lensman-material-scarcity
The rarity of individuals qualified to be Lensmen across various solar systems, highlighting the difficulty in recruiting suitable candidates.
1 chapter across 1 book
First Lensman (1950)E. E. "Doc" Smith
In Chapter 4 of 'First Lensman,' Kinnison and Samms confront the scarcity of qualified Lensmen, including the potential of non-human candidates like the Palainians, while navigating the political and operational complexities of establishing the Galactic Patrol. Samms uses telepathic communication to coordinate investigations into political and drug-related issues, then rejects a lucrative but ethically questionable offer from Interstellar Spaceways to monopolize interstellar transport. The chapter concludes with Samms preparing to depart aboard the warship Chicago, highlighting the advanced technology and the ongoing struggle against monopolistic control in interstellar commerce.