# V: Sid Insists on Ghostgirls explained — The Big Time

> Chapter companion for The Big Time by Fritz Leiber.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/v-sid-insists-on-ghostgirls
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_time_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters