# XIX explained — Islands of Space

> Chapter companion for Islands of Space by John W. Campbell.

## What happens

Torlos explains the history of the war and why his people were suspicious of the Earthmen. The Earthmen rest and discuss Nansalian biology and culture. Arcot demonstrates the space control drive to Torlos, who accidentally crushes an armrest with his strength. They then fly to Torlos's home city, the capital of the world-nation, to negotiate with the Council.

## Themes in this chapter

### Conflict and Cooperation Between Civilizations

Torlos explains the war with Sator and the resulting suspicion, while the Earthmen seek peaceful cooperation and trade with the Nansalian Council.

### Science and Technology as Tools

Arcot demonstrates the space control drive to Torlos; the Nansalians use magnetic storage devices and warships disguised as commercial craft.

## Character check-ins

### Torlos

Explains his people's war history and suspicion; demonstrates immense strength by crushing an armrest; guides the Earthmen to his home city.

### Dr. Richard Arcot

Acknowledges the Nansalians' reasonable suspicion; demonstrates the space control drive to Torlos; plans to request fuel, a map, and cultural artifacts from the Council.

### Morey

Agrees with Arcot about resting; comments on Nansalian biology, noting their ability to generate energy from heat.

### Wade

Stands guard while others sleep; communicates telepathically with Torlos; jokes about Torlos's strength.

### John Fuller

Unable to sleep; joins Wade in the control room; discusses Nansalian weight and strength.

## Key lines

> “That is the history of our war. Can you wonder that my people were suspicious when your ship appeared? Can you wonder that they drove you away? They were afraid of the men of Sator; when they saw your weapons, they were afraid for their civilization.”

Torlos explains that his people's fear of Sator led them to drive away the Earthmen, as they saw the ship's weapons as a threat.

_Torlos justifies his people's initial hostility based on their traumatic war experience._

> “I’m glad we weren’t holding hands,” said Wade, eyeing the broken plastic.

Wade jokes that Torlos's strength could have crushed his hand if they had been holding hands.

_Wade's humor highlights the vast physical difference between Earthmen and Nansalians._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/islands_of_space_se/chapters/xix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/islands_of_space_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/islands_of_space_se/chapters