selective-empowerment

Virgil Samms is telepathically summoned by Mentor, a vast disembodied Arisian intelligence, and receives the powerful and selective Lens of Arisia, which amplifies inherent mental abilities but imposes a heavy ethical and mental burden. Mentor explains the responsibilities of wearing the Lens, emphasizing the promotion of freedom compatible with public welfare rather than absolute good versus evil, and demonstrates cosmic visualization by predicting future events. Upon returning, Samms and his colleagues discuss the readiness of candidates for the Galactic Patrol, including the gender-based challenges related to Lens eligibility, while reflecting on the mysterious figure of Mentor and the uncertain futures of the young Lensmen.