# XIX explained — First Lensman

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

## What happens

Virgil Samms negotiates a ceasefire with the Petrino fleet, revealing the lies of the 'teachers' and convincing Vice-Admiral Corander and most of the Petrino officers to lead their sub-fleets to Arisia for enlightenment, while the recalcitrant Ohlanser is persuaded to follow. Meanwhile, Grand Fleet assembles near Earth for a decisive confrontation, with Clayton and Schweikert having earned the loyalty of their crews, and Samms and Kinnison choosing to stay with the fleet to boost morale.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Deception

The Petrinos were deceived by false propaganda about the Patrol; Samms reveals the truth to end the war.

### Unity and Diversity

The Patrol seeks to bring Petrine into the galactic fellowship, and Grand Fleet unites ships from all planets of Civilization.

### Sacrifice and Duty

Samms and Kinnison choose to stay with the fleet, accepting the risk of death to boost morale.

## Character check-ins

### Virgil Samms

Leads the negotiation with the Petrino fleet, uses the Lens to communicate with Corander, and persuades the Petrino officers to go to Arisia.

### Roderick Kinnison

Port Admiral who joins Samms in the Boise's con room and later disappears from the Rally to command the Chicago.

### Vice Admiral Corander

Petrino vice-admiral who reveals his Lensman-grade mind, challenges Ohlanser's authority, and agrees to lead his sub-fleet to Arisia.

### Alexander Clayton

Admiral of the First Galactic Region, who with Schweikert has earned the deep respect of the Bennettan crews and leads Grand Fleet from Bennett.

### Schweikert

Lieutenant-Admiral of the First Galactic Region, works closely with Clayton to train and lead Grand Fleet.

### Lyman Cleveland

Part of the Patrol resources ensuring that Samms and Kinnison's movements are untraceable.

### Mase Northrop

Assists Cleveland and Rularion in covering the movements of Samms and Kinnison.

### Rularion

Works with Cleveland and Northrop to obscure the course of Samms and Kinnison.

## Key lines

> “You were allowed to wear side-arms, not to use them,” Samms said, quietly.

Samms reminded Ohlanser that the permission to carry weapons did not include permission to fire them.

_Samms enforces the terms of the ceasefire._

> “That does not square up even with ordinary military usage.” “I know it. It does conform, however, to the policy of the Galactic Patrol which is to spread throughout our island universe.”

Corander questioned the lack of reprisals, and Samms explained that the Patrol's goal is expansion, not punishment.

_Highlights the Patrol's unconventional and idealistic approach._

## Links

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