The Cosmic Computer · Chapter
II explained
Conn Maxwell returns to Litchfield and meets with his father's associates in Kurt Fawzi's office.
What happens
Conn Maxwell returns to Litchfield and meets with his father's associates in Kurt Fawzi's office. He reveals that despite extensive research, he found no evidence of the giant strategic computer called Merlin. The group, initially hopeful, reacts with shock and denial, but Conn proposes building a hypership to search for Merlin on Koshchei, sparking debate about funding and the need for a ship.
Themes in this chapter
Myth vs. Reality
Conn's revelation that Merlin does not exist clashes with the group's deeply held belief in the computer, highlighting the tension between myth and reality.
Deception and Leadership
Conn must carefully manage the truth to maintain the group's hope and propose a new plan, reflecting the theme of deception in leadership.
Economic Decline and Revival
The group's discussion of funding and the need for economic revival through a hypership project underscores the theme of economic decline and revival.
Characters to notice
- Conn Maxwell
Returns home and delivers the disappointing news that he found no evidence of Merlin, then proposes building a hypership.
- Rodney Maxwell
Conn's father, who observes the meeting and decides to leave early with Conn for fresh air and dinner.
- Kurt Fawzi
Hosts the meeting in his office, toasts Conn's return, and is incredulous at Conn's findings.
- Judge Ledue
Insists Merlin is on Poictesme and suggests seeking help from the Planetary Government.
- Colonel Klem Zareff
A planter who argues about the War and security, and is indignant at suggestions of space attack.
- Professor Dolf Kellton
An old professor who is emotionally moved by Conn's offer from the University of Montevideo.
Key passages
“I could find nothing, not one single word, about any giant strategic planning computer called Merlin, or any Merlin Project.”
Conn states that his research turned up no evidence of the Merlin computer.
This is the pivotal moment where Conn reveals the truth to the group.
“Then we will build a hypership. On Koshchei there are shipyards and hyperdrive engines and everything we will need.”
Conn proposes constructing a hypership using resources on Koshchei.
Conn shifts the group's focus from finding Merlin to building a ship to search for it.