First Lensman · Chapter
Chapter XI: The Zabriskan Relay explained
Jack Kinnison and Mase Northrop, commanding a small scout-ship, discover a triple star system and identify a planet they name Zabriska.
What happens
Jack Kinnison and Mase Northrop, commanding a small scout-ship, discover a triple star system and identify a planet they name Zabriska. They are joined by Virgil Samms, who suspects the planet may be linked to the thionite problem. After waiting for a signal, they locate a relay station on the barren, airless planet. Samms discusses strategy with Roderick Kinnison and receives troubling reports from Dronvire and Jill Samms about thionite trafficking and Senator Morgan's political maneuvers.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
The relay station and Morgan's propaganda highlight the theme of hidden truths and deliberate misinformation.
Corruption and Crime
The thionite drug trade and Morgan's political manipulation underscore systemic corruption.
Characters to notice
- Jack Kinnison
Co-commander of the scout-ship NA774J; discovers the Zabriskan system and identifies the relay planet.
- Mase Northrop
Co-commander and master electronicist; names the Zabriskan system and operates detection equipment.
- Virgil Samms
First Lensman; joins the scout to investigate the signal and coordinates the thionite investigation.
- Roderick Kinnison
Communicates with Samms via Lens; advises against a globe of scouts and reports on Operation Bennett.
- Dronvire
Rigellian Lensman; reports worsening thionite correlation and disappearance of link to Spaceways vessels.
- Jill Samms
Reports to her father about Senator Morgan's political activities and her suspicion that Morgan is the Boss.
Key passages
“This system we're headed for is a triple, and the chart says it's a double.”
The star system they are approaching has three suns, but the chart incorrectly shows only two.
Highlights the inaccuracy of existing astronomical charts and the crew's role as discoverers.
“The slight positive correlation between deaths from thionite and the arrival of Spaceways vessels has disappeared.”
The previously observed link between thionite deaths and Spaceways ship arrivals is no longer evident.
Indicates the enemy is adapting by rationing the drug supply.