Marque and Reprisal (Vatta's War, #2)

Questions About Marque and Reprisal (Vatta's War, #2)

by Elizabeth Moon

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Answered Questions (1)

Why has no-one added this information to the description? "(This book is called Moving Target in the UK and Australia)"
Alex Shrugged I don't understand what "this" refers to, but "Moving Target" also adequately describes what is going on in this novel. Initially, Ky and her cousin, …moreI don't understand what "this" refers to, but "Moving Target" also adequately describes what is going on in this novel. Initially, Ky and her cousin, Stella, are running from assassins.

Another plot point is "what do we do with this letter of marque and reprisal?"

A letter of marque authorizes private armies (brigands) or private navies (pirates or privateers) to attack the enemies of the nation issuing the letter. It is official piracy with the issuing nation getting a cut of the take. It is a way to build up a national military without having to build an actual navy or standing army. It's cheap and sometimes profitable, but often lacking in the quality of mercy. It is also difficult to keep privateering and piracy separate. The captain may understand the difference but the crew may not and the captain is often under threat from the crew to pirate less selectively.

FYI, Queen Elizabeth the First (16th century) issued letters of marque and reprisal because the British navy was at war with Spain and could not be everywhere it needed to be to protect its interests.(less)
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