Triplanetary · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Triplanetary by E. E. Smith.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The book is dedicated to Rod.
Chapter 2
Triplanetary
The chapter introduces the cosmic conflict between the Arisians and Eddorians, detailing the Arisians' plan to guide evolution across the universe to create a force capable of opposing the Eddorians. It covers the rise and fall of civilizations on Earth, including Atlantis, and the manipulation of human history through key figures and events, setting the stage for the Lens series.
Chapter 3
Book I: Dawn
The chapter introduces the cosmic conflict between the Arisians and Eddorians, detailing the Arisians' guided evolution of humanity and the hidden manipulation of history. It covers the rise and fall of Atlantis, the Roman Empire under Nero, and the emergence of key human figures like Conway Costigan and Captain Ralph Kinnison, setting the stage for humanity's role in the galactic struggle.
Chapter 4
I: Arisia and Eddore
The chapter introduces the cosmic conflict between two ancient races, Arisia and Eddore, during the collision of two galaxies. The Arisians, humanoid and mentally advanced, encounter the Eddorians, a ruthless, power-driven race from an alien space. The Arisians, led by the Elders, choose to hide their existence from the Eddorians to buy time, planning to eventually breed a new race capable of defeating them. The chapter sets up the long-term struggle for control of civilization across the galaxies.
Chapter 5
The Fall of Atlantis
The Eddorian Innermost Circle, led by the All-Highest, reviews the Great Plan and identifies four problematic planets in the other galaxy, including Sol III (Earth). Gharlane, as Master Number Two, is assigned to take control of Sol III and three other worlds. Meanwhile, the Arisian Elder Thinkers discuss their long-term strategy to develop a race capable of opposing the Eddorians through mental force, emphasizing the need for secrecy. On Atlantis, a council of statesmen debates the global crisis fueled by atomic energy, political factions, and international tensions, with some advocating for a preemptive strike against rival nations.
Chapter 6
Eddore
The All-Highest of Eddore commends Gharlane for his work on Earth, particularly the destruction of Atlantis and the manipulation of Rome. Gharlane expresses frustration with the constant attention required by short-lived races and begins to suspect that the difficulties on his four planets are not due to chance but to interference from within the Eddorian Inner Circle. The All-Highest warns him against accusations, but Gharlane insists he will determine the truth and act. Their suspicion and arrogance prevent them from deducing Arisia's involvement, allowing the Galactic Patrol to eventually emerge.
Chapter 7
II: Arisia
The Arisian Watchman Eukonidor, still youthful despite the ages, discusses with Drounli the inevitable fall of Rome. Drounli explains that Nero, who is actually Gharlane of Eddore, must be allowed to act freely, as any interference would reveal Arisian powers and jeopardize the ultimate triumph of Civilization. The conference ends on a somber note, with Eukonidor lamenting the necessity of such suffering.
Chapter 8
Atlantis
Faros Ariponides convenes a secret meeting with his top advisors—Psychologist Talmonides, Statesman Cleto, Minister Philamon, Minister Marxes, and Officer Artomenes—to discuss the global crisis of unrest and suspicion threatening Atlantis and world civilization. Despite internal doubts about loyalty, they agree on a risky diplomatic mission. Captain Phryges is selected for a covert operation, and after a tense farewell with Ariponides and Artomenes, he embarks in a specially prepared aircraft, bailing out in a radar-invisible ball over Norheiman territory.
Chapter 9
III: The Fall of Rome
The chapter opens with an Eddorian conversation between the All-Highest and Gharlane, who discusses his manipulation of Rome through figures like Mithradates, Sulla, and Marius, and his plan for Nero to destroy the republic. In Arisia, Eukonidor and Drounli lament the necessity of Rome's fall, constrained by the need to avoid revealing their powers. In Rome, gladiators Patroclus and Livius plot a rebellion against Nero, with allies at court and a plan to assassinate him during a torch-lit spectacle, though their hope is tempered by the Eddorian's pervasive control.
Chapter 10
Eddore
The All-Highest of Eddore commends Gharlane for his work on Earth, particularly the destruction of Atlantis and the manipulation of Rome. Gharlane expresses frustration with the constant attention required by short-lived races and begins to suspect that the difficulties on his four planets are not due to chance but to interference from within the Eddorian Inner Circle. The All-Highest warns him against accusations, but Gharlane insists he will determine the truth and act. Their suspicion and arrogance prevent them from deducing Arisia's involvement, allowing the Galactic Patrol to eventually emerge.
Chapter 11
II: Arisia
The Arisian Watchman Eukonidor, still youthful despite the ages, discusses with Drounli the inevitable fall of Rome. Drounli explains that Nero, who is actually Gharlane of Eddore, must be allowed to act freely, as any interference would reveal Arisian powers and jeopardize the ultimate triumph of Civilization. The conference ends on a somber note, with Eukonidor lamenting the necessity of such suffering.
Chapter 12
Rome
In Nero's Rome, gladiator Patroclus conspires with Livius and others to assassinate Nero, but their plot fails due to Nero's Eddorian powers. Patroclus is killed in the arena, and the Arisian Elders allow Rome to fall as part of their genetic program.
Chapter 13
Book II: The World War
The chapter covers the onset and progression of World War I, focusing on the experiences of Captain Ralph Kinnison and the early involvement of the Triplanetary Service. It details the strategic maneuvers, the use of new technologies like the 'negasphere' and atomic bombs, and the broader cosmic conflict between the Arisians and Eddorians, who manipulate human events from behind the scenes.
Chapter 14
1918
Captain Ralph Kinnison, an American pilot in World War I, is shot down behind enemy lines but escapes to friendly territory. After delivering a critical message to General Weatherby, he is severely wounded by artillery fire and undergoes a grueling recovery in military hospitals, ultimately surviving but being permanently removed from combat.
Chapter 15
1941
The chapter opens on December 7, 1941, with Ralph and Eunice Kinnison learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Ralph, a fifty-one-year-old veteran and Ph.D. in organic chemistry, is rejected for military service due to age but takes a job at the Entwhistle Ordnance Plant. He builds a loyal team of young workers called 'Siberians' and is promoted to Chief Chemist. After a fatal accident kills his friend Fred Hinton, Ralph uncovers a defective firing pin and later exposes a scheme by President Black to sell substandard munitions. He is fired but leaves with dignity.
Chapter 16
VI: 19—?
The chapter depicts the climax of a devastating global war, focusing on Theodore Kinnison's heroic actions as a Techno aboard the CR10685. Despite his skill and bravery, he is killed by an atomic missile. Gharlane of Eddore surveys the ruined Earth, satisfied with his work, while on Arisia, the Arisians decide to begin open warfare against the Eddorians, planning to use the Nevians as a tool and to manipulate Gharlane's actions for Civilization's eventual good. The chapter ends with the aftermath of war and the beginning of reconstruction.
Chapter 17
Book III: Triplanetary
The chapter introduces the Triplanetary League and its struggle against the pirate threat, focusing on the early career of Conway Costigan and his involvement with the space service.
Chapter 18
VII: Pirates of Space
The Interplanetary liner Hyperion, under Captain Bradley, is attacked by a powerful pirate vessel. Despite advanced defenses, the pirates disable the ship and board it. First Officer Conway Costigan, Captain Bradley, and passenger Clio Marsden are captured and brought before the pirate leader, Roger, who reveals his ruthless nature and plans for them.
Chapter 19
In Roger's Planetoid
Costigan, Bradley, and Clio Marsden escape from Roger's planetoid after sabotaging its gravity generators and engaging in a weightless combat with Roger, who is revealed to be controlled by Gharlane of Eddore. They flee in an emergency boat, but are drawn into a mysterious red veil, where Costigan becomes paralyzed.
Chapter 20
Fleet Against Planetoid
The Triplanetary League's heavy cruiser Chicago responds to the distress call of the Hyperion, which has been gassed with Vee-Two. A secret Service operative, Cleve, reveals himself to the captain using a golden meteor badge and begins using a new communicator beam to locate the invisible pirate base. The fleet mobilizes into a war-cone formation and engages Roger's pirate fleet in a massive space battle. Despite the pirates' superior individual power, the Triplanetary forces use ultra-wave-controlled atomic torpedoes to destroy enemy ships, discovering that the vessels are unmanned robots controlled from the planetoid. As the fleet closes in on the pirate stronghold, a powerful Nevian vessel arrives, seeking a precious substance and threatening both sides.
Chapter 21
X: Within the Red Veil
Gharlane (as Roger) probes his own suppressed memories of an ancient Arisian contact, while the Nevian cruiser under Nerado destroys his planetoid and captures the Terrestrials Costigan, Clio, and Bradley. The Nevians, interested only in iron, leave one ship intact. The captives are studied by the Nevians, who find them repulsive, and vice versa. Costigan reports to Samms via ultra-wave before being jammed, and the prisoners are taken toward Nevia.
Chapter 22
Nevian Strife
Costigan and Clio confess their love for each other aboard the Nevian spaceship. The vessel arrives at the besieged Third City, where the Nevians are under attack from deep-sea fish in armored fortresses. Nerado delivers allotropic iron to aid the defenders, but the Terrestrials escape in a lifeboat after being damaged. They repair their craft while discussing the conflict between the Nevians and the deep-sea fish.
Chapter 23
Worm, Submarine, and Freedom
Costigan, Bradley, and Clio repair their stolen Nevian lifeboat and attempt to escape Nevia. They are attacked by a giant worm-like creature, which Costigan kills by boiling it alive. The commotion attracts a submarine cruiser of hostile fish-like beings, which engages them in battle. Nerado's spaceship intervenes, allowing the lifeboat to escape into space. The trio prepares for pursuit by modifying their suits with Nevian technology.
Chapter 24
The Hill
The heavy cruiser Chicago observes the destruction of Roger's planetoid and the Triplanetary fleet from a distance. Lyman Cleveland records the battle with his ultracameras, but finds the aftermath baffling: all spacesuited figures are dead, their equipment strangely disintegrated. The Chicago salvages wreckage and returns to Tellus, where Cleveland and Rodebush analyze the data with Samms. They discuss the Nevians' ability to transform iron into a fluid allotrope and use its atomic energy, leading to plans for new screens and a rebuilt super-ship. Samms also deals with grim Patrol business, ordering the execution of gangsters from the Endymion to prevent an uprising.
Chapter 25
The Super-Ship Is Launched
After weeks of preparation, the super-ship Boise is launched on its maiden flight with only Rodebush and Cleveland aboard, despite Samms' concerns. The launch causes a massive explosion and disappearance of the vessel, leaving Samms to fear the worst. Meanwhile, Senator Morgan confronts Samms about Triplanetary's activities, and a Nevian attack on Pittsburgh is reported, prompting an emergency response.
Chapter 26
XV: Specimens
After their failed escape attempt, Costigan, Bradley, and Clio are recaptured by Nerado and taken to Nevia, where they are subjected to dehumanizing scientific examinations as mere specimens. Despite their resistance, they are studied relentlessly until Clio breaks down, prompting a brief respite in a transparent floating prison. Their captivity underscores their powerlessness against the Nevians.
Chapter 27
Super-Ship in Action
Doctor Frederick Rodebush and Lyman Cleveland test Triplanetary's new inertialess super-ship, enduring severe vertigo during their first jump. They find themselves two light-years from Earth and confirm that only four hours have passed, not years. After successful trials, they receive an urgent call from Virgil Samms to return to Pittsburgh, which is under attack by a Nevian vessel. They race back, but upon arrival they discover the ship is damaged and must land on a strange planet for repairs. After repairs, Rodebush detects Roger's presence rebuilding his planetoid.
Chapter 28
Roger Carries On
Gray Roger escapes the destruction of his planetoid by the Nevians, taking a select group of scientists and machinery in a small section. He lands on a hostile, cold world with monstrous flora and fauna, seeking to rebuild. Meanwhile, the Arisians and Eddorians hold councils about the cosmic conflict, and the Boise searches for the Nevians.
Chapter 29
XVIII: The Specimens Escape
Costigan, Clio, and Bradley are held captive in separate Nevian cities. Feigning a hunger strike, Costigan secures a laboratory, secretly manufactures Vee-Two poison gas, and escapes his prison, gassing the city. He steals a Nevian space-speedster and rescues Clio and Bradley. They flee toward Earth but are pursued by Nerado's cruiser and another Nevian vessel returning from the Solar System.
Chapter 30
Giants Meet
The Triplanetary super-ship Boise, under Rodebush and Cleveland, intercepts Costigan's distress call from deep space. After a near miss due to extreme velocity, they locate the speedster carrying Costigan, Clio Marsden, and Captain Bradley, who are being pursued by Nevian ships. The Boise escorts them to Nevia, where a treaty of peace and commerce is negotiated between humans and Nevians. However, Nerado's vessel proves too powerful to defeat in battle, and the Boise retreats to Nevia's home city, where they face a new defensive dome and explosive fireballs, prompting a strategic decision to strike before the Nevians are fully prepared.
