# IV: SOS from Nowhere explained — The Big Time

> Chapter companion for The Big Time by Fritz Leiber.

## What happens

The chapter opens with the group receiving a Spider distress call. Sid identifies the SOS as coming from outside the cosmos, and the team prepares for a pickup despite it being unscheduled. A Door opens, and Kaby, a Lunan named Ilhilihis, and a satyr named Sevensee arrive. Kaby is distraught, reporting the destruction of Crete, and breaks down in grief and rage.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Meaninglessness

Kaby's grief over Crete's repeated destruction highlights the futility and horror of war across time.

### Reality and Illusion

The SOS from outside the cosmos and the shifting identities of the caller blur the lines between reality and deception.

## Character check-ins

### Sidney Lessingham

Sid receives the SOS, operates the Maintainer, and comforts Kaby.

### Kaby

Kaby arrives from Crete, distraught and reporting its destruction.

### Illy

Ilhilihis, a Lunan, arrives with a lopped tentacle and is tended to by the narrator.

### Sevensee

A satyr from a billion years in the future, assists with the arrival.

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator observes and interacts with Illy, reflecting on the time differences.

### Maud Davies

Maud recognizes Kaby and calls for Ghostgirls.

## Key lines

> That nails them, lads, whoever and whenever they may be. Get ready for a pickup.

Sid confirms the distress call is genuine and orders the team to prepare for a rescue operation.

_Sid's decisive response to the SOS._

> Goddess! Must I see Crete destroyed, revived, and now destroyed again? It is too much for your servant.

Kaby laments the repeated destruction of Crete, expressing her anguish and sense of futility.

_Kaby's emotional breakdown reveals the cyclical nature of war._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/iv-sos-from-nowhere
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_time_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters