First Lensman · Chapter
Chapter XVIII explained
Samms and Kinnison prepare for the Grand Rally and a decisive confrontation with Morgan's corrupt political machine.
What happens
Samms and Kinnison prepare for the Grand Rally and a decisive confrontation with Morgan's corrupt political machine. Samms delivers a powerful broadcast exposing the enemy's crimes, while the Patrol sets up an elaborate security net to prevent violence. Jack Kinnison and Costigan debate strategy, and Rularion coordinates a massive security operation involving nearly 19,000 operatives.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
Samms exposes the enemy's crimes with factual evidence, while Morgan uses lies and fear-mongering about the Lens to deceive the public.
Corruption and Crime
Morgan's political machine is described as a corrupt network of murderers, extortionists, and bribe-takers; Samms reveals the depth of the criminal conspiracy.
Sacrifice and Duty
Samms and the Lensmen risk their lives in deep space; the Patrol's operatives work tirelessly to protect the rally and the future of the Galactic Patrol.
Characters to notice
- Virgil Samms
Delivers a cold, logical broadcast revealing the Patrol's findings and formally charging the enemy with crimes; coordinates the Grand Rally strategy.
- Jack Kinnison
Debates the timing of the Grand Rally with Costigan; expresses concern about security and calls for reinforcements.
- Conway Costigan
Argues for the Chief's strategy of giving the enemy rope to hang themselves; coordinates security measures and reports on the web of surveillance.
- Jill Samms
Explains why Kinnison is needed as president; monitors enemy propaganda and comments on Morgan's speech.
- Rularion
Takes charge of security for the Grand Rally, estimating nearly 19,000 operatives needed; coordinates with Admiral Clayton.
- Roderick Kinnison
Mentioned as the candidate for president; his character is praised by Samms as honest, incorruptible, and fearless.
Key passages
“If our fleet is defeated no Lensman, anywhere, will live a week. The Enemy will see to that.”
If the Patrol's fleet loses, every Lensman will be killed within a week by the Enemy.
Highlights the existential stakes of the conflict.
“Not one of them is innocent. Being guilty, and knowing that we can and will prove guilt, they will adopt a policy of delay and recrimination.”
All the accused are guilty, and they will try to delay the trials to avoid conviction before the election.
Samms explains the enemy's likely legal strategy.
“Morgan is the real boss and the real menace, the Operating Engineer of the lowest-down, lousiest, filthiest, rottenest, most corrupt machine of murderers, extortionists, bribe-takers, panderers, perjurers, and other pimples on the body politic that has ever disgraced any so-called civilized government.”
Morgan is the true mastermind behind a corrupt political machine that includes murderers, extortionists, and other criminals.
A scathing condemnation of Morgan's role in the conspiracy.
“The power to tax is the power to destroy.”
The ability to impose taxes gives the government the power to ruin people.
Morgan uses this historical slogan to rally opposition against the Patrol.