The Skylark of Space · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Skylark of Space by E. E. Smith.
Chapter 1
The Occurrence of the Impossible
Richard Seaton accidentally discovers a way to liberate intra-atomic energy from copper while electrolyzing a solution of the unknown metal 'X'. The copper steam-bath he was using flies off into space, defying known laws of physics. After hours of contemplation, Seaton realizes he has unlocked a nearly infinite power source and envisions using it to explore the solar system with his friend Martin Crane.
Chapter 2
Steel Becomes Interested
Dr. Marc DuQuesne learns of Richard Seaton's discovery of a new element that can liberate intra-atomic energy. He visits Brookings of the World Steel Corporation to propose stealing the solution and eliminating Seaton to secure a monopoly on the revolutionary power source. DuQuesne negotiates a high price for his involvement, threatening to increase it if delayed.
Chapter 3
III: Seaton Solves the Problem of Power
Seaton and Crane set up a laboratory in Crane's house, where Seaton works obsessively on harnessing a new power source. His neglect of Dorothy Vaneman prompts Crane to intervene, leading to a reconciliation. Dorothy's father, Vaneman, supports their relationship and helps Seaton rest. After a long sleep, Seaton returns to work refreshed.
Chapter 4
Steel Liberates Energy—Unexpectedly
Seaton and Crane demonstrate a model of their space-flyer to Dorothy and her father, who christen it the 'Skylark.' Meanwhile, a mysterious explosion destroys a mountain village, which DuQuesne and Brookings recognize as the result of a failed attempt to replicate Seaton's discovery. DuQuesne negotiates a lucrative contract with Brookings, and they plan to steal Seaton's solution and notes. Seaton reveals key findings about the power source, including its catalytic nature and repulsive properties.
Chapter 5
V: Direct Action
DuQuesne, disguised as Seaton, lands at Crane's field, kills two detectives, wounds Shiro, and robs the safe. Seaton and Crane return to find the carnage, tend to Shiro, and offer a million-dollar reward. They then develop the object-compass and test the X-plosive bullet, demonstrating its devastating power.
Chapter 6
VI: The Object-Compass at Work
Prescott, Seaton, and Crane discuss the mysterious burglary. Prescott is stumped, but Seaton suspects DuQuesne. Meanwhile, DuQuesne, Brookings, and Perkins plot to kidnap Dorothy Vaneman to force Seaton and Crane to surrender their secret solution, and also discuss the ongoing Margaret Spencer affair.
Chapter 7
VII: The Trial Voyage
Seaton and Crane discover that the steel forgings for their space-car are deliberately flawed by Steel. They secretly commission a larger, stronger vessel, the Skylark, built under the supervision of MacDougall. While constructing a decoy, they perfect the real ship's systems. The Skylark completes a successful trial voyage around the Moon, and the chapter ends with the triumphant return and inspection of the vessel.
Chapter 8
VIII: Indirect Action
Seaton and Crane prepare for an interstellar rescue mission after discovering that Dorothy Vaneman has been kidnapped by DuQuesne and taken far beyond the solar system. They struggle to acquire enough copper for power bars, eventually getting help from Wilson. Meanwhile, DuQuesne's ship accidentally accelerates to near-light speed due to Perkins' mishap, leaving Dorothy and another captive in grave danger.
Chapter 9
IX: Lost in Space
DuQuesne, Dorothy, Margaret, and Perkins are trapped in a powerless space-car falling toward a dead star. DuQuesne sacrifices all copper-containing objects to generate a repulsive force, but it is insufficient. Perkins goes insane and attacks DuQuesne, who kills him. Margaret faints, but Dorothy maintains her composure, trusting that Seaton will rescue them. DuQuesne, despite his villainy, shows a pragmatic desire for Seaton to continue his work if he himself dies. Dorothy secretly retrieves two pistols from Perkins' discarded suit. Margaret Spencer reveals her backstory of seeking revenge against Brookings for swindling her father.
