# Nevian Strife explained — Triplanetary

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alien Otherness and Incomprehensibility

The deep-sea fish are depicted as intelligent beings waging war with advanced weapons, highlighting the incomprehensible nature of alien life.

### Sacrifice for the Greater Good

Costigan's concern for Clio's safety and his willingness to forgo personal happiness for her well-being reflects personal sacrifice.

## Character check-ins

### Conway Costigan

Confesses his love to Clio, expresses concern for her safety, and later helps repair the lifeboat after escaping the Nevian conflict.

### Clio Marsden

Reciprocates Costigan's love, shows resilience despite sleeplessness, and participates in the escape from the Nevian battle.

### Captain Bradley

Sleeps soundly early in the chapter, later comments on the Nevian conflict and assists in repairing the lifeboat.

### Captain Nerado

Commands the Nevian spaceship, delivers allotropic iron to the Third City, and leads the attack against the deep-sea fish fortresses.

## Key lines

> You are wrong, Conway; all wrong. I know how you feel, but it’s false chivalry.

Clio tells Costigan that his protective attitude is misguided and based on a mistaken sense of honor.

_Clio challenges Costigan's chivalrous objections to their romance._

> I’ve got enough horsepower to keep away from you if you tell me to—not otherwise.

Costigan says he has the willpower to stay away from Clio if she asks, but not if she doesn't.

_Costigan expresses his self-control and respect for Clio's wishes._

> Fifty grams—and everybody knows that Samms himself is rated at only sixty? I knew that you were somebody, Conway!

Clio is impressed that Costigan's bounty is nearly as high as that of the famous Samms, confirming his importance.

_Clio learns of Costigan's high value as a target for pirates._

> What a barefaced liar!

Bradley accuses Costigan of lying about his swimming ability to appear helpless.

_Bradley sees through Costigan's deception to appear weak to the Nevians._

> We can rivet and weld those seams, and things could be a lot worse—we are still breathing air!

Costigan reassures Clio that despite the damage, they can repair the lifeboat and are fortunate to have breathable air.

_Costigan remains optimistic and practical after their escape._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters/xi-nevian-strife
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters