# Chapter XVIII explained — First Lensman

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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