May I say that I adore Richard's disconnection. There is a survival mechanism called isolation of affect, where a person functions during a crisis, without emotions getting in the way. Generally they react emotionally after the crisis is over. One therapist said it is like a stiff upper lip with a vengence.

This seems to discribe Richard's reactions perfectly. I'm trying to understand Sam, since I agree that sometimes awful things are necessary. Therefore I can accept Sam's actions, however, I wish I could emotionally understand Sam, like I seem to be able (maybe wrongly) to understand Richard. If Sam doesn't understand that what he is doing is fundamently wrong, then he himself is as much a (whatever the german word was) as Richard.

Also like you showing that Richard isn't totally innocent as far as the slavery issue is concerned, he owned slaves and he approved the purchase of Final Desintination slaves. Knowing how the estblishment has treated mental patients, prisioners. minorites and even military in regards to experminations it is truly frightening to think of what those emperminations could be like in your 'verse, like Dr. Menagle x how ever many scientists are using Final Contracts.

Sorry for the long comment. I can say, I'm enjoying the story, but I'm certainly intrigued.