Short Fiction · Chapter
II: Lure of the Crystal explained
O'Brien quits his job and uses a mysterious gray gem to develop a revolutionary alloy, funding a spaceship to search for a being named Deirdre.
What happens
O'Brien quits his job and uses a mysterious gray gem to develop a revolutionary alloy, funding a spaceship to search for a being named Deirdre. Arnsen, skeptical but drawn along, joins the voyage with pilot Tex Hastings, venturing into the asteroid belt as the gem's influence grows and tensions rise.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Madness
O'Brien's single-minded pursuit of Deirdre, driven by the gem, borders on obsession and space-madness.
Forbidden Knowledge and Curses
The gem grants forbidden knowledge (the alloy) and exerts a cursed pull, leading the crew into danger.
The Unknown and Cosmic Horror
Space is portrayed as a Sargasso of alien flotsam, with the gem as an 'Outside' artifact hinting at cosmic horrors.
Characters to notice
- Steve Arnsen
Arnsen is skeptical and uneasy, feeling the gem's pull and fearing O'Brien's obsession.
- Douglas O'Brien
O'Brien is driven by the gem's guidance, quitting his job and building a spaceship to find Deirdre.
- Tex Hastings
Hastings is the pragmatic pilot who warns Arnsen about the dangers of the unknown and the gem.
Key passages
“I wish I knew what was up, Doug. We’ve been at this for months now. What do you expect, anyway? You’ve had no more than an ordinary training in physics.”
Arnsen expresses frustration and confusion about O'Brien's secretive experiments, doubting his abilities.
Highlights Arnsen's skepticism and O'Brien's mysterious progress.
“The jewel helps. I catch—thoughts from it.”
O'Brien claims the gem communicates with him, guiding his work.
Reveals the gem's influence and O'Brien's growing dependence on it.
“I saw nothing. I felt nothing!”
Arnsen denies experiencing the gem's vision, though he is visibly shaken.
Shows Arnsen's denial and fear of the gem's power.
“I’m going to find Deirdre. She’s out there, somewhere.”
O'Brien declares his intent to search space for the mysterious Deirdre.
Establishes O'Brien's obsession and the quest's goal.
“Space travel had broken barriers. It opened a door that, perhaps, should have remained forever closed.”
Arnsen reflects on the dangers of space exploration, suggesting it has unleashed unknown threats.
Emphasizes the theme of forbidden knowledge and cosmic horror.