Key Out of Time · Chapter
XII: Baldies explained
Ross and Karara witness a chaotic battle in the lagoon as salkars are driven mad by enemy energy broadcasts.
What happens
Ross and Karara witness a chaotic battle in the lagoon as salkars are driven mad by enemy energy broadcasts. Ross swims along the reef to shore, where he observes three Baldies using energy weapons to attack the salkars until their power fades. After the Baldies are incapacitated, Ross prevents Rovers from killing them, advocating for their capture to gain intelligence. Torgul agrees, and the aliens are netted. Meanwhile, Jazia and Torgul recover a carved head from a pillar, which crumbles after removal. The chapter ends with Torgul reflecting on their losses and the need to move on.
Themes in this chapter
Alien Encounter and Otherness
The Baldies are depicted as physically and technologically distinct, with their skintight suits and energy weapons, and their capture raises questions about understanding the alien other.
Power and Corruption
The Baldies' use of energy weapons to indiscriminately kill salkars and their potential signaling of reinforcements highlight the corrupting influence of power.
Survival and Resilience
Ross and the Rovers adapt to the chaos, capturing the Baldies for intelligence and planning to move on despite devastating losses.
Characters to notice
- Ross Murdock
Leads the approach to the Baldies, uses a captured alien weapon, and intervenes to save the Baldies from Rover vengeance.
- Karara Trehern
Accompanies Ross on the reef, expresses fear at the salkar chaos, and later questions Torgul about the Rovers' future.
- Torgul
Captain of the Rovers, orders the capture of the Baldies, oversees the excavation of Kyn Add, and reflects on the clan's losses.
- Loketh
Assists Ross in subduing a Rover attacker, using a branch to aid his movement.
- Vistur
Uses his war ax and fists to restrain hotheaded Rovers, helping to secure the Baldies.
- Lady Jazia
Supervises the freeing of a carved head from a column, wrapping it in fabric, and leads the procession back to the ships.
Key passages
“Ohhhh! Karara clutched at Ross, her breath coming in little gasps, giving vent to her fear and horror.”
Karara gasped and grabbed Ross, overwhelmed by fear and shock.
Karara's reaction to the salkar frenzy.
“The Terran waded in the shallows, stripping off his flippers and snapping them to his belt, letting his mask swing free on his chest.”
Ross waded ashore, removing his diving gear and securing it to his belt.
Ross prepares for land approach.
“They are worth more alive than dead, Captain. Do you not wish to know why they have carried war to your people, how many of them there may yet be to attack—and other things?”
Ross argues that the Baldies should be kept alive for interrogation about their motives and numbers.
Ross persuades Torgul to spare the Baldies.
“We have given to Phutka and the Shades our dead; there is nothing for us here now but hate and sorrow.”
Torgul acknowledges their losses and the futility of remaining at Kyn Add.
Torgul's lament after the battle.