The Big Time · Chapter
V: Sid Insists on Ghostgirls explained
Sid enforces a recuperation protocol at the station, pairing soldiers with companions to heal their psychological wounds.
What happens
Sid enforces a recuperation protocol at the station, pairing soldiers with companions to heal their psychological wounds. The narrator defends the role of Entertainers as nurses and therapists, then shifts to care for Illy, a Lunan, while Erich happily engages with a Ghostgirl. The chapter explores the necessity of companionship and the complex dynamics among the soldiers and staff.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Resilience
The chapter emphasizes the psychological wounds of soldiers and the need for healing through companionship.
Love and Connection
The pairing of soldiers with companions highlights the importance of intimate bonds across species and time.
Characters to notice
- Sidney Lessingham
Sid insists on pairing soldiers with companions, enforcing rest and recuperation at the station.
- Kaby
Kaby relaxes under Sid's care, grudgingly accepting his support after a tough operation.
- Illy
Illy arrives shaken from an operation; the narrator shifts to care for him, noting his vulnerability and alien perspective.
- Erich von Hohenwald
Erich acts hurt at losing the narrator but quickly engages with a Ghostgirl, showing off his technique.
- Greta Forzane
The narrator reflects on her role as an Entertainer and decides to pump Illy for information despite Sid's orders.
- Bruce Marchant
Bruce is paired with Lili, and they are deeply engaged in conversation, not to be disturbed.
Key passages
“Whenever I take up a newspaper and read it, I fancy I see ghosts creeping between the lines.”
When I read a newspaper, I imagine ghosts hiding in the text.
Opening quote from Ibsen sets a haunting tone.
“What does a badly hurt and mixed-up creature need who’s been fighting hard? One individual to look out for him and feel for him and patch him up, and it helps if the one is of the opposite sex—that’s something that goes beyond species.”
A wounded soldier needs a single caring person to nurse them back to health, ideally of the opposite sex, a need that transcends species.
Defends the role of Entertainers as healers.
“Illy turned back from inspecting them all and squeaked, 'Animals with clothes are so refreshing, dahling! Like you’re all carrying banners!'”
Illy comments that clothed animals are refreshing, comparing them to people carrying banners.
Illy's alien perspective highlights cultural difference.