# II explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Philip K. Dick.

## What happens

Thomas Cole, a fixer from the past, is transported to a future New York via a time bubble. He encounters children in a park, offers to fix a broken vidsender in exchange for food, and later evades authorities after his arrival causes a stir. Security Commissioner Reinhart investigates the incident and orders the arrest of the research staff.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alienation and Otherness

Thomas Cole is a displaced figure from the past, alien in a future society where his skills are obsolete and he is viewed with suspicion.

### Perception and Reality

Cole's sudden transportation and the confusion of the authorities blur the lines between past and present, reality and illusion.

### Power and Authority

Commissioner Reinhart exerts authoritarian control, arresting the research staff and prioritizing security over understanding.

## Character check-ins

### Thomas Cole

A fixer from the past, transported to the future; tired, hungry, and trying to survive.

### Steven

One of the children in the park; owns the broken vidsender that Cole offers to fix.

### Sally Tate

A child in the park; observes Cole and interacts with him.

### Earl

A child in the park; broke Steven's vidsender and is wary of Cole.

### Security Commissioner Reinhart

Investigates Cole's arrival and orders arrests of the research staff.

### Harper

Chief official of Histo-research; arrested by Reinhart for the incident.

## Key lines

> Thomas Cole came slowly toward the three children grouped around the guide-light. He moved with difficulty, his body sore and bent with fatigue.

Cole approaches the children slowly, exhausted and in pain.

_Introduces Cole's physical state and vulnerability._

> I fix things. All kinds of things. Any kind.

Cole claims he can repair anything.

_Highlights Cole's identity as a fixer in a world that no longer values repair._

> Reinhart hurried, racing his cruiser at top speed, followed by a second ship, a military escort.

Reinhart speeds to the research facility with a military escort.

_Shows Reinhart's urgency and authority._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_43_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_43_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_43_se/chapters