# VI: The Second Move explained — Invaders from the Infinite

> Chapter companion for Invaders from the Infinite by John W. Campbell.

## What happens

Wade learns about the Ortolians' tragic history with the Thessians, including the use of the Negrian Death Ray and the rise of their canine-derived race. He discusses loss and polygamy with Zezdon Afthen, who explains their emotional control. The group teaches the Ortolians advanced weapons and then departs for an unknown world to find a new weapon against the Thessians.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Threat of Imperialism and Conquest

The Thessians' genocidal attack on Ortol and its colonies exemplifies the destructive drive for conquest.

### The Nature of Power and Responsibility

The Ancient Masters' misuse of advanced weapons led to their extinction, and the terrestrians now grapple with how to wield their own power responsibly.

### Evolution and Adaptation

The Ortolians' rapid evolution from dogs to an intelligent race, guided by the Ancient Masters, highlights adaptation in the face of catastrophe.

## Character check-ins

### Wade

Inquires about Zezdon Fentes' family and Ortolian customs; pilots the ship during the journey.

### Zezdon Afthen

Explains the history of the Ancient Masters, the Negrian Death Ray, and Ortolian emotional practices; teaches alongside the terrestrians.

### Arcot

Analyzes the magnetic beam failure; teaches Ortolians how to make and use molecular ships and weapons; plans the next move.

### Morey

Works with Arcot and Wade to teach the Ortolians; sleeps to catch up on rest during the journey.

### Zezdon Fentes

Mentioned as having lost his wives and children; assists in teaching the Ortolians.

## Key lines

> The Negrian Death Ray !” he exclaimed as he suddenly recognized, in this crude and garbled description of its powers, the Negrian ray of anti-catalysis, a ray which tended to stop the processes of life’s chemistry and bring instant, painless death.

Wade identifies the weapon described as the Negrian Death Ray, a beam that halts life's chemical processes, causing instant and painless death.

_Wade connects the Ortolian description to known science._

> If we can do the same in five minutes instead of five years, is it not better? That is why Fentes has forgotten .” “Then you have aged his memory of that event?” asked Wade in surprise.

Zezdon Afthen explains that Ortolians can mentally accelerate the grieving process, allowing Fentes to move past his loss quickly, which Wade finds astonishing.

_Reveals Ortolian psychological control over memory and emotion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/invaders_from_the_infinite_se/chapters/vi-the-second-move
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/invaders_from_the_infinite_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/invaders_from_the_infinite_se/chapters