Bedap and Shevek have started the Syndicate of Initiative, and it has been communicating with the Urrasti about the possibility of representatives from one world visiting the other. Bedap announces this at a meeting, and right away opponents begin voicing their disapproval. Shevek's own mother Rulag believes such communication is the first step toward an Urrasti invasion. When Shevek brings up the possibility of an Anarresti visiting Urras, she tells him that such a person would not be able to return. One angry man speaks up and adds to Rulag's reasoning, saying that the "real Odonians" would exact violence on this traitor. A quieter man reminds them of what their world has changed into since the drought.
Shevek's idea of going to Urras is very unpopular. Takver is having trouble with her co-workers, and.....
