The Black Star Passes · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Black Star Passes by John W. Campbell.
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Chapter 1
The Black Star Passes
The chapter details the aftermath of the great space battle and the Nigran retreat, followed by an epilogue that reflects on the consequences and the future.
Chapter 2
Book I: Piracy Preferred
The chapter introduces the mysterious attack on an airliner, which leads to the investigation by Robert Arcot and President Arthur Morey. They uncover the pirate's method through film evidence and begin designing the Solarite, a molecular motion ship, to combat the threat.
Chapter 3
Prologue
Tordos Gar recounts the vast history of his race, from its origins under a dying red sun through ages of war, scientific progress, and eventual stagnation. He describes how the race learned to manipulate matter and energy, roofed their worlds, and entered a peaceful but complacent era. Taj Lamor, a younger leader, has rediscovered ancient knowledge and identified a young yellow star approaching their system. He has spearheaded a movement to prepare for migration, building spaceships and seeking weapons, despite resistance from those content with their static existence. The prologue ends with Lamor dismissing the Elder's warnings as he prepares to lead an expedition to the new star.
Chapter 4
I
Arcot, Morey, and Wade are summoned to investigate a crashed alien spaceship in Canada. They explore the wreck, discovering its immense scale, advanced technology, and the bodies of the alien crew. They collect a sample of an indestructible glass-like material and return to base.
Chapter 5
II
Arcot, Morey, and Wade, accompanied by Lieutenants Wright and Greer, investigate a nearly intact Kaxorian dreadnought that has crash-landed. They explore its engine room, encountering and neutralizing surviving alien crew members. The team discovers the ship's massive power systems, including a mysterious central platform with silver cubes and a highly reflective material, suggesting an advanced energy source.
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