# XV: Specimens explained — Triplanetary

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alien Otherness and Incomprehensibility

The Nevians' cold, analytical treatment of humans as specimens highlights the incomprehensible and alien perspective of a vastly different intelligence.

### Mental vs. Physical Power

Despite human physical and technological resistance, the Nevians' superior mental and scientific capabilities render the humans powerless.

## Character check-ins

### Conway Costigan

Attempts escape and resists capture; struggles against the Nevians' examinations; shows protective fury toward Clio.

### Clio Marsden

Endures the psychological torture of being studied; breaks down hysterically under the strain.

### Captain Bradley

Captured alongside Costigan and Clio; expresses frustration at being treated like a specimen.

### Captain Nerado

Nevian commander; treats the humans as specimens for study, coldly denying their freedom.

## Key lines

> The desire for freedom is perhaps common to all forms of animate life... As I told you before, however, you are specimens to be studied by the College of Science, and you shall be so studied in spite of anything you may do.

Nerado acknowledges the universal longing for freedom but insists the humans will be studied as specimens regardless of their resistance.

_Nerado's cold rationale for their captivity._

> First we're bugs under a microscope... then we're goldfish in a bowl.

Bradley laments their dehumanizing treatment, first as microscopic subjects and then as public spectacles.

_Bradley's frustration with their specimen status._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters/xv-specimens
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters