But, Sub-Visser, I . . . So I led the way to the Pool. If they displeased me, they would die, law or no law. But I was not unreasonable. As I had the power to kill, so I had the power to give life.
Threats are very useful.
But for the more subtle, and thus complete control over your subordinates, you need the helping hand as well as the killing blade. I had given the same speech, the same demonstration of seriousness a dozen times. I'd never failed to instill a sense of duty in my charges. And yet, it was all pointless. We were searching for something that might not exist.