# The Compact explained — The Master Mind of Mars

> Chapter companion for The Master Mind of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

The narrator continues his surgical training under Ras Thavas, eventually performing a full brain transplant. Ras Thavas reveals he trusts the narrator because he cannot read his mind, and proposes a compact: the narrator will transfer Thavas's brain to a new body in exchange for immortality. The narrator demands that Thavas restore Valla Dia's original body as payment. Thavas reluctantly agrees, and the narrator initiates the brain transfer procedure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Body Transfer

The narrator performs a brain transplant, and the compact revolves around transferring Ras Thavas's consciousness to a new body.

### Ethics of Science

Ras Thavas's utilitarian view of science clashes with the narrator's sentimentality, especially regarding Valla Dia's restoration.

### Love and Sacrifice

The narrator's demand to restore Valla Dia's body demonstrates his growing affection and willingness to risk Thavas's wrath.

## Character check-ins

### Ras Thavas

Trains the narrator in surgery, proposes the compact for brain transfer, and agrees to restore Valla Dia's body.

### Valla Dia

Confides in the narrator about her longing for her original body and her home Duhor; she is the princess of Duhor.

### Kor San

Mentioned as the Jeddak of Duhor and father of Valla Dia.

### Jal Had

Prince of Amhor who attacked Duhor to capture Valla Dia.

## Key lines

> I could not have done better myself.

Ras Thavas praised the narrator's surgical skill after a successful brain transplant.

_Highlights Thavas's rare emotional display and the narrator's mastery._

> If you promise what I ask, you shall be restored with a new and beautiful body; if you refuse you shall lie here in the semblance of death forever.

The narrator threatens to leave Thavas in a deathlike state unless he agrees to restore Valla Dia's original body.

_Key moment of the compact, showing the narrator's leverage and moral stance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_master_mind_of_mars_se/chapters/iv-the-compact
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_master_mind_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_master_mind_of_mars_se/chapters