I think one of the most stunning reveals in TWtB regarding Mycroft is when the Nurturist (Cookie?) lists him as an example of what happens when adults are allowed to raise set-set and set-like children. Because in his own recollections of his childhood his bash had been hand picked because they were all awesome and it was super cool to grow up smart and stuff, but from a Nurturist POV tiny Mycroft was brainwashed. Almost like a set-set; he was being formed into... we're not quite sure but there were definitely Powers That Be with Plans for him?
Which makes him feel like more of a victim though obviously "childhood issues" never condone "violent murder streak"! But it did make me see him from a new light.
Is Saladin alive. GOOD QUESTIONS. I think so? Because I think Madame really is using him as leverage but. He could also be dead? The only thing that makes Saladin different from the rest is that if he is dead, we don't know when and how he died. He must have been alive and well 13 years ago, that much we know. But all of Mycroft's other hallucinations (prison wraiths aside) are of people we know for a fact died (or altered out of existence).
Speaking of alive: how is MYCROFT still alive?? And how did he get everyone to persume him dead (and be all sad about it), annotate the manuscript with a "BTW still alive" and then disappear again what is going on with that?! I really want to know. Really really really.
The interesting thing with the Utopians is that when it comes down to it, they can't help but get involved in the practical and concrete immediacy of the war. Instead of hiding out, they get rid of the harbingers. Instead of hunkering down, they execute an audacious first strike - and Mycroft is very clear on what that will very possibly cost them. So the Utopians' ideals might be to strive to the stars, but more than half of them can't abandon present-Earth for a star-faring future. Which is also really interesting.
no subject
Which makes him feel like more of a victim though obviously "childhood issues" never condone "violent murder streak"! But it did make me see him from a new light.
Is Saladin alive. GOOD QUESTIONS. I think so? Because I think Madame really is using him as leverage but. He could also be dead? The only thing that makes Saladin different from the rest is that if he is dead, we don't know when and how he died. He must have been alive and well 13 years ago, that much we know. But all of Mycroft's other hallucinations (prison wraiths aside) are of people we know for a fact died (or altered out of existence).
Speaking of alive: how is MYCROFT still alive?? And how did he get everyone to persume him dead (and be all sad about it), annotate the manuscript with a "BTW still alive" and then disappear again what is going on with that?! I really want to know. Really really really.
The interesting thing with the Utopians is that when it comes down to it, they can't help but get involved in the practical and concrete immediacy of the war. Instead of hiding out, they get rid of the harbingers. Instead of hunkering down, they execute an audacious first strike - and Mycroft is very clear on what that will very possibly cost them. So the Utopians' ideals might be to strive to the stars, but more than half of them can't abandon present-Earth for a star-faring future. Which is also really interesting.