Part 2, Chapter 2 The Shredded Star Summary

Quath has fled the hard radiation of the surface and is living in an abandoned agro dome. She has grown a few more eyes. When he visits her, Toby practices his low-grav skills. Toby has been sent to ask the Quath to explain the conduct of her people. They continue to haul the huge glowing ring through space nearby. Quath only says, somewhat mysteriously, that the cusp moment approaches. The more philosophical aspects of Toby's remarks to Quath, and her replies, are untranslatable. Thus, neither really understands the other.

Killeen calls on the comm line, urging Toby to bring Quath to the Bridge immediately. Quath is too large to fit in the small command center, and must crouch in the corridor outside. They watch the black hole consume a star, pulling it apart. The gasses...