# Chapter VIII: The Interview and the Investigation explained — First Lensman

> Chapter companion for First Lensman by E. E. Smith.

## What happens

In the aftermath of the attack on the Hill, Virgil Samms and Roderick Kinnison give a historic interview to Universal Telenews, revealing the Lensmen's purpose of increasing happiness and well-being across Civilization. Kinnison declares he suspects everyone. Samms then orchestrates a complex investigation, using doubles and disguises to infiltrate Senator Morgan's organization. George Olmstead, Samms's quadruple second cousin, is introduced as a key operative.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Deception

Samms uses the Lens to demonstrate that Lensed thoughts cannot lie, contrasting with verbal 'diplomacy.' The chapter also features elaborate deception: Samms disguises himself as Olmstead to infiltrate Morgan's organization.

### Sacrifice and Duty

Samms quotes Mentor's purpose: to increase happiness and well-being for all, with the satisfaction of doing the job for which one is best fitted. The Lensmen's relentless investigation and personal risk exemplify duty.

## Character check-ins

### Virgil Samms

First Lensman; gives a major interview explaining the Lensmen's purpose; orchestrates the investigation and uses a disguise to infiltrate Senator Morgan's office.

### Roderick Kinnison

Port Admiral; participates in the interview, declaring he suspects everyone; begins a comprehensive program of investigation and rebuilding.

### George Olmstead

Lensman from Alphacent; revealed to be Samms's quadruple second cousin and nearly identical in appearance; key to Samms's infiltration plan.

### Herkimer Third

Senator Morgan's associate; interviews 'Olmstead' (Samms in disguise) and subjects him to identity checks.

### Dronvire

Lensman of Rigel Four; stands behind Samms and helps him think during the investigation.

## Key lines

> Our basic purpose is… to increase both [happiness and well-being]. What we expect to get out of it is happiness and well-being for ourselves, the satisfaction felt by any good workman doing the job for which he is best fitted and in which he takes pride.

Samms states that the Lensmen's goal is to improve happiness and well-being across the universe, and their reward is the pride of doing their job well.

_Samms's public explanation of the Lensmen's mission, as broadcast to Civilization._

> I suspect everybody. I suspect every continental government of every world we know, including that of North America of Tellus. I suspect political parties and organized minorities. I suspect pressure groups. I suspect capital and I suspect labor. I suspect an organization of criminals. I suspect nations and races and worlds that no one of us has as yet heard of.

Kinnison declares that he suspects all governments, groups, and even unknown worlds of being involved in the attacks.

_Kinnison's sweeping suspicion during the interview, reflecting the paranoia and scope of the investigation._

> I talked to her for five solid minutes, practically leaning on her desk, and she didn't tumble! And if this wig of Bergenholm's fooled her so completely, the job he did on you would fool anybody!

Samms (disguised as Olmstead) reports that his disguise fooled even his sharp-eyed secretary, Norma.

_Confirmation of the effectiveness of Bergenholm's disguise work, enabling Samms's infiltration._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/viii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/first_lensman_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters