# The Super-Ship Is Launched explained — Triplanetary

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sacrifice for the Greater Good

Rodebush and Cleveland risk their lives to test the super-ship, prioritizing scientific progress over personal safety.

### Hidden Manipulation of History

Senator Morgan's political maneuvering and the Nevian attack suggest unseen forces shaping events.

## Character check-ins

### Fred Rodebush

Co-designer and pilot of the Boise; insists on flying alone despite risks.

### Lyman Cleveland

Co-designer and observer aboard the Boise; supports Rodebush's decision.

### Virgil Samms

Head of Triplanetary; reluctantly allows the solo flight and later deals with Senator Morgan and the Nevian attack.

### Senator Morgan

Politician challenging Triplanetary's authority; confronts Samms about alleged abuses.

### Captain Ralph Kinnison

Commissioner of Public Safety; reports the Nevian attack and coordinates the emergency response.

## Key lines

> You say that you think that it’s safe, and yet you won’t take a crew. In that case it isn’t safe enough for you two, either. We need you too badly to permit you to take such chances.

Samms argues that if the ship is too dangerous for a crew, it's too dangerous for Rodebush and Cleveland as well, emphasizing their value to Triplanetary.

_Highlights the tension between caution and the necessity of testing new technology._

> I said, and I still say, that I think it is safe. I can’t prove it, however, even mathematically; because she’s altogether too full of too many new and untried mechanisms, too many extrapolations beyond all existing or possible data.

Rodebush admits the ship's safety is uncertain due to untested theories, but he believes it's worth the risk.

_Illustrates the theme of scientific risk-taking and the limits of theoretical knowledge._

> The city is being attacked! We need all the reinforcements you can send us!

An urgent call reports a Nevian assault on Pittsburgh, demanding immediate military aid.

_Sets up the escalating conflict with the Nevians._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters/xiv-the-super-ship-is-launched
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters