# XIV: The Prisoner explained — Star Born

> Chapter companion for Star Born by Andre Norton.

## What happens

Raf becomes increasingly compelled to investigate the mysterious prisoner captured by the aliens, feeling a strange mental pull that he interprets as a voiceless cry for help. Despite Lablet's dismissal of the prisoner as a rebel or thief, Raf secretly arms himself with survival gear and ventures into the alien city alone, using underground tunnels to approach the central building where he believes the prisoner is held. Meanwhile, the Terrans are ordered to leave with the aliens, and Raf's unease grows as he senses an urgent appeal from the captive.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alien Encounter and Otherness

The mysterious prisoner may not be of the same race as the painted aliens, deepening the theme of encountering the truly other.

### Freedom and Oppression

Raf feels a compelling urge to free the prisoner, sensing oppression and a cry for help that transcends rational explanation.

## Character check-ins

### Raf Kurbi

Driven by an inexplicable mental compulsion, Raf secretly prepares for a solo mission to find the alien prisoner, feeling a voiceless cry for aid.

### Soriki

Warns Raf to be careful and use his homer, showing friendliness and concern for the pilot's safety.

### Lablet

Dismisses the prisoner as a rebel or thief, focused on the anti-gravity unit and eager to continue cooperation with the aliens.

### Captain Hobart

Reluctantly agrees to follow the aliens' globe, though he questions the prisoner's identity and the balance of power.

## Key lines

> Imagine being able to return to earth with our skins on our backs

Soriki sarcastically suggests that survival is more important than scientific discovery.

_Highlights the tension between the Terrans' desire for knowledge and their fear of the aliens._

> it was almost as if he were hearing a voiceless cry for aid, as if his mind was one of Soriki's coms tuned in on an unknown wave length

Raf feels a telepathic pull toward the prisoner, as if receiving a silent distress signal.

_Introduces the possibility of psychic communication between species._

> Don't dig up more than you can rebury

Soriki warns Raf not to uncover more trouble than he can handle.

_Reflects the cautious, survivalist mindset of the Terrans._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters/xiv-the-prisoner
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters