# XI: Espionage explained — Star Born

> Chapter companion for Star Born by Andre Norton.

## What happens

Dalgard and Sssuri investigate the arrival of mysterious strangers who have been seen flying a new type of ship. They discover a slain merman, killed by fire, and learn from the merpeople that the strangers have been visiting the islands and the dark city. The merpeople are wary but allow Dalgard to join a scouting party to observe the newcomers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alien Encounter and Otherness

The merpeople's spies report strangers who are 'like yet unlike' Dalgard, using mouth noises instead of mind speech, and flying a new type of ship. This highlights the theme of encountering the unknown and the other.

### Survival and Adaptation

The merpeople adapt to the threat of the strangers by using their knowledge of the sea and islands to spy and plan. Dalgard and Sssuri also adapt by climbing and using diving equipment.

## Character check-ins

### Dalgard Nordis

Dalgard is awakened by the merpeople's excitement, learns of the strangers from the spy Sssim, and agrees to go ashore to observe them. He also discovers a slain merman and climbs the island with Sssuri.

### Sssuri

Sssuri interprets the spy's report, leads Dalgard to the slain merman, and climbs the island to investigate. He communicates with the merpeople and translates Dalgard's purpose.

### Raf Kurbi

Raf is mentioned indirectly as one of the Terrans who might be among the strangers, but he does not appear in this chapter.

## Key lines

> He is like⁠—yet unlike⁠—

The spy Sssim describes the strangers as similar to Dalgard but different in appearance and behavior.

_Highlights the theme of otherness and the mystery of the newcomers._

> Terrans!

Dalgard realizes the strangers might be Terrans, possibly from Pax or other fugitives.

_Key moment of realization that connects the strangers to Dalgard's own people._

> They have come once more to give the flaming death⁠—

Sssuri indicates the strangers have returned to kill with fire, as seen in the charred skeleton.

_Emphasizes the threat and violence of the strangers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters/xi-espionage
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters