# The Assault on Barathrum explained — The Cosmic Computer

> Chapter companion for The Cosmic Computer by H. Beam Piper.

## What happens

Conn and the expedition arrive at the volcanic spaceport on Barathrum, only to find it occupied by hostile forces who launch a missile attack. After a chaotic retreat and regrouping, they assess the situation and plan their next move, with Conn contemplating a risky tunnel approach.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Leadership

Colonel Zareff asserts the outlaws are responsible for coastal raids, justifying the attack, while Conn questions the legality and morality of their actions.

### Technology and Humanity

The reliance on missile systems, counter-missiles, and nuclear weapons underscores the intersection of advanced technology with human conflict and loss.

## Character check-ins

### Conn Maxwell

Leads the expedition, observes the attack, and studies the spaceport plans, considering a dangerous tunnel entry.

### Fred Karski

Pilots the Goblin, issues combat alerts, and coordinates defensive maneuvers.

### Rodney Maxwell

Communicates from the Lester Dawes, expresses concern about damaging the spaceport, and is placed in command.

### Colonel Klem Zareff

Directs operations from Force Command, advises caution, and later arrives with reinforcements.

### Stefan Jorisson

Commands the Dragon, reports casualties, and launches a nuclear missile to counter the enemy.

### Charley Gatworth

Commands the Vampire, participates in the withdrawal and counter-missile deployment.

## Key lines

> Barathrum was a grim land, naked black and gray. Spines and crags of bare rock jutted up, lava-flows like black glaciers twisting among them.

Barathrum is a desolate, volcanic landscape of black rock and lava formations.

_Sets the scene for the hostile environment._

> Somebody had beaten them to the spaceport. That would be one of the new companies formed after the opening of Force Command.

They discover the spaceport is already occupied, likely by a new prospecting company.

_Reveals the unexpected occupation._

> They fired on us without warning. They killed Milt, and it's ten to one Abe won't live either. We owe them something for that.

The outlaws attacked first, causing casualties, and the group seeks retribution.

_Justifies the retaliatory stance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters