Invaders from the Infinite · Chapter
XII: Sirius explained
Arcot and his crew land on a Sirian planet to forge an alliance against the Thessian threat.
What happens
Arcot and his crew land on a Sirian planet to forge an alliance against the Thessian threat. They demonstrate their power by staging a fake attack against a simulated Thessian ship, winning the trust of the Sirians. Arcot meets Taj Lamor, who shares the secret of the attractive ray, a directed gravitational field that can move planets without reaction. Arcot deduces the principles behind the ray and plans to use it in the fight against Thett.
Themes in this chapter
Unity Against a Common Enemy
Arcot forges an alliance with the Sirians, Ortolians, and Talsonians to combat the Thessian threat from Thett.
The Value of Knowledge and Science
Arcot uses scientific deduction to understand the attractive ray, turning ancient technology into a practical weapon.
Characters to notice
- Arcot
Leads the mission to Sirius, devises the staged attack to prove friendship, and deduces the principles of the attractive ray.
- Morey
Assists in the staged attack by creating the fake Thessian ship and operates the artificial matter controls.
- Wade
Expresses caution about approaching Sirius and is initially confused by Arcot's plan to stage an attack.
- Zezdon Afthen
Acts as a mental communicator, relaying messages to the Sirians and experiencing genuine relief after the staged battle.
- Taj Lamor
Sirian leader who shares the attractive ray technology and explains the history of his people's flight from the black star.
- Stel Felso Theu
Accompanies the group to Sirius, representing Talso in the alliance.
Key passages
“We have one weapon that you no doubt need; a screen, which will stop the rays of the molecule director apparatus. What have you to offer us?”
Taj Lamor offers a defensive screen against the Thessian molecular director rays and asks what Earth can contribute to the alliance.
Highlights the exchange of technology between the Sirians and Earth.
“As I see it, the ray is actually a directed gravitational field.”
Arcot explains that the attractive ray works by creating a focused gravitational field, which allows a small ship to move a planet without recoil.
Arcot's scientific insight into the attractive ray's mechanism.
“They welcome us now. Tell them we'll be there—with bells on or thoughts to that effect.”
After the staged battle, Zezdon Afthen confirms the Sirians' trust, and Arcot humorously agrees to meet them.
Shows the success of Arcot's deception in winning the Sirians' alliance.