# IX explained — The Defiant Agents

> Chapter companion for The Defiant Agents by Andre Norton.

## What happens

Travis leads Menlik, Hulagur, and Kaydessa to a meeting with the Apache clan, using mirror signals to communicate. The two groups meet in a canyon, where Travis explains the threat of the Reds and their machines. Deklay expresses distrust, but Buck supports Travis. Later, Menlik draws a figure resembling the alien from the derelict spaceship, suggesting the Baldies may still be on Topaz.

## Themes in this chapter

### Technology vs. Tradition

Deklay criticizes Travis's focus on machines, while Buck counters that a machine brought them to Topaz, highlighting the tension between traditional ways and technological reality.

### Alien Environments and Adaptation

The harsh heat of the canyon and the mysterious valley with its alien towers underscore the challenges of adapting to Topaz, including potential remnants of the Baldies.

### Leadership and Community

Travis navigates the divided Apache council, balancing the distrust of Deklay with the support of Buck, while managing the Tatar delegation.

## Character check-ins

### Travis Fox

Leads the Tatars to meet the Apache delegation, uses mirror signals, and discusses the alien threat.

### Menlik

Rides with Travis, observes the mirror signaling, and later draws a figure of the alien Baldies, expressing concern about the valley's power.

### Kaydessa

Accompanies Travis and the Tatars, initially fears a trap when Apaches appear, but is calmed by Travis.

### Hulagur

Rides with the group, hand on sword hilt, wary of the Apache scouts.

### Buck

Leads the Apache delegation, stands with arms folded, and supports Travis's position.

### Deklay

Expresses distrust and antagonism toward the Tatars and Travis's reliance on machines.

## Key lines

> “What have we to do with these people?”

Deklay questions why the Apaches should involve themselves with the Tatars.

_Reflects Deklay's isolationist stance and distrust of outsiders._

> “It was a machine which brought you here,” Buck observed.

Buck reminds Deklay that technology is the reason they are on Topaz.

_Highlights the theme of technology vs. tradition._

> “A thing good and to be remembered. We have the drum, but that is for the ears of all with hearing. This is for the eyes only of those on watch for it. Yes, a good thing.”

Menlik praises the mirror signaling as a discreet communication method compared to drums.

_Shows Menlik's openness to learning from Apache techniques._

> “He came into my mind when I walked the valley. I thought I could almost see such a face in one of the tower windows, but of that I am not sure. Who is it?”

Menlik describes sensing an alien presence in the valley and drawing its likeness.

_Foreshadows the potential threat of the Baldies on Topaz._

## Links

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