The Big Time · Chapter
VI: Crete Circa 1300 BC explained
Kaby reports a devastating defeat at Crete, where Greek ships aided by the Snakes destroyed the Cretan fleet.
What happens
Kaby reports a devastating defeat at Crete, where Greek ships aided by the Snakes destroyed the Cretan fleet. She describes a harrowing escape through a Door into an Express Room, the death of Benson-Carter, and the discovery that the Snakes may have found a way to attack the Spiders' Places from the Void. She reveals a secret mission from Benson-Carter involving a tactical atomic bomb and a plan for vengeance in northern Egypt, sparking Sid's outrage.
Themes in this chapter
War and Meaninglessness
The chapter depicts the brutal and chaotic nature of the Change War, with Kaby's report of defeat, death, and the Snakes' insidious tactics, highlighting the senseless violence.
Survival and Resilience
Kaby's escape from the sinking ships and the collapsing Express Room, along with her determination to carry out Benson-Carter's mission, exemplifies survival against overwhelming odds.
Reality and Illusion
The Snakes' disguise as Cretans and the unstable nature of the Void and Express Rooms blur the lines between reality and deception, questioning what is real.
Characters to notice
- Kaby
Delivers a poetic report of the defeat at Crete and the Snakes' attack on the Express Room, revealing a secret mission and a tactical atomic bomb.
- Sidney Lessingham
Reacts with fury to Kaby's report, rejecting the idea of being used for operations and questioning the bomb and instructions.
- Bruce Marchant
Whispers with Lili during Kaby's report, appearing calm and loving amidst the tension.
- Lili Foster
Holds hands with Bruce and beams gently, showing bravery through love.
- Illy
Nods and gestures to confirm Benson-Carter's instructions, but indicates he doesn't know much about them.
- Benson-Carter
Dies in the Express Room after touching the malfunctioning Maintainer, whispering secret mission instructions to Kaby.
Key passages
“Woe to Spider! Woe to Cretan! Heavy is the news I bring you. Bear it bravely, like strong women.”
Kaby announces bad news for both Spiders and Cretans, urging everyone to be brave.
Kaby uses poetic language to deliver her report of the defeat.
“We can’t say for sure what was it slowly squeezed that sweet Express Room, but we fear the dirty Snakes have found a way to find our Places and attack outside the cosmos!”
The Snakes may have discovered how to locate and attack the Spiders' safe rooms from outside the universe.
Reveals a new and terrifying threat to the Spiders' operations.
“It is nothing but a tiny tactical atomic bomb.”
The weapon in the bronze casket is a small atomic bomb for tactical use.
Kaby reveals the nature of the weapon Benson-Carter was transporting.