# XVII explained — Little Fuzzy

> Chapter companion for Little Fuzzy by H. Beam Piper.

## What happens

Jack Holloway returns to Beta Continent as Commissioner of Native Affairs, recruiting George Lunt to lead a Native Protection Force. Ruth Ortheris and Gerd van Riebeek discuss their future on Beta, while Space Commodore Napier persuades Ben Rainsford to become Governor General. The Fuzzies look forward to returning to their home and living with the Big Ones.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Community

The Fuzzies are returning home as a family, and the human characters form new bonds, with Ruth and Gerd planning marriage and Holloway building a protective community for the Fuzzies.

### Resistance and Self-Determination

The Fuzzies are given a reservation and protection, asserting their right to live freely, while Holloway and others work to ensure their self-determination against exploitation.

## Character check-ins

### Jack Holloway

Returns to Beta Continent as Commissioner of Native Affairs, recruiting George Lunt for the Native Protection Force.

### George Lunt

Offered the position of Commandant of the Native Protection Force by Holloway.

### Ruth Ortheris

Enjoys a cocktail with Gerd van Riebeek, discussing their future on Beta and her role as a Fuzzyologist.

### Gerd van Riebeek

Discusses the mysteries of Fuzzy biology and psychology with Ruth, planning to go to Beta.

### Ben Rainsford

Reluctantly accepts the position of Governor General after being persuaded by Space Commodore Napier.

## Key lines

> They had seen many wonderful places, since the night they had been put in the bags: the place where everything had been light and they had been able to jump so high and land so gently, and the place where they had met all the others of their people and had so much fun.

The Fuzzies recall their journey from captivity to freedom, experiencing new environments and reuniting with their kind.

_Reflects the Fuzzies' perspective on their recent experiences and their anticipation of returning home._

> And they would pay the Big Ones back. First they would give their love and make them happy. Later, when they learned how, they would give their help, too.

The Fuzzies intend to reciprocate the kindness of humans by offering affection and eventually assistance.

_Highlights the Fuzzies' understanding of mutual benefit and their desire to contribute to their new community._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_fuzzy_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_fuzzy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_fuzzy_se/chapters