"This is where you will stay. For the time being, you cannot return to the Thistledown. Your home will be in this precinct, Axis Nader, where conditions are reasonably familiar—design, culture, people. Though you may not meet them for some time, this precinct is inhabited by orthodox Naderites.

"Miss Vasquez has told Ser Olmy that some of you are aware of the basics of our history. Then you will understand that orthodox Naderites typically prefer conditions as close to those of Earth as possible. This section contains many areas of natural beauty—and as few illusions in the public thoroughfares as possible. There are two other rotating precincts—Axis Thoreau and Axis Euclid—spaced beyond the Central City. Axis Thoreau is also occupied by Naderites, though of a more liberal persuasion."

"More questions," Lanier said. "When can we return to our people?"

"I don't know. That decision isn't ours to make."

"Can we send a message to them?"

"No," Olmy said. "Technically, your people are in violation."

"Isn't the situation a little unusual?" Lanier asked. "Now that the Thistledown has returned to Earth. . .”

Olmy looked distinctly uncomfortable. "Unusual. And very complicated."

Patricia touched Lanier's hand and gave a slight shake of her head: enough for now.

"After you've eaten, you will have time to become reacquainted and learn how to use your accommodations. Then you may rest. Tomorrow morning, you will be awakened in your rooms. Please return here."

In the hallway, Patricia walked close to Lanier. "We're pawns," she said in an undertone. "We've set off alarms." She held her finger to her lips and darted into her doorway.

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Five

Wu and Chang walked arm in-arm from the train station to the library plaza, saying little but obviously content with each other's company. They had decided, hours before, to go to the library together, to make the pilgrimage that so many were planning but few had time to actually do. Singly and in groups, perhaps a total of twenty members of the NATO and allied forces and the science teams had gone and had returned with awed reports of the library's potential. This impressed Wu; he had asked permission of Hua Ling, and since their studies had been reduced in scope, the leader of the Chinese team had agreed.

But something was wrong. Russian soldiers milled outside the library in some confusion. As they spotted Wu and Chang crossing the plaza, alone, they dropped prone on the pavement and raised their rifles. Wu held up his hands instinctively; Chang backed away a step and seemed ready to run.

"No, my love," Wu whispered.

"What are they doing?"

"I don't know. I recommend we make no fast moves."

She edged up beside him and raised her hands high as well, glancing at him for approval. He nodded.