Shevek makes the long journey from Southeast to Chakar, where Takver is posted, and is welcomed by an earthquake. He finds Takver and four-year-old Sadik in their room. Because of their long separation, Sadik doesn't remember him. Takver tells him that the separation was her fault and that she should have refused the marine lab posting, but Shevek reminds her that it would have been impossible to stay together because of the turmoil created by the drought. While waiting for Takver to finish her posting, Shevek relaxes and spends time with Sadik, who now sleeps in the children's dormitory.
Shevek tells Takver that he met their old friend Tirin on one of his postings during their separation. The censorship of his play all those years ago had apparently driven him mad, and he was.....
