The Cosmic Computer · Chapter
The Assault on Barathrum explained
Conn and the expedition arrive at the volcanic spaceport on Barathrum, only to find it occupied by hostile forces who launch a missile attack.
What happens
Conn and the expedition arrive at the volcanic spaceport on Barathrum, only to find it occupied by hostile forces who launch a missile attack. After a chaotic retreat and regrouping, they assess the situation and plan their next move, with Conn contemplating a risky tunnel approach.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it shifts the narrative from survival (the "nightmare" voyage)…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Leadership
Colonel Zareff asserts the outlaws are responsible for coastal raids, justifying the attack, while Conn questions the legality and morality of their actions.
- Technology and Humanity
The reliance on missile systems, counter-missiles, and nuclear weapons underscores the intersection of advanced technology with human conflict and loss.
Characters to notice
- Conn Maxwell
Leads the expedition, observes the attack, and studies the spaceport plans, considering a dangerous tunnel entry.
- Fred Karski
Pilots the Goblin, issues combat alerts, and coordinates defensive maneuvers.
- Rodney Maxwell
Communicates from the Lester Dawes, expresses concern about damaging the spaceport, and is placed in command.
- Colonel Klem Zareff
Directs operations from Force Command, advises caution, and later arrives with reinforcements.
- Stefan Jorisson
Commands the Dragon, reports casualties, and launches a nuclear missile to counter the enemy.
- Charley Gatworth
Commands the Vampire, participates in the withdrawal and counter-missile deployment.
Key passages
“Barathrum was a grim land, naked black and gray. Spines and crags of bare rock jutted up, lava-flows like black glaciers twisting among them.”
Barathrum is a desolate, volcanic landscape of black rock and lava formations.
Sets the scene for the hostile environment.
“Somebody had beaten them to the spaceport. That would be one of the new companies formed after the opening of Force Command.”
They discover the spaceport is already occupied, likely by a new prospecting company.
Reveals the unexpected occupation.
“They fired on us without warning. They killed Milt, and it's ten to one Abe won't live either. We owe them something for that.”
The outlaws attacked first, causing casualties, and the group seeks retribution.
Justifies the retaliatory stance.