Chapter 10
X: The Rescue
Seaton and Crane, using the Skylark and the object-compass, pursue DuQuesne's vessel across interstellar space to rescue Dorothy and Margaret. They discover a massive unknown world exerting immense gravitational pull, threatening all. After a tense power duel with DuQuesne, they manage to dock and transfer the women, then collaborate to escape the deadly gravity by rigging an automatic power feed.
Chapter 11
Through Space Into the Carboniferous
The Skylark crew lands on a strange planet with dense vegetation and a copper-bearing sun. After a near-fatal incident, they recover in zero gravity and resume their journey. Seaton and Crane consider using DuQuesne's expertise for astronomy observations despite concerns about his motives. Margaret Spencer joins the group, and she and Crane develop a close bond while taking astronomical notes. The chapter ends with a council of war discussing DuQuesne's role.
Chapter 12
XII: The Mastery of Mind Over Matter
After a terrifying encounter with a pure mental entity that materializes in their ship and threatens to dematerialize them, Seaton, Crane, and DuQuesne manage to disrupt its calculations through sheer mental effort, forcing it to retreat. The entity acknowledges their combined resistance and departs as they near the limits of its territory. Meanwhile, Crane and Margaret Spencer confess their love for each other, and the crew locates a copper-rich planet in a cluster of green suns, discovering a valuable supply of X metal.
Chapter 13
XIII: Nalboon of Mardonale
The Skylark crew encounters the aerial battle between Mardonalian battleships and monstrous flying creatures. After rescuing a decorated plane, they meet Nalboon, the Domak of Mardonale, who presents them with pale-skinned slaves. Seaton and Crane accept the slaves to prevent their execution. Nalboon agrees to provide copper, indicating a four-day journey to obtain it, and the fleet escorts the Skylark to the capital city.
Chapter 14
XIV: Nalboon Unmasked
Seaton awakens in the palace of Nalboon, where he and his party are treated as guests but are actually captives. Dunark reveals Nalboon's plan to kill them and recover the salt from their bodies, while warning them not to let any Mardonalian touch their hands with a wire. The group plans an escape to the Skylark during the second meal period. Seaton, accompanied by Dorothy, follows a slave to retrieve a stolen item, confronting and defeating an insolent guard officer.
Chapter 15
XV: The Escape from Mardonale
Seaton, Crane, Dorothy, Margaret, and their allies make a daring escape from Nalboon's palace, using a bluff and quick action to overcome guards. Meanwhile, Seaton and Dorothy, and Crane and Margaret, decide to marry on Osnome to ensure their safety and unity.
Chapter 16
An Osnomian Marriage
Seaton awakens on his wedding day, filled with joy. After a bracing cold bath, he joins Crane, Dorothy, and Margaret. Seaton explains Osnomian beliefs, which blend theology, evolution, and eugenics. The wedding ceremony is conducted by Karbix Tarnan, featuring simple vows followed by eternal vows with jeweled rings. The brides are dressed in magnificent Osnomian robes, and the celebration includes a royal feast and addresses from Kondalian nobles.
Chapter 17
Bird, Beast, or Fish?
Seaton and crew pursue a karlon, a creature that exhibits traits of bird, beast, and fish, diving deep into the ocean and burrowing underground. After a prolonged chase, they kill it with an X-plosive bullet. Later, they load platinum from Kondal's foundries, and Seaton plans to break the platinum jewelry market. The chapter also includes discussions about the faidon jewels and the marriage certificate of Seaton and Dorothy.
Chapter 18
The Invasion
The Skylark crew defends the city of Kondal from a massive Mardonalian invasion, employing innovative defenses against various attacks including shells, ultraviolet rays, infra-sound, and electrified weapons. After repelling the enemy, they bid farewell to Dunark and the Kondalian nobles, then depart Osnome, beginning their interstellar journey with a structured watch system.
Chapter 19
XIX: The Return to Earth
The Skylark returns to Earth after an uneventful voyage. DuQuesne examines the treasure given by Dunark, including radium and priceless gems, and plans to become a money power. As they approach Earth, the group discusses DuQuesne's fate, but he escapes via a parachute over the Panama Canal. The chapter ends with the Skylark landing at Crane Field, where Shiro greets them, and the couples reunite joyfully.
