# XVI explained — First Lensman > Chapter companion for First Lensman by E. E. Smith. ## What happens This chapter delves into the Eddorian hierarchy and their lust for power, contrasting their dynamic, manipulative nature with the static contemplation of the Arisians. It details the Boskonian chain of command from Ploorans to Eich and the oversight of Gharlane of Eddore, who remains unaware of the recent failures on Earth. The narrative then shifts to a secret meeting where a blue-skinned Boskonian agent questions Senator Morgan about the Lens, learning of its deadly and mysterious properties. Meanwhile, George Olmstead is promoted to Director of Research at Interstellar Spaceways, tasked with a covert operation involving a special lunch-box, and begins navigating the hostile attitudes of his new department. ## Themes in this chapter ### Power and Responsibility The Eddorians' lust for power drives their entire civilization, yet their delegation of authority leads to critical oversights and failures. ### Truth and Deception The Boskonian agent and Morgan discuss the mysterious Lens, with Morgan withholding information and the agent suspecting hypnotic concealment of its source. ### Corruption and Crime Morgan and Isaacson are deeply involved in criminal enterprises, including thionite trafficking and covert operations, while Olmstead is recruited into this network. ## Character check-ins ### Gharlane of Eddore Analyzes reports from across the galaxies, directing the Great Plan, but remains ignorant of the recent defeat on Earth. ### Senator Morgan Reports to a blue-skinned Boskonian agent about the Lens and the failed expedition, while continuing his political machinations for the Nationalist election. ### George Olmstead Promoted to Director of Research at Interstellar Spaceways, tasked with a covert fishing operation to deliver lunch-boxes, and begins managing a hostile department. ### Isaacson Promotes Olmstead and briefs him on the covert delivery technique, while reflecting on the mysterious disappearance of Herkimer. ### May Molly May is Olmstead's new secretary, a redhead who is initially skeptical and curious about her new boss's hobbies and character. ## Key lines > It has been said that the basic drive of the Eddorians was a lust for power; a thought which should be elucidated and perhaps slightly modified. The Eddorians are often described as power-hungry, but this characterization needs clarification and nuance. _Introduces the Eddorian motivation as more complex than simple lust for power._ > Gharlane did not know that the newborn Galactic Patrol had been successful in defending Triplanetary’s Hill against the Black Fleet. Gharlane was unaware that the Galactic Patrol had successfully repelled the Black Fleet's attack on Triplanetary's Hill. _Highlights Gharlane's ignorance due to underlings covering up failures._ > The Lens, immediately upon removal from the Patrolman’s arm, ceased to radiate and the operative who held the thing died. As soon as the Lens was taken from the Patrolman, it stopped glowing and the person holding it died. _Describes the deadly and mysterious nature of the Lens._ > I am offering for your consideration my opinion that the high-ranking officers of the Patrol are using hypnotism to conceal the real source of the Lens. I suggest that top Patrol officers may be using hypnosis to hide where the Lens really comes from. _The Boskonian agent speculates about the Lens's origin being concealed._ > If you don’t get funny ideas, and don’t crack up, you will make out in a big⁠—and I mean really big⁠—way. If you stay focused and don't break under pressure, you'll succeed enormously. _Isaacson's encouragement to Olmstead about his new role._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/xvi - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/first_lensman_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters