# Roger Carries On explained — Triplanetary

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

## What happens

Gray Roger escapes the destruction of his planetoid by the Nevians, taking a select group of scientists and machinery in a small section. He lands on a hostile, cold world with monstrous flora and fauna, seeking to rebuild. Meanwhile, the Arisians and Eddorians hold councils about the cosmic conflict, and the Boise searches for the Nevians.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hidden Manipulation of History

Roger's secret escape and long-term planning, along with the Eddorian and Arisian councils, highlight hidden manipulation of events.

### Sacrifice for the Greater Good

The Eddorians and Arisians discuss sacrificing lower echelons and allowing suffering for a greater cosmic plan.

### Alien Otherness and Incomprehensibility

The monstrous, repulsive life on the new planet and the Nevians' incomprehensible power illustrate alien otherness.

## Character check-ins

### Roger

Gray Roger escapes the planetoid's destruction, leading a select group of scientists to a new world to continue his plans.

### Nishimura

Bland and heartless Nishimura dismisses concern for those left behind, focusing on survival.

### Chatelier

Amorous Chatelier is hushed by Hartkopf for lamenting the loss of women left behind.

### Mirsky

Russian physicist Mirsky questions the escape's feasibility, but Roger reveals hidden knowledge.

### Fred Rodebush

Rodebush is mentioned as part of the Boise crew observing the aftermath of Roger's planetoid.

### Lyman Cleveland

Cleveland notes the native life destroying the planetoid, then focuses on tracking the Nevians.

## Key lines

> “The echelon immediately below us of Eddore, however⁠—and incidentally, it is my thought that the Ploorans will best serve as our immediate underlings⁠—must never, under any conditions, allow any hint of any of its real business to become known either to any member of any lower echelon or to any adherent of Civilization.”

The Eddorian leader insists that the Ploorans, as their direct subordinates, must keep their true activities secret from all lower ranks and from Civilization, on pain of death.

_Highlights the Eddorian strategy of secrecy and control._

> “Young civilizations advance only by overcoming obstacles. Each obstacle surmounted, each step of progress made, carries its suffering as well as its reward.”

The Arisian Elder explains that civilizations must face challenges and suffering to grow, as direct intervention would prevent the development needed to defeat the Eddorians.

_Reflects the Arisian philosophy of non-interference for long-term progress._

> “Our power was, and is, very definitely limited. True, it then seemed ample for our needs, and is far superior to that possessed by the inhabitants of any solar system with which I am familiar; but the beings behind that red screen, whoever they are, have sources of power as far above ours as ours are above those of the Solarians.”

Roger tells Mirsky that their power, though vast by Solarian standards, is dwarfed by the Nevians' capabilities.

_Emphasizes the relative weakness of even advanced civilizations against the Nevians._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters/xvii-roger-carries-on
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters