# Jack Kinnison — First Lensman character guide > Jack Kinnison in First Lensman by E. E. Smith. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** young Kinnison, вАШKillerвАЩ Kinnison, Jack, Kinnison, the lounging Kinnison, the elder Kinnison, Pops Kinnison, Battling Jack, Master Pilot John K. Kinnison, Mr. Kinnison, John K. Kinnison, John Kinnison **First appearance:** 0002-i ## Snapshot A veteran spaceman and unyielding bodyguard who has sworn to keep Virgil Samms covered, he argues every dangerous plan even as he helps execute it. ## Who they are Kinnison is the elder Kinnison of the Patrol's inner circle, a rough-edged operator whose loyalty to Samms is absolute and whose instinct is to shield rather than scheme. He fights Samms's riskier gambits—like the Olmstead substitution—with blunt protest, because he has promised the Universe he will keep his friend alive. His stubborn caution gives the Patrol's early operations their spine and their friction. ## Relationships ### [Virgil Samms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/virgil_samms) _professional_ Jack is Virgil's trusted right-hand man and protégé in the Galactic Patrol, sharing a deep mutual respect and loyalty. ### [Jill Samms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/jill_samms) _romantic_ Jack and Jill are deeply in love, with a romantic bond that grows throughout their adventures. ### [Mase Northrop](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/mase_northrop) _friendship_ Jack and Mase are close friends and fellow Lensmen, sharing camaraderie and trust in battle. ### [Senator Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/senator_morgan) _rivalry_ Jack is a direct adversary of Senator Morgan, often clashing with his corrupt schemes. ### [George Washington Jones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/george_washington_jones) _friendship_ George Washington Jones is a loyal friend and fellow Lensman who fights alongside Jack. ### [Alexander Clayton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/alexander_clayton) _friendship_ Alexander Clayton is a fellow Lensman and close friend of Jack, sharing adventures and dangers. ### [Virgil Samms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/virgil_samms) _professional_ Jack is Virgil's trusted right-hand man and protégé in the Galactic Patrol, sharing a deep mutual respect and loyalty. ### [Virgil Samms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/virgil_samms) _professional_ Jack is Virgil's trusted right-hand man and protégé in the Galactic Patrol, sharing a deep mutual respect and loyalty. ### [Jill Samms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/jill_samms) _romantic_ Jack and Jill are deeply in love, with a romantic bond that grows throughout their adventures. ### [Alexander Clayton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/alexander_clayton) _friendship_ Alexander Clayton is a fellow Lensman and close friend of Jack, sharing adventures and dangers. ### [Mase Northrop](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/mase_northrop) _friendship_ Jack and Mase are close friends and fellow Lensmen, sharing camaraderie and trust in battle. ### [Jill Samms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/jill_samms) _romantic_ Jack and Jill are deeply in love, with a romantic bond that grows throughout their adventures. ## In the story ### [First Lensman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/first-lensman) Appears as a key ally and early Lensman, involved in critical missions. ### [Chapter II: The Arisian Solution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/ii) Plays mixed-doubles tennis with Jill Samms; intensely competitive. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as one of the capable helpers Samms will have. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/vi) Exchanges weapons per Kinnison's orders; has a strained mental interaction with Jill. ### [Chapter XI: The Zabriskan Relay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/xi) Co-commander of the scout-ship NA774J; discovers the Zabriskan system and identifies the relay planet. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/xii) Assigned with Mase Northrop to take the lead pirate ship. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/xv) Interrogates Hazel and Jane, decodes their message, and later picks up a woman named Bee Bailey at the spaceport as part of a diversion. ### [The Bennettan Arsenal and the Shadowing of Ossmen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/xvii) Offers tactical insights during the surveillance, recalling his encounter with Hazel DeForce. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/xviii) Debates the timing of the Grand Rally with Costigan; expresses concern about security and calls for reinforcements. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/chapters/xx) Arrives at the Cosmocrat headquarters with Dimples Maynard. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters/jack_kinnison - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/first_lensman_se/characters