# XVII: Destruction Unleashed explained — Star Born

> Chapter companion for Star Born by Andre Norton.

## What happens

Raf, Dalgard, and the mermen infiltrate the alien stronghold to destroy the globe ship and its accumulated technology. After a tense standoff, Raf agrees to use his blast bombs, leading to a massive explosion. Raf is blinded and carried to safety by the mermen, while Dalgard later defends against a pursuing mechanical hound using a net. The chapter explores themes of freedom versus oppression and the moral complexities of destruction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Oppression

Raf's internal conflict and Dalgard's plea emphasize the fight for freedom against the oppressive forces of Those Others and the legacy of Pax.

### Technology vs. Nature

The destruction of the alien globe and the mechanical hound represent the clash between advanced technology and the natural resilience of the mermen and colonists.

### Survival and Adaptation

The mermen and Dalgard adapt to the threat of the hound using nets and teamwork, while Raf's survival after the blast depends on the mermen's care.

## Character check-ins

### Raf Kurbi

Decides to destroy the alien globe ship despite his loyalty to the Federation, is blinded in the blast, and is rescued by the mermen.

### Dalgard Nordis

Leads the mermen to the globe, persuades Raf to act, and later devises a plan to net the mechanical hound.

### Sssuri

Implied among the mermen; participates in the destruction and later in the defense against the hound.

### Captain Hobart

Mentioned in Raf's thoughts regarding the potential alien alliance and the spoils of the globe.

### Lablet

Mentioned in Raf's thoughts as preoccupied with the alien technology.

## Key lines

> But these, these are not the weapons of the free.

Dalgard argues that the alien technology represents oppression, not the tools of freedom.

_Highlights the moral distinction between the colonists' fight for liberty and the aliens' methods._

> You are safe—not alone.

A telepathic reassurance comforts Raf in his blindness and helplessness.

_Demonstrates the mental connection between the mermen and their allies._

> If they could knock out the hound—

Dalgard considers how to disable the mechanical hunter.

_Shows the strategic challenge posed by alien technology._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters/xvii-destruction-unleashed
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters