# II explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Cordwainer Smith.

## What happens

Martel attends an emergency Scanner meeting called by Vomact, where the Code of Scanners is recited and the threat of Adam Stone's discovery—a method to eliminate the Pain of Space—is discussed. The Scanners debate the implications for their order, and Smith invokes the secret duty to call for Stone's death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sacrifice and Duty

The Scanners' Code emphasizes their sacrificial role and unwavering duty to endure the Pain of Space, even as Adam Stone's discovery threatens to make them obsolete.

### Resistance and Rebellion

The Scanners' secret duty to destroy those who acquire their law and Smith's call for Stone's death reflect a rebellious resistance to changes that undermine their order.

## Character check-ins

### Martel III

Arrives cranched (under the influence of the wire) to the emergency meeting, drawing attention and concern from fellow Scanners.

### Vomact

Senior of Scanners, calls the top emergency meeting and leads the recitation of the Scanner Code, revealing Adam Stone's claim.

### Parizianski

A burly Scanner who questions Martel about being cranched and shows concern over the emergency.

### Chang

Martel's friend, a Scanner who has learned to speak like an ordinary person; Martel adjusts his lung-control during the meeting.

### Scanner Smith

An older Scanner who steps forward to declare Adam Stone a liar and invokes the secret duty to call for Stone's death.

## Key lines

> I say that this is a lie. I say that Stone is a liar. I say that the Instrumentality must not be deceived.

Scanner Smith declares that Adam Stone's claim is false and warns the Instrumentality against being misled.

_Smith's accusation sets the stage for the Scanners' decision to act against Stone._

> I invoke the secret duty of the Scanners.

Smith calls upon the hidden obligation of Scanners to protect their order.

_This invocation leads to the demand for Stone's death, highlighting the Scanners' extreme measures._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_11_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_11_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_11_se/chapters