one too powerful.”
Primo Levi
Section II begins by introducing a new series of characters into the story. These are the regulars who stay at the dosshouse. Each has a unique story. One of those mentioned is a boy that they called Kuvalda Meteor.
Here is an excerpt from his introduction to the story:
"Boy! What business have you here on this earth?"
The boy answered boldly and stoutly:
"I am a barefooted tramp. . . ."
"You are a fool!" decided Aristid Kuvalda. "what are you knocking about here for? You are of absolutely no use to us . . . Do you drink vodki? . . . No? . . . Well, then, can you steal?" Again, "No." "Go away, learn, and come back again when you know something, and are a man. . . ."
The youngster smiled. "No. I shall live with you."
"Why?"
"Just because. . . ."
After Gorky finished introducing the new cast of characters he notes:
“The above were the chief members of the Captain's company, and he called them with kind-hearted sarcasm "Creatures that once were Men." For though there were men who had experienced as much of the ...
“Even that homeless man is entitled to his pursuit of happiness. He should be free to choose what he wants to be.” Adell said as he watched the man fade from view.
“No, he should be held to a higher standard. He is not free to weaken the polity. He must contribute voluntarily or he should be forced to contribute.” Alexander said emphatically.
“You would increase his anguish. Clearly he is down on his luck.”
“Myths and luck. You astound me. That man is a vagrant because he was never held to account. He has been given a pass when he should be working in the mines or fields for the good of your empire.”
“First we have no empire, it is a republic. Second, it is very likely he is a veteran who saw and did horrific things in war and can no longer cope.”
“If he is a veteran then your society has failed. Where are his lands and his bounty for his service?”
“Things aren’t done that way anymore.”
“Abandoning wisdom. You may as well have left him behind to die in battle than to have a soldier fall into such disgrace. It is a stain upon your empire. Are there ...
