# Giants Meet explained — Triplanetary

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alien Otherness and Incomprehensibility

The Nevians are described as monstrous to humans and vice versa, yet both races find common ground through respect and negotiation.

### Sacrifice for the Greater Good

The treaty balances past destruction (Pittsburgh vs. Nevian city) for the sake of lasting peace and mutual benefit.

## Character check-ins

### Conway Costigan

Sends a distress call from the speedster, later advises caution against Nevian strength and recognizes Nerado's stalling tactics.

### Clio Marsden

Aboard the speedster with Costigan; expresses lingering distrust of the Nevians despite the treaty.

### Captain Bradley

Mentioned as being with Costigan and Clio on the speedster.

### Fred Rodebush

Pilots the Boise, coordinates rescue, and engages in battle with Nerado's ship.

### Lyman Cleveland

Assists in navigation and calculations; helps negotiate the treaty and strategizes against the Nevians.

### Captain Nerado

Leads the Nevian vessel, signs the treaty, and stalls for time to strengthen Nevia's defenses.

## Key lines

> Check your blast, Fred, I think that I hear something trying to come through!

Cleveland tells Rodebush to cut power because he detects a faint signal.

_Opens the chapter with the discovery of Costigan's distress call._

> Thus was signed the Triplanetario-Nevian Treaty of Eternal Peace.

The first interstellar treaty is established between humans and Nevians.

_Highlights the diplomatic resolution after conflict._

> I know those freaks better than you do. Believe me, Fritz, they've got what it takes.

Costigan warns Rodebush that the Nevians are formidable opponents.

_Shows Costigan's respect for Nevian capabilities based on prior experience._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters/xix-giants-meet
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters