# Atlantis explained — Triplanetary

> Chapter companion for Triplanetary by E. E. Smith.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hidden Manipulation of History

The meeting reveals a carefully orchestrated global crisis, with hints of covert coordination between Norheim and Uighar, and the need for secret missions to counteract hidden forces.

### Sacrifice for the Greater Good

Captain Phryges accepts a dangerous mission to prevent the destruction of civilization, embodying personal sacrifice for the survival of Atlantis and the world.

## Character check-ins

### Atlantis Ariponides

Faros of Atlantis, hosts the secret meeting and interviews Captain Phryges before his mission.

### Psychologist Talmonides

Presents data from the integrator showing the crisis is accelerating; certifies the loyalty of the group.

### Statesman Cleto

Participates in the meeting and offers his perspective on the global situation.

### Minister Marxes

Attends the meeting and makes a cutting remark about Artomenes.

### Artomenes

Officer who advocates for a preemptive strike and presents Captain Phryges to the Faros.

### Captain Phryges

Selected for the covert mission; receives a personal farewell from the Faros and embarks in a special aircraft.

## Key lines

> While everything in my being rebels against an unprovoked and unannounced assault, we may be compelled to choose between our Officer’s plan of campaign and the destruction of Civilization.

Ariponides expresses his deep reluctance to launch a surprise attack, but acknowledges that it may be the only alternative to total societal collapse.

_Highlights the moral dilemma between pacifism and necessary action to preserve civilization._

> The situation is deteriorating faster and faster. The conclusion is unavoidable—you can see yourselves that this summation line is fast approaching unity—that the outbreaks will become uncontrollable in approximately eight days.

Talmonides warns that the global crisis is accelerating and will reach a point of no return within about a week.

_Establishes the urgent timeline driving the chapter's decisions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters/iii-atlantis
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters